SNP proposes replacing Scotland’s 32 councils with up to ten regions
The SNP has proposed replacing Scotland’s 32 councils with between six and ten larger regional authorities, alongside 120 to 160 community authorities handling more local decisions. The plans are intended to streamline strategic decision-making while preserving local representation, but opponents have described them as confusing, impractical and potentially another form of centralisation.
Councillors would continue to be elected from existing wards and serve on both tiers, meaning there would be no reduction in councillors or an additional round of elections. The regional bodies would oversee strategic matters, while community authorities could cover towns, villages, islands or districts; critics say the ten-week consultation period is unrealistic and that crucial details, including boundaries, funding and responsibilities, remain unclear.
- Scotland’s 32 councils could become six to ten regional authorities.
- Up to 160 community authorities would handle local decisions.
- Councillors would remain, but critics call the plan half-baked.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “SNP want councils cut from 32 to six… but NO reduction in councillors”.