Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (Part 2 Further Extension) Order 2025: consultation analysis

Introduction

Scottish Ministers currently hold powers to propose changes to the law, in ways that are more streamlined and flexible than a new Act of the Scottish Parliament would require in two specific situations. These situations are to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and economy of public service functions; and to reduce or remove burdens resulting from legislation. These powers have been in place since the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (The Act) came into force and require to be renewed every five years in order to continue. The Act requires Ministers to consult on proposals to extend these powers.

The consultation sought views on whether Scottish Ministers should continue to hold these powers for a further five years.

The powers offer important tools to drive public service reform, with proper and appropriate use of these order-making powers directly supporting the Scottish Government’s priority of delivering effective and sustainable public services. Strong public services are in turn better placed to deliver our key priorities of growing the economy, eradicating child poverty, and tackling the climate crisis.