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

Responses to extending section 14

Question 1: Do you agree that the Scottish Ministers should seek the Parliament’s approval to extend the order-making powers in section 14 of the Public Service Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (powers to improve efficiency, effectiveness and economy in public functions) for a further 5 years from May 2025?

Answer:

Yes

• Number of Responses: 13 organisations, 3 individuals

No

• Number of Responses: 1 organisation, 3 individuals

Not answered

• Number of Responses: 1 organisation

Respondents were asked to provide further comments relating to their response. These have been grouped into themes as set out in table 1 below.

Comment / Theme

Lack of accountability of public services

• Number of times raised / suggested: 1 individual

Abuse of democracy / potential for Government to reduce the authority or resources of regulatory bodies

• Number of times raised / suggested: 1 individual, 1 organisation

Powers to be used responsibly, sparingly and targeted

• Number of times raised / suggested: 1 organisation

Flexibility (legislative and financial pressures)

• Number of times raised / suggested: 5 organisations

Useful tool for the delivery of Public Service Reform

• Number of times raised / suggested: 3 organisations

Improvement to efficiency and effectiveness of public functions

• Number of times raised / suggested: 2 organisations

Reduces the burden on public bodies

• Number of times raised / suggested: 1 organisation

Welcome scrutiny via consultation and enhanced super affirmative procedures to ensure proper use of the powers

• Number of times raised / suggested: 3 organisations

Parliament should review effectiveness, efficiency and economy regularly (no more than 5 years)

• Number of times raised / suggested: 1 individual, 1 organisation

Recommendation to use powers to address the needs of specific groups (e.g. older people)

• Number of times raised / suggested: 1 organisation

Public bodies to be involved in discussions if any changes are to be made

• Number of times raised / suggested: 1 organisation