Single Authority Models: Publication on Progress
This document describes how Single Authority Models might support place-based strategic planning and service delivery to meet local needs more effectively. It also includes an overview of the approaches being taken in three rural and islands authority areas.
Background
Local Governance Review
Local Government and the territorial Health Boards covering Orkney, the Western Isles and Argyll and Bute are developing SAMs proposals as part of the Local Governance Review. SAMs describe alternative local governance arrangements that will facilitate deeper integration across key public services and enable more deliberative and participative decision-making at the local community level. Local partners are increasingly using their own terminology to describe their preferred approach and potential future arrangements as they prepare to lead an extensive process of stakeholder engagement.
Public Service Reform Strategy
The Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform Strategy identifies four foundational workstreams that align with the shared ambition of the Local Governance Review:
- Leadership and cultural change
- Accountability and incentives
- Empowering people, places and communities
- Ensuring the right delivery landscape
Each underpins successful delivery of the key pillars of reform: prevention, joined up services and efficiency. SAMs have the potential to directly empower communities by aligning health, care and wider public services at the most local level, contributing to all four foundational workstreams.
Health and Social Care Renewal
The Scottish Government’s plans for NHS renewal include a focus on prevention, sustainability, shifting the balance of care towards primary and community settings, improved outcomes and reduced health inequalities. SAMs represent an opportunity to support delivery of these objectives, tailored to the needs of the local communities in each of the three participating geographies.
Given the distinct demographic and workforce pressures in rural and island settings, SAMs may help stabilise service delivery by enabling flexible, place-based planning across health and social care functions and wider public services.