High-quality services for local communities should be at the heart of proposed changes to local government and healthcare, Council Leader Iain Nicolson told a meeting of Renfrewshire councillors on Thursday 24 September 2026.
The Scottish Government recently set out proposals in its Programme for Government to review the public sector landscape and the number of public bodies, including local councils and health and social care partnerships.
At the full council meeting, Cllr Nicolson said the delivery of services to Renfrewshire communities had to be at the heart of any changes and should not be driven only by the need to make savings.
He said: "The changes proposed have to focus on the services provided for our local communities. During Covid, it was the workforce of local government and local healthcare services who provided a lot of the support for our communities over that period, and a lot of services that people continue to rely on. So any changes have to be transparent and respond to the needs of communities. Going forward, it will be important we understand the information and proposals being put forward by Scottish Government so we can ensure Renfrewshire has a strong voice."
Councillors discussed arrangements for engagement with the Scottish Government proposals during an engagement period due to complete by the end of this year.