Scotland sets up commission on public services

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond has launched the establishment of a high-level Commission to examine how Scotland's public services can be delivered in future to secure improved outcomes for communities across the country.

The Commission will be chaired by Dr Campbell Christie CBE, former General Secretary of the STUC and President of Scottish Council for Development and Industry since December 2009.

Mr Salmond said:
"The Budget announced by the Scottish Government earlier this week, addresses a financial challenge without precedent since devolution. The £1.3 billion cut in funds next year marks the beginning of the biggest reduction in public spending imposed on Scotland by any UK government.

"Despite the severity and scale of these cuts, we remain ambitious for Scotland's public services. This Government is determined to ensure these services to which we all hold so dear, continue to be delivered in a manner that keeps the social fabric of Scotland intact. The Commission will therefore examine various options for reform whilst retaining the social democratic ethos of our public service delivery in Scotland.

"Campbell is one of Scotland's most distinguished public servants and I'm delighted he has agreed to Chair this important Commission. He is joined by some outstanding people who deliberately represent a wide spectrum of opinion and are independent of party politics. Together, members have unrivalled experience in all aspects of Scottish society and have been asked to challenge accepted wisdoms and think freely about the best way forward for our public services."

The Commission is invited to report with recommendations by the end of June 2011.