Talks about a supersized Lanarkshire
Option of merging two existing counties
the amalgamation of North and South Lanarkshire is one possible outcome of proposed reforms being discussed by the Scottish Executive and the Boundary Commission.
In a bid to streamline services the Executive have been looking at the possibility of major structural changes with the local authority network.
Initially this seemed like meaning small local authorities like Clackmannanshire becoming part of Stirling or Falkirk in order to avoid having two council managements responsible for an area that could be covered by one.
However, the Times & Speaker understands the talks have since widened to include other areas.
A source said: "The Executive has always been of the opinion that there are too many local authorities in Scotland and at first these proposals did seem sensible.
"After that though it seems that someone within either the Executive or the Boundary Commission starting trying to work out how they could save even more money and has suggested amalgamating the two Lanarkshire councils."
At present North Lanarkshire is the fourth biggest local authority in Scotland with over 326,000 residents while South Lanarkshire is the fifth biggest with over 307,000 residents.
If the two were joined together they would have a bigger population than City of Glasgow which is currently the largest.
A spokesperson the Executive denied that changes were coming in the near future but admitted they were being discussed.
She said: "We have made it very clear that we are committed to reforming Scotland's public services and this means cutting through bureaucracy, simplifying funding and ensuring services are flexible and focused.
"All public bodies, including local authorities across Scotland, must transform service delivery and if necessary carry out structural changes.
"This does not mean mergers are imminent instead Tom McCabe, Minister for Finance, has started a wider debate on what changes can be made from the bottom up to make our councils and other public services more efficient and streamlined."
Both North and South Lanarkshire Councils were asked whether they would welcome an amalgamation but both decided at this stage the idea was barely worth discussing.
Gavin Whitefield, Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "There is little point in speculating about something that might never happen. We are well aware of the ongoing debate about public sector reform, and will work with the Executive as part of that process to make sure our primary aims, the needs, wishes and wellbeing of the people of North Lanarkshire, are continually being met."
A surprised spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council admitted "they would be as well to bring back the old regional system" but declined to comment further .
Report: BRIAN YULE
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Friday 25 May 2012
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