Statement on Scottish Government proposal for local government reform

Published: 22nd September 2026

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Following the Scottish Government's publication of its public sector reform proposals we have issued the following statement.

Statement

Chief Executive, David Robertson

“We have an excellent track record of service delivery and financial management and our performance across a wide range of measures is very good, despite the very challenging circumstances we face.

“There is a huge body of evidence to show that Scottish Borders Council is not too small to be strategic or too big to be local, from our work with partners to secure massive investment packages and growth deals to our day-to-day services that support local people and communities and address local priorities from Berwickshire to Tweeddale and everywhere in between.

“We need to take time to review the Scottish Government’s proposals, both as a corporate and political body, and feed back our responses through the appropriate channels.

“Ultimately, our focus is on achieving the best outcomes for our Borders communities and residents through our work and investments, and that will always be the Council's starting point in any discussions about any reforms.”

More information

The Scottish Government proposals for local government reform are initial, high level proposals which have been set out to shape debate with COSLA and within Parliament on the future of public services across Scotland.