Swinney plans to cut number of Scottish health boards in efficiency drive

Scotland could replace its 14 mainland health boards with just two bodies under reforms that First Minister John Swinney says are needed to change how public services operate.

Swinney is expected to outline the proposals in his programme for government at the Scottish Parliament. The plan is set to focus on public-service reform, with fewer management layers intended to save money and improve efficiency. Final decisions will come only after consultation.

Different arrangements are being considered for Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles. Their existing health boards could instead merge with local councils, creating unitary authorities responsible for a broad range of services, including health, education and waste collection.

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It is time to embrace change.

Swinney said the government would deliver the 100-day programme it had promised and described reform as part of repaying the trust placed in his administration. He said the government needed to review how it delivered public services while continuing to address the cost of living and improve those services.

The programme is also expected to include policies on economic growth, child poverty, the transition to net zero and what Swinney called “the epidemic of violence against women and girls.” He said the SNP government had balanced its budget throughout its time in office and would continue to live within its means.

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The epidemic of violence against women and girls.