Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad says she believes a single authority model in the isles, merging the council and health board, could be a “massive step towards autonomy” for Shetland.
However, she said there would be a “range of options” for how governance in Shetland could look in future, including more bespoke models, amid wide-ranging public sector reform in Scotland.
The Scottish Government has announced plans to reduce Scotland’s 14 territorial health boards to two strategic boards as part of a wider overhaul of public services.
The idea of a “single authority” model for Scotland’s islands, bringing council and health board responsibilities together, is also being discussed.
First Minister John Swinney has said in parliament that the idea could be advanced “where it is desired”.
Speaking to Shetland News, SNP MSP Goodlad, who is also Scotland’s Minister for Public Finance, said there was a “window of opportunity” to reshape a public sector in Scotland which she believes is no longer fit for purpose.
There has previously been pushback from Shetland Islands Council over the idea of a single authority model, although the Western Isles appear more supportive.
Some in Shetland have questioned the need for change, but Goodlad said reform could enable more local decision-making.
“The solution that will be found I think could be one that takes Shetland more towards greater autonomy, and giving our elected representatives more control over things that really matter for folk in Shetland,” she said.
“So I get quite excited when I think about this change that is coming in terms of putting more decision-making back into local communities.
“In a Shetland context, and in an island context, there’s a real opportunity for the islands to lead the way in terms of showing Scotland how local decision-making can be brought closer to the communities.”
