Power sharing

Published on 12/09/2012 00:00

The local democracy and community empowerment which Lesley Riddoch (Perspective, 10 September) thinks is a good idea can only be delivered by a government that is prepared to loosen its grip on power and allow local discretion to flourish – a government prepared to ease back on national targets and national priorities.

The SNP has a consistent record of centralisation – public agencies such as Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland and health boards all deliver to a tightly-controlled national agenda, while police and fire services are being centralised.

The power and authority of directly-elected local government has been undermined to deliver national manifesto commitments such as the council tax freeze, non-closure of rural schools and renewable energy targets. Voluntary organisations seeking financial support have to demonstrate close alignment with national priorities.

This approach is justified by debatable claims of efficiency, but surely it reflects a much deeper philosophical mindset on the part of the Scottish Government, which should worry anyone who values the dispersal of power and the diversity of Scotland’s regions.

Joan Mitchell

Carsluith, Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway