Exclusive:John Swinney to merge Scotland's environmental agencies

John Swinney will merge Scotland’s environmental agencies when he sets out his legislative agenda later today.

The Scotsman understands the move will form part of efficiency measures contained in the programme for government.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Nature Scot, Zero Waste Scotland and Forestry Scotland are expected to be merged into one.

Trade union leaders warned the move will be a “costly distraction”.

John Swinney | PA

The First Minister will also reportedly slash the number of Scotland’s regional health boards from 14 to two.

READ MORE: Major NHS shake-up will see number of Scottish health boards cut to just two

It comes as Mr Swinney sets out his government’s plans for the coming year – and also for the five-year term at Holyrood.

He has already told how he wants to bring “radical change” to Scotland over that period, with “significant” reform of the country’s public services.

He said his plans “will be focused on the priorities of the people of Scotland”, adding that “the principle issue in that will be tackling the cost of living challenges members of the public face”.

The government has already stressed the need for change in Scotland’s public services, with the country facing a projected near £5 billion black hole in the budget by the end of the decade.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Swinney said: “It is vital that we have public services that have people right at the centre of those public services and they are able to deliver for the people of our country.

“That has to be done within the resources that we have available, and in a way that strengthens the delivery of public services.”

With the SNP having won a record fifth consecutive term in government after May’s Scottish Parliament election, Mr Swinney said: “The programme for government will be about me delivering to the people of Scotland on the basis of the trust they have placed in the government.”

Unison regional organiser Rae Montgomery-Cahill said: "Previous reorganisations show that mergers rarely deliver the long-term savings they promise. They bring substantial upfront costs with years of disruption and bureaucracy.

“Scotland’s environmental services are more important than ever. This is a costly distraction from the real agenda which is cutting thousands of jobs rather than improving Scotland’s essential services.”