Local Governance Reform survey – what is important to you?
Help shape Argyll and Bute’s third sector response by completing our short 5-minute survey by 12 November 2026.
Scotland’s debate about local governance reform is an opportunity to strengthen the role of communities in the decisions and services that affect their lives. Argyll and Bute TSI is asking charities, community groups, social enterprises and other local organisations to share their views so that our area’s experience helps shape the discussion.
What is being proposed?
Following the Programme for Government announcement on 1 September 2026, the Scottish Government published initial proposals on local governance reform on 21 September. These are a starting point for consultation, and the government wants our views to help shape the future.
The proposal paper suggests 6–10 regional authorities alongside 120–160 community authorities, with bespoke arrangements for island communities. Councillors would sit on both the community and associated regional authority, supported by shared administration. The intention is to combine strategic capacity with decisions taken closer to local people.
Potential community responsibilities include planning, commissioning and delivering joined-up local support, including whole-family support. The paper also envisages community groups and social enterprises developing assets and services alongside the proposed authorities. Boundaries, powers and funding remain matters for discussion.
Community influence must come with resources
Evidence from our third sector strategy consultation suggests that our collective ambition is for communities and third-sector organisations to help identify priorities, design services, and shape commissioning from the outset. People with lived experience should influence what support looks like and how its success is judged. Local organisations bring relationships, knowledge and experience that should inform decisions about both investment and delivery. What would you want to see in any local government reorganisation to ensure the third sector can play its part?
A model that works for Argyll and Bute
Remote, rural and island geography must be central to the discussion. Any new arrangements should recognise distinct communities and make participation possible for people who cannot easily travel or engage online.
We could build on effective local partnerships and protect trusted services through any transition. Reform also offers an opportunity to advance community wealth building, thus enabling local charities, social enterprises and community organisations to help retain spending, skills and assets within Argyll and Bute.
Please share your views by 12 November
Our short survey should take around five minutes. It asks what is already working well, what prevents local delivery, which activities could be affected and how proposed authorities should collaborate with communities and the third sector. We want your practical ideas for stronger influence over decisions, services and investment, and for engagement that makes a difference.
ABTSI will collate your views to inform our response to the national discussion. Whether your organisation is large or small, your experience matters. Please complete the survey by 12 November 2026 and help us champion a stronger role for communities in shaping reform.
Complete the survey
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