The council has approved the next step in its exploration of potential changes to how services are delivered across ɬ via the introduction of a Single Authority Model (SAM).
Officers have been working in partnership with ɬ HSCP, NHS Highland, the Scottish Government (SG), COSLA, and other local authorities, such as Western Isles and Orkney, to explore the potential benefits and opportunities of alternative governance arrangements, such as a Single Authority Model (SAM).
ɬ’s rich mix of remote, rural and island communities presents a number of challenges in terms of delivering services. In recognition of the area’s unique demographics and geography, the Council’s view is that a shift in public sector structures is required.
Building on existing collaborative working arrangements, particularly the success of integrated health and social care services, the potential for a whole system approach is being explored.
Possible benefits of a SAM could include:
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Place-based reform: Adapts decision-making to fit ɬ’s unique needs, avoiding ‘one size fits all’ approaches which don’t work in rural or island areas.
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Enhanced accountability and democracy: Empowers locally accountable decision-makers with better knowledge of community needs and enables citizens to actively influence and participate in local democracy.
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Increased democratic participation: Expands opportunities for communities to scrutinise, analyse, and participate in public decision-making processes
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Greater integration across sectors: Facilitates joined up working not just in health and social care, but also in housing, education, and other public services, supporting approaches to challenges such as depopulation, workforce retention and the housing emergency
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Potential for improved educational outcomes: Opens possibilities for closer collaboration between schools and further/higher education (such as UHI Argyll), potentially improving learner outcomes and use of resources
Following recommendations by the SAM Short Life Working Group (SLWG), at the latest update meeting, the council gave the green light to two potential options as preferred models, subject to further investigation.
The options are:
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A Fully Empowered Local Board - The starting point for this model would be through strengthening the Integration Joint Board (IJB) and the functions delegated by the partners (i.e. the Council and NHS Highland). This could initially build on the existing synergies and effective partnership working that has been demonstrated between the Council and NHS Highland
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Single Authority Partnership - This model could be considered as a variant of the traditional Lead Agency arrangement (in place within Highland) under the banner of a “Single Authority Partnership”. Under such a Strategic Lead Agency arrangement, there would be no transfer of staff – only functions and resources. Under these terms, the Health Board would delegate all functions and resources to the Council
The first draft of ɬ’s preferred models is due to be lodged with the Scottish Government in September 2025, accompanied by detailed plans mapping out next steps for inclusive ɬ development, including extensive engagement with communities and relevant workforces. More detailed models will be submitted to Scottish Government in December.
The Leader of ɬ Council, Councillor Jim Lynch, said:
“Public sector service sustainability in ɬ requires a multi-agency integrated model. Greater integration, collaboration and coordination through joined up strategic planning and delivery of public sector services has real potential to deliver better outcomes for our communities.
“Our preferred options will now be submitted to Scottish Government and further exploration of the potential benefits and assessment of the risks and challenges of these new approaches will be carried out prior to submission of final details at the end of this year.”
