Council to consider appraisal of local government reform options
Councillors will decide on Thursday 8 October whether to commission an independent appraisal of options for the future of local government.
The Scottish Government set out plans for public service reform in its Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 on 1 September with further detail for local government issued on 21 September.
The government have published an initial proposal to replace Scotland's existing councils with between six and 10 regional authorities and between 120 and 160 community authorities.
The Scottish Government has stated this is a starting point for discussion and not its final position.
A report to the Council recommends working with Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils on an option appraisal. It would examine a range of options, from keeping the three existing councils through to a single council covering Forth Valley.
Each council would make its own decision on which option best meets the needs of its communities.
Falkirk, Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils are already working together through their Transformation through Collaboration programme, which is exploring opportunities to deliver some services differently across the three areas.
The programme was highlighted in the Scottish Government's Programme for Government as an area from which learning could help inform future reform.
The appraisal would look at the benefits, risks, financial implications and outcomes for communities of each option. It would focus on the needs of communities, retaining the identity of the areas and the continued delivery of services at a local level.
If approved, the appraisal would be funded through Scottish Government Invest to Save funding already awarded to the three councils for their Transformation through Collaboration programme. It is intended to be completed by the end of 2026.
Chief Executive Kenneth Lawrie said:
This is a significant discussion for elected members about the future shape of local government in Scotland, but it is still at an early stage.
"An independent appraisal would allow us to properly assess the different options and what they could mean for Falkirk's communities and the services they rely on. It would give elected members evidence to consider as the national discussion develops.
Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils are considering similar proposals. No decision has been taken on changing the existing council structure or implementing shared services.
The special meeting will take place at 12 noon on Thursday 8 October, or after the scheduled Executive meeting if later, at Grangemouth Community Education Unit.
It will be livestreamed on the Council's committees YouTube channel.