Moray Council agrees principles to guide response to national public service reform plans
Moray Council has agreed a set of guiding principles that will shape how it engages with the Scottish Government's emerging programme of public service reform. The decision was approved by councillors at a meeting of Moray Council on 11 November 2026.
The Scottish Government is currently considering changes to how public services are organised, funded and delivered across Scotland. While no detailed proposals have yet been published, discussions are taking place around greater regional working in some areas, alongside reforms to health and social care, education and other public services.
The council's agreed principles place community outcomes, affordability and service quality ahead of organisational structures. They also recognise the need for flexibility, allowing Moray to work with different regional partners where this delivers the best outcomes for residents.
The decision does not commit the council to any new governance structure, regional boundary or transfer of services. Any future proposals with implications for communities, staff, services or finances will be considered by councillors through separate reports and decisions.
Council Leader Councillor Kathleen Robertson said: “While there are no firm proposals in place as yet, public services across Scotland face significant challenges and it's right that we take part in the national discussion about how we can continue to meet the needs of our communities in the years ahead.
“By agreeing these principles, we've made it clear that Moray's interests must come first in any discussions about the future. We will continue to protect local accountability, ensure residents have a strong voice in decisions that affect them and champion accessible services for our communities.”
Moray Council Chief Executive, Karen Greaves, added: “It’s important that Moray has a clear and consistent voice in discussions about the future of services.
“This report asked Councillors to agree principles to guide our continued involvement in these key national conversations on reform, helping to ensure the needs of Moray's communities remain at the heart of any future changes.”
The council will provide further updates as national proposals develop and will consult with communities, staff and trade unions as any detailed plans emerge.