30 May 2003
A Bill to abolish NHS trusts and establish community health partnerships in Scotland will be one of the first priorities of the Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition Executive, First Minister Jack McConnell announced this week.
Giving details of the Executive's programme on May 28, McConnell confirmed there will also be legislation to introduce proportional representation in local government.
A Local Governance Bill, introduced before the end of the year, will provide for the introduction of the single transferable vote (STV) system of PR at the next council elections in 2007.
McConnell warned that he would not allow internal divisions in the Labour Party over voting reform to prevent him acting 'in the best interests of Scotland'.
An NHS Reform Bill will be introduced before the summer recess. McConnell said: 'This will abolish NHS trusts and establish community health partnerships as the foundation for devolved delivery of health care.
'It will provide a new structure for public involvement, making sure that local health services match the needs of individuals and communities.'
McConnell said new Bills introduced before the summer recess would concentrate on the people's priorities: education, health and justice.
An Education Bill will provide powers for ministers to intervene to ensure that local authorities comply with actions recommended by the education inspectorate.
Priority is also to be given to a Bill that will introduce antisocial behaviour orders for under-16s and powers for the courts to make civil orders 'requiring parents to act in the best interests of their children'.
PFmay2003
