Scots civil service relocation policy is flawed, argue MSPs

8 Mar 07
The Scottish Executive has been forced to defend its controversial civil service relocation policy following a critical report by an influential committee of MSPs saying the scheme is 'flawed and inconsistent'.

09 March 2007

The Scottish Executive has been forced to defend its controversial civil service relocation policy following a critical report by an influential committee of MSPs saying the scheme is 'flawed and inconsistent'.

In a report following an investigation into the dispersal of jobs, the Scottish Parliament audit committee said there were weaknesses in the Executive's decision-making process.

The committee found that arguments put forward by ministers did not justify the relocation of the environment agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, from Edinburgh to Inverness, a transfer likely to cost about £30m. The MSPs said this relocation did not provide value for money.

Committee convener Brian Monteith said: 'The methodology used by the Executive to determine the destinations for relocating organisations has proved a blunt instrument that has failed to deliver a true dispersal of jobs throughout Scotland.

'Many relocation reviews have dragged on for an unacceptable length of time, causing distress and uncertainty for the employees and making it difficult for organisations to plan ahead.'

Ministers introduced the dispersal policy eight years ago in an effort to spread the benefits of devolution across Scotland. Last year, auditor general Bob Black found the benefits were unclear.

A Scottish Executive spokeswoman stressed this week that the audit committee report acknowledged widespread support for the dispersal policy.

The aims of the policy had been set out clearly. These included the dispersal of public sector jobs to deliver efficient public services and to benefit, in particular, areas with social and economic needs.

She added: 'The committee has not reached any general conclusions that relocations have not represented value for money.'

The spokeswoman said the policy had reviewed almost 4,000 civil service and public body jobs, with posts located or re-located throughout Scotland.

PFmar2007

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