18 April 2008
Scottish public services are lagging behind the rest of Europe, according to a new business-based think-tank.
In a report, Power for the public, published this week, Reform Scotland says radical new ways of delivering public services must be found. 'In spite of a huge increase in government spending over the past ten years, improvements in public services have failed to keep pace with those in other European countries, including England,' the report states.
The report adds: 'By any standard, Scottish taxpayers are not receiving best value for money from public services.'
It points out that Scottish spending on health, education and justice has risen by 55%, 87% and 44% respectively over the past decade.
Although life expectancy has risen, patient waiting lists are shorter, and mortality rates for major diseases have been cut, Scotland compares poorly with some of its neighbours. School attainment has also improved, but not as fast as in other countries.
PFapr2008
