29 May 2009
By David Scott
MSPs have called for a new standards watchdog to be formed out of the merger of existing bodies as part of plans to slim down the number of ‘czars’ funded by the Holyrood Parliament.
The Review of Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body Supported Bodies, whose report was published on May 21, recommended that ten existing bodies should be merged into seven. It also proposed a new public life and appointments commission, to be responsible for investigating complaints against elected members. It would also consider public appointments.
The new and bigger watchdog would incorporate the existing Scottish parliamentary standards commission; the commissioner for public appointments; and the chief investigating officer, who reports on complaints of misconduct against councillors and members of public bodies.
The review went against the recommendations of Holyrood's standards and procedures committee and the chief investigating officer. Both warned that public perception of the impartiality and independence of investigations could be undermined.
Labour MSP Trish Godman, who headed the review, said: ‘While we have recommended reducing the number of bodies overall, we have also safeguarded the public’s valuable regulatory, advocacy and investigatory services.
‘We also want to enhance accountability to ensure parliamentary committees scrutinise officeholders’ work on a regular basis.’
The review rejected proposals to merge the existing children’s commissioner with the human rights commissioner.
The changes will be debated by the Parliament before a Bill is drawn up.
