Public service reform will mean a loss of jobs, but is key to a change of culture and leadership in how services are delivered, John Swinney told a business gathering.
In his address to the Prosper Forum in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney emphasised that he sees a partnership with business to build the “stronger economy” that will deliver “citizen-centred public services”.
He said there was a need to change attitudes from “no, because” to “yes, if” and it required shifting from the needs of the system to the needs of the citizen, business and the community.
The planning system was a good example of what needs to be done, he said. He promised to increase capacity and resources to enable faster decision making, as well streamlining the process by removing obstacles.
There will be detailed consultation with the first 100 days of the new government.
“We need to hear about the problems, but also innovative ideas to make things work better,” he said. This coupled with a need to review the business rates system.
“I have heard the issues raised by many, in particular in the hospitality sector, and you can be assured that these are issues under active and urgent consideration.”
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