![\"John](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/John-Swinney-at-prosper-finger-pointing.png\")
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.<\/p>\n
In his address to the Prosper Forum in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney emphasised that he sees a partnership with business to build the \u201cstronger economy\u201d that will deliver \u201ccitizen-centred public services\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said there was a need to change attitudes from \u201cno, because\u201d to \u201cyes, if\u201d and it required shifting from the needs of the system to the needs of the citizen, business and the community.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There will be detailed consultation with the first 100 days of the new government.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to hear about the problems, but also innovative ideas to make things work better,\u201d he said. This coupled with a need to review the business rates system. <\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
See also<\/strong><\/p>\n Regions, energy and EU will drive growth<\/strong><\/p>\n Swinney drops strong hints on Amazon tax<\/strong><\/p>\n \t <\/div>\n