§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made as to the nature of the staff most likely to be made redundant following local government reorganisation; in which councils; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartThe Government have estimated that following local government reorganisation, a structure of 32 single-tier authorities will require between 220 and 1,800 fewer staff posts across Scotland. Sensible manpower planning by local authorities in the run-up to reorganisation should ensure that staff numbers are controlled largely by natural wastage and early retirement measures. It will be for the new authorities themselves to determine the number and nature of staff that they require to carry out their functions.