Local Service Delivery Groups

 

In Shetland we are working towards planning and delivering services more locally. Shetland doesn't have a large population, but we are dispersed throughout the islands, and no one place or community is the same as another. So it makes sense if people living and working in the areas are more able to influence the way services operate, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach from Lerwick.

We are developing a unique approach, where Councillors and Community Council Chairs, as representatives of their local community, are coming together with those delivering services at a local level to discuss issues and plan for a sustainable and good quality of life for their communities.

In 2004, seven local areas (localities) were agreed by Community Planning Board partners, reflecting, as much as possible the multi-member wards:

• North Isles
• Whalsay & Skerries
• North Mainland
• West Mainland
• Central
• Lerwick & Bressay
• South

In each of these localities a Local Service Delivery Group is being established, with responsibility under the Community Health Partnership for service planning at a local community level.