How can the public sector best support Scottish society while under unprecedented funding challenges?

A panel of experts set about discussing answers at the second in a series of seminars run by Strathclyde Business School’s Fraser of Allander Institute and The Herald Group.

The lively debate, chaired by Colin Donald, Business Editor of the Sunday Herald, saw the experts giving diverse views on how Scotland’s public realm can minimize social tension while playing its part in stabilising the national finances.

On the panel were Sir John Arbuthnott, former Principal and Vice Chancellor of Strathclyde, economist John Mclaren, Dave Watson, Scottish policy adviser of the trade union Unison, and Alex Linkston, former Chief Executive of West Lothian Council and a member of the Scottish Government’s Christie Review of Public Services.

In front of an invited audience of business leaders, academics, third sector representatives and senior Scottish Government and local government officials, the panel investigated a range of issues including opportunities for shared services across council areas, the state of Scotland’s finances and the scope of the Christie Review.

They were also invited to provide recommendations on how best to rethink the workings of the Scottish public sector, while meetings its obligations both to its employees and to the recipients of public services.

A full report on the debate will appear in the business section of The Herald on Monday 31 January.

The next lecture in the series will focus on Scotland’s future energy challenges.