Title

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Warning for councils after wall collapse

Local authorities have been warned they must not ‘contract out’ the safety of new public buildings in a new report from the Scottish Parliament.

Local authorities have been warned they must not ‘contract out' the safety of new public buildings in a new report from the Scottish Parliament.

An inquiry was launched after 17 schools were forced to close in Edinburgh following the collapse of a wall.

The report, published by the Scottish Parliament's Education and Skills Committee, concluded lessons must be learnt for the entire public sector to ensure new buildings are safe.

It found some local authorities had minimised their responsibilities for the safe design and construction of schools.

Committee convener, James Dornan, said: ‘There needs to be a change in thinking in some local authorities.

‘Responsibility for public safety must be taken seriously and it not something that can be contracted out.'

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Making care everyone's business

By Jess McGregor | 17 July 2026

Reform of adult social care will only succeed if it is built through a stronger public understanding of care as something that touches families, communities ...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

The problem with housing: Viability

By Heather Jameson | 17 July 2026

Uncertainty, viability and devolution: local authorities face a collection of hurdles and opportunities when it comes to delivering much-needed housing. The ...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Rewiring local government from demand to prevention

By Kim Wright | 16 July 2026

Kim Wright says shifting from crisis response to prevention presents significant financial and other challenges, but by understanding communities deeply, pub...

CHILDREN'S SERVICES

Are we looking for finance experience ...and missing leadership potential?

By Andrew Tromans | 16 July 2026

Penna’s Andrew Tromans shares his insights into finance leadership recruitment.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman