Background
3.The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 is intended to enable the delivery of public services which better meet the expectations of those who pay for and use them.
4.The Act contains provisions in relation to Best Value within local authorities; local authority trading powers; the Community Planning process; the promotion and improvement of well-being; and certain miscellaneous provisions concerned with local government. The provisions in the Act will in the main impact most directly on local authorities but particular aspects of the Act also relate to certain other public bodies.
5.The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 carries forward proposals for legislative change, which were set out and discussed in a number of different documents. These documents include the Report of the Accounts Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament – The Scottish Executive’s Response published in September 1999; the final report of the Best Value Task Force published in December 1999; Best Value in Local Government: Next Steps published in June 2000; A power of Community Initiative, Community Planning, and Political Restrictions on council employees published in November 2000; and Local Government Bill – Outline of Proposals published in December 2001.