Swinney to cut number of health boards from 14 to two

Here is a story making headlines in the economy: Swinney to cut number of health boards from 14 to twoImage source, The Scottish ParliamentImage caption, John Swinney announced the plans during his programme for governmentPublished1 September 2026ByGlenn Campbell, Scotland political editor and Catherine Lyst, ScotlandThe first minister has confirmed plans to cut the number of health boards providing local services across Scotland from 14 to two. Existing boards could be merged so that there would be one for the west and another for the east of Scotland. Separate plans are being considered for the three island groups - Shetland, Orkney, and the Western Isles.

Setting out his programme for government, Swinney called the move "the most significant structural reform of our NHS in the devolution era". Swinney to cut Scottish health boards from 14 to two and roll out £2 bus cap Bosses on six figures at under-fire health boards to get 10% pay rises Published31 JanuaryThere are currently 14 territorial health boards in Scotland. But under the reforms the 11 on the mainland would be cut to two.

Economic Details

Swinney said this will free up more time and capacity for treatmentThese changes would not necessarily affect the operation of national health boards that run the Scottish ambulance service or provide procurement and other support to the NHS. These proposed changes were set out by First Minister John Swinney in a statement at Parliament. There had been suggestions different proposals were being considered for Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles.

Details have yet to be confirmed. Final decisions will only be taken after consultation. Reform of the public sector aimed at saving money, cutting bureaucracy and improving how services are delivered were the major theme of his plans.

NHS health board savingsSwinney said it was time to "embrace change", with reforms to sit at the heart of his programme for government. He has already appointed a new cabinet minister to lead on public service reform. The SNP leader set out a range of policies aimed at growing the economy, eradicating child poverty, transitioning to net zero and addressing "the epidemic of violence against women and girls".

Analyst Views

Eradicating child poverty Swinney said: "The government came into office with a commitment to deliver a 100-day programme, and the government is going to do exactly that. "And that's the first stage of me repaying the trust that the people of Scotland have put in my government, which is to deliver what I said to the public I would deliver. "He said the government had to review the way it delivered public services.

"We made clear before the election that was going to be necessary," he said. "I want to make sure that the programme for government reflects the ambitions I set out in my election manifesto, which was all about making sure that we tackle the cost of living challenges that people face in Scotland, that we deliver improvements in our public services.

Economists are analysing what the news means for the markets.