Foreword

The creation of the People & Place programme exemplifies the Scottish Government’s commitment to do more to move beyond strategic words on paper and on to concrete action on the ground: Taking bold decisions on new ways of working to give more direct funding and control to local government, deliver greater empowerment to communities, and get better outcomes for Scotland as a result.

This report demonstrates the early benefits that have been realised from a model that aligns with the principles of public service reform, and on behalf of the Government I would like to thank all of the Regional Transport Partnership and Local Authority teams, and all of the third sector and community delivery partners, for their support and hard work in Year 1 of the programme, for embracing change, and for their service to a healthier and more sustainable Scotland.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport

The Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) welcome this Year 1 Assessment Report and the opportunity to reflect on the first year of delivery of the People & Place programme. We share the Cabinet Secretary’s view that People & Place represents a positive step forward in moving from centrally commissioned programmes to a locally led, partnership-based approach. The RTPs were delighted to work in such a constructive way with Transport Scotland, and with our partner Local Authorities and regional stakeholders, to deliver programmes shaped around the distinct needs of each region.

Despite the challenges of a compressed first year, the evaluation underlines the benefits of this regional partnership delivery model. It demonstrates how devolved decision-making has supported stronger collaboration, closer alignment with regional and local priorities, and more responsive, place-based interventions. We are already building on the learning from Year 1, with delivery of the second year of the programme progressing at pace. We remain committed to working in partnership with Government and delivery partners to strengthen this approach and maximise the benefits for communities across Scotland.

Ranald Robertson, Regional Transport Partnerships