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Orkney Islands Council was originally established as a single, all-purpose authority, providing all local services, as long ago as 1974. It became the model for the reorganisation of local government in Scotland in 1996, when 32 all-purpose authorities were created. The Council in Orkney therefore has wide responsibilities for the welfare of Orcadians and of Orkney. Its proceedings attract considerable interest and its debates, often lively, are well-reported in the local media.
The Council is currently devoting much effort and resources to improving the delivery of its services. It produces a number of policy statements and strategies, including a corporate plan. It also co-operates closely, though the Community Planning process, with other public sector, as well as private sector, bodies. Co-operation with other public sector bodies like NHS Orkney and Orkney Enterprise is particularly close because all these organisations have responsibility for the same defined geographic area.
The Council employs approximately 1800 people locally and is the county's largest employer.
Politically, Orkney Islands Council is made up of 21 independant councillors who sit on 7 standing committees and 66 other committees, sub-committees, working groups and management boards. |
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