What proposals it has to ensure that local authorities safeguard and enhance their in-house pools of skilled tradespersons.

The Scottish Executive has taken a number of measures to ensure that across Scotland we have the best people for the job. This includes encouraging young people to work in trade occupations in local authorities, most notably through the Modern Apprenticeships and Skillseeker programmes.
There are no specific proposals to ensure that local authorities safeguard or enhance in-house workforces in preference to those which might be employed under contract. The repeal of Compulsory Competitive Tendering and the introduction of the duty of best value, has given local authorities the freedom to make their own decisions on how best to deliver services and an obligation to make sure that those arrangements will provide a balance between quality and cost.