How and why a decision was reached to overturn the proposal to relocate the Mental Welfare Commission from Edinburgh to Falkirk and whether…

Answered Asked by Dennis Canavan Ind Lodged 8 Jun 2005

The question

To ask the Scottish Executive how and why a decision was reached to overturn the proposal to relocate the Mental Welfare Commission from Edinburgh to Falkirk and whether it will provide an assurance that further consideration will be given to this proposal.

The answer

Answered by Rhona Brankin on 20 Jun 2005 · 12 days after it was lodged, on time

The Mental Welfare Commission assessed various options as part of the review of their location carried out in line with Scottish Executive relocation policy. On the basis of the commission’s review Scottish ministers were of the view that the commission should relocate. The commission took the decision not to relocate on 6 June. As the commission is an independent body and ministers have no direction making powers in relation to it, the decision over whether or not to relocate was for the commission itself to make.
I have indicated that the commission will be invited to reconsider its location once the new Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 is fully operational in about two year’s’ time.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-17192 by reference.