Centre for Public Policy for Regions

Introduction

The Centre for Public Policy for Regions (CPPR) is a 'a major research initiative being jointly pursued by the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. It looks at the role of public policy in promoting economic and social development in Scotland and beyond. The purpose of the CPPR is to produce 'Quality research for better public policies' and to develop a dialogue with government, communities and the private sector. To this end it publishes research papers and hold seminars and policy briefings on the key economic and social challenges facing Scotland and other regions' .

Scottish Budget Analysis

A key role played by the CPPR is in providing economic analysis of Scottish Governments budgets. CPPR economic consultants Richard Harriss, Jo Armstrong and John Mclaren have published various papers discussing their interpretations of the financial plight facing the Scottish Government. They have been forthright in their proclamations: Scottish Government spending will have to be reduced significantly. Moreover, these cuts, according to the CPPR, will need to be introduced almost immediately.

A press release from December 2009 indicates their concerns.

In it they state, 'The prospects for Scotland’s Budget remain grim. Overall, the Scottish Government now faces unprecedented change in relation to its budgetary future. Such a future may therefore require previously unprecedented changes in policy thinking and funding arrangements in order to steer a way through that limits the impact on the provision of public services' .

Part of their work has attempted to propose what those 'unprecedented changes in policy thinking and funding arrangements' may be. Indeed they have previously suggested potential areas for savings and cuts. Included in these proposals is the Mutualisation of Scottish Water.