Police boards in Tayside and Fife are still in the dark over plans for a single Scottish force.
The Courier reported on Monday (link) that the Scottish Government appears to have decided to press ahead with plans to merge the eight forces into one.
It later emerged that the chairmen of the Tayside joint police board and Fife Council’s police, fire and safety committee have not been informed of the plans.
Both men attended a meeting with Scottish Government officials last week and were given a briefing on plans for a single force and a regional model of three separate forces.
And Ian Mackintosh, convener of the Tayside joint board, says he was assured no decision had been taken on the matter.
The Scottish Conservative, who represents the Kirriemuir and Dean ward on Angus Council, reacted angrily to the suggestion the decision had been made.
“I am particularly disappointed if this is the true direction that is to be brought forward,” he said.
“I met with civil servants a week ago and was told no decision would be taken until September. Yet here we are on August 15 and newspapers are full of the fact the decision has been made and senior officers informed.
“If that is the case I am particularly annoyed by the arrogance of the Scottish Government to keep the conveners of the eight police boards in the dark about this.”
Fife councillor George Kay, the chairman of the police committee, said he had also been told no decision had been made.
“It is my view that they are tending towards a single force,” said the SNP councillor. “But I have not been told that officially.”
Meanwhile, Tayside Police Chief Constable Justine Curran said her “primary concern” for police reform was providing the best possible service.
“We are committed to making any reform work but also to ensuring that we use our professional experience to challenge and raise concerns where necessary,” she added.
A spokeswoman for Fife Constabulary said the force had no comment to make “at this moment”.
A Scottish Government spokesman said the proposals would be brought before parliament after the summer recess.