Plans to merge health and social care for a third of the country's population is among the proposals to shake up Scottish local democracy, it has been announced. An eagerly anticipated report on restructuring services for eight councils in west Scotland has been released by Sir John Arbuthnott, seeing budgets likely to be cut by up to 15% over the next four years, with the impact of the recession lasting another two decades.

If put forward, the proposals will act as a template for the rest of the country; leading to reform merges between NHS boards, police forces and fire and rescue services. If implemented, the proposals will also see major changes at Scottish Enterprise and Jobcentre Plus.

Scottish Government ministers are expected to respond to the reports recommendations by the end of the week, after they have been briefed on the report. Sir John claims that his proposals can't be implemented without the backing of Holyrood and Westminster.

The report calls for introductions of joint transport, waste management and property ownership, as well as some education services to be provided across council boundaries.

Sir John Arbuthnott, a former university principle and NHS chairman said: "The Clyde Valley Partnership had the foresight to commission this review when the financial picture was emerging. Urgency is now required in how they address the financial squeeze."

While the leader of Glasgow City Council, Steven Purcell said: "This is a serious and substantial piece of work. It gives us a road map to how we can work ­together to provide better services while spending less taxpayers' money."