The Review, led by Profesor Lorne Crerar, recommended a new approach to scrutiny where external scrutiny concentrates on high risk areas, freeing up delivery bodies to get on with providing high quality services.

The Government response to the Crerar Review sets out which recommendations have been accepted in full, which have been accepted in principle and which will require further consideration before any commitment can be given.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, said: "We have an opportunity to create a leading edge public scrutiny and complaints handling system in Scotland. I am commited to making this happen.

"I want to see a slimmer and simplified system, radically refocusing the public sector to service Scotland's people better. I have carefully considered Professor Crerar's recommendations and the views of Parliament and other relevant bodies. The Parliament has challenged Government to be brave and radical, but to be careful to ensure that good practice is not lost. All agree that improvements must be made with vigour but change must be implemented with an assurance that scrutiny remains effective so that the most vulnerable in society are not put at risk.

"The Government's response to the Crerar Review shows that we are willing to be radical in reshaping the scrutiny framework for the future. But it also shows we are keen to work with partners such as the Parliament and local government to ensure that the changes are turned into action effectively."

Five action groups looking at accountability and governance; policy and approach; fit-for-purpose complaints systems; user focus; and reducing burdens have been established ahead of detailed announcements on improvements in the summer.