Tag: democracy

Worth Every Penny? MSPs expenses claims rise by more than 8%

MSPs’ EXPENSES INFORMATION FOR 2023/24 PUBLISHED ONLINE

Latest details of all MSPs’ parliamentary expenses have been published . Quarter 4’s expenses from the financial year 2023/24 are now available online via the Parliament’s searchable database facility.

A briefing paper setting out end year total expenditure figures has also been published (7th November).

The end year total for the financial year 2023/24 is £25,359,035. This represents an increase of £1,891,082 or 8.06% on the previous year’s corresponding figure of £23,467,953.

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “As with every year, staff salaries comprise the largest single expense, with £20.60m covering staff employment in MSPs parliamentary and local offices – that’s 81.25% of the total cost.

“The remainder covers the cost of running those offices, travel, and support for party leaders who are not in government.”

“The 8.06% rise in expenses reflects that the Retail Price Index was running at more than 13% in January 2023, and Average Weekly Earnings was above 5%.”

Search function:

Details of all MSPs expenses claims can be viewed on the Parliament’s searchable database:

Scottish Parliament MSP Allowances Search

2023/24 briefing document:

A briefing document setting out expenditure details as a whole for 2023/24 can be found here:

Total costs for the financial year

MSP staff salary information

Staff costs for 2023/24 can be found here:

Staff cost provision: 2023-24

MSPs’ expenses scheme

More information on the Expenses’ Scheme is available here:

Search MSP expenses | Scottish Parliament Website

Expenses in Open Data format

Quarterly expenses information is also published in an open data format that is machine-readable and enables the user to manage raw information and re-present in different ways.

The data sets can be accessed via our API or as a single downloadable item which is around 60-70MB in size.

Quarters 1-3 for 2023/24 are already available. Note: Quarter 4 will be available in open data format from Monday 11 November.

Home page for Open Data

https://data.parliament.scot/#/home

Link to the Datasets we publish:

https://data.parliament.scot/#/dataset

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP)

Foysol Choudhury MSP, Scottish Labour Spokesperson on Culture, Europe and International Development is congratulating the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) on its 25th anniversary and recognising its important work in representing young people’s views.

Last week Foysol Choudhury attended a parliamentary reception marking the 25th anniversary of the SYP, meeting with recently elected Edinburgh MSYPs and attended the Autumn Session of the SYP, hearing the issues most important to young people today.

The Scottish Youth Parliament was formed in 1999 following the United Kingdom’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which established the right for children to have their views heard and taken seriously.

Following the autumn sitting Mr Choudhury said: “It was inspiring and humbling attending the Autumn sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament. It was great to see the talent of our young people on show and their commitment to creating a more fair and equitable society.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament is one of our best organisations and does great work in making our young people’s voices heard through their campaigns and giving their views on the impacts of legislation on young people.

“The SYP is often ahead of politicians when it comes to their campaigns, whether that be universal music tuition in schools, banning single-use plastics or free bus travel.

“If Saturday’s sitting is anything to go by, the future of the country is in safe hands. I hope the next 25 years of the Scottish Youth Parliament are as successful and impactful as the first and they continue to push politicians to be better and represent our young people.”

Mr Choudhury wished all MSYPs well, and hopes to work with the Scottish Youth Parliament in the future on tackling racism.

Unlock Democracy: Ministerial Code ‘gives green light to lucrative freebies’

Despite the government spin, the new ministerial code gives the green light to ministers accepting lucrative freebies, says campaign group Unlock Democracy.

There’s nothing in the new code to stop ministers from, for example, accepting expensive football or gig tickets. We have been urging the government to ban ministers and MPs from accepting freebies valued above £200.

It’s regrettable that the Prime Minister has decided not to turn the page on this issue and clearly signal to the public that his government will be different.

No change either for former ministers looking to take on other jobs outside government, even though it’s been made clear that ACOBA (Advisory Committee of Business Appointments) is not able to enforce the current rules.

A slap on the wrist provides little deterrent for former ministers with the brass neck to defy ACOBA.

The new code also goes back on the Sunak government’s intention to publish meetings with Ministers monthly.

We need to know as promptly as possible if, for example, before drafting a gambling bill, Ministers are only meeting with gambling companies. Six months later is no use.

This relative lack of progress is regrettable when it took Starmer longer than many predecessors, including Johnson, Cameron, Sunak and Brown, to reissue the Ministerial Code in the first place.

Cameron, the last LOTO (Leader of the Opposition) to become PM, took three weeks. STARMER TOOK FOUR MONTHS.

Our full statement 👇

European Movement in Scotland urges Scottish Government to retain College of Europe bursaries

The Scottish Student Awards Agency (SSAA) is proposing to stop providing bursaries for students based in Scotland to study at the prestigious College of Europe.

The College provides post-graduate education and training for high achieving students. Many go on to be senior civil servants at the European Commission or be elected to the European Parliament.

Others become specialists in areas like trade, environmental law and foreign and defence policy with governments across Europe and with international organisations globally.

College of Europe graduates can be found in bodies like the Oragnisation for Economic Development and Cooperation, NATO, UN and World Bank, and holding senior posts in leading private sector businesses. 

Chair of the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), David Clarke, says: “We urge the Scottish government to think again about ending the bursaries for Scotland domiciled students to attend the College of Europe.

“This is a world class training ground for the brightest and the best. Cutting our ties with the College will be another great blow to our talented young people and have a lasting negative impact on Scotland’s relationship with the EU for decades to come. That’s bad for trade, bad for business, bad our universities and for our international relations. And bad for our ties of democracy, culture and friendship.”

The Scottish Government supported three places a year for recent graduates of Scottish universities. The cost is around £120,000 a year. The position is different in England where up to 28 British civil servants can get UK government funds to meet the cost of attending the College of Europe.

EMiS says continuing to support students from Scottish universities will deliver positive benefits for Scotland for decades to come.

Councillor Awards 2024 shortlist announced

FOUR CAPITAL CITY COUNCILLORS IN THE RUNNING FOR AWARDS

44 local councillors from across England, Wales and Scotland have been shortlisted for the 2024 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards, showcasing the vital contributions of councillors for the 15th year running in England and Wales and 7th year in Scotland. 

Four City of Edinburgh councillors have made the shortlist this year.

Competition was extremely tight with more than 350 nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. 

The capital councillors shortlisted are Cammy DAY (Leader of the Year), Norman WORK (Lifetime Legend) Ben PARKER (Young Councillor of the Year) and Finlay McFARLANE (Innovator of the Year).

The full England & Wales shortlist is available here and Scotland shortlist can be found here.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “The judging panel was blown away by the number of extremely high quality nominations this year, with councillors up and down the country going the extra mile for residents. 

“The shortlist for the 2024 Cllr Awards contains the most devoted elected representatives in England, Wales and Scotland. 

With councils operating under enormous pressure, these Awards are a hugely important way to champion what councillors achieve in the places we live. Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”

Winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday 20 November while winners in Scotland will be revealed at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday 14 November.

The Cllr Awards judging panels comprise senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These are the only national awards to celebrate and showcase the work of individual councillors.

This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners CCLA.

Scottish Parliament Boundaries Consultation: Have Your Say

CLOSING DATE – 26 OCTOBER

What is happening?

The Second Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries started in September 2022. In early 2023 and again in April/May 2024 we consulted on proposals for constituency boundaries and names.

We are now consulting on Provisional Proposals for region boundaries and names.

The rules that govern Scottish Parliament region design are

  • a constituency must fall wholly within a region.
  • the electorate of a region must be as near the regional electorate of each of the other regions as is practicable, having regard (where appropriate) to special geographical considerations.

Why is this happening?
Boundaries Scotland undertakes reviews of Scottish Parliament boundaries every 8-12 years to ensure each region or constituency has an equal number of electors.

What Boundaries Scotland says

We now want to hear the views of the public on our proposals, we will reflect on responses to the consultation and make changes where appropriate and where the legislation allows us to do so.  We strongly encourage people to make their views heard. 

This review is of electoral boundaries (constituencies and regions) only and therefore does not affect any other boundaries (UK constituencies, local authorities, community councils, health boards etc).  For individuals, this review does not affect the council area in which they live nor the way local services are accessed. 

Why your views matter

Your views play a vital role in shaping our boundaries and they also provide important local knowledge to help us improve our proposals. 

We are also consulting on our Further Proposals for Scottish Parliament Constituencies. Click here to take part in that consultation.

Give us your views on our Provisional Proposals for Regions

Online Survey

City council by-election details

Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election candidates announced

The candidates standing in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead Council by-election have been confirmed.

Twelve candidates have been nominated to stand in the by-election, which is due to take place on 14 November.

The candidates standing for election are –

  • Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent
  • Mev Brown, Independent
  • Mairianna Clyde, Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • Neil Cuthbert, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
  • Sheila Gilmore, Scottish Labour Party
  • David Ian Henry, Independent
  • Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party
  • Grant Lidster, Reform UK
  • Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party
  • Daniel Aleksanteri Milligan, Scottish Greens
  • Louise Spence, Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • Marc Wilkinson, Independent

Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence, said: “With nominations now closed and a month remaining, residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward can start considering who they will vote for in the upcoming by-election. It’s important to make sure you’re registered to vote by 29 October in order to participate.

“Councillors play a vital role in our democratic system, making key decisions that impact our city. I encourage as many residents as possible to take part in this by-election.”

“The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference by assigning numbers rather than just marking a single cross. You can choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as you wish.”

Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today (Tuesday 15 October) including further information on when and where to vote.

If you live in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward you must register to vote by 29 October and anyone wishing to vote by post can sign up for a new postal vote up until 30 October. 

You can also apply for someone to vote on your behalf via proxy voting, with the deadline for new proxy vote applications on 6 November (for registered voters). 

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and will be at:

  • Charwood
  • Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
  • St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
  • Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
  • Pentland Community Centre

The electronic election count will take place on Friday 15 November starting at 9:30am. 

The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur, following his election as the MP for Edinburgh South West on 4 July 2024.

Find out more about the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election on the Council website.

Notice of Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election published

Nominationshave opened for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election. The by-election is being held following the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur. 

On Thursday 14 November, Colinton/Fairmilehead residents will go to the polls to select a new councillor to represent the ward which also includes Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston and has a current electorate of 19,226.

A Formal Notice of Election was published on Friday explaining how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are on the Electoral Register. 

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Monday 14 October.

Chris Highcock, Depute Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period for Colinton / Fairmilehead. I would urge all citizens in the ward to make sure they are registered and have their details or preference of how they would like to vote up to date in plenty of time.

“Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 14 November. Details of where these are will be announced shortly.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.

Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 29 October 2024, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is Wednesday 30 October 2024, and for a proxy vote the deadline is Wednesday 6 November 2024.

Scottish Parliament going to Glasgow to continue 25th anniversary events

HOLYROOD Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone will go to Glasgow next week as she continues her series of visits to all eight Scottish Parliament regions as part of marking the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.

The visit is an opportunity for the Presiding Officer to hear directly from local people about their reflections on the Parliament and their aspirations for its future. The Presiding Officer is seeking views on 25 years of devolution and how the Parliament has impacted local communities.

Taking place on Monday 30 September, the visit has been set up in collaboration with community organisations Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector and Willowacre Trust.

In the morning the Presiding Officer and Glasgow MSPs will meet with people who are supported by local community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises. They will discuss the opportunities that exist for people to get involved in the Parliament’s work and will also hear about efforts to improve citizen engagement in the city.

In the afternoon, the Presiding Officer and MSPs will attend an interactive presentation of Willowacre Trust projects from community members. This will be followed by an opportunity to hear their views on the Parliament at 25 and what their priorities are for the future.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “I’m excited to continue our visits across Scotland to meet with local people and to hear their views on the Parliament and their aspirations for its future.

“Although in its 25 years the Parliament has become an established part of public life in Scotland, we know there is work to do.

“Having already visited the Highland and Islands region and the Borders, this visit to Glasgow is an opportunity to meet with local community groups to hear about the challenges facing them and how their Parliament can best meet the needs of their communities.

“Scotland’s Parliament belongs to its people and its vital their voices are heard and help shape the Parliament’s future.”

Linda Allan, Community and Support Services Manager at Willowacre Trust said: “We are excited to welcome the Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament to Willowacre Trust’s community centre at the heart of Glasgow’s bustling Barrowfield community.

“Our team works in partnership with a diverse range of residents, volunteers and organisations from the local area to provide services and host events that address the needs of residents and help encourage community togetherness.

“This visit will be a valuable opportunity for our community members to meet the Parliamentary Team, and to speak with them about their experiences and the issues that matter most to them.”

Ian Bruce, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS) said: “We look forward to welcoming people to this Scottish Parliament anniversary celebration with the Presiding Officer and MSPs.

“This event will contribute to people feeling that the Scottish Parliament is accessible to them, which is so important. It won’t be too serious, though, and we’ll make sure everyone has fun with a little help from our friends at Nemo Arts.”

Westminster: Select committee Chair election results announced

The Speaker has declared the results of the elections for select committee chairs.

Chair election results

 Select committees appointed under Standing Order No. 152 (Select committees related to government departments):

Other specified select committees:

Where single nominations were received for the role of Chair, the Speaker declared their election, unopposed, in the Chamber on Monday. They are:

Running alongside the select committee elections, Bob Blackman MP was the sole nomination received for the Chair of the Backbench Business Committee and has been declared Chair.

The new chairs will take up their positions when the remaining members of the committee have been appointed by the House. 

Read the breakdown of results (pdf, 215KB

The House of Commons rose for conference recess on Thursday 12 September and will next sit on Monday 7 October at 2.30pm.