The UK Government today handed over the last of the powers which the Scotland Act 2016 transfers to the Scottish Parliament.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell welcomed the significant landmark which means Holyrood can now legislate in every area where the Scotland Act 2016 has given it power to do so – reinforcing its standing as ‘one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world’. Continue reading Mundell: “Devolution is working well”
Young people from across Scotland are being asked to send a letter to the Scottish Parliament setting out their hopes and aspirations for the institution over the next 20 years. Continue reading Young people invited to set out their future hopes for the Scottish Parliament
Campaigning organisation Compass is calling for a Citizen’s Assembly to extricate the country from a mess politicians seem incapable of resolving: Continue reading Brexit: Call for Citizens’ Assembly
The Scottish Greens have hit out at the SNP for blocking a bid to give communities the same right as developers to appeal planning decisions. Continue reading Planning battle lost but the fight goes on
Scottish ministers must respond to an embarrassing report that claims that Scotland is the ‘least locally democratic country in Europe’ by devolving new powers to councils, says a Green MSP.
Andy Wightman, the Scottish Greens’ local government spokesperson, says his party supports the Common Weal report’s recommendation for a new tier of councils in Scotland, insisting that two, and in many cases three tiers, are typical in other European countries.
Mr Wightman, a Green MSP for Lothian, said: “This report (see below) adds to the wealth of evidence highlighting the poor state of local democracy in Scotland. Its findings are welcome and while many will perceive its recommendation to create another tier of local democracy in Scotland to be radical, having just a single tier of councils goes against the norm across much of Europe.
“Scotland’s status as the ‘least locally democratic country in Europe’ is not one to be proud of, in fact it’s embarrassing. Ministers at Holyrood can however revive local democracy by devolving more powers to councils and require them to include local communities in decision making.
“Local government needs substantial and far-reaching reform to make it more local and more democratic and we’ll continue to honour our manifesto commitment to challenge ministers on their slow progress.”
The next meeting of the North West Locality Committee will take place on Wednesday 14th November from 6.30 – 8.30pm in the Dean of Guilds Room, City Chambers. The meeting is open to the public. Continue reading NW Locality Committee to meet on 14th November
Nominations now open to “showcase the best of local government”
Residents in Scotland are encouraged to nominate their local councillor for an award at the Local Government Information Unit’s (LGiU) first Scottish Councillor Achievement Awards. Continue reading Support your local councillor!
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In a landmark participation project, children and young people will have the opportunity to scrutinise the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, as First Minister’s Question Time is taken out of Holyrood and across Scotland. Continue reading First ever First Minister’s Question Time for children and young people announced
The government is highlighting the seriousness of the threat of intimidation of candidates and campaigners to the integrity of public life and the electoral process …
The UK Government has launched a consultation for a new electoral offence which aims to crack down on threats and abuse towards those standing for election. Continue reading Government launches consultation to protect political debate
