18 July 2003
A timetable for the introduction of proportional representation in local government has been set out by the Scottish Executive.
In a consultation paper, the Executive says the Local Governance (Scotland) Bill will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament before the end of 2003, with the aim of obtaining Royal Assent by the autumn of 2004.
This would allow the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland to start reviewing ward boundaries before the end of 2004. The single transferable vote method of PR would come into operation at the Scottish local government elections in 2007.
The Bill also provides for the introduction of a new system of remuneration for councillors and a members' pension scheme. Work on pay and pensions, a severance scheme, revised election rules, training for election staff and a voter awareness campaign will be taken forward from the beginning of 2006 to the spring of 2007, the consultation paper states.
The far-reaching PR reforms, the result of a partnership agreement struck by the Labour and Liberal Democrat coalition Executive following May's parliamentary elections, are being strongly opposed by the Labour-led Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) and the Scottish Labour Party.
Cosla president Pat Watters said this week that there was no overwhelming case for changing the first-past-the-post electoral system. 'There are many other important local government issues that would do more to improve local democracy,' he added.
Three working groups have been set up by the Executive to examine practical issues. Finance and Public Services Minister Andy Kerr said: 'We are committed to renewing local democracy, acting to improve democratic participation and widening the range of people who become involved in local government.'
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