26 March 2004
The introduction of proportional representation (PR) in Scottish local government has moved a step closer, following a decision by a committee of MSPs to approve the principles of the Local Governance (Scotland) Bill.
The Executive's Bill makes changes to the way councillors are elected through the introduction of the single transferable vote (STV). It proposes wards of either three or four councillors.
The Scottish Labour Party is divided over the plans to end the first-past-the-post voting system. However, PR was included in the Executive's coalition partnership agreement as one of the policy deals reached with the Liberal Democrats.
Seven out of the nine members of the Parliament's Labour-led local government committee last week endorsed the principles of the Bill at the first stage of the parliamentary process. The Bill has yet to receive the detailed scrutiny of committees and the approval of the full Parliament.
Committee convener Bristow Muldoon, a Labour MSP, said members were aware of the controversy surrounding the issue of changing the voting system and acknowledged the strong views on both sides of the argument.
He added: 'On balance, the committee considers reform of the voting system an essential plank in the drive to modernise local government across Scotland.'
The Bill also proposes a new system of remuneration for councillors, changes rules on political restrictions on council staff and introduces other measures aimed at widening access to council membership.
PFmar2004
