Council Convener Malcolm Bell has reacted positively to today’s news that the Scottish Government will support the European Charter for Local Self Government Bill.
Last week Malcolm Bell gave evidence to the Holyrood committee considering the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill - a Member’s Bill proposed by Scottish Greens MSP, Andy Wightman.
Today, Aileen Campbell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, told the Local Government and Communities Committee that the Scottish Government would back the bill, meaning it is likely to become law.
The purpose of the bill is to give the European Charter of Local Self-Government the same status in Scots law as domestic law. In doing so, the basic powers of local authorities will be protected, including their political, administrative and financial independence.
Councillor Bell said: “This is welcome news for Councils and communities across Scotland. This Bill will strengthen the status of local authorities and bring Scotland into line with other countries in Europe. We have seen creeping centralisation for many years which has eroded local democracy and governance.
“I’m pleased to see the Scottish Government support this Bill and in doing so recognise the important role of local Councils across the country. I am also delighted that the efforts of Andy Wightman MSP who has championed this cause now look like bearing fruit”
For more information on the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, please look up https://beta.parliament.scot/bills/european-charter-of-local-self-government-incorporation-scotland-bill