Inquiry into local government 1/5/14
The Scottish Parliament’s inquiry into local government autonomy is exploring whether local government has the necessary flexibility, autonomy, and constitutional place to meet the ongoing and future needs of communities across Scotland.
Issues such as the legal, constitutional and funding mechanisms in place will be explored during the course of the inquiry which is expected to begin taking oral evidence in April 2014. The Committee will also consider public engagement and turnout at local elections.
As part of the inquiry, Committee members visited Hamburg, Copenhagen and Malmo to compare and contrast some of the different models of local government across Europe.
The Committee have also taken evidence from the Åland Islands, who have a unique constitutional arrangement that provides them with significant autonomy from the rest of Finland, to provide local solutions to suit local needs.
More information about the inquiry is at www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness