Is local democracy fit for future ? 1/5/14
The views of island communities on local democracy will be the focus for the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee when it visits Stornoway on Friday.
The visit to the Western Isles is part of its inquiry into flexibility and autonomy of local government.
It is looking for people’s opinions over how island communities are accommodated within the local government structure.
The committee will have an open meeting with community groups to hear first-
It also wants to hear views on how these challenges can be addressed, including thoughts on potential changes to local democratic structures and financial arrangements.
It will then hold a formal public committee meeting, taking evidence from councillors and local authority chief executives, before hearing from representatives of the third sector, from the three island authorities.
Committee convener Kevin Stewart MSP said: “Local government plays a huge role in all of our lives, particularly through the public services it delivers for local people. We know the pressures and demands on local government will vary across Scotland and it is important that local government structures are able to accommodate the needs of those living in the remote or island communities.
“We want to explore with those living and working in remote and island communities in Scotland, such as the Western Isles, their views on local public services, and the unique challenges faced by these communities. Only by doing this can we ensure adaptable local government structures to provide the support needed.”
The committee is also interested in local opinion on how the forthcoming community empowerment Bill will support these communities to play a greater role in relation to community planning and local public services design and delivery, as well as providing greater community ownership through asset transfer and right to buy.
The Committee will host a community meeting from 10.30 am – 12pm on Friday with the formal committee meeting taking place at 1.30pm.
Both meetings will take place in the Comhairle’s offices. Members of the public would like to attend either meeting should email lgr.committee@scottish.parliament.uk
For those who can’t make it, the committee is also be holding a ‘digital discussion’ by Twitter and email. Questions can be emailed to lgr.committee@scottish.parliament.uk or via the Committee’s twitter account @SP_LocalGovt using #power2islands.