Local Governance Review launched

Update: View our response to the Local Governance Review

The Scottish Government and COSLA have launched a Local Governance Review to find out what changes are needed to encourage more people to be involved in local decision making.

They are now seeking ideas about how they can open up the conversation, or about the type of changes that should be part of the discussion.

The review of local governance was set out in the Scottish Government's 2017-18 programme for government and will be part of the forthcoming Local Democracy Bill.

The government says it will work with councils, community planning partnerships, regional partnerships, businesses, and the third sector to explore what can bring about change.

Launching the review, Communities Secretary Angela Constance said:

"The Scottish Government and COSLA stand together with the community sector to launch a comprehensive review of how decisions are taken about those things that matter most to local people.

"A transformation of local democracy can be best achieved by looking at how public services work with each other, and inviting communities to identify the powers and resources they need to thrive."

Angus Hardie, Director of the Scottish Communities Alliance said:

"The launch of this review is very welcome. It's also very timely because it feels like a natural next step, building on the interest and activity generated by the Community Empowerment Act."

"This is a fantastic opportunity for communities all across Scotland to shape how the decisions which affect them the most are made. We look forward to working with COSLA and Scottish Government to make sure that these discussions are genuinely led by local people in their communities."

You can get in touch with the Local Governance Review team at: LGR@gov.scot.

More information here.