Scottish Green Party Debate: Local Democracy

Andy Wightman S5M-02804 That the Parliament endorses the final report of the Commission on Strengthening Local Democracy. Kevin Stewart S5M-02804.2 As an amendment to motion S5M-02804 in the name of Andy Wightman (Local Democracy), leave out from “endorses” to end and insert “notes the findings of the 2014 Local Government and Regeneration Committee inquiry into the Flexibility and Autonomy of Local Government, including its consideration of the Commission on Strengthening Local Democracy, and the committee’s recommendation, which stated that 'Adequate powers to devolve responsibilities and control to communities already exist which local authorities must begin to exercise’, and agrees that enabling local control not on behalf of but by a local community should be the guiding principle in considering the roles and responsibilities of local authorities over the course of the current Parliamentary session, with the aim of decentralising local authority functions, budgets and democratic oversight to local communities.” Graham Simpson S5M-02804.1 As an amendment to motion S5M-02804 in the name of Andy Wightman (Local Democracy), leave out from "endorses" to end and insert "recognises that empowering Scotland’s cities and city regions is critical to economic growth and development in Scotland”.