... COSLA President Councillor David O’Neill said today:
Speaking as he launched #chooselocal, COSLA’s Manifesto for Stronger Scottish Democracy, Councillor O’Neill said: “In just over six weeks Scotland goes to the polls.
“It is a pivotal opportunity to think about the kind of country we want, and about the changes that could make a real difference to communities across the country.
“Like every elected local Councillor, I already passionately believe in local democracy and see it as a real, meaningful and positive force for good in every part of Scotland. Local democracy also impacts on every single one of us in one way or another on a daily basis.
“All of us within Scottish Local Government want to harness the power of a more local way of doing things, and overhaul participation in decision making across the country by bringing democracy closer to people.
“A series of independent reports have shown that it is time for this new, radical, local approach. Communities around Europe are already feeling the benefits and there's a buzz about what can be achieved here. It’s time to translate that energy into real action.
“However, we know that this simply won’t be possible without commitment from across the political spectrum and across all spheres of government.
“That’s why we're asking every parliamentary candidate to sign up to 5 key pledges that will begin to put local democracy on the political map within Scotland.
“All 5 pledges can be delivered within the first 100 days of the next Parliament, and all can help set a course towards better and more equal outcomes for every community.
"For real meaningful change in Scotland let's #chooselocal this May".
ends
NOTE TO EDITORS
2. Two short videos to accompany the #chooselocal manifesto are also linked below:
#chooselocal’s 5 Pledges to put local democracy on the map are:
1. Make Scotland’s public services local by default
2. Redraw the partnership between local and national government
3. Give communities financial choices
4. Open up Scottish democracy
5. Join up thinking on reform
2. Redraw the partnership between local and national government
3. Give communities financial choices
4. Open up Scottish democracy
5. Join up thinking on reform
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