Scotland needs a revitalised local democracy
The Scottish Greens today (3 MAY) said local democracy hangs in the balance, urging voters to use their number one preferences in tomorrow's council elections to elect Green councillors who will start to reverse the centralisation of services.
The Greens are engaged in their biggest ever Council campaign, with a record 218 candidates aiming to put power in people's hands.
The party is confident of building on existing councillor numbers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeenshire, Midlothian and Stirling, and making breakthroughs in many other local authorities.
Andy Wightman MSP, Local Government spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
"Scotland needs a revitalised local democracy where citizens can play a full part in matters affecting their communities. Green councillors will ensure neighbourhoods can make real choices about the services they want and how to pay for them.
"After decades of centralisation, local democracy hangs in the balance. More Green councillors are sorely needed to help return power to local level.
“The Scottish Government's desire to impose new education regions is a classic example of top-down thinking that bears no relation to the issues faced on the ground in our schools and in our communities. We also need to make it easier to find out what's happening in our councils, through webcasting and making committee votes available for public scrutiny.
“Number one votes for Green candidates on Thursday will elect advocates of real local democracy, people who understand that local services and accountability matter."
Scottish Greens' 2017 campaign pledges on Protecting Local Democracy