LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Scottish devolution: Time to re-boot

It’s time for an informed debate in Scotland on the next stage of the devolution journey, says George Thorley.

2024 marks 25 years of the Scottish Parliament. Although devolution has delivered much for the Scottish public, its communities and Scottish businesses, the negative feature of devolution has been a weakening of local democracy through centralisation of power, functions and services, especially from councils to Holyrood.

Is this what devolution was to be all about – creating an excessively centralised state?  We think not. It's time for an informed debate in Scotland on the next stage of our devolution journey.

Popular articles by George Thorley

SUBSCRIBE TO CONTINUE READING

Get unlimited access to The MJ with a subscription, plus a weekly copy of The MJ magazine sent directly to you door and inbox.

Subscribe

Full website content includes additional, exclusive commentary and analysis on the issues affecting local government.

Login

Already a subscriber?