Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004

Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004
Act of the Scottish Parliament
Long titleAn Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision for the election of councillors by single transferable vote and in relation to candidates to be councillor; to make provision in relation to certain restrictions upon being a councillor and upon former councillors; to make new provision about remuneration for and other payments to councillors; and for connected purposes.
Citation2004 asp 9
Territorial extent Scotland
Dates
Royal assent29 July 2004
CommencementAugust 2004 – May 2007
Other legislation
Amends
Amended by
  • Local Electoral Administration and Registration Services (Scotland) Act 2006
  • Scottish Local Government (Elections) Act 2009
  • Islands (Scotland) Act 2018
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Text of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 9) is an act of the Scottish Parliament which made certain reforms to local government including the introduction of the single transferable vote electoral system.

Provisions

The Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament reported in June 2000.[1] The introduction of proportional representation in local authority elections was a key demand of the Liberal Democrats when they entered into coalition with the Labour Party in the Scottish Executive.[2]

The act reduced the eligibility age for local government elections from 21 to 18, with the goal of increasing diversity among councillors.[3][4] The act also establishes an independent renumeration committee for councillors.[3] The act changes the rules for local government employees standing for election.[5]

Reception

The fact that Scottish Governmen passed the legislation was criticised by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities due to the fact that most people who responded to the consultation for the legislation were against the introduction of STV.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Council fury over Kerley Report". The Herald. Glasgow. 28 June 2000. Retrieved 5 June 2016.
  2. ^ "Labour offers PR deal to Lib Dems". The Guardian. 11 May 1999. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  3. ^ a b "LOCAL GOVERNANCE BILL APPROVED – PR FOR SCOTTISH LOCAL ELECTIONS". Local Government Chronicle. 24 June 2004. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  4. ^ "Council vote changes outlined". BBC News. 4 February 2003. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
  5. ^ a b "Ministers unveil voting reform". BBC News. 24 November 2003. Retrieved 28 January 2026.