Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee

Meeting date: Thursday, April 20, 2023

Official Report 431KB pdf

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Subordinate Legislation

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Scottish Local Government Elections Amendment Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/81)

Agenda item 3 is for the committee to take evidence on Scottish statutory instrument 2023/81, the Scottish Local Government Elections Amendment Regulations 2023. We have received information about the instrument in our meeting papers. Do any members wish to comment on the proposed regulations?

I welcome the regulations, which amend schedule 6A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and mean that there will be reciprocal candidacy rights with four European nations. I place on record my hope that those rights will be extended in short order to all European Union nationals who have made their home in Scotland. It is a pity and a shame that we are in a situation where we can do that for only four nations because of Brexit. There may be a policy drift.

I will leave it there. I am content with and agree to the provisions before us.

Excellent. As those who are watching may be aware, the committee is very aware of the treaty arrangements, having discussed those at a number of previous meetings.

As no other members wish to comment, are members content to note the instrument and to agree to make no recommendations?

Members indicated agreement.

09:32 Meeting continued in private until 10:22.