Decoupling
Elections
UNISON Scotland’s response to the Scottish
Government Consultation on decoupling the
Scottish Parliamentary and local government
elections
May 2008
Introduction
UNISON Scotland welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Scottish
Government Consultation on decoupling elections. UNISON is Scotland’s
largest public sector trade union representing over 160,000 members
delivering public services. Our members have a direct citizenship interest in
this issue as well as in ensuring strong democratically accountable public
bodies.
Questions for consideration
Do you agree that the elections should be decoupled?
Yes. UNISON Scotland has a long standing position in favour of decoupling
parliamentary and local government elections and we supported a previous
Non-Executive Bill on this issue. We would argue that by holding elections
on the same day the role of local government is devalued.
When should the next set of local government elections be held?
We favour Option 3 in the consultation paper that local government
elections are held one year after the Scottish Parliament elections, always
assuming that the Parliament runs its full term. We would have no objection
to Option 4 although we recognise the administrative challenges that may
cause for our members involved in the administration of elections.
What issues or problems do you envisage encountering by moving the
elections to any of the options outlined and what solutions would you
suggest?
By holding the elections one year on local government is less likely to be
overshadowed by parliamentary issues. One year on has the added
advantage that it is less likely to be affected by a mid term protest vote or
any perceived ‘honeymoon’ period for a new Scottish Government.
For further information please contact:
Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary