Scottish Greens pledge to give more powers to councils

The Scottish Green Party has promised to local authorities more powers to improve local services.

These include more support to take bus companies in-house, powers to bring vacant properties back into use and reforms of local taxation.

‘The Scottish Greens have worked hard to grant councils new ways to raise revenue but it’s clear Scotland remains too centralised,’ said co-leader, Patrick Harvie (pictured).

‘Greens will oppose ministerial vetoes over locally-made decisions, but we need to give councils more power too.

‘For example, Highland council is responsible for an area the size of Belgium but is offered far too few opportunities to make decisions based on local needs,’ he added.

‘Local authorities should be supported to set up local bus companies and tackle local energy needs. They need more powers to bring empty properties into use, and make sure developments are on vacant or derelict brownfield sites rather than on green belts.

‘Local democracy is at the heart of our plans for a green recovery. Vote like our future depends on it.’

Photo Credit – Scottish Green Party