McAlpine encourages responses to Common Good Consultation
MSP Joan McAlpine is encouraging constituents to voice their opinions about the current common good set up.
Last week, the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government Committee launched a call for written evidence as part of its scrutiny of common good property and funds in Scotland.
Ms McAlpine wants people across the region to let them know their views on whether common good property and funds are managed well and in the interests of local people.
Commenting, the SNP MSP said:
“Common good lands and funds are an important part of the community in many places across the region.
“But there has been poor management and record keeping by Councils over the years, and an outdated legal framework has not helped.
“The Scottish Government have made progress over the past few years to try and modernise the framework and get the system back up to scratch and working for the benefit of locals.
“The Local Government Committee are keen to hear your views on how further improvements can be made.”
The Committee is particularly interested in the potential advantages and disadvantages of further modernising the statutory framework for common good and asking organisations and individuals to submit written evidence setting out their views on the current system for common good property and funds.
The closing date for receipt of submissions is Wednesday 22 March 2017. Submissions can be sent via email to LGCCommittee@parliament.scot“>LGCCommittee@parliament.scot
Submission can be structured around the following questions:
Are the common law rules which define common good property adequate?
· Do you think the record keeping of common good property and assets held by local authorities could be improved?
· Is there enough openness and direct engagement with local communities on common good property and funds and the use to which common good property and assets are put?
· Are details of common good property and assets and income generated by their sale clear and transparent?
· Any other issues relating to common good property, assets and funds which you wish to bring to the attention of the Committee?
Further information is available via the Committee website: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/103491.aspx
