COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison today (Wednesday) paid tribute to the efforts of The Local Government and Communities Committee and the cross party working on the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, saying it was democracy in action for the good of the people.

Speaking on the day that Andy Wightman gave evidence to the Committee on his Bill Councillor Evison said: “A major step towards a long held COSLA aspiration for Local Government in Scotland was taken last week when the Scottish Government confirmed their support for the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill.

“This Bill will align the standing of Local Government in Scotland with that of many other countries by securing a strong legal foundation for our right to self-government.

“However these things do not happen by chance and it cannot go without saying that this milestone was testament to the cross-party support that has been secured through COSLA and the Scottish Parliament and the work that has been done in co-operation with Andy Wightman, who presented the Bill, and with politicians across the political spectrum.

“We must all continue to work constructively together to ensure the Bill crosses the finishing line by the end of this Parliament.”