Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 17 April 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has agreed to the key aspects of a document which will form the basis for a 'Covenant' between the Scottish parliament and local government. The Comhairle has also approved a 'Partnership Agreement' which sets out proposed working relationships and and consultation arrangements between the Scottish Executive, COSLA and all Councils.

A key aspect of the Covenant is that both the Parliament and Councils are democratically elected with their own legitimacy and that the relationship between the Parliament and local government should be based on mutual respect for each other's roles, responsibility and legitimacy. In addition there should be an acceptance that Councils have a mandate to represent their electorate's views to Parlimant and the professional capacity to deliver local services reflecting the priorities of their electorate.

Speaking today, the Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr. Alex MacDonald, said:

"The Comhairle welcomes this document and the emphasis on partnership and mutual respect and the emphasis on decision making at community level, together with a clear recognition of the democratic legitimacy of local government.

In particular, the Comhairle welcomes the clear commitments to extensive and meaningful consultation.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer