DOUGLAS Alexander has won the backing of the SNP after arguing that “powers are best exercised as close as possible to the people” – with the party saying that would be achieved through independence.
The Scottish Secretary is due to make the argument in a speech to council leaders at an event marking 50 years of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla), which will also see him call for a “crusade” of devolution – but from Holyrood, not to it.
An excerpt of the speech released by the Scotland Office shows Alexander will say: “The Scottish Parliament should have heralded a new era of powers, esteem and resource – not just for Scotland, but also for Scottish local government. And yet the reality is that Scottish local government has been systematically starved of funds over the last two decades.
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“At exactly the same time as these funding cuts we have also seen the systematic centralisation of decision-making in Holyrood, including on policing and fire and rescue. At the same time the Scottish Government has constrained council tax powers via national freezes and caps.
“It is now time for a new crusade for devolution within Scotland, to reach back to the core principles upon which our parliament was founded and restore the values of devolution.
“We must allow the Scottish Parliament to realise its potential to deliver change and reform for the people of Scotland. And Scotland’s local authorities, regardless of party allegiance, must be at the forefront of that cause.”
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The Scotland Office added that Alexander would “make clear this debate must be guided by the principle that powers are best exercised as close as possible to the people, rather than hoarded centrally, to the exclusion of local decision-making and accountability”.
Responding, SNP MSP Paul McLennan said the comments “show even Labour now admit that the status quo isn’t working, but their answer is still to leave power in Westminster’s hands”.
“The SNP agree that decisions should be made closest to the people – and only the fresh start of independence can make that possible,” he added.
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