This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Research report into PR in local government
23/06/1999
Wendy Alexander has welcomed publication today of a research report into electoral systems for Scottish local government as "a helpful and timely contribution to the modernising debate".
The research by Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University was undertaken to help the McIntosh Commission consider the democratic accountability of local government.
It focuses on the issues and criteria which should be considered in choosing an electoral system and the characteristics and technical differences between various PR systems. A simulation of the 1995 local government election results using the main forms of PR is included in the research for illustrative purposes.
The main points are:
· The report highlights the marked difference between share of votes cast by the electorate and the share of seats won by the main political parties under the current first-past-the-post voting system.
· The research also illustrates that there are differences in the proportionality achieved under different systems of PR, with the least proportional result being achieved using the Single Transferable Vote in small constituencies.
· An Additional Member System with a quarter top-up of members is identified as a possible means of maintaining a high degree of proportionality and the representative role of councillors.
Commenting on the report, Ms Alexander said:
"I commend this report to all those interested in the future of Scottish local government. The issue of proportional representation will be further considered as we take stock of the report of the McIntosh Commission and this research. The partnership document commits us to progress on electoral reform - but it is vital that there is wide consultation around the issues involved."
The report highlights the complexity of issues surrounding electoral reform. It also highlights options for further consideration and identifies systems that can retain the local member-voter link whilst introducing an element of proportionality.
BACKGROUND
1. The report An Electoral System for Scottish Local Government: Modelling Some Alternatives was written by Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde University and published by The Scottish Office. Copies are available priced £5 from:
The Stationery Office Bookshop, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AZ. Tel: 0131 228 4181. Fax: 0131 622 7017
2. The Government will announce its first response to the McIntosh Commission report during a debate in the Parliament on July 2.
News Release: 1306/99
23 June 1999