Independent Review of the Process for Determining Electoral Boundaries in Scotland – background
You may be aware that earlier this year Scottish Ministers appointed the former Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Edinburgh City Council, Andrew Kerr OBE, to undertake an independent review of the process for determining electoral boundaries in Scotland. By way of brief background to the review, the Scottish Government recently indicated that it favours a move to a form of ‘automaticity’ for future electoral boundary changes – that is, a system where the recommendations of the body that reviews electoral boundaries take effect automatically, without needing approval from the legislature. Forms of automaticity now apply to changes to electoral boundaries in the UK Parliament and the Senedd Cymru, as well as in other legislatures internationally.
Such a move would represent a significant change in electoral rules and Ministers therefore decided to appoint Mr Kerr to undertake an independent review on the issues and produce a report and recommendations for the Scottish Parliament to consider. The review is considering the process for implementing changes to electoral boundaries, in particular options for a form of automaticity, and the processes which underpin boundary reviews, such as engagement and consultation with the public and elected representatives, and the supporting structures and resources.
Public consultation and online Q&A event with Andrew Kerr – Tuesday 22 July at 6pm
There is public consultation on these issues at the following link, where you can read more about the review and submit a response to help inform its work: Process for determining electoral boundaries in Scotland – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space. The Chair, Andrew Kerr, is very keen to hear the perspectives on these issues from as broad a range of people as possible, so we would certainly encourage you to contribute your views. The consultation is open until 7 August.
In addition, Andrew is holding an online public event on Tuesday 22 July at 6pm at which he will do a short presentation on the review and then open up to a Q&A session with attendees. Again, we would be very pleased to hear from you via that forum and I would encourage you to read more about the event and register to attend at the following link: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
I hope the attached links are of interest and that you can contribute your views and perspectives on these important electoral matters.
Angus Reid
Senior Policy Officer & Deputy Bill Team Leader, Elections Team
The Scottish Government
St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG
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