Published: Sunday, 14th February, 2010 4:03pm

Bid to save public notices in the press

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Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray writes to 'News'

Last week Labour tabled a motion opposing the Scottish government's plans to let councils stop advertising in newspapers and remove the requirement for them to publish public information notices.

The Scottish Parliament passed our motion with the overwhelming support from all the other parties except the SNP.

I have now called on the First Minster to abandon his plans as it would have a negative impact on both civic life in Scotland and local newspapers.

There is a real danger that removing the statutory requirement for public notices to be published in newspapers would lead to important decisions being taken without proper scrutiny. It would be a backward step regarding the transparency and accountability of government at a local level in Scotland.

It is also vitally important such information is readily accessible. In our work as members of the Scottish Parliament, my colleagues and I recognise in our dealings with our constituents that the internet is a less effective communication channel than the local paper. The Scottish government's own figures show internet access is not available to 40 per cent of the population.

We also appreciate the adverse effect the loss of £6 million - 12.5 per cent of advertising revenue - would have on the local newspaper industry and threat it would pose to many titles. The local newspaper industry employs people throughout Scotland and is not concentrated in one particular region like some industries.

A strong message had been sent already to the Scottish government but representation to enterprise minister Jim Mather would undoubtedly help in getting the Scottish government to rethink their position before the consultation closes on February 12

Iain Gray MSP

Leader of Labour in the Scottish Parliament

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Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• ******
  Unregistered User
  Feb 14, 17:33
  Comment: 8696
  
  

  This comment has been referred for moderation

• 
  Unregistered User
  Feb 14, 21:38
  Comment: 8703
  
  

  A wee bit of a con trick from Labour in Scotland here. Moving all public notices for Councils in Scotland was first mooted in 2006/7 by Pat Watters of COSLA, the body representing all Scottish Councils, to the previous Labour/Lib Dem Scottish Executive. There was a meeting in January 2007 at which relevant Labour & Lib Dem MSPs agreed to move the plan forward. However, the 2007 Scottish Election got in the way and the Scottish Government changed. Only last year was the reauest from COSLA moved forward for consultation i.e no decision has been made, until all the consultation is complete. The Scottish Government has made NO decision to implement this. Once again however, the Labour Party, who supported the original request from COSLA when in Government, are spreading false information that this is a done deal. From the feedback to the consultation process a decision will be made. Did the editor of this paper contribute to the consultation process?
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• The editor
  Unregistered User
  Feb 15, 10:23
  Comment: 8716
  
  

  Yes
  
  Please see Cochrane's Column article on subject
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• Wendy
  Unregistered User
  Feb 15, 13:22
  Comment: 8718
  
  

  Self serving twaddle.
  
  This is solely about advertising revenue and you know it.
  
  "The Scottish government's own figures show internet access is not available to 40 per cent of the population." Manipulated nonsense. Should read 40% of all Scottish people do not access the internet regularly - through choice. This is far less than those who CHOOSE not to buy newspapers.
  
  Public notices cost many millions to advertise in local newspapers. Pretty much no one reads them - those who do are interested parties and as such, by definition, will easily find what they want on the internet.
  
  I guarantee you that if local government turned round and offered you the same money to advertise these public notices solely on your online rag, you'd have no hesitation in accepting.
  
  Your actions and that of Gray have heehaw to do with the greater good. Your mouthing off is aimed at revenue depletion and his, as ever, simply being contrary.
  
  How about we concentrate on better Governance and Journalism keeping all the campers happy.
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• ******
  Unregistered User
  Feb 15, 17:26
  Comment: 8721
  
  

  This comment has been referred for moderation