Hamilton MSP isolated over SNP puplic notice agenda

Feb 11 2010 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON MSP Tom McCabe was this week looking even more isolated over his decision to side with the SNP over the future of public notices advertising.

Labour Leader at Holyrood Iain Gray this week wrote to the Advertiser condemning the SNP Government’s move to remove the advertising from local newspapers.

Labour two weeks ago tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament calling on the SNP Government to abandon plans to place on the Internet information about Government jobs, planning applications, refuse removal and road closures.

The motion was carried with all but Mr McCabe, among Labour MSPs, backing the move.

McCabe, a former Labour Finance Minister and ex-Hoover factory worker at Cambuslang, said local government was facing tough financial times.

Ways had to be found to save money and protect frontline services. “Extreme pain will be felt,” he added. “Every opportunity will have to be found for money to go to services and not to other areas.”

However, in his letter to the Advertiser, Mr Gray said: “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.”

SNP Ministers say their proposals would lead to savings for councils of up to £6m per year. However, Mr Gray points out that 40 per cent of the population have no access the internet.

He believes the loss of a vital income stream for the Scottish Press would cost jobs and threaten titles.

To read Iain Gray’s letter in full, turn to page 44.

KEEP IT LOCAL: Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray.