Role of public participation at Holyrood subject of new inquiry

The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee has issued a call for views to organisations and a survey to people across Scotland, targeted at those who have not traditionally engaged with the Parliament’s work.

This will help the Committee better understand what people want from the Scottish Parliament, to help identify any barriers that might exist and to get their view on how the Parliament can involve, reflect and meet the needs of all the communities it serves.

Jackson Carlaw MSP, convener of the Committee, said: “This work has the potential to change how peoples’ voices are heard throughout the work of the Parliament. It is an opportunity to shape the conversation between the Parliament and the people it serves.

“We know that many individuals, stakeholder groups and organisations access the Parliament for different reasons and make their voice heard as part of the democratic process.

“But the Parliament is here for people from across Scotland regardless of background, but we know many groups and communities find it difficult to get involved in our work. Groups such as those who are disabled, from a minority ethnic background or who are living on a low income.

“Understanding the reasons for this will mean we can more meaningfully reflect different perspectives as we develop law and policies that affect people and their communities.”

The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee has initiated the work as a result of their new remit now including citizen participation following last year’s election. It will also look at ways in which peoples’ voices can be embedded in the work of the Parliament through innovative activities such as citizens’ assemblies.