14.01.2014
A package of reform measures introduced in 2012 by the Scottish Parliament have been welcomed in a parliamentary committee report published today.
In its review of the new reforms introduced in September 2012, the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments (SPPA) Committee said the measures represented the most significant changes to parliamentary business since 1999, and had enabled Members to question Ministers at the start of every meeting of the chamber and raise current issues earlier in the week.
The report also acknowledged the “strong leadership” shown by the Presiding Officer in promoting her vision for parliamentary reform.
SPPA Committee convener Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“Having reviewed the package of measures as a whole, our Committee has concluded that the reforms have been successful in creating a more responsive and agile Parliament.
“The Chamber now meets across three days rather than two. Members now have the opportunity to question ministers at the start of every meeting of the Chamber. And the new innovation of topical question time offers Members the chance to raise current issues in the Chamber earlier in the week. The Committee welcomes all these developments.”
In conclusion, the SPPA Committee report says:
“Looking to the future, the Committee notes that the Presiding Officer has shown strong leadership in promoting a vision for parliamentary reform this session. The Committee shares her view that the Parliament must always look for opportunities to improve its practices and procedures. The Committee stands ready to play its role in considering any future parliamentary reforms.”
The full report is available here: