Petitioner: Arthur McFarlane
Status:
Closed
Date Lodged:
27 November 2015
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to reinstate the Scottish Civic Forum and to fund the Forum at a level which will allow it to develop and succeed as an instrument of social cohesion and democratic governance in Scotland.
Summary:
15 December 2015: The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Link to Official Report 15 December 2015
23 February 2016: The Committee agreed to close the petition, under Rule 15.7, on the basis that public participation in democratic decision-making is supported by a number of existing initiatives. Link to Official Report 23 February 2016
Written Submissions:
It is clear that there is presently an urgent need for some means, which allows the people of this country to come together to pull our energies and mental resources in order to find solutions to the problems which face our country. I know of no such means in existence today. The Scottish Civic Forum, under the control of the people of Scotland, could set its own agenda, devolve as circumstances require, be a credit to the people and greatly assist the Scottish Parliament in its work. It just needs the Scottish Parliament to show the same faith in the people as the people have shown in it.