Localism rules

While there have been claims and counter-claims by Westminster and Holyrood over the legal competence of the Scottish Government to hold a referendum on Scottish independence, the coming into force of the Localism Act in England has put an end to this debate.

The act gives English local authorities the right to hold a referendum on so-called “governance” arrangements, such as elected mayors, selected planning issues and council tax increases.

The act means that any legal challenge to the holding of a Scottish Government referendum would stand little chance when even the smallest council in England can hold a referendum.

In addition, the bill sets out exactly the same form of wording for referendums as the Scottish Government is proposing by putting the question – “Do you agree” with a propostion.

On the issue of the Scottish independence referendum, this has been the subject of some criticism by opposition parties and commentators, as it is seen as a leading question.

If Westminster is quite happy to let a council undertake its own referendum, there can scarcely be an argument that London permission is required for the Scottish Government to run its vote.

Alex Orr

Leamington Terrace

Edinburgh