More elections

Would the introduction of mayoralty (or its Scottish equivalent) add a much needed fillip to local government election campaigns and the way councils actually work?

Tom Peterkin (Perspective, 11 April) highlights some of the case for and against, but it really would depend on what powers they were actually given. At the moment, council leaders and civic heads (provosts or conveners) are chosen after the poll by the majority group members or by agreement between the coalition group members. But the powers these individuals have are very strictly limited, either by legislation or the restrictions of council standing orders.

In any case, they always need to look at the mood of group members and sometimes members of their party before taking any action. A mayor might be given more freedom to act and heighten the profile of the local authority. But it would need a sea change in the culture of town halls throughout the country.

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One aspect of the current campaign has so far been ignored by commentators. It is the first chance people have had to choose their local councillors for five years – the longest period since the Second World War.

During local government reform in 1995 it was originally proposed that councils should be of three years’ duration.

It has gradually increased – first to ensure that Scottish Parliament elections and local elections should be held on the same day, and later to ensure they were not held on the same day. As a result, local democracy has taken a backwards step.

In a world where many people clamour for the right to vote, people here have been hampered by councils lasting far longer than was originally intended. More frequent elections might be a first constructive step towards increasing public interest in what goes on in their area.

Bob Taylor

Shiel Court

Glenrothes, Fife