Run annual Citizens’ Assemblies
Last updated 3 years ago
SNP Manifesto 2021, p.14Run Citizens’ Assemblies annually to look at some of the more complex issues we face as a country…
Our verdict
Status
This promise is not started. The Scottish Government responded to the first Citizens’ Assembly, held in 2019, in 2021. In this document, the administration committed to holding further citizens’ assemblies. Further support for these assemblies and other forms of deliberative democracy were expressed in the 2021-2022 Programme for Government. However, no specific plan for or commitment to annualised assemblies has been provided.
“Commitment to future Citizens’ Assemblies” (Scottish Government, 23rd November 2021)
Other pledges
The SNP also promised to respond to the report of the first Citizens’ Assembly, institute one for under 16s and run them on a variety of topics, including council tax reform, the role of local government, assisted dying, drug decriminalisation, and issues surrounding the type of country and independent Scotland would be.