Dundee’s MSPs today commented on the Scottish Government’s Consultation on allowing local authorities to change the way public information notices are made available.
Shona Robison said: “The important thing about this consultation is that it is about providing greater choice. At present Public Information Notices are carried in newspapers only although the internet is becoming the way more and more people are accessing information and national newspaper sales are declining. On the other hand, good local newspapers are thriving.
“Any suggestion that advertising in local newspapers would come to an end is entirely wrong. In some communities, local newspapers are, and probably will remain, the main source of information for many people, particularly older people and those who do not have easy access to the internet.
“Clearly a balance will need to be struck to ensure that local authorities and taxpayers have value for money.
“The consultation ends on 12 February and no doubt its findings will lead to further parliamentary debate on the draft order.”
Joe FitzPatrick said: “The consultation request originated from local government who wanted the Scottish Government to give them greater flexibility in advertising public notices so that they are more responsive to public demand.
“Research shows that only 2% of people read Public Information Notices in newspapers so it is clearly important to allow local authorities to improve the way they put out that information. At the moment, these notices are only put out in newspapers.
“There is the question of cost to the public from these Public Notices being advertised solely in newspapers – money which could otherwise be used to provide front-line services. We live in an increasingly digital media world. In 2008, 53% of people had used local authority or government websites to access information and services.
” Although more and more people are now online or have internet access, any changes will need to balance the changing realities of our community with safeguards for those requiring more traditional media. ”
