SNP-LED LOCAL AUTHORITIES

That this House notes with interest the results of a survey published in The Observer on 21st June 1998 which puts the three SNP-run local authorities amongst the top five in Scotland; notes that the survey is based on indicators approved by the Scottish Office and the Independent Accounts Commission; notes that the survey analyses 22 separate measures of council effectiveness for 1996-97; further notes that the worst 11 service providers are labour-run authorities; deplores the behaviour of those Labour councillors in North Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire who have brought direct labour organisations into disrepute; and congratulates councillors in Angus, Perth and Kinross, Orkney, Shetland and Moray who have demonstrated their commitment to effective local government.