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Seizing agency: local or global, we have the power
Reflecting on the evolution of local governance in Scotland and how the nation kept its water in public hands, MATT KERR reminds us that grassroots movements can win — and are winning now
A general view of water dripping down a plug hole

AS I sat through a motion on local democracy and funding at council on Thursday in which opposition members were denied the right to speak, I had some time to think about the state of the place.

I heard fine words about sexy subjects like “powers of general competence” being given to local authorities, and I remembered how when these powers being given to councils was last suggested some 10 years ago by the then Labour administration, the SNP opposition claimed we already had them.

If you hang about on the riverbank long enough, I suppose…

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