Scottish Councils Must Finally Listen: Wilson Chowdhry's Petition on Fair Public Participation to Be Considered on 21 January 2026

Wilson Chowdhry Leads Online Deputation to Aberdeen City Council, Giving RAAC-Affected Residents a Voice in Local Decision-Makin

For years, local democracy in Scotland has been inconsistent and, in some cases, completely inaccessible to residents. Whether you want to ask a question, submit a petition, or speak at a council meeting, your ability to engage often depends on where you live, not your right to be heard. This is unacceptable.

That’s why I launched Petition PE2198, calling on the Scottish Parliament to establish standardised, fair public participation processes for all Scottish councils. The petition demands minimum national standards covering public questions, deputations, and petitions, and an independent body to oversee compliance.  Please sign the petition (here).

Unfortunately, the reality for many residents is stark. In Clackmannanshire, for example:

• RAAC homeowners were evicted from their homes due to dangerous roofs built by councils years ago.

• These homeowners are now facing financial ruin, paying rent and mortgages simultaneously.

• The council does not allow deputations or public questions, even when RAAC is on the agenda.

• The petition process is restrictive, often thwarted, and outdated by the time issues are considered, rendering it largely ineffective.

Despite COSLA’s assurances that it promotes good practice and shares guidance, there is no mandatory standard, meaning councils can continue to block meaningful participation and leave residents powerless. While local flexibility is important, core aspects of fairness should be non-negotiable, especially where residents’ safety, homes, and finances are at stake.

COSLA has indicated it may explore voluntary alignment and convene working groups to review best practices—but questions remain:

• How will councils like Clackmannanshire be compelled to adopt meaningful participation mechanisms?

• Will affected groups like the UK RAAC Campaign Group be invited to the working groups to represent those directly impacted?

• When will mandatory minimum standards be introduced to ensure residents cannot be completely denied a voice in matters affecting their lives?

---

Next Step: Parliamentary Consideration

I am pleased to announce that PE2198 will be considered by the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee on 21 January 2026.

This is a critical moment to highlight the experiences of residents who have been systematically denied a voice in local decision-making.

If you would like to follow the proceedings, you can:

• Watch online via Parliament TV, or

• Attend in person by booking tickets for the public gallery one week in advance.

Written submissions are also welcome before 7 January 2026, and I encourage anyone who supports fair and accessible local democracy to contribute.

This petition is about more than bureaucracy. It’s about ensuring that every Scottish resident—regardless of postcode—has a fair, transparent, and meaningful opportunity to engage with their local council. No one should be left powerless, particularly when safety, homes, and livelihoods are on the line.

I urge all supporters of local democracy to stay informed, engage, and share their experiences. Together, we can push for a system where councils are accountable, participation is meaningful, and residents are truly heard.

Wilson Chowdhry
Petitioner – PE2198
Chair, UK RAAC Campaign Group