http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2026/11/section/3European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2026enStatute Law Database2026-05-23Expert Participation2026-04-16 Duty to promote local self-government 3 1 The Scottish Ministers must— a keep under consideration whether there are any steps which they could take which would or might safeguard and reinforce local self-government and increase the autonomy of local authorities, and b if they consider it appropriate to do so, take any of the steps identified by that consideration. 2 The Scottish Ministers must, in accordance with subsection (3), lay before the Scottish Parliament and publish a report of— a the steps they have taken, or plan to take, by the date the report is published to safeguard and reinforce local self-government and increase the autonomy of local authorities, and b their plans until the date on which the next report is to be published to safeguard and reinforce local self-government and increase the autonomy of local authorities. 3 The first such report is to be published no later than 5 years after subsection (1) comes into force, and each subsequent such report is to be published no later than 5 years after the publication of the previous such report. 4 In complying with their duties under subsections (1) and (2) the Scottish Ministers must consult— a such persons appearing to them to be representative of the interests of local authorities, and b such other persons as they consider appropriate. S. 3 in force at 15.10.2026, see s. 14(2)