WIREDGOV

The Scottish Government is consulting on changing the law to allow public notices, like planning applications or road closures, to be advertised online in place of newspapers.

The move will allow councils to use a new public information notices portal, saving millions of pounds and enhancing local information services about the area.

Finance Secretary John Swinney said:

"Public bodies must provide the best value for money. Councils have collectively identified a need to cut spending on public notices which they are legally required to advertise and pay for, costing around six million pounds a year.

"The changes we are consulting on will mean councils can use a new public information notice portal instead of advertising in local papers. The new portal will provide more cost effective public information and a means to improve communication and dialogue with the public.

"While it will be up to councils to decide the best mix of advertising to use in their area, I would expect to see immediate savings. With the way that people use media constantly changing, this is the most effective way to give out public information in the 21st Century."

The consultation on the draft Local Authority Public Information Notices (Electronic Publication) (Scotland) Order is open until February 12, 2010.

Public Information Notices (PIN) are announcements that local authorities are legally required to publish. There are two types of Public Information Notices. Statutory Notices give required notice of an intended action, such as road closures, construction, licensing and planning developments. Public Notices inform people of changes to services, such as refuse collection.

The Order would amend 27 Acts or regulations which make advertising in one or more local newspapers a statutory duty.

The portal will publish Public Information Notices across Scotland on a single website. Users will be able to click on a map of Scotland to see listings of public notices in any area, satellite imagery of the location and information on the issues involved. The portal will provide improved accessibility. Public Information Notices will still be accessible in all local authority buildings, including local libraries and council offices, as is current practice.