European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill [AS INTRODUCED] An Act of the Scottish Parliament to incorporate in Scots law the European Charter of Local Self-Government, and for connected purposes. 1 The Charter Articles (1) In this Act, “the Charter Articles” means Articles 2 to 11 of the European Charter of 5 Local Self-Government which was opened for signature by the Council of Europe on 15 October 1985. (2) The Charter Articles are set out in the schedule. (3) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend this Act to reflect amending or additional protocols to the Charter that have been signed by the United Kingdom (whether 10 before or after the coming into force of this section). 2 Duty to act compatibly with the Charter Articles (1) In the exercise of their functions the Scottish Ministers must act compatibly with the Charter Articles. (2) In subsection (1)— 15 “functions”— (a) means functions that are within devolved competence (within the meaning of section 54 of the Scotland Act 1998), (b) includes the making of subordinate legislation but does not include the preparation, introduction or promotion of primary legislation, 20 “act” includes a failure to act (including a failure to make legislation). 3 Duty to promote local self-government (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 25 autonomy of local authorities, and SP Bill 70 Session 5 (2020) 2 European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill (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...