New regulations brought in by the Scottish Government has made it easier for elected councillors to secure paid family leave for new parents.
Previously, councillors had no legal right to maternity or paternity leave, and the decision lay with local authorities over whether or not extended leave could be granted.
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin raised the issue with the Scottish Government, after Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford councillor Gwenyth Petrie had gave birth to her son James last year.
Ms Petrie said she endured difficulties as the meeting to decide how long her maternity leave would be was not actually held until after James was born, making her life as a mum hard to plan – although councillors did agree she should be granted the extended paid leave.
But now the Scottish Government, working together with local authority body Cosla, has amended regulations on councillor’s pay to increase the flexibility councils have when granting members paid leave of absence.
Mrs Martin said: “This intervention will mean that one more barrier comes down as we try to widen the talent pool of those who represent us to include more women and those with growing families.”
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “We are aware of the Cosla guidance on family leave for councillors and changes which are due to come into force from April this year.
“We are currently developing an absence procedure for councillors in light of the guidance and forthcoming changes to legislation on councillor remuneration, and will adopt a policy position on this in due course.”
