Scots still don't understand Holyrood, poll finds
22 Sep 06
Parliament's powers and voting system causing confusion, but voters want more control
Many people in Scotland still do not understand what powers have been devolved to their parliament, according to a study carried out by the Electoral Commission.
The Commission's findings, based on 1,000 interviews, also show however that two-thirds of voters want more power for Holyrood, which they find trustworthy, modern and accessible.
One effect of the smoking ban, introduced this year, appears to have been to influence voters' perceptions through the high media profile of the ban.
The voting system is another source of confusion, though people are less concerned with how the votes are counted than with knowing how to cast their own votes. Next year's elections will coincide with the first local council elections using the single transferable voting system.
Councils fared well in the survey, as they are generally regarded as approachable and accessible, understanding of local needs and a core part of the local community.