- Kable, Friday 18 December 2009 12.08 GMT
It has launched an eight week consultation about whether to publish public notices, such as planning applications, notices of road closures and construction, electronically as an alternative to using newspapers.
Local authorities are legally required to publish public information notices and the Scottish Government claims the proposed change could saving millions of pounds and improve local information services.
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 about £6m 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."
The consultation on the draft Local Authority Public Information Notices (Electronic Publication) (Scotland) Order is open until 12 February 2010.
