Councillors are now entitled to paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
But there is still a long way to go if more young women are to be attracted to a career in local politics.
Members of Moray Council corporate committee has unanimously approved Cosla’s family leave for elected members scheme.
The aim of the scheme is to remove barriers preventing people seeking elected office.
It will allow members to take maternity, paternity, adoption or shared paternity time off.
At the moment there is no legal right to family leave of any kind for people in elected public office.
SNP councillor for Fochabers Lhanbryde Shona Morrison said: “It’s great that we see this as a move to attract more women into councillor roles.
“But there are significant areas that we have to be aware of that stop women from standing for council.
“Remuneration is a problem, toxic culture is among that and incredibly long working hours including evening working are all barriers to elected office.
“As welcome as this is we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
‘Toxic culture’
Committee chairwoman Bridget Mustard agreed with Ms Morrison’s comments and advocated a breastfeeding policy for elected members.
She said: “I think this scheme is a good start, but there’s a lot of things we need to work through.
“After six months mothers may want to return and still be breastfeeding.
“This is something we need to consider and look into.”
Maternity leave is up to six months off, that can begin 28 days before a baby’s due date.
Paternity leave is a maximum of two weeks.
There is also up to six months available for those adopting a child, which begins on the day of placement.
Shared paternity leave of up to six months can be split between two parents.
Arrangements will be put in place to cover councillor’s responsibilities when they are on family leave
Members will have to give at least four weeks notice for any time off they are seeking.
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