McMillan Welcomes Record Number of Police

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the figures released by the Scottish Government which highlights that at the end of June this year there were more police officers in Scotland than ever before.

The most recent police quarterly strength figures covering the period 1 April 08 - 30 June 08 show that there were 16,339 police officers in Scotland. This is an increase of 118 officers compared to the previous quarter and the highest figure ever recorded.

Mr McMillan said;

" These figures once again demonstrate the Scottish Government's commitment to increased policing in Scotland. This highlights the Government is committed to a greater visible police presence, deterring crime and reassuring our citizens that its safe to walk our communities.

" This welcome increase in the number of officers is in part the result of direct recruitment of new officers, over and above the recruitment plans of the police forces.

" Making our streets safer is of vital importance and continues to be a priority of the Scottish Government. I welcome this announcement and look forward to seeing the benefits of having more police on our streets.

NOTES

1. The document can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/Police/police-numbers/stats-police-june08

2. The Finance Secretary announced on 23 January an extra #40 million would be made available over the next 3 years for policing. This is in addition to the #54 million which was announced in November. This will result in the recruitment of 1,000 additional officers by the end of March 2011.

3. In addition to the 150 additional recruits which were recruited in 2007/08, a further 450 additional officers will be recruited by the end of this financial year, 200 additional officers in 2009/10 and 200 in 2010/11. This will bring the total number of additional recruits to 1,000 over the life of this Parliament.

4. In the last few days, during the final preparation of these figures, Grampian Police have made us aware that some of their previously supplied police workforce figures for 2007-08 may have included a small number of officers on career breaks. This would have the effect of slightly overstating the officer numbers in the historic figures when compared to the methodology used for the most recent figures. These staff are now explicitly identified and excluded from the 2008-09 totals, so this issue does not impact upon the figures released today, but it does mean that the change in officer numbers for Grampian from previous quarters will be slightly underestimated.

McMillan makes submission to Post Office Ltd on proposed changes

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today made his feelings known on the proposals put forward by the Post Office Network Change Programme by writing a submission to the Consultation Team at Post Office Limited. The Post Office is proposing to close the Inverclyde branches at Brougham Street, Midton, Rankin Rise and Glasgow Road.

Mr McMillan said;

" I have today written to Post Office Limited making my views clear that I do not agree with the proposals of closing post offices within Inverclyde.

" Post Offices across Inverclyde are highly valued by local communities and, in many cases, are a key part of the fabric of the community that they serve. The closures will have an adverse affect on our elderly community.

" The loss of Post Offices in local communities will also put undue pressure on other local businesses and services and will create service access difficulties and unnecessary extra expense for many residents.

" Alongside this, I recently received a mail shot from the Royal Mail which seemed to have left no expense spared. The Royal Mail has argued that the closures are in part due to financial constraints, nevertheless they are able to send out elaborate mail shots."

Notes:

• The last day for submissions to the Post Office Network Change Programme for Inverclyde is 1st September.


• Mr McMillan has submitted his response to the proposals alongside a petition which has been signed by around 700 constituents who are in favour of keeping open the Brougham Street, Post Office.

McMillan Highlights NHS Waiting Time Reduction

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today (Tuesday) welcomed the news that Accident and Emergency (A&E) waiting times in Scotland are at an all time low.

Figures released today also show the NHS is continuing to reduce waiting times for first outpatient consultations, hospital inpatient and day case treatment.

Among the key statistics are:

· During June 2008, 98.3 per cent of patients spent less than four hours in A&E between arrival and admission, transfer or discharge - the best performance ever by NHS Scotland.
· By June 30 2008, only two patients waited more than nine weeks for key diagnostic tests - again the best performance ever by NHS Scotland.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is very good news for patients in Inverclyde and exactly the kind of targets the SNP Government are working towards and meeting effectively.

"Whilst waiting times should ideally be kept to a minimum the figures released today is a good indication that NHS staff are working well towards achieving this.

"The new ways of defining and measuring waiting times that came into effect on January 1, 2008 when availability status codes - the practice of hidden waiting lists - were abolished, allowing for a more realistic overview of waiting times.

"The unprecedented levels of transparency offered by the new system means patients are no longer at risk of finding themselves banished to a hidden waiting list. I am delighted the view we are seeing today is the best we’ve had in Scotland".

Notes

· Further information about the new ways of collecting waiting times statistics is available on the ISD website at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/4794.html. The statistics are available at www.isdscotland.org/isd/5725

· Those who are unavailable for treatment remain on the waiting list, flagged as suspended but crucially reviewed at intervals of three months of less. They are entitled to treatment within the maximum waiting time, plus any period of unavailability.

· A patient may be unavailable for medical (e.g. unfit to undergo procedure) or social (e.g. on holiday) reasons.

· The NHS in Scotland is continuing to effectively meet national maximum waiting times targets for first outpatient consultations, hospital inpatient and day case treatment, key diagnostic tests, the diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease and attendance at A&E.

· Eight key diagnostic tests are currently subject to the national standard of 95 per cent to be treated within nine weeks. These tests are upper endoscopy, lower endoscopy, colonoscopy, cystoscopy, barium studies, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasound.

McMillan Concerned by Risk to Pensioner Benefits

Forthcoming moves by the UK Government to prevent hard up pensioners from claiming the benefits to which they are entitled after a three month window have been criticised by Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP West of Scotland).

Currently benefits can be backdated to up to a year, ensuring that pensioners do not lose out on claiming their money. However, in an effort to save money, the Treasury has ruled that from October 6th claims for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credit will only be backdated by three months.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Pensioners in Inverclyde and across Scotland could lose hundreds of pounds because of this move, so I strongly encourage people who are entitled to these benefits to submit their claim before the 6th of October in order to receive the full twelve months of backdated benefits that they are due.

"The latest Department for Work and Pensions figures show there are over 4,000 pension credit recipients in Inverclyde and Westminster should be doing more to encourage the take up of benefits to which pensioners are entitled, not preventing them from claiming the money they are entitled to".

"Rising fuel prices and food costs are already hitting every household, but pensioners are amongst those struggling the most to cope with them. As such, it is difficult to understand why the Treasury has targeted such a vulnerable section of society in order to save itself some money".

McMILLAN WELCOMES SAVING OF MATERNITY SERVICES

Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for West of Scotland, has today (19th August 2008) welcomed the news that birthing units at both the Vale of Leven and Inverclyde Royal hospitals have been saved.

Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS today announced that the community midwifery units (CMUs) at both the hospitals will be retained for a three year period, in line with the recommendations of an Independent Scrutiny Panel.

The decision follows a long campaign in the local community to reverse the previous decision to switch all deliveries to Paisley's Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Mr. McMillan said:

"Everyone in Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire will be delighted to hear this news. At last, it appears common sense has prevailed and the Health Board have listened to the many valid arguments put forward.

Of course, if the health board had accepted the recommendation of the Independent Scrutiny Panel at the start of this year, then we would not have had all this uncertainty.

Above all, this is a victory for all the local campaigners who have worked so tirelessly over the years to save these crucial services.

This decision was made possible by the SNP Government's decision to set up the Independent Scrutiny Panel and I thank the Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon for taking that entirely correct course of action."

Information on the Board's decision can be found here: http://www.nhsgg.org.uk/content/default.asp?page=s765_3&newsid=7125&back=home

MSP and Councillor welcome funding award for Kirkintilloch/Lenzie

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that Kirkintilloch/Lenzie has been successful in attracting £1.05 million of investment as a Sustainable Travel Demonstration Town.

Mr McMillan said;

"This is a substantial funding announcement which has the potential to allow Kirkintilloch/Lenzie to lead the way in piloting sustainable transport models. With the recent rise in fuel prices I believe it is important to offer sustainable transport links for the public.

"This announcement also proves that the region is able to bid competitively for money from central government and that the Scottish Government is keen to invest in this part of Scotland when we are able to make a good case.

"The initiative is excellent news for Kirkintilloch/Lenzie who are to receive a substantial amount of funding and I hope this will highlight the continued campaign to improve green links and tackle climate change throughout Scotland. I look forward to seeing the results of this innovative pilot project."

SNP Councillor for Lenzie & Kirkintilloch South, Gillian Renwick, said;

"This is excellent news for Kirkintilloch and Lenzie - I am delighted we have shown we have the potential to make this investment work and work well. There are already a large number of commuters who use Lenzie train station and the bus network in the area, but there is potential to develop cycle routes and secure cycle parking for commuters who want to cycle to the station without taking their bike into the city centre. Car parking at the station is at breaking point and this investment will help alleviate that problem.

I am very excited at the possibilities this could mean for our area - cycling, walking, healthier lifestyles, and schemes for genuinely getting people out of their cars - we will not be wasting this opportunity to make our community and safer, healthier and greener place to live."

Notes:
The Scottish Government and seven Local Authorities will have a budget of £15 million to spend on sustainable travel initiatives. £10 million will be made available by the Scottish Government with a contribution of £5 million from the Local Authorities/SWESTRANS.

Barrhead, Kirkwall, Dumfries, Dundee, Kirkintilloch/Lenzie, Larbert/Stenhousemuir and Glasgow East End will now use £15 million of funding to develop a wide range of initiatives such as personalised travel planning, the building of more pedestrianised zones, free trial bus and rail passes and the development of better walking and cycling routes to encourage their residents to use greener forms of travel.

The Scottish Government press release can be viewed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/08/13115854

MSP ISSUES DISABILITY AWARDS CALL TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

Stuart McMillan MSP (West of Scotland) has today urged local people to consider nominating businesses for the seventh annual Scottish Disability and Business Award, presented by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability. The award aims to recognise the Scottish business community’s genuine achievements when it comes to being disability friendly.

Commenting on the Awards

‘There are one million disabled people in Scotland with an annual spending power of £5 Billion. This means that there are real benefits both economically and socially in making our businesses open and accessible to all. That is why I would urge customers, employees and businesses to take part in this years awards.

‘Leonard Cheshire Disability awards demonstrate how small changes can make a big difference. I would hope that businesses here in Inverclyde can add to that testament by showcasing their disability friendly achievements ’.

‘Anyone interested in acquiring a nomination form should either contact my Parliamentary office or Leonard Cheshire Disability directly on 0131 346 9053’.

Notes:

The Scottish Disability and Business Awards are in their seventh year. Previous winners include the Scottish Highlands & Islands Film Commission, HBOS plc and West Lothian College.
For more information about the award contact: Leonard Cheshire Disability’s Policy Officer Ryan McQuigg on 0131 346 9053 or at ryan.mcquigg@lcdisability.org

TELEVISED SCOTLAND GAMES 'SHOULD BE FREE TO WATCH'

A Nationalist MSP spoke out today after football chiefs announced a GBP60m television deal that means the Tartan Army will have to pay to watch Scotland's home games.

The agreement - which runs between 2010 and 2014 - is the Scottish Football Association's biggest ever broadcasting windfall.

Sky Sports will have exclusive rights to Scotland's home internationals, while the BBC will be allowed to show highlights.

But Stuart McMillan, the SNP MSP for the West of Scotland, said it was "astonishing" that the BBC could not find the money to screen Scotland's home games live.

He said: "I understand the SFA look forward to the revenue from these TV deals, however, it is disappointing that neither BBC Scotland nor STV have invested to secure the rights to show Scotland's home games in full on free-to-view television.

"That the BBC will pay GBP200m for Formula One but cannot secure Scotland games in full for terrestrial television is a disgrace.

"I find it astonishing that they cannot find the money to support Scotland's national team."

Last month the BBC Audience Council for Scotland called for Scotland's international qualifying matches to be added to the list of sporting "crown jewels", events that must be made available to mainstream, free-to-air broadcasters.

First Minister Alex Salmond has previously demanded action from both broadcasters and Westminster to ensure that Scotland's qualifying games for the World Cup in 2010 are shown on terrestrial TV.

The Scottish Broadcasting Commission has stated good arguments have been made for adding Scotland's qualifiers for the World Cup finals and the European Championships to the protected list of events.

Mr McMillan said: "The Scottish public want to see Scotland's World Cup qualifiers on free-to-air television, a view backed up by the work of the Scottish Broadcasting Commission.

"The SNP will continue to lobby Westminster to add Scotland's international qualifiers to the list of sporting crown jewels."

http://mediapointscotland.press.net/article.jsp?id=4977546

McMillan Congratulates Inverclyde Pupils

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today congratulated secondary school pupils in Inverclyde on their excellent exam results.

This year saw an 8 per cent increase in pupils gaining one Higher or more, six per cent increase in pupils gaining three Highers or more and a three per cent increase in pupils gaining five Highers from last year’s results.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I would like to congratulate pupils in Inverclyde on their achievements in both Higher and Standard Grade exams.

"It can be a nervous time waiting for exam results and I hope the pupils get the results they deserve, which will stand them in good stead for their future plans.

"This year’s exam results were the most successful since the current exam format was introduced in 2000 and I have no doubt that teachers, parents and most of all pupils, in Inverclyde should be extremely proud of the achievement.

"I wish every pupil the very best of success in whatever they go on to do next".

McMillan Welcomes grant for Ocean Youth Trust

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the announcement that Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) has received a grant of £120,865 towards employing a new volunteer co-ordinator. The funding has been given to OYTS from the Scottish Government through YouthLink Scotland, the National Youthwork Agency.

Mr. McMillan said;

" This is great news that Ocean Youth Trust Scotland is receiving support through YouthLink Scotland. It allows them to look after their current volunteers and to recruit and train new ones who can then provide Adventure Under Sail to more young Scots.

" I was fortunate to witness first hand, the excellent work of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and the sheer enjoyment the young people had gained from their experience of being crew on one of the OYTS yachts. The young people gain valuable life skills and learn to work as a team which I believe will stand them in good stead for the future.

" I wrote to the Minister for Enterprise urging for further support for OYTS and I am glad they are continuing to be recognised for their hard work and dedication. Alongside this, I am keen to lend my support in seeing the yachts being based within Inverclyde for the foreseeable future.

" I know OYTS is working closely with Riverside Inverclyde and are in the process of putting together a business plan examining the feasibility of creating a permanent new headquarters at Victoria and East India Harbour. This is something I welcome and look forward to seeing the outcome.

· Stuart McMillan’s question and the Minister’s response can be found in full at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-08/sor0612-02.htm#Col9650

· The Scottish Government URC funding announcement can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/12/24091849

Date of Lodging: 30 May 2008

Short Title: Launch of the Alba Endeavour

S3M-02029 Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament welcomes the recent launch of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland’s new boat, Alba Endeavour, by the Minister for Children and Early Years in Greenock; acknowledges this exciting launch of a 72 foot yacht which is to be used to inspire young people; notes that the Ocean Youth Trust hopes to welcome 1,300 youngsters on board its fleet, alongside Alba Ventura and Alba Explorer, and further notes that these voyages are aimed at inspiring young people through the challenge of adventure under sail by introducing them to sailing, seamanship, cooking and cleaning.

McMillan visits Carers Link

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) yesterday visited Carers Link in East Dunbartonshire to see first hand the excellent work the volunteers and staff do in offering the best quality of life to residents of East Dunbartonshire. Carers Link provide information to Carers, their families and to people who may work with Carers. This ranges from one to one support, group support and raising awareness about carers.

Mr McMillan said;

" I was pleased to take up the opportunity to visit Carers Link in East Dunbartonshire and see the excellent services they provide to carers throughout the area.

" The ethos with which they operate is refreshing to see in that they treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times. I think this is very important and goes a long way to strengthening the role of Carers Link.

" The organisation offers a wide range of support such as group support and one to one support which I think is very important. This allows carers to feel that they have someone readily available to listen to their concerns and offer advice when required, which I believe acts as an important link."

Picture attached: Stuart McMillan MSP with staff from Carers Link, East Dunbartonshire

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has recently visited an addiction recovery centre in Kirkintilloch to find out how they address the problem which many people suffer with in East Dunbartonshire. The centre aims to relieve the needs and preserve and protect the health of people in East Dunbartonshire who have, or have had, a life controlling addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling or other such addictions with a view to improving their conditions of life.

Mr McMillan said;

" When I received the letter from the Addiction Recovery Centre in Kirkintilloch I was more than happy to go along and witness first hand how they aim to treat people's addictions.

" As a member of the Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group on Drug and Alcohol Misuse I felt it important to visit this project and meet the people who are battling their addictions. I have visited The Haven and Turning Point which are also organisations which treat drug and alcohol misuse.

" I would like to commend the efforts of all those volunteers and staff, most of whom are recovering addicts themselves, who offer advice and support to people trying to recover from an addiction and re-gain control of their lives.

Picture attached: Stuart McMillan MSP with Seamus Harkin; Volunteer Co-ordinator, staff and recovering addicts.

McMillan welcomes Woodhill Primary School's award for languages

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the recent announcement that Woodhill Primary School has received a European award for Languages. Woodhill Primary School in Bishopbriggs was the only Scottish school to receive a European Award for Languages at a high-profile, prize-giving ceremony hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald in London this week.

Mr McMillan said;

"This is excellent news to hear that Woodhill Primary School has received such a prestigious European award for languages.

"The fact that the school was the only Scottish school to receive such an award on helps to reinforce the achievement of the pupils who have worked very hard on their project called Passeport santé et citoyenneté or Passport to citizenship and health.

" With the pupils learning French I am sure this will stand them in good stead for the future and encourage them to be outgoing.

" I was happy to put down a Parliamentary motion to acknowledge this excellent achievement and wish them every success for their future endeavours."

Date of Lodging: 31 July 2008

Short Title: Woodhill Primary School, Bishopbriggs, Wins European Award for Languages

S3M-02355 Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (SNP): That the Parliament
congratulates Woodhill Primary School in Bishopbriggs on receiving a European award for languages at a prize-giving ceremony hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald in London; acknowledges that Woodhill Primary School was the only Scottish school to receive such a prestigious award; notes that 12 awards were presented to schools with outstanding language initiatives to recognise creative ways to improve the quality of language teaching, motivate students and make the best of available resources, and further notes that the Woodhill Primary School project was called "Passeport santé et citoyenneté" or "Passport to citizenship and health" and involved pupils learning French through blogs and podcasts centred around the themes of good health and citizenship as part of an Anglo-Franco-Scottish project.