McMillan Slams Opposition Parties for Voting Down Budget

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has tonight reacted angrily to the outcome that the Scottish Parliament Budget Bill has been voted down by opposition parties. This outcome means the Scottish Government will have a reported £1.8bn shortfall on the amount of cash that they would have been entitled to spend if the Budget had passed.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am deeply angered that Labour Liberal and Green parties have decided to play party politics with the Scottish Budget and jeopardise the funding mechanism which will see schools, roads and hospitals from being built.

"During these difficult economic times I find it appalling that the Labour, Liberal and Green parties are willing to vote down the Budget and potentially cost the people of Inverclyde to miss out on some £29.9 million in lost revenue.

"The people of Inverclyde will also be deeply angered by the voting down of this budget, as those on Council Tax Band D could potentially have an increase of £246.79 to their 2009/10 rates.

"Alongside this I am personally disappointed with this outcome of the Budget Bill due to the hard work that has already gone into the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill. This Bill which I have read through the Justice Committee may be at risk due to the ill-thought out actions of Labour, Liberal and Green politicians.

"I'm sure the people of Inverclyde will see this act by the opposition parties for what it really is, a shameful let down for Scotland and a lost opportunity to tackle the many problems we face during these difficult economic times."

McMillan Offers Support for Restoration of Barony Chambers

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today written a letter to the Chief Executive of Historic Scotland to ask that they look favourably on the proposals put forward by East Dunbartonshire Council, who are seeking financial support to undertake essential repair work to the Barony Chambers Building, Kirkintilloch.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to be asked by East Dunbartonshire Council to offer my support to this worthy cause, which will hopefully lead to the Barony Chambers Building in Kirkintilloch being restored to its former glory.

"The building in Kirkintilloch is a Grade B Building of Special Architectural and Historic Interest and is locally significant as its located in a key position in the town centre.

"I hope Historic Scotland will look favourably on the proposals put forward by East Dunbartonshire Council and offer the financial assistance required to bring the building to repair.

McMillan Supports Winter Warmth Message

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) is urging people worried about their energy bills or about keeping warm enough this winter to follow the advice of Energy Action Scotland, the charity working for warm, dry homes.

In its winter warmth campaign, Energy Action Scotland says:

Ø Be Energy Efficient: Make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Get advice about easy and inexpensive ways you can save energy, for example by draughtproofing or by using appliances in a more economical way. You can also find out about making your home or your heating system more energy efficient, perhaps with cavity wall insulation or a heat pump. Contact the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

Ø Check Benefits or Tax Credit Entitlement: Many people don’t realise they can increase their income by claiming the benefits or tax credit they are entitled to get. The extra income can be very helpful when the winter energy bills come in. Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

Ø Get the Best Energy Deal: Find out if you can get a better deal from your electricity or gas company. Sometimes you can save money by switching to a different tariff or selecting a different way to pay your bills. Some companies also offer special services, like social tariffs, for certain groups of people. Check out what’s available for your needs via the Home Heat Helpline on freephone 0800 33 66 99.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's important that constituents are made aware of all the organisations which are available to help them with their energy bills.

"Through energy efficiency, better tariffs and making sure that all benefits to which people are entitled are being claimed, you can make a real difference to your energy bills."

McMillan Welcomes Support for Housing Industry

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today welcomed the latest steps being taken by the Scottish Government to help ease the challenges facing Scotland's house building industry and its commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing.

The plans will see East Dunbartonshire benefit from part of the three million pounds being made available to accelerate site starts. It will also get a share of the 3.7 million pounds that will fund land purchase by housing associations for future developments.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today that seventeen million pounds will be invested to speed up the delivery of affordable housing.

This latest phase of accelerated funding will allow housing associations to purchase unsold stock from the private sector as well as land on which future affordable housing can be built. It will also help to get planned projects on site earlier than anticipated.

On the announcement, Mr McMillan, said:

"I am delighted that the Scottish Government has again demonstrated it’s commitment to the Scottish house building industry

"Once again the Scottish Government has shown it is ahead of the rest of the UK in providing for the country's businesses and helping households deal with the impact of the economic downturn. It has shown an awareness of the need to provide affordable housing as quickly as possible and is exactly the kind of decisive action needed to assist Scots during these tough economic times.

"This latest phase of funding will help to kick-start construction work in East Dunbartonshire and offer a helping hand to our hard pressed construction workers at a time when they need it most".

McMillan Highlights Council Tax Freeze Benefits

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has highlighted the benefits to the council tax freeze in Scotland as opposed to the increase in England.

The projected hike by 3.5-4% by council’s in England is an above inflation increase in stark contrast to the fully funded council tax freeze being offered by the SNP Government for the second year in a row.

Mr. McMillan said;

"These rises in England show how important the Scottish Government's offer of a council tax freeze is.

"For the second year in a row the Scottish Government is helping households in Inverclyde keep their bills down and make it through the tough times ahead.

"The increases in council tax in England are a stark reminder of the decade of council tax rises suffered under Labour and a reminder of why the unfair council tax must be scrapped.

"The Scottish Government is putting in £70 million to fund this tax freeze.

"Alongside further reductions in prescription charges and slashing business rates to zero for 120,000 businesses the SNP is working hard to put money in people's pockets.

"With increased investment announced in hospitals, dental centres, transport and enterprise projects, affordable housing to maintain jobs in construction and a budget that targets economic growth, the SNP is taking action to ensure Scotland can weather the economic downturn".

McMillan Welcomes More Support for Struggling Homeowners

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed today’s (Wednesday’s) news that the Scottish Government is to provide even more funding to support Scottish homeowners that are struggling to meet their mortgage repayments in the current economic climate.

An extra £10 million will be invested in the Home Owners’ Support Fund, taking the total up to £35 million over the next two years. The fund will be used to support an improved mortgage to rent scheme and a new mortgage to shared equity scheme, helping homeowners stave off the threat of repossession and eviction from their homes.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Many homeowners in Inverclyde are facing a hard time keeping on top of their mortgage repayments in the current economic climate. The last thing anybody wants to see is hard working families losing their homes, which is why the action being taken by the Scottish Government is so important.

"Through a mortgage to rent or mortgage to shared equity scheme the Scottish Government is committed to providing much needed support to families in the economic downturn.

"The SNP Government has been consistently ahead of the rest of the UK in providing much needed support of this nature, and I am glad that we have this commitment for additional resources to increase the protection available to homeowners".

McMillan Welcomes £28m Funding to Fight Drugs Scourge

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed a Scottish Government announcement which will see funding increase for health boards to tackle the scourge of drug addiction across Scotland.

In particular Mr. McMillan welcomed the increase in spending for treatment in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board with 2008-09 spending at £8,422,000 and 2009-10 increased to £9,558,970.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is good news for individuals and communities in Inverclyde affected by drug misuse.

"The funding will be invested into frontline drug services and help health boards and their partners increase their funding to voluntary organisations. The extra cash will help those seeking assistance receive the treatment they need - and quickly.

"In 2007 the Scottish Government said they would develop and agree a long term national strategy to tackle the scourge of drug addiction in Scotland. This funding continues to show the Scottish Government are delivering on that promise.

"There are no short term fixes to the problems of drug misuse in Scotland but this announcement goes some way to tackle the problems head on".

McMillan Welcomes Serious Organised Crime Taskforce Success

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has welcomed the success of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce.

Figures released today (Monday) show police involved in co-ordinated operations against serious organised crime which have resulted in the arrest of 473 people since September last year.

They have also seized drugs with a street value of nearly £13 million, including nearly 50,000 kg of Class A drugs and 42 firearms.

Mr. McMillan said;

"These successful operations show that the police and other law enforcement agencies are working hard to put the criminal gangs out of business.

"However, they are also a stark reminder of the threat these gangsters continue to pose to our citizens and the communities they live in.

"Alongside this the forthcoming Justice and Licensing Bill will include measures to target those people who direct crime or those who turn a blind eye to it and those who knowingly live off it.

"The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that there is no hiding place for organised criminals in Scotland making Inverclyde a safer place to live".

McMillan Comments on Prison issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and Member of the Justice Committee has lodged a Parliamentary motion on the issue of the name for the new prison in Bishopbriggs.

Mr McMillan said;

"I felt it necessary to lodge a Parliamentary motion on this important issue on the back of recent reports and feedback from constituents in East Dunbartonshire.

"It is important to remember 'HMP Bishopbriggs' is the working title being used by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and a final name has not yet been decided. This is why I wrote to the SPS to seek a meeting with them to discuss their proposals.

"I believe this meeting, which is of the utmost importance, will take place in the near future. At the meeting I will put forward the views I have read and received from constituents, that they are against naming the prison HMP Bishopbriggs and the SPS should resort to calling the prison HMP Low Moss".

McMillan Welcomes College Refurbishment

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that the £2.6m refurbishment of the James Watt College campus in Greenock is to be completed next month. The funding has come from the Scottish Government who have accelerated capital investment in Scotland's Further and Higher Education sectors.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to hear the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Fiona Hyslop MSP was able to visit the Campus and witness first hand the refurbishment work that is being carried out. This is excellent news for James Watt College and all the building users who will benefit from the refurbishment to the facilities.

"This announcement highlights the Scottish Government's continued investment in education and Scotland's future. Bringing forward capital investment has allowed the Government to help organisations and businesses during these difficult economic times.

"I look forward to meeting the Principal next month to see first hand the refurbishment work carried out on areas such as the entrance door and refectory at the College's Finnart Campus in Greenock"

McMillan Concerned About Closure and Privatisation to Postal Services

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today condemned plans to privatise Royal Mail. It is reported that Labour MP's are planning to rebel against plans by the Westminster Government to partially privatise Royal Mail.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am very disappointed to hear the news that the Westminster Government are planning to privatise parts of the Royal Mail.

"Once again the Westminster Government is not listening to the views of ordinary members of the public. They have their blinkers on and Lord Mandelson seems to be trying to push through a policy which will inevitably lead to a run down of the service and substantial job losses.

"Many of the problems currently faced by Royal Mail have arisen through previous attempts at privatisation, not least because the Westminster Government has allowed competition in the most profitable mail services while Royal Mail have to pick up all the difficult and complex delivery work with no additional income.

"Strong action is undoubtedly needed but it is needed to support the traditional values of the Post Office and especially to protect the Universal Service Obligation which ensures that all areas receive a comprehensive door-to-door service.

"Privatisation is not the answer. What we need is a long term strategy which will protect postal services and allow them to flourish".

McMillan Urges Constituents to Apply for Central Heating Programme

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) along with Scottish Gas is urging householders to apply for the Scottish Government’s Central Heating Programme.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The current Central Heating Programme ends in March this year so it’s urgent that those who currently qualify apply as soon as possible. All you have to do is call the freephone number 0800 316 1653.

"Under the scheme, pensioners in Inverclyde who have broken or inefficient systems could benefit from a replacement system, and a more efficient system could help to cut energy bills.

"Especially during this time of economic difficulty this is a welcome measure for many who may be struggling with energy bills in Inverclyde.

"An extra £10 million has been invested into the Scottish Government’s Central Heating Programme this financial year to install more than 14,000 central heating systems this year before the current Programme ends.

"It’s a simple application form taken over the telephone and anyone aged 60 years or over who owns or privately rents their home may qualify if they have never had a central heating system; or if they have a system which is broken beyond repair and are aged 60 to 74 years and are in receipt of guarantee element of Pension Credit or aged 75 years or over; or they have a partial or inefficient system and are in receipt of the guarantee element of Pension Credit, or are aged 80 years or over.

"A free, optional, benefits entitlement check offered as part of the Central Heating Programme has already ensured many householders have received an additional weekly income. This is a welcome boost at a time when fuel, food and other domestic bills are rising".

McMillan Comments on Blocked Miners Claims

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has spoken out against the UK Government after it emerged Labour Ministers have spent up to £5m in legal fees fighting the claims of sick miners – a figure which is likely to double by the time cases reach court.

As many as 1,000 former miners suffering from coal miners knee, Osteoarthritis, and chronic lung disease from dust inhalation were not included in previous compensation schemes and are being forced to take their battle to the courts.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I don't think our former mining communities, such as those in East Dunbartonshire thought they would see the day when a Labour government would rather pay lawyers to block claims, than pay compensation to miners left with industrial injuries.

"The last thing we need is a long drawn-out legal process. It would be far better for the UK Government to treat these miners fairly and honourably by paying them what they're owed, instead of wasting tax-payers' money on years of expensive litigation.

"Action is needed now, or some of these miners who are suffering will have died by the end of such a process.

"This is just one more example of the UK Government turning more Tory by the day.

"Many miners in East Dunbartonshire have been affected by this, and the UK Government should take heed of the recommendations made by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council and allow these miners to claim benefit from the Industrial Injuries Disablement Scheme".

McMillan Welcomes Scottish Government Budget

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today welcomed the Scottish Government’s proposed budget focusing on maintaining economic growth.

Details released in the budget proposals today include increases in capital spending for the coming year.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This budget is essential to providing people in Inverclyde with support in the face of personal financial uncertainty.

"It shows the Scottish Government is taking real and important action to see Scotland through the tough times ahead.

"Essential support for small businesses is a priority as business rates are slashed with over 1,200 small firms in Inverclyde having their rates reduced to zero next year by the Scottish Government.

"More police on our streets will help residents in Inverclyde feel safer in their community and further reductions in prescription charges will benefit all.

"With the Scottish Government giving local authorities the opportunity to freeze council tax for a second year running the Government are doing all they can, with the powers at their disposal, to help families and businesses.

"I hope all parties will support this essential investment in Scotland's economy and public services".

McMillan Welcomes News Inverclyde Leading the Way in Business Start-Ups

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news that Inverclyde has become the most entrepreneurial area in Scotland, according to new research released by The Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks (CSCB). The area has seen an increase of 40% for the number of new businesses launched in quarter three of 2008, the most recent statistics available.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to hear the recent news that Inverclyde is leading the way in business start-ups which have seen an increase of 40% of new businesses launched in the third quarter of 2008.

"This is excellent news for the area and will be a vital stimulus for the local economy providing much needed jobs.

"It's important that businesses continue to invest in Inverclyde as this will help the area to develop and expand. Many constituents are struggling to meet their financial payments during these difficult economic times. I hope the expansion of businesses in the area will offer some hope and employment opportunities for the people of Inverclyde."

McMillan Secures Flooding Meeting

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has expressed his delight at securing an important meeting on flooding in Greenock.

Following the meeting request SEPA and Scottish Water have confirmed they will meet Mr. McMillan in Greenock to discuss the problems.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am delighted SEPA and Scottish Water have responded in such a positive manner to my request for this meeting.

"Following the terrible state of Inverclyde after the last bout of flooding just before Christmas it is imperative something is done about the situation.

"I look forward to meeting their representatives in Greenock in the coming weeks and for the opportunity to show them specific sites affected.

"I hope this meeting will signal progress in the flood defences in Inverclyde and look forward to the upcoming Stage one debate in the Scottish Parliament on the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Bill".

McMillan Welcomes Fewer Drink Drive Arrests

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today welcomed figures showing a marked decrease in the number of drink and drug drivers during the Strathclyde Police’s Festive Road Safety Campaign.

The total number of arrests for the campaign, which began on Monday 8th December 2008, stands at 280, compared to 394 during the same period last year [1].

Mr. McMillan said;

"Drink and drug driving continues to be a major cause of deaths and injuries on the roads, especially over the festive period. This reduction in the number of arrests in the Strathclyde area is obviously great news for Inverclyde.

"This decrease marks excellent progress in the Scottish Government’s commitment to a safer Scotland, which of course extends to road-safety.

"There is still work to be done as every drink and drug driving arrest is one too many. As such, the Scottish Government believes that the drink driving limit should be reduced from 80 mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood to make Scotland’s roads further safer and will continue to put pressure on the UK Government to reduce the limit.

"This is an excellent start to the New Year and marks the continued commitment of the Scottish Government, alongside Scotland’s police forces, to a safer Scotland".

McMillan Welcomes Funding for Employability Projects

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the news that Inverclyde is to benefit from receiving substantial funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The funding will allow for economic development to continue in the area.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to see that Inverclyde is to receive a share of the funding from ESF and ERDF. This funding is vital to continuing the economic development of the area.

"This funding will bring much needed jobs to Inverclyde which are so desperately needed during this tough economic period.

"I look forward to witnessing the benefits for area which will come from receiving £423,600 and £950,683 respectively."

McMillan Comments on London Party Funding Cut Plans

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has commented on the plans by the London parties to cut Scottish spending.

The comments come after Conservative leader, David Cameron, set out his plan to cut spending by £5 billion in 2009/10.

Mr. McMillan said;

"With Labour intent on cutting spending and the Lib Dem’s tax cut policy we now have all three London parties wanting to slash Scottish spending, which would be hugely damaging as the UK moves into the teeth of recession.

"The Tories want to cut Scottish spending by around £500 million this year, Labour want to cut it by the same amount the year after and again the year after that, and the Liberals want to cut spending now with their foolish plan to lop £800m from Scotland's budget by reducing income tax by 2p.

"The Labour cuts alone would mean Inverclyde would lose out on over £16.5 million.

"The London parties' planned cuts in the Scottish Government's budget are indefensible – they intensify the need for Scotland's Parliament to be responsible for all tax and spending decisions.

"If savings need to be made, let's scrap useless and expensive ID cards – and the obscenity of a new generation of Trident nuclear weapons dumped on the Clyde.

"The timebomb of the London parties' cuts is ticking. On behalf of the people and public services of Scotland, the SNP will make this a major issue in Scottish politics in the European and General elections – and SNP success will stop the cuts in their tracks".

McMillan Highlights Flu Jab

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today highlighted the message that its not too late for people to get the flu vaccination. The vaccination is available to:

* Over 65s
* People under 65 in the 'at risk' group - including those with chronic breathing problems (like COPD or asthma), chronic heart problems or diabetes
* NHS healthcare staff.

Mr McMillan said;

"Its important for those who are eligible to receive the vaccination to come forward as soon as possible.

"Receiving the vaccination can play a vital step in protecting those who are vulnerable against the possible consequences of flu.

"Especially, at this time of year when flu bugs are prominent its important for people to take the necessary steps to combat this potential illness."

MSP Recycles Christmas Cards

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today taken the Christmas cards he received during the Festive period to the recycling facility. He is urging all constituents to follow suit and recycle their Christmas cards.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am more than happy to take time out to visit the recycling facility and put my old Christmas cards in the appropriate area.

"I would encourage all constituents to visit their local recycling facility and handover their unwanted Christmas cards.

"This will go some way to help recycling figures and create a greener society for all."

McMillan Has High Hopes for New Year in Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today spoken of his hopes for 2009 whilst reflecting on 2008.

In his New Year message Mr. McMillan said;

"This is the time when we can reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead to the coming year. We have ended 2008 in a turbulent state and I am sure many have watched events unfolding in Gaza reminding us how lucky we are to live in a peaceful democracy. I sincerely hope a ceasefire can be reached soon and before the devastating effects become much worse.

"2008 closes with a great deal of uncertainty for many Inverclyde families as a result of the current economic downturn facing the country and the rest of the world. Many of my constituents are concerned for their jobs and households continue to struggle with sky-high household bills.

"The economic downturn has kept politicians in the limelight but other key political events in 2008 included Barack Obama becoming US President Elect in an historic election that promises a lot of hope for the future. Closer to home the SNP securing a win in Glasgow East to send another MP to Westminster sent a clear message to Downing Street from Scotland. It has not just been politicians on our TV screens. 2008 was a good year for Scottish sport with Chris Hoy and Andy Murray's sporting successes.

"The past year has also delivered social benefits for many in Inverclyde with more free central heating for the most vulnerable and enhanced funding for free personal care for the elderly. We are also well on the way to scrapping prescription charges, an ideal start to getting back to the original principle of the NHS of free personal healthcare at the point of need. From the start of the year we will also see car-parking charges in hospitals across Scotland scrapped.

"Also, abolishing the graduate endowment has re-established the principle of free higher education and introducing free school meals for our youngest school children is also a welcome move giving them the best possible start in life. On our local streets we also finally have more police than we have had for many years.

"The economy will continue to dominate in 2009 with the Scottish Government doing everything possible to help people from the home to the high street during this global downturn. I would dearly love to see the confidence and optimism we as a nation pride ourselves on coming to the fore in the face of the tough times ahead.

"The local council tax freeze helped local residents with their household budgets and the news that Scottish Government Ministers would like to see the freeze on council tax bills extended through 2009 is more good news. The past year has also seen cuts in business rates for thousands of small firms in Inverclyde and this will also be stepped up in 2009.

"I am looking forward to 2009's Year of Homecoming celebrations throughout Inverclyde. It will give us all the chance to celebrate the great achievements and innovations Scotland has given the world with some of the 300 events taking place.

"I wish everyone a prosperous and peaceful new year and look forward to welcoming you to the Parliament, meeting you in the constituency or hearing from you in whatever capacity I am able to do so in 2009".