MSP and Councillor Welcome More Funding for Scottish Councils in Tough Times

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) and SNP Group Leader at Inverclyde Council Jim MacLeod have today (Monday) welcomed the announcement by Finance Secretary John Swinney of a £12 billion package of funding for local government in 2010-11.

The announcement means that Inverclyde will see a 7% increase in Total funding per head of population from 2009/10 to £2399 in 2010/11.

Mr McMillan and Councillor MacLeod also warned that this increase was threatened by Labour’s declared intention of reinstating the GARL project in the Scottish budget – a fixation for which they have avoided declaring exactly where the money will come from to pay for it.

Commenting Mr McMillan said;

"This is a particular achievement for John Swinney and shows how the SNP is delivering locally for all of Scotland in what are particular tough times.

"I welcome the news that Inverclyde is to receive a boost of funding per head of population of some 7% in 2010/11 from the figures in 2009/10.

"The London Labour government’s imposition of £500 million in the current recession has meant difficult choices have had to be made and today’s announcement shows how the SNP believes in protecting the funding of frontline services.

"However a threat to this spending comes from Labour’s continual fixation on wanting the GARL project reinstated to the Scottish budget. Since they have failed to say what would be cut to pay for it, then it can only be concluded that Labour threaten this settlement for local government."

Councillor MacLeod said;

"We have seen an increase in funding for Inverclyde at a very difficult time, especially in revenue funding where salaries takes up most of this spending.

"This is been against a backdrop of over £500 million of savage cuts from a Westminster government.

"Therefore, I welcome the bold steps taken by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and believe this rise from the Scottish government should help secure frontline services."

McMillan Urges Carers in Inverclyde To ' Care for their Incomes and Pensions'

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Monday) added his support to Carers UK’s national carers’ rights campaign on Friday 4th December 2009.

There are over six million unpaid carers in the UK who provide care and support to family, friends and neighbours, providing unpaid care worth an estimated £87 billion each year. The Carers Rights Day campaign, run by Carers UK, seeks to increase the take-up of benefits and raise awareness of carers’ rights and the support that they may be able to get in order to protect their pensions. It might be the Carer’s Allowance, council tax discount, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit that makes a difference.

Mr McMillan said;

"It’s a real concern that carers in Inverclyde may not be getting all the help they are entitled to.
Carers are fulfilling a vital role in society and without them the NHS and social care system would not be able to cope.

"It is essential that they are given information about their rights so that they get the support they need in order to plan for their futures."

Carers Scotland urged carers to get in touch with its Adviceline (0808 808 7777 or http://www.carersuk.org/) to receive a free booklet. Carers can also pick up booklets in their local Lloydspharmacy store.

Patrick Begley, Director said, "Many people assume that we will all automatically get a state pension, but you don’t. Pensions are built up from National Insurance contributions over the years. Many carers haven’t been able to make those contributions because of gaps in paid work and, despite their huge contribution to our society, there is a real risk that they will end up with less pension in their retirement. That is why it is so important they get advice and take steps to protect their pensions."

To coincide with Carers Rights Day, Carers Scotland and Carers UK are publishing two new resources to help carers with advice, Caring about your pension and Looking after someone: A carer’s guide to rights and entitlements.

Carers can order the two resources in a number of ways:
· Visit http://www.carerscotland.org/
· Call Carers UK’s freephone hotline on 0808 808 7777
· Email adviceline@carersuk.org.
· Visit any Lloydspharmacy store. To find local stores visit http://www.loydspharmacy.com/

McMillan and Renwick Welcome New Lairdsland Primary

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that a new primary school is to be built in Kirkintilloch.

The primary school element of the first tranche of the new school building programme will see 21 new school building projects across 19 local authorities with Lairdsland Primary the first in East Dunbartonshire.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This announcement shows just how committed the Scottish Government is to reversing the trend of under investment and neglect in Scotland's school estate seen in previous decades.

"Teachers and pupils in Kirkintilloch will benefit from this investment and I am delighted the engagement process with COSLA and East Dunbartonshire Council has resulted in Lairdsland Primary being identified as the school to receive funding here".

Councillor Gillian Renwick added;

"I am delighted for the teachers, pupils and parents of Lairdsland Primary they have fought for a very long time for better facilities at their school, this is fantastic news for them.

"The school isn't fit for purpose and literally crumbling to pieces, but that hasn't stopped the teachers and pupils fostering a great school spirit which is being rewarded with a brand new building.

"This is such a boost to the community and another example, along with the Town Centre Regeneration Funding, of how the Scottish Government are supporting East Dunbartonshire. We look forward to more in the future".

McMillan and Brooks Welcome New Lilybank/Glenburn School

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that a new school is to be built in Inverclyde.

The primary school element of the first tranche of the new school building programme will see 21 new school building projects across 19 local authorities with Lilybank and Glenburn merging in Inverclyde.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This announcement shows just how committed the Scottish Government is to reversing the trend of under investment and neglect in Scotland's school estate seen in previous decades.

"Teachers and pupils in Inverclyde will benefit from this investment and I am delighted the engagement process with COSLA and Inverclyde Council has resulted in the Lilybank and Glenburn facilities being identified as the school to receive funding here. A new state-of-the-art facility bringing together the pupils of these two schools will be a fantastic investment for the future.

"This announcement follows on from the question I raised in the Scottish Parliament chamber last week in which I urged the pupils of such schools not to be used as a political football. The needs of pupils in Inverclyde, and in this case those with additional support needs, should be put first.

"The Cabinet Secretary for education stated; ‘political posturing by any party in that context can sometimes hamper rather than support education’.

"I fully agree with her and would urge all sides to now work together to ensure the new Lilybank/Glenburn school is built to suit the needs of pupils and teachers.

"I look forward to seeing the new school in due course and am sure everyone in Inverclyde will welcome this decision from the Scottish Government".

Cllr Keith Brooks added:

"This is fantastic news for Inverclyde and I am delighted by the action the Scottish Government has taken.

"Once again the Scottish Government is showing its commitment to Inverclyde by delivering for the pupils of Lilybank and Glenburn.

"Action for these schools was required and the Scottish Government are set to deliver. I look forward to seeing this new school being built and benefiting pupils in Inverclyde."

McMillan Comments on East Dunbartonshire Recycling Rates

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) commented on the recent publication of recycling rates for local authorities by Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) whereby East Dunbartonshire has improved its recycling rate to 34.4% between July 2008 and June 2009. However, it is to be noted that East Dunbartonshire is still behind the national average of 35.2%.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's good to see that East Dunbartonshire has slightly improved its recycling rates from 32.8% in the period of April 2008 - March 2009 to 34.4% in the period of July 2008 to June 2009.

"However, as you will see from the figures it demonstrates that East Dunbartonshire is still behind the national average and therefore has some way still to go.

"I hope the local authority will continue to build on these figures and I also encourage residents in East Dunbartonshire to do their bit and recycle when possible."

Link to reports on Scottish Environment Protection Agency website - http://www.sepa.org.uk/waste/waste_data_menu/waste_data_reports/landfill_allowance_scheme_repo.aspx

McMillan Comments on Flooding Chaos

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Monday) commented on the continuing deluge of rain which is seriously affecting Inverclyde and now in particular the Inverkip Power station slip roads. Reports have indicated that there have been heavy downpours of rain which is flooding the slip roads at the power station site and making the travel by road treacherous

Mr McMillan said;

"The continued downpour of rain over Inverclyde has made some of the roads much more difficult to navigate safely and is causing lengthy delays for residents.

"Therefore, the news that the Inverkip power station slip road is flooding only serves to highlight how much of a problem flooding in Inverclyde is.

"Added to this, the proposals to develop some 780 new properties on the power station site will only lead to further traffic problems in the area and if the downpours continue like they are tonight it will be difficult to navigate the roads safely with potentially another 1,500 cars using the network.

"I would urge Inverclyde Council's Planning Committee to bear this in mind when they are considering the planning application to the power station site and that all committee members should ask themselves if they think the current infrastructure can cope with the added traffic implications in such severe weather conditions."

McMillan Responds to Queens Speech

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has given his take on the Queen’s speech from Westminster on Wednesday 18 November.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is less of a legislative programme and more of a closing down sale by a tired Government that has run out of time.

"There should now be unanimity for the proposals from the Calman Commission such as air weapons, drink-drive and speed limits, the running of Scottish Parliament elections, and the prescription of controlled substances, along with borrowing powers. The Scottish Government has already published the Scottish Parliamentary Orders needed for the transfer to Holyrood of responsibilities specified by the Calman Commission it is now time for Westminster to do their bit.

"If the Labour party are serious about more responsibilities for the Scottish Parliament the speech should have included actual legislation before the General Election which must be called next year.

"The Calman Commission backs these powers, the opposition parties in Westminster back these powers, the Scottish Government backs transferring these powers – it seems the only people holding Scotland back are Gordon Brown and Jim Murphy.

"Anything less than a full commitment to transfer powers to Scotland ahead of the General Election will expose the Calman Commission as a deceit practised on the people of Scotland - who will take them seriously then?"

McMillan Welcomes Better Flood Warnings

Stuart McMillan MSP has welcomed today’s (Tuesday 17 November) announcement that further action will be taken to give communities better protection from the increased risk of flooding.

Mr. McMillan has campaigned on flooding issues for Inverclyde continuously and is pleased new research will examine the best way to present flood warnings to the public, local authorities and emergency services.

The move is the latest by the Scottish Government to tackle flooding in Scotland following the passing of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act by Parliament earlier this year and due to commence later this month.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is great news from the Scottish Government to improve flood prevention and protection measures and follows recent flooding across parts of Inverclyde.

"Flooding can have a devastating effect on homes and families so it is crucial that when floods are forecast, warning information is relayed quickly and effectively.

"The Scottish Government already provide funding for SEPA to continually improve flood risk warnings and it recently launched a new national campaign to increase public awareness of how to access information on flooding.

"This is just another in a long list of measures the Scottish Government have put in place to protect people from flooding, and I hope local authorities will also accept their responsibility on this matter".

McMillan Takes Part in Inverclyde 'Make A Difference Day'

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has recently taken part in the 6th 'CSV Make a Difference Day' by volunteering at Barnardo's at West Blackhall Street, Greenock.

The annual event which took place on 31st of October 2009 was looking for innovative ideas to get schools, young people and workplaces involved in cleaning up the community. Ideas that have been carried out before include:

* Cleaning up eyesores and neglected waste from your surrounding area .

* Carrying out 'random acts of kindness' such as doing something for someone who's less able than you.

* Starting a local campaign for something you care about.

* Arranging collection boxes for old glasses, mobile phones and stamps.

Each participant in this year's event can claim for a free action pack to get them started, which can be found by visiting the Make a Difference Day website.

Mr McMillan said;

" I was delighted to get involved in this year's CSV Make a Difference Day and look forward to hearing more about all the new activities and ideas that people came up with. Since it landed on Halloween, I'm sure they were innovative and fun.

"This was a marvellous opportunity to show how communities such as Inverclyde can pull together and create another successful Make a Difference Day.

"I'm sure this year's event was the best yet and I hope as many people as possible were able to get involved and make a difference."

MSP WELCOMES SCOTLAND'S FOOTBALL CROWN JEWELS ON FREE TO AIR TV

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has today (Friday) welcomed news reports that Scotland's international home and away qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championships and the Scottish Cup final are to be shown on free to air television.

Mr McMillan has previously raised this issue with the UK Department for Culture concerning what they call the sporting "crown jewels" pointing out research for the Scottish Broadcasting Commission which showed a majority of Scots support Scotland's international football matches being available on free to air television. As a candidate for the Scottish Parliament in 2007 he also tabled a petition seeking important Scottish international matches.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear that Scotland's international football qualifying matches and the Scottish Cup will be shown on free to air television.

"It is ridiculous that for many people the only way to watch such games is to go to the pub often leaving our young footballers of the future unable to see the match and putting pressure on parents already stretched budgets to sign up to satellite or cable stations.

"There has been a lot of support from the public in Scotland for international matches to be shown on terrestrial television and I know a lot of the fans are in favour of such a proposal.

"I now hope the Minister for Culture will implement these suggestions and allow the greatest number of people possible see Scotland international football matches from the comfort of their home."

MSP and Councillor Welcome Successful Kirkintilloch Town Centre Bid

The news that Kirkintilloch has submitted a successful bid to the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund has been warmly welcomed by Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and local Councillor Gillian Renwick.

The Successful bid was received in the second round of funding to give the town centres a vital economic boost.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is great news for the whole of East Dunbartonshire, as well as Kirkintilloch.

"The Scottish Government recognises the important role town centres play in the community and have introduced this funding to give areas a boost of cash and confidence.

"This will undoubtedly help Kirkintilloch to develop a thriving local economy which is more able to adapt to modern markets as well as serve the local community.

"I am delighted that Kirkintilloch has received this funding from the Scottish Government and I know the money will help develop the appearance of the town centre.

"Once again the SNP Scottish Government is delivering for East Dunbartonshire."

Councillor Renwick said;

"I am delighted Kirkintilloch is to receive this money from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

"There were three projects highlighted within the town to receive the cash these include, the demolition of the town hall annexe building, preparation work for development on the Kirkintilloch Initiative Glasgow Road site, and the third project was for ground improvement works at the Auld Kirk Museum.

"This money will bring other financial investment into the area along with jobs which in turn stimulates the area’s economy – fantastic news before Christmas."

McMillan Raises Gourock - Dunoon Ferry Issue in Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Thursday) raised in the Scottish Parliament the issue of the Gourock - Dunoon ferry crossing. This is on the back of the recent news from the European Commission that the ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon town centres can continue – subject to a tendering exercise.

Mr McMillan said;

"On the back of the recent announcement by the European Commission that the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service can continue I felt it important to raise the matter with Scottish Government Ministers to ask what action they will now take.

"The news that the service can continue and will be unrestricted, rather than the current one per hour service, is welcomed and a major boost for residents on both sides as the ferry crossing is a vital link.

"I was delighted to hear that the Minister for Transport has opened dialogue with shipbuilders in Scotland in connection with possibly tendering for any new builds that may be required for the route and that he specifically mentioned Ferguson of Port Glasgow in his answer.

"Alongside this, I hope the Scottish Government will now engage with the European Commissioner for Competition Policy to enable a smooth process in the tendering exercise so that the link can continue and offer a vital service to the people of Gourock and Dunoon."

McMillan Responds to High Hedges Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) responded to the Scottish Government consultation which sought the views of constituents throughout Scotland on how neighbourly disputes over high hedges can be resolved more effectively.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to be able to make a submission to the High Hedges consultation as I have been contacted by a number of constituents who have raised serious concerns about the current practice when it comes to dealing with neighbourly disputes over high hedges.

"I feel this is a very important consultation as the current methods and practices for dealing with high hedge disputes are somewhat limited.

"I believe the suggestion that the Scottish Government undertake research into the effectiveness of mediation, to look at how the process could be strengthened is a positive step.

"Let's hope the Scottish Government take onboard the concerns of constituents on this important matter. Therefore, strengthening and supplementing current practices to deal with
high hedge disputes is vital."

McMillan Welcomes Extra protection for vulnerable groups

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that a new scheme that will better safeguard vulnerable groups and end the need for people to complete detailed application forms every time a disclosure check is required.

The scheme will:

• Improve on current disclosure arrangements by replacing the need for multiple 'one-off' checks - which currently cost £23 a time - with a system that continually updates relevant information.
• Ensure that people who become unsuitable during their employment are quickly identified.
• Allow employers to check records quickly and easily while reducing the time and cost demands on individuals when their circumstances change.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to see the Scottish Government has acted to address the current issues with disclosure checks.

"I know from speaking to constituents that the cost of re-applying for a new disclosure check every time they apply for a new position, within social care or the voluntary sector for example, can be very costly and off putting.

"The actions taken by the Scottish Government, I hope, will serve to strengthen the support that is available for vulnerable children and adults throughout East Dunbartonshire."

Notes:
Scottish Government release - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/11/10103419

McMillan Speaks in GARL Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today (Wednesday) spoken in the Scottish Parliament Members' debate on the Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL).

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak in the Members' debate on the GARL project.

"The costs of GARL were rising long before the SNP came to power from £140m, to around £160m, then to the Tavish Scott answer to this Parliament on 16th March 2006 – "the Glasgow airport link is on target to cost £170m to £210million".

"Therefore, It is obvious that the costs for this project were wholly underestimated from the outset and as a result not sustainable.

"Glasgow has done and still is doing very well from this SNP Government. It is getting the best share of resources, more so, than any other mainland local authority, so the political campaign of poor Glasgow isn’t factually accurate.

"In the future, let’s have a GARL. Let’s have a GARL to be proud of and one we can shout about which actually will take people off the roads as compared to 11 passengers per train. And let’s have a GARL that isn’t a symbol of inadequacy and no ambition."

McMillan with Provost Lawson at Poppy Scotland reception

McMillan Welcomes More Help for Fuel Poor

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that rule changes to the £60 million Energy Assistance Package will help more fuel poor households.

In future, households with a band E energy performance rating will benefit as well as those in band F and G by, where appropriate, insulation and heating system upgrades will be made available to eligible households.

Proposals for new regulations to bring in the new eligibility criteria will be laid before Parliament over the next few weeks.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This will be welcome news for many households in Inverclyde/East Dunbartonshire who are now eligible for energy assistance from the Scottish Government.

"It is also great news that councils and housing associations across Scotland will also receive an extra £2.5 million this year to insulate cavity walls and lofts for tenants in social housing.

"It is a terrible situation to be in whereby many families are struggling with unaffordable fuel prices that can mean a choice between cooking the dinner and keeping the house warm.

"That is why extending the eligibility criteria for the Energy Assistance Package will help families in Inverclyde/East Dunbartonshire who are feeling the effects of the economic situation just now.

"I would urge anyone interested in receiving assistance to pick up the phone or go online to find out more. The freephone number is 0800 512 012 and the web address www.energyassistancepackage.com.

My office would also be happy to help anyone with any queries about energy efficiency and can be contacted on 0141 889 9519".

McMillan Comments on Further Greenock Flooding

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has commented on the flooding over the weekend around the Broomhill area.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Yet again the inclement weather means this part of Greenock has suffered further flooding.
"If the watercourse around the area was cleaned out properly and continuously maintained flooding here would be less likely.

"Once again Greenock is suffering and with indications showing flooding could be a more regular occurrence due to climate change we must ensure everything is done to prevent Greenock residents and businesses suffering any devastating consequences".

Cllr Jim Grieve added;

"I know that Inverclyde Council are waiting for the flooding report for the whole of Inverclyde which I’m sure all residents will look forward to with interest.

"However, I feel it would be beneficial for residents in Greenock to know what the contingency plans are in the meantime in order to protect homes and businesses from what could be a costly event".