MSP and Councillor Welcome Cashback for Community Funding for East Dunbartonshire

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP ) and Councillor for Twechar John Jamieson have today (Monday) welcomed the news that East Dunbartonshire has received nearly receive £20,000 worth of funding through the Cashback for Communities Youthlink scheme. Of the projects to benefit from the funding were Twechar Youth Group who received £3,433. Other groups to benefit were Bishopbriggs Youth Café, the Lennoxtown Initiative, Bearsden Muslim Association

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear of the organisations in East Dunbartonshire that are to receive funding from the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities scheme.

" The Cashback for Communities scheme allows the money to be invested in youth projects which will give our young people a purpose and direction in their lives.

"I am sure the money will be welcomed by all the organisations and it will play an important role in giving our young people more opportunities."

Councillor Jamieson said;

"I am pleased for all the organisations in the East Dunbartonshire area which received funding from the Cashback for Communities scheme, especially Twechar Youth Group who are in my ward.

"This funding is vital to helping organisations survive and giving our young people further opportunities within the communities they live.

"I look forward to seeing the benefits this funding will bring to Twechar and East Dunbartonshire."

McMillan and First Minister Welcome OYTS to Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYTS) to the Scottish Parliament building for First Minister Question Time (FMQ's) and a tour of the building. The group were invited to the Scottish Parliament building by the First Minister Alex Salmond MSP and OYTS Ambassador Stuart McMillan MSP.

During their time in the Scottish Parliament the OYTS, along with Riverside Inverclyde's Chief Executive Bill Nicol, were shown round the building, attended FMQ's, and met the First Minister in his office.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to welcome the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and Riverside Inverclyde to the Scottish Parliament building for a tour and to attend First Minister Question Time.

"It was a tremendous opportunity for the organisation to meet the First Minister and highlight to him the excellent work they do with adventure under sail.

"I was also pleased that some of the young people were able to attend the Parliament visit and make the First Minister aware of the benefits of sailing and joining the OYTS.

"I know the First Minister got an excellent appreciation of the excellent work the OYTS do and all the young people who have benefited from this opportunity."

Nick Fleming, Chief Executive of OYTS said;

"It was great for Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and the young people to be able to come to the Scottish Parliament and meet the First Minister.

"It's important that we showcase the excellent work that OYTS undertake and highlight the positive aspect this has on the young people's lives.

"Therefore, meeting the First Minister was an ideal opportunity to promote the organisation and for him to hear first hand the work that we do."

McMillan Asks How Brown Got it so Wrong

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has raised questions in the Scottish Parliament as to how Gordon Brown could get the measure of the banking system so wrong.

During a debate on the Finance Committee’s debate on scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s draft budget for the forthcoming year Mr. McMillan looked to a Mansion House speech given by then Chancellor Gordon Brown on 20 June 2007.

In this speech he spoke about a ‘new world order’ being created, ‘the beginning of a Golden Age for the city of London’, and highlights ‘the flexibility and vigilance against complacency’, yet within a matter of weeks HSBC received £750m from its Far East operations and the recent National Audit Office report highlights that the authorities were aware of the potential weaknesses at HBOS.

The debate in Parliament looked at the Scottish Government’s draft budget following details published of the spending cut to Scotland by the London Labour Government and follows the publication of the Westminster Government’s pre-budget report Mr. McMillan said;

"It is puzzling to me as to how Gordon Brown could have gotten it so wrong.

"While he applauded the bankers on their ‘efforts, ingenuity and creativity’ the world financial system was ready to collapse.

"When he congratulated the ‘Lord Mayor and the City of London on these remarkable achievements, an era that history will record as the beginning of a new golden age for the City of London’ did he know he was going to have to bail out most of the City or did he just ignore that?
"The arrogance of this speech is typical of the Labour Government and now we have a pre-budget report that is bad news for many in Scotland. The plan to cut Scotland’s budget will be worse than previously thought and I’m sure everyone can appreciate £814 million is far too much to lose.

"The pre-budget report makes for grim reading for many with the Treasury risking recovery instead of producing a plan which will protect jobs, encourage growth and ensure front line services. This is down to multiple failures by the UK Government from Gordon Brown’s time as Chancellor to his successor’s desperate attempt to backtrack furiously over historical mistakes.

"As I said in the chamber I’m sure the next knock at the door of the Chancellor will not be Carol Singers singing festive songs and looking for donations, but will be the IMF offering a handout.

"Gordon Brown was out of touch in 2007 as Chancellor and he is out of touch now in 2009 as Prime Minister. He appears to have abandoned his principles in favour of talking up an industry that has failed the people of Scotland.

"He may have flattered bankers in June 2007 but he certainly can’t flatter the Scottish public who are now paying for his mistakes and Scotland can no longer afford to be part of this bankrupt union".

McMillan is Dreaming of a Green Christmas

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is encouraging people in Inverclyde to have a green Christmas by reducing the amount of waste produced and recycling wrapping paper and cards.

Top tips for a Greener Christmas include:

* Send e-cards to friends and family or use recycled paper
* Replant or recycle your real Christmas tree
* Remember to turn off your fairy lights and appliances
* Reuse carrier bags when out shopping
* Buy local, seasonal unpackaged food and reduce food waste
* Use park and ride facilities when heading to the shops

Mr. McMillan said;

"Christmas should be a time of celebration and cheer, yet it can also be a time of over indulgence and excess waste which has a huge impact on our environment and contributes to climate change.

"With the Copenhagen Climate Change summit taking place just now these issues are higher on the agenda and I hope people in Inverclyde take heed of the key messages.

"There are a few simple changes we can all make to have a greener Christmas from replanting real trees to recycling our wrapping paper.

"When buying your Christmas dinner, avoid wasting money on unwanted food and choose seasonal, local produce from your turkey to your sprouts.

"I would encourage everyone in Inverclyde to take a moment this Christmas to think about the impact of our actions on the planet. If we all make an effort we can make a dramatic difference, without giving up the fun of the festive season".

LABOUR’S FAILED FINANCING SCHEME ‘DISHONEST’ - SNP BUILDING SCHOOLS & HOSPITALS WITH PROPER INVESTMENT NOT MORTGAGES

Commenting on remarks made by the chairman of the Scottish Council of Economic Advisers, George Mathewson, at the Scottish Parliament's Economy Committee where he described Labour's preferred capital financing system as 'dishonest and expensive', committee member

Stuart McMillan MSP said:

'George Mathewson has a wealth of experience in the world of finance and his comments reveal how badly Labour got it wrong with their preferred financing regime of public private partnerships.

'They have left a legacy of debt for future generations to pick up and the SNP is right to bring in alternatives.

'Labour's failed financing regime is leaving Scotland with a burden of ridiculously high repayments - set to reach a billion a year .

'In contrast it is the SNP which is building schools and hospitals with a proper investment system not the mortgage scheme Labour supports.

"As today's unemployment figures show it is the SNP Government which has the right approach to improving Scotland's economy whilst the London Labour government's policies leave the UK lagging behind."

McMillan Welcomes Council's Action on Providing Sign Language Information

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) welcomed the news that Inverclyde Council has become one of the first local authorities to make sign language available on its website. Mr McMillan has since lodged a motion of congratulations in the Scottish Parliament which he hopes will receive cross-party support.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to hear the news that Inverclyde Council has taken the step of introducing sign language information on their website.

"I believe this is a forward thinking initiative which the Council should be congratulated for. Therefore, I was more than happy to lodge a motion of congratulations in the Scottish Parliament.

"I would also like to congratulate the work of Inverclyde Council on Disability (ICOD) for their efforts in making sign language on the Council's website possible.

"I now hope other local authorities will follow Inverclyde Council's example and introduce some form of sign language information on their website."

Scottish Parliament motion lodged by Stuart McMillan MSP;

S3M-05397 Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (Scottish National Party): Inverclyde Council Provide Information in Sign Language— That the Parliament welcomes the news that Inverclyde Council is one of the first local authorities to make sign language available on its website; notes that the council has been in discussions with the local deaf community and Inverclyde Council on Disability (ICOD) on how to implement this initiative on their website; further notes that the interpretations have been produced by a local deaf youth group, Open Doors Media Project, the members of which have completed their media skills training at James Watt College; acknowledges the forward thinking actions of Inverclyde Council to have sign language available on its website, and congratulates all those involved in making this possible.

McMillan Welcomes Cabinet Secretary Commitment to Inverclyde Flooding Help

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the assurances from the Environment Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead MSP that the Scottish Government remains committed to provided assistance to flood affected area.

Asking a question in the chamber Mr. McMillan highlighted the lack of action by Inverclyde Council on flood risk management until recently.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The lack of action on flooding in Inverclyde has been obvious for some time now and I am in no doubt that the Flood Risk Management Act passed this year by the Scottish Parliament has influenced the more recent action.

"The Cabinet Secretary agreed with me that the lack of action by Inverclyde Council until recently has been unfortunate. He also stressed that the onus to support communities affected by flooding is on the local authority and I hope Inverclyde Council take that on board

"The funding provided by the Scottish Government to tackle flooding so far has been far more than the previous executive and I am only too aware of the problems in Inverclyde that need attention. This is being considered now and I hope to see some constructive outcomes in the near future".

McMillan Welcomes Continued Support for Minimum pricing

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed continued support for minimum pricing after receiving a response letter from the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GG&C), Robert Calderwood.

Mr Calderwood stated in his response of 23rd November that, the introduction of minimum pricing will have a positive impact on Scotland's workforce by improving its health and reducing the number of work days lost due to ill effect of alcohol. It's Parliament's responsibility to do what it can, through legislation and setting an example.

Mr McMillan's letter to the Chief Executive of NHS GG&C follows on from a letter he received from Mr Coutts at NHS Highland outlining his support for the introduction of minimum pricing.

Mr McMillan said;

"Greater Glasgow and Clyde have some of the most serious problems with alcohol in Scotland. Recent figures showed the death rate from alcohol to be way above the UK average in all parts of the city and the west of Scotland.

"We must listen to the experts on this issue and I welcome this response from the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

"This is an issue that should rise above politics and focus on our health. NHS Glasgow and Clyde clearly understand that the introduction of minimum pricing can play an important role in tackling alcohol problems in Scotland.

"Minimum Pricing is no silver bullet but with supermarkets selling four bottles of beer for £1 it has a clear and vital role to play in ending the irresponsible behaviour of these shops and encouraging responsible behaviour among Scotland's drinkers.

"Greater Glasgow and Clyde join ACPOS, Strathclyde Police, the licensed trade association, NHS Highland and growing numbers of health professionals as well as members of the drinks industry in backing minimum pricing.

The support for minimum pricing to tackle the cheap booze culture in Scotland is growing and now that yet another health board has made public it's support for this action I hope opposition parties will reconsider.

"Alcohol abuse costs the Scottish economy an estimated £2.5bn a year and as such the introduction of minimum pricing in Scotland can be an important step in tackling this very real problem."

McMillan writes to Ofgem over Energy Supplier Charges

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Member of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has today (Wednesday) written to Ofgem, who regulate the energy market, in connection with recent media reports which allege that five of the largest energy suppliers in the UK have broken the rules over new licence conditions, which set a cap on how much more pre-paying customers can be charged than those paying by direct debit.

The National Housing Federation (NHF) claim that Scottish Power, British Gas, Scottish and Southern Energy, npower and E.ON breached new licence conditions.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was disturbed to read the recent media reports which allege that five of the largest energy suppliers in the UK have broken the rules over new licence conditions set on how much they can charge pre-paying customers compared to those paying by direct debit.

"If this is the case the breach will have a detrimental affect on some of the poorest people in society and hit them hardest in their pockets.

"Therefore, I have since lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament to highlight this matter and have also written to Ofgem to ask that they investigate this as a matter of urgency and, if such as breach has occurred, for them to take appropriate action."

Notes for editors:

Scottish Parliament motion lodged by Stuart McMillan MSP;

S3M-05311 Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (Scottish National Party): Energy Suppliers Accused of Breaking Rules Designed to Protect Customers— That the Parliament notes with concern recent media reports that suggest that five energy suppliers have been accused of breaking rules that are designed to protect the poorest customers; notes that the National Housing Federation claims that Scottish Power, British Gas, Scottish and Southern Energy, npower and E.ON breached new licence conditions, which set a cap on how much more pre-paying customers can be charged than those paying by direct debit; believes that this will affect some of the poorest people in society and hit them hardest in their pockets, and therefore urges Ofgem to investigate this as a matter of urgency and rectify this situation as soon as possible.

McMillan Welcomes Support for Farmers Markets

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that Scotland's farmers' markets are to receive more than £200,000 funding over three years.

The Scottish Government have confirmed £120,000 to develop and grow farmers' markets around the country with an extra £97,000 to help individual markets.

It is hoped that the support will increase the number of farmers involved in markets, boost sales of local produce and expand the number of venues across the country, including making markets a more permanent shopping fixture in our communities.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to hear the news from the Scottish Government that more than £200,000 of funding is to be provided to farmers markets in Scotland.

"I had the opportunity to visit Kirkintilloch Farmers Market during the summer recess as part of my summer tour and I know how much of a contribution they make to the local economy and in the promotion of local produce.

"The diverse nature of stalls is a credit to the farmers market scene and reason why so many people buy goods from them.

"I hope this funding will strengthen the position of farmers markets throughout the country as I believe they play an important part of in the community and showcase local produce and talent."

Farmers Markets (West of Scotland)

5. Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent announcement of £200,000 funding for farmers markets, what support will be provided to farmers markets in the West of Scotland region.

(S3O-8842)

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment (Richard Lochhead): Farmers markets and producers from across the whole of Scotland will have the opportunity to take advantage of the additional support, guidance and advice that will be made available through this exciting collaborative initiative. The funding will go to the Scottish farmers markets development partnership, which will help local producers to develop markets for their products and will encourage growth of the farmers market sector throughout Scotland.

Stuart McMillan: I fully welcome the announcement. Over the past few months I have visited farmers markets in Kirkintilloch and Greenock, and I have learned a lot about their contribution to communities and economies. Will the cabinet secretary ensure that, when any funding is distributed, areas that might not necessarily be viewed as traditional farming communities, such as Greenock and Kirkintilloch, are fully considered?

Richard Lochhead: I should mention that the funding will go towards creating a number of posts that will help to further the cause of farmers markets, hopefully in all parts of Scotland. I recommend that the member contact the Scottish Association of Farmers Markets and discuss with its members their plans for his constituency.

McMillan Welcomes Inverclyde Alzheimer Support Group to Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed Alzheimer Scotland's Inverclyde dementia support group to the Scottish Parliament for a tour of the building and the opportunity to sit in the visitors gallery and watch proceedings.

Mr McMillan invited the group to the Parliament after recently attending the Alzheimer café which meets at Wellpark Mid Kirk. Alongside this, Mr McMillan recently signed the Charter of Rights for People with Dementia and their Carers and gave the opening speech to a Dementia Conference in Inverclyde on 5th June which coincided with Dementia Awareness Week.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was delighted to invite Alzheimer Scotland's Inverclyde dementia support group to the Scottish Parliament building and offer them a tour and to witness the proceedings from the visitors gallery.

"Since my first meeting with the group, in May 2009, I have been able to work closely with the members and was delighted to give the opening speech at the Dementia Conference in Inverclyde on 5th June and to also visit the Alzheimer café at Wellpark Mid Kirk.

"Alongside this, I was proud to sign the Charter of Rights for People with Dementia and their Carers when it came to the Scottish Parliament.

"Therefore, I was more than happy to invite the members to the Parliament and show them around the building as it is their parliament and it's important to give people the opportunity to witness it first-hand.

"I hope the members had an enjoyable visit and I am sure I will continue to work closely with them in the future."

Vaughan Jones, Dementia Support & Development Worker - Inverclyde said;

"The Inverclyde Dementia support group were delighted to have the opportunity to visit the Scottish Parliament and I know the members thoroughly enjoyed their time in Edinburgh.

"We value Stuart's interest and support and look forward to working closely with him in the future."

McMillan Encourages Small Businesses to Contact Energy Saving Trust

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) encouraged small business in Inverclyde to contact the Energy Saving Trust to see if they are eligible for small business loans of £1,000 to £100,000 to help them to install renewable energy technologies or measures that reduce energy their consumption.

The scheme is aimed at Scottish businesses that fall within the EC definition of Small and Medium sized Enterprise (SME), private sector landlords, not-for-profit organisations and charities.

Mr McMillan said;

"I would encourage small and medium sized businesses, landlords and charities to contact the Energy Saving Trust to see if they are eligible for support to reduce their energy bills.

"It's important that businesses are aware the Scottish Government is committed to helping them through these difficult economic times and that there is funding available to help them reduce their energy consumption and operate greener.

"Therefore, its vital that businesses make contact with the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 to see what support is available to them."