McMillan Welcomes Government Commitment to Tackle High Hedge Disputes

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the continued commitment by the Scottish Government to tackle high hedge and nuisance vegetation disputes. The response came to Mr McMillan from the Minister for Community Safety in a question raised in the Scottish Parliament chamber (Thursday 25th February).

The consultation on High Hedges and other nuisance vegetation closed on Friday 13 November 2009 with over 600 responses. Mr McMillan was one of those to respond to the consultation on behalf of a number of constituents who raised the matter with him.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the Scottish Government's commitment to address the issue of high hedge and nuisance vegetation disputes throughout Scotland.

"I know, from dealing with constituent correspondence, that this is a major issue which is affecting people's lives and one where action can and must be taken.

"Therefore, I made representations to the consultation, undertaken by the Scottish Government, and I hope they will take onboard the concerns of all those people who responded and bring forward measures to address this issue of anti-social behaviour."

McMillan Welcomes Funding For Thalidomide Survivors

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that £3.4 million has been pledged, over three years, to help Thalidomide survivors in Scotland meet increasing costs as they get older.

The money will help the 55 known thalidomide survivors in Scotland - many of whom are now in their fifties - and their carers to make adaptations in their homes and purchase specialist equipment to enable them to continue living as independently as possible.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement from the Scottish Government that £3.4 million of funding is to be provided to Thalidomide survivors.

"It is important that a commitment was made, by the Scottish Government, to help the survivors of Thalidomide get on with their lives and this announcement demonstrates such commitment.

"I know hope those survivors will be able to move forward and not have to worry about receiving assistance and support as they grow older."

McMillan Welcomes Referendum Consultation

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s consultation on an independence referendum.

Mr. McMillan is also encouraging people in Inverclyde to submit their views to the process.

As well as a decision on Scottish independence, the draft referendum bill proposes to give people in Scotland the option of deciding on whether the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament should be increased. The public consultation will seek views from across Scotland on whether the option for an increase in devolved powers should be based on the proposals contained in the Calman Commission’s report or the alternative of ‘Devo Max’ outlined as part of the Scottish Government’s National Conversation.

Mr. McMillan said;

"Obviously I hope people in the whole of Scotland choose yes-yes when it comes to having their say but there’s no need to wait until then.

"I believe it is only right and proper that people in Inverclyde have their say on the future of their country and this consultation is a step in that direction.

"The Scottish Government have been listening to the voluntary sector, trade unions and businesses all over the country as part of the National Conversation and now even more people have their chance to make their voice heard.

"The importance of referendums on constitutional matters across the UK is clear, with the National Assembly for Wales having voted unanimously for a referendum to extend its powers, and Westminster backing a referendum on reforming the electoral system. There is no reason why Scotland should be treated differently, or less democratically.

"'Yes-Yes' was the winning campaign in 1997 – and will be a winning campaign for Scotland again. The case for an independent Scotland is stronger and more urgent following the economic crisis. It is exactly the powers and flexibility offered by independence that Scotland needs in order to support recovery now, and deal effectively with the challenges and opportunities of the future. But I recognise that there are also those who argue that the responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament should be extended in more limited ways.

"I cannot stress how important it is for people to make their voice heard and I hope as many people as possible in Inverclyde have their say in the consultation process."

McMillan and Nelson Welcome Bus Funding Package

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Councillor Innes Nelson, have welcomed a new funding agreement between the Scottish Government and the bus industry.

The agreement will see the concessionary fare scheme maintained and with effect from 1 April 2011, extended for the first time to include injured services veterans. It will also see new incentives for operators to operate low carbon vehicles, including hybrid buses.

The increased funding package was agreed following discussions between the Scottish Government and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). Funding for the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), which benefits passengers by helping support the bus network and keeping fares affordable, will increase to 66.5 million in 2010-11.

Speaking after the agreement was announced Mr McMillan said;

"Free bus travel has been an enormous success since it began. With this agreement, not only will people continue to benefit in the years ahead, but fares will also be kept as low as possible for everyone else.

A great many people in Inverclyde have benefited from the concessionary fares scheme since it was introduced and this year I'm particularly pleased to see that this is now going to be extended to include injured service veterans.

"As well as supporting the elderly and disabled the SNP are committed to supporting veterans injured in the line of duty. That support for veterans can be seen in a range of public services in Scotland."

Councillor Innes Nelson said;

"This agreement means that older and disabled people will continue to be able to travel for free throughout Inverclyde and Scotland - at any time, on any bus routes, for any number of journeys.

"In these challenging economic times, it is important to protect passengers by minimising fare increases. Reducing emissions from transport is key to achieving our world leading climate change targets and a shift to low carbon buses will make an important contribution to reducing emissions.

"Not only does it give some of the most vulnerable in society a greater degree of freedom, it also gives them a little more cash in their pockets."

McMillan Writes to SPS Over HMP Inverclyde Location

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) written to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) in connection with the location for the new HMP Inverclyde prison.

Mr McMillan said;

"I've read the recent media reports which suggest the new HMP Inverclyde may be built on the site of the former Greenock High School site.

"Therefore, I felt it important to write to the SPS to ascertain when they plan to announce their preferred location for the new prison and what consultation they will undertake with local residents.

"I have asked the Chief Executive to meet with me at his earliest convenience to discuss this matter further."

McMillan Adds His Support to See Me Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Wednesday) added his support to the See Me campaign which aims to tackle the stigma shown by family and friends to people suffering from mental ill-health.

New research has revealed that 47% of people battling a mental health problem cite family and friends as the main source of stigma.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome this new campaign which aims to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health problems that, unfortunately, many people throughout the country suffer.

"It's important that people understand that a person's mental ill-health is only a small part of who they are.

"Therefore, the support shown by family and friends can be one of the most important factors in helping people to recover.

"I hope many more people will show their support for the See Me campaign and upload their pictures and messages of support."

McMillan Welcomes Cancer Waiting Time Statistics

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the latest cancer waiting time statistics, for Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which have been published by the Scottish Government for Q3 2009 (i.e. 1st June-30th Sept).

The Scottish Government have set a target for 95% of patients to be treated within 62 days of urgent referral with a suspicion of cancer. This was to be met by the end of 2011, although NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have already surpassed this target with a 95.7% rate.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to hear that Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board have not only met but surpassed the targets set by the Scottish Government for cancer waiting times.

"I am well aware that NHS staff across the health service work extremely hard and they should be applauded for reaching the high targets this Scottish Government have set.

"I hope this trend will continue and the Health Board can work towards new targets and the ambitious goal set by the Scottish Government to start treatment for all cancer patients within 31 days of their decision to treat."

McMillan Urges Inverclyde to Sign Up to Save A life

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today added his support to the campaign to get Scots to sign up to the Organ Donor Register.

Three people needlessly die each day waiting for a transplant - and all Scots have the power to make a difference.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's important that people in Inverclyde are aware of the Organ Donor Register and they sign up.

"Signing up to the register is a positive commitment and means that someone's life could be transformed by receiving an organ transplant.

"Therefore, it's vital that people in Inverclyde take note of the upcoming campaign and if they feel they are willing to make a difference then they should sign up to the Organ Donor Register."

Notes for editors;

Background

The 40 second TV commercial - Spare Clare - will run on STV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 from today for four weeks. Billboard posters will also be used throughout Scotland.

The campaign also features direct marketing, online advertising and a radio promotion - the Great Donate - which will run on all Scottish Bauer Radio stations.

A leaflet is being sent to GP surgeries, pharmacies and libraries explaining the way the law in Scotland emphasises the importance of fulfilling people's wishes to donate their organs for transplantation. To sign up to the Organ Donor Register, go to: http://www.blogger.com/www.infoscotland.com/organdonor or text LIFE to 61611.

McMillan Acknowledges Funding to tackle Flooding

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) acknowledged the news from Inverclyde Council that they plan to invest £500,000 to tackle flooding problems throughout the area.

Mr McMillan has campaigned, for sometime, to have more money made available to alleviate flood problems and deal with blocked watercourses throughout Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan said;

"It's important that the Council acknowledge that flood prevention within Inverclyde is a very serious issue.

"Therefore, I hope this announcement of funds to tackle flooding will be the starting point and further money will be made available from Inverclyde Council, where possible, to alleviate the problem throughout the area.

"I know my SNP colleagues at Inverclyde Council had proposed to invest, on top of the £500,000, an additional £300,000 of funding to address this important issue.

"I will continue to highlight the issue of flood prevention and the need for drastic action to be taken to clear the watercourses in Inverclyde and create sound flood defences."

Councillor Jim MacLeod said;

"As part of our SNP council budget proposals we had put forward an additional £300,000 to go towards the authority's flood plans.

"If this had been accepted it would have given the council £800,000 instead of the £500,000 proposed by council officials.

"It will of course take more than this sum to try and address a problem in the district that goes back decades and which until now has not really been tackled by past Labour councils."

McMillan To Raise the Issue of 350 Bus Service Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) received a letter from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Head of Community Engagement and Transport, Niall McGrogan in relation to the possible discontinuing of the 350 bus service (from Greenock to Royal Alexandra Hospital) as of the end of March.

In his letter Mr McGrogan states, Despite efforts at re-routing the service and improving the marketing of it, the bus usage remains at one or two passengers per journey. I therefore feel that it is difficult to justify spending such money on this service and may therefore recommend that it is discontinued at the end of March.

Mr McMillan said;

"I note the concerns Mr McGrogan has raised in his letter about the cost of subsidising the 350 bus service and the alleged lack of passenger numbers.

"Nevertheless, I feel it is important to discuss this matter further and make sure all options have been exhausted before a decision is taken to end the service.

"Therefore, I have contacted Mr McGrogan's office to ask that he meets with me at the earliest convenience to discuss this matter.

"I would also be keen to hear the views of any constitutents who use the 350 bus service and what their opinion is of the discontinuing of this service."

McMillan Adds His Support to Damages (Scotland) Bill

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Thursday) added his support to a Members' Bill - Damages (Scotland) Bill. The proposal is for a Bill in relation to rights to damages in respect of personal injuries and death and for connected purposes.

At present anyone pursuing a civil claim for compensation is required to provide detailed records of their families finances so that loss of future earnings and support can be calculated.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to support families who have been affected by work related injury or death. I have a long standing commitment ,especially to those who people with an Asbestos related disease, and believe it is important to support anyone who suffers injury or death by simply going to work.

"Our country has greatly benefited from the tireless work of generations of men and women who made Scotland what it is today. I know this Scottish Government remains committed to fighting for their rights.

"This Bill proposes a formula that can be used to determine financial loss and therefore significantly reduces the burden to grieving families or those who are supporting those who have been injured or disabled.

"Therefore, I call for my colleagues to come forward and give this Bill the support it deserves."

McMillan Raises Flood Prevention Proposal in the Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) raised the idea of allowing people on community service orders to work, where appropriate, to alleviate flooding.

Mr McMillan raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament chamber, with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, in light of the recent use of community service orders to clear the snow during the cold snap in January.

Mr McMillan said;

"With the work carried out by community service teams to clear the snow, during the recent cold snap, I am keen to see this scheme widened and teams allowed to undertake work, where appropriate, to alleviate flooding.

"I have campaigned vigorously for real action to be taken to alleviate flooding in Inverclyde and I feel allowing community service teams to work in areas such a Drumfrochar Road to clear the watercourse would help with flood prevention.

"Therefore, I raised this issue with the Cabinet Secretary for Justice in the Parliament and he has agreed to meet with me to try to progress the issue forward and find further solutions to alleviate flooding."

McMillan Welcomes Inverclyde Council Tax Freeze

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the news that Inverclyde Council are once again freezing the council tax.

Inverclyde council are able to do this following the Scottish Government’s renewed agreement with COSLA, the Local Authorities governing body and will confirm the freeze on 18th February.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I welcome the news from Inverclyde Council that the council tax freeze is to continue.

"We all know there are financial challenges ahead for local authorities due to the cuts to the Scottish budget by the UK Government but this move along with spending programmes throughout Inverclyde is a positive step for the area.

"Low income families especially are being hit with cost saving measures throughout Scotland and continuing to freeze the council tax in Inverclyde will assist them this year".

McMillan Encourages Local Organisations to Get Involved in Gardening

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) urged local organisations and voluntary groups in Inverclyde to get involved in gardening through ScotRail's Adopt a Station scheme. ScotRail's Adopt A Station policy encourages local groups and individuals to put stations at the heart of their communities by restoring a floral presence, and further information can be obtained on the ScotRail website.

Some of the stations in Inverclyde which have benefited from the scheme are Wemyss Bay through the Friends of Wemyss Bay Station and Gourock where the Horticultural Society have expressed interest in getting involved.

Mr McMillan said;

"I would encourage local organisation and volunteers in Inverclyde to contact ScotRail to find out how they can get involved in horticultural activities in and around local train stations in Inverclyde.

"This is an excellent opportunity for local organisations to get out in the fresh air and into their local community and in turn this will help improve the scenery throughout many parts of Inverclyde.

"Therefore, I would encourage anyone or any organisation who is interested to contact First ScotRail and check out their website."

McMillan Urges Support for Community Service Motion

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament that calls for people serving community service orders to be used to help clear watercourses and culverts in areas that are affected by flooding. Mr McMillan cites the recent success of a similar programme being used to remove snow and ice during the winter and has long campaigned for improved flood prevention throughout Inverclyde. Mr McMillan hopes to gain enough support for the motion to be able to be debated in the Scottish Parliament and has raised it with the Scottish Government.

"I have been working on flooding issues in Inverclyde for some time now and I felt it would be useful to look at the issue from another angle.

"For people serving community service orders my proposals may provide an opportunity for them to assist with flood prevention measures, this would mean they are giving something directly back to the community.

"I know that whilst this may not always be possible, as there will be times where specialist equipment and expertise may need to be used, I am sure there will be occasions when people on community service orders could help with some basic aspects of the job.

"I have lodged this motion in Parliament and already it has received some cross party support, I am hoping this continues as I wish to get a Parliamentary debate on this very important issue . It is an issue that I have raised with the Scottish Government and will raise again in the future."

Ends

Notes for Editors:

Please find below the motion by Stuart McMillan MSP

S3M-05668 Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (Scottish National Party): Community Service Assistance— That the Parliament recognises the work carried out during the recent adverse weather conditions by offenders given community service orders; understands that tasks were completed satisfactorily and with obvious community benefit, and would welcome introduction of a similar scheme, where possible, with those people carrying out community service orders assisting to clear out watercourses and culverts where communities such as Greenock and other areas in Inverclyde have been at risk of flooding.

McMillan Challenges Labour to explain vote against boiler scrappage scheme

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) challenged Labour MSP David Whitton to explain why he voted against the Scottish Government’s proposal to implement a central heating boiler scrappage scheme last night after backing calls for such a scheme on his website and calling on the Government to introduce just such a scheme.

Mr McMillan said;

"Only recently Mr Whitton was calling on the Scottish Government to introduce a central heating boiler scrappage scheme to match the scheme which has been rolled out in England.

"With one of the coldest winters in Scotland for decades this is good news for people in East Dunbartonshire. However, Labour has turned its back on this scheme by voting against the budget.

"Considering how Mr Whitton was previously calling for the introduction of a boiler scrappage scheme this backtrack is appalling hypocrisy on his behalf.

"The Scottish Government are committing in full the £2 million Barnett consequentials they received, as a result of UK Government expenditure on its boiler scrappage scheme, to support the Scottish Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

"This will bring together existing schemes to replace inefficient boilers with broader energy efficiency measures.

"Faced with voting for the scheme, they called for, or voting against the SNP Scottish Government they put party politics before the welfare of those people facing fuel poverty."

McMillan Welcomes Decision on Albert Road, Gourock

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) welcomed the news from Inverclyde Council that they are in the process of removing the existing waiting restriction in front of the swimming baths and resite the bus stop to the east of the tenements. The news comes on the back of a consultation that Mr McMillan took with residents asking whether they wanted the markings removed. The majority of those who responded were in favour of the removal of the line marking.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the news from Inverclyde Council that they are to remove the existing waiting restrictions in front of the swimming baths and resite the bus stop to the east of the tenements.

"I undertook a consultation with the residents of Albert Road on this matter and the response I received was overwhelmingly in favour of the removal of the line markings. I shall be contacting all those constituents who responded to the consultation and making them aware of the Council’s response.

"I would also like to put on record the work carried out by Councillor Ahlfeld on this issue.
"The decision by Inverclyde Council to remove the markings is a victory for common sense and the residents of Albert Road."

McMillan Welcomes Funding Boost for Local Post Offices

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) welcomed an announcement by the SNP Scottish Government that £1 million will be made available to help Scotland's local post offices survive the recession and expand their businesses. The funding was secured in a vote in the Scottish Parliament on the SNP Government's budget - which the Labour party opposed.

Describing the funding as a boost for local services in hard economic times Mr McMillan said;

"This announcement shows that the Scottish Government is focussed on protecting important frontline public services in these troubled economic times – even those controlled and often threatened by Westminster.

"£1 million is a substantial amount to help local post offices survive and offer non-post office activities in Scotland. Yet it is something Labour's MSPs voted against in the Scottish Parliament vote.

"It is a significant investment from the SNP Scottish Government at a time of difficult decisions being made by this Government and Parliament.

"While Labour have spent the last few years, at UK Government level, closing post offices the Scottish Government is working hard to keep them open and keep them profitable.

"Post offices play an important role in the life of some communities. As well as postal services, they can provide access to money and banking facilities, support for local shops, and a hub for the community.

"This is reflected in the high value that the Scottish Government and local people attach to their post office.

"The provided by POs to the whole community must be recognised in taking decisions and that is what the SNP Government is delivering with this £1 million fund."

McMillan Speaks in Budget Debate

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) spoken in the Scottish Parliament Stage 3 - Budget Bill debate.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the Scottish Government budget and was happy to take part in the final stage this afternoon.

"This budget will see the provision of funds to, yet again, freeze the Council Tax and introduce a boiler scrappage scheme.

"Added to this, the Scottish Government is maintaining the high level of Modern Apprenticeship (MA) opportunities, making available 15,000 MA places.

"The Scottish Government will, also, add an additional £31m to the housing budget, which is on top of the record £1.6bn over the 3 years of the spending period. This funding comes alongside the news that the Scottish Government is providing 10 million pounds of funding in 2010-11 to help support 7,500 more students in further and higher education and will result in additional college places being created.

"This Scottish Budget aims to tackle the cuts, being imposed by Westminster, to the best of its ability but with more powers this Scottish Government could do even more to assist Scotland’s economic recovery."

McMillan To Hold Energy Advice Surgery

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is to hold an energy advice surgery on Monday 8th February - 14:00 at Port Glasgow Library alongside the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

The surgery will give constituents an opportunity to meet with members of the Energy Saving Trust who will be on hand to offer advice such as measures to make your home more energy efficient to telling people what grants are available for home improvements.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to hold an energy advice surgery alongside the Energy Saving Trust in Inverclyde.

"It's vital that residents are made aware of the home improvements that are available to make your home more energy efficient and also to save you money.

"Only last week it was announced by the Scottish Government that nearly 7,000 people called the Energy Assistance package helpline during the recent cold snap.

"Therefore, I hope residents in Inverclyde will continue to contact the helpline and also stop by the advice surgery I will be holding on Monday 8th February, as this is a great opportunity to find out how to make your home more energy efficient.

Holocaust Memorial Day

In the week of Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January, the Scottish Parliament hosted the Anne Frank: A History for Today Exhibition. Stuart McMillan was one of 70 MSPs who signed up to the Anne Frank Declaration to challenge prejudice and hatred.

Heather Boyce of Anne Frank Scotland said, "I was extremely pleased that so many MSPs and Parliamentary staff from across the political spectrum took the time to see the exhibition, sign the Declaration and reflect on the lessons that can still be learnt from Anne's tragic story."