McMillan Welcomes Scottish Government Delivery at NHS Hospitals

Stuart McMillan MSP and Councillor Innes Nelson, have welcomed the news that patients have received over 400,000 treatments at NHS hospitals and units which were threatened with closure under the previous Scottish administration and subsequently saved by the SNP government.

The figures have been revealed in a written parliamentary answer provided to Christina McKelvie MSP by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon. Since 1997, there have been a total of 405,516 treatments or attendances at Monklands and Ayr Accident and Emergency departments, the cancer units at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, the Vale of Leven and Inverclyde maternity units, and neurosurgery units in Aberdeen, Tayside and Edinburgh. All of these facilities had the threat of being closed or downgraded hanging over them before the 2007 Scottish elections.

Mr McMillan said;

"These figures entirely vindicate the Scottish Government's decision to keep these healthcare facilities open and show the SNP's commitment to keeping healthcare local has really paid off.

"The SNP will continue to stand up against the cuts consensus of the other parties in order to protect the frontline health services that matter most to the people of Scotland.

Councillor Innes Nelson said;

"In the past three years, thousands of patients across Inverclyde have benefited from treatment being kept closer to home. For patients and families dealing with child births not having to deal with the additional stress of long journeys and time away from home will have been particularly important.

McMillan Welcomes Funding to Tackle Harmful Drinking

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that many more Scots will receive help to tackle their harmful drinking habits this year, thanks to Scottish Government funding to tackle alcohol misuse.

Scotland's health boards will share £36 million pounds to implement a range of measures designed to help people address their excessive drinking, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced today.

The allocation for Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which encompasses the Inverclyde area, is over £9m.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the news from the Scottish Government that it is committing £36m to tackle harmful drinking in Scotland and this equates to £9m for the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

"As everyone is fully aware Scotland's drink problem is significantly worse than the rest of the UK and radical action is needed to address this important health issue.

"Therefore, the current action taken by the SNP Government to invest in tackling alcohol misuse through this investment of £36m and the Alcohol Etc. (Scotland) Bill are strong examples of this Government focusing on addressing Scotland's relationship with alcohol.

"I note from correspondence I have received from the Chief Executive of Greater Glasgow and Clyde that he supports an introduction of minimum pricing on the unit sale of alcohol. Therefore, its disappointing to see that opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament continue to defy health experts, who are calling for the introduction of minimum pricing, and wont support the Scottish Government's proposals to introduce minimum pricing."

McMillan Speaks in Scottish Parliament Debate on the Economy

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has spoken in the Scottish Parliament Economy debate.
During his speech Mr McMillan raised a number of issues including the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), shipbuilding and capital funding.

Mr McMillan said;

"The bottom line is that every person in Scotland and the UK is up to their eyeballs in debt. It is not so much personal debt—although some people are, of course—but the debt built up by two chancellors who threw money around like confetti with little regard for the return on investment.

"They (Labour party) also threw virtually £32 billion of PPP money around, which we in Scotland will be paying back for decades.

" I grew up in Port Glasgow and remember the 1970s, when being outside a shipyard when the hooter went was frightening, as thousands of men and women poured out. When Thatcher came to power, she hammered the final nail in the coffin for the shipyards in Inverclyde.

"The Liberal Democrats do not have much of a record to defend from London but, only yesterday, Homes for Scotland slammed their proposals to add VAT to new-build homes.

"We have had enough of Gray's guff, Tavish's tosh and Annabel's amnesia. Some members will say that Scotland is too poor, too wee and too stupid to be independent.

"I say that Scotland simply cannot afford to remain as part of this bankrupt Britain and that our economy needs to continue to move forward with more economic powers."

McMillan Welcomes Reopening of Grant-making Programme

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from Lloyds TSB that they have reopened their grant-making programme. The Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland are now inviting charities to apply for funding from the £2 million available for 2010.

This year’s main grant programme will be named ‘The Henry Duncan Awards’ in honour of the Reverend Henry Duncan who founded the first Trustee Savings Bank – which ultimately led to the establishment of the Foundation – 200 years ago this year.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the reopening of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland and the opportunity this will bring for charities in Inverclyde to apply for funding.

"It was vital this funding stream was reopened as it was a great avenue for charities to apply for much needed support during these difficult economic times.

"I would encourage local charities in Inverclyde to visit the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland website at http://www.blogger.com/www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk".

McMillan Welcomes Boiler Scrappage Scheme

Stuart McMillan MSP,(SNP) has welcomed the announcement today by Scottish Government Housing Minister Alex Neil of the commencement of the boiler scrappage scheme for Scotland.

From Monday 24 May, households will be able to apply for a £400 voucher to replace inefficient boilers which convert less than 70% of energy into heat. Around 5,000 households are expected to be able to replace their old boilers with greener energy-saving models, reducing heating costs by around a quarter.

Mr McMillan said:

"This year’s Scottish Government budget made a commitment to introduce a boiler scrappage scheme for Scotland. That commitment is now being fulfilled, with this £2 million investment to help households cut costs and carbon and reduce fuel poverty.

"Being stuck with an old, unreliable, inefficient boiler is a big expense for households, but so is upgrading to a new one. The cashback vouchers that people will be able to apply for through the boiler scrappage scheme will not only help to offset that expense, but also lead to savings of around £190 a year on wasted fuel costs.

"The business that will be created for recession-hit heating and plumbing contractors will be an additional bonus.

"This is another major investment by the SNP government which will simultaneously help to support businesses, cut costs for hard-pressed households, create more energy efficient homes, reduce carbon emissions and cut fuel poverty in Inverclyde and across Scotland."

McMillan Welcomes Stranded Passengers Helpline

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the launch by the Scottish Government of a helpline dedicated to ease the return for travellers.

The service will be available to travellers stranded overseas, and to concerned relatives calling from this country and will complement the FCO helpline which will remain the main point of contact for travellers needing specific assistance while overseas.

Mr. McMillan said;

"While passengers should still check with their airline for specific information this helpline will offer general advice that may be helpful to stranded travellers and their families.

"This includes contact details for airlines and travel operators and the latest information issued by travel operators. The service will also provide general advice on related issues such as how relatives may transmit money to travellers abroad.

"It is a worrying experience for many with loved ones stranded abroad so it is vital that people have quick and up-to-date information when they face such severe travel disruption.

"The homecoming helpline, which is 0800 027 0504(from overseas + 44 800 027 0504), will provide a first point of contact for people who have questions about their situation, or that of their relatives stranded abroad. It will point them to the right course of action and give them up-to-date information about the extra capacity being provided by rail, coach and ferry operators, and the developing air traffic situation."

McMillan Welcomes Shortlist for Gourock-Dunoon Ferry Service

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that four companies have been short listed to deliver the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service for the next six years.

The companies are:

Cowal Ferries Ltd

Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd

Clyde Marine Services Ltd

Highland Universal Securities

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the news from the Scottish Government that four companies have been short listed to take on the Gourock-Dunoon ferry service for the next six years.

"It's good to see healthy competition for this route.

"This should see a better deal for both the Gourock and Dunoon communities as well as the passengers who will use the route.

"I believe one key aspect to the route will be the staffing arrangements and what will happen to the existing staff at both Gourock and Dunoon. Gourock being more prevalent as it is the main Cal Mac Headquarters with many more staff.

"Therefore, I am keen to hear more information about the tendering process and what it means for those staff currently employed by Cal Mac."

McMillan Welcomes Major Recycling Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government’s major campaign to encourage more recycling in Inverclyde.

The Zero Waste recycling campaign will work in partnership with local authorities and grocers to educate the public on how they can do their bit in their local area in the form of nation-wide road shows. Television, radio and outdoor adverts will be seen across Scotland for up to six weeks. A 10 foot blue elephant, taken from the advertising creative, will also tour iconic locations across Scotland to remind people to recycle more items, more often. It will also appear at various supermarkets across Scotland.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The Scottish Government has revealed how good Scotland is at recycling as a nation and this is a record we should be extremely proud of.

"However, whilst we are generally good about recycling household waste, with 67% of newspapers and magazines and 60% of glass bottles currently being recycled, it would be great to see the likes of metal cans, card and plastic bottles reach the same recycling levels.

"I would encourage everyone in Inverclyde to step up to the challenge of recycling more and not only in terms of household waste, businesses and tourist attractions can do their bit too.

"Scotland has a fantastic record on recycling so let’s see if we can go ever further and protect our children, streets and climate for the future".

· The 10 foot blue elephant will appear in a number of iconic locations across Scotland including Falkirk, Glasgow, Paisley, Ayr, Dumfries, Hawick, Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness.
· More information on the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Plan can be found here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/waste-and-pollution/Waste-1

McMillan Supports CSV Grab A Grant Campaign

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West of Scotland) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the announcement by Community Service Volunteers (CSV) that they are offering 2 different awards - SNH Biodiversity grant of £250 and Action Earth awards of £50. These are both aimed at supporting local groups of volunteers to help make a difference to their local environment by carrying out practical work that revolves around improving biodiversity, habitat creation, litter pick ups, bird and bat box siting, pond and woodland renovation and planting.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement by CSV that they are to offer two awards to support local groups of volunteers in making a difference to their local community and environment.

"These awards will help volunteers to improve their surrounding communities and make them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

"Therefore, I would encourage all local groups of volunteers to get involved and contact CSV to see if they can Grab A Grant."

www.csv.org.uk
www.actionearth.org.uk

McMillan Welcomes Jobs Announcement from T-Mobile

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from T-Mobile that they will be strengthening their team at the centre in Greenock.

Mr McMillan received the news in a letter from Ian Pitcher, Human Resources Director, who indicated in his letter that we will be recruiting an additional 20 people. This is on the back of a small increase in staff numbers which will happen in the coming months.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am pleased to hear from T-Mobile that their Greenock team continue to be a critical part of their operation.

"The centre is an important employer for the Inverclyde area and it's vital that it continues to grow and offer employment opportunities.

"Therefore, the response from T-Mobile, to my recent letter, that they are to offer more job opportunities is welcome news for the Inverclyde area.

"I look forward to continuing to receive updates from T-Mobile on their Greenock centre."

McMillan Encourages Inverclyde Spring Clean

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) is encouraging people in Inverclyde to take part in Nation Spring Clean events.

The annual event, which runs throughout April, has a number of clean ups organised in Inverclyde ranging from schools in Greenock to streets in Inverkip.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The National Spring Clean campaign is a great way for everyone to get involved in keeping Inverclyde clean and tidy, and shows a real sense of community spirit.

"It’s also good exercise and benefits all when we can look round at litter-free streets and parks.

"I would encourage people of all ages in Inverclyde to check out the campaign website and go along to an event that’s been organised – or even better, get together with some friends or colleagues to organise their own ‘spring clean’ and register that online too. It’s not too late and anyone who registers a Clean-Up event on the campaign website will be sent a free clean-up pack including tabards, posters, stickers and bin bags.

"We can all make a difference to the area and I’m looking forward to getting along to some events myself".

McMillan Comments on Energy Assistance Package

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today hit out at comments attributed to Duncan McNeil MSP in relation to Scotland's new Energy Assistance Package and related central heating installations in Inverclyde.

Commenting further Mr McMillan said;

"Labour are using figures for calls to the Scottish Government's ground breaking Energy Assistance Package helpline as being the same as applying for a free central heating system. This is plain wrong, a total abuse of statistics and is yet another Labour dodgy dossier. If Mr McNeil does not understand the distinction between calling a helpline and applying for a central heating system it is rather embarrassing for him.

"I am surprised Labour want to compare central heating installations under the old Labour Scottish Executive and the current SNP Scottish Government. The SNP record is far better. The Scottish Government are installing far more systems than Labour. In both 2007/8 and 2008/9 the Scottish Government installed more systems than in any single year under Labour. That has meant installing or upgrading 33,937 heating systems in private housing. In 2008-2009, waiting lists for central heating systems actually fell by more than 40 per cent.

"The SNP Government's Energy Assistance package is therefore delivering record installations but also offers far more than it ever did under Labour. The SNP Government extended the central heating scheme to include those in inefficient homes with children under 5 or disabled children under 16.

"We are also extending this further to households on certain benefits with children under 16, and to people with certain long term conditions.

"The Energy Assistance Package also offers a range of additional support such as benefits checks for those calling to ensure they get all the money they are entitled to, and it also works with energy suppliers to get a cheaper, lower tariff for those categorised as fuel poor. This has led to nearly 10,000 people saving £1.6m thanks to the benefits checks an increase in pensioner income by on average £26 a week and families with children have been helped to claim an extra £42 a week on average."

(1) Table 1.1 shows Council population. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/03/24121531/1
(2) Link shows installations by Local Authority area
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/default.aspx?pq=S3W-32144
(3) Scottish Government release on benefits checks from EAP
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/03/18135909

McMillan Welcomes Fall in Prescription Charges

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today (Thursday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that prescription charges fell again today and this is the last reduction before they are abolished entirely next year.

The new charges will see a single prescription charge fall by GBP1 to GBP3.

A four-month prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) falls by GBP3 to GBP10 while a 12-month PPC is now GBP28, down GBP10.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement by the Scottish Government that prescription charges have be reduced, once again, and they will soon be phased out.

"The SNP Scottish Government has delivered on its promise to remove prescription charges and maintain healthcare as free at the point of need.

"Removing the prescription charge will ensure that cost is no longer a barrier to those needing to take the medication prescribed to them."

McMillan Welcomes Climate Challenge Funding for East Dunbartonshire

Stuart McMillan MSP, (West of Scotland, SNP) has today (Thursday) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government that the final tranche of Climate Challenge Fund has been announced and it will support 90 community projects throughout Scotland.

One of those projects to benefit from the funding is Baldernock Cut the Carbon, East Dunbartonshire, who is to receive £57,900 which is hoped will equate to 299.00 tonnes of Carbon Reduction.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the announcement by the Scottish Government that it is continuing to invest in tackling climate change and providing funding to green projects.

"The Carbon Climate Fund has empowered local communities to tackle their carbon emissions at a local level.

"Therefore, it is great news to hear that Baldernock Cut the Carbon is to receive £57,900 of funding from the Scottish Government and its hoped that with this support they will be able to greatly reduce CO2 emissions."