McMillan Hosts Scottish Boating Alliance Reception in Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism has today (Thursday) hosted an event in the Scottish Parliament building for the Scottish Boating Alliance.

The Scottish Boating Alliance (SBA) is a group of organisations working together to promote boating in Scotland, representing industry, leisure and sporting users, tourist bodies and economic development interests.

Mr McMillan said;

"As Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism I was delighted to host and sponsor the Scottish Boating Alliance reception in the Scottish Parliament building.

"This was an excellent opportunity for people within the sector and also MSP's to come together and discuss how to take things forward and also to further promote boating and marine tourism.

"There is no doubt that this sector plays a vital role in bringing in additional revenue and tourism to Scotland and its vital we acknowledge and recognise this.

"Therefore, I will continue to campaign and promote the boating and marine tourism industry as it has so much to offer, such as the stunning Kip Marina in Inverclyde and Scotland's Canal Capital in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire."

McMillan Highlights Council Tax Payments Issue in Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) highlighted, in the Scottish Parliament chamber with the Minister for Parliamentary Business Bruce Crawford, the issue of millions of pounds of unpaid council tax payments in Inverclyde.

It has been reported that council tax arrears in Inverclyde between 1993 and 2009 totalled £22,498,314.

Mr McMillan said;

"I felt it was vitally important to raise this issue in the Scottish Parliamentary chamber with Government ministers and to make them aware of the situation in Inverclyde, where it has been reported that over £22m of council tax payments have been unpaid.

"As I said in my supplementary question I fully accept that there will be many legitimate cases for non payment of Council Tax and that I would not expect anyone to keep Council Tax records going back 5, 10, or 15 years, however I am keen to know if there is a mechanism whereby best practice can be disseminated in to local authorities with the aspiration of them bringing in higher levels of council tax payments.

"Therefore, its vital local authorities use the mechanisms in place to bring in council tax payments.

"Nevertheless, as my colleague highlighted in the chamber, it would now seem prudent to introduce a system of fairer taxation which directly takes payment from peoples salaries and this is something the SNP have been calling for in the shape of a local income tax based on the ability to pay rather than the outdated and discredited council tax system.

"I hope changes will occur in the taxation system so that we never again see a situation where a local authority has council tax arrears in the tens of millions."

McMillan Welcomes Launch of Engage for Education Website

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the launch of the Engage for Education website (www.engageforeducation.org) which will allow the public their say on key education issues.

The launch took place today at St Ninian's High School in Kirkintilloch on Tuesday 25th May by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Russell and the Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning Keith Brown.

Mr McMillan said;

"It was great to be present at the launch of the Engage for Education website at St Ninian's High School in Kirkintilloch.

"This website is a great opportunity for everyone involved in Scottish education to provide their views and feedback and to make Scottish Government Ministers aware of those views.

"Therefore, I would encourage people to log onto the website and engage in the process of shaping Scottish education."

Boiler Scrappage Scheme Open for Business

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government of the £2m boiler scrappage scheme which will cut household bills.

Up to 5,000 households in Scotland can claim £400 off the cost of a new boiler under the Energy Saving Scotland scheme from today (Monday), giving thousands of people the opportunity to install a greener boiler.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This scheme is a fantastic way to improve energy efficiency and could cut the average household heating bill in Inverclyde by around £235 a year.

"As the scheme operates on a first come, first served basis I would encourage homeowners in Inverclyde to call 0800 512 012 today or visit the energysavingtrust.org.uk website.

"The scheme not only enables people to get rid of old, inefficient boilers it also supports heating industry jobs at a crucial time for the economy".

McMillan Welcomes Inverclyde Awards for All Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Monday) welcomed the news from the Big Lottery Fund that a number of organisations in Inverclyde have received The National Lottery’s small grants scheme funding Awards for All. The funding totalling £2,719,695 to 396 organisations across Scotland will be given to community groups, schools, charities, sports clubs, arts projects and heritage schemes.

Some of those to receive funding in Inverclyde are Inverclyde Carers Centre, Royal Gourock Yacht Club, Port Glasgow Bowling Club and Gourock Park Pre-School.

Mr McMillan said;

"This is excellent news for the many groups and organisations in Inverclyde who have received Awards for All funding which I'm sure will allow them to increase their activities and improve facilities.

"These groups and organisations play an important part in the local community and it's, therefore, vital they receive the necessary support for them to continue and expand.

"I would like to offer all those organisations who have received Awards for All funding the very best for the future."

McMillan Condemns Part-Privatisation of the Royal Mail

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) condemned the news that the UK coalition government will seek part-privatisation of the Royal Mail.

Mr McMillan, who has campaigned against the part-privatisation proposals for Royal Mail, was also a strong campaigner in favour of keeping the Post Office Card Account and saving local post offices in Inverclyde such as the Brougham Street store.

Mr McMillan said;

"I believe part-privatisation would spell the beginning of the end for Royal Mail, and open the door to job losses, service cuts and a deterioration in the working conditions of postal workers.

"As I've said before it's vital we prevent the part-privatisation of Royal Mail as this would be a devastating blow to our local communities as they would suffer from a service built on making profit rather than on the needs of the customer.

"Examples such as the Cathcart Street Post Office in Inverclyde opening longer for postal services highlight the importance local communities place in their post office.

"Therefore, part-privatising Royal Mail will only serve to lessen the service customers receive and we must fight for the retention of the publicly-owned Royal Mail."

Spring Clean Event

.

Stuart at last month's National Spring Clean Event with pupils, teachers and helpers from St Ninian's Primary, Gourock

McMillan Welcomes Improvement in GP Access

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has welcomed statastics published today that show more people are able to see or speak to their GP in Scotland within 48 hours.

The GP Patient Experience Survey Access Results for 2010, published by the Chief Statistician, show a significant increase in the number of patients able to get access to a GP within 48 hours. The proportion of patients able to book an appointment in advance has also increased.

Key points in today's statistics include:

* At 90 per cent of GP practices, at least 90 per cent of patients were able to get access to a GP within 48 hours - up from 67 per cent last year

* At 58 per cent of practices, at least 90 per cent of patients were able to book an appointment in advance - up from 39 per cent last year.

Stuart said:

"I am pleased to see the new statistics published today which again show an increase in access to GP's across Scotland.

"This demonstrates the hard work and commitment of the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland to delivering frontline services to the people of Scotland at the point of need."

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"GPs are often the first point of contact for patients when they need treatment or healthcare advice and it's vital that people can get prompt access their GP when they need to.

"This survey highlights that significant improvements are being made and many more patients have been able to access help and advice when they need it.

"However, there is still room for improvement and the Scottish Government is currently working with the Royal College of GPs in Scotland to develop guidance that will help all GP surgeries address any issues surrounding access to ensure they are offering a high quality service that meets local needs."

McMillan Welcomes Cancer Waiting Times Statistics

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today welcomed new figures from ISD Scotland showing cancer waiting times targets for October - December 2009 that showed targets for cancer waiting times were being met 96.5% of the time, a record high.

Stuart commented:

"These new figures are testament to the hard of work of those in front line cancer services.

"When the SNP Government came to office in 2007 it promised to meet tough waiting time targets for cancer patients and it is delivering. The NHS in Scotland has now exceeded its 95% target for 5 consecutive quarters and has shown an increase of 12% since the first quarter of 2007."

Commenting on the publication by ISD Scotland of cancer waiting times for October - December 2009, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Today's figures show Scotland's NHS has achieved its best-ever urgent cancer referral waiting times. Staff up and down the country are providing these important services within record times, and I thank every single one of them.

"We are now aiming even higher, with tougher new targets being introduced. From now on, we will measure the NHS's performance against the ambitious new target of having 95 per cent of patients treated within 31 days of decision to treat. I know how hard staff have worked to achieve the current 62-day target and I am confident that they will maintain this progress in future."

McMillan Writes to Prime Minister on Pleural Plaques Issue

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today written to the newly elected Prime Minister David Cameron MP in connection with the issue of pleural plaques.

In his letter, Mr McMillan raises his concerns regarding the lack of action by the previous UK Government to bring forward legislation that would overturn the House of Lords ruling on pleural plaques.

A decision which has been overturned in the Scottish Parliament by MSP's who passed the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill in 2009.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am extremely disappointed by the inaction of the previous UK Government and former Justice Secretary, in particular, for not following the Scottish Parliament's lead and overturning the House of Lords decision not to compensate sufferers of pleural plaques.

"The Scottish Parliament has led by example and ensured that sufferers of pleural plaques will receive compensation which they rightfully deserve.

"Therefore, I am anxious to know what action the new Prime Minister will take to compensate sufferers of pleural plaques in the rest of the UK and, therefore, give them the same opportunity to obtain an element of justice which has been granted in Scotland.

"I hope this newly formed Government will not follow the previous lots example and delay and stall over compensating pleural plaque sufferers and instead offer them the compensation they deserve."

Councillor Kenny MacLaren (SNP – Paisley North West), who is long time campaigner for Pleural Plques sufferers, added;

"I was proud to work alongside Stuart and Clydeside Action on Asbestos in their campaign to overturn the House of Lords decision in Scotland. However, the London Labour Government let everyone down when they sided with the Insurance Companies against ordinary working people – who no fault of their own – contracted asbestos diseases. Hopefully the new UK Government will look again at this issue."

Full text of the letter:

Rt Hon David Cameron MP
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA

14th May 2010

Dear Prime Minister,

Re: Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) (Scotland) Act

Firstly, let me congratulate you and Nick Clegg on your appointments as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

I write to you in connection with the Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) (Scotland) Act passed in the Scottish Parliament which I was heavily involved with from the outset.

I worked alongside Clydeside Action on Asbestos and Pleural Plaques sufferers to ensure a Bill was brought before the Scottish Parliament. This was subsequently passed by all political parties except the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.

As you may be aware, the Act overturned the previous House of Lords ruling which prevented sufferers of asbestos related conditions to receive compensation in Scotland.

Whilst I am naturally delighted by the action taken by the Scottish Government and the will of the Scottish Parliament, including your coalition partners the Liberal Democrats, to pass this legislation, I am extremely disappointed by the inaction of the previous Labour Government and former Justice Secretary, in particular. They did not follow the positive action taken by the Scottish Parliament to overturn the House of Lords decision.

Therefore, now that the election and post election period has been settled, I would be grateful if you can re-examine the House of Lords decision to allow sufferers of pleural plaques throughout the rest of the UK to have the same opportunity to obtain an element of justice by overturning this terrible decision.

I look forward to hearing from you on this matter.

Yours sincerely

Stuart McMillan MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament for West of Scotland
(Scottish National Party)

McMillan Shocked by Labour MSP's Comments to 'Limit' Public Benefits

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Thursday) highlighted his shock at Labour MSP David Whitton's comments which allude to possibly limiting public benefits such as free prescriptions and free concessionary travel. Mr McMillan was raising a question with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney MSP on the issue of funding for the West of Scotland region, when he also highlighted Mr Whitton's comments.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was shocked to learn that Labour's David Whitton MSP appears to be suggesting limiting free prescriptions, free concessionary travel and free school meals.

"This would adversely affect many people in Inverclyde and across the whole of Scotland whose lives we should be trying to improve during these difficult economic times.

"I believe it's vital we continue to invest in frontline services and make sure areas such as education, health and policing are protected. The Scottish Government's Economic Recovery Plan has strengthened education and skills and also helped thousands of Scots gain meaningful employment.

"Further cuts to the Scottish budget from Westminster will only serve to damage the proactive work of the Scottish Government to create a healthier, safer and wealthier country and jeopardise services for people in Inverclyde such as free prescriptions and free concessionary travel."

McMillan Welcomes Bishopbriggs and District Senior Forum to Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) today (Thursday) welcomed members of the Bishopbriggs and District Seniors Forum to the Scottish Parliament.

12 members of the group enjoyed a tour of the Parliament and sat in the chamber gallery for First Minister’s Question Time before meeting Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon MSP in the Garden Lobby.

Following their visit Mr. McMillan said;

"I was only too happy to welcome these visitors from the Bishopbriggs area to the Scottish Parliament building.

"As I tell all of my constituents it is the people’s Parliament and they have as much right to visit as we do to work here.

"We had a particularly boisterous First Minister’s Question Time where the members of the Forum got to see the party leaders in action.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and bumping into the Deputy First Minister in the Garden Lobby was an added bonus. She made them feel extremely welcome and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Parliament in the future".

Learning Support Scheme Extension Welcomed by McMillan

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) welcomed the extension of the support scheme for part-time students on low income or benefits.

The Scottish Government are extending the scheme in order to assist people in the current economic climate and the higher than usual level of graduates affected by redundancy.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I am delighted the scheme is being extended giving more people the opportunity to enhance their career prospects.

"During the past year the Individual Learning Accounts (ILA500) scheme provided fees support of £500 to more than 400 part-time students.

"This shows how successful the scheme has been and given that more than 70% or Scottish taught post-graduate students study part-time, it is good news that the Scottish Government are continuing to help those facing redundancy or are unemployed".

McMillan Welcomes Scotland’s Heritage Being Opened to Schools

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the extension of a travel subsidy scheme that will allow Scottish heritage sites to be more accessible for schools in Scotland.

School visits to all Historic Scotland properties and three iconic National Trust for Scotland sites (Bannockburn, Culloden and the Robert Burns’ Birthplace Museum) are covered by the travel scheme, which is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Historic Scotland.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I often host visits to the Scottish Parliament by schools in Inverclyde and I know how prohibitive the costs of such trips can be for them. This is, therefore, an extremely welcome extension of the scheme that will allow schools in Inverclyde to apply for assistance in visiting Scottish heritage sites.

"Our history is extremely important in understanding the current social and political landscape, so anything that encourages young people to visit and learn about Scotland can only be a good thing.

"The Historic Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites included in this scheme will no doubt prove to be an attractive choice for many teachers also looking to improve pupils’ knowledge of Scottish history.

"I would encourage any school in Inverclyde interested in visiting any of the sites to apply for the subsidy by visiting the Historic Scotland or NTS websites".

McMillan Raises Issue of Budget Cuts to be Inflicted on Scotland by UK Government

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) raised, in the Scottish Parliament chamber with the Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing MSP, the issue of financial constraints on the Scottish budget, in light of the announcement by the three London led parties that cuts will be forthcoming.

Mr McMillan is concerned that cuts to the Scottish budget will have a direct effect on frontline services in Scotland and may jeopardise safety within our communities.

Mr McMillan said;

"All three London led parties have made it crystal clear that they plan to cut Scotland's budget if they are elected to govern.

"Therefore, these cuts will have a detrimental effect on frontline services in Scotland and will put at risk public sector jobs.

"It's vital that we continue to invest in services such as policing to re-assure our communities that their streets are safe and they are protected.

"The SNP Government delivered a record 1,000 extra police officers into our communities and this investment must not be jeopardised by the London led parties and their cuts for Scotland."