McMillan Welcomes Increase in Funding for Riverside Inverclyde (RI)

Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement, in the Scottish Parliament chamber, by the Minister for Communities, Alex Neil MSP, that funding for Riverside Inverclyde (RI) has been increased to £4m for 2011/12.

Mr McMillan has constantly been lobbying in both committee and in private to secure additional funding for Riverside Inverclyde and has raised the issue directly to both the Chief Executive and Chair of Scottish Enterprise, and wrote to both Finance Secretary, John Swinney MSP, and Communities Minister, Alex Neil MSP.

Speaking after the announcement Mr. McMillan said:

"I am delighted with the announcement from the Minister for Communities that Riverside Inverclyde will see it's funding increased.

"During my contribution in the Parliament chamber today I welcomed the additional money coming to Inverclyde, unlike the Labour Party and Mr McNeil who voted against the budget. I am happy for more money to come to the Inverclyde area.

"The SNP Government has provided over £90m of funding for URC's since 2007.

"This funding increase will allow Riverside Inverclyde to continue the excellent regeneration work that has already been put in place throughout Inverclyde, therefore, building on the positive image of the area we all wish to portray."

McMillan Invites Inverclyde Constituents to Scottish Parliament

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) invited Inverkip residents and WindowBlindSafe founders John and Pat Astley to the Scottish Parliament building to inform Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) about their safety product.

Mr McMillan recently met with Mr and Mrs Astley and on the back of said meeting asked if they would come to the Scottish Parliament to brief MSP’s and make them aware of their window blind safety product which aims to create a safer environment for children in the home.

Horrified by the growing number of child deaths, John and Pat decided to try to do something about it. They conceived, developed, tested and launched WindowBlindSafe, financing the entire project themselves. They have also launched a campaign for Zero Deaths from window blind cords and chains in 2011.

Mr McMillan said;

"Any child death is a tragedy, therefore, preventing such deaths in the home is something we should all be aiming for.

"After meeting with Mr & Mrs Astley I was heartened with what they are doing to alleviate this problem.

"Therefore, I thought it was important for MSP’s to have an understanding of what WindowBlindSafe is doing to create a safer environment for children in the home."

McMillan Support Scottish Tourism Week

Supporting Scottish Tourism Week, Stuart commented:

"Tourism is absolutely vital for the West of Scotland. I stay in Inverclyde, an area that there has been a lack of tourism for quite some time, for a few decades now. I think the days of ‘doon the wa'er’ for summer holidays are gone but we do have to find a new way for promoting Inverclyde as a tourism destination. We have a tremendous amount of wonderful things to actually come along and see and take part in. And it is a matter of us locally actually promoting and selling Inverclyde as a destination for people to actually want to come to".

McMillan Highlights A78 Traffic Incident to Transport Minister

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) written to the Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, to make him aware of the recent traffic incident on the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction which involved two vehicles.

Mr McMillan has been contacted by a number of constituents who both live and commute around the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction area and are anxious for improved road safety measures to be implemented in the area.

Mr McMillan said;

"I have, once again, written to the Transport Minister in relation to road safety on the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction.

"I recently emailed the Minister, on Monday 14th February, in relation to the A78 Trunk Road – Inverkip Junction to represent the views of my constituents on possible improved safety measures which could be implemented on the Trunk Road and at the junction.

"The purpose of my further writing is to make the Minister aware of this road traffic incident and to, once again, put on record my hope that he will meet with me at the junction to highlight my constituents concerns about road safety"

McMillan Guest Speaker at SCDI 'Meet the MSP' Series

Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has given the guest speech at the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) 'Meet the MSP' series at the George Hotel in Edinburgh.

SCDI is Scotland's leading economic development organisation. SCDI's aim is to influence and inspire government and key stakeholders to create sustainable economic prosperity for Scotland, an ambition as relevant today as it was when SCDI was established in 1931.

The event gave Mr McMillan the opportunity to present on current political debates, in particular the public spending situation and the forthcoming election, as well as his work on the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee.

Mr. McMillan said:

"I was delighted to be asked by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry to be the guest speaker at their Meet the MSP series. I would like to thank them for the invite and the opportunity to speak to their members and guests.

"I was keen to focus on two areas during my speech, my work on the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee and also the recent passing of the Scottish budget and what this means for communities and industries throughout Scotland.

"The additional funding of £11.5m to create 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships next year - a record high for Scotland is to be warmly welcomed, alongside the funding to continue the Small Business Bonus scheme removing 64,000 small businesses from business rates and saving them up to £4,100.

"I also highlighted to SCDI members and guests the place where I grew up and still live, Inverclyde. I was keen to make those in attendance aware of the many positives Inverclyde has to offer such as a first class location, excellent transport links, one of the best education attainment levels in Scotland, and tremendous scenery.

"Therefore, I hope my positive words about Inverclyde will encourage some of the businesses and organisations, in attendance, to invest in the area and bring further economic growth and development to Inverclyde."

MCMILLAN WELCOMES EURO COURT RULING ON FREE-TO-AIR TV FOOTBALL

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan - a member of the Scottish Parliament's football team - has welcomed the European General Court (EGC) ruling that domestic football fans can continue to watch major events on free-to-air TV in future.

Fifa and Uefa had challenged the decision allowing the UK government to designate the World Cup and European Championships as free-to-watch events.

Commenting Mr McMillan said:

"I welcome the decision from the European General Court that competitive international games such as the World Cup are to remain free-to-air.

"I hope this ruling will persuade the UK Government to act sooner rather than later on deciding what sports will and will not be included in the Crown Jewels list.

"I believe they have an obligations to Scottish sports fans to invest in showing at least the highlights of Scotland football games on free-to-air television."

McMillan Discusses Gourock - Dunoon Ferry Route with Transport Minister

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has recently had discussions with the Transport Minister, Keith Brown MSP, in relation to the future of the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service.

Mr McMillan has taken an active interest in the future of the service during his time as a MSP and has made representation to the Scottish Government on previous occasions. Also raised during the discussions with the Transport Minister was the on-going issues relating to road safety on the A78 Trunk Road - Inverkip Junction.

Speaking after the discussion Mr. McMillan said:

"The Gourock and Dunoon communities received good news back in 2009 when the European Commission announced that the ferry service could continue. Added to this, the news that the service can continue and will be unrestricted, rather than the current one per hour service, was welcomed.

"There are still challenges regarding the route, however and I wanted to raise the issue with the new Transport Minister, as I had done with the previous Minister. I know only full well how important the Gourock - Dunoon route is to both communities.

"I also had the opportunity to provide the Minister with more information from my constituents relating to road safety on the A78 Trunk Road. During the discussions I raised my constituents concerns in-relation to the new line markings at the Inverkip Junction and their views that either a roundabout or traffic lights should be introduced at the junction. In addition, I highlighted the importance that improvements be undertaken at the Bankfoot roundabout. This has been repeatedly raised with Transport Scotland by various groups including the local Community Council for some time now.

"The Minister indicated he is happy to examine these issues again."

McMillan Writes to Transport Scotland Regarding West Station Flood Damage

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) written to the Chief Executive of Transport Scotland asking if they will investigate the perceived damage of the pavements in and around the West Station area caused due to recent flooding.

Mr McMillan has been contacted by constituents who both live and work around the West Station area and are angered by the state of the pavements and uneven surfaces.

Mr McMillan said;

"I have, once again, been contacted by constituents regarding the flooding problems at the West Station, Greenock.

"I have raised the issue of flooding at the West Station on a number of occasions with Transport Scotland. An issue which has been exacerbated by the continued problem of blocked drains in the area.

"I hope Transport Scotland will investigate my constituents concerns regarding the pavements and address them as a matter of urgency."

McMillan & Grieve Pressure Resolves Dangerous Cabling at High Flats

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) and Inverclyde Councillor Jim Grieve have welcomed the news from River Clyde Homes (RCH) that Virgin Media have carried out the necessary maintenance work to safeguard loose cabling outside three flat complexes in Port Glasgow (Heather Court, Thistle Court & Rowan Court).

Mr McMillan and Councillor Grieve were contacted by a number of constituents with a range of issues at the three courts. As a result of this, a meeting was organised with the Chief Executive of RCH, residents within the flats and Stuart McMillan MSP to try and resolve the cabling issue and other issues that arose.

Mr McMillan has now been made aware from River Clyde Homes the work will be carried out by Virgin Media to make the cabling safe.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I welcome the news that the loose cabling outside three flat complexes in Port Glasgow has been resolved, which in-turn will improve health and safety in the surrounding area.

"When Councillor Grieve and constituents made me aware of this hazard I was anxious to see action taken swiftly to resolve the problem, therefore I wrote accordingly to Virgin Media.

"It has been somewhat disappointing at the length of time it has taken to resolve this issue, for one reason or another, nevertheless, I am pleased for the residents that measures have now been taken.

Councillor Grieve said;

"The issue of loose cabling outside the three flat complexes, in my ward, has been a long standing case I have persuade on behalf of constituents.

"Therefore, I am pleased to hear that with added pressure action has now been taken to make the cabling safe. I'm sure local residents will be pleased with this progress also."

Scottish Budget Passed at Holyrood But Labour Turn Their Back on Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed the passing of the Scottish budget in Parliament today (Wednesday) and hit out at the Labour party turning their back on Inverclyde.

Labour did not vote for the budget to pass prompting the following comments from Mr McMillan;

“I find it incredulous that Labour MSPs turned their back on a further £11.5 million to create 25,000 modern apprenticeships, funding for an additional 1,200 college places and an additional £15 million for college bursaries.

“We saw an additional £6 million for URCs, not supported by Labour, so I do have to wonder if Labour actually want Riverside Inverclyde to progress and improve Inverclyde?

“It turns out Labour were offered everything they asked for in the budget yet still failed to support it.

“The SNP are positive about Inverclyde while Labour have turned themselves in to a joke, capable only of opposing anything and everything put before them.”

Scottish Budget - Key points

· Invest a further £11.5 million to create 25,000 modern apprenticeship places - a record high for Scotland and 60% more than under Labour’s last year (07/08).

· Continued funding for council tax freeze – by the end of next year the average Band D family will have saved £322 since the SNP introduced the freeze.

· Funding to continue and uplift the SNP’s flagship Small Business Bonus Scheme, removing 64,000 small businesses from business rates and saving them up to £4,100.
· Funding to abolish prescription charges.

· Provide 7,000 flexible training opportunities for SMEs - 2,000 more than originally planned in the draft Budget

· Invest £8 million to provide enough funding for an extra 1,200 college places

· Invest an additional £15 million across 2010-11 and 2011-12 in funding for college bursaries;

· Maintain educational grants for pupils and college students most in need which were cut south of the border;

· Guarantee a probation place for every newly-qualified teacher and provide enough teaching jobs for every post-probationer in 2011-12;

· New Early Years and Early Intervention Fund, with start-up funding of £5 million;

· £10 million support for SME employment creation – focused on new starts, sole traders and small firms to take on new employees by assisting with employment and recruitment costs and assist with exports;

· £2m Freight Facilities Grant;

· £1m Post office Diversification Scheme;

· £12.5 million for Urban Regeneration Companies – increase of £6 million on the Draft budget;

· £16 million further investment in Housing;

· Funding to maintain 1,000 additional police officers;

· The creation of a £70m ‘change fund’ to help local authorities and health boards deal with the rising costs of providing social care. This is a precursor to plans to further integrate the two.

· Continuing our £2.5 billion infrastructure investment programme;

· Infrastructure Commitments such as the new Forth crossing, New South Glasgow Hospitals project and school building programme

· £70 million Renewables Infrastructure Fund – over four years;

· £48 million support for energy assistance package and Home Insulation Scheme.

· Funding to implement a living wage of £7.15 an hour for staff whose pay is controlled by the Scottish Government, and a minimum increase of £250 for staff earning under £21000.

McMillan Comments on Scottish Budget Implications for Inverclyde

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) spoke today (Wednesday) in Parliament during the Scottish budget debate, highlighting the impact on Riverside Inverclyde in particular and welcoming the news that URCs will receive an increase of £6million.

Mr McMillan has been pressing the Scottish Government in recent weeks on action for Inverclyde despite a £1.3 billion cut from the UK coalition Government, which impacts on regeneration projects.

Mr McMillan said;

"I am delighted that URCs will benefit from an extra £6 million as announced in today's budget.

"With Riverside Inverclyde facing a 70% cut to their budget this budget has given them the opportunity to recover that shortfall.

"Unfortunately we have seen unprecedented cuts from Westminster to the Scottish budget, which will have to be passed on, meaning regeneration projects could suffer.

"I have been talking to Scottish Government Ministers for weeks on this issue and have stressed the importance of the work done thus far by Riverside Inverclyde.

"I am pleased, therefore, that the SNP Government is listening and recognises the work of URCs in providing this extra funding".

McMillan Slams MP's for Failing to Act on Fuel Prices

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Tuesday) condemned MP's for failing to act on tackling the escalating fuel prices for Scottish motorists.

A SNP and Plaid Cymru motion, backed by a coalition of motoring and industry organisations, was defeated by 303 to 14 votes. The SNP and Plaid Cymru had dedicated their annual Opposition Day debate to demand the Conservative-led government fulfil its pre-election pledge to establish a fuel duty regulator.

Mr McMillan said;

"People in Inverclyde and the West of Scotland have been let down by their representatives in London who didn’t even bother to vote in last night’s important debate on fuel duty.

"As the price of oil heads once more over $100 per barrel action is needed to help businesses and families who are struggling because of the price of petrol at the pumps.

"I know from my discussions with constituents in Inverclyde that the soaring fuel costs is a major topic of debate and frustration.

"Therefore, If Westminster won't act then we need to equip the Scottish Parliament with the powers so that it can deliver instead. Fuel prices are a crucial issue for households and businesses, and will now become a central issue for the Holyrood elections in May.

"It’s a scandal that in Scotland we are paying among the highest fuel prices in Europe. It’s modern day highway robbery."

The result of the vote on fuel prices can be found here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110207/debtext/110207-0003.htm

McMillan Meets with Cabinet Secretary for Finance Over Riverside Inverclyde (RI) Funding

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan has today (Thursday) met with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, John Swinney MSP, to discuss the implications of the budget proposals for Riverside Inverclyde.
Mr McMillan has been lobbying in both committee and in private to secure additional funding for Riverside Inverclyde. Mr McMillan has within the past few weeks raised the issue directly to both the Chief Executive and Chair of Scottish Enterprise, and wrote to both John Swinney and Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP alongside discussing the matter at a meeting with Parliamentary Business Manager Bruce Crawford MSP.

Speaking after the meeting Mr. McMillan said:

It was important to meet with the Cabinet Secretary to put forward the case for Riverside Inverclyde in the strongest terms.

"After questioning John Swinney in committee yesterday and speaking to him today, the Cabinet Secretary is fully aware of the importance of RI to Inverclyde’s future.

"We had a productive meeting and I appreciate that Mr. Swinney is fully aware of the economic circumstances Inverclyde has been left in due to 20 odd years of dereliction as identified by Alf Young.

"I fully appreciate the difficult economic situation the Cabinet Secretary for Finance finds himself in, as a result of the £1.3bn of cuts from the Tory/ Lib Dem Coalition Government and the financial shambles of the UK public finances created by Labour.

"Nevertheless, I wanted to take the case to the Cabinet Secretary in support of Riverside Inverclyde and as always will be positive about Inverclyde and everything that we have to offer."

McMillan Welcomes East Dunbartonshire Awards for All Funding

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news from the Big Lottery Fund that a number of organisations in East Dunbartonshire have received The National Lottery’s small grants scheme funding Awards for All. The funding totalling £1.1m to 150 organisations across Scotland will be given to community groups, schools, charities, sports clubs, arts projects and heritage schemes.

Some of those to receive funding are from East Dunbartonshire - Auchinairn Nursery who will receive £5,345 and Strathkelvin Talking Newspaper Association who will receive £4,000.
Mr McMillan said;

"This is excellent news for the groups and organisations in East Dunbartonshire 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 TO MEET JOHN SWINNEY OVER RIVERSIDE INVERCLYDE FUNDING

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan today secured an agreement from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to meet with him to discuss the implications of the budget proposals for Riverside Inverclyde.

During questioning of the Cabinet Secretary today in the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, Stuart McMillan once again raised the issue of funding of the URC’s. Stuart raised the issue 2 weeks ago directly to both the Chief Executive and Chair of Scottish Enterprise, wrote to both John Swinney and Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP and raised it last week when meeting with Parliamentary Business Manager Bruce Crawford MSP.

Speaking afterwards Mr. McMillan said:

"I have been working hard raising the vital issue of funding of the URC’s but particularly Riverside Inverclyde with both Ministers and relevant officials. I look forward to sitting down with John Swinney to press the case again for RI as Inverclyde’s future depends on RI being a success.

"I know that the SNP Government and Scottish Enterprise have recognised my representations and Riverside Inverclyde have appreciated my efforts for them.

""I know exactly how important RI is for Inverclyde’s future and agree with Alf Young when he likened RI to a 10 year project to deal with 20 odd years of dereliction.

"Even though the SNP Government has already invested millions into RI, I don’t want the SNP being tarred with the same brush as Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories for allowing the dereliction to happen in the first place.

"It is difficult for the SNP Government bearing in mind the £1.3bn cuts from the Tories and Lib Dems in London in their savage attempt to deal with the financial shambles left by Labour. Nonetheless, I will continue to press the SNP Government for RI and Inverclyde."

LABOUR VOTE TO CUT SCOTLAND'S BUDGET - ONLY SNP DELIVER BALANCED BUDGET

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan today said it was clear only the SNP could be trusted to balance the budget, back small business and support public services after Labour, Tories and Lib Dems voted to cut Scotland's budget by £30million on top of the £1.3 billion already slashed by their Westminster Governments.

Mr. McMillan said:

"Voters in Inverclyde and across Scotland will be deeply disturbed that Labour, Tory and the Lib Dems have put the interests of supermarket profits before household budgets, small businesses and public services.

"Tonight, Labour have cut £30 million from Scotland's budget. Labour's vote with the Tories and Lib Dems for a £30 million cut to Scotland's budget will shock the many services already coping with Tory budget cuts.

"Labour now have no credibility on public spending or Tory cuts when they have wilfully cut £30 million from Scotland's public spending.

During the debate in Parliament tonight, Stuart McMillan MSP questioned Labour’s Finance spokesperson Andy Kerr on the effects that large retail outlets have on town centre high streets using Princes Street in Port Glasgow as the example. Mr. Kerr admitted he didn’t know the area and continued speaking from his pre written speech.

Speaking afterwards, Stuart said:

"I grew up in Port Glasgow and can remember how busy it used to be. No one can deny Port Glasgow Town Centre isn’t as thriving as it once was.

"It’s obvious that Labour want to continue to decimate or town centres so that large retailers can profit. At the same time, Labour also want our pensioners to pay more in Council Tax whilst saving large retailers their billions in profits.

"It is clear as we approach next week's budget that the SNP is the only party trying to deliver a balanced budget for Scotland that protects Scottish values, the services we hold dear and supports Scotland's economic recovery."

McMillan Promotes Kirkintilloch Tourism

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) today (Tuesday1 February) met with the new Chief Executive of VisitScotland, Malcolm Roughead, to promote Kirkintilloch’s tourism potential.

The meeting took place in the Scottish Parliament and was a way for Mr McMillan to find out how Kirkintilloch can work with VisitScotland to improve tourism income.

Following the meeting Mr McMillan said;

"Kirkintilloch is the canal capital of Scotland and I am delighted to see the ongoing partnership between British Waterways and VisitScotland working to promote Kirkintilloch.

"The investment to the Southbank Marina gives the area even more potential and I would be keen to see more done in the areas surrounding Glasgow to emulate its success.

"The economic, social and health benefits are plain for all to see and these can also be increased through greater co-operation and working together in developing the tourism product".

More Heating Help After Freezing Winter

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has welcomed £3 million of heating help from the Scottish Government.

The opportunity for people in Inverclyde to apply for up to £400 towards the cost of a new boiler comes as the Boiler Scrappage Scheme starts on 1 February at 12.30pm.

The scheme operates on a first come first served basis and will help nearly 6,000 households across Scotland to winter-proof their homes.

Mr McMillan said;

"Upgrading to a greener boiler can help households reduce heating costs by about a quarter and save £190 a year on fuel bills, money I know many would be grateful to save.

"We've just seen another cold harsh winter and this money can help households in the private and social sectors to save energy, cut their fuel bills and importantly keep warm, even in the coldest weather.

"Anyone interested can contact the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012 or http://www.homeenergyscotland.org.uk/".