Stuart McMillan MSP SNP and local ward Councillor Gail Robertson have welcomed the announcement from BT that super-fast broadband will be rolled out in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire.
BT today announced a major investment in Scotland, which could help create new businesses and thousands of local jobs.
High-speed fibre broadband will be rolled out to another 150,000 Scottish homes and businesses during 2013. It will take the total number for the whole of Scotland to more than 985,000, of which almost 338,000 already have access.
Speaking after the announcement Mr McMillan said;
“I’m delighted to learn that Alexandria has been included in the roll out of super-fast broadband by BT.
“This announcement will help create business opportunities in the area and allow households to access the internet at faster speeds.
“Therefore, I’m sure the residents of Alexandria will be looking forward to obtaining better and faster internet connections.”
Local Ward Councillor Gail Robertson added;
“BT's investment in super-fast broadband is great news for the people & businesses in the Alexandria area.
“It's introduction could attract new businesses, bring much needed jobs and it could also allow many to consider setting up their own businesses.
“The Internet can also be an important life line so this announcement really is very welcome news for our area."
Friday, 29 June 2012
Thursday, 28 June 2012
McMillan Welcomes Funding for Riverside Inverclyde
Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP, West Scotland) has welcomed today's budget announcement by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, John Swinney MSP, that Riverside Inverclyde is to receive accelerated funding of £3.4million in this financial year.
This funding will be used on projects that Riverside Inverclyde have indicated are ‘shovel ready’. This will provide a timely boost to the Inverclyde economy.
Mr McMillan said:
“I understand that Riverside Inverclyde requested accelerated funding in this financial year to continue its investment programme. I am pleased that the SNP Government has granted this request and are investing significant amounts of money into the Inverclyde economy at this point in time.
“This continues the SNP Governments excellent record on investment in Inverclyde since 2007 which has included £99million invested in Social Housing, £2.2million for town centre regeneration, funding towards the new additional needs school in Port Glasgow and the Wellpark Centre in Greenock, amongst many other investments.
“I am delighted that the SNP Government has once again demonstrated its willingness to invest in Inverclyde and work alongside organisations such as Riverside Inverclyde to deliver the best for Inverclyde.”
This funding will be used on projects that Riverside Inverclyde have indicated are ‘shovel ready’. This will provide a timely boost to the Inverclyde economy.
Mr McMillan said:
“I understand that Riverside Inverclyde requested accelerated funding in this financial year to continue its investment programme. I am pleased that the SNP Government has granted this request and are investing significant amounts of money into the Inverclyde economy at this point in time.
“This continues the SNP Governments excellent record on investment in Inverclyde since 2007 which has included £99million invested in Social Housing, £2.2million for town centre regeneration, funding towards the new additional needs school in Port Glasgow and the Wellpark Centre in Greenock, amongst many other investments.
“I am delighted that the SNP Government has once again demonstrated its willingness to invest in Inverclyde and work alongside organisations such as Riverside Inverclyde to deliver the best for Inverclyde.”
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
McMillan Welcomes Cancellation of Fuel Duty Increase
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) welcomed confirmation that the planned August 3 pence rise in fuel duty has been cancelled.
Mr McMillan has been a vocal campaigner for fairer fuel prices. Alongside this, Mr McMillan led a Members’ Debate in the Scottish Parliament chamber on the issue of fuel prices.
Speaking after learning the UK Government had backtracked on the planned fuel duty increased, Mr McMillan said;
“I’m delighted the UK Government have finally listened to hard pressed motorists and scrapped the planned 3p fuel duty rise which was due in August.
“However, I was disappointed to learn Inverclyde’s MP did not add his support to the scrapping of the planned 3 pence rise in fuel duty.
“As I argued in my Members Debate in December 2011 high costs of fuel aren’t just hurting the pockets of hard-pressed householders, they are hammering businesses and hampering economic recovery.
“I know from the regular correspondence I receive from constituents in that fuel prices are a major burden on their incomes.
“Therefore, I welcome the U-turn being performed by the UK Government in the scrapping of the 3p rise in fuel duty.”
Mr McMillan has been a vocal campaigner for fairer fuel prices. Alongside this, Mr McMillan led a Members’ Debate in the Scottish Parliament chamber on the issue of fuel prices.
Speaking after learning the UK Government had backtracked on the planned fuel duty increased, Mr McMillan said;
“I’m delighted the UK Government have finally listened to hard pressed motorists and scrapped the planned 3p fuel duty rise which was due in August.
“However, I was disappointed to learn Inverclyde’s MP did not add his support to the scrapping of the planned 3 pence rise in fuel duty.
“As I argued in my Members Debate in December 2011 high costs of fuel aren’t just hurting the pockets of hard-pressed householders, they are hammering businesses and hampering economic recovery.
“I know from the regular correspondence I receive from constituents in that fuel prices are a major burden on their incomes.
“Therefore, I welcome the U-turn being performed by the UK Government in the scrapping of the 3p rise in fuel duty.”
Friday, 22 June 2012
McMillan Welcomes Charity Fund for Youth Employment
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Friday) welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government that charities and social enterprises can bid for a share of £2.5 million to help young people find employment.
The fund will support third sector bodies to work with employers and help young people into training or employment.
Welcoming the announcement Mr McMillan said:
“I’m pleased to learn the Scottish Government is continuing to invest in our young people and this £2.5 million fund further demonstrates this commitment.
“Already the Scottish Government has guaranteed every 16 to 19-year-old a place in education or training, and invested a further £25 million in skills and training for young people.
“Therefore, the addition of this funding stream will serve as another method of providing our young people with much needed training and employment opportunities.”
Scottish Government news release - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/06/youthemployment21062012
The fund will support third sector bodies to work with employers and help young people into training or employment.
Welcoming the announcement Mr McMillan said:
“I’m pleased to learn the Scottish Government is continuing to invest in our young people and this £2.5 million fund further demonstrates this commitment.
“Already the Scottish Government has guaranteed every 16 to 19-year-old a place in education or training, and invested a further £25 million in skills and training for young people.
“Therefore, the addition of this funding stream will serve as another method of providing our young people with much needed training and employment opportunities.”
Scottish Government news release - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/06/youthemployment21062012
Thursday, 21 June 2012
McMillan Raises Clyde Coastguard situation in Scottish Parliament
Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP) has today (Thursday) raised the future of the Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) in the Scottish Parliament chamber with the Scottish Government.
Mr McMillan asked the Minister for Transport, Keith Brown MSP to write to the UK Government to press the case for them to reconsider their proposal to close the centre.
Earlier this morning, Mr McMillan, Clyde coastguard personnel and a cross party section of MSP’s attended a meeting with the Minister for Transport to discuss the future of Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC).
Mr McMillan has been a passionate campaigner in support of retaining Clyde coastguard and maintaining the local knowledge of staff which is so vital to this service.
Mr McMillan said;
“I’ve continued to argue that the cost cutting exercise being performed by the UK Government to close Clyde Coastguard is both reckless and unnecessary.
“It’s vital we maintain the coastguard centre in Greenock as the local knowledge of the men and women who serve at MRCC Clyde is paramount to safety on the surrounding waterways.
“I was pleased to meet with the Minister for Transport, alongside personnel from the centre, to discuss the future of Clyde coastguard and was delighted the Minister showed a great interest and support to the many issues that were raised and that is welcomed.
“Recently there have been a number of recent incidents in the Clyde that have required a swift response from Clyde Coastguards.
“I was keen to emphasise this to the Transport Minister and urge the Scottish Government to continue to press the case with the UK Government that it is vital to put safety and local knowledge first and that it must save the Clyde Coastguard to ensure both of these continue.
“Therefore, I was delighted the Minister agreed to my question to write to the UK Government to press the case that the Clyde coastguard station remains open as compared to its planned closure by the Con/Dem coalition.”
Mr McMillan asked the Minister for Transport, Keith Brown MSP to write to the UK Government to press the case for them to reconsider their proposal to close the centre.
Earlier this morning, Mr McMillan, Clyde coastguard personnel and a cross party section of MSP’s attended a meeting with the Minister for Transport to discuss the future of Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC).
Mr McMillan has been a passionate campaigner in support of retaining Clyde coastguard and maintaining the local knowledge of staff which is so vital to this service.
Mr McMillan said;
“I’ve continued to argue that the cost cutting exercise being performed by the UK Government to close Clyde Coastguard is both reckless and unnecessary.
“It’s vital we maintain the coastguard centre in Greenock as the local knowledge of the men and women who serve at MRCC Clyde is paramount to safety on the surrounding waterways.
“I was pleased to meet with the Minister for Transport, alongside personnel from the centre, to discuss the future of Clyde coastguard and was delighted the Minister showed a great interest and support to the many issues that were raised and that is welcomed.
“Recently there have been a number of recent incidents in the Clyde that have required a swift response from Clyde Coastguards.
“I was keen to emphasise this to the Transport Minister and urge the Scottish Government to continue to press the case with the UK Government that it is vital to put safety and local knowledge first and that it must save the Clyde Coastguard to ensure both of these continue.
“Therefore, I was delighted the Minister agreed to my question to write to the UK Government to press the case that the Clyde coastguard station remains open as compared to its planned closure by the Con/Dem coalition.”
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Health Board to Discuss CMU Future
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has learned that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are to discuss the future of the Community Maternity Unit (CMU) at Inverclyde Royal Hospital (IRH) at a Board meeting this month.
Mr McMillan was told in a response letter from the Chief Executive, Robert Calderwood that, we will report this to the Board at its June meeting, along with our proposals to consider the future of the delivery part of the Inverclyde CMU and to engage with local stakeholders.
Mr McMillan and Councillor Jim MacLeod met with the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, earlier this year, to discuss the future of the maternity unit at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
Mr McMillan said;
“This response letter from the Health Board will do little to dispel any fears people in Inverclyde have with regard to the future of the Community Maternity Unit at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
“I firmly believe the maternity unit is an important cog in the future of the hospital and its closure will be strongly fought by the people of Inverclyde.
“Therefore, I will continue to press the case for the maternity unit to remain at the IRH and I would urge health board members to act accordingly.”
Councillor MacLeod said;
“Having met the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde with my colleague Stuart McMillan MSP, where we were told that the health board had marketed the local Community Midwife Unit, I raised the question at that meeting, as I do now, and that is what was the format for this marketing and when did it take place?
"To date I can not remember having seen many adverts in the local media encouraging mothers to have their babies in the CMU at IRH. I do remember seeing an article in the local press but this was some time ago. My own feeling is that any marketing has to be an on-going matter and I am not convinced this has been done.
"I still think that any plans by the health board to close our Community Midwife Unit are wrong and will not help us address local community planning issues in Inverclyde. We have enough problems in Inverclyde without us losing a vital service like our local CMU."
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
McMillan Highlights Carers Week
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Tuesday) highlighted Carers Week which takes place from 18 to 24 June this year. The event champions the 517,000 unpaid carers in Scotland who look after a family member, a friend or a partner; who needs help because they are ill, frail or have a disability.
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘In Sickness and In Health’. Activities will include measuring the impact caring has had on the health and well-being of carers through an online survey.
Welcoming the event Mr McMillan said:
“This is an excellent annual event because it recognises the valuable role that carers play within their families, communities and in our Scottish nation.
“The role of carers is set to become even more important as our population ages and carer’s week is a timely reminder for people of the invaluable work that is already being undertaken.
"The SNP Government continues to work hard to support carers by beating our manifesto promise of 10,000 weeks respite care, extending the Energy Assistance Package which helps push the cost of 7,000 carers' heating bills down and, most recently providing additional support for young carers.
“Details of events happening across Scotland and more information about Carers Week are available from the Carers Week website at www.carersweek.org. I would encourage as many people as possible to have a look at the wealth of information on the site, including important information on support that is currently available for carers.”
The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘In Sickness and In Health’. Activities will include measuring the impact caring has had on the health and well-being of carers through an online survey.
Welcoming the event Mr McMillan said:
“This is an excellent annual event because it recognises the valuable role that carers play within their families, communities and in our Scottish nation.
“The role of carers is set to become even more important as our population ages and carer’s week is a timely reminder for people of the invaluable work that is already being undertaken.
"The SNP Government continues to work hard to support carers by beating our manifesto promise of 10,000 weeks respite care, extending the Energy Assistance Package which helps push the cost of 7,000 carers' heating bills down and, most recently providing additional support for young carers.
“Details of events happening across Scotland and more information about Carers Week are available from the Carers Week website at www.carersweek.org. I would encourage as many people as possible to have a look at the wealth of information on the site, including important information on support that is currently available for carers.”
Monday, 18 June 2012
SCOTTISH LABOUR MARKET SHOWING RESILIENCE
Scotland’s labour market is showing resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, with the latest labour market barometer showing a rise in permanent and temporary job placements last month.
Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for West Scotland and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, welcomed the Bank of Scotland report and said:
“It is extremely encouraging to see the Scottish labour market continuing to hold steady in the face of continued economic uncertainty.
“The statistics show permanent and temporary job placements rising in May, while permanent salaries increased strongly.
“In the face of unprecedented cuts from Westminster, the SNP’s targeted action has guaranteed every 16 to 19-year-old a place in education or training, and invested a further £25 million in skills and training for young people.
“We have also helped over 80,000 small businesses survive the economic crisis with the small business bonus scheme.”
But Mr McMillan said there was more that could be done to help the economy and urged the UK Government to change course from its austerity agenda.
He said:
“Scotland is limited in what it can do – the inability to borrow means we cannot begin work on our 30 shovel-ready projects.
“George Osborne can’t keep using the crisis in the Euro as an excuse for his own failings. His relentless drive for austerity has caused the economy to grind to a halt.
“The UK Government should release the £300million funding for shovel-ready projects that would support thousands of jobs benefit communities all over Scotland.
“It is good news that the labour market is showing resilience, but just think what we could do with the full fiscal levers available to any normal nation.”
Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for West Scotland and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, welcomed the Bank of Scotland report and said:
“It is extremely encouraging to see the Scottish labour market continuing to hold steady in the face of continued economic uncertainty.
“The statistics show permanent and temporary job placements rising in May, while permanent salaries increased strongly.
“In the face of unprecedented cuts from Westminster, the SNP’s targeted action has guaranteed every 16 to 19-year-old a place in education or training, and invested a further £25 million in skills and training for young people.
“We have also helped over 80,000 small businesses survive the economic crisis with the small business bonus scheme.”
But Mr McMillan said there was more that could be done to help the economy and urged the UK Government to change course from its austerity agenda.
He said:
“Scotland is limited in what it can do – the inability to borrow means we cannot begin work on our 30 shovel-ready projects.
“George Osborne can’t keep using the crisis in the Euro as an excuse for his own failings. His relentless drive for austerity has caused the economy to grind to a halt.
“The UK Government should release the £300million funding for shovel-ready projects that would support thousands of jobs benefit communities all over Scotland.
“It is good news that the labour market is showing resilience, but just think what we could do with the full fiscal levers available to any normal nation.”
Thursday, 14 June 2012
McMillan Raises Recycling Issue in Parliament
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Thursday) raised the issue of recycling rates in Inverclyde in the Scottish Parliament.
Mr McMillan pointed out that whilst progress was being made to improve recycling rates, and with important measures such as a food recycling scheme to come on stream, Inverclyde still lagged consistently behind the Scottish average recycling rate. The Inverclyde recycling rate for Quarter 2 of 2011/12 was 37% compared to a Scottish average 43.7%
Mr McMillan said;
“I felt it was important to raise the issue of recycling as it is a vital component in Scotland meeting its environmental targets.
“I have been impressed by the progress that is being made in Inverclyde and believe a number of good schemes are in operation in Inverclyde, however, yet more can and must be done to bring Inverclyde in line with the Scottish average.
“I asked the Scottish Government whether there was any further support that can be offered to local authorities that are currently struggling to meet recycling targets. I hope that the Scottish Government can provide Inverclyde Council with some extra direction so that they can make the step up in meeting recycling targets”
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
MCMILLAN CALLS ON ALL SCOTTISH MPS TO BACK FAIRFUEL UK PLEDGE
Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) has called on all Scottish MPs to give their backing to the FairFuel UK campaign to scrap the three pence rise in fuel duty planned for August.
Over 40 MPs from 9 different parties have so far signed the pledge and are committed to voting against the planned 3p rise, including all SNP MPs and two Labour MPs in Scotland.
But the SNP says all Scottish MPs should back the cross-party action, and put further pressure on the UK Government to abandon the proposed rise.
FairFuel UK has over 300,000 supporters, and is backed by the RAC, the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association.
Stuart McMillan MSP supports the Parliamentary motion lodged by John Finnie, SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands calling for MPs to unite and press for the Chancellor to scrap the planned increase.
Mr McMillan has previously led a members’ debate in the Scottish Parliament backing the Greenock Telegraphs campaign for fairer fuel prices in Inverclyde and elsewhere.
Stuart McMillan MSP said:
“The planned hike in fuel duty cannot be allowed to go ahead – it is a complete robbery on motorists that will further damage our economy.
“I’m urging all Scottish MPs to sign up to the FairFuel UK campaign to represent what their constituents want.
“I am disappointed that Inverclyde Labour MP Iain McKenzie has not yet supported this action led by the SNP. This is an issue that affects Inverclyde greatly; I was surprised to see our local MP has thus far not supported this call for action. I hope he will support the SNP clause before it is too late. If he does not then questions need to be asked of his commitment to motorists and businesses in Inverclyde.
“The SNP is leading calls at Westminster for the three pence rise in duty to be scrapped and will be tabling amendments to the budget to bring in a fuel duty regulator.
“This is clean, effective and immediate action – unlike calls from Labour wanting to temporarily cut VAT by three pence.
“Our high fuel costs – with the latest figures released by the European Commission showing UK fuel tax was approaching 60 per cent of the cost of fuel – places our businesses at a competitive disadvantage, limiting economic recovery and growth.
“It’s time for MPs in Scotland to unite against the Chancellor’s damaging plan and save their constituents from facing even higher fuel costs come August.”
NOTES:
The text of the motion reads:
That the Parliament welcomes the FairFuel UK campaign that aims to scrap the Chancellor’s planned three pence hike in fuel duty; believes it is unacceptable that UK fuel tax makes up almost 60 per cent of the cost of fuel, placing our businesses at a competitive disadvantage; believes that the UK Government has singularly failed to understand the damage done to Scotland’s economy by continued high fuel prices; notes that over 40 MPs from 9 different parties have already signed the FairFuel UK pledge to vote against the fuel duty rise; and believes that all Scottish MPs should serve their constituents’ interests by signing the pledge.
For more information on the FairFuel UK campaign, please visit: http://www.fairfueluk.com/
MCMILLAN WELCOMES TWO MORE TENANCY DEPOSIT SCHEMES
Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) has welcomed two more tenancy deposit schemes in a move which will safeguard millions of pounds in deposits paid by tenants renting properties in Scotland.
Annually, tenancy deposits amount to over £74 million in the majority of the 273,000 households that make up the private rented sector in Scotland. It has been estimated that up to 11,000 tenants have £3.6 million of their deposits wrongly withheld each year.
The new schemes, from SafeDeposits Scotland and Mydeposits Scotland, join the first tenancy deposit scheme - administered by Letting Protection Service - which was approved by Ministers in April. The schemes also aim to protect the reputation of the majority of private rented sector landlords who act professionally and responsibly.
Once in place landlords or their agents must pay deposits to an approved scheme and provide key information about the tenancy, the deposit, and the scheme which is protecting it, to the tenant. The scheme will be free for landlords and letting agents to participate in and will offer an independent dispute resolution service to deal with legitimate disagreements over deposit returns as a quicker and cheaper alternative to taking legal action.
All three schemes will operate across Scotland from July 2, 2012 when the legal requirement to submit deposits into a scheme will begin.
Stuart McMillan MSP said:
"It's important to stress that the majority of landlords act responsibly. These schemes are aimed at those who tarnish the image of the private rented sector and exploit trusting tenants.
“Recent figures [1] highlight that private renting has increased to around 10% of all housing in the Inverclyde area – up from 6% in 2008. It is therefore important that suitable protection is in place for the increasing number of people who access the private rented sector.
"The Scottish Government is committed to taking action to ensure tenants receive a fair deal, it's not right that up to 11,000 tenants annually have £3.6 million of their deposits wrongly withheld.
"From July 2, the new regulations will allow a new cost effective approach to safeguarding tenancy deposits, protecting tenants and landlords. Anyone looking for more information should visit the schemes' websites."
NOTES
[1] 2011 Inverclyde Local Housing Strategy
For further information on the tenancy deposit schemes see:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/
http://www.safedepositsscotland.com/
http://www.mydepositsscotland.co.uk/
Monday, 11 June 2012
McMillan Welcomes New Sensory Garden
“This purpose built sensory garden will be a great boost for blind and partially sighted people,“ said Stuart McMillan MSP (SNP – West of Scotland) on the official opening of RNIB Scotland’s new garden in Bishopbriggs.
As part of a purpose-built facility run by RNIB Scotland, the sensory garden has been specially designed for blind and partially sighted people, aiming to stimulate all the senses through a range of different techniques. Stuart McMillan MSP attended the official opening of the garden and has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating RNIB Scotland.
Mr McMillan said;
“I would like to congratulate RNIB Scotland on the opening of the sensory garden. I am sure it will bring a lot of pleasure to visitors and will make a significant difference to the lives of service users.
“I was delighted to lodge a parliamentary motion congratulating RNIB Scotland for developing this sensory garden and improving the services that they provide. I wish the organisation and its service users every success in the future.”
Date of Lodging: 07 June 2012
Short Title: Congratulations to RNIB Scotland
S4M-03209 Stuart McMillan () (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament congratulates RNIB Scotland on the official opening of its new sensory garden in Bishopbriggs on 1 June 2012; notes that the garden is specially designed for blind and partially sighted people and aims to stimulate all the senses through a number of different techniques; further notes that the garden forms part of a purpose-built facility run by RNIB Scotland for adults with sight loss and learning disabilities or other complex needs; considers that this sensory garden will make a significant difference to the lives of many service users; hopes that the RNIB Scotland facility will be well used, and wishes the organisation and its service users every success in the future.
As part of a purpose-built facility run by RNIB Scotland, the sensory garden has been specially designed for blind and partially sighted people, aiming to stimulate all the senses through a range of different techniques. Stuart McMillan MSP attended the official opening of the garden and has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating RNIB Scotland.
Mr McMillan said;
“I would like to congratulate RNIB Scotland on the opening of the sensory garden. I am sure it will bring a lot of pleasure to visitors and will make a significant difference to the lives of service users.
“I was delighted to lodge a parliamentary motion congratulating RNIB Scotland for developing this sensory garden and improving the services that they provide. I wish the organisation and its service users every success in the future.”
Date of Lodging: 07 June 2012
Short Title: Congratulations to RNIB Scotland
S4M-03209 Stuart McMillan () (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament congratulates RNIB Scotland on the official opening of its new sensory garden in Bishopbriggs on 1 June 2012; notes that the garden is specially designed for blind and partially sighted people and aims to stimulate all the senses through a number of different techniques; further notes that the garden forms part of a purpose-built facility run by RNIB Scotland for adults with sight loss and learning disabilities or other complex needs; considers that this sensory garden will make a significant difference to the lives of many service users; hopes that the RNIB Scotland facility will be well used, and wishes the organisation and its service users every success in the future.
 |
| Stuart with RNIB Scotland Chair Ken Reid |
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
McMillan Welcomes Metal Theft Clampdown
NEW MEASURES WILL STOP THIEVES IN THEIR TRACKS
Metal thieves will face tougher sanctions after the Scottish Government announced new licensing regulations that will create stronger measures to clampdown on the crime.
Following a government consultation, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced that metal dealers with an annual turnover of £1 million or less will require a licence.
This raises the exemption limit from the current level of £100,000, which is not fit for purpose given the increase in value over recent year.
The measure will likely also see the removal of the exemption entirely to bring all dealers into the scheme.
SNP MSP for West Scotland Stuart McMillan, who has campaigned for new regulations for metal theft, said:
“Metal thieves put lives at risk and have no respect for people’s property, which is why these measures are so welcome.
“The Scottish Government’s leadership on this disgraceful crime should be praised and I am positive this action will curb the increase in metal thefts.
“Hundreds of metal dealers will be subject to licensing regulations under these tough new measures, which will enhance the Cut Out Metal Theft campaign led by the British Transport Police and the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland.
“It is clear the people of Scotland want tougher action as the results of the consultation highlight there is an overwhelming case to ensure proper regulation, licensing and the highest possible standards of practice in the industry.
“The measures will see action taken on cash payments, a tenfold rise in the exemption warrant threshold and will ensure all dealers are licensed.
“These steps will remove the attraction of easy ‘ready cash’ payments, regulate hundreds of additional dealers and reduce the outlets for stolen metal.
“Where the current legislation fails, I am confident the tightening of these regulations will succeed. We are sending a clear message to metal thieves their actions are not acceptable.”
Metal thieves will face tougher sanctions after the Scottish Government announced new licensing regulations that will create stronger measures to clampdown on the crime.
Following a government consultation, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced that metal dealers with an annual turnover of £1 million or less will require a licence.
This raises the exemption limit from the current level of £100,000, which is not fit for purpose given the increase in value over recent year.
The measure will likely also see the removal of the exemption entirely to bring all dealers into the scheme.
SNP MSP for West Scotland Stuart McMillan, who has campaigned for new regulations for metal theft, said:
“Metal thieves put lives at risk and have no respect for people’s property, which is why these measures are so welcome.
“The Scottish Government’s leadership on this disgraceful crime should be praised and I am positive this action will curb the increase in metal thefts.
“Hundreds of metal dealers will be subject to licensing regulations under these tough new measures, which will enhance the Cut Out Metal Theft campaign led by the British Transport Police and the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland.
“It is clear the people of Scotland want tougher action as the results of the consultation highlight there is an overwhelming case to ensure proper regulation, licensing and the highest possible standards of practice in the industry.
“The measures will see action taken on cash payments, a tenfold rise in the exemption warrant threshold and will ensure all dealers are licensed.
“These steps will remove the attraction of easy ‘ready cash’ payments, regulate hundreds of additional dealers and reduce the outlets for stolen metal.
“Where the current legislation fails, I am confident the tightening of these regulations will succeed. We are sending a clear message to metal thieves their actions are not acceptable.”
McMillan Welcomes Record Police Numbers
Stuart McMillan MSP SNP has today (Wednesday) welcomed Police numbers in Scotland reaching 17,436, the highest ever recorded level.
Figures published today show an increase of 93 officers from the previous quarter, and a massive 7% increase - or 1,202 officers - from 31st March 2007, when the SNP were elected.
Mr McMillan said;
“This announcement demonstrates how the Scottish Government is totally committed to keeping our communities safer and tackling crime through having more police on our streets.
“The record police numbers underline the cast-iron commitment the Scottish Government has to protecting our police service.
"We are proud of our police and the excellent job they do, but we must go further if we are to protect our police service from Westminster cuts. That's why the plans for a new Police Service of Scotland will ensure that frontline policing is protected and our communities kept safe."
Figures published today show an increase of 93 officers from the previous quarter, and a massive 7% increase - or 1,202 officers - from 31st March 2007, when the SNP were elected.
Mr McMillan said;
“This announcement demonstrates how the Scottish Government is totally committed to keeping our communities safer and tackling crime through having more police on our streets.
“The record police numbers underline the cast-iron commitment the Scottish Government has to protecting our police service.
"We are proud of our police and the excellent job they do, but we must go further if we are to protect our police service from Westminster cuts. That's why the plans for a new Police Service of Scotland will ensure that frontline policing is protected and our communities kept safe."
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