MSP Joins Councillors at Housing Association

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) recently visited Hillhead Housing Association alongside East Dunbartonshire Councillors Gillian Renwick and John Jamieson. The group were on a fact finding mission to meet with the Director Stephen Macintyre and learn what investment Hillhead is currently undertaking and also to take a tour of current developments owned by the housing association.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to take the opportunity to visit Hillhead Housing Association and tour their current housing stock. Having the opportunity to meet the Director Stephen Macintyre was a more than useful exercise and I was able to take away a lot of information about what the association is currently doing in East Dunbartonshire and its plans for the future.

" Alongside this, I was glad some of the East Dunbartonshire Councillors were able to join me at the visit and put their points of view across to the Director.

Councillor Renwick said;

"Housing is singularly the biggest problem facing East Dunbartonshire at the moment. With the credit crunch hitting hard at every income level, I am heartened that Hillhead Housing Association are thriving and delivering for the residents of Hillhead."

Councillor Jamieson said;

"The Association is doing a fine job but recently suffered a great loss in the death of its chairperson Jean Mitchell whose determination ensured that this project would proceed.

There are many obstacles ahead including accelerating building costs arising from inflation and higher building standards. However the determination of the committee and the professionalism of the staff should ensure that new housing and upgrading targets will be met and this area will be transformed over the next few years."

McMillan Highlights Cancer Risk

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today voiced his concerns that the west of Scotland has the highest lung cancer rate in the UK.

The findings from the National Cancer Research Institute highlight people in the west of Scotland are 50% more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than the rest of the UK.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This report is worrying. It throws up shocking statistics that also show people in the west are 15% more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than the rest of Scotland.

"Reasons given for this are high areas of deprivation resulting in poorer lifestyle choices such as significantly higher smoking rates.

"It is important to highlight the options people have when it comes to choosing a healthier lifestyle. Reducing alcohol intake, eating healthier food and exercising regularly are all achievable goals for people in Inverclyde to have and will greatly reduce health risks.

"The Scottish Government is committed to creating a healthier Scotland. The recent one year anniversary of raising the legal age to buy tobacco to 18 and Scotland’s Smoking Prevention Action Plan published earlier this year shows that commitment".

McMillan Highlights Parliament’s 10 Year Anniversary

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today encouraged locals to get involved in the Scottish Parliament’s 10 year anniversary celebrations.

Scottish Parliamentary authorities, led by Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson, have asked MSPs to nominate local venues in their constituencies and regions that could host a special exhibition that will tour Scotland to mark ten years since the opening of the Parliament in 1999.

Mr. McMillan said;

"I would love to hear suggestions from people in Inverclyde as to where they think this exhibition should go. There are many wonderful venues in the area that could be used and any suggestions are welcome.

"I am also appealing for anyone with an interesting and exciting story about their connection and engagement with the Parliament over the last 10 years for consideration to be included in the exhibition.

"Many visitors have travelled through to the Parliament from Inverclyde, perhaps you were there on the historic day the Parliament reconvened after so long.

"If anyone would like to get in touch and get involved please contact my office on 0141 889 9519".

McMillan Welcomes New Disclosure Scheme

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) welcomed the news from the Scottish Government reforms will end multiple disclosure checks.

Better safeguards for vulnerable groups and an end to needless bureaucracy which can deter volunteers from helping Scotland's children get the best start are central to the plans.

The proposals will further ensure that people who come into regular contact with vulnerable groups through their work don't have a history of abusive behaviour while also creating a proportionate approach to vetting, ending the need for multiple disclosure checks.

Mr. McMillan said;

"The reform plans, produced following a detailed consultation on the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Act earlier this year is great news for people who come in to contact with children in their everyday work in Inverclyde.

"This will end needless multiple disclosure checks, wasting time and money, and instead allow people covered by the PVG scheme to use the same disclosure in future employment.

"For example, a council worker moving from the social work department to education will no longer need to go through a new disclosure check.

"The PVG scheme will also mean records are updated automatically when someone's circumstances change, for example if they are convicted of a crime, allowing employers to more quickly and easily confirm if they are suitable.

"At the same time, the SNP Government is committed to giving our young people the chance of rich and varied experiences and know how important volunteers and helpers are to local clubs and youth groups in Inverclyde.

"These proposals signal an end to ridiculous red-tape that is often off-putting for those genuinely wishing to help give young people a great start in life".

NoteS
· The proposals are the Scottish Government's response to a consultation on the steps required to implement the new vetting and barring scheme introduced through the Protection for Vulnerable Groups Act (Scotland) Act 2007, launched earlier this year.

· The consultation and summary of responses can be accessed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/29114859.

· The proposals will be introduced through secondary legislation in the Scottish Parliament next year. A date for the PVG scheme to go live is still to be determined and will be announced well in advance to allow organisations and groups who work with vulnerable groups adequate time to prepare.

· The scheme will exclude people who are known to be unsuitable, on the basis of past behaviour, from working with children and/or protected adults and detect those who become unsuitable while in the workplace. It builds on what has been learned from the current disclosure and disqualification services to deliver a streamlined service for people who work with vulnerable groups.

· The new PVG scheme, to be phased in over four years so that those working with vulnerable groups have time to comply, will create a list of people barred from working with children, replacing the existing Disqualified from Working with Children List.

McMillan Wishes Local Athletes Well At Commonwealth Youth Games

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has sent a message of good luck to the young athletes heading to Pune, India to represent Scotland at the third Youth Commonwealth Games.
The Games, which will take place 11-18 October, will be the first games in which all 71 Commonwealth Countries compete. Athletes include Beth Potter and Calum Innes from Bearsden, who will be representing Scotland in 1500m and 110m hurdles respectively. Also, Callum Sharp from Bishopbriggs will take Part in the Pole Vault.

Mr. McMillan said;

"It’s been a great year for Scottish Sport - I’m sure our boys and girls will head over to India full of confidence and inspiration following Chris Hoy and co’s superb performance in Beijing two months ago.

"These games are set to be a real festival of sport and will Prove valuable experience for many of the young competitors who are expected to represent Scotland when the games come to Glasgow in 2014.

"From track and field to wrestling, I wish all our athletes the best of luck especially Beth, Calum and Callum. They will be superb ambassadors for not only East Dunbartonshire but Scotland and Scottish sport".

McMillan Welcomes First Minister's comments

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) has today welcomed the comments of the First Minister on the tragic sinking of the Flying Phantom tug. The First Minister was responding to a question during First Minister's Question Time, where he stated the deaths of three men raises "serious matters" and that he had a particular "sympathy and interest" in marine accidents as MP for the fishing industry dominated Westminster constituency of Banff and Buchan.

Mr McMillan said;

"I was pleased to hear the comments of the First Minister about the tragic sinking of the Flying Phantom and the untimely deaths of three crewmen.

"The First Minister stated he had read the MAIB report and believed it raised some serious matters. I echo these comments and also note the report mentions there were no operational limits for crew when towing in these conditions and a crucial statement is that the port’s quality management system was fatally flawed.

"I raised the issue of safety on the River Clyde some months ago in the Scottish Parliament chamber and hope all parties concerned take on board the MAIB report’s findings. We cannot allow another accident like this to happen ever again".

McMillan Welcomes Free School Meals Success

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP West of Scotland) today welcomed the Scottish Government’s support for introducing free school meals for all primary one to primary three pupils after successful trials in five areas across Scotland.

Mr. McMillan said;

"This is fantastic news. I know the pilot programme of free school meals for primary one to three children was a huge success and am glad this will now be rolled out across Scotland.

"The children not only benefited from a healthy and nutritious meals but it has helped many families who may be just over the current income level for free school meals but would have found the cost of school lunches every day difficult to meet.

"With the current rising cost of food prices and the strain on family budgets as it is I’m sure many parents in Inverclyde will also welcome this opportunity to ensure children get at least one good, healthy meal a day.

"With the number of children taking free school meals increasing by over 30% in some of the pilot areas and increases even amongst those children already entitled to free school meals across the pilot areas this is excellent news.

"This is a welcome announcement and I hope that not only will we see all local authorities deliver on this pledge in August 2010 but that some may be able to introduce this scheme ahead of schedule.

"I have no doubt this will be of great benefit to pupils in Inverclyde and I hope we will see an increase in numbers taking school meals when the legislation is introduced".