Wightman: Planning Bill changes will help tackle housing crisis

Changes agreed this week (24 Oct) to the Scottish Government’s Planning Bill will help tackle Scotland’s housing crisis by making land for house-building more affordable and by better regulating short-term lets, according to Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP.

Scottish Greens have long campaigned for reform of the planning system, to counter the current set-up where the price of land rockets once it receives planning permission. Continue reading Wightman: Planning Bill changes will help tackle housing crisis

“Shambolic”: Reduced paediatric service at St John’s to continue ‘indefinitely’

The partial closure of a vital children’s ward is set to continue “indefinitely” – after the SNP admitted its staff recruitment crisis was to blame. Continue reading “Shambolic”: Reduced paediatric service at St John’s to continue ‘indefinitely’

Social Security Scotland to deliver disability assessments

Assessments for disability support will be carried out by Social Security Scotland, fully supported by public sector healthcare professionals – and people will be given greater choice and flexibility over their assessments. Continue reading Social Security Scotland to deliver disability assessments

Delayed Discharges: Green MSP Concerned At Lothian Levels

Alison Johnstone, Health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, has expressed concern at the high level of delayed discharges – people stuck in hospital beds awaiting social care. Continue reading Delayed Discharges: Green MSP Concerned At Lothian Levels

Business Rates consultation: Review remit ‘flawed’, warns Wightman

Scottish Greens housing and local government spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP (above) has renewed his call for a broader review of non-domestic rates, as the Scottish Government launches a consultation on plans for legislation.  Continue reading Business Rates consultation: Review remit ‘flawed’, warns Wightman

A Step Too Far: Scottish Government must heed report on disability benefits, say Greens

Scottish Greens Social Security spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP has called on the Scottish Government to pay urgent attention to a new report from the MS Society which highlights the negative impact of disability welfare reforms on people with Multiple Sclerosis. Continue reading A Step Too Far: Scottish Government must heed report on disability benefits, say Greens