The way in which local governments plan and spend their budgets is to be scrutinised by a Holyrood Committee. The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee has today announced its review into local government spending ahead of its scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s draft budget 2018/19, which should be revealed towards the end of this year. Continue reading Council budget spending priorities to be scrutinised by Holyrood committee
Engaging with the public and stakeholders must not be a ‘tick box’ exercise for Health and social care Integration Authorities (IAs), says the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee. Continue reading Health and Social Care: engagement must be more than a tick box exercise
Members of the public are being asked for their views on proposals to improve Cammo Estate. Drop-in sessions this week – the first sessions take place today at Cramond Kirk Hall – will give visitors an opportunity to find out more about proposals to regenerate the Local Nature Reserve, which includes the ruins of Cammo House. Continue reading Have your say on Cammo Estate this week
A consultation to ensure all homes are fully protected against fire and smoke has opened, and members of the public are being encouraged to share their views. Continue reading Home safety is paramount: consultation launched
Have your say on road repairs
A consultation on proposals to raise standards and improve the quality of road works has been launched. The consultation, announced by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf on Thursday, aims to develop the regulation of road works in Scotland.
The Scottish Government wants to hear the views on proposals to raise standards and improve the quality of road works, enhance enforcement and provide additional powers for the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.
The consultation includes recommendations from Jim Barton’s independent review in 2016 of the Office and Functions of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner.
Mr Yousaf said: “The planning and coordination of road works in Scotland, is already streets ahead of the rest the UK. We have a single register for all utility road works which covers the whole of Scotland. We are unique in having the Scottish Road Works Commissioner to oversee the planning and coordination of road works, promote good practice, and ultimately consider enforcement action.
“However, despite having many strengths, we recognise there is still room for improvement.
“Road works are often where our busy lives intersect with our reliance on utility services. Our expectation is that where there is an unforeseen interruption to our water, electricity, gas or broadband services, the necessary repairs will be carried out quickly, and disruption to road users will be kept to a minimum.
“Our road network is an important national asset and we need to be confident that we have the right measures in place to ensure that those digging up the road, reinstate the road properly and get it right first time.
“We have worked closely with key stakeholders including Angus Carmichael the current Scottish Road Works Commissioner, to develop these proposals and I would like to thank Angus, those representing road authorities and utility companies for their input.”
Angus Carmichael, the Scottish Road Works Commissioner said: “During my 21 months in post, I have been particularly welcoming of the opportunity to work in partnership with roads authorities, utility companies and the Scottish Government on input to this important consultation on improving the regulation of road works in Scotland.
“This process provides a rare opportunity for the road works community to help further improve the regulatory framework and ultimately the management of road works across Scotland.”
Members of the public can access the consultation via the Transport Scotland website until 12 October 2017.
Pub-goers still have time to contribute to a consultation which could help to protect the pub industry for years to come – but the closing date for comments is 31st July. Continue reading Last orders for pubs consultation
Views invited on patient care in the NHS
Do Scottish NHS services treat people with dignity and respect, and are adequate systems in place for when things go wrong? These key questions are being asked by Holyrood’s Health and Sport Committee as it launches a call for views today on clinical governance in the NHS in Scotland, as part of a wider inquiry into NHS Governance. Continue reading Does the NHS deliver safe and quality care?
People Powered Community event
Monday 1st May
North Edinburgh Arts, 10am – 1pm
Scottish Green MSPs used a Holyrood debate on Edinburgh airport’s expansion plans to call on the Scottish Government to step in and halt the company’s ‘flawed’ consultation. Continue reading Greens call on government to halt ‘flawed’ airport consultation
MONDAY 1st MAY
10am – 1pm at NORTH EDINBURGH ARTS
All Welcome
