Scotland’s Social Security Bill will now be enshrined with a commitment to reducing poverty after a Green MSP’s amendment was passed by a committee. Green MSP Alison Johnstone says the commitment to reducing poverty means that Scotland will now be better committed to people in need, taking a different approach from the UK government. Continue reading Greens strengthen Social Security Bill
More cash for councils as Greens make their presence felt at Holyrood
The City of Edinburgh Council will receive a significant increase in its funding to the tune of £12.4m after the Scottish Greens secured an agreement for the government to amend the 2018-19 budget. The Greens’ agreement will see £170m more for local council services throughout Scotland, a reversal of all of the £157m of local government cuts proposed by the SNP. Continue reading ‘Leading the change’: Greens take credit for council budget cuts reversal
Andy Wightman MSP, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said a report published yesterday by a Scottish Government expert panel falls short of critically analysing the impact of the collaborative economy on individuals and communities in relation to short-term lets.
The Green MSP is calling for local councils to be given powers to control the rapid growth of short-term lets to ease the pressure on already limited housing stock, and address constituents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour and loss of community.
Research for Mr Wightman’s Homes First campaign shows that many landlords are operating lucrative short-term letting businesses, and many are not paying non-domestic rates, depriving local authorities of funding for local services.
Mr Wightman said: “While the report contains some useful evidence and recommendations, those concerning short-term lets are framed very much by what is in the vested interests of the industry, AirBnB in particular. They fail to properly analyse and come up with proposals for the real problem which is the conversion of homes to commercial enterprises, and they are dominated by proposals to experiment, gather data, and explore viability when what is need is action very soon to stop any further loss of homes and community in Edinburgh.”
SNP politicians are calling on the Tory government at Westminster to use its reserved powers to ban the sale of electronic shock collars across the UK. Continue reading Taking a lead: SNP take shock collar campaign to Tories at Westminster
How the Scottish Parliament ensures Human Rights are respected in Scotland is to be the subject of a new Holyrood committee inquiry. The Equalities and Human Rights Committee has launched a call for views and hopes to hear from as many people in Scotland as possible. In particular, it is seeking to hear from human rights experts as well as those with lived experience of fighting for their rights. Continue reading Have your say on Human Rights
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson is calling on people across Edinburgh to contribute to the Scottish Government’s new consultation looking at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed. Continue reading Tackling the scourge of loneliness
Six senior MSPs representing three Holyrood Committees will attend House of Lords talks today on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill and Brexit. The MSPs will set out significant cross-party concerns over Clause 11 of the Bill and the lack of progress from the UK Government on amending the Bill during its Commons passage. Continue reading MSPs take Brexit “dismay” to House of Lords
Local MSP Ben Macpherson supports #SayNoToPuppyDealers campaign
The Scottish SPCA is delighted to have the support of local MSP Ben Macpherson for their #SayNoToPuppyDealers campaign. Scotland’s animal welfare charity continues to suffer first-hand the devastating effects of puppy farming and are more determined than ever to raise public awareness and tackle the issue once and for all. Continue reading Puppy Love: Ben signs up to SSPCA campaign
Lothians MSP Miles Briggs is encouraging local people to take part in a new clinic trial. Breast Cancer Now is calling for new volunteers in the Edinburgh area to train as lifestyle coaches to deliver a major breast cancer risk reduction trial. Continue reading Briggs encourages Lothian residents to volunteer as lifestyle coaches
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson has led a Holyrood debate calling for greater action to encourage owners to repair and maintain the condition of tenement properties across Scotland, including stairwells, roofs, masonry and external walls. Continue reading Local MSP calls for action to improve maintenance of tenement properties
