Two Green MSPs are lobbying the Scotland Office to intervene in the potential sale of the Green Investment Bank. Alison Johnstone and Andy Wightman are urging the UK government’s office in Scotland to ensure that the bank maintains its commitment to environmental causes and that it safeguards the 55 jobs it has in Edinburgh, the city the MSPs represent at Holyrood. Continue reading Plea to save ideals of Green Investment Bank
Universal Credit payments in Scotland are to become more frequent and adaptable, as new social security powers are set to be used by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government’s different approach has been welcomed by housingorganisations and anti-poverty campaigners as well as the Scottish Greens. Continue reading Scotland’s different tack on Unversal Credit welcomed
Northern and Leith MSP urges Tories to protect human rights
In a debate in the Scottish Parliament this week SNP MSP Ben Macpherson called on the Scottish Tories not to bow to Theresa May on any proposals to scrap the Human Rights Act. Continue reading Macpherson challenges Scots Tories: stand up to Theresa May
Welfare changes ‘damaging’ to low income families
Minister for Social Security Jeane Freeman has expressed strong opposition to the UK Government on its proposal to limit the number of children in families who can qualify for Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit. Continue reading Freeman urges Westminster rethink on latest welfare proposals
Have your say on draft proposals for rules governing a Bill on Independence Referendum
MSP Emma Harper (above, right) is leading a Members’ Business debate at Holyrood today to highlight the practice of illegal puppy trafficking. Continue reading SSPCA welcomes Holyrood debate on illegal puppy farming
Edinburgh’s SNP politicians have backed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s proposals to keep Scotland in the European Single Market. And if support from her own party isn’t particularly surprising there’s support too from Labour’s former health minister Malcolm Chisholm. Continue reading City support for Scotland’s Place in Europe
Rob Shorthouse will be runnning a marathon on Christmas Day for MND Scotland to help Gordon Aikman’s Fightback campaign – and he was joined yesterday by MSPs Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh Northern and Leith), Labour leader Kezia Dugdale (Lothians), Alex Cole-Hamliton (Edinburgh Western) and Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson (Edinburgh Central) who have added their support for this cause. Continue reading MSPs unite to support MND Christmas Marathon
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has unveiled a ‘budget for growth and public services’ as he announced new investment in healthcare, education and local services, combined with support for jobs through lower business rates. However opposition parties are less than impressed with the SNP plans and it’s likely that the government will have to rely on the support of the Greens to get their budget passed.
Continue reading A budget for ‘growth and public services’ – or a ‘massive con’?
It’s the blame game. Local government blames Holyrood for cuts to services. Holyrood blames Westminster. Westminster says it’s Holyrood’s fault – and so the cycle goes on. And on. And on. And while the various democratic structures pass the buck, communities continue to suffer – and, as ever, the poorest communities suffer most …
COSLA President Councillor David O’Neill said that Council Leaders had given COSLA a very clear message over the course of the last week that the Scottish Government have to treat local government fairly in tomorrow’s settlement announcement. Continue reading COSLA: give us a break
