Europe Referendum date is 23 June

REFERENDUM DATE set for 23 JUNE

Not quite a ‘peace in our time’ moment – but has the Prime Minister secured enough concessions to keep Britain in Europe?

eu flags

The Prime Minister made a statement following the meeting of the European Council where he negotiated a deal to give the UK special status in the EU. Continue reading Europe Referendum date is 23 June

A penny for your thoughts

Former Edinburgh District Council Housing and Finance convener JIMMY BURNETT was among the hundreds who took to take part in a demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament to protest at cuts to council budgets yesterday.

He supports Labour’s case for a 1p tax rise – and argues that we must pay more to support crucial public services:

IMG_0728

I fully support a one penny tax rise. With the proposed rebate system, those earning £20,000 or less, would pay no additional tax. Those earning £30,000 would pay around £16.00 a month. Those earning £150,000, would pay an additional £28.00 a week, £112.00 extra per month. Continue reading A penny for your thoughts

Education, education, education …

Improving excellence and equity in Scottish education for all is at the heart of the Education Bill, says Scottish Government

Education stock

The Scottish Government’s Education (Scotland) Bill, which is due to be debated in Parliament today, contains provisions placing a duty on local authorities and Ministers to prioritise activity aimed at closing the attainment gap.

The bill also legislates for the introduction of the National Improvement Framework, recently launched by the First Minister, to support efforts in raising attainment through improving information available to ensure pupils get the right support they need.

Other provisions targeted on enhancing children’s rights, Gaelic education, teacher registration and the creation of a Chief Education Officer post in councils are also included.

Speaking ahead of the Stage 3 debate on the Bill, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Angela Constance said: “The Scottish Government is working with local authorities, parents and others to ensure our education system delivers both excellence and equity for every child. All of the measures of this Bill have a role to play in helping to achieve that aspiration.

“We have already taken a series of steps that show how seriously we are taking this, such as the launch of the £100 million Scotland Attainment Challenge, and I am pleased to see our Bill reach its final stage in Parliament.

“Our National Improvement Framework will build on a strong record of achievement, with the aim of ensuring we have the right information about children’s progress right across Scotland. The Framework will look at a range of existing and new evidence which will tell us how we are progressing and where support is required for improvement purposes. Parents will have access to more information about their children’s education and progress than ever before, on what they are doing well and where they might need extra help.

“One source of data will be a new standardised assessment, focusing on reading, writing and numeracy. We have no interest in a return to high stakes testing. This new system will help to reduce the burden of assessment, building on best practice and replacing the wide variety of approaches taken by local authorities with a new streamlined, consistent approach. Crucially, the assessments will inform teacher judgment, not replace it.”

Education looks set to be the key battleground in the forthcoming Holyrood elections. Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale will promise to protect the education budget in real terms over the next five years if Labour is in government after the May election.

 

GMB: Revenue must be raised to blunt impact of ‘draconian’ cuts

‘Local tax to fund local services should be a vital part of local democracy’ – Alex McLuckie, GMB Scotland

protest1

John Swinney is wrong to make light of the impact of ‘draconian’ cuts to budgets for Scotland’s councils, says a leading trade union. Continue reading GMB: Revenue must be raised to blunt impact of ‘draconian’ cuts

First Minister takes trade union fight to Westminster

‘Imposing Trade Union Bill on Scotland is unacceptable’ – FM.

cameron and sturgeon

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will take the fight to stop the Trade Union Bill coming into force in Scotland to Downing Street today. In her meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron the First Minister will set out the clear opposition for the bill north of the border.

The First Minister will also make clear that Scotland must not lose out from changes to the way the Scottish budget is calculated after new tax and spend powers are devolved. Continue reading First Minister takes trade union fight to Westminster

Swinney urges Osborne: do the right thing

Chancellor must listen to growing opposition to austerity measures

bigben

The Scottish Government has consistently demonstrated that the UK’s deficit and debt can be brought down without the need for huge public spending cuts as set out by the UK Government, Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary John Swinney said today. Continue reading Swinney urges Osborne: do the right thing

Devastation: charities fear impact of slashed Lottery funding

‘A significant cut to lottery funding, coupled with increased demand from people affected by welfare cuts and unemployment would represent a perfect storm for many Scottish charities’ – SallyAnn Kelly, Aberlour Trust. Continue reading Devastation: charities fear impact of slashed Lottery funding

Johnstone lodges motion supporting Lorne Street residents

‘It’s important we send a strong message of support to them’

lorne

Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament calling for financial support for the 200 tenants of Lorne Street in Leith who face being evicted from their homes by the charity that owns their flats. The Agnes Hunter Trust wants to sell the properties, saying maintenance costs are too high. Continue reading Johnstone lodges motion supporting Lorne Street residents