In a report intended to influence the Scottish Government’s health and sport budget, the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee are critical about lack of progress by Integration Authorities (IAs). Between them IAs are responsible for spending over £8bn yet the Committee reports they are unable to identify what that money has achieved. Continue reading £8bn spent on integration – but what’s been delivered? asks Holyrood Committee
SNP MSP Ben Macpherson has renewed demands for the UK government to allow Scotland’s Police and Fire services to reclaim VAT, and for them to be refunded the £140 million they are already owed, ahead of hosting a debate on the issue last night. Continue reading Macpherson calls for end to Tory cash grab
The Scottish Government must give a greater focus to preventative public health measures in order to improve the National Health Service, the Scottish Greens will say during a Holyrood debate later today. Speaking in an opposition debate on the NHS in Scotland 2017 report, Green MSP Alison Johnstone will say the report’s findings prove there’s a greater need for early intervention and for general practice funding to be reformed to help support GP retention. Continue reading Government must focus on preventative health measures, say Greens
Following reports that the City of Edinburgh Music School faces an uncertain future, Deidre Brock MP has written to the Council’s Education Committee calling for a rethink and assurances that the specialist service will remain open. The school is based in Flora Stevenson Primary and in Broughton High, in Deidre’s Edinburgh North and Leith constituency. Continue reading Deirdre Brock: “City of Edinburgh Music School must stay open”
Impressive results following two week crime blitz
Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP went on patrol with North West area commander Chief Inspector Stevie Sutherland on Friday to see first-hand the efforts being made to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in North Edinburgh through the Operation Myriad initiative. Fifty-three people were arrested during the crime crackdown, and both the police officer and the local politician thanked the local community for their support throughout the campaign. Continue reading Local MSP goes on patrol and hails Operation Myriad success
“A vision of what’s possible”
Patrick Harvie MSP will tell his party’s autumn conference today that Greens are ‘leading the change’ in Scotland, with other parties playing ‘catch up’ in proposing policies for a fairer and greener country. Continue reading Harvie: Greens ‘leading the change’ in Scotland
Work to establish a Scottish National Investment Bank took a step forward today with the launch of a public consultation on the details of the Bank’s operation. Continue reading First Minister launches consultation on Scottish National Investment Bank
The Festival of Politics: Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st October
Rebellion and revolution will take centre stage at the Scottish Parliament for the next three days as it opens its doors for the 2017 Festival of Politics. Continue reading Rebellion and revolution at Holyrood!
While talks between the UK Government and the EC over Britain’s exit from the European Union seem to be going nowhere fast, talks between parliamentarians from the four home nations have been more productive. Continue reading Brexit: it’s good to talk
Conveners of the Scottish Parliament’s 15 committees are to question the First Minister on her Programme for Government. The session, which will take place on 25th October, is open to members of the public. Continue reading Holyrood committee conveners to quiz First Minister
