A General Election will be held on 8 June, Prime Minister Theresa May announced ‘with reluctance’ yesterday. Opposition parties have welcomed the surprise announcement – despite the Tories holding a lead of over twenty points in some opinion polls. Continue reading Here we go again: Tories gamble on June election
Tag: Politics
Local MEP David Martin tells the UN to unite for cruelty free cosmetics
Cruelty Free International has welcomed the support of local MEP David Martin in calling for a global ban on cosmetics testing on animals. David Martin, one of the six MEPs representing Scotland in Brussels, has backed the Cruelty Free International campaign seeking a UN resolution to end the suffering of animals for cosmetics worldwide. Continue reading Local MEP David Martin tells the UN to unite for cruelty free cosmetics
Clear plan needed for transfer of social security powers
A clear plan is needed for the successful transfer of welfare powers according to a joint letter issued today by Holyrood’s Social Security Committee and Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee. Continue reading Clear plan needed for transfer of social security powers
Report reveals short term lets problems facing capital
A report detailing the scale of the problem with ‘short-term lets’ in Scotland’s capital has been published by Green MSP Andy Wightman.
The publication by the Scottish Greens’ housing spokesperson shows there are more than 6200 properties available in Edinburgh for short term letting and that more than half of these are entire homes where the owner is not present.
A number of key issues with short term lets are also spelled out, including anti-social behaviour, loss of community, displacing available housing, the avoidance of non-domestic business rates and property security.
Lothian MSP, Andy Wightman MSP said: “I am calling for new powers to enable councils to plan and regulate the use of residential property for short term lets. Many constituents have contacted me in recent months to raise their concerns about the widespread growth of this sector in their communities. It is clear that we need to find a simple solution and one such way is through the introduction of new Use Class Orders in the planning system.
“To stimulate debate and greater awareness of the problem, I am delighted to be publishing the first in a series of briefing papers (below) on the topic.”
20170403 – Briefing Paper on Short Term Lets v.FINAL-1
Everybody’s Edinburgh: voluntary sector produces council election manifesto
We are delighted to introduce ‘Everybody’s Edinburgh’ – A Third Sector Manifesto
This is a call to action to candidates in the upcoming local elections to prioritise the wellbeing of Edinburgh’s citizens.
Developed in consultation with Edinburgh’s Third Sector, this manifesto calls for a commitment for greater unity between political parties and across sectors to tackle the growing inequalities in our communities, and ensure the best interests of the people of Scotland, and in our Capital, are met. It highlights some of the key issues that affect Edinburgh’s citizens and provides actions and objectives that can be undertaken and achieved through better collaborative working, and by investing in Edinburgh’s communities to create a solid foundation to tackle poverty inequalities and injustice.
Our manifesto is a start to a conversation about inequality that we hope will continue beyond the council elections to improve the wellbeing of our City’s citizens for many years to come, ensuring that no one is left behind.
To further this dialogue we will be hosting hustings for each political party at EVOC’s offices from 5:30pm – 7pm on the 18th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th of April.
Spaces are limited so please register your interest using the booking form.
Representatives will be given the opportunity to speak about their election agenda for approximately fifteen minutes before opening up the floor for Q&As.
Granton CC to host Forth hustings
Granton Community Council is holding a hustings event on Tuesday 18 April at 6pm in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre. All welcome.
City Council elections: SNP bids to become Edinburgh’s largest party
Edinburgh SNP has launched its campaign to elect 27 Councillors in the Capital and be the largest party in City Chambers for the first time. The SNP in the Capital are fielding their largest ever number of candidates in an STV Council election with the most diverse group of candidates yet.
There are ten women among the 27 candidates and the group includes EU nationals, BME, LGBTI and disabled candidates all proud to be standing for the SNP.
SNP Council Group leader Frank Ross said: ““In standing 27 candidates in Edinburgh for the upcoming Council elections, the SNP are showing more ambition than any other political grouping.
“We have assembled a group of exceptionally talented individuals which blends the experience of sitting councillors and the fresh talents of our new candidates.
“In 2012 the SNP were the only party to have representation in each of the 17 wards across the city and we want to build on that success to win the Council election in Edinburgh on May 4th.”
Among the new faces is Kate Campbell, who is running for Portobello/Craigmillar. Ms Campbell, who’s priority is to improve housing across the city, said: “As a first time candidate I feel incredibly excited about what we can achieve. Housing is one of the areas where I want to make a big difference.
“This city desperately needs a dramatic increase of affordable homes.
“Sadly, we have too many people in temporary housing and too many in insecure tenancies that they are struggling to afford. An SNP-led administration will address this and I hope that I will be able to play my part in driving this forward.”
Another prominent candidate is Pentlands candidate Ernesta Noreikienek. Ms Noreikienek, who was born in Lithuania, said: “As an EU national in Edinburgh I know that many people are concerned with the direction the Tories are taking our City and our country. Edinburgh Council has a strong role to play in standing up for all its citizens, regardless of where they come from. I would love to have the opportunity to be part of that effort.”
SNP candidate for Liberton and Gilmerton, Derek Howie, is registered blind and he has spoken out about how he believes his experiences will add to the team: ““I have a lifetime of experience that I’m hoping to make use of if elected to the Council. During the campaign I’ve been speaking to hundreds of voters in Liberton and Gilmerton and I’d relish the chance to represent my community. It’s important that the voice of people with disabilities is heard loudly and I’ll be a strong voice ensuring that our city is accessible for everyone.”
Small business owner Simon Hayter is an SNP candidate in Sighthill/Gorgie. He said: “I’ve been proud of the SNP’s achievements on the council in the last 2 administrations. I’m hoping to be elected to represent the people of Sighthill/Gorgie and bring my experience to help find additional ways the Council can support small businesses which provide the backbone of our city’s economy.”
At the last council elections in May 2012 Labour was returned the biggest party with twenty seats, narrowly holding off a strong SNP challenge – the SNP returned 18 councillors. Both parties gained five seats and the Greens doubled their representation from three to six councillors. The big losers at the last election were the Lib Dems, whose fall from grace was quite remarkable. The Lib Dems, who had led the administration in partnership with the SNP, crashed from 16 seats to just three.
The turnout in 2012 was 42.6%. It will be interesting to see if those heady heights can be reached again next month.
Greens warn on April welfare changes
Welfare cuts taking effect today (1 April) will remove money from some of the poorest Scots and undermine efforts to reduce child poverty, say the Scottish Greens. Continue reading Greens warn on April welfare changes
Novel solution to IndyRef2 timing tabled
A solution to the impasse over the date of a second referendum may have been resolved. Westminster and Holyrood were heading for deadlock over the timing of a second indepedence vote, but it seems that Mrs May and Ms Sturgeon may be willing to consider a radical suggestion from a very unlikely source. Continue reading Novel solution to IndyRef2 timing tabled
Holyrood says aye, but Westminster says it’s not the time
Who blinks first? Something’s got to give as governments set on collision course
The Scottish Parliament has backed SNP plans to pave the way for a second independence referendum. MSPs voted 69 – 59 in favour, with the Greens supporting the SNP against Tory, Labour and Lib Dem opposition. Continue reading Holyrood says aye, but Westminster says it’s not the time