Scottish Green MSPs say the launch of a further wave of consultation by Edinburgh Airport is “pointless” given the strong public opposition to expansion plans. Continue reading Airport consultation ‘pointless’, say Greens
Tag: Scottish Greens
Homelessness figures ‘a national disgrace’
The latest homelessness statistics have been released – and the Scottish Greens have lambasted the plight of the homeless – particularly children – ‘a national disgrace’. Continue reading Homelessness figures ‘a national disgrace’
Extend child poverty scheme, say Scottish Greens
Vulnerable Scottish families could gain more than £2.3million a year, according to research by the Scottish Greens who are campaigning for a Glasgow-based project aimed at reducing child poverty to be rolled out across the country. Continue reading Extend child poverty scheme, say Scottish Greens
Action on child poverty
Scottish Government support for Cash for Kids
There is overwhelming support for the government’s ambition to tackle the deep-rooted causes of child poverty, Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said during a visit to North Edinburgh Childcare yesterday – but the Scottish Greens argue that the latest government report shows the need for a budget to tackle the ‘scandal’ of child poverty. Continue reading Action on child poverty
Refreshing democracy: Wightman proposes fiscal framework for local government
Green MSP Andy Wightman delivered the annual Stephen Maxwell Memorial Lecture at SCVO’s annual general meeting at the Royal Society of Edinburgh in George Street last night. The MSP’s theme was ‘how to renew, refresh and revitalise’ democracy and the redistribution of ‘economic and political power’. Continue reading Refreshing democracy: Wightman proposes fiscal framework for local government
Urgent action needed to tackle fuel poverty, say Greens
The Greens will pressure the Scottish Government to include measures to eradicating fuel poverty in its forthcoming budget after statistics published yesterday revealed the scale of the problem. Continue reading Urgent action needed to tackle fuel poverty, say Greens
Accounts Commission: Councils must make more savings
Councils have managed their finances well but significant challenges lie ahead, says the Accounts Commission. Continue reading Accounts Commission: Councils must make more savings
GP Practice payments for deprived areas not enough, say Greens
The difference in payments per head to GP practices in the most and least deprived areas does not do enough to tackle health inequalities says a Green MSP.
Alison Johnstone, health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, believes the difference of £3.97 per person should be considerably more, considering that practices in areas listed as Scotland’s most deprived by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation see significantly more patients than in less deprived areas.
A report by ISD Scotland reveals that the overall payment to General Practice service providers of £753.9 million is “virtually the same amount” as last year.
Alison Johnstone, health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said: “GP practices in the most deprived areas typically have more patients on their lists and less capacity to address patient needs. Greens want to see increases in spending for general practice, and primary care more broadly, to be targeted towards practices with high levels of deprivation.
“Greater and more targeted spending for general practice can play a key part in an overall preventative spending strategy. By preventing ill-health, we can ease the pressure on our NHS and ensure that fewer patients end up needing more expensive treatment.” Continue reading GP Practice payments for deprived areas not enough, say Greens
Greens: Scotland must act to stop benefits cap ‘cruelty’
Alison Johnstone MSP, Social Security spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, has urged the Scottish Government to use new devolved powers to stop an estimated 20,000 Scottish children being punished by the Westminster Government’s lower benefits cap. Continue reading Greens: Scotland must act to stop benefits cap ‘cruelty’
Council Cuts: Wightman says report shows need for autonomy
Andy Wightman MSP, Local Government spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, has highlighted a report showing the social impact of the 2016-17 local government budget. The MSP says the report highlights a need to re-address the way councils are funded.
The SPICe/Glasgow University/Heriot Watt University report shows most council expenditure is on services used by less affluent communities – services such as social work, public transport and citizen’s advice – but that most cuts have also landed on these services.
Andy Wightman, Local Government spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said: “Local authorities provide a lifeline for many communities struggling to make ends meet. Good quality education, social care, public transport, libraries and citizen’s advice are essential if we want a fair society.
“I welcome this new social impact methodology which, although not ideal, is very useful in understanding the impact of cuts to local government budgets.
“Ultimately this report shows the negative impact on local services from the Scottish Government’s cuts to council funding and underlines the need for a fiscal framework between the Scottish Government and local authorities and the need to scrap the Council tax and provide greater fiscal autonomy to local government.”