“Shambolic”: Reduced paediatric service at St John’s to continue ‘indefinitely’

The partial closure of a vital children’s ward is set to continue “indefinitely” – after the SNP admitted its staff recruitment crisis was to blame. Continue reading “Shambolic”: Reduced paediatric service at St John’s to continue ‘indefinitely’

Social Security Scotland to deliver disability assessments

Assessments for disability support will be carried out by Social Security Scotland, fully supported by public sector healthcare professionals – and people will be given greater choice and flexibility over their assessments. Continue reading Social Security Scotland to deliver disability assessments

Delayed Discharges: Green MSP Concerned At Lothian Levels

Alison Johnstone, Health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, has expressed concern at the high level of delayed discharges – people stuck in hospital beds awaiting social care. Continue reading Delayed Discharges: Green MSP Concerned At Lothian Levels

Business Rates consultation: Review remit ‘flawed’, warns Wightman

Scottish Greens housing and local government spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP (above) has renewed his call for a broader review of non-domestic rates, as the Scottish Government launches a consultation on plans for legislation.  Continue reading Business Rates consultation: Review remit ‘flawed’, warns Wightman

A Step Too Far: Scottish Government must heed report on disability benefits, say Greens

Scottish Greens Social Security spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP has called on the Scottish Government to pay urgent attention to a new report from the MS Society which highlights the negative impact of disability welfare reforms on people with Multiple Sclerosis. Continue reading A Step Too Far: Scottish Government must heed report on disability benefits, say Greens

Please, sir: we want some more – healthier school food guidance not enough, say Greens

Expert recommendations to make school food and drink even healthier are being consulted on by the Scottish Government. John Swinney says standards are already high but the Scottish Greens say more is needed to encourage healthy eating. Continue reading Please, sir: we want some more – healthier school food guidance not enough, say Greens

Wightman challenges First Minister on ‘Tourist Tax’

Scotland’s capital is being denied “normal European city” status due to Scottish Government inaction on visitor levies, according to Scottish Greens local government spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP.

The Lothian MSP used yesterday’s First Minister’s Questions session to urge the Scottish Government to bring forward legislation to give local councils powers that municipalities in other European countries take for granted.

New research compiled by Edinburgh City Council, debated in the city chambers yesterday, says that a Visitor Levy would not deter tourists and could raise up to an extra £29million a year for local services.

Andy Wightman, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said: “Local government finances are stretched due to our capital city’s status as a tourism magnet but an obvious solution exists and that is to give Edinburgh and Scotland’s other cities and councils the power of a normal European city – the power to levy a visitor charge. A small contribution per person would generate significant funds to maintain and improve local services.

“Such taxes are commonplace in other European cities and countries, including Paris, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam and Berlin. It’s baffling that the Scottish Government continues to drag its feet on this issue, and I will continue to campaign for real local democracy in Scotland.”