Westminster – Page 61 – The NEN

‘Built to last’?: draft devolution Bill to be published today

‘it is the people of Scotland who will determine if these proposals go far enough’ – John Swinney

Prime Minister David Cameron will meet Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh today to discuss the next stage of devolving more powers to the Scottish Parliament. The visit comes on the day the UK government publishes draft legislation on powers it intends to transfer to Holyrood.

However Deputy First Minister John Swinney has warned that the UK Government’s proposals for more powers for Scotland must deliver the recommendations of the Smith Commission in full.

During today’s announcement the Prime Minister is expected to say the draft legislation proves the ‘vow’ of new powers made by the unionist parties before the referendum has been delivered ahead of the Burns Night schedule.

Speaking ahead of the publication, Mr Swinney said: “The proposals which Mr Cameron publishes today must live up to the word and spirit of the Smith Commission. Scotland should not – and will not – accept anything less.

“While the Smith Commission recommendations did not go as far as we wanted, and do not live up to the ‘Vow’ made before the independence referendum, we welcome them, and they must now be delivered in full.

“There is a long way to go before these proposals are put into law. What we have today is the start of the process to develop a Westminster Bill which has widespread support for introduction shortly after this year’s general election.

“We will be working closely with stakeholders to ensure these proposals are right for Scotland and that they reflect the views of ordinary people. The Scottish Government is focused on securing economic growth, tackling inequality and protecting our public services, and the new powers being delivered must help deliver those goals.

“We will carefully examine today’s paper, because anything which backtracks, waters down or falls short of what Lord Smith recommended would be unacceptable – and ultimately it is the people of Scotland who will determine if these proposals go far enough.”

Lazarowicz supports accessible transport plan

‘disabled people must have a say in how the service is designed’ – Mark Lazarowicz MP

Mark Lazarowicz MP has responded enthusiastically to a report by the Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance (SATA) on the way ahead to make transport more accessible for disabled people.

The Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance (SATA’s) Accessible Transport Strategy and Action Plan for Scotland is the first and most comprehensive such strategy and plan for Scotland. It covers the period 2015 to 2020 and includes all transport modes and services, the transport environment, information provision and staff training. It addresses the need to consult and involve disabled people at all levels and all stages in reviewing what is lacking and what should be done (see link to full document, below).

It’s an issue the North and Leith MP has campaigned actively on, and he said: “I warmly welcome this report which aims to make transport accessible for everyone: accessible transport must be at the heart of any new public transport development and disabled people must have a real say in how it is designed.

“Accessible transport benefits everyone: tackling problem parking which forces people out into the street to get by, audio-visual announcements on buses, access at Waverley station are all issues I have campaigned on which especially affect disabled people, but not just them.

“Making transport more accessible for disabled people is a key way to enable them to lead more independent lives but it can improve everyone else’s quality of life too.”

Mark Lazarowicz campaigned strongly against the current UK Government’s decision to axe its own advisory body on accessible transport and it was forced into a u-turn.

Last summer he introduced a Bill to devolve the power to tackle irresponsible parking, working closely with the voluntary organisations, Guide Dogs and Living Streets. It forced the Government to consult with all the interested parties and make a commitment to make the change by Executive Order.

He has also highlighted that more work needs to be done to make Waverley station properly accessible for disabled people after its closure to vehicles but there is also a problem for pedestrians and cyclists as well who have to share the pedestrian footway from Waverley Bridge.

Accessible Transport Strategy Action Plan Scotland

Five broad principles are adopted in SATA’s strategy:

Working in partnership with public, private, community and statutory transport providers to improve transport services, making them easier to use and understand so that people’s confidence about using them is increased;
Being proactive in our efforts to identify and remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities accessing the transport system and to ensure that further barriers are not created;
Implementing best practice by making sure that we keep up-to-date with best practice and reflect this when developing policies and implementation plans;
Good consultation, working openly and in partnership with people who provide transport services and facilities and those who use them. Strive to maintain good communication with people with disabilities to listen to their views and exchange information;
Value for money in targeting available resources towards initiatives that are affordable, sustainable and that maximise the benefits for people with disabilities.

The Plan sets out seven strategic objectives:

Ensure that disabled people have an effective say in the planning, design and operation of transport services, facilities and operations.
Ensure that the Equality Act requirements are met and affordable adjustments are made so that accessibility for disabled people is a condition of public money being spent on all new public transport investment;
Develop an integrated and fully accessible public transport system in partnership with key stakeholders which will enable disabled people to travel in safety and in comfort and be able to move easily between modes;
Enable disabled people to travel using cars and other means of private transport;
Address a lack of awareness and understanding that prevents or discourages disabled people from using transport services and facilities that are available to them;
Ensure that information in a range of formats is available for all public transport services to enable disabled people to plan and make these journeys easily; and
Provide help with travel costs and offer practical assistance to enable disabled people to use the transport services available to them.

Consultation on the strategy and plan closed on Friday (16 January).

You can find the North & Leith MP’s formal response here

Green shoots? Record number of Scots in work

New GDP figures show fastest annual growth since 2007

Both Westminster and Holyrood politicians have welcomed the latest employments statistics published today. Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael says the figures show that the UK’s long term economic plan is working, while Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham says Scotland continues to outperform the UK.

The number of people in employment in Scotland has increased by 50,000 over the year, reaching a record high of 2,612,000 as new GDP figures show the fastest annual growth since 2007.

ONS Labour Market Statistics released today covering the period September to November 2014 show female employment has also reached a record high and Scotland’s youth unemployment level is at its lowest in five years.

Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham has welcomed today’s Labour Market Statistics which show:

The level of unemployment has fallen by 20,000 over the year and by 79,000 since its recession peak in 2010
The Scottish unemployment rate of 5.7 per cent remains below the overall UK rate, with Scotland also having a higher employment rate and lower economic inactivity rate
The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance has fallen by 24.9 per cent over the year.

In addition, National Statistics published today by the Scottish Government covering 2014 quarter 3 show that the Scottish economy continues to improve, growing by 3.0 per cent from the same quarter in the previous year. This is the fastest annual growth since 2007 with headline UK annual growth for the same period at 2.6 per cent. Growth over the quarter in Scotland was 0.6 per cent, the ninth consecutive quarter of expansion.

The construction sector again showed its strength, growing by 3.2 per cent over the quarter and 6.6 per cent over the year. The services sector, which accounts for around 72 per cent of the Scottish economy, grew by 0.6 per cent over the quarter with some manufacturing sectors also showing growth.

Ms Cunningham (above) said: “Scotland is again outperforming the UK on employment, unemployment and inactivity rates and a 3 per cent expansion in our economy over the year is a clear demonstration of our growing strength, not least in the construction sector.

“Our work on jobs and growth is continuing to pay off with record employment levels increasing this month and female employment also reaching a record high, welcome evidence of our on-going work on narrowing the gender gap.

“I am particularly pleased to note positive news on youth employment and I am determined that we will maintain our focus on increasing the employment opportunities for our young people. We will continue to work with local government and employers to deliver the recommendations of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce so that we deliver our ambitious programme to develop a world class vocational education system.

“This government is determined to close the attainment gap in our schools and enable the widest possible access to Higher Education so that everyone gets an equal chance at gaining qualifications, and therefore a job, regardless of their background.

“As the economy grows, we must ensure that everyone is able to benefit from our success. We will continue to use all of the powers we have at our disposal to grow the economy, increase employment, lower unemployment and remove barriers to the labour market.

“The Scottish Parliament will shortly have the first reading of the budget bill for 2015/16 which includes £4.5 billion of investment in infrastructure and additional funding for youth employment to secure sustained growth for Scotland.”

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael (above) also welcomed the latest figures. He said: “Today’s employment figures show a record number of Scots in work, more women in employment than ever before and jobseekers allowance claimants at its lowest level since 2008.

“The UK Government has stuck to its long term economic plan, creating the right conditions to rebuild and rebalance our economy. Together with the safety and security which comes from being part of the UK this has helped our businesses grow and create more sustainable jobs. As a result, over the past four and half years employment has risen by 167,000 and unemployment has fallen by 61,000.

“It’s also welcome news to see Scotland’s economy continuing to grow, building on two successive years of economic growth. The rise in unemployment over the past quarter highlight the challenges which remain. Recent business surveys however show Scotland’s economic growth is set to continue into 2015 and our labour market is expected to build further on the record numbers we have seen. We will take responsibility to help those who fall out of work ensuring they can make the most of the opportunities being created in communities across the country.”

Headline Statistics for the September to November 2014 quarter:

Employment in Scotland increased by 1,000 over the quarter, and increased by 50,000 over the year, to stand at 2,612,000.
The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter to 74.1 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 73.0 per cent.
Unemployment in Scotland increased by 7,000 over the quarter and fell by 20,000 over the year. The level now stands at 158,000.
At 5.7 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is just below the rate of 5.8 per cent for the UK as a whole.
Economic Activity increased by 8,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,770,000. Also, the Economic Activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 78.7 per cent.
In December 2014, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 85,000.

Latest Data for Scotland:

Employment

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from September to November 2014 was 2,612,000. Employment was up by 1,000 compared to the previous three months, and was up by 50,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate increased on the previous quarter, and it was up by 1.5 p.p. compared to the same quarter last year, at 74.1 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is above the UK average.

Unemployment

Unemployment in Scotland was up 7,000 over the quarter September to November 2014, to 158,000. The level was down 20,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was up 0.2 p.p. on the previous quarter at 5.7 per cent, which is down 0.8 p.p. over the year.

Claimant Count

The claimant count in Scotland, based on the seasonally adjusted number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), fell by 2,100 from November to 85,000 in December 2014. The level is down by 28,200 on December 2013. The claimant count rate fell by 0.1 p.p. over the month at 3.1 per cent, and is down 1.0 p.p. over the year.

Economic Activity

The number of economically active (defined as those in employment or ILO unemployed, and seasonally adjusted) in Scotland in the September to November 2014 quarter was 2,770,000. This was up 8,000 on the previous quarter, and is up 29,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 78.7 per cent, up 0.3 p.p. on the previous quarter, and up 0.9 p.p. over the year.

Agreement to fast-track Holyrood votes for 16 & 17 year olds

Votes for 16 & 17 year olds: ‘I believe the case has become undeniable’ – Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael

The legislative power to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in future Scottish Parliament elections should be transferred from the UK Parliament to Holyrood in March, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael announced yesterday.

Mr Carmichael made the announcement during a visit to Edinburgh College, where he met 16 and 17 year old students and discussed the importance of having the right to vote.

The timetable for the Section 30 Order – which will devolve the power from the UK Parliament to Holyrood in March – has been agreed by both the UK and Scottish Government. It will be brought before both Houses of the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament today and then put forward for Privy Council approval in March.

This is the first stage in implementing the Smith Commission’s cross party agreement on devolution which will bring more powers and more financial responsibility to the Scottish Parliament.

Delivery of the Section 30 Order was brought forward as an exception from the rest of the Smith package so the power could be devolved in time for 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections – although they will not have a vote in May’s general election.

The Scottish Secretary also confirmed that the UK Government would publish draft legislation on the Smith Agreement later this week – ahead of the Burns Day deadline announced prior to the independence referendum.

During his college visit Mr Carmichael met with a group of BTEC first-year Art & Design students, who had already been discussing the issue as part of their communications class, as well as other 16-17 year students, to learn their views about lowering the voting age. He also met with representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association, as well as college Board vice chair Ian Young and deputy principal Craig Wilson.

Mr Carmichael said: “I’m delighted to confirm a timetable has been agreed for 16 and 17 year olds to vote in future Scottish Parliament elections. I’ve always been a firm believer in votes at 16, with the sheer number of young people participating and voting in last year’s referendum I believe the case has become undeniable.

“Today marks the next phase in our commitment to people in Scotland and the start of an landmark week for the future of our country. Later this week we will publish draft legislation ahead of Burns Night meeting our promise to bring new powers built to last for the Scottish Parliament.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that agreement has been reached with the UK Government on the terms of the transfer of powers to allow the Scottish Parliament to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in Scottish Parliament elections.

Once the Order has been passed, the Scottish Government will bring forward legislation to the Scottish Parliament which, subject to parliamentary agreement, will allow registration officers to complete their work to ensure 16 and 17 year olds are able to vote in the May 2016 Scottish election.

The deal comes after the First Minister met with Prime Minister David Cameron in London last month, where she stressed the need for swift action to transfer the powers. The First Minister and Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael have now confirmed that the necessary powers will be transferred by March.

Welcoming the move, the First Minister said yesterday: “It has long been this Government’s policy to reduce the voting age to 16. The Scottish Government’s decision to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds in the referendum legislation is widely seen as an outstanding success and contributed to the unprecedented level of democratic engagement we witnessed.

“I am delighted that there is now cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament for extending the franchise to include 16 and 17 year olds for Scottish Parliament and local government elections. I stressed the need for rapid action on this front when I met David Cameron in London before Christmas – and I am delighted we now have a deal. We now intend to bring forward legislation to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible after the Order is in force to lower the voting age to 16 for these elections. This will allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the 2016 elections to the Scottish Parliament.

“This deal, which is being delivered to a tight timetable, shows just what is possible when there is political will on both sides – and underlines the need for swift action on other elements of the Smith Commission proposals.”

Last week a Scottish Parliament committee survey reported that an overwhelming majority of 16 and 17-year-olds who were eligible to vote in last year’s historic referendum did so, with four out of five saying they want a vote in all future elections.

More than 1200 of the eligible first-time voters responded to the online survey run by the Devolution (Further Powers) Committee with more than one in three saying they had campaigned for either side and two in five saying they had attended a campaign event.

Welcoming the findings, Devolution (Further Powers) Committee Convener Bruce Crawford MSP said: “We saw an unprecedented level of interest and democratic engagement around the referendum and the results of this survey provide further evidence of the energy and enthusiasm generated.

“It is quite clear that 16 and 17 year olds welcomed the opportunity to have their say on their country’s constitutional future and now want a say in the elections that shape their lives and communities – it is now for politicians to respond positively to that democratic momentum.”

Survey findings include:

Over 84 per cent of respondees agreed with the decision to give 16 and 17 year olds the vote in the Referendum
Three-quarters of respondees felt “well informed” or “quite well informed” about the major issues;
Nearly 36 per cent of respondees campaigned for either side while one in four joined a political party;
Four-fifths believe they should be able to vote in other elections;
Nearly two-thirds accessed online or social media material from the official campaigns while broadcast media was the most popular source for information.

Mr Crawford said: “I am delighted that the UK Government has agreed to transfer responsibility for running elections in Scotland to the Scottish Parliament, paving the way for votes in future Scottish, UK and local elections.

“We will use the findings of this survey to ensure that future generations of voters are as well-equipped as possible to make decisions on the issues that affect them.”

Tell George Osborne what he can do with his Budget!

Did you have your say on the city council’s budget proposals? Have you got the taste for balancing the books? Well, you now have the opportunity to give Chancellor George Osborne some timely Budget advice. Read on …

What would you like to see in Budget 2015?

The government is seeking your views on what you would like to see in Budget 2015, which will take place on Wednesday 18 March.

The government encourages open and transparent policy-making, and welcomes original and innovative ideas. Your views will be considered by HM Treasury as part of the policy-making process.

Please submit your representation by filling in our short survey.

If you would prefer to submit your representation as a file attachment, please email budget.representations@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk

For information on the correct procedure for submitting your representation, please view the guidance.

To allow for full consideration in advance of the Budget, any submission should be sent to HM Treasury by Friday 13 February

Follow HM Treasury on Twitter for all of our latest news and Budget coverage.

Lazarowicz: Axe the House of Lords

Lazarowicz calls for new elected Senate of Nations and Regions

Speaking in a debate at Westminster on House of Lords reform called by SNP MP Pete Wishart yesterday, Mark Lazarowicz MP called for it to be axed altogether and replaced with a new elected Senate of the Nations and Regions to be created following a major Constitutional Convention.

Speaking afterwards, the North & Leith MP said: “I strongly welcome Labour’s plan for a new elected Senate of the Nation and Regions to be created by a major Constitutional Convention: I believe it should be 100% elected by PR to represent fully the nations, cities and regions of the whole of the UK.

“The Commons would remain preeminent but as well as acting as a platform for all parts of the UK to make their voices heard the Senate would hold over-mighty governments to account and make governments think again on legislation.

“We need to act now to move to an elected second Chamber which is why the Constitutional Convention is so important to thrash out the exact form it will take and not take decades to reach a new settlement.”

Ed Miliband announced Labour’s plan for a new elected Senate of the nations and regions in November. Mark Lazarowicz is a longstanding supporter of an elected Second Chamber and proportional representation and he intervened in the debate today to make the case again. He said the Government’s response showed no urgency to move towards a more democratic Second Chamber, let alone a fully elected one.

Lazarowicz: government ‘lacks vision’ on renewable energy

Mark Lazarowicz has called for the Government to show consistency and vision to support renewable energy technologies such as offshore wind or marine power. Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, the North and Leith Labour MP said both are currently lacking in its approach to the renewables industry.

After the debate, Mr Lazarowicz commented: “I am concerned at a lack of consistency and vision from the Government in its approach to green energy: it has the potential to create skilled jobs for the future, not least here in Edinburgh.

“Support for less established technologies like offshore wind and marine energy in the early stages is vital but they are forced to compete for limited funding. The Government must show the vision to make their potential a reality otherwise these industries will go elsewhere and jobs with them.”

Pelamis Marine Power based in Edinburgh recently went into administration as funding to develop its technology at commercial scale failed to materialise.

The North and Leith MP was speaking in a debate on the Government’s Contracts for Difference – the new form of public funding for renewable technologies which is replacing the Renewables Obligation.

However, the funding is limited and divided between established technologies like onshore wind and solar and less established ones such as offshore wind and marine power with more of that budget likely to go to offshore wind.

Under Contracts for Difference companies are guaranteed a price – known as the strike price for the energy they generate. If the market price falls below that the Government will top up the difference and if it is higher then the energy companies must pay the difference to the Government.

You can find his speech in full here.

New Year … and the gloves are off already

2015 is a General Election year and the Westminster parties are off to a flying start – David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have all issued New Year messages to kick off their campaigns.

In a video message, Prime Minister David Cameron insists the government’s economic plan is working and said Britain faces a choice between ‘competence and chaos’.

Ed Miliband, however, says people he has spoken to all across the country are desperate for change and he has promised an economic recovery that reaches people’s “kitchen table” if he becomes Prime Minister in May.

And Nick Clegg’s getting in on the act too …

Never mind, only five more months campaigning to go until the election … Happy New Year!

Home Office targets modern-day slave traders

Home Office shines light on criminals seeking to exploit homeless people this Christmas

The Home Office has joined forces with charities across the country to raise awareness of criminals preying on the homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

Criminals often target vulnerable individuals, particularly at Christmas, with false promises of work and accommodation. There have been numerous occasions where this has led to people being trafficked, forced into labour and a life of servitude.

The Minister for Modern Slavery and Organised Crime Karen Bradley has written to charities and shelters that provide support to homeless people across the country about this horrific crime.

Posters featuring a powerful image from the Home Office’s hard-hitting television advert have been sent to shelters around the UK, alerting homeless people to the risks of modern slavery and directing them to the dedicated helpline number. Advice has also been provided to shelter staff on what to do if they suspect modern slavery.

Minister for Modern Slavery and Organised Crime Karen Bradley said: “Modern slavery is taking place across the UK, often out of sight – in shops, fields, building sites and behind the curtains of houses on ordinary streets.

“But we also know of some horrific cases where victims have been approached when they are at their most vulnerable – looking for work and living on the streets.

“That is why we are taking action on a number of fronts. We have brought forward a Modern Slavery Bill, the first of its kind in Europe, and published a wide-ranging strategy to tackle this crime.

“If we are to abolish it, everyone needs to play a part, at local as well as national level, and to raise awareness of the issues involved.”

The Home Office launched a national campaign this year, the first of its kind in the UK, to encourage the public to identify the signs of modern slavery and report it by calling the new national helpline.

The Modern Slavery Bill will give law enforcement the tools to stamp out modern slavery. It will ensure perpetrators receive suitably severe sentences for these appalling crimes; introduce an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner; enhance support and protection for victims; and encourage businesses to do more to eliminate slavery from their global supply chains.

Legislation is only part of the answer. The new Modern Slavery Strategy sets out a cross-government approach, detailing the actions that we expect from government departments, agencies and partners in the UK and, importantly, internationally.

If you think you work with someone who may be a victim of modern slavery, call 0800 0121 700 or visit modernslavery.co.uk

MP calls for fair deal for bmi staff

Debate raises pensions puzzle

Edinburgh North & Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz MP led a debate in Parliament today to call for pensions justice for bmi staff.

A number of bmi staff – some of whom are Edinburgh-based – saw their pensions significantly reduced after takeovers first by Lufthansa, then by IAG, the group that includes British Airways.

Lufthansa is paying compensation to members of the bmi pension fund but it is to be subject to tax and National Insurance by HMRC. One constituent lost out substantially because of this and contacted the North & Leith MP: their discussion resulted in today’s Westminster debate.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Lazarowicz said: Longstanding staff, some of them based here in Edinburgh, have seen their pensions cut significantly and are now losing out again as the compensation is taxed by HMRC.

“The Government has said it has no choice but to apply the tax rules but it is the Government itself and Parliament that decide what the tax rules are.

“This is a matter of justice and has much wider implications for pensions: if a perfectly solvent company takes over another solvent company with pension liabilities, how is it possible for both companies to be freed of responsibility for those pension liabilities?

“The Government should act to allow bmi staff to receive the compensation in full – employee pensions built up over years should not be wiped away amidst commercial wheeling and dealing.”

When bmi was sold to Lufthansa in 2009 there was no obligation on it to fund the pension scheme although it was prepared to continue to do so to a limited degree. When Lufthansa then sold bmi to IAG in 2012, the pension fund was excluded from the deal.

At that point it entered the public Pension Protection Fund which does not pay all of the pension entitlement built up where staff have not yet reached retirement and some staff have lost as much as 50% of their entitlement even after the Lufthansa compensation.

In the case of Equitable Life, the Government decided to pay compensation tax-free to those members who lost out and in another taxation issue, improvements to listed buildings, it set up a fund to compensate for the imposition of VAT.