I’m pleased that the Housing Bill is finally published. Living Rent and other campaigners have fought tirelessly for permanent rent controls. We are in a housing emergency and need stronger interim support for tenants until the rent controls scheme is in place.
Child poverty has not reduced. I asked what work the Scottish Government is doing to tackle child poverty. I welcome the Scottish Child Payment, but support must be better targeted. Childcare must also be properly funded, and the Scottish Government must reverse its cuts to housing & councils.
Tweet below on my support for firefighters at the Scottish Parliament.
This month, ten of Scotland’s fire appliances were withdrawn due to budget cuts. Today, the Chief Officer told me he expects more appliances to be cut and further increased response times. The Scottish Government must provide an emergency funding package to Scotland’s fire service.
It was a privilege to speak to my motion on women prisoners this week. There was much cross-party agreement that too many women are remanded in custody for non-violent offences. Investment is needed to refocus our justice system so more alternatives to custody are available.
Despite the Scottish Government’s denial, the fact is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service budget faces real terms cuts this year and is withdrawing vital appliances from a number of stations. Let’s be clear: these cuts are risking lives.
Bus services are in crisis and lifeline routes are being cut. I’m calling on the Scottish Government to commit to: ∙ No more blank cheques for private operators∙ Cap fares to encourage use∙ Ensure funding and regulations are in place to bring services under local control
Firefighters need adequate showering facilities to wash off carcinogenic toxins. 14 Scottish fire stations don’t have running water, many don’t have adequate showering facilities, and 75% have “bad” or “poor” conditions. I was pleased to speak in the Scottish Parliament’s debate on Firefighter Memorial Day 2023 to remember those who have lost their life in […]
The Scottish Government told me in the Chamber it won’t “unpick” the evictions ban, but there are clear loopholes being exploited. Potentially hundreds of insecure tenants remain at risk of eviction in Scotland. I believe ministers should listen to tenants unions like Living Rent and address this.
Thank you to all who participated in the consultation on my proposed member’s bill to reform Freedom of Information (FOI). I was pleased to see such a cross-section of the public providing submissions, from individuals to campaigners and those representing organisations such as housing associations, health boards, local authorities and trade unions. FOI affects almost […]
