Fabiani Welcomes Delivery of Key Government Policies

Linda Fabiani MSP has welcomed the implementation of a number of key SNP Government policies, which as of 1st April have come into effect in Scotland.

The new policies coming into force from April 1st 2008 include:

• A reduction in prescription charges, moving towards full abolition by 2011.
• Council Tax freeze for 2008/09, benefiting householders across Scotland.
• End of the £2,289 graduate endowment, benefiting students who graduated last year, and students currently in the system.

• Small Business Bonus Scheme, benefiting 150,000 small businesses in Scotland.
• Free personal and nursing care payments to older people in care homes rising in line with inflation, benefiting more than 9,000 people.

April 1st will also see introduction of
• Extension to Emergency Workers Act
• Vulnerable Witnesses Act

Commenting on the implementation of these policies Ms Fabiani said:

“April 1st 2008 marks a historic day for Scotland and for its first SNP Government. We have proven to the people that we are a Government which is committed to delivering on its key manifesto pledges as we have done exactly that.

“The policies which we have implemented will directly benefit the people of Scotland and increase fairness at all levels of our society.

 
“Our reduction and eventual removal of prescription charges will end an unfair tax on those suffering from ill-health, and particularly those who need regular medication.

“The new relationship the Government has now forged with local authorities in Scotland has directly led to a freezing of council tax across the country, resulting in more money in people’s pockets and local authorities having greater flexibility and responsibility to deliver at local level.

“The ending of the graduate endowment fee will mean students in Tayside and across Scotland will no longer have this additional burden of debt awaiting them after graduation. It was an unfair tax in the first place and it is long overdue to be removed.

“In terms of private enterprise, our small business scheme will see the start of the abolition of business rates for 120,000 small firms across Scotland and significantly reduced business rates for a further 30,000. If we want to have a flourishing economy then there must be a concerted effort to change our enterprise culture stemming from local level all the way to the national picture.

“At the heart of the measures this Government has implemented is to ensure that Scotland is a country which is not burdened by an inefficient tax system, or disincentives to further education, or hindrances to our historically enterprising business culture. We have and will continue to put in place policies which will put Scotland at the forefront of forward-thinking societies with a modern outlook befitting of our European and global position in the twenty-first century. The active benefits brought about by our policies will mean that the people of East Kilbride and South Lanarkshire will be able observe a wider culture of innovation and efficiency in Scotland.”