Local Strathaven MSP Linda Fabiani, has welcomed the news that 388,560 Scottish students currently liable for the Council Tax will benefit from its abolition and replacement with a Local Income Tax.

Ms Fabiani said:

“As soon as we can replace the discredited Council Tax with a Local Income Tax based on peoples ability to pay then those in education will have the burden of paying the Council Tax removed from them. 

“With the Council Tax removed only those earning over the tax allowance will be eligible to pay local income tax. At present a student on minimum wage would need to be working over 21 hours a week for 52 weeks before facing any tax payment under the SNP’s proposals.

“This government has put in place many measures to help the student population and tackle student hardship. We have introduced a £38 million package of grants for part-time learners in higher education, thus removing the need for them to rely exclusively on student loans. We are increasing the threshold for the non-medical personal helpers element of the disabled students allowance by 60 per cent. We are providing £14.7 million per annum to institutions to alleviate student hardship. We have introduced a fairer means test in further and higher education to ensure that support is targeted where it is needed most. And we have made £30 million available for 2010-11 to support students further, which is part of the consultation that is taking place.”

“Labour claims of sympathy for working students ring hollow when they have just doubled the tax rates students pay from 10% to 20% and they voted against the abolition of the Graduate Endowment.

“The SNP’s proposals for Local Income Tax will lift the burden of council tax from thousands of students and leave four out of five households better or no worse off.”

Strathaven based MSP Linda Fabiani MSP has welcomed a new advice network to help people cut their fuel bills.

The Energy Saving Scotland advice network will offer free advice on energy efficiency, small scale renewables and sustainable transport.

The one stop shop will help customers access grants from the Scottish Government and energy supply companies and, for the first time, will offer an energy home help service.

Speaking after the launch of the advice network by Energy Minister Jim Mather, Ms Fabiani said:

“How we use and how much energy we use is something that more and more people are becoming conscience of especially with the rise in fuel prices having an impact on people’s pockets, I think most of us are noticing that the increase in energy costs is beginning to have a financial affect, whether it be higher domestic fuel bills or filling the tank in your car.

“The new Energy Saving Scotland advice network will for the first time make available a range of advice on energy efficiency in a one-stop-shop environment, including advice on microgeneration technology which allows you to generate your own heat and power and, for the first time, solar photovoltaic technology, which converts light into electricity,  will be eligible for Scottish Government grant funding.

“There is also a Home Help service available that involves home visits, surveys, assistance with planning applications and support once any new technology has been installed.

“This is part of our drive to cut emissions and build a greener Scotland, and everyone can play a part by contacting the Energy Saving Scotland advice network and as well as helping to save the planet you can also save yourself some cash.”

People can access their local centre on freephone 0800 512 012 or visiting http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/.