This week in Holyrood, MSPs have been discussing …

Referendum Consultation launch

On Wednesday the First Minister and Deputy First Minister launched the consultation on the independence referendum – Your Scotland, Your Referendum – at a press conference in Edinburgh Castle, attended by over 70 members of the international media.

The consultation paper:

* sets out a proposed ballot paper with the question:

Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?

* seeks views on the inclusion of a second question. The Scottish Government is willing to include a question about further, substantial devolution on the lines of “devolution max” if there is sufficient support for such a move.

* proposes that the referendum should be run in exactly the same way as an election. Local returning officers will have operational responsibility for the poll and the count, under the direction of a Chief Counting Officer. The Electoral Commission will be responsible for regulation of the campaign and for oversight and reporting the referendum process and in this role will be accountable to the Scottish Parliament. Restrictions on Government publicity will apply in the run-up to polling day as they would for elections.

* sets out who will be able to vote. Eligibility will be the same as for Scottish Parliament and local government elections and for the 1997 referendum on devolution, with the exception that the vote will be extended to 16 and 17 year-olds who are on the electoral register. The choice of the Scottish Parliament franchise reflects the internationally accepted principle that the franchise for constitutional referendums should be determined by residency and the Scottish Government’s view that sovereignty lies with the people of Scotland.

* seeks views on proposed spending limits of £750,000 for the lead campaign organisations designated by the Electoral Commission, £250,000 for each political party represented in the Scottish Parliament and £50,000 for others who want to spend more than £5,000 on campaigning. This approach is based on the legislation which applies to UK-wide referendums with the limits tailored to reflect that the referendum will be held in Scotland only.

The total cost of the referendum is likely to be around £10 million, the bulk of which will be spent on running the poll and the count. This cost is broadly in line with the cost (per voter) of the Welsh Assembly and AV Referendums in 2011. There will be no public funding for campaign organisations

The Scottish Government is ready to work with the UK Government to agree a clarification of the Scotland Act 1998 that would put the referendum effectively beyond legal challenge. This would be achieved through an order under section 30 of the 1998 Act and subject to the agreement of both parliaments. The Scottish Government does not accept that conditions should be placed upon the order. The Scottish Government’s mandate to hold a referendum is clear. As a matter of democratic principle it is for the Scottish Parliament to decide on the timing and terms of the referendum and the rules under which it is to be conducted

Claim of Right

On Thursday Nicola Sturgeon led the Scottish Government debate on the Claim of Right. The motion was ‘That the Parliament acknowledges the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the form of government best suited to their needs and declares and pledges that in all its actions and deliberations their interests shall be paramount.’ Nicola Sturgeon began her speech discussing the principle that the people are sovereign, tracing this from the Declaration of Arbroath. We have published a consultation paper and will hear the views of people throughout Scotland. The importance of bringing the historical nature of the contents of the motion to a contemporary relevance was highlighted.

Michael Russell concluded the debate for the Scottish Government. He pointed out that the Tories spent the debate focusing on a background to constitutional theory and Labour also looked back to history. Michael Russell pointed out that “The question today is not about individual politicians and parties…The question is simple: it is whether power rests with the people.”

Key points for the debate:

* The SNP were initially heavily involved in the process in the 1980s, while Labour initially weren‘t. 3 prominent nationalists – Paul Scott, Neil McCormick and Isobel Lindsay – sat on the Constitutional Steering Group.

* Labour, meanwhile, did not take part in the process until after our success in the Govan by-election, and until they were assured by the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly that they would effectively control it, given their 50 MPs.

* Why didn’t the SNP sign the 1989 Claim of Right Declaration? We could never sign to something that, on the one hand, asserted the sovereign right of the people of Scotland to determine the best of Government, while on the other hand specifically a fully independent Government as an option.

Background:

* Campaign for a Scottish Assembly – formed after the 1979 referendum to keep alive the case for Scottish self-government

* Constitutional Steering Group – established by the CSA. Produced A Claim of Right for Scotland on 13th July 1988 which called for a Scottish constitutional convention. SNP Members participated in this.

* Scottish Constitutional Convention – brought together a broad spectrum of civic Scotland to discuss the contents of a proposed claim of right. At its first meeting on 30th March 1989, it adopted the A Claim of Right for Scotland declaration. SNP no longer involved. Published 24-page document Towards Scotland’s Parliament: A report to the Scottish People on 30th Nov 1990, and Scotland’s Parliament. Scotland’s Right on 30th Nov 1995.

GDP figures

Figures published by the ONS on Wednesday show that the UK economy shrank by 0.2% in Q4 2011 – worse than the 0.1% predicted. Comparable Scottish figures for Q4 2011 will be published on 18th April.

On an annual basis (4Q-on-4Q), Scottish GDP grew by 0.9% to Q3 2011; UK grew by 1.3%.

Another quarter of negative growth will mean that the UK has technically returned to recession.

The last recession (2008-2009) was shorter and shallower in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.

Budget – Stage 1

On Wednesday Parliament passed the Budget Bill at Stage 1. Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens voted against the budget, with the Tories abstaining.

Stage 2 will now take place in the Finance Committee next week, with Stage 3 taking place in the full Parliament the following week.

Buses debate

A Labour debate on bus travel was held on Thursday. Transport Minister Keith Brown argued that the Scottish Government supports the bus industry to the tune of £0.25bn, adding: “which is a generous settlement when one bears in mind—as I have mentioned already—the swinging cuts to our capital budget.”

The Minister said that Labour’s fuel duty escalator had added to the burden to bus companies, as the largest part of their fare was comprised of labour and fuel costs. He added that the reduction in BSOG justified a one per cent maximum increase in fares, not the seven or eight per cent increases happening elsewhere, but that was “a decision for the bus operators”.

He also stated: A planned meeting of a new bus stakeholder group would be brought forward to March. This would look at improving connectivity, quality of service, maintaining the bus service and encouraging modal shift; Service changes were regulated, and advice would be sought from the Traffic Commissioner on changing the notice period for changes; The Green Bus Fund has delivered 48 new low carbon vehicles and would deliver more to the value of £2m this year; From April, demand responsive services would be able to register as local bus services and qualify for BSOG and concessionary travel; It was worth looking at proposals to change the National Concessionary Travel Scheme, but keeping in mind that those who benefit were often low paid employees.

On changes to BSOG, he said that these were happening in order to remove fuel from the calculation of subsidy and change it instead to route length. While the grant was reducing, a £3m investment fund for bus infrastructure was proposed. In 2012/13, this fund would be used to help operators most affected by the BSOG change.

Kinship care

Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell said that the Scottish Government had done more than any previous administration for kinship carers. The SNP had moved quickly, introducing ‘Getting it right for every child in kinship and foster care’ in 2007 and legislation in 2009 recognising kinship carers for the first time, while the introduction of permanence orders in 2007 had enhanced the chance of finding a child a permanent home with the wider family. The National Parenting Strategy was also being developed for anyone involved in bringing up children, and at the heart of this will be recognition that all parents may need support at one time or another.

The Minister also said that concerns raised by kinship care organisations at a recent Education Committee meeting were taken very seriously. She added that during two terms in office, Labour had done nothing to recognise kinship carers. “It took the election of the SNP Government and our legislation for that to happen. However, we are not complacent and we understand that more needs to be done,” she said.

She stressed that the fact Parliament had no competence over welfare and social security was not helping progress on support for kinship carers. She stressed that the SNP believe kinship carers should be able to claim benefits, as any parent would, such as child benefit and child tax credit.

Many East Kilbride customers lost Christmas savings when Farepak collapsed in October 2006 owing £37m to more than 119,000 savers (20,000 customers in Scotland). More than five years later, savers are likely to recover just 5p in the pound, while the final bill for the administrators and their legal advisers has already exceeded £8 million.

Linda said “It is five years since Farepak collapsed, but that nightmare of Christmas past is still being felt by many low income families. Savers are likely to recover just 5p in the pound, while the final bill for the administrators and their legal advisers has already exceeded £8 million.

“Many people in East Kilbride were affected by the collapse, causing Christmas misery, unfortunately that misery continues to rumble on and on.”

The SNP, who have already called for an investigation into the workings of the insolvency industry, said the situation underlined a failure of regulation and contrasted UK Government’s response to bailing out the banks with Farepak.

Angus Robertson SNP MP said “ It is sad and unacceptable that, five years after Farepak collapsed, more than two hundred customers have died waiting to receive any of their money back.

“There is something seriously wrong when liquidations can take years to finalise and people are actually dying before the insolvency gravy train comes to a halt.

“It is simply disgraceful that, years after the company collapsed, that customers are still waiting to get any of their savings back.

“Just like the banks, current UK insolvency regulation has failed. Part of the problem seems to be that the industry is largely self-regulated. Insolvency work is handled by licensed practitioners, most of whom work for accountancy firms.

“The practitioners are in turn regulated by accountancy and law professional bodies, which have no independence from the firms they regulate. What’s more, there is no independent complaints investigation procedure or ombudsman to adjudicate on malpractices – there are no questions over fees or delays.

“UK Ministers should step in without further delay bring this sorry tale to an end and ensure that the savers receive a reasonable return rather than their money going to swell the already bulging pockets of large accountancy firms.”

Note:

1. In a letter Farepak’s liquidator (BDO LLP) confirmed: “To date, I have received notification of the death of 207 Farepak agents and customers. I can confirm that any dividends will be paid to the next of kin or , where applicable, the estate of the agent or customer.”

2. Research by Mr Weir has shown that Farepak families are not alone in losing out, with other High Street and high profile examples include:

- Zavvi, the music retail chain which went into administration in November 2008, owing unsecured creditors nearly £185m – including 510,000 unredeemed vouchers worth an estimated £4.1m. Creditors are just receiving 15p in the pound, while administrators Ernst & Young collected millions in fees.
- Furniture chain, Land of Leather, went into administration with debts of £37m in January 2009. Creditors received just 9p in the pound, while administrators Deloitte and Touche collected fees of £2.5m.
- Liquidations have no statutory time limit and some, such as the Israel-British Bank, which entered liquidation in 1974 was only finalised in September 2009. Also in 1974, holiday firm Apal Travel went into liquidation – finalised only in August 20089 by which time some of the holidaymakers entitled to receive the 74p in the pound settlement had probably died in the intervening 35 years.
- indeed, more than 19,500 liquidations started five years or more have not yet been finalised.
- 6,629 liquidations started 20 years or more ago have not yet been finalised.
- The level of fees charged by insolvency practitioners is not regulated.

 

Linda said “Community Councils are democratic, statutory bodies of elected volunteers representing the views and needs of communities to local councils and other public agencies working in their area.

“They give residents the chance to voice their opinions and concerns.  Many do much more, including managing local projects, assets and services. 

“Working with local councillors, police officers and teachers to deliver the best for their community, Community Councils provide a strong voice for East Kilbride society.

“Strong communities help to make our town great and I would encourage interested residents to get involved and help shape their community for the better.”

Westwood Community Council: Red Deer Centre, Fourth Thursday of the Month, 7.30pm

St Leonards Community Council: Blacklaw Community Hall, Fourth Wednesday of the Month, 7.30pm

Murray Community Council: Murray Owen Centre, Second Thursday of the Month, 7.30pm

East Mains Community Council: Arts Centre, Second Monday of the Month, 7.30pm

Calderwood Community Council: Calderwood Community Hall, First Wednesday of the Month, 7.30pm

“The Scottish Government has delivered good budgets for the nation since coming to power in 2007 and I am confident this year’s budget will continue this trend.

“In particular, I welcome the continuation of the Council Tax freeze, which really helps families to make ends meet during these tough times. This is just one way in which our Scottish Government is helping the people of Scotland.

“We are investing in the future of the country by delivering 25,000 modern apprenticeships and funding programmes through ‘Opportunities for All’ which guarantees training and learning opportunities for all 16-19 year olds in Scotland.

“We know the NHS is a priority to the people and for this reason we have ring-fenced spending on our health service.

“In times of global financial crisis and unprecedented cuts to the Scottish budget from Westminster, the SNP are working hard to support the People of Scotland.”

Finance Secretary John Swinney said “The Scottish Government is using every lever currently available to us to secure new investment and create and safeguard jobs – just this week we established new Enterprise Areas in Scotland to target our investment where it will be most effective.

“Our strategy will be further enhanced by a special session of the National Economic Forum dedicated to tackling youth unemployment.

“Our focus is clear, and if opposition parties come forward with ideas that match our priorities of supporting employment and economic growth, I will consider them. But I also expect parties to tell Parliament how those proposals will be funded.”

Linda Fabiani MSP for East Kilbride has called for people of the town to play their part in shaping the forthcoming referendum on Scottish independence by taking part in the Scottish Government consultation launched today by the First Minister.

A copy of the Scottish Government’s independence referendum consultation can be found at http://www.scotreferendum.com/consultation/ , along with details of how to respond.  Alternatively, people can write to: Referendum Consultation, Elections and Constitutional Development Division, Area 3D (South), Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ.

Linda said “A decision as important as the independence referendum clearly needs to involve and engage everyone in Scotland. The referendum should be built in Scotland, by the people of Scotland rather than limited by the strings and conditions of Westminster.

“That is why I want to see as many people as possible take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation and help to shape the way the referendum in 2014 will be held.

“This is an opportunity to have a huge impact on the most important decision that Scotland has faced for 300 years and I hope large numbers of people of East Kilbride will play their part.

“To do more to improve Scotland and build a better country we need the full range of powers available to an independent country. Nobody cares more about making Scotland a success than people in Scotland and independence will give us all the ability to meet the aspirations we all hold for this country.”

Linda Fabiani MSP for East Kilbride has called for more economic powers for Scotland to help grow the economy.

Linda said “Although I am pleased to see, that despite troubled economic times new figures show that our GDP grew by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2011, which is encouraging for the economy and the country as a whole. 

“However, so much more could be achieved if Scotland was given the proper levers to grow our economy which is currently stifled by Westminster’s austerity programme.”

The new GDP figures coincided with the publication of the latest labour market statistics, which saw unemployment in Scotland increase by 19,000 in the three month period September-November 2011 to 8.6 per cent. UK-wide, unemployment increased by 118,000 to 8.4 per cent.

Linda said “There has been an increase in unemployment throughout the UK as a whole thought it is worth noting that unemployment in Scotland remains below the rate in most other regions and nations of the UK, such as Wales, London, the West Midlands, Yorkshire & the Humber, the North East, and North West of England.

“It is also encouraging to note that for the fourteenth consecutive month, the labour market statistics also show that the employment rate in Scotland remains higher than the UK-wide position, at 70.9 per cent compared to the UK rate of 70.3 per cent for the period September-November 2011.

“The employment rate in Scotland for 16-24 year-olds is 52.9 per cent – higher than the UK rate of 50.3 per cent. This shows more people in Scotland are managing to stay in work, particularly younger people, which bodes well for our continued economic recovery and growth.

“There are real signs of improvement across the Scottish economy. Our construction sector grew by 5.9 per cent in the last year, compared to a 5.4 per cent increase UK-wide; the production sector grew by 1.7 per cent in Scotland, compared to a 0.4 per cent increase UK-wide. The Index of Manufactured Exports showed 0.2 per cent growth in the third quarter of 2011 and growth of 2.7 per cent on an annual basis.

“Still more can be done and that is precisely why Finance Secretary, John Swinney, has called for a UK-wide jobs summit to agree an immediate programme of employment creation, in response to rising unemployment. The Scottish Government will continue to do all in its power to improve the prospects of the people of Scotland”

 

Linda Fabiani MSP for East Kilbride has welcomed the agreement on changes to working conditions at the Scottish Ambulance Service which will ensure ambulance staff respond to emergency calls while on a break.

Linda said “It is good to see a resolution to this issue as I know some people were concerned at the previous arrangements surrounding breaks for Ambulance staff.

“I am also pleased at 150 new jobs being created at the Scottish Ambulance Service. This will help ensure that staff in this vital emergency service, such as those based in Hairmyres, can continue to perform at the high level we all expect to safeguard the health of ourselves and our loved ones in the event of serious injury or ill health.”

In new plans, which have been agreed by unions, staff will move to a 37.5 hour paid week inclusive of rest periods. Currently, staff are rostered for 40 hours per week, paid for 37.5 hours and entitled to 2.5 hours of unpaid rest periods. As they will now be paid for all the hours they are on duty, staff will be required to attend emergency calls throughout their shift period.

To support the redesign of the service, an additional 150 front line staff will be hired. Interim arrangements, which will be in place while the new working hours are implemented, have also been agreed.

Confirming the agreement to the Scottish Parliament, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said “I am pleased to say that a long term solution – that protects patient safety and also supports ambulance service staff – has been agreed.

“The rejection of the most recent offer made it very clear to me that a radically different proposal would be required in order to reach a solution to this issue and that is what has been found.

“To support this deal the Scottish Government will invest an additional five million pounds per year in the Scottish Ambulance Service to create 150 new front line jobs.  The investment will strengthen the clinical response to life-threatening emergencies as well as the performance of the Scottish Ambulance Service. For remote and rural areas it will support increased numbers of community paramedics able to work in and with communities.

“The agreement ensures that additional funding will be invested in the ambulance service, rather than in additional payments to existing ambulance staff.

“No individual staff member will gain financially when required to attend an emergency call during a rest period. I welcome a resolution that clearly demonstrates what I have always known and believed to be the case – that the priority of ambulance staff is their patients, not their personal gain.”
Background:

The change to working hours is within the terms of Agenda for Change – the terms and conditions of the NHS.

The Scottish Government has always classed the Ambulance Service as an emergency service.

Under the previous interim arrangement all applicable staff were required to respond to ‘Category A’ emergency calls and major incidents during rest breaks. Staff were compensated with an annual payment of £250 (pro rata), a guaranteed rest break and payment of £100 if their rest break is actually disturbed.

The new interim arrangements, which will be in place for five months, came into force on 17 January 2012. Under the arrangement staff will be paid £150 per month and will be required to answer calls during their breaks.

Labour market and GDP stats
Various statistics were published on Wednesday giving an indication of the outlook of the economy. Scottish GDP grew by 0.5 per cent – the strongest since the second quarter of 2010 – and manufactured exports grew by 0.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2011 (July-September).  Unemployment in Scotland increased by 19,000 in the three month period September-November 2011 to 8.6 per cent. UK-wide, unemployment increased by 118,000 to 8.4 per cent.  For the fourteenth consecutive month, the labour market statistics also show that the employment rate in Scotland remains higher than the UK-wide position, at 70.9 per cent compared to the UK rate of 70.3 per cent for the period September-November 2011.  Unemployment in Scotland remains below the rate in most other regions and nations of the UK, and is lower than in Wales, London, the West Midlands, Yorkshire & the Humber, the North East, and North West of England.  The claimant count in Scotland fell in December for the fourth consecutive month, by 1,400, with the rate down 0.1 percentage points to 5.3 per cent, while the UK-wide claimant count figure increased for the tenth consecutive month, by 1,200, with the rate unchanged at 5.0 per cent.  Scotland‘s economic inactivity rate at 22.3 per cent remains lower than the UK-wide figure of 23.1 per cent.  Over the year to the three-month period September-November 2011, the unemployment level for 16-24 year olds in Scotland increased to 105,000. It is important to note that in the most recently disaggregate quarterly figures, which cover the period July-September 2011, 35 per cent of young unemployed people in Scotland were also in full-time education, compared to a figure of 28 per cent UK-wide.  The employment rate in Scotland for 16-24 year-olds is 52.9 per cent – higher than the UK rate of 50.3 per cent.  The Scottish economy expanded by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2011, and grew by 0.9 per cent on annual basis. UK-wide, GDP also grew 0.5 per cent in Q3 2011, and by 1.3 per cent annually.  The GDP growth figure for Scotland in the second quarter of 2011 has been revised up, from 0.1 per cent to 0.2 per cent. UK-wide, the figure for Q2 2011 has been revised down from 0.1 to 0.0 per cent.  The construction sector grew by 5.9 per cent in Scotland annually, compared to a 5.4 per cent increase UK-wide; the production sector grew by 1.7 per cent in Scotland, compared to a 0.4 per cent increase UK-wide.  The Index of Manufactured Exports showed 0.2 per cent growth in the third quarter of 2011 and growth of 2.7 per cent on an annual basis.

Ambulance crew rest break deal
The long-running dispute over ambulance crew rest breaks was resolved this week, after unions accepted a revised deal.  The previous offer – of a £1500 annual payment plus £100 per callout – was accepted by the unions but then rejected by members in a ballot. Since then, interim arrangements have been in place.  In new plans, which have been agreed by unions, staff will move to a 37.5 hour paid week inclusive of rest periods. Currently, staff are rostered for 40 hours per week, paid for 37.5 hours and entitled to 2.5 hours of unpaid rest periods. As they will now be paid for all the hours they are on duty, staff will be required to attend emergency calls throughout their shift period.  To support the redesign of the service, an additional 150 front line staff will be hired.  Interim arrangements, which will be in place while the new working hours are implemented, have also been agreed.
Enterprise Areas
The Scottish Government this week announced the location of the new Enterprise Areas. These sites were rigorously assessed against the following criteria: Evidence of market failure or barriers to growth; Evidence of the opportunity for additionality; Evidence of the need for improved local economic performance; Development challenges.  The Scottish Government intends to establish Enterprise Areas in the following locations: Life Sciences; Irvine (N Ayrshire), Forres (Moray), Inverness Campus (Highland), BioQuarter (Edinburgh) and Biocampus (Midlothian).  Low Carbon / Renewables North; Hatston (Orkney), Arnish (Western Isles), Nigg (Highland), Scrabster (Highland) and Lyness (Orkney).  Low Carbon / Renewables East; Dundee Port (Dundee) and Leith (Edinburgh) Growth Sectors; Creative Clyde (Glasgow) and Prestwick International focused on aerospace engineering (S Ayrshire).  It is anticipated Enterprise Areas will be operational by April 2012.  By focusing on growth sectors which can leverage Scotland‘s natural resources and knowledge the sites will aim to generate new economic activity by increasing or bringing forward private investment and stimulating new job creation.  Information on the specific incentives offered to encourage private investment at each Enterprise Area will be made available following detailed engagement and agreement with the relevant Local Authorities Key incentives may include a streamlined planning process and reduced business rates. Officials are also exploring with HM Treasury the scope to offer enhanced capital allowances at a limited number of sites as an alternative to business rate discounts. In addition, we will consider opportunities presented by the emerging National Broadband Strategy to help make Enterprise Areas as attractive as possible to investors while SDI will provide inward investment assistance.

Cities Agenda
A debate was held this week in Parliament on the Scottish Government‘s strategy for encouraging co-operation and growth across our six cities.  The SNP’s 2011 manifesto committed  to introducing a new Cities Agenda, and appointing a Cabinet Member as Cities Minister with specific responsibility for driving this forward. This forms part of the Health & Wellbeing portfolio.  The Cities Agenda was published by the Scottish Government last month and was backed by a £5m Cities Investment Fund, which has three objectives:  Developing programmes which lever in other funding – either private finance or European funding; Supporting collaborative programmes between cities which will develop large-scale projects; Developing programmes which allow for wider city region investment.  The Agenda for Cities will help create the momentum required to make sure that our cities and their regions are able to make the fullest possible contribution to sustained economic recovery – stimulating economic activity and job creation.  The Scottish Government want to see cities working together, building on their combined strengths to develop strong investment propositions at a scale which will be attractive to potential investors.  The recently-published Infrastructure Investment Plan and Regeneration Strategy will help improve connections within and between our cities and enable them to ensure opportunities are available to all. But the Scottish Government want to do more to help cities realise their visions by removing barriers and strengthening partnerships.  As a key element of the Agenda for Cities, the leaders of city local authorities will be in the driving seat, collaborating through a new alliance, supported by the SCDI. The Alliance will help cities determine their shared priorities, backed by resources from our new £5 million Cities Investment Fund.

FM in Middle East
This week the First Minister attended the annual World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. Alex Salmond: “Scotland‘s energy challenges and champions make us a leader in the international sustainability debate. We are also world leaders in the transition to a low carbon economy and in particular the renewables revolution. It is only fitting that we should be part of the foremost annual meeting committed to finding solutions to the energy needs of the future.” The First Minister raised the issue of climate justice being at the heart of our energy policy decisions. While in Abu Dhabi, he extended an invitation to the Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference during an address to the World’s Young Future Energy Leaders.  An agreement was signed with alternative energy company Masdar, focussing ?on development opportunities, investment in low carbon projects, technological cooperation, policy making and best practice initiatives.? Alex Salmond: ?The signing of this agreement with Masdar is a rapid and valuable outcome from the high-level discussions I held with Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed al Nahyan and Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber just over two months ago in Abu Dhabi. This outcome is testament to the fact that Scotland is a world renewable energy champion and is continuing to play a major role in driving the global adoption of renewable sources of power, innovations in grid technology and R&D in wind turbine development.

Common Agricultural Policy
On Wednesday 18th January the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment (RACCE) Committee debated the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).  The objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) were first set out in the Treaty of Rome in 1957. The CAP provides a programme of agricultural support and subsidies throughout the EU. CAP makes up 41% of the EU Budget and is split into 2 Pillars.  Pillar 1: relates to direct support for farmers, such as the Single Farm Payment which is worth approximately £0.5 billion annually to Scotland‘s farmers.  Pillar 2: the provision of the Rural Development Programme. The CAP is due for reform and the European Commission on the 12th October 2011 put forward its legislative proposals. Following debate in the European Parliament and Council, the European Commission say ?the approval of the different regulations and implementing acts is expected by the end of 2013, with a view to having the CAP reform in place as from 1st January 2014. Dacian Ciolo?, the Commissioner responsible for agriculture and rural development, in a speech on 12th October in Brussels described the key aims of the reform as: to ensure that the competitiveness of all European farming safeguards our food security; to lay down the foundations for long-term competitiveness that is both environmentally and economically sustainable; to ensure that agriculture flourishes throughout Europe; and finally, a spearhead objective: to simplify the CAP.  Rob Gibson as Convenor opened the debate, emphasising ensuring success for our food and drink industry and consideration of Scotland‘s distinct needs with 85% LFAs. The cuts to direct subsidies, as proposed by the UK Government do ?not meet the needs of Scottish agricultural conditions. He went on the highlight the need for a bridging mechanism, the need for Scotland to get an appropriate share, the position for new entrants, a national reserve, greening schemes within Pillar 1, capping of direct payments and the fact that Scotland ?doesn‘t have a seat at the top level when farming issues are discussed in Brussels?.  Richard Lochhead spoke in the debate on the behalf of the Scottish Government, also highlighting our world-class food and drink and export sector. He emphasised that ?No one in Scotland will be immune from the effects of CAP reform, whether they live in our rural communities or in the heart of our cities.  The important of the Pack Inquiry was mentioned, as well as coupled payments, the need to simplify the CAP, proportionate regulatory burdens and the fact that ?Scotland currently has the lowest rate of rural development funding and the fourth-lowest rate for single farm payments in Europe. Richard Lochhead concluded by referring to the necessity of continuing ?to urge UK ministers to base their negotiations on the need for food security, not cost-cutting demands from the UK Treasury. The Parliament unanimously passed the motion ‘That the Parliament notes the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee‘s ongoing scrutiny of the European Commission‘s proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.‘

Police and Fire Reform
The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament 16th January 2012 by Kenny MacAskill.  Key aspects of the Bill: Regular, formal opportunities for the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise policing and fire and rescue services; Establishing the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service board to hold the Chief Constable and Chief Officer to account; Establishing ‘the Police Service of Scotland’, comprising a Chief Constable, other officers and police staff. The Chief Constable and other senior officers will be appointed by the SPA. All constables and police staff will transfer to the new service; Transferring the current functions of fire and rescue authorities to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. All staff employed by the current eight fire and rescue authorities will transfer to the new service; A statutory duty for the Police Service of Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to provide adequate local services; A designated local policing commander and local senior fire officer for each local authority area, responsible for involving the local authority in determining priorities and objectives for policing and fire and rescue services in the local area; A local plan for policing and a local plan for fire and rescue services for each local authority area, agreed between the relevant local commander or local senior officer and the local authority, setting out priorities, objectives and arrangements for local service delivery; Complaint reviews and investigation of serious incidents and criminal offences involving the police to be handled by one independent body, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner; The creation of an Inspectorate of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Kenny MacAskill: “The stark reality is that budget cuts from Westminster will devastate our excellent frontline services if we don‘t act now. This Government will not be complacent, we will not compromise on public safety and we will make sure that every community is served and served well.  The reasons for reform are clear. We need to make a virtue of necessity. Make no mistake – this is the only way to make sure that we don‘t lose the major improvements made to police and fire and rescue services in recent years.”  The Justice Committee issued a call for evidence on 17th January 2012 and expects to consider written submissions and to take evidence from late February until late March, before reporting on the Bill‘s general principles towards the end of April 2012. Evidence is to be provided by Tuesday 6th March and if wishing to give oral evidence, then by 28th February.  The question of policing reform arose during FMQs, with Willie Rennie questioning the level of savings. In response to criticism of senior officers‘ involvement in the structuring of the new police service, Alex Salmond noted that “Willie Rennie seems to think that local policing is about having eight chief constables in Scotland, we think it is about local officers in the streets and communities of Scotland.”

£3m funding announced for play opportunities
On Tuesday, Children‘s Minister Aileen Campbell announced that £3m would be invested to make sure more children across Scotland can access free play facilities.
£1.5m of the money will see expansion to a selected number of ‘Play Ranger‘ community play models, while £1.05m will be allocated to improving school playgrounds. £450,000 will be used to support play staff and provide money for their training and development. The funding package runs until 2015 and will be managed by Inspiring Scotland and Grounds for Learning. It is drawn from the £270m Early Years Change Fund.

College funding
The funding position for Scotland‘s colleges has been outlined to them ahead of more detailed information from the Scottish Funding Council. Colleges were told that student numbers for 2012/13 would be maintained and no college would see its teaching grant fall by more than 8.5%.  At the end of last year, the Scottish Government also announced that £15 would be allocated to colleges as part of a Transformation Fund to help implements changes as a result of planned reforms to post-16 education and Angela Constance was appointed Minister for Youth Employment with a budget of £30m.

Local Government elections
On Thursday, MSPs debated the upcoming local government elections which will take place in May. Local Government Minister Derek Mackay said that following the difficulties of the 2007 elections, lessons had been learned and the recommendations of the Gould Report had been pursued. He said that throughout these preparations, the voter had been kept ?at the forefront of our minds.  Since the Gould Report: Local Government elections had been ‘decoupled‘ from Parliamentary elections; The decision had been made to use e-counting again, due to the use of the Single Transferable Vote. The Minister reassured MSPs that improvements had been made to the system: The Electoral Management Board for Scotland had been created to help local authorities and others to carry out their functions and promote best practice; The Electoral Commission‘s statutory functions had been extended in Scotland to include local government elections, reflecting the need to address fragmentation of legislation; In accordance with the Gould recommendation to have relevant legislation in place six months before an election, the legislation governing the 2012 elections was agreed in November last year; The ballot paper for local government elections had been tested with a cross-section of voters; Legislation was passed meaning that anyone who had not cast their vote at 10pm on the evening of a poll but had been in the queue at closing time would be allowed to vote; For the first time, the Commission will have a statutory responsibility to promote public awareness at local government elections. It will run its campaign in two phases—voter registration, which will be given a clear focus, and voter information.  It was also announced that legislation will be introduced next week to increase the spending limits at local government elections by 17.5%. The increase is in line with the rate of inflation since the previous review in 2005.  The Minister highlighted the amount of legislation governing elections and how they should be run. He called for the Scottish Parliament to have full responsibility for all elections. Before the debate, he said that the UK Government had been repeatedly asked to transfer these powers and, but nothing had been done.  He also stated: “It is absurd that this parliament is not responsible for the election of its members and that we are unable to give 16 and 17-year-olds their democratic right to vote.”

A senior MSP has warned that time is running out for the UK Government to win support for its planned changes to Scottish devolution.

Linda Fabiani, convener of Holyrood’s Scotland Bill Committee, said she is “seriously concerned” that no response has been given to any of the
45 recommendations made to the legislation.

The committee, which is dominated by the SNP, published a report on December 15 arguing that the Bill risks damaging the country’s finances and will be opposed unless significant new powers are added.

Ms Fabiani set out her concerns in a letter to Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, a Liberal Democrat MP, arguing that the Bill is entering its final stage at the House of Lords with the end of the Westminster parliamentary year “looming”.

However, the Scotland Office said it is unlikely the Bill will reach its final stages until “well into March”.

Ms Fabiani wrote: “In light of the fact that the Bill is now entering the final revising stages in the House of Lords and that we have heard nothing formal from you in terms of how you will respond to each of the
45 recommendations made by the committee, I am now seriously concerned that you will be unable to lodge the amendments necessary to gain the Scottish Parliament’s legislative consent in time for the Bill to complete its passage before the end of the parliamentary year at Westminster.

“With the end of the parliamentary year looming in April, this provides you with very little time to respond to our report, lodge amendments and for the Scottish Parliament to timetable its debate on legislative consent required under the Sewel convention.”

The Scotland Bill proposes a new Scottish income tax rate, devolution of stamp duty and borrowing powers, among other measures.

Holyrood would be given responsibility for air gun regulations, drink-driving limits and the national speed limit.

But the financial package has proved controversial. The Bill committee, which scrutinised the proposals, split along party lines on some recommendations, with a minority report setting out the opposition’s view.

There was unanimous support for the proposed GBP500 million borrowing cap to be doubled and for air passenger duty to be devolved. The committee also wants wider power to set all speed limits and for control of the Crown Estate.

The SNP and Green Party members of the committee supported calls for control of all income tax bands, saying that the UK Government should pay for the costs of setting up the tax powers. The two parties also want revenues from excise duties on alcohol to be assigned to the Scottish Parliament.

The SNP wants control of corporation tax.

A Scotland Office spokesman said: “UK Government officials have been having discussions with Scottish Government officials about the Scotland Bill and the Scotland Bill Committee’s report. Those discussions will continue, and we will respond to the committee’s recommendations in due course.

“Amendments can be tabled at committee, report or third reading stages in the Lords. We are unlikely to reach the final stages of the Bill in the Lords until well into March.”

The Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards 2012, in association with The Co-operative Foundation, are asking for nominations to be submitted to

www.youngscotawards.co.uk before Friday 26th February. The Awards organisers want to hear inspirational stories, which truly reflect Scotland’s outstanding young people.

Linda said “I know and have met many inspirational young people in East Kilbride over the years, who dedicate themselves to helping others in one way or another.

“Anyone who can think of someone they know, or a group project, which deserves recognition at national level, should submit a nomination to the Young Scot Awards.

“There are a number of different award categories, and the more people or groups put forward the better. This is a good opportunity to flag up the good work going on in East Kilbride, and to get local young folk the credit they deserve.”
 

Has a young person you know been involved in improving their local community? Have they made a positive contribution by giving up their free time? Nominations are accepted from groups as well as individuals, so maybe you know of a youth group or project whose achievements deserve to be heard about on a national level?

There are 13 different categories in which you can nominate:

• Sport

(sponsored by sportscotland)

·  Volunteering

(sponsored by SCVO)

·  The Arts

·  Community

(sponsored by The Scottish Government)

·  Truth About Youth

(sponsored by The Co-operative Foundation)

·  Heritage

(sponsored by Historic Scotland)

·  Health

·  Unsung Hero

(sponsored by SOLACE)

·  Enterprise

(sponsored by Scottish Gas)

·  Entertainment

·  Diversity and Citizenship

(sponsored by Young Scot)

·  Environment

(sponsored by Scottish Gas)

·  Sunday Mail Readers Award

(sponsored by Sunday Mail)

Three finalists in each of the 13 categories will be invited to the glittering awards ceremony in Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on 26th April 2011, where they will mix with celebrities, politicians and other guests.

Nominate by logging on to

www.youngscotawards.co.uk