Stuart McMillan MSP

McMILLAN WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING

Stuart McMillan MSP has welcome the news that the Scottish Government’s International Development Fund, which helps some of the world's poorest countries, is to be doubled to £9 million.

The Scottish Government also confirmed its commitment to continue working with Malawi. At a recent meeting with the Network of International Development Organisations in Scotland (NIDOS) to discuss the future direction of the Scottish government's International Development Policy, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani said "The Scottish government is determined to build on Scotland's existing international development work and to that end, I can confirm that the International Development Fund will be doubled to £9 million over the life of this Parliament. This will be done within the context of a policy review to ensure the Fund targets those in greatest need”.

"I can also confirm that our commitment to supporting Malawi will continue, with the current level of support being maintained at a minimum £3 million per year. However, Scotland also has strong links with other countries, many of which would benefit from assistance and it is right that we do not forget them”.

"NIDOS currently represents 67 Scottish organisations involved in international development and I will draw on their knowledge and expertise to inform our future priorities for international development policy. As we move towards doubling the international aid budget I want to ensure our money is not wasted and that our support is properly targeted to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes."

Stuart McMillan said of the announcement that “this is very welcome news. The new Scottish government doubling the international development fund to £9m over the life of the Parliament by 2011 shows Scotland’s clear support for helping those in need. Understandably the increase in funding will be done within the context of a policy review and will aim to ensure the Fund targets those in greatest need and achieves measurable, sustainable outcomes”

WHITE PAPER ON INDEPENDENCE LAUNCHED

Stuart McMillan, MSP West of Scotland, has welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government’s White Paper on Independence. The white paper was launched by the First Minister Alex Salmond MSP and it is the beginning of the national discussion on Scotland’s constitutional future.

Stuart said “This White Paper fulfils yet another SNP manifesto commitment and it is an open document allowing the population of Scotland, and further afield, to take part in discussing Scotland's constitutional future. It’s no surprise that the First Minister and the SNP believe that Scotland should be an Independent nation but this document highlights other options available to Scotland as well”.

“The national conversation website has received many responses up to now I’m sure it will receive many more as views are raised. I will be contributing to the national discussion in due course and I would encourage the population of the West of Scotland to take part. This is a chance to get involved in the wider debate about how to take Scotland forward. It is also a chance for politicians of all parties to take note of what the electorate are saying”.

McMILLAN WELCOMES OPENING OF WEAVERS LINN RESPITE CENTRE

MSP for the West of Scotland, Stuart McMillan MSP has welcomed the opening of the new Weavers Linn respite Centre in the Glenburn area of Paisley. Mr. McMillan attended the opening of the centre which was officially opened by Cllr. Eileen McCartin, the Convener of the Community & Family Care Policy Board.

Stuart has said that he was “delighted to attend the opening of this new centre which will help families across the whole of Renfrewshire. I also commend Renfrewshire Council for investing in such a facility at a time when it doesn’t appear to be the fashionable thing to do”.

“I had a tour of the facility by the Manager; Winnie Sweeney, and I was impressed by the dedication of Winnie and her staff to ensuring the service users have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. I am sure that every person who enters the centre will be equally impressed and appreciate the dedication that has gone
into making this centre a reality”.

“I would like to wish everyone concerned with the centre every success in the coming years and once again I would like to commend Renfrewshire Council for investing into this worthwhile facility”.

(l-r): Cllr. Derek Mackay (Council Leader), Winnie Sweeney
(Manager of Weavers Linn Respite Centre), Cllr. Eileen
McCartin, Stuart McMillan MSP, Cllr. George Adam and Provost
Ceila Lawson.

McMILLAN WELCOMES £3m CHILDRENS’ HOMES INVESTMENT

Stuart McMillan MSP has welcomed a £3 million one-off grant from the Scottish Government which will help looked after children to get extra help to support the transition to living on their own, and pay for general improvements to residential schools and care homes.

Children and Early Years Minister Adam Ingram said "Taking the step from residential care to independent living can be daunting so we want it to be as easy as possible for these young people to make the switch and enjoy future success. As well as giving young people better chances of securing a job or training course when they leave residential care, this money will adapt living conditions to better reflect independent life”.

"Familiarising residential care children with domestic duties will help give them the confidence to be self-supporting and play a full part in a flourishing Scotland."

Stuart McMillan MSP said "I`m delighted that the SNP Government recognises that Looked after children have their whole lives ahead of them and this funding will help get them prepared and energised to seize every opportunity. This funding will support many look after children across the West of Scotland including in Inverclyde and East Dunbartonshire”.

“We want everyone to play a part in a smarter, more prosperous Scotland and this money can help looked after children fulfil their ambitions. Education and opportunity are the keys to empowering our country’s young people”.

Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care Director Jennifer Davidson has said that “We are pleased the Scottish Executive recognises, through this supplemental funding, the need to improve the environment and opportunities for young people experiencing residential child care. Many young people in residential care have experienced educational disadvantage and it is important that residential units are equipped to help them overcome this."

McMillan Welcomes Investment in Libraries

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan has welcome the announcement that ten projects aimed at improving the quality and diversity of Scotland's public library services have been awarded £450,000 from the SNP Scottish government.

Announcing the successful projects, SNP Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said "Our public libraries play an important role, not only educationally but culturally and socially, for the communities they serve. I am glad to see projects offering library support to groups such as young people and migrant workers - this is where great results will be achieved".

"This funding will help libraries across Scotland continue to improve the quality and diversity of the services they offer. It will allow more people to access information and learning opportunities – helping to nurture skills and realise ambitions."

Stuart McMillan MSP said that “This is welcome news for library services in East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde who will both benefit from the announced funding. I understand that East Renfrewshire will benefit from £46,004 of funding which will be directed towards establishing libraries as a key artners in health information and support services".

"In Inverclyde £33,650 will be used to enable those with additional learning needs to access computers with the support of the local learning partnership through a range of courses of learning activities and support”.

Elaine Fulton, Director of the Scottish Library and Information Council comment that "Public Libraries continue to provide a range of services to almost 60 per cent of the population. We are delighted with this continued support for public libraries through this successful programme. This builds on work we have been doing with local authorities to evaluate and improve their services. These projects will demonstrate how libraries can contribute to meeting local and national objectives."

WINNERS COLLECT THEIR TICKETS

The winners of the FA Community Shield tickets meet Stuart McMillan MSP at the Greenock Telegraph Offices to collect their briefs.

McMILLAN FUNDING FOR MOUNTAIN WEATHER INFORMATION SERVICE

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan has welcome the announcement that sportscotland will be investing £36,000 per annum, over the next three years, to support the Mountain Weather Information Service.

The service, operated independently by Geoff Monk and Associates since 2004, will now benefit from Scottish Government funding for the first time.

It covers five geographical areas in Scotland: North-West Highlands; West Highlands; Cairngorms; South-East Highlands and Southern Uplands.

Stuart has said that “Countless climbers already rely on the Mountain Weather Information Service for accurate information about conditions on Scotland's mountains. I`m delighted that the Scottish Government will now be fully funding this service, through sportscotland, for the first time from this winter season”.

“Geoff Monk and his colleagues have done a fantastic job to date in helping to ensure the safety of all those who make use of our wonderful natural environment."

McMILLAN SHOWS SUPPORT FOR SAMARITANS

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan has highlighted the importance of the Awareness Day held by the Samaritans which takes place on the 24th July.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr McMillan said “The Samaritans provide an invaluable service and in order to support the 13,000 telephone calls, letters, emails, texts and face-to-face chats a day, it is important that they are in receipt of the necessary funds.

The need for Samaritans has never been greater and this is why they rely heavily on generous support that they are provided. Nobody knows when they may be in need of the Samaritans and that is the reason why they are available 24 hours a day. Please take note that no matter how big or small your problem may be you can contact the Samaritans for confidential, non-judgemental support.

This will be the second awareness day for the Samaritans and this time round they would like to encourage people to consider giving a few hours a month to be a Samaritans volunteer which is vital if they are to maintain their round the clock service.

You could help as a listening volunteer or make a difference by putting other skills to use in areas such as admin work, gardening, fundraising or even giving the branch an occasional lick of paint. Make a date to drop into your local branch and find out more about how you could support your local community”.

For those wishing to contact The Samaritans they should contact: www.samaritans.org or call 08457 90 90 90.

'Fan-tastic offer by MSP Stu'

Edited from the Greenock Telegraph article 10/07/07.

Football-crazy Greenock Telegraph readers have a once-in-lifetime chance to watch Premiership champs Manchester United take on arch-rivals Chelsea.

West of Scotland list MSP Stuart McMillan has teamed up with your favourite local paper to give away three sets of tickets to the FA Community Shield match next month.

The glamour tie between the title winners and the FA Cup holders is the curtain-raiser for the new season down south and a must-see match for all football fans.

Stuart said: “I wanted to give people local people the chance to go along to watch Manchester United and Chelsea play. There are plenty of supporters of both teams here.

“It will be a fantastic event.”

The new MSP has dusted down his old football boots to play in the Scottish Parliament team at a special charity tournament the day before the big match.

Managed by Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish, Stuart will be on the same side as political rivals Andy Kerr and Ken McIntosh as they take to the pitch to play Westminster, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Stuart got hold of the tickets through community shield sponsors, McDonalds. He said: “I am going down to play in the football tournament which will take place at Brunel University. We were given the opportunity of the tickets to do whatever we liked with them. I wanted to give local people the chance to watch the Community Shield match.”

Stuart will star in the politicians tournament which will take place at the new Wembley on Saturday 4 August.

WESTMINSTER REPORT CONFRIMS McMILLAN’S OLYMPIC CONCERNS

Stuart McMillan, MSP for the West of Scotland, has expressed serious concerns following the publication of a Westminster report that suggests the London Olympics may be set to give Scottish projects significant funding problems.

The report by the House of Commons Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee has supported concerns previously raised by the Scottish National Party that important lottery funding could be diverted to the London Olympics at the expense of other important activities.

The committee's comments are specifically about cultural heritage, however the concerns raised about funding being diverted to the Olympics reflect concerns in the voluntary and sporting sectors where it is widely felt that the main beneficiaries will be projects in London and the South East while projects elsewhere will struggle to attract lottery support.

Mr McMillan stated that "The concerns that my colleagues and I have raised about diversion of funds for the Olympics are supported by reports like this. Nobody objects to London hosting the Olympics but it cannot be at the expense of important charitable, heritage and sporting projects outside of London".

"Only last week I received a parliamentary answer which revealed the complete lack of benefit that the London Olympics would give to Scotland and Greenock and Inverclyde in particular. The costs of the London Olympics are spiralling out of control. From an initial estimate of £2.37 billion it is feared it could now reach £10 billion and eat into lottery funding for grass roots sport and also for cultural heritage according to this latest report".

"The UK government has yet to provide an assurance that this will not be the case and I will continue to push this issue until such assurances are given. I am very worried that West of Scotland organisations may get thin end of the wedge when it comes to future grants."

Similar concerns were raised in January by the umbrella body for Scottish charities, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), which said of Scottish charities: "These organisations are working with many of the most vulnerable in society and we seriously question why the most vulnerable in society should, in effect, pay for increased costs in holding the Olympics."

McMILLAN SLAMS ZONAL POSTAL CHARGING PLANS

Stuart McMillan, MSP for the West of Scotland, has raised concerns about the proposals for applying a surcharge on the delivery of mail in remote and rural areas.

Stuart has commented following discussions with colleagues who have rasied the issue in the House of Commons.

“We already have a situation where it is more expensive to post parcels to many rural and island areas. This is wholly unreasonable and discriminatory to both customers and businesses in rural areas of the West of Scotland".

“I am deeply concerned about the recent proposals by the Royal Mail to charge different prices for business mail depending on where in the U.K their mail is being delivered. The proposals would mean that low population rural areas pay 4.8% more compared to 4.9% less in high density business districts. This would mean it would be more costly to post to rural and remote areas of Scotland".

“These proposals strike at the very heart of the Universal Service Obligation. If granted by Postcomm then I fear that ordinary people across the West of Scotland, particularly in coastal areas and other rural areas will suffer. I am also particularly worried that if these plans are introduced then it could pave the way for future attempts to undermine and eventually destroy the Universal Service Obligation.”

Social-rented Housing supported

Stuart McMillan MSP has responded to housing charity Shelter call for support for more affordable homes for Scotland by becoming builders for the day – and placing one of the final 128 bricks on a ‘house’ it built outside the Scottish Parliament.

The charity was outside the Scottish Parliament to try and build cross-party support for affordable rented housing. Stuart was one of the 62 MSPs who signed a brick to help finish building the house.

Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, supported by Kier Building Group, built the ‘It’s time to get a move in’ Shelter Scotland house ahead of the first ever SNP government debate on housing.

Archie Stoddart, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We are delighted that so many MSPs took time out of their day to come down, help build our house and show their commitment to affordable housing. We believe ‘It’s time to get a move in’ and build more affordable rented homes for Scotland. With hundreds of thousands of people on waiting lists, or in temporary accommodation, and rising house prices leaving many unable to buy a house, we need to give people real choices.”

McMILLAN QUESTIONS OLYMPICS SCOTTISH IMPACT

Stuart McMillan MSP has questioned the benefits of the London Olympics to the West of Scotland after receiving a Parliamentary answer which does not indicate any benefits to Greenock & Inverclyde.

Asking what benefits the London Olympics will have for the Greenock and Inverclyde constituency the answer only mentions sportscotland’s National Centre at Inverclyde which is actually based in Ayrshire.

Commenting on the answer Stuart said “This answer highlights a very worrying trend for the benefits of the London Olympics to Scotland and Greenock and Inverclyde in particular. The London Olympics are spiralling out of control. From an initial estimate of £2.37 billion it is feared it could now reach £10 billion and eat into lottery funding for grass roots sport in Scotland.

I wish the games well and think they could be an opportunity for Scotland but revelations like this make me question why what are the benefits to Scotland. I also find it concerning that lottery funding is to be used to subsidise a project that clearly will never break even, never mind make a profit. Given the funnelling of lottery money from Scotland to an event in London that will have few tangible benefits for Scotland and apparently none for Greenock, I must ask why we Scots must help to subsidise the event?”

LOCAL INCOME TAX BACKED BY PARLIAMENT

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan has welcomed the vote in the Scottish Parliament calling for the discredited council tax to be replaced with local income tax.

Stuart said “The vote to scrap the unfair council tax and replace it with a fair system of local income tax based on ability to pay is an excellent first step in bringing fair local taxation to the people of Scotland”.

“It’s clear that not only a majority of in parliament but the majority of Scots support our policy of abolishing the regressive council tax. It’s an out-dated and punitive system of taxation which many in our society, such as pensioners, are struggling to pay. The vote in parliament was just the first step in the process but I believe that we are now on the road towards fairer local taxes”.

McMILLAN WELCOMES GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO END GRADUATE ENDOWMENT

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan has welcomed the proposal by Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop to scrap the Graduate Endowment scheme.

Stuart has said that “The graduate endowment scheme was always a fudge, introduced by the Lib-Lab coalition in 2001 to replace the highly unpopular tuition fees. It was introduced as part of a system of student support based on the principles of the Cubie committee: student support should promote social inclusion, barriers to widening access and participation should be removed. It is a policy that has failed to deliver those aims.

"Our government wants to see Scottish Education return to the principle that it is an individual's ability to learn, not their ability to pay, that dictates their educational achievement. Not only is the graduate endowment unreasonable, at a time when we need to invest in our most important resource, our people, it is also singularly inefficient as a method of raising money.

I regard this is a positive step forward for Scotland and the removal of a barrier to young people achieving their full potential. It also demonstrates this government's commitment to a thriving higher education sector”.

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG CARERS WELCOMED

The announced that a national festival for young carers across Scotland will now take place after a £400,000 funding package was put in place today has been welcomed by Stuart McMillan MSP. Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said £200,000 would establish the festival to give young carers a break from their responsibilities and an opportunity to come together and air their views and concerns. A further £200,000 will also help deliver training to give carers the knowledge and skills they need to cope more effectively.

Minister for Public Health Shona Robison said: "This announcement today represents the Scottish government's first step to ensure that Scotland's 600,000 unpaid carers receive the recognition they so deserve.

"This festival will provide young carers with the opportunity to meet with decision-makers, including MSPs, to have their say on the issues that affect them. Carer training is also crucial in supporting carers with their caring responsibilities. We acknowledge that more needs to be done to support carers to enable them to continue caring, whilst protecting their own physical, emotional and mental health. I am confident that the funding for crucial training will help us address these issues. "I look forward to working with carers and the carer organisation as we drive both of these initiatives forward."

Stuart McMillan MSP said of the announcement “I`m delighted that our government has given this recognition to young carers. These exceptional young people deserve support, gratitude and recognition of their caring roles”.

CRIMINAL’S CASH TO BE REINVESTED IN YOUTH

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has announced that £8m confiscated from Criminal is to be reinvested for the benefit of Scotland’s communities.

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan has said “We must promote good behaviour as well as punish bad behaviour. I am delighted that the Justice Secretary has announced that thanks to the increasing amounts of money that is confiscated from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, a new approach to reinvesting that money to benefit Scotland's communities is to be established. The money is to be targeted at communities who are hit hardest by crime.

“By this autumn, the Scottish Government will have about £8 million to reinvest in services and activities that will make a difference to young people's lives. I understand out government is to seek early talks with a range of key players to determine the best way in which to make a visible impact where it is needed”.

Kenny MacAskill said of the confiscated funds that “There is such a thing as society. Individuals are responsible for their actions and the government is responsible for all our communities. Where that culture flourishes, we will support it. Where it is fading, we will rekindle it. Where it is undermined and abused, we will fight for it”.

NHS STAFF TO RECEIVE PAY AWARD

West of Scotland MSP has welcomed the announcement that NHS staff in Scotland will receive their 2.5 per cent unstaged pay award next month after Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon took action today to deliver on the Pay Review body's recommendation.

Nicola Sturgeon told Scottish NHS staff at a conference in Glasgow that the uplift would be included in July's pay packets, backdated to April 1.Ms Sturgeon also said that tackling health inequalities in Scotland's most disadvantaged communities would be at the forefront of the Scottish government's health improvement agenda over the coming months, with alcohol a key focus for action.

Ms Sturgeon said: "When I took up my post, I was concerned to find that the 2.5 per cent unstaged pay award - recommended by the Pay Review body and agreed by the previous administration - had not been implemented. I am aware that there are continuing discussions at a UK level in relation to staff covered by the PNC. However, I wrote to unions confirming my intention to honour the commitment to a 2.5 per cent unstaged award and to express my desire to see the money in pay packets as soon as possible.

"It is clear from responses that I have received that there is a need to effect a balance between the natural desire of unions to ensure that their members receive agreed pay rises as soon as is practically possible, and the need to take account of the fact that there are still unresolved pay discussions affecting a significant number of NHS Scotland staff at UK level.

"Taking all of these factors into account, I have decided that I will issue the pay circulars to enable the pay uplift to be made in July. I hope that this decision demonstrates that I greatly value the commitment, dedication and professionalism of NHS Scotland staff."

SCOTLAND ON THE 'INTERNATIONAL STAGE'

For the first time ever, the National Theatre of Scotland (NToS) will tour America to showcase two highly acclaimed performances, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government.

The NToS will take the award winning 'Black Watch' and 'The Wolves in the Walls' to New York and Los Angeles this autumn. The Scottish Government has awarded £195,000 from the International Touring Fund. Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani said "This is a significant first for the National Theatre of Scotland, showcasing Scottish talent Stateside with the help of funding from the Scottish Government.

"Scotland has world-class artists who deserve to be recognised and that is why I'm delighted that these two powerful performances - Black Watch and The Wolves in the Walls - will be enjoyed by an international audience. These tours of New York and Los Angeles will boost Scotland's international image and attract new audiences to Scottish cultural life."

Stuart McMillan MSP has welcomed the move and said “The National Theatre of Scotland has already produced some remarkable work in its short history. This announcement of support form our government for international touring of Black Watch and The Wolves in the Walls is excellent. It will allow Scottish talents to been seen on the international stage”.