Category: Uncategorized

This budget needs a change of direction. We have had years of eye-catching policy announcements from the SNP with little follow-up or substantive action to revitalise Scotland’s sluggish economy and creaking public services. The political choices that the SNP have made over the last 17 years are now catching up with them, and with an additional £1.5bn this financial year and £3.4bn next year coming to Scotland from UK Labour’s budget at Westminster, the SNP can no longer hide behind Tory austerity to avoid responsibility for their own incompetence.

Scottish Labour believes that we now need a distinct focus on improving outcomes for the people of Scotland, not more empty promises which they fail to follow through on and never become reality. It is time for a fair deal for local government, and much more transparency in funding processes so that local authorities and other public bodies have a semblance of stability after years of uncertainty.

Since 2021, in opposition, we have worked day and night to hold the Scottish Government to account on its promises to Scotland’s people, including Scotland’s young people.

Since the SNP were elected on their manifesto to recruit 3,500 additional teachers, teacher numbers have in fact fallen. On their watch, we have also seen under recruitment of teachers in key subjects and gaps in some localities, as well as newly qualified teachers unable to get work. Education Trade Unions have highlighted that teachers who do have jobs are doing an average 11 hours’ unpaid work a week due to pressures in schools.

Since they came to power, it has become clear that the SNP Government does not have a vision for education of our young people. After 17 years in office, the SNP do not know how many teachers and support staff are needed in Scotland’s schools, nor do they have any way to adapt to needs on an ongoing basis in order to deliver the education system our young people deserve.

This May, my colleague Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, lodged a motion calling for the Scottish Government to protect teacher numbers and publish a comprehensive workforce plan for Scotland’s schools. This motion was passed by the Scottish Parliament, in a defeat for the SNP Government. Since then, we have had no confirmation from the SNP that they intend to respect the will of the Parliament on this matter, let alone sight of a plan.

Scottish Labour fully recognises the tremendous pressures on teachers and staff within schools. Creating a plan for how many teachers and school staff we need, and where we need them, must now be a priority. The SNP’s failure adversely impacts pupils, parents, teachers, and staff in schools across Scotland. It exacerbates the other crises in schools, including on ASN provision and violence and behaviour in classrooms. It is holding back a generation of young people, and Scottish Labour will continue to urge the SNP to address it at the earliest opportunity.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has called for “democratic accountability” to be introduced into how west coast ferry services are governed.

Ms Grant, who has long called for island representation on the boards of CalMac and CMAL, said even more “fundamental change” is now necessary.

Tabling a series of questions which arise from recent appointments by Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, Rhoda Grant said: “The depth of resistance to meaningful involvement of local communities is shocking and calls for fundamental change rather than window-dressing.

“The current set-up has proved disastrous for ferry procurement and island communities that depend on it. The SNP’s resistance to democratic accountability must be overcome.

“Talking about an advisory board is not enough. We need direct island representation, through local authorities and other community bodies, at the top tables of these organisations”.

Mrs Grant has asked Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, “if she will make it her policy that no individual will be appointed to the board of David MacBrayne Ltd or CMAL  without being able to demonstrate experience of island communities and conditions”.

The Labour MSP has also asked Ms Hyslop: “When she expects to announce proposals for future governance arrangements for Hebrides and Clyde ferry services and if these will be subject to consultation?”.

Mrs Grant added: “We do not want to be presented with a done deal which preserves the controlling role of Transport Scotland through a couple of tame boards but without any meaningful input from the islands which depend on these organisations”.

The Scottish Government will set out the detail for the coming year in their budget next month and I have received a significant number of messages about this  budget and its implication for teacher numbers.

This budget needs a change of direction. We have had years of eye-catching policy announcements from the SNP with little follow-up or substantive action to revitalise Scotland’s sluggish economy and creaking public services. The political choices that the SNP have made over the last 17 years are now catching up with them, and with an additional £1.5bn this financial year and £3.4bn next year coming to Scotland from UK Labour’s budget at Westminster, the SNP can no longer hide behind Tory austerity to avoid responsibility for their own incompetence.

Scottish Labour believes that we now need a distinct focus on improving outcomes for the people of Scotland, not more empty promises which they fail to follow through on and never become reality. It is time for a fair deal for local government, and much more transparency in funding processes so that local authorities and other public bodies have a semblance of stability after years of uncertainty.

Since 2021, in opposition, we have worked day and night to hold the Scottish Government to account on its promises to Scotland’s people, including Scotland’s young people.

Since the SNP were elected on their manifesto to recruit 3,500 additional teachers, teacher numbers have in fact fallen. On their watch, we have also seen under recruitment of teachers in key subjects and gaps in some localities, as well as newly qualified teachers unable to get work. Education Trade Unions have highlighted that teachers who do have jobs are doing an average 11 hours’ unpaid work a week due to pressures in schools.

Since they came to power, it has become clear that the SNP Government does not have a vision for education of our young people. After 17 years in office, the SNP do not know how many teachers and support staff are needed in Scotland’s schools, nor do they have any way to adapt to needs on an ongoing basis in order to deliver the education system our young people deserve.

This May, my colleague Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, lodged a motion calling for the Scottish Government to protect teacher numbers and publish a comprehensive workforce plan for Scotland’s schools. This motion was passed by the Scottish Parliament, in a defeat for the SNP Government. Since then, we have had no confirmation from the SNP that they intend to respect the will of the Parliament on this matter, let alone sight of a plan.

Scottish Labour fully recognises the tremendous pressures on teachers and staff within schools. Creating a plan for how many teachers and school staff we need, and where we need them, must now be a priority. The SNP’s failure adversely impacts pupils, parents, teachers, and staff in schools across Scotland. It exacerbates the other crises in schools, including on ASN provision and violence and behaviour in classrooms. It is holding back a generation of young people, and Scottish Labour will continue to urge the SNP to address it at the earliest opportunity.

Commenting on the newly released Scottish Human Rights Commission spotlight project report into the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the Highlands and Islands, Rhoda Grant MSP says: “ I want to thank the Scottish Human Rights Commission for their work on this project and for meeting me to hear concerns expressed by constituents on issues such as health and fuel poverty.

“While this is a deeply concerning read, it further confirms what organisations, charities and individuals have been saying for decades – that basic, core human rights obligations are not being met!

“This SNP Government is aware of these issues but have not acted to deal with them.  They fail to address healthcare inequalities, fuel poverty, hunger and housing all of which is fuelling depopulation.

“I concur with all of the recommendations especially the urgent calls to eradicate rooflessness and hunger in the Highlands and Islands and calls for the universal access to affordable, acceptable, and quality sexual and reproductive health services. This is especially required in areas such as Caithness where women have to often travel 120 miles to access maternity services and women’s healthcare.

“The Scottish Government has shamefully shelved the Human Rights Bill in this Parliament, my Private Members’ Bill on the Right to Food will continue to make its way through Parliament. This report further underpins why the human right to food is required to be enshrined in Scots’ Law. I will also be pressing the Scottish Government to step up and act on the recommendations of this report.”

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has contacted Scottish Ministers again calling for a freeze on any more closures of VisitScotland’s iCentres until the concerns of users, staff and union officials are properly considered.

The MSP, who met with Scottish Ministers earlier this year in a bid to stop the closures said she is “deeply disappointed” that VisitScotland pushed forward and closed the iCentre in Stornoway last month (October 2024) while concerns over the impact of the closures on local communities remained outstanding. The reason for the closures is being cited as reduced footfall to the Centres throughout Scotland as visitors move online to source information ahead of their visit.

Rhoda Grant said “I raised the matter with VisitScotland and the Scottish Government earlier this year after I was contacted by media outlets and constituents voicing fierce opposition to the proposed closures. She said at the time “This is a deeply worrying announcement from an organisation that is partially funded by the Scottish Government.”

She continued “VisitScotland pushed forward and closed the Centre in Stornoway last month totally disregarding the concerns of users of the Centre who bought Citylink bus tickets from there for onward travel from the ferry and without considering the impact the closure will have on local tourism related businesses.

“With depopulation being one of the biggest challenges facing Highland and Island areas it makes absolutely no sense to remove jobs and services from these areas. It is vital therefore that the Scottish Government freezes any more closures until the concerns that continue to be raised with me are properly addressed.”

The picture shows Mrs Grant outside the centre in Inverness which is one of the 25 centres throughout Scotland facing closure, 12 of which are within the Highlands and Islands Region that Mrs Grant represents.

Thank you for contacting me in regard to the recent UK Budget announcement on NICs and how this will affect dentists.

The Scottish Government have been given the largest block grant in history and it is now for them to decide how to deliver it to the frontline services that people depend on.

Thanks to Labour’s budget they will receive an additional £1.5bn this year and £3.4bn next year.

The Scottish Government must now listen to calls from stakeholders and use the money they have effectively to ensure that charities (GPs and dentists) are supported, especially those in the care sector, and that public service delivery is prioritised.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, has tabled motions in the Scottish Parliament congratulating two Inverness based organisations who picked up awards at the Prosper Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards which were held in Inverness last month.

New Start Highland won Highland Council’s award for Purposeful Business and Highland BlindCraft Beds picked up the Loganair sponsored award for Excellence in Customer Service, Care and Experience.

Rhoda Grant said “All of the worthy winners are to be congratulated but these are two organisations whose reputations in Inverness are second to none. They give so much to those who use their services, offering support, training and hope to many.

“New Start supports their users in turning their lives around from a point of crisis to give back to their communities whilst Highland BlindCraft provides the opportunity for disabled people to showcase their talents and live full and fulfilling lives.

Mrs Grant concluded “I was delighted to table motions in the Parliament congratulating everyone involved for their great achievements.”

The motions tabled by Rhoda are detailed below:-

Motion Number: S6M-14950
Lodged By: Rhoda Grant
Date Lodged: 17/10/2024

Title: New Start Highland recognised for Purposeful Business

Motion Text:

That the Parliament congratulates New Start Highland on winning the Highland Council Award for Purposeful Business at the Prosper Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards 2024, which were held in Inverness; understands that the award recognised a small or medium-sized organisation that best demonstrates how a business can be both purposeful and profitable benefiting its people, supply chain, communities, customers and the environment; further understands that New Start Highland is a social enterprise committed to social and environmental sustainability that supports around 1,500 people each year who are at risk of homelessness and trying to move forward from places of crisis, and provides work experience and qualifications that pave the way for sustainable employment across the Highlands; commends the purposeful work of fellow nominees, The Apprentice Store and Highland BlindCraft Beds; recognises the commitment of Prosper to supporting business and prosperity in the Highlands and Islands region, and celebrates all the finalists and businesses for their positive impact and contribution to communities and the economy of the Highlands and Islands.

Motion Number: S6M-14951
Lodged By: Rhoda Grant
Date Lodged: 17/10/2024

Title: Highland BlindCraft Beds Wins Award for Excellence in Customer Service, Care and Experience

Motion Text:

That the Parliament congratulates Highland BlindCraft Beds on winning the Loganair Award for Excellence in Customer Service, Care and Experience at the Prosper Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards 2024, which were held in Inverness; understands that the award recognised an organisation leading the way in embedding a customer-centric culture; further understands that Highland BlindCraft Beds employs over 20 disabled staff to produce hand-made, high-quality, ethical goods with profits directed back into training opportunities and Sensory Services providing visual aids and rehabilitation services to people with sight and hearing loss across the Highlands; commends the work of fellow nominees, Hebrides Cruises and The Majestic Line (Scotland) Ltd, in their pursuit of customer service excellence; recognises the commitment of Prosper to supporting business and prosperity in the Highlands and Islands region, and celebrates all the finalists and businesses for their positive impact and contribution to communities and the economy of the Highlands and Islands.

The full list of winners can be accessed via the following link:-

https://prosper.scot/highlands-islands-businesses-recognised-for-excellence/

Protecting our environment and limiting pollution should be one of the priorities of a Government.

I note that many NGOs are also in opposition to this dramatic increase in incinerators, enabled by the laissez-faire attitude of the Government.

My colleague Monica Lennon raised this in a written question to the Government here, but the response did not fully address Scottish Labour’s concerns about this issue.

So Scottish Labour will continue to press the Scottish Government on it, and Sarah Boyack MSP has written to the relevant Cabinet Secretary, and has also contacted SEPA to understand why they are not seeking to further control incineration capacity.

During the passage of the Circular Economy Bill, Labour fought to make the bill more robust, so that there would be a legal requirement to adhere to the waste hierarchy. The Scottish Government chose to leave that work until the publication of a Circular Economy Plan, which is yet to be published.

Once it is available, I will be sure to scrutinise to ensure that reuse takes priority over incineration.

I will continue to push the Scottish Government to meet the highest standards possible.

Scottish Labour shares the concerns of people across the country about the impact of long-term funding cuts on local government staff and service provision – the budget for local councils is set by the Scottish Government, and SNP-inflicted austerity has left Scotland’s local services under threat.

John Swinney and Kate Forbes slashed council funding year after year when they served as Finance Secretary. Now as First Minister and Deputy First Minister, they are doing nothing to resolve the funding crisis they helped create.

This SNP Government has failed hard-pressed staff like refuse workers, janitors, and catering staff by starving Councils of the funds to run our essential services.

Over the last decade the Scottish Government handed down proportionately deeper cuts to local government than had been made to their own budget. Between 2013/14 and 2022/23 and over £6bn was cut from core local government budgets.

The constant raiding of local government funding has left bins overflowing, roads crumbling, libraries and public spaces closing, and social work struggling to cope. The road repair backlog across Scotland has risen to over £2.2 billion, teacher numbers have fallen below 2007 levels, and councils are having to find savings from essential services like waste management, park maintenance, street cleaning and libraries.

The Scottish Accounts Commission highlighted that councils faced a collective gap of up to £585 million when setting their budgets this year, and the cumulative gap is estimated to rise to £780 million by 2026/27.

Scottish Labour have repeatedly made the case that the raids on local government budgets need to end. That is why have called on the SNP to come to the negotiating table now and fix the mess they have made, and in the long term, Scottish Labour are committed to delivering fair funding for local government so they can continue to deliver the vital frontline services on which we all rely.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP raises shocking track record of SNP Government house building in rural areas in Scottish Parliament .

The Scottish housing crisis was centre stage at a Scottish Labour Debate yesterday in the Scottish Parliament and Rhoda Grant MSP focused her contribution on rural housing.

In a powerful, wide ranging speech Mrs Grant stated that employers in the Highlands and Islands cannot recruit because of the lack of housing – including the NHS. The loss of the Gaelic language is getting worst because young speakers are leaving the area because they cannot find a home.

She then went on to state that the Scottish Government have only built 3,219 rural affordable homes in the Highlands and Islands (including Moray) since 2017, information which she obtained through Freedom of Information.

She then urged the Scottish Government to evaluate their rural homes definition as currently, homes in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and commuter towns outside Glasgow and Edinburgh area included in the definition. She then described that this disadvantages rural areas as the demand in urban areas is higher plus house building is cheaper there.

In her speech she said: “My point is, it is deceptive to include city areas in rural housing targets and then [for the SNP Government] to pat themselves on the back for building rural homes in city locations. Its simply not right.”