23.09.2015
A community engagement event giving those living and working in Inverclyde an opportunity to speak to members of the Scottish Parliament is taking place in Greenock on 5 October.
The Local Government and Regeneration Committee is eager to hear the views of individuals and community organisations in Inverclyde on topics that touch everyday lives, such as the delivery of public services and how the regeneration of Inverclyde has changed the lives of those living and working in the area. Views are also being sought on the proposed changes in how Fixed Odds Betting Terminals – also known as touch screen roulette machines – are regulated on licensed betting premises.
At the Committee meeting, the Committee will consider how local government pension funds can be used to invest in infrastructure to encourage local regeneration activities and the benefits that can come from delivery of public services by arm’s length external organisations (ALEOs).
Committee members will be visiting Riverside Inverclyde projects and a community leisure facility provided by Inverclyde Leisure. Both these organisations are ALEOs and will be providing oral evidence at the Committee meeting.
Committee Convener, Kevin Stewart MSP said:
“People and communities are at the heart of our work. We have made it a priority to go out and visit people in their communities in order to hear about the issues that are of significance to them. Our visit to Inverclyde will be no different. We want to hear about the issues that matter to people living and working there.
“The meetings we have had throughout the country have resulted in real change; change to legislation such as the Community Empowerment Act, as well as to how services can be delivered to meet the needs of those using them. We look forward to the event in Greenock Town Hall and hearing how people there are making change happen.”
Background
The community event takes place at 1.15 pm in the Town Hall Saloon, Greenock with the Committee meeting taking place at 2.30 pm in Inverclyde Council Chamber.
For a free ticket for the Committee meeting, or to book a place at the community event, email: [email protected] or telephone 0131 348 5223.
Inquiry into fixed odds betting terminals
The Committee has launched an inquiry into the proposed level of control of fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) in Scotland. As part of the Scotland Bill currently being considered at Westminster, the Scottish Government will be given the power to vary the number of FOBTs on new betting premises.
Inquiry into arms-length external organisations
The Committee is also looking at issues around the working practices of arms-length external organisations – these are companies set up by local authorities to fulfil some local authority functions.