That the Parliament notes with concern reports of the potential closure of Alloa Post Office and the loss of jobs for those working there; understands that this potential closure follows the closure of the Post Office in Drysdale Street in 2014 and further restriction of postal services for Alloa; recognises what it considers the importance of the Post Office to Alloa, acting as a local hub and providing a range of services for residents, families and businesses; considers that, following the closure of local bank branches, the Post Office provides banking services that are relied on by vulnerable and older members of the local community; believes that it is unacceptable that the closure of the Post Office will remove the postal service and further limit what it considers an already depleted banking service from the town; further believes that this will force residents to use Post Offices in surrounding areas such as Sauchie and Tullibody, and calls on Post Office Ltd to guarantee the future of the Alloa branch and to do all it can to secure premises for its continued use.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern reports of the potential closure of Alloa Post Office and the loss of jobs for those working there; understands that this potential closure follows the closure of the Post Office in Drysdale Street in 2014 and further restriction of postal services for Alloa; recognises what it considers the importance of the Post Office to Alloa, acting as a local hub and providing a range of services for residents, families and businesses; considers that, following the closure of local bank branches, the Post Office provides banking services that are relied on by vulnerable and older members of the local community; believes that it is unacceptable that the closure of the Post Office will remove the postal service and further limit what it considers an already depleted banking service from the town; further believes that this will force residents to use Post Offices in surrounding areas such as Sauchie and Tullibody, and calls on Post Office Ltd to guarantee the future of the Alloa branch and to do all it can to secure premises for its continued use.
Supported by: Emma Harper, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, Joan McAlpine, Sandra White, Rona Mackay, Gillian Martin, Jenny Gilruth, David Torrance
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That the Parliament welcomes the seventh annual Tillicoultry Community Week, a well-established and successful end-of-summer celebration which will run in the town from 11 to 18 August 2019; recognises the wide range of events for all the family, from kids to grandparents, the majority of which are free; understands that the organising group of just eight volunteers, supported by many organisations, groups and businesses in the town who give their time and talents freely, organise this event to bring the people of the town together, to enhance the sense of community, appreciate the town’s diversity and inclusivity and offer the opportunity to try new activities; looks forward to the residents being able to take part in activities such as Syrian food tastings, lawn bowling, tubing at Fir Park ski slope, allotment open days, Bookbug sessions and Meet the Author at the Ben Cleuch Centre and walking groups, culminating in the Tilly in the Park free family music event in Tillicoultry Public Park on 17 August 2019; hopes everyone involved enjoys all that is on offer, and wishes the event continued success.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the seventh annual Tillicoultry Community Week, a well-established and successful end-of-summer celebration which will run in the town from 11 to 18 August 2019; recognises the wide range of events for all the family, from kids to grandparents, the majority of which are free; understands that the organising group of just eight volunteers, supported by many organisations, groups and businesses in the town who give their time and talents freely, organise this event to bring the people of the town together, to enhance the sense of community, appreciate the town’s diversity and inclusivity and offer the opportunity to try new activities; looks forward to the residents being able to take part in activities such as Syrian food tastings, lawn bowling, tubing at Fir Park ski slope, allotment open days, Bookbug sessions and Meet the Author at the Ben Cleuch Centre and walking groups, culminating in the Tilly in the Park free family music event in Tillicoultry Public Park on 17 August 2019; hopes everyone involved enjoys all that is on offer, and wishes the event continued success.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Emma Harper, Fulton MacGregor, Stewart Stevenson, Joan McAlpine, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Rona Mackay, Gillian Martin, Jenny Gilruth, David Torrance, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament congratulates Jo Swinson on her election as leader of the Liberal Democrats; notes with concern what it considers her support and role in implementing the trebling of tuition fees and scrapping of Educational Maintenance Allowance, damaging welfare reforms, including the so-called Bedroom Tax, imposing a public sector pay cap and allowing fracking and damaging energy policies to be enacted; acknowledges the Liberal Democrats' strong opposition to Brexit and support for a further referendum on EU membership; calls on the party to recognise the majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament that support a referendum on Scottish independence, and further calls on the Liberal Democrats to reject entirely the politics of austerity and to rule out any future pacts with the Conservatives.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Jo Swinson on her election as leader of the Liberal Democrats; notes with concern what it considers her support and role in implementing the trebling of tuition fees and scrapping of Educational Maintenance Allowance, damaging welfare reforms, including the so-called Bedroom Tax, imposing a public sector pay cap and allowing fracking and damaging energy policies to be enacted; acknowledges the Liberal Democrats' strong opposition to Brexit and support for a further referendum on EU membership; calls on the party to recognise the majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament that support a referendum on Scottish independence, and further calls on the Liberal Democrats to reject entirely the politics of austerity and to rule out any future pacts with the Conservatives.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Sandra White, Rona Mackay, John Mason, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Maureen Watt, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament congratulates Wasps Community Club coaches Max Nicholson and Mark McAuley on their initiative, the Man Cave, which will be based at the Indodrill Stadium, Alloa; understands that the project, in partnership with Wellbeing Scotland, will provide men with the opportunity to meet up and socialise with like-minded people and offer them a safe-space to be able to talk about issues that affect them, primarily with a view to dealing any stigma regarding mental health; notes that the first meeting will take place on 18 July 2019, and wishes the group all the best.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Wasps Community Club coaches Max Nicholson and Mark McAuley on their initiative, the Man Cave, which will be based at the Indodrill Stadium, Alloa; understands that the project, in partnership with Wellbeing Scotland, will provide men with the opportunity to meet up and socialise with like-minded people and offer them a safe-space to be able to talk about issues that affect them, primarily with a view to dealing any stigma regarding mental health; notes that the first meeting will take place on 18 July 2019, and wishes the group all the best.
Supported by: Sandra White, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Stewart Stevenson, Joan McAlpine, Rona Mackay, Richard Lyle, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Emma Harper, Fulton MacGregor, Tom Arthur, Jenny Gilruth
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That the Parliament notes that 17 to 23 June 2019 is Refugee Week, which will have the theme "You, me and those who came before"; acknowledges that the awareness week was established in 1998 to challenge hostility to refugees and asylum seekers; notes that it now comprises a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution made to Scotland and the rest of the UK by refugees and seeks to promote a better understanding of why people claim sanctuary; warmly welcomes refugees and asylum seekers; recognises how they can contribute and enrich communities, including in Clackmannanshire and Dunblane; believes that it is a human right to claim asylum; commends the organisers of Refugee Week on their efforts to give refugees and asylum seekers a platform to be seen, heard and valued; welcomes the work done by the Scottish Government in relation to refugees, including extending the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment to young asylum seekers, taking what it sees is a fair and proportionate share of refugees as part of the Syrian resettlement programme, its work with unaccompanied children and the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy, and reaffirms Scotland’s commitment to offering sanctuary to the world’s most vulnerable people.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that 17 to 23 June 2019 is Refugee Week, which will have the theme "You, me and those who came before"; acknowledges that the awareness week was established in 1998 to challenge hostility to refugees and asylum seekers; notes that it now comprises a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution made to Scotland and the rest of the UK by refugees and seeks to promote a better understanding of why people claim sanctuary; warmly welcomes refugees and asylum seekers; recognises how they can contribute and enrich communities, including in Clackmannanshire and Dunblane; believes that it is a human right to claim asylum; commends the organisers of Refugee Week on their efforts to give refugees and asylum seekers a platform to be seen, heard and valued; welcomes the work done by the Scottish Government in relation to refugees, including extending the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment to young asylum seekers, taking what it sees is a fair and proportionate share of refugees as part of the Syrian resettlement programme, its work with unaccompanied children and the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy, and reaffirms Scotland’s commitment to offering sanctuary to the world’s most vulnerable people.
Supported by: Liam McArthur, David Torrance, Bob Doris, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Monica Lennon, John Mason, Emma Harper, Mark McDonald, Sandra White, Pauline McNeill, Ruth Maguire, Clare Adamson, Jenny Gilruth, Fulton MacGregor, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Stewart Stevenson, Tom Arthur, Gail Ross, Angela Constance, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament notes the decision by the BBC to scrap the free TV licence for people over 75 who are not in receipt of pension credit; understands that this follows the UK Government’s decision in 2015 to stop funding free TV licences for this group; believes that this breaks a 2017 Conservative Party manifesto promise to “maintain” benefits for older people, “including free bus passes, eye tests, prescriptions and TV licences, for the duration of this Parliament”; understands with concern that figures released by the BBC show that this will effect around 268,000 people in Scotland, including many in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency, leaving them poorer and worse off, by adding £154.50 to their household bills; considers this to be an ill thought-out proposal, and calls on the UK Government to explain why it is breaking its promises on the TV licence and to take action to ensure that older people are protected from this decision.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes the decision by the BBC to scrap the free TV licence for people over 75 who are not in receipt of pension credit; understands that this follows the UK Government’s decision in 2015 to stop funding free TV licences for this group; believes that this breaks a 2017 Conservative Party manifesto promise to “maintain” benefits for older people, “including free bus passes, eye tests, prescriptions and TV licences, for the duration of this Parliament”; understands with concern that figures released by the BBC show that this will effect around 268,000 people in Scotland, including many in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency, leaving them poorer and worse off, by adding £154.50 to their household bills; considers this to be an ill thought-out proposal, and calls on the UK Government to explain why it is breaking its promises on the TV licence and to take action to ensure that older people are protected from this decision.
Supported by: Sandra White, David Torrance, Emma Harper, Stuart McMillan, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, George Adam, Christine Grahame, Alasdair Allan, Gillian Martin, John Mason, Tom Arthur, Fulton MacGregor, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Ruth Maguire, Clare Adamson, Stewart Stevenson, Joan McAlpine, Angus MacDonald
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That the Parliament notes with concern the proposal by the Conservative Party leadership candidate, Boris Johnson, to cut taxes for around 3 million higher earners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if he becomes Prime Minister; understands that this will be achieved by raising the 40p threshold from £50,000 to £80,000; believes this will be funded in part by increased National Insurance contributions, and considers that, as income tax is devolved but National Insurance is reserved, this would mean Scottish taxpayers funding a handout for well-off taxpayers in the rest of the UK.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern the proposal by the Conservative Party leadership candidate, Boris Johnson, to cut taxes for around 3 million higher earners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if he becomes Prime Minister; understands that this will be achieved by raising the 40p threshold from £50,000 to £80,000; believes this will be funded in part by increased National Insurance contributions, and considers that, as income tax is devolved but National Insurance is reserved, this would mean Scottish taxpayers funding a handout for well-off taxpayers in the rest of the UK.
Supported by: Alex Neil, David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, James Dornan, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, Bob Doris, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, John Finnie, Angela Constance, Gillian Martin, John Mason, Tom Arthur, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Clare Adamson, Stewart Stevenson, Christine Grahame
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That the Parliament welcomes the final report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Professor Philip Alston, which was published on 22 May 2019; understands that he will present his findings to the UN Human Rights Council at the end of June; acknowledges that Professor Alston visited Scotland as part of his 12-day fact finding visit to the UK, where he heard directly from people affected by poverty; notes with concern the findings of the report, in particular the claim that rising poverty rates have been caused by UK Government policies; believes that the report backs up evidence from organisations working across civil society on the damage caused by UK Government welfare changes and austerity; notes the report's assessment that the UK Government must reverse the many policies that it has pursued, which it believes are increasing poverty and inequality, including it imposing what it sees as regressive measures such as the benefits freeze and two-child cap; believes that the special rapporteur is clear that the UK Government has been failing to listen and is "determinedly in denial" regarding poverty in the UK, and notes the view that the UK Government must take heed of this report and make the radical changes necessary to provide support to people and to actively take action to tackle poverty and inequality in Scotland, including in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency, and the rest of the UK.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the final report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Professor Philip Alston, which was published on 22 May 2019; understands that he will present his findings to the UN Human Rights Council at the end of June; acknowledges that Professor Alston visited Scotland as part of his 12-day fact finding visit to the UK, where he heard directly from people affected by poverty; notes with concern the findings of the report, in particular the claim that rising poverty rates have been caused by UK Government policies; believes that the report backs up evidence from organisations working across civil society on the damage caused by UK Government welfare changes and austerity; notes the report's assessment that the UK Government must reverse the many policies that it has pursued, which it believes are increasing poverty and inequality, including it imposing what it sees as regressive measures such as the benefits freeze and two-child cap; believes that the special rapporteur is clear that the UK Government has been failing to listen and is "determinedly in denial" regarding poverty in the UK, and notes the view that the UK Government must take heed of this report and make the radical changes necessary to provide support to people and to actively take action to tackle poverty and inequality in Scotland, including in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency, and the rest of the UK.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Rona Mackay, Bob Doris, Annabelle Ewing, Shona Robison, George Adam, Andy Wightman, Christine Grahame, David Torrance, Stuart McMillan, Sandra White, Jenny Gilruth, Alex Rowley, Mark McDonald, Fulton MacGregor, Gail Ross, Tom Arthur, Gillian Martin, Stewart Stevenson, Angela Constance, Richard Lyle, Gil Paterson, Pauline McNeill, John Mason, Clare Adamson, Maureen Watt
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 26/06/2019
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That the Parliament recognises that Volunteers Week runs from 1 to 7 June 2019, which aims to thank volunteers for the incredible contribution that they make across Scotland every day; notes that this year’s theme is "time to celebrate"; commends the invaluable work of over 1.2 million Scots, including those throughout Clackmannanshire, Bridge of Allan and Dunblane, who volunteer for a variety of organisations and sectors each year; recognises the personal benefit that volunteering offers individuals, and encourages those thinking about becoming a volunteer to get involved; commends the work of organisations such as Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface and Volunteering Matters, which encourage and support volunteers; encourages the sharing and celebrating of volunteer stories on social media using #VolunteersWeekScot; welcomes the Scottish Government’s support of the volunteer sector, and expresses its gratitude to volunteers for their hard work and dedication to their local areas and communities.
Current Status:
That the Parliament recognises that Volunteers Week runs from 1 to 7 June 2019, which aims to thank volunteers for the incredible contribution that they make across Scotland every day; notes that this year’s theme is "time to celebrate"; commends the invaluable work of over 1.2 million Scots, including those throughout Clackmannanshire, Bridge of Allan and Dunblane, who volunteer for a variety of organisations and sectors each year; recognises the personal benefit that volunteering offers individuals, and encourages those thinking about becoming a volunteer to get involved; commends the work of organisations such as Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface and Volunteering Matters, which encourage and support volunteers; encourages the sharing and celebrating of volunteer stories on social media using #VolunteersWeekScot; welcomes the Scottish Government’s support of the volunteer sector, and expresses its gratitude to volunteers for their hard work and dedication to their local areas and communities.
Supported by: John Mason, Monica Lennon, Alexander Stewart, Gordon Lindhurst, Liam McArthur, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Angela Constance, Clare Adamson, Joan McAlpine, Rona Mackay, Alasdair Allan, Tom Arthur, Sandra White, Kenneth Gibson, Johann Lamont, Jenny Gilruth, Fulton MacGregor, Gail Ross, Gillian Martin, Stewart Stevenson
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That the Parliament notes with concern the Citizens Advice Scotland report, Voices from the Frontline: online barriers to maintaining Universal Credit claims, which suggests that one in three universal credit (UC) claimants seeking help do not have internet access or the required digital skills; acknowledges that claims for UC must normally be made and maintained online; believes that this represents a significant barrier for some people attempting to claim the benefit; considers that this significant minority, which includes disabled people and people with mental or physical health conditions, learning difficulties, poor literacy skills or other complex needs, will face particular disadvantages and in many cases will be unable to make a claim without substantial support; notes also what it sees as the difficulties that are faced by people in rural areas that have limited internet access; believes that such barriers place these claimants at a serious risk of sanction or claim closure, which can result in significant and unjustified hardship; supports calls on the UK Government to provide alternative, suitably supported offline options to make and maintain claims, and agrees that the roll out of UC should be halted until what it considers such fundamental flaws in the system are remedied.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes with concern the Citizens Advice Scotland report, Voices from the Frontline: online barriers to maintaining Universal Credit claims, which suggests that one in three universal credit (UC) claimants seeking help do not have internet access or the required digital skills; acknowledges that claims for UC must normally be made and maintained online; believes that this represents a significant barrier for some people attempting to claim the benefit; considers that this significant minority, which includes disabled people and people with mental or physical health conditions, learning difficulties, poor literacy skills or other complex needs, will face particular disadvantages and in many cases will be unable to make a claim without substantial support; notes also what it sees as the difficulties that are faced by people in rural areas that have limited internet access; believes that such barriers place these claimants at a serious risk of sanction or claim closure, which can result in significant and unjustified hardship; supports calls on the UK Government to provide alternative, suitably supported offline options to make and maintain claims, and agrees that the roll out of UC should be halted until what it considers such fundamental flaws in the system are remedied.
Supported by: David Torrance, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Sandra White, Rona Mackay, Alex Neil, Mark McDonald, Joan McAlpine, Clare Adamson, Angela Constance, Stewart Stevenson, Maureen Watt, John Mason, Gillian Martin, Jenny Gilruth, Fulton MacGregor, Tom Arthur
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