That the Parliament congratulates Connect Alloa on recently appointing a new youth worker and digital engagement worker; notes that these appointments were possible thanks to funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Adapt and Thrive fund; understands that these posts will support the project leader alongside current volunteers to engage with more local young people and the community as a whole; recognises that this builds on previous success of the group in achieving funding from the Robertson Trust and being awarded the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface Embracing Inclusion Award for 2020; further recognises the work of the charity throughout the pandemic to support young people and reduce social isolation both online and in person, and wishes it every success in its ongoing work to make a positive change in Alloa.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Connect Alloa on recently appointing a new youth worker and digital engagement worker; notes that these appointments were possible thanks to funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Adapt and Thrive fund; understands that these posts will support the project leader alongside current volunteers to engage with more local young people and the community as a whole; recognises that this builds on previous success of the group in achieving funding from the Robertson Trust and being awarded the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface Embracing Inclusion Award for 2020; further recognises the work of the charity throughout the pandemic to support young people and reduce social isolation both online and in person, and wishes it every success in its ongoing work to make a positive change in Alloa.
Supported by: Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Richard Lyle, Emma Harper, Sandra White, Stuart McMillan, David Torrance, Gil Paterson, Stewart Stevenson, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament notes that the work of Clackmannanshire Council's Education Refugee Team has been highlighted by Education Scotland as a shining example of good practice; recognises that the team, which consists of staff from across three different departments, has had to completely reimagine the delivery of support services for refugee families as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic; believes that the work of the Education Refugee Team is playing an essential role in supporting a group of people facing particular and specific challenges during these very difficult times, and congratulates everyone involved in the delivery of this important and exemplary service.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes that the work of Clackmannanshire Council's Education Refugee Team has been highlighted by Education Scotland as a shining example of good practice; recognises that the team, which consists of staff from across three different departments, has had to completely reimagine the delivery of support services for refugee families as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic; believes that the work of the Education Refugee Team is playing an essential role in supporting a group of people facing particular and specific challenges during these very difficult times, and congratulates everyone involved in the delivery of this important and exemplary service.
Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Rona Mackay, Kenneth Gibson, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Stewart Stevenson, Annabelle Ewing, Sandra White, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Big Energy Saving Month 2021 campaign by Citizens Advice Scotland; notes that the campaign, which runs from 11 to 31 January, aims to help people cut their energy bills and get the financial support they are entitled to; understands that 600,000 households in Scotland, over one in four, find themselves in fuel poverty, a figure that official estimates suggest could rise to 29% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; congratulates Citizens Advice Scotland on a campaign that raises public awareness of how simple changes, such as switching energy supplier or tariff, accessing discounts or grants and making homes more energy efficient, can make a big difference; recognises, however, that fuel poverty is a continuing problem for those struggling with energy bills, with inefficient and expensive heating systems, or not being able to access discounts and support online, and notes the calls on the UK Government to introduce a package of financial measures, such as increasing UK statutory sick pay to the EU national average, increasing child benefit and making the universal credit uplift permanent, as well as extending it to legacy benefits, in order to assist many of those households experiencing problems in meeting their energy costs.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the launch of the Big Energy Saving Month 2021 campaign by Citizens Advice Scotland; notes that the campaign, which runs from 11 to 31 January, aims to help people cut their energy bills and get the financial support they are entitled to; understands that 600,000 households in Scotland, over one in four, find themselves in fuel poverty, a figure that official estimates suggest could rise to 29% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; congratulates Citizens Advice Scotland on a campaign that raises public awareness of how simple changes, such as switching energy supplier or tariff, accessing discounts or grants and making homes more energy efficient, can make a big difference; recognises, however, that fuel poverty is a continuing problem for those struggling with energy bills, with inefficient and expensive heating systems, or not being able to access discounts and support online, and notes the calls on the UK Government to introduce a package of financial measures, such as increasing UK statutory sick pay to the EU national average, increasing child benefit and making the universal credit uplift permanent, as well as extending it to legacy benefits, in order to assist many of those households experiencing problems in meeting their energy costs.
Supported by: Emma Harper, Sandra White, Annabelle Ewing, Stuart McMillan, Monica Lennon, John Mason, Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Colin Smyth, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, David Torrance, Alex Rowley, Ruth Maguire
Current Status: Eligible for Members’ Business, Pending Cross Party Support
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That the Parliament congratulates the University of Stirling’s Duncan Scott on being one of four swimmers who have been pre-selected to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics; praises both Duncan and the University of Stirling for this magnificent achievement; notes the many accolades and accomplishments that Duncan has already earned in the sport of swimming, which includes becoming the most decorated swimmer ever at a Commonwealth Games after finishing Gold Coast 2018 with six medals to his name, and welcomes this acknowledgment of his continued hard work, commitment and international standing as a highly accomplished athlete.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the University of Stirling’s Duncan Scott on being one of four swimmers who have been pre-selected to participate in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics; praises both Duncan and the University of Stirling for this magnificent achievement; notes the many accolades and accomplishments that Duncan has already earned in the sport of swimming, which includes becoming the most decorated swimmer ever at a Commonwealth Games after finishing Gold Coast 2018 with six medals to his name, and welcomes this acknowledgment of his continued hard work, commitment and international standing as a highly accomplished athlete.
Supported by: Alexander Stewart, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Annabelle Ewing, Sandra White, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Alex Rowley, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Gillian Martin, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament congratulates Scotland’s Railway on winning the London Underground Operational Enhancement Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards for work carried out at Stirling Station; understands that these awards are dedicated to encouraging and rewarding best practice in the restoration and continued upkeep of railway and tramway buildings and structures; notes that Stirling Station’s historic lattice footbridge had to be raised to provide clearance for newly installed electrified wires; further notes that the original 28-tonne heritage structure was carefully removed in August 2018 and underwent significant refurbishment before being reinstalled in May 2019, along with a new lift following a £4 million refurbishment project as part of the wider project to electrify the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa route; recognises that, since the Stirling to Alloa railway line opened in 2008, both Transport Scotland and Network Rail worked to find a solution to improve accessibility for passengers using the service; appreciates that all platforms of Stirling Station can now be accessed in a step-free way, which has made a real difference to passengers with limited mobility travelling from Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Alloa to Stirling and beyond, and considers that this has helped to make Scotland’s rail network more accessible to everyone in the community.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Scotland’s Railway on winning the London Underground Operational Enhancement Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards for work carried out at Stirling Station; understands that these awards are dedicated to encouraging and rewarding best practice in the restoration and continued upkeep of railway and tramway buildings and structures; notes that Stirling Station’s historic lattice footbridge had to be raised to provide clearance for newly installed electrified wires; further notes that the original 28-tonne heritage structure was carefully removed in August 2018 and underwent significant refurbishment before being reinstalled in May 2019, along with a new lift following a £4 million refurbishment project as part of the wider project to electrify the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa route; recognises that, since the Stirling to Alloa railway line opened in 2008, both Transport Scotland and Network Rail worked to find a solution to improve accessibility for passengers using the service; appreciates that all platforms of Stirling Station can now be accessed in a step-free way, which has made a real difference to passengers with limited mobility travelling from Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Alloa to Stirling and beyond, and considers that this has helped to make Scotland’s rail network more accessible to everyone in the community.
Supported by: Annabelle Ewing, Richard Lyle, Alexander Stewart, Kenneth Gibson, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Murdo Fraser, Stuart McMillan, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Ruth Maguire, Stewart Stevenson, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin
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That the Parliament welcomes the decision that was made at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to temporarily uplift universal credit payments by £20 per week; believes that this has been a lifeline for many people and families over the last few months, including in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency; understands that more than 50 charities and organisations have signed a letter, co-ordinated by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, asking for the Chancellor to make the increase permanent; notes the view that the increase should also be extended to legacy benefits, and further notes the calls for the UK Government to extend what it sees as this vital safety net for half a million people in Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the decision that was made at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to temporarily uplift universal credit payments by £20 per week; believes that this has been a lifeline for many people and families over the last few months, including in the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency; understands that more than 50 charities and organisations have signed a letter, co-ordinated by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, asking for the Chancellor to make the increase permanent; notes the view that the increase should also be extended to legacy benefits, and further notes the calls for the UK Government to extend what it sees as this vital safety net for half a million people in Scotland.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Annabelle Ewing, Sandra White, Bill Kidd, Colin Smyth, Stuart McMillan, Rona Mackay, John Mason, David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Joan McAlpine, Bob Doris, Alex Neil, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Alex Rowley, Kenneth Gibson, Mark Griffin, Pauline McNeill, John Finnie, Mark McDonald
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 22/12/2020
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That the Parliament applauds the recent project by the Clackmannanshire-based artist, Karen Strang, which features portraits of local key workers from all walks of life; notes that Karen started the project as a tribute to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of lockdown in her garage and continued it at her studio in Alloa; understands that "sitters" were nominated through Facebook by family, friends or colleagues and include a binman, carer, shopkeeper and a bagpiping nurse; recognises that the works have been displayed at Forth Valley Royal Hospital as well as some at Optimise Wellness Centre's café in Alva; appreciates that each of the key workers have been gifted their portrait, and understands that the stories behind the portraits will be brought to life in a book, with profits from sales being donated to charities that benefit Clackmannanshire.
Current Status:
That the Parliament applauds the recent project by the Clackmannanshire-based artist, Karen Strang, which features portraits of local key workers from all walks of life; notes that Karen started the project as a tribute to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of lockdown in her garage and continued it at her studio in Alloa; understands that "sitters" were nominated through Facebook by family, friends or colleagues and include a binman, carer, shopkeeper and a bagpiping nurse; recognises that the works have been displayed at Forth Valley Royal Hospital as well as some at Optimise Wellness Centre's café in Alva; appreciates that each of the key workers have been gifted their portrait, and understands that the stories behind the portraits will be brought to life in a book, with profits from sales being donated to charities that benefit Clackmannanshire.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Rona Mackay, Annabelle Ewing, Sandra White, Stewart Stevenson, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, David Torrance, Alex Rowley, Ruth Maguire
Current Status: Fallen on 27/01/2021
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That the Parliament acknowledges its ongoing relationship with the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands through the work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; notes that, on 14 November 2020, more than 38 years after several thousand land mines were laid during the Falklands Conflict, the Falkland Islands will be declared mine-free; acknowledges that this marks the UK’s fulfilment of its clearance obligation under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention; pays tribute to the members of the UK Armed Forces, including those from Scotland, who contributed to mapping, fencing and clearing of the mine fields between 1982 and 2009 and the demining team from SafeLane Global Ltd, who, between 2009 and 2020, have destroyed over 10,000 mines and other assorted items of unexploded ordnance; understands that the project has released 23 million square meters of land allowing access to large areas of ground that had been fenced off for 38 years; appreciates the great sense of excitement and emotion in the local communities at the prospect of finally being mine-free, particularly around Yorke Bay, which is a beautiful beach close to Stanley that local people never believed they would be able to enjoy again, and welcomes that the people of the Falkland Islands will no longer have to teach their children about dangers of minefields.
Current Status:
That the Parliament acknowledges its ongoing relationship with the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands through the work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; notes that, on 14 November 2020, more than 38 years after several thousand land mines were laid during the Falklands Conflict, the Falkland Islands will be declared mine-free; acknowledges that this marks the UK’s fulfilment of its clearance obligation under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention; pays tribute to the members of the UK Armed Forces, including those from Scotland, who contributed to mapping, fencing and clearing of the mine fields between 1982 and 2009 and the demining team from SafeLane Global Ltd, who, between 2009 and 2020, have destroyed over 10,000 mines and other assorted items of unexploded ordnance; understands that the project has released 23 million square meters of land allowing access to large areas of ground that had been fenced off for 38 years; appreciates the great sense of excitement and emotion in the local communities at the prospect of finally being mine-free, particularly around Yorke Bay, which is a beautiful beach close to Stanley that local people never believed they would be able to enjoy again, and welcomes that the people of the Falkland Islands will no longer have to teach their children about dangers of minefields.
Supported by: Murdo Fraser, Sandra White, Jeremy Balfour, Richard Lyle, Mark McDonald, Miles Briggs, Stewart Stevenson, David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Maurice Corry, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Greene, John Mason, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Fulton MacGregor, Tom Arthur, Gillian Martin, Mark Griffin, Ruth Maguire
Current Status: Fallen on 27/01/2021
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That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Autism on being awarded a £100,000 grant by Barclays 100x100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme to support autistic people and their families who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic; welcomes that this funding is being match-funded by a further £100,000 from the Scottish Government; recognises the vital work that Scottish Autism, Scotland’s largest provider of autism-specific services, does to advocate for good autism practice; understands that the charity will use the funds to create a new online coaching and counselling service to support autistic people and their families through the pandemic and help them transition to a new normal when lockdown and social distancing measures do come to an end; notes that Scottish Autism reported a 101% increase in enquiries to its Autism Advice Line since lockdown came into effect; acknowledges that this latest grant builds on Scottish Autism’s close relationship with Barclays, and hopes that this grant will help Scottish Autism to support more people whose lives have been impacted by autism going forward.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Scottish Autism on being awarded a £100,000 grant by Barclays 100x100 UK COVID-19 Community Relief Programme to support autistic people and their families who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic; welcomes that this funding is being match-funded by a further £100,000 from the Scottish Government; recognises the vital work that Scottish Autism, Scotland’s largest provider of autism-specific services, does to advocate for good autism practice; understands that the charity will use the funds to create a new online coaching and counselling service to support autistic people and their families through the pandemic and help them transition to a new normal when lockdown and social distancing measures do come to an end; notes that Scottish Autism reported a 101% increase in enquiries to its Autism Advice Line since lockdown came into effect; acknowledges that this latest grant builds on Scottish Autism’s close relationship with Barclays, and hopes that this grant will help Scottish Autism to support more people whose lives have been impacted by autism going forward.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Rona Mackay, Sandra White, Christine Grahame, Stuart McMillan, Mark McDonald, Richard Lyle, Annabelle Ewing, Bill Kidd, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Bruce Crawford, Fulton MacGregor, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Angela Constance, Stewart Stevenson, Ruth Maguire, Johann Lamont, Oliver Mundell, Emma Harper, Gillian Martin, Tom Arthur
Current Status: Fallen on 27/01/2021
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That the Parliament acknowledges the 10th anniversary of the Armed Services Advice Project; understands that the project offers specialist advice and support to those serving in the armed forces, or who are veterans, and their families; acknowledges that it is run by Citizens Advice Scotland and funded by a coalition of military charities, led by Poppyscotland; recognises that, since it was founded in 2010, it has helped 15,950 people, unlocking £17.6 million for those it has helped by accessing, for example, welfare benefits, unpaid wages, compensation and other funding sources, and wishes the project continued success for the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament acknowledges the 10th anniversary of the Armed Services Advice Project; understands that the project offers specialist advice and support to those serving in the armed forces, or who are veterans, and their families; acknowledges that it is run by Citizens Advice Scotland and funded by a coalition of military charities, led by Poppyscotland; recognises that, since it was founded in 2010, it has helped 15,950 people, unlocking £17.6 million for those it has helped by accessing, for example, welfare benefits, unpaid wages, compensation and other funding sources, and wishes the project continued success for the future.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Christine Grahame, Emma Harper, Mark McDonald, Kenneth Gibson, Stewart Stevenson, John Mason, Alex Neil, Alexander Stewart, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Sandra White, Bruce Crawford, Annabelle Ewing, Ruth Maguire, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson, Angela Constance, Tom Arthur
Current Status: Fallen on 08/12/2020
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