North MSP receives reply on Moray Offensive Weapon Figures
Highlands and Islands Regional Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has received a reply from the Scottish Executive following a parliamentary question she tabled several weeks ago, seeking information on the carrying of offensive weapons in Moray.
The question asked how many people aged both under 18 and over 18 have been convicted of carrying knives or possessing an offensive weapon in Moray in the last five years.
Mrs Grant said, “I tabled the question in response to increasing public concern over the carrying of knives and offensive weapons in communities such as Moray.
“The reply I have now received confirms that unfortunately a problem does exist, highlighted by the statistics for the last two years.
“During 2004-05 seven people, aged 18 and over, were convicted of ‘Having in a public place an article with a blade or point’ and a further fifteen with ‘Possession of an offensive weapon.’
“The figures for 2005-06 were 7 and 16 respectively.
“The statistics for those under 18 convicted of carrying knives or offensive weapons appear to be fairly static, with the exception of 2002-03, but again even four convictions for that age group is worrying. “
“Any conviction for carrying a knife or offensive weapon is concerning, given the possibility of serious injury, or worse, if the weapon is used in anger.
“In a largely rural area such as Moray, these figures must cause unease but they also confirm that Grampian Police are working to address the problem.”
Mrs Grant added, “I would yet again, urge any young person considering carrying a knife or offensive weapon to bear in mind what the final outcome might be.
“Carrying such a weapon for ‘defence’ or out of bravado is extremely dangerous, particularly if alcohol is consumed.
“When a knife or offensive weapon is used the outcome for the victim, the assailant and their respective families can be dire and ruin lives.” 30 July 2007
North MSP calls for Financial Parity for Kinship Carers
Highlands and Islands Regional Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has called for kinship carers to be put on the same financial footing as foster carers.
Earlier this month Children and Early Years Minister Adam Ingram approved a new package of training allowances for foster and kinship carers, who can now claim up to £1,000 towards training.
The funding will allow carers to access approved childcare-related training courses and cover relevant costs such as childcare.
Mrs Grant commented, “Last month I tabled a parliamentary question at Holyrood on the role of grandparents who foster.
“They are typical of kinship carers in that they do not automatically receive the same support as foster carers, despite carrying out identical functions in supporting children.
“Local Authorities have discretion on whether or not they give financial support to kinship carers, many do not and assessment is often carried out on a case by case basis.
“My question called on the Minister to clarify what steps the Executive would take to ensure Local Authorities provide grandparents with the same level of support that they provide for other foster carers.
“Kinship carers are often financially disadvantaged and again grandparents carrying out this role are typical.
“They are most likely retired and living off their savings or on a fixed income.
“I readily acknowledge the excellent work carried out by those who foster children but I would argue strongly that the level of financial support given to foster carers should also be available to kinship carers.
“The £4 million package announced by the Children and Early Years Minister contains some proposals which will significantly help support children who require fostering care.
“I have however, written to the Minister expressing my concerns over the issue of parity in financial support between the two groups of carers and asking for more details on the financial package applicable to kinship carers.”
Mrs Grant added, “The work carried out by both foster carers and kinship carers is invaluable to the children who receive it. This level of care must however be supported financially and it is vital that kinship carers are not disadvantaged simply due to their relationship with the child being fostered.
“I look forward to the Minister’s response.” 17 July 2007
North MSP seeks information on those carrying knives or offensive weapons in the Highlands and Islands
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has tabled a Parliamentary Question in Holyrood asking how many people aged both under 18 and over 18 have been convicted of carrying knives or possessing an offensive weapon in the Northern Constabulary area in of each of the last five years.
Mrs Grant said, “I am aware of increasing public concern over the carrying of knives and offensive weapons in our communities.
“The parliamentary question is designed to find out if the situation is deteriorating in the Highlands and Islands and the age of those involved.
“Across Scotland knife crime seems to be an increasing problem.
“Knives are sometimes carried by youngsters for so-called defensive purposes but when an incident occurs the knives are used in anger, frequently with horrendous outcomes.
“The long-term effects of such crimes are severe for the victim, the assailant and their respective families.
“At the moment I have no accurate information on the situation in the Highlands and Islands and the response I expect from the Justice Minister should clarify the local situation.
“At one time carrying offensive weapons and knives was viewed as a West Central Scotland problem, but sadly more incidents now seem to be occurring in our region.”
Mrs Grant added, “Police forces in Scotland, including Northern Constabulary, have been active in addressing the carrying of offensive weapons and knives and penalties for doing so have increased in recent years.
“I would urge any youngster contemplating carrying weapons for ‘defence’ or simply bravado – to give serious thought to what the final outcome might be.”
Parliamentary question
Rhoda Grant MSP: To ask the Scottish Executive how many people aged (a) under 18 and (b) 18 or over have been convicted of carrying knives or possessing an offensive weapon in the Northern Constabulary area in each of the last five years. 14 July 2007
North MSP tables Parliamentary Questions on Housing
Highlands and Islands Regional Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has tables a series of questions in the Scottish Parliament on housing issues.
Mrs Grant said, “Housing is a key issue across the Highlands and Islands, and my questions were designed to establish what the intentions of the new Scottish Executive are on housing provision.
“There is a shortage of affordable housing across the region and this makes is difficult to attract and retain key workers such as nurses, teachers and members of the emergency services.
“The previous Labour led Executive had taken steps to increase the provision of affordable housing and my question seeks a commitment from the new SNP Executive that they will continue this work and provide the funding in the forthcoming spending review.
“First time buyers find it increasingly difficult to get on the market in property hot spots such as Inverness, but the problem exists across the Highlands and Islands and I have asked the Executive what plans it has to assist.
“The Homestake shared ownership housing grant scheme has been operating successfully in parts of our area and I have also asked if the Executive will continue to support this scheme.
“Housing waiting lists are high for social housing and again I have asked the Executive what it plans are to reduce such lists and address Homelessness given its duties under the Homelessness (Scotland) Act.
“In many of the parts of the Highlands and Islands there are a significant number of second or holiday homes and a shortage of affordable housing.
“My final question to the Executive was to ask if it would support a restricted occupancy policy such as has been adopted in the Yorkshire Dales National Park or a two-tier housing market structure, such as exists on the Isle of Guernsey.
“Other similar systems exist in other parts of the world where the quality of life and landscape is a magnet for those who can afford to buy into the housing market. It is essential for our towns and villages however, that affordable housing is also available so that communities are sustainable and balanced.”
Mrs Grant added, “If the Highlands and Islands are to continue to thrive economically the Executive must work across a range of initiatives to deliver affordable housing.
“I will continue to lobby the Cabinet Secretary responsible for housing on this issue.”
Written Parliamentary Questions tabled by Rhoda Grant
To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding it will commit to the provision of affordable homes in Scotland in the forthcoming spending review
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to assist first time buyers get on to the property ladder
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will continue to support the Homestake shared ownership housing grant scheme
To ask the Scottish Executive if it will outline its proposals to reduce housing waiting lists
To ask the Scottish Executive how it will address the problem of temporary accommodation given its responsibilities under the Homelessness (Scotland) etc. Act 2003
To ask the Scottish Executive how it intends to address the shortage of affordable homes in areas where a significant proportion of homes are classed as second or holiday homes
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would support a restricted occupancy policy similar to that adopted by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority or a two-tier housing market structure as is operated on the Isle of Guernsey to alleviate the shortage of affordable housing for local people 8 June 2007
North MSP calls for the Role of Grandparents who Foster to be Recognised
Highlands and Islands Regional Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has today asked the Scottish Executive to value the work of Grandparents who foster.
She played tribute to the role taken on many grandparents – often in difficult circumstances.
Mrs Grant said, “In such circumstances grandparents are not classed as foster parents but rather kinship carers and they do not automatically receive the same support as foster parents.
“Because of this Grandparents who look after their grandchildren often face hardship. Due to their age they are seldom working and have no way to supplement their income. Also, the financial demands of bringing up children are well known. “
“While Local Authorities have discretion on whether or not they give financial support, many do not and assessment is often carried out on a case by case basis.”
Mrs Grant pushed the Scottish Executive to take steps to require Local Authorities to provide the same level of support to kinship carers as foster parents.
She commented, “I am please that the Minister for Children and Early Years said that he would look at the support given to kinship carers and it is important that those involved in this role push hard for this change to be made.
“Many Grandparents would not qualify as foster parents due to their age and circumstances, however, it is better for a child to remain within their extended family were possible.
“Grandparents who take on this role often face financial hardship which has a knock on effect to the children in their care.
“This limits their life chances and leaves them vulnerable.
“If Grandparents and family are unable to take on this role the children would be placed in foster care at a cost to the public purse.
“We need to value this contribution and make sure we give them adequate support to fulfil this very important role”. 7 June 2007
North MSP hails those who campaigned for Draft Fossil Code
Highlands and Islands Regional Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has welcomed the announcement, by the Scottish Executive, of the launch of a draft Scottish Fossil Code for public consultation.
Mrs Grant said,” This announcement follows on from the work done by my predecessor, former MSP Maureen Macmillan and others in raising the profile of this issue.
“Some years ago the late Jack Saxon of Thurso approached Maureen and raised concerns with her over the indiscriminate collection of fossils at sites in Caithness.
“Greatly assisted by Jack’s expert knowledge as a paleontologist Maureen persuaded the Scottish Executive to accept an amendment to the Nature Conservation Act, ultimately leading to the consultation on the draft Scottish Fossil Code announced today.
“Unfortunately, in the past, fossils were fair game for anyone who could find and remove them.
“Despite protection being in place for various species of our flora and fauna, no such protection is extended to fossils.
“Fossil sites in Caithness, Skye and Orkney are of considerable scientific significance and yet enjoy minimal protection.
“Specimens stolen from Caithness or Orkney quarries can fetch up to £20,000 in Germany and can be found in German museums.
“It should be remembered that fossil thieves are not scientists but businessmen.
“The removal of fossils is at the end of the day an environmental crime which degrades a community asset.
“The draft Scottish Fossil Code will highlight the issue and hopefully contribute to putting an end to the illegal trade in fossils.
“The pioneering work in the North of Scotland of Jack Saxon and Maureen Macmillan should be acknowledged.”
Mrs Grant added,” Another aspect for areas such as Caithness is the potential for interpretive visitor sites associated with fossil finds.
“I look forward to the day when our fossil heritage is protected and local communities in areas with such sites have developed the tourism potential.” 5 June 2007
Rhoda Grant has supported the following members’ motions in the Scottish Parliament :
Congratulations to the Nicolson Institute Under-15s Football Team— That the Parliament congratulates the under-15s football team from the Nicolson Institute, Stornoway, on their 2-1 win against Lasswade High School to lift the Scottish cup at Victoria Park, Dingwall on 28 May 2007; notes the hard work and sterling effort shown by all members of the Nicolson team to achieve this prestigious title, and commends all those from Stornoway and beyond who gave their support and encouragement to the winning team.
Recognising Success in the Voluntary Sector— That the Parliament congratulates CVS Fife and Adam Smith College on being awarded the Partnership Award at the inaugural annual Third Force News (TFN) Charity Awards; recognises their huge contribution to the voluntary sector in Fife through the promotion of a programme of free training; notes their successful partnership with local public and private sector organisations to achieve this and believes that they should be supported in building on this excellent work in the future; further recognises that the awards highlight the significant contribution that the voluntary sector makes to Scottish society, and believes that the sector should receive continued support and investment.
Cleaner Coal Technology Feasibility Study— That the Parliament welcomes the announcement by ScottishPower of a feasibility study into converting Cockenzie and Longannet power stations to cleaner coal technology; welcomes the fact that investment in new supercritical turbines and boilers could cut carbon emissions at the two stations by 20%; notes the flexibility that coal-fired plants provide as part of a diverse energy mix, and welcomes the consideration of extended life-spans for Cockenzie and Longannet, which could secure continuing employment for hundreds of skilled workers in East Lothian and Fife and help to maintain those counties’ contribution to Scotland’s baseload energy needs and address climate change.
UK Credit Options Conference— That the Parliament recognises the crucial importance of fair and affordable credit for all in Scotland; welcomes delegates to the second UK credit options conference in Edinburgh on 29 and 30 May 2007, hosted by Citizens Advice Scotland and Debt on our Doorstep, and acknowledges the importance of the Cross-Parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Tackling Debt in contributing to full debate of the issues surrounding credit and debt.
Aberdeen Shortlisted to be Hub of UK Energy Technologies Institute— That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that Aberdeen has been shortlisted under the Scottish consortium bid to host the hub of the proposed UK Energy Technologies Institute; congratulates local agencies and academic institutions on working together to make the case for Aberdeen; believes that, as the energy capital of Europe and home to over 900 energy-based companies, Aberdeen is the natural choice for the hub; notes that Aberdeen’s bid is supported by CBI Scotland and Oil and Gas UK; notes that the Scottish Executive’s own Intermediary Technology Institute for Energy is already based in the city; further notes the work of the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group in developing and promoting renewable energy technology, and calls on the Executive to promote Aberdeen as its preferred location for the hub.
Breastfeeding Awareness Week, 13 to 19 May 2007— That the Parliament welcomes National Breastfeeding Awareness Week from 13 to 19 May 2007; notes that this is an annual event to raise awareness among all sectors of the importance of breastfeeding and this year includes the launch at Westminster on 16 May of a breastfeeding manifesto by a coalition of non-governmental organisations; expresses concern at the small decrease in breastfeeding rates in Scotland over the past year; notes that the post of National Breastfeeding Advisor has been vacant for more than a year; believes that more information and assistance is required, including better publicising of the Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005, and considers that the Scottish Executive should do more to support, promote and encourage breastfeeding.
Edinburgh Airport Rail Link— That the Parliament urges the Scottish Executive, together with other stakeholders, to ensure an early start to the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link project as an essential, integral part of Scottish transport communications, in view of support expressed by the public and private sector and social organisations across Scotland. 4 June 2007
North MSP speaks out against Imbalance in Agricultural Funding
Highlands and Islands Regional MSP Rhoda Grant has spoken in support of crofting during a rural development debate in the Scottish Parliament.
She condemned the fact that large lowland farms, which are closer to markets receive a disproportionate amount of funding, while crofters and small farmers on the periphery get little additional assistance.
Mrs Grant said, “Crofting has an important role in the Highlands and Islands.”
Attacking the unfairness of subsidy provision she said “It has always seemed obscene to me that large farms with good land and access to markets receive the same support as those farmers and crofters working in difficult conditions, remote from markets.
“The Less Favoured Areas Scheme in the past even disproportionately benefited the larger producers, and while this has been rectified to an extent it still has a long way to go.”
She expressed her disappointment that the new Scottish Executive has made no indication that it wishes to carry on this process of change, indeed the new Ministers barely referred to Crofting in their speeches.
“Mrs Grant added, “I was disappointed that the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment in his opening remarks made scant mention of crofting or show any sign of addressing the imbalance of support for crofting and farming.
“While we must encourage diversification in farming but in doing so we must recognise the contribution made by crofting and farming to remote and rural communities and our wider environment.
“Finally, we need to ensure the support we give brings benefits to the wider community and that this support ensures the survival of remote rural communities.” 31 May 2007
Highland MSP Raises Worries Over Government Support for Tourism
Highlands and Islands Regional Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has question First Minister Alex Salmond on the future of tourism, following the tourism portfolio being passed to a junior minister, who also has responsibility for enterprise and energy.
Mrs Grant said, “In the last Labour-led executive the responsibility for tourism lay with a full cabinet minister but the new SNP executive has downgraded the post which is now the lumped together with enterprise and energy, under the control of a junior minister who does not have a seat at Cabinet.
“I asked the First Minister if he would acknowledge that tourism has gone through a period of sustained growth, due in part to the reorganisation and re-branding of VisitScotland.
“Tourism is vital to the economy of the Highlands and Islands and is a multi million pound industry.
” I urged Alex Salmond to value the industry’s contribution and not make changes to a successful brand just for the sake of it.”
” It is clear that the new executive is committed to a root and branch reform of enterprise support and this will obviously impact on tourism, as the junior minister concerned holds both the enterprise and tourism portfolios.
“The SNP government has already questioned the need for enterprise companies and councils to provide enterprise assistance.
“Obviously there are going to be changes in the enterprise sector but and I fear that the turmoil may have a negative effect on tourism, which the government is closely linking with enterprise.
“The tourism industry, as Alex Salmond acknowledged, is by certain measurements, the largest industry in Scotland and it is essential we safeguard and protect it from uncertainty.”
Mrs Grant added, “The Highlands and Islands tourism industry is currently thriving and does not need this uncertainty.
“There are many able people working in the industry in our area and hopefully they can weather the likely changes ahead.” 28 May 2007
