I am encouraging all homeowners to be aware of upcoming changes in fire alarm regulations which will mean every home in Scotland must by law have interlinked fire alarms by February 2022. The Scottish Government also need to do more to raise awareness of the change in the law and to support those who need […]
One of the key issues in tackling climate change is access to proper public transport. Decent, affordable public transport services can massively cut carbon emissions by providing greener alternatives for travelling. Despite this, public transport jobs and services are under threat. On transport day at COP26 I support RMT Scotland’s plan for protecting public transport […]
I joined with carers from across the country at the Scottish Parliament this weekend to make the case for a £15 an hour minimum wage for all care workers. A major contributor to the difficulties with recruitment and retention in health and social care is low pay. All carers must be paid the rate for […]
I have written to the Chief Executive of Fife Council calling for an immediate review to find out why the local authority’s recycling record has fallen so drastically and asking for urgent action to address rising waste. The most recent household recycling target was for 60 per cent of household waste to be recycled by […]
Parliament started back this week after summer recess and much of the hype was about the new co-operation agreement between the SNP and the Green Party. The pro-independence newspaper, The National, was excited that this would start a renewed drive for an independence referendum, but I would urge caution, and suggest the absolute focus of […]
I recently visited Crieff Community garden and was amazed at the hard-work and dedication of the volunteers after seeing first-hand the great progress they have made in creating an amazing space. Community gardens are real local assets and provide an opportunity to everyone to get involved in the benefits of enjoying the outdoors, meeting other […]
Whilst the last year has been difficult, there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel. The vaccine is able to offer that light and hope but as we are seeing this week with more and more people locally getting Covid, we must remain cautious and vigilant and that does mean continuing […]
As the restrictions in response to COVID-19 have continued, Ofgem has been working closely with the energy industry to ensure consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers, continue to be protected. In October 2020 they strengthened protections for customers, making it a requirement that suppliers put customers in debt on a realistic and appropriate repayment plan. Suppliers have […]
As we approach the end of 2020 we can certainly say it has been a year like no other. I would like to be able to say it will all be back to normality in the new year but it won’t and I do hope that we can all reflect on what the new norm […]