A guest post today from Alex Neil, Minister for Housing and Communities in the latter part of the 2007-11 Parliamentary term and the SNP’s candidate for Airdrie & Shotts in the forthcoming Scottish Parliamentary election.
Alex Salmond’s SNP Government has proved over the last four years that it delivers for the people of Scotland. Despite being a minority government and having massive spending cuts imposed on it by Westminster the SNP has achieved 84 out of 94 of its 2007 election promises.
The SNP Government has been a progressive government with fairness and social justice sitting alongside economic growth and employment as our top priorities.
The Council Tax has been frozen for four years, helping many families who aren’t on large incomes and who previously struggled to pay the 60% increases in council tax which had taken place during the first eight years of the Scottish Parliament. Labour’s destructive plans to close the Monklands and Ayr Accident and Emergency units were overturned. Tuition fees for our university students have been abolished, making it easier for children from families with modest incomes to be able to go to university. Prescription charges have also been abolished, benefiting 600,000 modest income families. We have also put an extra 1000 police on the beat, resulting in a 32 year low for recorded crime in Scotland.  And locally, in Airdrie and Shotts, we have delivered the new Airdrie-Bathgate line on budget and on time, and we are building the new Airdrie Health Centre.
If re-elected we will keep the council tax freeze for another five years, pending the introduction of a fairer system of local government finance in the 2016 parliament based on the ability to pay. We will keep the free bus passes for pensioners and the disabled intact – we fundamentally disagree with the Liberal Democrat and some Labour politicians’ position that these benefits should be curtailed. We will ring-fence the National Health Service budget in Scotland. Given the level of inflation in the NHS we need every penny we can use to improve it and ensure that it gets the level of investment needed to provide for those who are sick and disabled. We will also introduce new measures to further reduce crime rates, including an expansion of the highly successful schemes designed to engage young people in diversionary activity and prevent them from getting involved in crime.
Both locally and nationally our top priority will be to bring new jobs and industry to the area. I have always held the view that high levels of employment and low levels of unemployment are a pre-requisite to maximising the success of any economy and creating not just a wealthier but a happier society.
As Alex Salmond rightly says the opportunities from the renewable energy sector alone has the potential to create thousands of high quality jobs in Scotland. We also have huge potential in other sectors such as the biosciences. If we had control over our own natural resources then we could do even more to create the levels of investment in Scotland which could get our people back to work. That is why for me the independence referendum is key, as I believe that with sovereign power over our own country Scotland can become one of the most prosperous and fairest nations on the planet.
#1 by James on April 28, 2011 - 7:54 am
Where is the money for the NHS, education etc coming from again? Is it all the bogus bridge savings, or have I missed something?
#2 by John Ruddy on April 28, 2011 - 9:29 am
Although We should be grateful that the Forth bridge wont cost as much as previously thought (although it still seems expensive to me), we cant spend these savings before they’ve been made. What happens if theres a cost overrun? A contractor goes bust and delays? A geological problem requiring a re-design? The list of potential problems is endless. I understand that there is no contigency fund for the project as envisioned by the SNP either.
#3 by Steve on April 28, 2011 - 8:03 am
I know I’m like a broken record on this, but I have to say the council tax freeze is a bad policy. Over the next 5 years it will cost £1 billion, adding to the cuts. It doesn’t help the poorest as they get their bills paid by council tax benefit, so therefore it is regressive.
Also, because of the was council tax benefit works, freezing council tax saves taxpayers, but also saves the UK department for Work and pensions, and that money is lost to Scotland. So one year’s freeze costing £70 million, saves the DWP £12million and saves taxpayers in Scotland £58 million, that’s incredibly inefficient.
It’s easy to be negative as I don’t support council tax or the freeze. But for people who do, here is a simple alternative you might be interested in. If you’d just spent the same money on reducing water bills (which are structured in exactly the same way as council tax), then 100% of the savings would accrue to taxpayers in Scotland, but would be spread across almost all households, including the poorest.
Targeting water bills instead of council tax is more efficient, has wider benefits, but is still fundamentally very similar measure to the CT freeze. The only difference in terms of impact is it helps the poorest too.
#4 by John Ruddy on April 28, 2011 - 9:31 am
I agree. We’ve already seen council servives cut, or the costs go up (eg Care alarms for the elderly, or libraey fees or creche charges) due to the current freeze.
Although we dont have even an average household income, we would be prepared to pay a little extra to keep our public services.
Or at least have the right to vote for councillors to make that decision. How can the SNP argue for Scotland to be independant from London, especially in financial matters, when it wont give councils the power to raise their own funds! Hypocrisy!
#5 by Tommy Cochrane on April 28, 2011 - 9:10 am
The people of Shotts needs change… this election for us is more than just independence and council tax freeze …Its about saving our town form the savage teeth of North Lanarkshire Council… in recent years our little community has lost Its job centre and social security, the registrar office, Social Work department, A large Council run elderly care home (Herbiston House) our public toilets and in the autumn we loose out Cleansing department depot. Unemployment is high and we need decent transport links to the surrounding towns as a common complaint is that people cannot accept jobs as they either have no way of getting there or getting home… It has also came to my attention that a local bus company has went out the game.. and just to make matter worse on that front the only remaing bus company raise their local fare rate.. again. Slowly squeeing the life out our community… Our community has closed shops and anti social behaviour problems that are also a major cause of concern within Shotts. We have a part time Police Office. That in my opion is undermanned . People have blamed the SNP for a lot of this, but in my opinion as a resident of Shotts, the local MSP (Karen Whitefield) at the moment, is either unable or unwilling to rock the boat and upset her party collegues at the labour controlled North Lanarkshire Council… A fresh face and a hard working politician is what my town needs to save it form destruction.. New Cummock comes to mind thats the way Shotts is going. As this constituancy is a 2 horse race, I think after labour ruling Airdrie and Shotts at Council, Scottish and westminster levels for time and memorial, they have had their chance and FAILED to deliver. So as people shout about National issues … I as a voter in Airdrie and SHOTTS are shouting “ALEX HELP SAVE OUR TOWN!!!!”
#6 by GMcM on April 28, 2011 - 2:52 pm
Tommy, I honestly can’t see much in what you have said above that could be placed at Karen Whitefield’s door.
A part-time police office and problems with Anti-Social behaviour? Surely with the ‘extra 1000’ police the SNP have delivered you should have a police officer at every street corner. Remember it’s the SNP who have been in power for the last 4 years.
Local transport links is another interesting one. Karen Whitefield did tremendous work surrounding the Airdrie to Bathgate railway line. The bus problem you mention may have something to do with the SNP showing a soft touch approach to bus regulation thanks to a certain party donor. Karen along with her Labour colleagues have campaigned heavily for stronger bus regulation to bring the buses to where they are needed.
You also seem to be blaming the local council for a lot of the ills in your community. Perhaps it’s because the SNP have underfunded their council tax freeze that there have been cutbacks?
You’re also worried about jobs and employment opportunities. If there are problems with job creation in your area why don’t you speak to the SNP. Remember Alex Neil is already an MSP for central Scotland. Ask him why he hasn’t done enough to create jobs in Shotts. Perhaps that is due to him making Independence a priority rather than job creation.
#7 by Tommy Cochrane on April 28, 2011 - 5:27 pm
Ok where do we Start…. The MSP for this area should see the anti social behavior and lead from the front and get something done about it… The Government cannot inspect every police station and sub division.. It is up to the sitting MSP to bring his or her concerns to the attnetion of the Cheif Constable… Has Karen Whitefield done that? I will see when I get the freedom of information request back from Strathclyde Police… As for the council… The Scottish Government subsidised the local authorities, the local authorities agreed to this through COSLA and this went ahead,,, so do NOT blame central Government for this ,,, This is Labour propaganda and if anyone out there can afford to pay extra, (which I cannot) then I am sure your local authorities will gladly accept your donations…
Airdrie to Bathgate …fine if you don;t live in Plains… The smaller community of blackridge got a station (thanks to the SNP West lothian council helping to pay for this)
The Bus problems ….do NOT leave that solely at the SNP door… Margaret Thatcher dereguated the the buses… so what did labour do to fix it since they came to power in 1997… eh wait till I think….NOTHING!!!!!!! The SNP cannot do everything in 4 years… Well Labour couldn’t even get the NHS right in the preceeding 8 years..Could they.. Whilst on the subject of Thatcher…council housing… Since 1997 labour built how many council houses in Scotland… was that 6 ???? and the sale of council houses… it was a travisty when the bill went though the hous of commons under thatcher… but when Labour got power in 1997… di they fix it…eh wait till I get an answer here..NO!!!!
Is independence a prioprity I hope to hell it is .. because Westminster has become a joke… Why shoud Scottish MPs sit in on English bills? The CON-DEN allience is a shambles.. and the westminster Labour party would make sure that Scotland toe the line with prescription charges and tuition fees if Labour ever get back into power.. As for bringing Jobs to Shotts.. Karen whitefield has been MSP for 12 years…8 of then under a labour Government… How may jobs did she bring to Shotts..????
Shotts need someone who will stand up to the Civic Kremlin in Motherwell, oh and the deputy provist lives in Shotts.. and still we get nothing… If you want to talk about Shotts, go to Vennacher St, Balloch road and see the deprivation in that area… Not just happened ove the last 4 years… Happened long before that… a least Alex Neil had the gutts to walk up and down the street there chapping doors.. I heard on good authority that Ms Whitefield sat in her car and let her canvasers chap the doors. The person who told me that is still waiting on her to come to his door with an answer to his questions..
I thing Shotts has changed.. woken up…feed up listening to Labours false promises… How long have labour ruled the roost in Shotts? too long, and the people have eventualy woken up to that. As for Alex Neil being the MSP for Central Scotland …yes he was ..and he delt with a serious problem for me that Ms Whitefield told me wasn’t her concern as it was a “council Problem”
#8 by John Ruddy on April 29, 2011 - 11:10 am
Indeed. Councils have had their hand tied the last 4 years. Every part of our council has had to make savings each and every year. In terms of transport, for instance, many subsidised bus routes have been withdrawn – its probably the same in North Lanarkshire. Care services across the country are under threat due to a growing lack of council funding – look at SNP/Lib Dem run Fife, for an example of this.
There are similar examples from councils run by all parties and none across the country. The only common factor is the strain that the SNP Government has put on them all.
#9 by John Ruddy on April 28, 2011 - 9:27 am
Here is a housing related pledge you havnt met (although you claim you have), Mr Neil.
“our target must be that new build houses should meet the same rigorous standards that exist in Scandinavia, allowing householders to significantly reduce their energy use and energy bills. We will consult on setting a new guideline for energy saving in new buildings with the aim of reducing their energy footprint by between 20% and 33%.â€
You claim to have met this pledge, yet current Building standards dont meet scandanavian standards from 2007, let alone 2011. How can this be a pledge thats been met?
#10 by Indy on April 28, 2011 - 11:52 am
Where is the money for the NHS, education etc coming from again?
Scottish taxpayers.
#11 by Indy on April 28, 2011 - 12:11 pm
Steve you are like a broken record. The council tax freeze will cost nothing like a billion pounds.
The SG has paid council’s 70 million each year thus far.
It does not accumulate i.e they do not pay councils 70 million in year one, 140 million in year two, 210 million in year 3 etc.
You could argue that the benefit acccumulates in that way. But the actual cost does not. The money is only paid once.
The additional resource required to extend the council tax freeze to five years rather than the next two (which is already funded) is 210 million. I.e. 7 x 3.
#12 by James on April 28, 2011 - 1:03 pm
But the cut to local authorities’ finances in John’s last budget was £435.8m. The £70m doesn’t even come close to plugging that gap. “Fully funded” is an utter myth here.
#13 by John Ruddy on April 28, 2011 - 1:23 pm
Trust me, this council tax freeze has not been fully funded. Else why would councils have to find other ways of raising money, such as increasing charges on services such as care alarms for elderely folk? Its only going to get worse, if, as you say, the money isnt cumulative.
#14 by GMcM on April 28, 2011 - 2:20 pm
The cost of the council tax freeze does accumulate.
The first year of the council tax freeze had £70m given to councils to prevent them raising the tax and represented an equivalent 3% increase in council tax.
The next year a further £70m was given (i.e. £140m) to account for another equivalent increase in council tax based on the previous years figures.
If it was £70m each year that was given then the councils would have had a 3% increase in year one and then a freeze in every subsequent year.
The £70m figure isn’t enough to plug the gap either as James says below. As inflation rises the amount required to plug the gap increases. To say that inflation will be static for the next 5 years is absurd. At the current rate of inflation the councils require £84m extra next year on top of the £280m they will get to fund the council tax freeze.
Only Labour come close to this by promising £80m with the other three big parties promising £70m.
#15 by Steve on April 28, 2011 - 2:51 pm
Indy, you’re wrong. read this http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/how-the-council-tax-freeze-helps-the-rich-1.1004394
#16 by Indy on April 28, 2011 - 1:11 pm
??? The SNP has never claimed that the funding of the council tax freeze would plug that gap. It is funded assuming a 3 per cent increase.
Are you seriously arguing that council tax should be increased to raise an extra £435.8m.
How much would that cost the average council tax payer?
And if you (and John and everyone else who supports raising council tax to fill the financial hole caused by Westminster) intend to go out and campaign for that by actually talking to real people can I come too? We could maybe place a bet on how many doors would have to be slammed in your face before you get the message that ordinary working class families cannot afford to pay higher council tax.
#17 by Steve on April 28, 2011 - 3:30 pm
I agree, the £70m EXTRA each year is to prevent an increase, not plug the total gap. Althougyh it’s easier to enforce a freeze during a time of cuts, you just ask councils, do you want a cut of £X million, or £X plus 70 million.
But do you agree with me that even if you are going to persue the CT freeze, the money would be better spent on water bills, as this would help out the poorest, prevent money being saved by the UK Governemnt DWP (money which we don’t get back) and gives exactly the same benefit to everyone else?
#18 by John Ruddy on April 28, 2011 - 9:17 pm
Except this year thats not what happened. It was do you want a cut of 2.6% or a cut of 6.3%. The difference not being £70.
#19 by James on April 28, 2011 - 5:39 pm
I’d be happy to do that, so long as you are equally honest about the savage service cuts your approach is already delivering. But we’ve taken this round the block and I suspect we won’t make any progress this close to an election.
#20 by A Brown on April 28, 2011 - 6:00 pm
The SNP were handing out leaflets at Holy Corner a few weeks ago talking about ‘protecting local services’. Whatever that means, I don’t know.
#21 by David Smeall on April 29, 2011 - 9:03 am
Genuinely dissapointed in Alex’s post.It’s no more than an election pitch for the SNP.Is this just another SNP Nationalist front or is there any serious intent to discuss a Better Nation.Opportunity missed – turned me off – granted I’m a Labour supporter
#22 by James on April 29, 2011 - 9:36 am
I assure you this site is not an SNP front. But Alex certainly swings that way..