Anne McTaggart: Given that I have only a short time—although I am grateful for it—I will amalgamate what I was going to say into a couple of points for the cabinet secretary to address in his closing speech. I rise to support Richard Baker’s amendment and to say that I am aghast and sad that although we are nearing the end of this debate, the main and worst affected group has not been given proper...
Anne McTaggart: I thank Sandra White for bringing this members’ business debate to the chamber. I share Bill Kidd’s passion about some of the projects that he has mentioned—I live in the same area and I am heavily involved in some of the youth projects there. There are great projects, such as the intergenerational project. Last week, I had the pleasure of going to a presentation for a 90-year-old woman...
Anne McTaggart: Today’s debate is welcome, as it is about ending an issue that is not welcome in our society. Unfortunately, it is well known that violence against women remains all too common across the country. Be it domestic violence, rape, prostitution or any other form of violence, there are various situations in which women across Scotland suffer abuse and live in fear. Today’s debate is not about...
Anne McTaggart: 19. To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to encourage growth in credit union membership. (S4O-00507)
Anne McTaggart: The United Kingdom Government’s Welfare Reform Bill will put significant financial strain on a number of our most vulnerable groups. Does the cabinet secretary agree that credit unions will have a crucial role to play in providing ethical financial support and advice, particularly to those who are most affected by the bill? Furthermore, does he agree with me—
Anne McTaggart: Does the cabinet secretary agree that credit unions require additional assistance from the Scottish Government?
Anne McTaggart: I feel a “Ho, ho, ho” coming on—all in good spirit, I am sure. Having been a member of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee since the start of the session, I am particularly interested in speaking in this debate. I am sure that all my committee colleagues will agree that we have gained a vast amount from the informative submissions that we received on the Scottish Government’s...
Anne McTaggart: Absolutely. The foreword to the draft budget sets out the Scottish Government’s commitment to use its powers, its energy and its abilities to maximise the value and impact of public spending for Scotland. However, a number of expert witnesses have told the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee that the Scottish Government is not using its full powers to maximise the value of public spending...
Anne McTaggart: Yes, since it is Christmas.
Anne McTaggart: May I answer that question throughout the rest of my speech, please?
Anne McTaggart: If I have not answered it, I am sure that Jamie Hepburn will tell me at the end. The target date for the elimination of fuel poverty is 2016. It is therefore imperative that any draft budget that is brought forward contains clear and detailed clarifications of how Scotland will achieve that goal. I admit that the fuel poverty budget for 2012-13 shows a rise in funds to about £65 million, but...
Anne McTaggart: I begin by offering all members my best wishes for the new year. I hope that it brings everyone good health and happiness. I am glad to speak in the debate, which is in some senses about ensuring the health and happiness of looked-after children through their educational attainment. As a former care manager for children and families in Glasgow’s social work department, as a member of the...
Anne McTaggart: As most members will know, I am an elected member of Glasgow City Council. I wanted to declare that interest before I contribute to today’s debate. I welcome this debate on the forthcoming local government elections in May. It is a welcome change to have a discussion about a vote of which we know the date, and in which we know what will be put to the electorate. As we know, reflection,...
Anne McTaggart: No. Lest we forget, the underlying principles for us as elected members are representation, democracy and dialogue. We should all strive to increase participatory democracy at all levels, to enhance citizenship and to redress the democratic deficit. The decentralisation of decision-making processes to our communities is imperative. That enables us as politicians to best represent the needs,...
Anne McTaggart: Anoraks—that was it. I am sure that we have heard many of the reasons that people give for not voting, but we must all try to work together to increase awareness and interest, in the hope of increasing turnout in May.
Anne McTaggart: After all, one of the Gould report’s recommendations was that we put voters first and ahead of any party self-interest.
Anne McTaggart: No—I will not. We must strive to increase participatory democracy at all levels and enhance citizenship and we must work to redress the democratic deficit, especially locally, where the situation is being noticed more and more with the onset of cuts to public services because of the Scottish Government’s council tax freeze.
Anne McTaggart: As a member of Glasgow City Council, I know that its budget will have the biggest cut in Scotland between now and 2015. Given funding cuts of £25 million, for example, it is no wonder that local democracy struggles to engage with voters.
Anne McTaggart: That applies especially because such cuts will be felt most by—
Anne McTaggart: Such cuts will be felt most by people in the most vulnerable circumstances and could result in the withdrawal of vital council services in communities across Glasgow and Scotland. I want the people of Glasgow to turn out and vote in the forthcoming local elections. First and foremost, I want them to feel that they are voting in an open and fair process. As a woman from a working-class...
