I see that our esteemed First Minister today ruled out a coalition with either Labour or the Tories after the UK General Election, stating: "We will not form a coalition with either Tweedledum or Tweedledee".
Not exactly the language of a statesman, but then again that's what we have come to expect from him.
It may suit Alex Salmond to try to portray that there is no difference between Labour and the Tories but some of us who lived through 18 years of Tory rule between 1979 and 1997 have long memories. I haven't forgotten or forgiven the damage that the Tories did to my community.
That is why over the coming weeks I intend to spend as much time as I can campaigning for the election of a Labour Government, just as I did 27 years ago when I joined the Labour Party. Mind you I am praying for a better result this time.
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Faint praise from SNP MSP
I see that SNP list MSP Stuart McMillan has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament welcoming the funding that my Administration allocated in our budget for 5 additional teachers and an expansion of breakfast clubs. Mr McMillan of course could not resist pointing out that his SNP colleagues proposed that 8 teachers should be employed.
Maybe he should also have pointed out that his colleagues had no chance of getting their proposal accepted by the Council as they were not prepared to enter into discussions with the ruling group or that they proposed spending £22m on a multi-storey car park in Cathcart Street.
On the subject of teachers and class sizes, Mr McMillan might wish to know that I recently had the opportunity to question a group of senior education professionals on what they thought of the SNP Government's obsession with lower class sizes. Not one of them was of the view that this should be a priority at a time of severe pressure on the public finances. All of them were of the view that the quality of teachers is more important than class sizes and that if funding was to be available for more teachers it should be targeted at the schools with the greatest need rather than those with the highest class sizes.
Maybe he should also have pointed out that his colleagues had no chance of getting their proposal accepted by the Council as they were not prepared to enter into discussions with the ruling group or that they proposed spending £22m on a multi-storey car park in Cathcart Street.
On the subject of teachers and class sizes, Mr McMillan might wish to know that I recently had the opportunity to question a group of senior education professionals on what they thought of the SNP Government's obsession with lower class sizes. Not one of them was of the view that this should be a priority at a time of severe pressure on the public finances. All of them were of the view that the quality of teachers is more important than class sizes and that if funding was to be available for more teachers it should be targeted at the schools with the greatest need rather than those with the highest class sizes.
An interesting day
I have had an interesting and rewarding day.
In the early afternoon I paid a visit to Lady Alice Primary School to find out how children assessed as suffering from Irlen Syndrome, a condition that affects a person's ability to read, are benefiting from The Irlen Method, a technique that uses coloured overlays and lenses to reduce or eliminate poor depth perception and light sensitivity. I was very impressed by what I saw and heard, particularly from the children themselves, who have found that reading is much easier when they use the overlays and lenses.
Following a two hour meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee, I attended the election results for the Inverclyde Youth Council. Again I was very impressed by the number of young people who put themselves forward for election and their commitment to making Inverclyde a better place to live.
In the evening I attended the first public screening of "Tales from a Village", an animated film produced by Primary 7 pupils at Kilmacolm Primary School on life in the village between 1945 and 1960. The pupils - and those who assisted them - are to be congratulated on producing a very entertaining and informative piece of work. I have to give a special mention to my son Ronan who was a member of the production team.
Events like these remind me why I am involved in politics and why I have a passionate commitment to giving all our children and young people the best possible start in life.
In the early afternoon I paid a visit to Lady Alice Primary School to find out how children assessed as suffering from Irlen Syndrome, a condition that affects a person's ability to read, are benefiting from The Irlen Method, a technique that uses coloured overlays and lenses to reduce or eliminate poor depth perception and light sensitivity. I was very impressed by what I saw and heard, particularly from the children themselves, who have found that reading is much easier when they use the overlays and lenses.
Following a two hour meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee, I attended the election results for the Inverclyde Youth Council. Again I was very impressed by the number of young people who put themselves forward for election and their commitment to making Inverclyde a better place to live.
In the evening I attended the first public screening of "Tales from a Village", an animated film produced by Primary 7 pupils at Kilmacolm Primary School on life in the village between 1945 and 1960. The pupils - and those who assisted them - are to be congratulated on producing a very entertaining and informative piece of work. I have to give a special mention to my son Ronan who was a member of the production team.
Events like these remind me why I am involved in politics and why I have a passionate commitment to giving all our children and young people the best possible start in life.
Monday 29 March 2010
The usual SNP nonsense
I see that SNP Councillor Chris Osborne is spouting the usual SNP nonsense in the letters' page of today's Greenock Telegraph, trying to misrepresent the position of Labour Councillors.
As Councillor Osborne full well knows, there has been no decision to introduce parking charges in Greenock Town Centre. All that has been agreed is a report on the pros and cons of charges. This proposal was actually supported by Councillor Osborne's SNP colleagues at the full Council meeting on 18 February. I wonder if he is going to write to the paper criticising them?
With regard to the SNP's budget proposals, Councillor Osborne and his colleagues did come up with one or two suggestions that were worthy of consideration (although these were a bit overshadowed by their proposal to spend £22m on a multi-storey car park in Cathcart Street). The problem was that by refusing to talk to the Administration in advance of the budget meeting they knew there was no chance their proposals would be accepted. Perhaps next year they will take a more mature approach to the budget.
As for his claim that Labour Councillors have a policy of compulsory redundancies, again that is nonsense.
Labour Councillors wish to avoid compulsory redundancies. We are committed to working with our trade unions colleagues to this end.
Given the scale of the financial challenges facing the Council, however, it would be irresponsible - if not dishonest - of any Councillors to give a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies.
I doubt very much if Councillor Osborne's SNP colleagues in neighbouring Renfrewshire Council would.
As Councillor Osborne full well knows, there has been no decision to introduce parking charges in Greenock Town Centre. All that has been agreed is a report on the pros and cons of charges. This proposal was actually supported by Councillor Osborne's SNP colleagues at the full Council meeting on 18 February. I wonder if he is going to write to the paper criticising them?
With regard to the SNP's budget proposals, Councillor Osborne and his colleagues did come up with one or two suggestions that were worthy of consideration (although these were a bit overshadowed by their proposal to spend £22m on a multi-storey car park in Cathcart Street). The problem was that by refusing to talk to the Administration in advance of the budget meeting they knew there was no chance their proposals would be accepted. Perhaps next year they will take a more mature approach to the budget.
As for his claim that Labour Councillors have a policy of compulsory redundancies, again that is nonsense.
Labour Councillors wish to avoid compulsory redundancies. We are committed to working with our trade unions colleagues to this end.
Given the scale of the financial challenges facing the Council, however, it would be irresponsible - if not dishonest - of any Councillors to give a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies.
I doubt very much if Councillor Osborne's SNP colleagues in neighbouring Renfrewshire Council would.
Sunday 28 March 2010
The week ahead...
A shorter week due to the Easter holiday weekend but still a busy one:
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Visit to the Council's Mearns Centre
3.30 Chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board
5.00 Attending a briefing for all Councillors on proposals to rationalise the Council's office accommodation
6.00 Chairing a meeting of the Council's Strategic Leadership Forum (this was postponed from last Monday)
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Visit to the Irlen Initiative at Lady Alice Primary School
3.00 Chairing a meeting of the Council's Policy & Resources Committee
4.00 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
5.00 Attending the announcement of the results of the Youth Parliament elections
6.30 Attending 'Tales from a Village' at Kilmacolm Primary School (postponed from last month due to bad weather)
7.30 Kilmacolm Community Council
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.30 Meeting with Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld
4.00 Meeting of Peter Stanton Memorial Trust
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 The Chief Executive's annual appraisal interview
Friday
Good Friday public holiday
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Visit to the Council's Mearns Centre
3.30 Chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board
5.00 Attending a briefing for all Councillors on proposals to rationalise the Council's office accommodation
6.00 Chairing a meeting of the Council's Strategic Leadership Forum (this was postponed from last Monday)
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Visit to the Irlen Initiative at Lady Alice Primary School
3.00 Chairing a meeting of the Council's Policy & Resources Committee
4.00 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
5.00 Attending the announcement of the results of the Youth Parliament elections
6.30 Attending 'Tales from a Village' at Kilmacolm Primary School (postponed from last month due to bad weather)
7.30 Kilmacolm Community Council
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.30 Meeting with Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld
4.00 Meeting of Peter Stanton Memorial Trust
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 The Chief Executive's annual appraisal interview
Friday
Good Friday public holiday
Listening to your views
I spent Saturday morning at the Inverclyde Alliance's community engagement event in Gourock's Gamble Halls.
The event was very well attended by a cross section of the community - I was particularly pleased to see a good turn out of young people - and the atmosphere was very positive.
Discussion centred around two of the Alliance's eight local outcomes: tackling depopulation and giving all our young people the best start in life. I look forward to reading the report of the event as I am confident that there were a lot of good ideas generated from among the enthusiastic participants.
The next community engagement event is scheduled for Saturday 26 June 2010 in Clune Park Community Resource Centre. Further details will be available nearer time.
The event was very well attended by a cross section of the community - I was particularly pleased to see a good turn out of young people - and the atmosphere was very positive.
Discussion centred around two of the Alliance's eight local outcomes: tackling depopulation and giving all our young people the best start in life. I look forward to reading the report of the event as I am confident that there were a lot of good ideas generated from among the enthusiastic participants.
The next community engagement event is scheduled for Saturday 26 June 2010 in Clune Park Community Resource Centre. Further details will be available nearer time.
Saturday 27 March 2010
Noble aims
I see that the Lib Dems 25 years old candidate for Inverclyde at the forthcoming general election - I can't recall his name - aims to "cut taxes for low and middle earners, clean up Westminster politics and give every child a fair start".
These are of course noble aims, if a touch ambitious.
I would suggest that a more realistic aim for our young would be MP might be the saving of his deposit.
These are of course noble aims, if a touch ambitious.
I would suggest that a more realistic aim for our young would be MP might be the saving of his deposit.
Thursday 25 March 2010
Appointment of new Corporate Director
Most of my day (9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.) was taken up yesterday in chairing the interview panel for the new post of Corporate Director of Education and Communities. I am pleased to say that we had a successful outcome, with Albert Henderson, our current Acting Director of Education, being chosen ahead of a number of other very good candidates.
I am confident that Albert will do well in his new role.
I am confident that Albert will do well in his new role.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Have your say to improve Inverclyde
The Community Planning Partnership, the Inverclyde Alliance, is calling on communities to get involved in tackling the big issues facing Inverclyde.
In the first of four events to be held in 2010, people will be asked how tackling depopulation and giving all young people the best start in life can be achieved.
These are two of the eight outcomes agreed for Inverclyde in its Single Outcome Agreement, which sets out how, in partnership with the Scottish Government, the Alliance will work towards improving the lives of local people.
There has been a lot of community input into the Single Outcome Agreement from events like this and we know how important it is to hear people’s opinions. Now we want the community to help us find the solutions to the major challenges that face in Inverclyde, starting by focusing on the issues of why people leave the area and what more can be done to improve the life chances of our young people.
The Community Plan Engagement Event will take place on Saturday 27 March 2010 at the Gamble Halls in Gourock between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
It will let people know how last year’s event has influenced developments and will also ask people how they can be involved in helping the delivery of the local outcomes for Inverclyde.
The feedback at this event will be used to map what the Inverclyde Alliance partners and local communities are doing to deliver the local outcomes for Inverclyde. With everyone pulling in the right direction we should achieve success in making Inverclyde a better place to live.
Everyone is welcome at the event and there are a number of ways people can get involved. Lunch will also be available.
There will be stalls with information and demonstrations from local organisations, so anyone who comes along can find out more about the range of services in the area. There will be a series of workshops you can be involved in.
To register please use the following contact details:
Telephone: 01475 728628
Fax: 01475 728605
Textphone: 01475 728608
Email:enquiries@yourvoice.org.uk
or call into Your Voice
(Inverclyde Community Care Forum)
12 Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 1NB
In the first of four events to be held in 2010, people will be asked how tackling depopulation and giving all young people the best start in life can be achieved.
These are two of the eight outcomes agreed for Inverclyde in its Single Outcome Agreement, which sets out how, in partnership with the Scottish Government, the Alliance will work towards improving the lives of local people.
There has been a lot of community input into the Single Outcome Agreement from events like this and we know how important it is to hear people’s opinions. Now we want the community to help us find the solutions to the major challenges that face in Inverclyde, starting by focusing on the issues of why people leave the area and what more can be done to improve the life chances of our young people.
The Community Plan Engagement Event will take place on Saturday 27 March 2010 at the Gamble Halls in Gourock between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
It will let people know how last year’s event has influenced developments and will also ask people how they can be involved in helping the delivery of the local outcomes for Inverclyde.
The feedback at this event will be used to map what the Inverclyde Alliance partners and local communities are doing to deliver the local outcomes for Inverclyde. With everyone pulling in the right direction we should achieve success in making Inverclyde a better place to live.
Everyone is welcome at the event and there are a number of ways people can get involved. Lunch will also be available.
There will be stalls with information and demonstrations from local organisations, so anyone who comes along can find out more about the range of services in the area. There will be a series of workshops you can be involved in.
To register please use the following contact details:
Telephone: 01475 728628
Fax: 01475 728605
Textphone: 01475 728608
Email:enquiries@yourvoice.org.uk
or call into Your Voice
(Inverclyde Community Care Forum)
12 Clyde Square, Greenock, PA15 1NB
Sunday 21 March 2010
The week ahead...
A busy and varied week ahead:
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
3.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
4.30 Meeting with Councillors David Wilson and Iain McKenzie
5.00 Meeting of the Council's Strategic Leadership Forum
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock stopping off at Port Glasgow on the way
12.30 Visit to Ferguson's Shipyard to see progress on the restoration of the SV Comet
1.30 Meeting with the Council's external advisor and Councillors Iain McKenzie and Jim MacLeod regarding the Chief Executive's annual appraisal for 2010 (the appraisal panel consists of the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council and the Leader of the largest opposition group)
3.30 Meeting with the Editor of The Greenock Telegraph
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
6.00 Surgery at Park Farm Community Hall
Wednesday
I am on leave from work as I am involved in interviews all day for the post of Corporate Director of Education & Communities. The panel will convene at 9.00 a.m. and we hope to have completed our deliberations by 6.00 p.m.
I am aiming to attend a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group at 7.00 p.m. in Woodhall Tenants' Hall.
Thursday
I will be at work all day from 7.30 a.m. to approximately 7.00 p.m. as I have to present reports to the Management Committee of the housing association.
Friday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
8.30 Leave work to travel to Edinburgh
10.00 Meeting of the COSLA Labour Group
12.00 COSLA Leaders' Meeting
1.45 Leave Edinburgh to return to Glasgow
3.15 Return to work
5.00 Leave work to return home
Saturday
10.30 Opening a community engagement event for the Inverclyde Alliance at the Gamble Halls in Gourock
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
3.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
4.30 Meeting with Councillors David Wilson and Iain McKenzie
5.00 Meeting of the Council's Strategic Leadership Forum
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock stopping off at Port Glasgow on the way
12.30 Visit to Ferguson's Shipyard to see progress on the restoration of the SV Comet
1.30 Meeting with the Council's external advisor and Councillors Iain McKenzie and Jim MacLeod regarding the Chief Executive's annual appraisal for 2010 (the appraisal panel consists of the Leader and Depute Leader of the Council and the Leader of the largest opposition group)
3.30 Meeting with the Editor of The Greenock Telegraph
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
6.00 Surgery at Park Farm Community Hall
Wednesday
I am on leave from work as I am involved in interviews all day for the post of Corporate Director of Education & Communities. The panel will convene at 9.00 a.m. and we hope to have completed our deliberations by 6.00 p.m.
I am aiming to attend a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group at 7.00 p.m. in Woodhall Tenants' Hall.
Thursday
I will be at work all day from 7.30 a.m. to approximately 7.00 p.m. as I have to present reports to the Management Committee of the housing association.
Friday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
8.30 Leave work to travel to Edinburgh
10.00 Meeting of the COSLA Labour Group
12.00 COSLA Leaders' Meeting
1.45 Leave Edinburgh to return to Glasgow
3.15 Return to work
5.00 Leave work to return home
Saturday
10.30 Opening a community engagement event for the Inverclyde Alliance at the Gamble Halls in Gourock
Friday 19 March 2010
Learning from the Scandanavians
I see from the Herald newspaper that local authorities in Scotland are being encouraged by the Education Secretary Mike Russell to visit Sweden and Finland to learn lessons about the delivery of education. Mr Russell is just back from a fact-finding visit to these countries.
Apparently the Education Secretary thinks that the Swedish model of "free schools", which exist alongside state-run schools but are independently run, is worthy of consideration. He also points to the quality of the teaching profession in Finland as an example to follow.
It seems that Mr Russell wants to encourage a wide ranging debate over the way our schools are run.
I have to say however that before we book our flights to Stockholm and Helsinki it would be helpful if the Education Secretary could set out for us what he believes is so fundamentally wrong with the current Scottish education system.
I am all for learning from good practice - no matter where it comes from - but I have to say that there is plenty of good practice in this country that we could learn from before we rack up the air miles (I can imagine the public reaction if our Education Convener jetted off to Scandinavia for a few days given the focus on politicians' expenses these days!). There are many Councils, and far more schools, across Scotland delivering high quality education to our young people.
Our own Education Service in Inverclyde has a very good reputation and we are generally regarded as punching above our weight. While not complacent in any way - there is always scope for improvement - I would be more than happy to welcome the Education Secretary to Inverclyde to see at first hand the good work taking place in our schools.
Apparently the Education Secretary thinks that the Swedish model of "free schools", which exist alongside state-run schools but are independently run, is worthy of consideration. He also points to the quality of the teaching profession in Finland as an example to follow.
It seems that Mr Russell wants to encourage a wide ranging debate over the way our schools are run.
I have to say however that before we book our flights to Stockholm and Helsinki it would be helpful if the Education Secretary could set out for us what he believes is so fundamentally wrong with the current Scottish education system.
I am all for learning from good practice - no matter where it comes from - but I have to say that there is plenty of good practice in this country that we could learn from before we rack up the air miles (I can imagine the public reaction if our Education Convener jetted off to Scandinavia for a few days given the focus on politicians' expenses these days!). There are many Councils, and far more schools, across Scotland delivering high quality education to our young people.
Our own Education Service in Inverclyde has a very good reputation and we are generally regarded as punching above our weight. While not complacent in any way - there is always scope for improvement - I would be more than happy to welcome the Education Secretary to Inverclyde to see at first hand the good work taking place in our schools.
Thursday 18 March 2010
Constructive talks with the Housing Minister
This afternoon I led a cross-party Council delegation through to the Scottish Parliament to meet with the Minister for Communities and Housing, Alex Neil MSP, to discuss funding for owners participating in the River Clyde Homes investment programme and the regeneration of the Clune Park area.
The discussions were constructive and I agreed with the Minister that our officials would work together to produce joint reports for our consideration. We also agreed to meet again in Inverclyde within the next couple of months, with the Minister paying a visit to the Clune Park area to see for himself the issues that we highlighted to him.
The discussions were constructive and I agreed with the Minister that our officials would work together to produce joint reports for our consideration. We also agreed to meet again in Inverclyde within the next couple of months, with the Minister paying a visit to the Clune Park area to see for himself the issues that we highlighted to him.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Taking money under false pretences
When I stood for election for Ward 1 in May 2007 I did so on the basis that if I was elected I would do my best to represent the interests of my constituents throughout the ward. Since I was elected I have tried to honour that commitment by holding regular advice surgeries, attending tenants' and residents' associations, regeneration groups, community councils and parent councils as often as I could given my other commitments (Council Leader, job and family). I have also sought to represent each part of what is a very big ward.
I am pleased to say that two of the other three Councillors who represent the same ward - David Wilson and Jim MacLeod - have demonstrated a similar level of commitment to their constituents. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of Lib Dem Councillor Tom Fyfe.
Since May 2007 he has been nothing short of a passenger, taking money under false pretences.
He has held very few surgeries and his attendance at the various groups within the ward has been virtually non existent.
Councillor Fyfe seems to think that he is paid over £16,000 a year by the Council taxpayers of Inverclyde simply to attend meetings within the Council Chamber. Even then his contributions hardly amount to value for money.
It really is a disgrace that he has been able to get away with this lack of interest in his ward for nearly 3 years without any action from the local Liberal Democrat Association. They surely cannot ignore this matter any longer. They must act now. Either Councillor Fyfe should be told to start representing his constituents properly or he should be told to resign his seat and allow someone else to be elected who will.
I am pleased to say that two of the other three Councillors who represent the same ward - David Wilson and Jim MacLeod - have demonstrated a similar level of commitment to their constituents. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of Lib Dem Councillor Tom Fyfe.
Since May 2007 he has been nothing short of a passenger, taking money under false pretences.
He has held very few surgeries and his attendance at the various groups within the ward has been virtually non existent.
Councillor Fyfe seems to think that he is paid over £16,000 a year by the Council taxpayers of Inverclyde simply to attend meetings within the Council Chamber. Even then his contributions hardly amount to value for money.
It really is a disgrace that he has been able to get away with this lack of interest in his ward for nearly 3 years without any action from the local Liberal Democrat Association. They surely cannot ignore this matter any longer. They must act now. Either Councillor Fyfe should be told to start representing his constituents properly or he should be told to resign his seat and allow someone else to be elected who will.
Monday 15 March 2010
Work kicks off at Parklea
Contractors have begun the first phase of a multi-million pounds scheme that will transform Parklea into a centre of excellence for football with work starting on the first of two 3G all-weather pitches.
Parklea is a key part of our Pitches Strategy. Work on the first 3G pitch marks the start of the process that will transform the facilities available for local clubs and visitors from further afield.
£6m will be spent on the two 3G all-weather pitches, a new community stadium, incorporating a changing pavilion, and drainage works to the existing grass pitches.
Parklea is a key part of our Pitches Strategy. Work on the first 3G pitch marks the start of the process that will transform the facilities available for local clubs and visitors from further afield.
£6m will be spent on the two 3G all-weather pitches, a new community stadium, incorporating a changing pavilion, and drainage works to the existing grass pitches.
Sunday 14 March 2010
The Liberal Democrats...we've heard it all before
I see that nice man Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem Leader, is looking for our votes, claiming that a vote for his party offers a "once in a generation opportunity for real change".
The trouble of course is that we've heard this before from Jeremy Thorpe (yes I am that old), David Steel, Paddy Ashdown, Charles Kennedy and Sir Menzies Campbell.
We also know in Inverclyde - as they do in many other areas - that the Lib Dems aren't as nice and cuddly as they claim when they actually get into power. You vote for Ciano Rebecchi and you get Alan Blair!
Also when it comes to campaigning they are not adverse to telling a few wee porkies about their opponents. If you don't believe me watch out for their leaflets during the election campaign.
The trouble of course is that we've heard this before from Jeremy Thorpe (yes I am that old), David Steel, Paddy Ashdown, Charles Kennedy and Sir Menzies Campbell.
We also know in Inverclyde - as they do in many other areas - that the Lib Dems aren't as nice and cuddly as they claim when they actually get into power. You vote for Ciano Rebecchi and you get Alan Blair!
Also when it comes to campaigning they are not adverse to telling a few wee porkies about their opponents. If you don't believe me watch out for their leaflets during the election campaign.
What is a pre-agenda?
A pre-agenda is essentially a dry run of a Committee meeting where the Convener (or chair) of the Committee and the Vice Convener meet with officers in advance of the final agenda and reports being issued to members of the Committee and put in the public domain.
The pre-agenda normally takes place a week or so before the Committee papers are due to be issued and about 2 weeks before the actual Committee meeting. It provides the Convener and Vice Convener with the opportunity to review draft reports and agree any changes with officers.
I received my papers for tomorrow's Policy and Resources Pre-agenda on Thursday and have spent part of the weekend reading the reports.
The pre-agenda normally takes place a week or so before the Committee papers are due to be issued and about 2 weeks before the actual Committee meeting. It provides the Convener and Vice Convener with the opportunity to review draft reports and agree any changes with officers.
I received my papers for tomorrow's Policy and Resources Pre-agenda on Thursday and have spent part of the weekend reading the reports.
The week ahead...
A busy week ahead as usual:
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Chairing a meeting of the selection panel for the post of Corporate Director of Education and Communities (we have to decide who we are going to invite for interview)
3.30 Chairing the Policy and Resources Committee Pre-agenda (see separate post on what a pre-agenda is)
6.45 Chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group
Tuesday
In the morning I will be attending the funeral of a family friend
3.00 Briefing from officers on Riverside Inverclyde
4.00 Meeting of the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee
7.00 St Stephen's High School Parent Council
Wednesday
8.45 Dropping kids off at school
9.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
8.45 Dropping kids off at school
9.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Edinburgh with a cross-party delegation for a meeting with the Minister for Communities and Housing, Alex Neil MSP, to discuss the Support for Owners' Fund and Clune Park
Friday
At work all day after dropping the kids off at school
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Chairing a meeting of the selection panel for the post of Corporate Director of Education and Communities (we have to decide who we are going to invite for interview)
3.30 Chairing the Policy and Resources Committee Pre-agenda (see separate post on what a pre-agenda is)
6.45 Chairing a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group
Tuesday
In the morning I will be attending the funeral of a family friend
3.00 Briefing from officers on Riverside Inverclyde
4.00 Meeting of the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee
7.00 St Stephen's High School Parent Council
Wednesday
8.45 Dropping kids off at school
9.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
8.45 Dropping kids off at school
9.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Edinburgh with a cross-party delegation for a meeting with the Minister for Communities and Housing, Alex Neil MSP, to discuss the Support for Owners' Fund and Clune Park
Friday
At work all day after dropping the kids off at school
Thursday 11 March 2010
Kelburn site preparation works near completion
I visited Kelburn in Port Glasgow today along with Regeneration Convener Jim Clocherty and Riverside Inverclyde (RI) Chief Executive Bill Nicol to view progress on the site prepartion works.
RI is spending in excess of £800,000 on the Kelburn Business Park to ensure development-ready industrial plots to attract private investment to the area.
Kelburn has the potential to be one of the few effective industrial sites available in Inverclyde to allow eligible companies to apply for Regional Selective Assistance funding and could support the creation of more than 300 new jobs. Given the site’s excellent transport links, sitting right alongside the A8, I am sure companies will be interested in locating here.
The works carried out at Kelburn include cutting and filling new earthworks and remodelling the ground profile. A new access road carrying ducts for statutory services along with a footpath and service diversions have been provided to open up the entire business park area and make it available for inward investment or possible relocations from other parts of Inverclyde.
RI is spending in excess of £800,000 on the Kelburn Business Park to ensure development-ready industrial plots to attract private investment to the area.
Kelburn has the potential to be one of the few effective industrial sites available in Inverclyde to allow eligible companies to apply for Regional Selective Assistance funding and could support the creation of more than 300 new jobs. Given the site’s excellent transport links, sitting right alongside the A8, I am sure companies will be interested in locating here.
The works carried out at Kelburn include cutting and filling new earthworks and remodelling the ground profile. A new access road carrying ducts for statutory services along with a footpath and service diversions have been provided to open up the entire business park area and make it available for inward investment or possible relocations from other parts of Inverclyde.
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Double Silver For Inverclyde at Excellence Awards
Two projects run by Inverclyde Council have been honoured in the 2010 COSLA Excellence Awards for outstanding service to the public.
‘New Horizons’ and the Inverclyde Local Energy Savings Scheme (LESS INVERCLYDE) both received Silver Medals at a ceremony in St Andrews last week.
The Inverclyde Local Energy Savings Scheme was introduced in November 2008 and is a partnership project aimed at tackling fuel poverty through improving home thermal insulation, promoting sustainable energy use and maximising household income by reducing heating bills and ensuring benefit take-up. The project is delivered jointly by Inverclyde Council, SOLAS Scotland Ltd, Scottish Hydro Electric and The Pension Service at a neighbourhood level to ensure maximum contact with households. It provides an easily accessible, one-stop resource for the residents of Inverclyde, which can deliver a free home energy report, free insulation measures and referral to other relevant organisations and services.
New Horizons is a diversionary and disciplinary programme for young people aged 14-17, with a history of low level offending / anti-social behaviour. The aim of the programme is to re-educate the young people by explaining the full impact of anti-social behaviour and its consequences. Visits are made to the local prison and discussion sessions take place with prisoners and prison staff. The course benefits from input from recovering drug users and knife crime victims, including family members.The programme also aims to assist young people to develop a more appropriate pattern of behaviour and to aid their personal development. The young people take part in workshops and site visits. They find out about employment and further education opportunities and they participate in activities relating to sport, music and health. The programme lasts two weeks and is held 4 times a year to enable as many young people as possible to take part. A total of 48 young people have taken part in the programme so far and 93% completed it. A number of young people have applied to enlist with the Army as a result of taking part in the course and several young people have started night classes at the local college after finding courses of interest to them through New Horizons.
I would like to congratulate everyone involved with these two projects for their success. Both provide an excellent service and reflect the imagination and dedication that we actively encourage in Inverclyde.
‘New Horizons’ and the Inverclyde Local Energy Savings Scheme (LESS INVERCLYDE) both received Silver Medals at a ceremony in St Andrews last week.
The Inverclyde Local Energy Savings Scheme was introduced in November 2008 and is a partnership project aimed at tackling fuel poverty through improving home thermal insulation, promoting sustainable energy use and maximising household income by reducing heating bills and ensuring benefit take-up. The project is delivered jointly by Inverclyde Council, SOLAS Scotland Ltd, Scottish Hydro Electric and The Pension Service at a neighbourhood level to ensure maximum contact with households. It provides an easily accessible, one-stop resource for the residents of Inverclyde, which can deliver a free home energy report, free insulation measures and referral to other relevant organisations and services.
New Horizons is a diversionary and disciplinary programme for young people aged 14-17, with a history of low level offending / anti-social behaviour. The aim of the programme is to re-educate the young people by explaining the full impact of anti-social behaviour and its consequences. Visits are made to the local prison and discussion sessions take place with prisoners and prison staff. The course benefits from input from recovering drug users and knife crime victims, including family members.The programme also aims to assist young people to develop a more appropriate pattern of behaviour and to aid their personal development. The young people take part in workshops and site visits. They find out about employment and further education opportunities and they participate in activities relating to sport, music and health. The programme lasts two weeks and is held 4 times a year to enable as many young people as possible to take part. A total of 48 young people have taken part in the programme so far and 93% completed it. A number of young people have applied to enlist with the Army as a result of taking part in the course and several young people have started night classes at the local college after finding courses of interest to them through New Horizons.
I would like to congratulate everyone involved with these two projects for their success. Both provide an excellent service and reflect the imagination and dedication that we actively encourage in Inverclyde.
Safe, Sustainable Communities
I attended a meeting of the Council's Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee this afternoon. As the agenda was quite lengthy the meeting lasted just under two and a half hours.
Below is a summary of a few of the reports we discussed:
Area Renewal Update
This report provided members with information on the progress of area renewal initiatives in places like Woodhall, Gibshill, Maukinhill, Belville Street and Branchton. It was pleasing to hear about the extent of the work that is going on these areas to provide residents with new housing.
Clune Park Regeneration: Progress Report
This was a more detailed report on one of the area renewal areas, which is arguably the most challenging due to the fact that it is entirely in private ownership. The report recognises that without significant financial support from the Scottish Government the Council will be unable to take forward the regeneration of Clune Park. In an effort to secure this support a Council delegation will meet with the Minister for Housing and Communities on 18 March in Edinburgh.
Winter Maintenance Review 2009/10
This report reviewed how the Council responded to the severe weather conditions in December and January, making a number of recommendations. While Council staff worked very hard over this period to keep Inverclyde moving, there is always scope for improvement. By implementing the recommendations in the report we should be better placed to respond to similar conditions in future.
Play Area Strategy
This report establishes a framework for the Council and our partners to develop a network of quality play areas across Inverclyde. Officers will now bring forward proposals for utilising the £500,000 the Administration has set aside for new and improved play areas.
Below is a summary of a few of the reports we discussed:
Area Renewal Update
This report provided members with information on the progress of area renewal initiatives in places like Woodhall, Gibshill, Maukinhill, Belville Street and Branchton. It was pleasing to hear about the extent of the work that is going on these areas to provide residents with new housing.
Clune Park Regeneration: Progress Report
This was a more detailed report on one of the area renewal areas, which is arguably the most challenging due to the fact that it is entirely in private ownership. The report recognises that without significant financial support from the Scottish Government the Council will be unable to take forward the regeneration of Clune Park. In an effort to secure this support a Council delegation will meet with the Minister for Housing and Communities on 18 March in Edinburgh.
Winter Maintenance Review 2009/10
This report reviewed how the Council responded to the severe weather conditions in December and January, making a number of recommendations. While Council staff worked very hard over this period to keep Inverclyde moving, there is always scope for improvement. By implementing the recommendations in the report we should be better placed to respond to similar conditions in future.
Play Area Strategy
This report establishes a framework for the Council and our partners to develop a network of quality play areas across Inverclyde. Officers will now bring forward proposals for utilising the £500,000 the Administration has set aside for new and improved play areas.
Sunday 7 March 2010
The week ahead...
Quite a busy week ahead:
Monday
At my work in Glasgow from 7.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. as I will be presenting reports at a Committee meeting in the evening. Due to this I will miss meetings of the Woodhall Task Group (5.30) and Kilmacolm Parent Partnership (7.00)
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.00 Chairing a meeting of the selection panel for the post of Corporate Director of Education and Communities to review the applications received for the post and agree a 'long list'
3.00 Meeting of the Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee
6.30 Surgery at Woodhall Tenants' Hall
7.30 Annual General Meeting of Kilmacolm Civic Trust (was also invited to a meeting of the Three Wards Community Council at 7.00)
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
3.00 Inverclyde Alliance Board Pre-agenda meeting
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Stop off at Parklea to have a look at progress on the new 3G pitch
3.00 Meeting of the Regeneration Committee
Friday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.00 Stop off at West Dunbartonshire Council for a meeting of the Clyde Valley Shared Services Review
3.00 Meeting with the Chair of the Health Board
Monday
At my work in Glasgow from 7.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. as I will be presenting reports at a Committee meeting in the evening. Due to this I will miss meetings of the Woodhall Task Group (5.30) and Kilmacolm Parent Partnership (7.00)
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.00 Chairing a meeting of the selection panel for the post of Corporate Director of Education and Communities to review the applications received for the post and agree a 'long list'
3.00 Meeting of the Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee
6.30 Surgery at Woodhall Tenants' Hall
7.30 Annual General Meeting of Kilmacolm Civic Trust (was also invited to a meeting of the Three Wards Community Council at 7.00)
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
3.00 Inverclyde Alliance Board Pre-agenda meeting
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Stop off at Parklea to have a look at progress on the new 3G pitch
3.00 Meeting of the Regeneration Committee
Friday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.00 Stop off at West Dunbartonshire Council for a meeting of the Clyde Valley Shared Services Review
3.00 Meeting with the Chair of the Health Board
Friday 5 March 2010
The stresses of the job
It has been sad to see the events in the past week surrounding Steven Purcell, my Labour colleague in Glasgow. I wish him a speedy and full recovery from his illness.
As a Council Leader myself, I can appreciate how the stresses of the job apparently led to Steven's illness.
The abrupt way in which his career has come to an end also demonstrates all too clearly the insecurity inherent in politics, which is one of the reasons why I have never given up my job to be a full-time politician.
As a Council Leader myself, I can appreciate how the stresses of the job apparently led to Steven's illness.
The abrupt way in which his career has come to an end also demonstrates all too clearly the insecurity inherent in politics, which is one of the reasons why I have never given up my job to be a full-time politician.
Wednesday 3 March 2010
'Stop Knives Save Lives'
I was pleased to be asked to promote The Greenock Telegraph's 'Stop Knives Save Lives' sticker scheme today.
Knives are very dangerous weapons that can destroy lives in an instance. The Telegraph is to be commended for seeking to get the message across that carrying knives is unacceptable. Let's hope that this campaign is as successful as other campaigns that the newspaper has run.
If you suspect anyone is carrying a knife call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Knives are very dangerous weapons that can destroy lives in an instance. The Telegraph is to be commended for seeking to get the message across that carrying knives is unacceptable. Let's hope that this campaign is as successful as other campaigns that the newspaper has run.
If you suspect anyone is carrying a knife call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Monday 1 March 2010
Education Day
Today was an Education day for me.
This afternoon I attended the official opening of All Saints Primary School in Greenock by Bishop Tartaglia. It was a great occasion for the school community, as they celebrated the opening of their magnificent new building. The many guests visiting the school for the first time were very impressed by what they saw.
As a former Councillor for the area I am delighted to see the improvements that are taking place in the east end - new and improved housing; the new sports pitch at Lady Octavia; and ,of course, the new school and nursery at All Saints.
This evening I chaired a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group.
The main item on the agenda was a presentation by the Architects who have been chosen to design the new campus for Port Glasgow High, St Stephen's, Lilybank and Glenburn. Over the next few months they will be developing their initial design concepts in consultation with the various stakeholder groups to produce detailed proposals.
I got a sense from those at the meeting that they are as excited as I am about the prospects of what we can achieve with this project.
This afternoon I attended the official opening of All Saints Primary School in Greenock by Bishop Tartaglia. It was a great occasion for the school community, as they celebrated the opening of their magnificent new building. The many guests visiting the school for the first time were very impressed by what they saw.
As a former Councillor for the area I am delighted to see the improvements that are taking place in the east end - new and improved housing; the new sports pitch at Lady Octavia; and ,of course, the new school and nursery at All Saints.
This evening I chaired a meeting of the Port Glasgow Shared Campus Working Group.
The main item on the agenda was a presentation by the Architects who have been chosen to design the new campus for Port Glasgow High, St Stephen's, Lilybank and Glenburn. Over the next few months they will be developing their initial design concepts in consultation with the various stakeholder groups to produce detailed proposals.
I got a sense from those at the meeting that they are as excited as I am about the prospects of what we can achieve with this project.
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