Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.30 Meeting with Officers
3.30 Pre-agenda for the next Policy & Resources Committee meeting
5.00 Special meeting of the Labour Group
7.00 Meeting of Kilmacolm Primary School Parent Partnership
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.00 Meeting with the Chief Executive of Riverside Inverclyde
2.00 Presentation on educational attainment
4.00 Meeting of the Education & Lifelong Learning Committee
7.00 Meeting of the Park Farm Regeneration Sub-Committee
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
12.30 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Meeting of the Council's Strategic Leadership Forum
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.00 Meeting with the new Divisional Police Commander
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
At work all day with no evening commitments
Friday
Attending a special COSLA Leaders' meeting in Edinburgh in the morning. In the afternoon I will be at work for a few hours and in the evening I have a meeting of Inverclyde Constituency Labour Party.
Saturday
10.00 Service at the Garden of Remembrance in Clyde Square
Sunday 31 October 2010
Tuesday 26 October 2010
At last some good news for Clune Park...
I am pleased to report that at its meeting today the Council's Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee agreed to include the Clune Park area of Port Glasgow as a priority in Inverclyde's Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).
There is still a fair way to go however before we will see work start in Clune Park.
For that to happen we need to be able to agree a revised strategy with the Scottish Government. While discussions continue at officer level on how the Council and the Scottish Government can jointly address the issues in Clune Park I am disappointed that the Housing Minister, Alex Neil, has so far not accepted my invitation to visit the area to see for himself the challenges we face.
I firmly believe that a visit from the Minister would help in underlining to officers the urgency of coming up with a solution. It would also give a boost to the members of the residents' association, who are beginning to think that the Government has lost interest in their area.
There is still a fair way to go however before we will see work start in Clune Park.
For that to happen we need to be able to agree a revised strategy with the Scottish Government. While discussions continue at officer level on how the Council and the Scottish Government can jointly address the issues in Clune Park I am disappointed that the Housing Minister, Alex Neil, has so far not accepted my invitation to visit the area to see for himself the challenges we face.
I firmly believe that a visit from the Minister would help in underlining to officers the urgency of coming up with a solution. It would also give a boost to the members of the residents' association, who are beginning to think that the Government has lost interest in their area.
Monday 25 October 2010
Shared Campus Update
I chaired a meeting of the Council's Shared Campus Working Group tonight in St Stephen's High School.
We were given useful updates by officers on the arrangements for the temporary shared campus at Stephen's; the development of the new shared campus on the Port Glasgow High site; the next stage of the consultation process with stakeholders; and proposals for additional parking and drop off points at the temporary campus.
The group were pleased to hear that 16 major contractors have expressed an interest in building the campus. Following an appraisal of the proposals a number will be invited to formally bid for the contract early in the New Year.
During the meeting I was questioned on the Council's commitment to the new shared campus in light of the funding cuts announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
I stressed that while we still await the details of our funding allocations from the Scottish Government I was confident that the funding was in place for both the shared campus and the new St Columba's High School. These two projects are my administration's highest priorities and therefore we will prioritise our spending plans to ensure that they go ahead. Undoubtedly however the impending cuts in both revenue and capital funding will mean that we will have to cut back on some other projects.
We were given useful updates by officers on the arrangements for the temporary shared campus at Stephen's; the development of the new shared campus on the Port Glasgow High site; the next stage of the consultation process with stakeholders; and proposals for additional parking and drop off points at the temporary campus.
The group were pleased to hear that 16 major contractors have expressed an interest in building the campus. Following an appraisal of the proposals a number will be invited to formally bid for the contract early in the New Year.
During the meeting I was questioned on the Council's commitment to the new shared campus in light of the funding cuts announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
I stressed that while we still await the details of our funding allocations from the Scottish Government I was confident that the funding was in place for both the shared campus and the new St Columba's High School. These two projects are my administration's highest priorities and therefore we will prioritise our spending plans to ensure that they go ahead. Undoubtedly however the impending cuts in both revenue and capital funding will mean that we will have to cut back on some other projects.
Sunday 24 October 2010
The week ahead...
Monday
At work all day in Glasgow. In the evening I am due to chair a meeting of the Shared Campus Working Group.
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Briefing on the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for Inverclyde
3.00 Meeting of the Council's Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee
6.30 Surgery at Kilmacolm Community Centre
7.30 Meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Personal appointment
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Briefing for Elected Members by the Chief Executive of River Clyde Homes
3.00 Meeting of the Council's Regeneration Committee
6.00 Return to work in Glasgow for a Committee meeting
Friday
At work all day with no evening Council commitments
At work all day in Glasgow. In the evening I am due to chair a meeting of the Shared Campus Working Group.
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Briefing on the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for Inverclyde
3.00 Meeting of the Council's Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee
6.30 Surgery at Kilmacolm Community Centre
7.30 Meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
1.30 Personal appointment
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Briefing for Elected Members by the Chief Executive of River Clyde Homes
3.00 Meeting of the Council's Regeneration Committee
6.00 Return to work in Glasgow for a Committee meeting
Friday
At work all day with no evening Council commitments
Saturday 23 October 2010
A Greater Renfrewshire?
At yesterday's COSLA Convention meeting one of the reports discussed was on reform of the public sector.
During the debate the SNP Group Leader, Derek Mackay, who is also the Leader of Renfrewshire Council, called on COSLA to start debating the number of Councils we have in Scotland.
Somewhat 'tongue in cheek', I told Derek that if he had designs on a 'Greater Renfrewshire' authority to give me a call.
Personally however, I think that public sector reform has much more to it than simply reducing the number of Councils.
When I sit around the Inverclyde Alliance Board table I do so with a large number of public sector partners - the Health Board, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, James Watt College, The Scottish Government, Job Centre Plus -as well as partners from business, trade unions and the voluntary sector. The Alliance structure also has involvement from a number of quasi-public agencies, such as Riverside Inverclyde, Inverclyde Leisure and local and national housing associations.
For me the focus of public sector reform should be on how agencies that operate within existing council boundaries can work together better, and, frankly, if we need so many agencies.
That is not to say that I would shy away from a debate about council boundaries.
For me the overriding imperative is that we meet the needs of the people of Inverclyde. If a convincing case was presented that these needs could be better met within the context of a greater Renfrewshire authority then that is something I would seriously look at.
Mind you, I am not convinced that I will receive a call from Derek. I suspect that for political and other reasons East Renfrewshire is more likely to be the subject of his advances.
During the debate the SNP Group Leader, Derek Mackay, who is also the Leader of Renfrewshire Council, called on COSLA to start debating the number of Councils we have in Scotland.
Somewhat 'tongue in cheek', I told Derek that if he had designs on a 'Greater Renfrewshire' authority to give me a call.
Personally however, I think that public sector reform has much more to it than simply reducing the number of Councils.
When I sit around the Inverclyde Alliance Board table I do so with a large number of public sector partners - the Health Board, Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, James Watt College, The Scottish Government, Job Centre Plus -as well as partners from business, trade unions and the voluntary sector. The Alliance structure also has involvement from a number of quasi-public agencies, such as Riverside Inverclyde, Inverclyde Leisure and local and national housing associations.
For me the focus of public sector reform should be on how agencies that operate within existing council boundaries can work together better, and, frankly, if we need so many agencies.
That is not to say that I would shy away from a debate about council boundaries.
For me the overriding imperative is that we meet the needs of the people of Inverclyde. If a convincing case was presented that these needs could be better met within the context of a greater Renfrewshire authority then that is something I would seriously look at.
Mind you, I am not convinced that I will receive a call from Derek. I suspect that for political and other reasons East Renfrewshire is more likely to be the subject of his advances.
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Exciting Plans...
I attended a meeting in Boglestone Community Centre last night to discuss the proposals for a new play area and multi-use games area on the land adjacent to the centre. The Three Wards Community Council is working with Council Community Workers on developing this project.
At the meeting we received a presentation from a firm that designs and installs play facilities. The plans that they have come up with are very exciting. However to deliver the facilities that we are looking for will cost around £200,000.
Fortunately the Council has already committed £100,000 towards the project with the Community Council looking to raise another £100,000 through bids to various funders. This is obviously a major challenge in the current climate but you don't get if you don't ask.
The target is to have the play facilities in place for next summer if the funding can be secured.
At the meeting we received a presentation from a firm that designs and installs play facilities. The plans that they have come up with are very exciting. However to deliver the facilities that we are looking for will cost around £200,000.
Fortunately the Council has already committed £100,000 towards the project with the Community Council looking to raise another £100,000 through bids to various funders. This is obviously a major challenge in the current climate but you don't get if you don't ask.
The target is to have the play facilities in place for next summer if the funding can be secured.
Monday 18 October 2010
Bus Station Improvements
I see that my coalition partner David Wilson will be officially opening the revamped Greenock Bus Station on Wednesday morning. The investment by SPT in the bus station is very much to be welcomed, with facilities for the travelling public greatly improved.
At recent liaison meetings with SPT I have been lobbying for the upgrading of Port Glasgow Bus Station. Hopefully SPT will be able to allocate funding for this within the not too distant future.
Improvements at the bus station would complement the investment by the Council and Riverside Inverclyde that is currently underway through the various Town Centre Regeneration Fund projects.
At recent liaison meetings with SPT I have been lobbying for the upgrading of Port Glasgow Bus Station. Hopefully SPT will be able to allocate funding for this within the not too distant future.
Improvements at the bus station would complement the investment by the Council and Riverside Inverclyde that is currently underway through the various Town Centre Regeneration Fund projects.
Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places
Inverclyde Council, at its meeting on 7 October 2010, considered the preliminary representations received following publication of its intention to review polling districts and polling places. The Council, has now agreed a consultative draft of the polling arrangements for the Inverclyde County Constituency.
The Council would welcome comments on the proposals.
A Notice has been placed on the Council’s website (www.inverclyde.gov.uk) and throughout Council public offices, seeking comments from all electors on these proposals.
Representations should, if possible, suggest alternative arrangements to be considered.
Any responses on the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places should be sent to: The Head of Legal & Democratic Services, Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock PA15 1LX, or e-mailed to legal.support@inverclyde.gov.uk, no later than Monday 29 November 2010.
Final proposals, having regard to any comments received will be considered by The Council on 24 February 2011.
The Council would welcome comments on the proposals.
A Notice has been placed on the Council’s website (www.inverclyde.gov.uk) and throughout Council public offices, seeking comments from all electors on these proposals.
Representations should, if possible, suggest alternative arrangements to be considered.
Any responses on the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places should be sent to: The Head of Legal & Democratic Services, Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Greenock PA15 1LX, or e-mailed to legal.support@inverclyde.gov.uk, no later than Monday 29 November 2010.
Final proposals, having regard to any comments received will be considered by The Council on 24 February 2011.
Sunday 17 October 2010
The week ahead...
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
3.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
4.00 Meeting with Officers
Tuesday
At work all day. In the evening I have a surgery at Clune Park Resource Centre from 6.00 to 7.00. I am then planning to attend a meeting in Boglestone Community Centre to discuss the proposed play and kick-about areas adjacent to the centre.
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Briefing meeting with Officers
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.00 Meeting with Officers
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.00 Meeting of the Health & Social Care Committee
7.00 Meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association in St Francis Primary School
Friday
On leave from work but attending the COSLA Convention in Ayr
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
3.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
4.00 Meeting with Officers
Tuesday
At work all day. In the evening I have a surgery at Clune Park Resource Centre from 6.00 to 7.00. I am then planning to attend a meeting in Boglestone Community Centre to discuss the proposed play and kick-about areas adjacent to the centre.
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Briefing meeting with Officers
2.30 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.00 Meeting with Officers
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.00 Meeting of the Health & Social Care Committee
7.00 Meeting of Slaemuir Tenants' and Residents' Association in St Francis Primary School
Friday
On leave from work but attending the COSLA Convention in Ayr
Friday 15 October 2010
Scotland can't afford the SNP...
I see that nice man John Swinney wants to break up my country, arguing that Scotland "can no longer afford the Union".
The truth is John: Scotland can't afford another 4 years of an SNP Government, whether that be as a minority administration or in coalition with the Tories, that cannot face up to difficult decisions, has abandoned a number of its key manifesto pledges and who's entire strategy is based on short-sighted populism. Look out for a one-year budget to see them through to next year's election, centred around a continuation of the Council Tax freeze and a few other sweeteners thrown in for good measure.
While I agree with much of John's analysis of the Con Dem Coalition's cuts agenda, I simply do not accept that Scotland would be better off as an independent nation.
I am not convinced that John himself believes that either and I am absolutely certain that the majority of the Scottish people do not believe it.
Incidentally I understand that local SNP Councillor, Chris the Scarlet Pimpernel Osborne, was spotted at the SNP Conference today. I wonder how he found the time for a wee jolly to Perth when he rarely graces us with his presence in the Council buildings in Greenock.
The truth is John: Scotland can't afford another 4 years of an SNP Government, whether that be as a minority administration or in coalition with the Tories, that cannot face up to difficult decisions, has abandoned a number of its key manifesto pledges and who's entire strategy is based on short-sighted populism. Look out for a one-year budget to see them through to next year's election, centred around a continuation of the Council Tax freeze and a few other sweeteners thrown in for good measure.
While I agree with much of John's analysis of the Con Dem Coalition's cuts agenda, I simply do not accept that Scotland would be better off as an independent nation.
I am not convinced that John himself believes that either and I am absolutely certain that the majority of the Scottish people do not believe it.
Incidentally I understand that local SNP Councillor, Chris the Scarlet Pimpernel Osborne, was spotted at the SNP Conference today. I wonder how he found the time for a wee jolly to Perth when he rarely graces us with his presence in the Council buildings in Greenock.
Thursday 14 October 2010
Council Tax Freeze
Just heard on 'Newsnight Scotland' that we are having a Council Tax freeze next year, with the SNP's Mike Russell telling us that they want to help out hard pressed families in these difficult times.
In the next breath however he was arguing that the Scottish Government needs greater fiscal autonomy - including tax raising powers - to help grow the Scottish economy and limit the effects of UK budget cuts.
So it would be alright Mike for the Scottish Government to raise taxes but not Councils?
So much for the 'new relationship' between the Scottish Government and local government!
In the next breath however he was arguing that the Scottish Government needs greater fiscal autonomy - including tax raising powers - to help grow the Scottish economy and limit the effects of UK budget cuts.
So it would be alright Mike for the Scottish Government to raise taxes but not Councils?
So much for the 'new relationship' between the Scottish Government and local government!
Nice one Ed...
An impressive debut by new Labour Leader Ed Miliband at yesterday's Prime Minister's Questions.
Even the Tory press had to admit the 'boy' did well.
Looks like Cameron will need to up his game for next week.
Even the Tory press had to admit the 'boy' did well.
Looks like Cameron will need to up his game for next week.
Sunday 10 October 2010
The week ahead...
A quieter week than normal:
Monday
At work all day. In the evening I will chair a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
Another full day at work with a meeting of the Three Wards Community Council to attend in the evening.
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
5.00 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
7.00 Meeting of Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board
Thursday
At work most of the day with a late afternoon meeting in Glasgow with Clydeport
Friday
Another full day at work with no evening commitments
Monday
At work all day. In the evening I will chair a meeting of the Clune Park Task Group.
Tuesday
Another full day at work with a meeting of the Three Wards Community Council to attend in the evening.
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
5.00 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
7.00 Meeting of Kilmacolm New Community Centre Company Board
Thursday
At work most of the day with a late afternoon meeting in Glasgow with Clydeport
Friday
Another full day at work with no evening commitments
Saturday 9 October 2010
On the campaign trail...
I was out in Renfrew this morning delivering direct mail for our Labour Candidate at next year's Scottish Parliament Election, Stuart Clark.
Stuart is standing in the new Renfrewshire North and West Constituency, which also includes Kilmacolm and Quarrier's Village, which form part of my Council ward.
Although he faces a tough battle - the SNP and Tory candidates have high local profiles - I know that Stuart won't fail due to lack of effort or support. He has a track record in running successful local campaigns, having been election agent for both Trish Godman MSP and Jim Sheridan MP.
Stuart is standing in the new Renfrewshire North and West Constituency, which also includes Kilmacolm and Quarrier's Village, which form part of my Council ward.
Although he faces a tough battle - the SNP and Tory candidates have high local profiles - I know that Stuart won't fail due to lack of effort or support. He has a track record in running successful local campaigns, having been election agent for both Trish Godman MSP and Jim Sheridan MP.
Friday 8 October 2010
The new Labour Team
New Labour Leader Ed Miliband has a strong team in his first Shadow Cabinet.
Scotland is well represented in the shape of Douglas Alexander (Work and Pensions), Jim Murphy (Defence) and Ann McKechin (Scottish Secretary).
It is good to see so many women in the Shadow Cabinet. Forty-seven percent of the Shadow Cabinet are women in contrast to the actual cabinet, where only seventeen percent are women.
Labour's Shadow Cabinet is also younger than the Con Dem Coalition and less dominated by Oxbridge graduates.
I am confident that our new Labour Team will be a very effective opposition.
Scotland is well represented in the shape of Douglas Alexander (Work and Pensions), Jim Murphy (Defence) and Ann McKechin (Scottish Secretary).
It is good to see so many women in the Shadow Cabinet. Forty-seven percent of the Shadow Cabinet are women in contrast to the actual cabinet, where only seventeen percent are women.
Labour's Shadow Cabinet is also younger than the Con Dem Coalition and less dominated by Oxbridge graduates.
I am confident that our new Labour Team will be a very effective opposition.
Tuesday 5 October 2010
Poor Old Tories
You have to feel sorry for the poor old Tories, don't you?
After gathering in Birmingham for their first conference since May's election brought them back into government after 13 years in opposition, they find the conference totally overshadowed by George Osborne's half-baked proposal to cut child benefit.
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!
After gathering in Birmingham for their first conference since May's election brought them back into government after 13 years in opposition, they find the conference totally overshadowed by George Osborne's half-baked proposal to cut child benefit.
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!
Half a Million to Help Deliver a Better Future
Nearly half a million pounds has been awarded to projects aimed at delivering promises made in Inverclyde’s Single Outcome Agreement.
The Inverclyde Alliance has approved £486,000 to fund 13 initiatives under the headings of area renewal and development.
We received a wide range of bids from a diverse range of projects. I am delighted that we have been able to distribute a significant sum of money in challenging economic times to initiatives that will really make a difference.
The Single Outcome Agreement was developed by the Inverclyde Alliance setting out a shared vision to improve the prospects of Inverclyde as a place to live and to secure a better future for its people.
The successful initiatives include a project to improve people’s health and fitness by taking part in outdoor environment action days, a scheme to encourage employers to subsidise the recruitment of local unemployed people and the provision of play equipment for a new play park.
We know that working in partnership is the best way to deliver on our promises and achieve real change in Inverclyde. This funding will help us take another step forward in changing lives for the better and improving the quality of life for the people of Inverclyde.
List of Approved Projects:
Inverclyde Green Gym – Instructor led environmental action days - £8,600
Health and Employability – To support a newly developed Inverclyde Employer Engagement Unit - £11,950
Glebe Arts Projects – Employ seven local people to create original pieces of art work to fill in broken windows of the Glebe Sugar Warehouse - £59,340
Employer Engagement Enhancement – To incentivise and subsidise the recruitment of local unemployed people - £40,000
Graduate Future Plus – To provide eight local Inverclyde graduates with six months paid employment related to their academic discipline - £61,820
Triple P Parenting Training – To progress multi-agency work being carried out within the Community Planning framework - £89,000
Communities are doing it for Themselves – Youth Work - £18,588
Port Glasgow Industrial Estate Environmental Improvements - £93,000
Greenock Central Residents Action Group Play Park – To provide play equipment at the proposed play park at Anne Street/Sir Michael Street - £25,000
CVS Inverclyde – To pilot a new approach to attracting external funding - £17,000
Tackling Depopulation Research Project – To explore the population issues facing Inverclyde - £20,000
Inverclyde Citizens’ Panel and Youth Panel – To expand the Citizens’ Panel, incorporate a third survey, establish a Youth Panel and three Youth Panel surveys - £13,500
Integrated Assessment Framework – Provide an interim solution for the sharing of integrated assessment framework documents between Health, Education and Social Work professionals - £28,850
The Inverclyde Alliance has approved £486,000 to fund 13 initiatives under the headings of area renewal and development.
We received a wide range of bids from a diverse range of projects. I am delighted that we have been able to distribute a significant sum of money in challenging economic times to initiatives that will really make a difference.
The Single Outcome Agreement was developed by the Inverclyde Alliance setting out a shared vision to improve the prospects of Inverclyde as a place to live and to secure a better future for its people.
The successful initiatives include a project to improve people’s health and fitness by taking part in outdoor environment action days, a scheme to encourage employers to subsidise the recruitment of local unemployed people and the provision of play equipment for a new play park.
We know that working in partnership is the best way to deliver on our promises and achieve real change in Inverclyde. This funding will help us take another step forward in changing lives for the better and improving the quality of life for the people of Inverclyde.
List of Approved Projects:
Inverclyde Green Gym – Instructor led environmental action days - £8,600
Health and Employability – To support a newly developed Inverclyde Employer Engagement Unit - £11,950
Glebe Arts Projects – Employ seven local people to create original pieces of art work to fill in broken windows of the Glebe Sugar Warehouse - £59,340
Employer Engagement Enhancement – To incentivise and subsidise the recruitment of local unemployed people - £40,000
Graduate Future Plus – To provide eight local Inverclyde graduates with six months paid employment related to their academic discipline - £61,820
Triple P Parenting Training – To progress multi-agency work being carried out within the Community Planning framework - £89,000
Communities are doing it for Themselves – Youth Work - £18,588
Port Glasgow Industrial Estate Environmental Improvements - £93,000
Greenock Central Residents Action Group Play Park – To provide play equipment at the proposed play park at Anne Street/Sir Michael Street - £25,000
CVS Inverclyde – To pilot a new approach to attracting external funding - £17,000
Tackling Depopulation Research Project – To explore the population issues facing Inverclyde - £20,000
Inverclyde Citizens’ Panel and Youth Panel – To expand the Citizens’ Panel, incorporate a third survey, establish a Youth Panel and three Youth Panel surveys - £13,500
Integrated Assessment Framework – Provide an interim solution for the sharing of integrated assessment framework documents between Health, Education and Social Work professionals - £28,850
Monday 4 October 2010
Tory Child Benefit Bombshell
Hot on the heels of the Lib Dems breaking their election promise on VAT we now have the Tories breaking their promise to maintain universal child benefit.
Their proposal to abolish child benefit for families where one parent earns more than £44,000 a year but retain it for families where two parents can earn £40,000 a year each is absurd.
I have just heard a Tory Minister on 'Newsnight' describe this as "rough justice", but justify it on the basis that it is simpler than means testing the benefit.
So much for the Tories being the family friendly party.
I very much suspect they will rue the day they took this decision.
Their proposal to abolish child benefit for families where one parent earns more than £44,000 a year but retain it for families where two parents can earn £40,000 a year each is absurd.
I have just heard a Tory Minister on 'Newsnight' describe this as "rough justice", but justify it on the basis that it is simpler than means testing the benefit.
So much for the Tories being the family friendly party.
I very much suspect they will rue the day they took this decision.
Sunday 3 October 2010
The week ahead...
Monday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.30 Chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board
5.30 Attending a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group at Tree Tops Nursery
7.00 Attending a meeting of St Francis Primary School Parent Council
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.00 Meeting with Visit Scotland
5.00 Meeting between the Administration Group and Corporate Management Team to discuss the Council's Budget
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
7.00 Attending a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group at Woodhall Tenants' Hall
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.30 Presenting prizes for a Schools' Mental Health Awareness Competition
4.00 Meeting of Inverclyde Council
7.00 Attending the Annual General Meeting of Clune Park Tenants' and Residents' Association
Friday
At work all day with no evening Council commitments
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.30 Chairing a meeting of the Inverclyde Alliance Board
5.30 Attending a meeting of the Woodhall Task Group at Tree Tops Nursery
7.00 Attending a meeting of St Francis Primary School Parent Council
Tuesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.00 Meeting with Visit Scotland
5.00 Meeting between the Administration Group and Corporate Management Team to discuss the Council's Budget
Wednesday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
1.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
2.00 Weekly meeting with the Chief Executive
4.30 Weekly meeting of the Administration Group
5.30 Weekly meeting of the Labour Group
7.00 Attending a meeting of the Kelburn Action Group at Woodhall Tenants' Hall
Thursday
7.30 Start work in Glasgow
2.00 Leave work to travel to Greenock
3.30 Presenting prizes for a Schools' Mental Health Awareness Competition
4.00 Meeting of Inverclyde Council
7.00 Attending the Annual General Meeting of Clune Park Tenants' and Residents' Association
Friday
At work all day with no evening Council commitments
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