As an amendment to motion S4M-06492 in the name of Angela Constance (Young People, Supporting Scotland's Economy Today and Tomorrow), insert at end "and, while welcoming any support that can be given to those finding themselves unemployed, recognises that youth joblessness remains too high; cautions against any complacency at the difficulties faced by young people seeking work in Scotland; notes in particular the extremely worrying continued rise in the number of long-term unemployed, and is concerned that a further £25 million cut to colleges will restrict opportunities for many to gain skills or retrain".
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-06492 in the name of Angela Constance (Young People, Supporting Scotland's Economy Today and Tomorrow), insert at end "and, while welcoming any support that can be given to those finding themselves unemployed, recognises that youth joblessness remains too high; cautions against any complacency at the difficulties faced by young people seeking work in Scotland; notes in particular the extremely worrying continued rise in the number of long-term unemployed, and is concerned that a further £25 million cut to colleges will restrict opportunities for many to gain skills or retrain".
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 09/05/2013
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As an amendment to motion S4M-06407 in the name of Murdo Fraser (Scotland Needs a Balanced Energy Policy), leave out from “, which is underpinned" to end and insert “and the potential of offshore renewables; recognises the importance of developing a balanced energy policy using a mixed supply of energy sources; supports the further expansion of the renewables sector, with greater focus on achieving Scotland's decarbonisation targets, and believes that the growth in renewables offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop community ownership, with all the benefits that brings to towns and villages across Scotland in terms of tackling fuel poverty, creating green jobs, addressing tensions in the planning process and generating substantial income streams for local communities."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-06407 in the name of Murdo Fraser (Scotland Needs a Balanced Energy Policy), leave out from “, which is underpinned" to end and insert “and the potential of offshore renewables; recognises the importance of developing a balanced energy policy using a mixed supply of energy sources; supports the further expansion of the renewables sector, with greater focus on achieving Scotland's decarbonisation targets, and believes that the growth in renewables offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop community ownership, with all the benefits that brings to towns and villages across Scotland in terms of tackling fuel poverty, creating green jobs, addressing tensions in the planning process and generating substantial income streams for local communities."
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 01/05/2013
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As an amendment to motion S4M-06405 in the name of Gavin Brown (Funding of the Voluntary Sector), insert at end "; further notes that the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund was oversubscribed, meaning that many organisations missed out on core funding and is concerned that the interim funding to support those organisations will shortly run out; acknowledges that the third sector is operating under extreme pressure, providing essential services with limited resources, particularly as a result of decisions taken by the UK Government on welfare reform and the Scottish Government on local government spending, and praises all those who work and volunteer in the third sector."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-06405 in the name of Gavin Brown (Funding of the Voluntary Sector), insert at end "; further notes that the Third Sector Early Intervention Fund was oversubscribed, meaning that many organisations missed out on core funding and is concerned that the interim funding to support those organisations will shortly run out; acknowledges that the third sector is operating under extreme pressure, providing essential services with limited resources, particularly as a result of decisions taken by the UK Government on welfare reform and the Scottish Government on local government spending, and praises all those who work and volunteer in the third sector."
Current Status: Fallen on 03/05/2013
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As an amendment to motion S4M-06225 in the name of John Swinney (Universal Services), leave out from “and supports” to end and insert "; notes the conclusions of the Independent Budget Review Panel and the Christie Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services and several comments by John Swinney in a Scottish Government Cabinet paper, including recognising that 'there are also inherent real terms cost pressures within public sector budgets'; considers that the Scottish Government has presided over a postcode lottery in care services, a rise in care charges and cuts to local bus services, decisions that have had a severe impact on people across Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to engage in an honest and constructive debate about the future of public services to ensure that Scotland’s future public spending is both fair and sustainable."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-06225 in the name of John Swinney (Universal Services), leave out from “and supports” to end and insert "; notes the conclusions of the Independent Budget Review Panel and the Christie Commission on the Future Delivery of Public Services and several comments by John Swinney in a Scottish Government Cabinet paper, including recognising that 'there are also inherent real terms cost pressures within public sector budgets'; considers that the Scottish Government has presided over a postcode lottery in care services, a rise in care charges and cuts to local bus services, decisions that have had a severe impact on people across Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to engage in an honest and constructive debate about the future of public services to ensure that Scotland’s future public spending is both fair and sustainable."
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 16/04/2013
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As an amendment to motion S4M-06016 in the name of John Swinney (Scotland’s Financial Strength), leave out from “(GERS) report” to end, and insert, "which, it believes, provides further evidence that Scotland is better off as part of the UK; recognises that the UK is Scotland’s main trading partner, and that, according to the latest Global Connections Survey, total sales from Scotland to the rest of the United Kingdom were worth £45 billion in 2011 alone; further notes John Swinney’s admission in a recently published Cabinet paper that , “in 2016/17, OBR forecasts suggest that Scotland would have a marginally larger net fiscal deficit than the UK”, and that in an independent Scotland there “would be more volatility in public spending than at present”; is concerned that, according to the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget 2013/14, projected investment in infrastructure projects through the Non Profit Distributing model has been reduced by £333 million in 2012/13, and will be reduced by a further £348 million in 2013/14; believes that the Scottish Government could strengthen Scotland's economy by supporting colleges rather than cutting their budgets, investing in Scotland's housing supply, making full use of their own NPD capital investment programme, and ensuring a level playing field for Scottish businesses bidding for public sector contracts."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-06016 in the name of John Swinney (Scotland’s Financial Strength), leave out from “(GERS) report” to end, and insert, "which, it believes, provides further evidence that Scotland is better off as part of the UK; recognises that the UK is Scotland’s main trading partner, and that, according to the latest Global Connections Survey, total sales from Scotland to the rest of the United Kingdom were worth £45 billion in 2011 alone; further notes John Swinney’s admission in a recently published Cabinet paper that , “in 2016/17, OBR forecasts suggest that Scotland would have a marginally larger net fiscal deficit than the UK”, and that in an independent Scotland there “would be more volatility in public spending than at present”; is concerned that, according to the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget 2013/14, projected investment in infrastructure projects through the Non Profit Distributing model has been reduced by £333 million in 2012/13, and will be reduced by a further £348 million in 2013/14; believes that the Scottish Government could strengthen Scotland's economy by supporting colleges rather than cutting their budgets, investing in Scotland's housing supply, making full use of their own NPD capital investment programme, and ensuring a level playing field for Scottish businesses bidding for public sector contracts."
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 21/03/2013
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As an amendment to motion S4M-05586 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Debt Arrangement Scheme), insert at end “; believes that more can be done by both the Scottish Government and local authorities to curb high interest short-term lending including warning against the dangers of high interest lending through social advertising spend and money advice networks; accepts that there is a demand for credit but a lack of affordable solutions, and believes that credit unions should be supported with a guarantee loan fund to offer affordable and accessible alternatives."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-05586 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Debt Arrangement Scheme), insert at end “; believes that more can be done by both the Scottish Government and local authorities to curb high interest short-term lending including warning against the dangers of high interest lending through social advertising spend and money advice networks; accepts that there is a demand for credit but a lack of affordable solutions, and believes that credit unions should be supported with a guarantee loan fund to offer affordable and accessible alternatives."
Supported by: Kezia Dugdale
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 07/02/2013
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As an amendment to motion S4M-05319 in the name of Angela Constance (Action to Support Youth Employment), leave out from "the Scottish Government's" to end and insert "an 'all-Government, all-Scotland' approach at the centre of Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy; notes with concern that, according to the December 2012 labour market statistics, more than one in five young people eligible to work are officially unemployed and that long-term youth unemployment is higher in Scotland than in the rest of the UK according to the latest claimant figures; further notes the comments of Professor David Bell to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee that youth unemployment figures underestimate the problem; believes that the 24% real-terms cut to college funding between 2011 and 2015 threatens to exacerbate rather than improve this situation and that cuts to Scotland’s housing budget similarly threaten growth and apprenticeship opportunities; is concerned that current efforts to tackle youth unemployment through the modern apprenticeship programme are falling short of the needs of young unemployed people in Scotland; believes that the Scottish Government could do more, for example, on investing in transport, improving childcare and better use of government procurement to tackle Scotland’s unemployment and underemployment crisis, and agrees that all MSPs have a role to play in their constituencies to actively encourage local employers and other partners to do more."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-05319 in the name of Angela Constance (Action to Support Youth Employment), leave out from "the Scottish Government's" to end and insert "an 'all-Government, all-Scotland' approach at the centre of Scotland's Youth Employment Strategy; notes with concern that, according to the December 2012 labour market statistics, more than one in five young people eligible to work are officially unemployed and that long-term youth unemployment is higher in Scotland than in the rest of the UK according to the latest claimant figures; further notes the comments of Professor David Bell to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee that youth unemployment figures underestimate the problem; believes that the 24% real-terms cut to college funding between 2011 and 2015 threatens to exacerbate rather than improve this situation and that cuts to Scotland’s housing budget similarly threaten growth and apprenticeship opportunities; is concerned that current efforts to tackle youth unemployment through the modern apprenticeship programme are falling short of the needs of young unemployed people in Scotland; believes that the Scottish Government could do more, for example, on investing in transport, improving childcare and better use of government procurement to tackle Scotland’s unemployment and underemployment crisis, and agrees that all MSPs have a role to play in their constituencies to actively encourage local employers and other partners to do more."
Supported by: Kezia Dugdale
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 10/01/2013
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That the Parliament understands that the number of people unable to either buy a home or to afford a private market rent has increased significantly in recent years; notes the new research from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) into the long-term funding options for housing associations; is concerned at the significant reduction in subsidy to housing associations to levels in the region of £40,000 per unit, just over half the amount available two years ago, while housing associations must retain rents that are affordable to those on low incomes; is aware of the current shortage of affordable housing in Scotland and understands that the Scottish Government target of 6,000 new homes per year would take 60 years to clear the demand; believes that affordable housing was one of the biggest losers in the draft Scottish Budget; considers that investing in housing is one of the most powerful economic tools available to government, and calls on the Scottish Government to re-think its approach to subsidy levels for affordable homes.
Current Status:
That the Parliament understands that the number of people unable to either buy a home or to afford a private market rent has increased significantly in recent years; notes the new research from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) into the long-term funding options for housing associations; is concerned at the significant reduction in subsidy to housing associations to levels in the region of £40,000 per unit, just over half the amount available two years ago, while housing associations must retain rents that are affordable to those on low incomes; is aware of the current shortage of affordable housing in Scotland and understands that the Scottish Government target of 6,000 new homes per year would take 60 years to clear the demand; believes that affordable housing was one of the biggest losers in the draft Scottish Budget; considers that investing in housing is one of the most powerful economic tools available to government, and calls on the Scottish Government to re-think its approach to subsidy levels for affordable homes.
Supported by: David Stewart, Margaret McDougall, Elaine Smith, Jackie Baillie, Iain Gray, Sarah Boyack, Margaret McCulloch, Neil Findlay, Drew Smith, Tavish Scott, John Park, Anne McTaggart, John Pentland, Jim Hume, Hugh Henry, Siobhan McMahon
Current Status: Fallen on 29/01/2013
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As an amendment to motion S4M-04886 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Business Tourism), insert at end “; notes the value of business tourism in terms of promoting growth and dealing with issues of seasonality; recognises the key role of Scotland's cities in developing business tourism, for example in Glasgow, where the city council has worked hard to achieve the position of largest destination for business tourism in the UK outside London, and in Aberdeen, where the city council has, in 2012, paid off the accumulated £26.2 million debt of the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in order to continue to grow international conference business in the city; notes the importance of good transport links in helping to sustain and build on this success, and calls on the Scottish Government and local authorities to continue to work together positively to replicate this success across Scotland.”
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-04886 in the name of Fergus Ewing (Business Tourism), insert at end “; notes the value of business tourism in terms of promoting growth and dealing with issues of seasonality; recognises the key role of Scotland's cities in developing business tourism, for example in Glasgow, where the city council has worked hard to achieve the position of largest destination for business tourism in the UK outside London, and in Aberdeen, where the city council has, in 2012, paid off the accumulated £26.2 million debt of the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre in order to continue to grow international conference business in the city; notes the importance of good transport links in helping to sustain and build on this success, and calls on the Scottish Government and local authorities to continue to work together positively to replicate this success across Scotland.”
Supported by: Rhoda Grant
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 21/11/2012
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As an amendment to motion S4M-04314 in the name of Angela Constance (Women’s Employment Summit), insert at end "; is concerned that women have been particularly badly hit by the rise in unemployment in Scotland including an increase of more than 16% for all working-age women and more than 30% for women aged 18 to 24 over the last year alone and that women will have been disproportionately affected by the loss of around 30,000 Scottish public sector jobs over a similar period; is further concerned at the particular implications of high female unemployment in terms of tackling child poverty, and therefore calls on both the UK Government and the Scottish Government to urgently address this in their economic policies in addition to tackling traditional barriers to women accessing employment."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-04314 in the name of Angela Constance (Women’s Employment Summit), insert at end "; is concerned that women have been particularly badly hit by the rise in unemployment in Scotland including an increase of more than 16% for all working-age women and more than 30% for women aged 18 to 24 over the last year alone and that women will have been disproportionately affected by the loss of around 30,000 Scottish public sector jobs over a similar period; is further concerned at the particular implications of high female unemployment in terms of tackling child poverty, and therefore calls on both the UK Government and the Scottish Government to urgently address this in their economic policies in addition to tackling traditional barriers to women accessing employment."
Supported by: Rhoda Grant
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 02/10/2012
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