That the Parliament congratulates the Global Poverty Project on what it considers its pioneering Live Below the Line initiative; considers that it is a challenging and innovative awareness campaign that aims to fight extreme poverty and economic injustice; further considers that the challenge of living on £1 a day for five days changes the way that people think about poverty and mobilises people to help eradicate poverty and hunger; understands that 1.4 billion people are forced to live on this budget, which must cover everything, including food, water, travel, education and healthcare; believes that global efforts are required to break the cycle of extreme poverty and achieve the aims of the Millennium Development Goals, which were agreed by world leaders in 2000, and further congratulates the Live Below the Line campaign, the Global Poverty Project and its charity partners in their work to raise awareness of global poverty.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the Global Poverty Project on what it considers its pioneering Live Below the Line initiative; considers that it is a challenging and innovative awareness campaign that aims to fight extreme poverty and economic injustice; further considers that the challenge of living on £1 a day for five days changes the way that people think about poverty and mobilises people to help eradicate poverty and hunger; understands that 1.4 billion people are forced to live on this budget, which must cover everything, including food, water, travel, education and healthcare; believes that global efforts are required to break the cycle of extreme poverty and achieve the aims of the Millennium Development Goals, which were agreed by world leaders in 2000, and further congratulates the Live Below the Line campaign, the Global Poverty Project and its charity partners in their work to raise awareness of global poverty.
Supported by: Neil Findlay, Mary Fee, Margaret Burgess, Drew Smith, Richard Simpson, Claire Baker, Jamie Hepburn, Patrick Harvie, John Pentland, Paul Wheelhouse, Mike MacKenzie, John Finnie, Anne McTaggart, Mark Griffin, Richard Lyle, Margaret McDougall, Elaine Murray, Claudia Beamish, Jackie Baillie, Jean Urquhart, Patricia Ferguson, Hugh Henry, Sandra White, Rhoda Grant, Gil Paterson, Iain Gray, Kenneth Gibson, Ken Macintosh
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That the Parliament welcomes World Fair Trade Day on 12 May 2012; congratulates the Scottish Fair Trade Forum on organising the national snapshot competition, which awards prizes for creative and interesting photos about fair trade; understands that the day is being celebrated by a number of leading organisations across Scotland, including the One World Shop, which has a strong track record of successfully promoting global awareness of fair trade; further understands that Scotland is on the verge of becoming one of the first nations in the world to achieve fair trade status, and supports what it considers to be the World Fair Trade Organization’s pioneering efforts to increase the sale of fair trade products across communities, eradicate world poverty, promote sustainable economic development and ensure a fairer deal for local producers.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes World Fair Trade Day on 12 May 2012; congratulates the Scottish Fair Trade Forum on organising the national snapshot competition, which awards prizes for creative and interesting photos about fair trade; understands that the day is being celebrated by a number of leading organisations across Scotland, including the One World Shop, which has a strong track record of successfully promoting global awareness of fair trade; further understands that Scotland is on the verge of becoming one of the first nations in the world to achieve fair trade status, and supports what it considers to be the World Fair Trade Organization’s pioneering efforts to increase the sale of fair trade products across communities, eradicate world poverty, promote sustainable economic development and ensure a fairer deal for local producers.
Supported by: Ken Macintosh, Iain Gray, James Kelly, Adam Ingram, Hugh Henry, Sandra White, Rhoda Grant, Patricia Ferguson, Maureen Watt, Linda Fabiani, Jean Urquhart, Jackie Baillie, Claudia Beamish, Annabelle Ewing, Fiona McLeod, Elaine Murray, David Stewart, Bob Doris, Liam McArthur, Alison Johnstone, Mark McDonald, Mike MacKenzie, Margaret McDougall, Jim Eadie, John Pentland, Roderick Campbell, Hanzala Malik, Patrick Harvie, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Aileen McLeod, Claire Baker, George Adam, John Wilson, Tavish Scott, Richard Simpson, Margaret Burgess, Neil Bibby, John Mason, Drew Smith, Bill Walker, Kevin Stewart, Margaret McCulloch, David Torrance, Neil Findlay, Anne McTaggart
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That the Parliament congratulates the organisers of the Pedal on Parliament demonstration that took place on 28 April 2012; understands that over 3,000 cyclists from across Scotland took part in the event and that this number exceeded the organisers’ expectations; notes that they cycled from the Meadows in Edinburgh to the Parliament in support of the Pedal on Parliament manifesto; notes that the campaign aims to improve the provision of facilities for cyclists, encourages safe cycling and lobbies for a greater integration of the needs of cyclists into wider transport, infrastructure and planning policies; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure that 10% of all journeys are made by bike by 2020, but considers that, as it is estimated that only 1% of journeys are made by bike at present, a step-change is required, and believes that sustained investment is needed nationally and locally to meet the 2020 target.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates the organisers of the Pedal on Parliament demonstration that took place on 28 April 2012; understands that over 3,000 cyclists from across Scotland took part in the event and that this number exceeded the organisers’ expectations; notes that they cycled from the Meadows in Edinburgh to the Parliament in support of the Pedal on Parliament manifesto; notes that the campaign aims to improve the provision of facilities for cyclists, encourages safe cycling and lobbies for a greater integration of the needs of cyclists into wider transport, infrastructure and planning policies; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure that 10% of all journeys are made by bike by 2020, but considers that, as it is estimated that only 1% of journeys are made by bike at present, a step-change is required, and believes that sustained investment is needed nationally and locally to meet the 2020 target.
Supported by: Anne McTaggart, Neil Findlay, Graeme Dey, Margaret McCulloch, Drew Smith, David Torrance, Marco Biagi, Tavish Scott, Richard Simpson, Richard Baker, Claire Baker, Hanzala Malik, Patrick Harvie, Jim Eadie, Siobhan McMahon, Alison Johnstone, Kezia Dugdale, David Stewart, Elaine Murray, Helen Eadie, Claudia Beamish, Jackie Baillie, Gil Paterson, James Kelly, Malcolm Chisholm
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As an amendment to motion S4M-02687 in the name of Jackson Carlaw (Localism), leave out from "with concern" to end and insert "the severity and speed of the public sector cuts put in place by the UK Government, that the SNP administration allocated as much as 89% of all budget cuts to local government, doubling the level of cuts allocated by the UK Government to Scottish local authorities, that the SNP administration has undermined the capacity of local authorities to protect services to local communities and that local authorities are increasingly reliant on the Scottish Government for funding for local services and believes that strong local councils are a crucial part of democracy in Scotland, enabling local communities to determine priorities for their local areas."
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-02687 in the name of Jackson Carlaw (Localism), leave out from "with concern" to end and insert "the severity and speed of the public sector cuts put in place by the UK Government, that the SNP administration allocated as much as 89% of all budget cuts to local government, doubling the level of cuts allocated by the UK Government to Scottish local authorities, that the SNP administration has undermined the capacity of local authorities to protect services to local communities and that local authorities are increasingly reliant on the Scottish Government for funding for local services and believes that strong local councils are a crucial part of democracy in Scotland, enabling local communities to determine priorities for their local areas."
Supported by: James Kelly
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That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland have both been longlisted for what is considered to be the prestigious Museum of the Year title and £100,000 award by the Art Fund Prize 2012; understands that the purpose of the Art Fund Prize is to recognise originality and distinction in art; believes that this announcement clearly showcases Edinburgh’s rich culture and highlights the city as a metropolitan centre of excellence; considers that this is testament to Scotland’s capital's international standing in the art industry; congratulates both museums on their achievement, and offers them the best of luck ahead of the shortlist announcement on 14 May and the final decision on 19 June.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the announcement that the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Museum of Scotland have both been longlisted for what is considered to be the prestigious Museum of the Year title and £100,000 award by the Art Fund Prize 2012; understands that the purpose of the Art Fund Prize is to recognise originality and distinction in art; believes that this announcement clearly showcases Edinburgh’s rich culture and highlights the city as a metropolitan centre of excellence; considers that this is testament to Scotland’s capital's international standing in the art industry; congratulates both museums on their achievement, and offers them the best of luck ahead of the shortlist announcement on 14 May and the final decision on 19 June.
Supported by: Margaret Burgess, Neil Findlay, David Torrance, Anne McTaggart, Mike MacKenzie, Stuart McMillan, David Stewart, Alison Johnstone, Alison McInnes, Margaret McDougall, Jim Eadie, John Finnie, Clare Adamson, Angus MacDonald, Richard Lyle, Paul Wheelhouse, Stewart Maxwell, Hanzala Malik, Colin Beattie, Jamie Hepburn, Tavish Scott, Richard Simpson, James Kelly, Hugh Henry, Iain Gray, Malcolm Chisholm, Adam Ingram, Patricia Ferguson, Sandra White, Maureen Watt, Mary Scanlon, Linda Fabiani, Jackie Baillie, Jean Urquhart, Elaine Murray
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That the Parliament congratulates Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association on being awarded a Low Carbon Building Award for Refurbishment from the Carbon Trust for its Pleasance Upgrade Project 2011; notes that the project involved the upgrade of four B-listed social housing units in a building constructed in the 1840s; further notes that the judges commended the refurbishment for its use of innovative materials to improve the building’s energy performance and that this represented a significant achievement for such an old property; understands that this was a pilot project and that Castle Rock Edinvar has already begun to roll it out to other, neighbouring developments; further understands that this project was delivered in partnership with Historic Scotland with Scottish Government funding as part of the actions detailed in Conserve and Save: The Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland and forms part of a wider research programme managed by Historic Scotland, and believes that this type of success demonstrates the need for continued Scottish Government support for initiatives delivered through organisations such as registered social landlords to improve the energy efficiency of housing stock through refurbishing older properties.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association on being awarded a Low Carbon Building Award for Refurbishment from the Carbon Trust for its Pleasance Upgrade Project 2011; notes that the project involved the upgrade of four B-listed social housing units in a building constructed in the 1840s; further notes that the judges commended the refurbishment for its use of innovative materials to improve the building’s energy performance and that this represented a significant achievement for such an old property; understands that this was a pilot project and that Castle Rock Edinvar has already begun to roll it out to other, neighbouring developments; further understands that this project was delivered in partnership with Historic Scotland with Scottish Government funding as part of the actions detailed in Conserve and Save: The Energy Efficiency Action Plan for Scotland and forms part of a wider research programme managed by Historic Scotland, and believes that this type of success demonstrates the need for continued Scottish Government support for initiatives delivered through organisations such as registered social landlords to improve the energy efficiency of housing stock through refurbishing older properties.
Supported by: Elaine Murray, Claudia Beamish, Jackie Baillie, Helen Eadie, Hugh Henry, Patricia Ferguson, Malcolm Chisholm, Colin Beattie, Claire Baker, Mike MacKenzie, Anne McTaggart
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That the Parliament expresses concern at what it believes are the continued problems experienced by Edinburgh residents in relation to party flats; understands that such flats are commonly let to large groups over weekends and that this causes considerable disruption to residents in terms of noise, antisocial behaviour and damage to common areas; further understands that the City of Edinburgh Council's position is that the operation of a party flat does not constitute a change of use for a residential property and that, as a result, providers are not required to seek planning permission for their activity; notes that Glasgow City Council, under its City Plan 2, has a provision related specifically to this type of property, which states that planning permission will not be granted for a change of use to short-stay serviced apartments in an existing block of flats where it would result in mixed use; believes that Glasgow has set a good example in order to protect residents from the acute problems that can be associated with party flats, and notes that the Antisocial Behaviour Notices (Houses Used for Holiday Purposes) Order 2011 gives local authorities the power to issue antisocial behaviour notices to landlords of party flats where persistent problems have occurred but that, despite this, issues continue to be experienced by residents in Edinburgh.
Current Status:
That the Parliament expresses concern at what it believes are the continued problems experienced by Edinburgh residents in relation to party flats; understands that such flats are commonly let to large groups over weekends and that this causes considerable disruption to residents in terms of noise, antisocial behaviour and damage to common areas; further understands that the City of Edinburgh Council's position is that the operation of a party flat does not constitute a change of use for a residential property and that, as a result, providers are not required to seek planning permission for their activity; notes that Glasgow City Council, under its City Plan 2, has a provision related specifically to this type of property, which states that planning permission will not be granted for a change of use to short-stay serviced apartments in an existing block of flats where it would result in mixed use; believes that Glasgow has set a good example in order to protect residents from the acute problems that can be associated with party flats, and notes that the Antisocial Behaviour Notices (Houses Used for Holiday Purposes) Order 2011 gives local authorities the power to issue antisocial behaviour notices to landlords of party flats where persistent problems have occurred but that, despite this, issues continue to be experienced by residents in Edinburgh.
Supported by: Graeme Pearson, Anne McTaggart, Neil Findlay, Alison Johnstone, John Pentland, Richard Simpson, Malcolm Chisholm, Iain Gray, Patricia Ferguson, Jackie Baillie, Helen Eadie
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As an amendment to motion S4M-02523 in the name of Patrick Harvie (Local Energy Companies), insert at end ", and asks that the Scottish Government reports back to the Parliament on progress.”
Current Status:
As an amendment to motion S4M-02523 in the name of Patrick Harvie (Local Energy Companies), insert at end ", and asks that the Scottish Government reports back to the Parliament on progress.”
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That the Parliament notes recent fare increases introduced by Lothian Buses across the range of adult ticket prices; further notes the announcement of changes and cuts to a number of Lothian Buses routes; further notes the comments of the managing director of Lothian Buses, Ian Craig, that the company has had to review prices as a result of Scottish Government funding cuts and rising operating costs; expresses concern that Scottish Government support for bus services is set to be cut by 13.7% in the coming year, followed by further cuts in the subsequent two years; believes that the change to the method of calculation for reimbursement under the Bus Service Operators Grant will have an additional negative impact on Lothian Buses; welcomes the commitment of Lothian Buses to keep fare increases to a minimum, and calls on the Scottish Government to revisit its decision to cap the budget for reimbursement to bus operators from the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People, which it considers will result in a further drop in income for Lothian Buses.
Current Status:
That the Parliament notes recent fare increases introduced by Lothian Buses across the range of adult ticket prices; further notes the announcement of changes and cuts to a number of Lothian Buses routes; further notes the comments of the managing director of Lothian Buses, Ian Craig, that the company has had to review prices as a result of Scottish Government funding cuts and rising operating costs; expresses concern that Scottish Government support for bus services is set to be cut by 13.7% in the coming year, followed by further cuts in the subsequent two years; believes that the change to the method of calculation for reimbursement under the Bus Service Operators Grant will have an additional negative impact on Lothian Buses; welcomes the commitment of Lothian Buses to keep fare increases to a minimum, and calls on the Scottish Government to revisit its decision to cap the budget for reimbursement to bus operators from the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People, which it considers will result in a further drop in income for Lothian Buses.
Supported by: Jackie Baillie, Patricia Ferguson, Hugh Henry, Iain Gray, James Kelly, Richard Simpson, Hanzala Malik, Neil Findlay, Graeme Pearson
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That the Parliament congratulates staff and students at Heriot Watt University on being awarded University Students’ Union of the Year at the NUS Scotland Awards 2012; notes that the award recognises the union’s commitment to quality, participation and improving the lives of its members; also congratulates Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) on being awarded the Community Relations Award, Lizzie Brough of EUSA on being named Students’ Union Staff Member of the Year and Mike Baron, formerly of Heriot Watt Students’ Association, on his Lifetime Achievement Award; believes that these awards highlight the quality of the student experience in the Lothians, and welcomes the work of student unions at further and higher education institutions across the region and Scotland.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates staff and students at Heriot Watt University on being awarded University Students’ Union of the Year at the NUS Scotland Awards 2012; notes that the award recognises the union’s commitment to quality, participation and improving the lives of its members; also congratulates Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) on being awarded the Community Relations Award, Lizzie Brough of EUSA on being named Students’ Union Staff Member of the Year and Mike Baron, formerly of Heriot Watt Students’ Association, on his Lifetime Achievement Award; believes that these awards highlight the quality of the student experience in the Lothians, and welcomes the work of student unions at further and higher education institutions across the region and Scotland.
Supported by: Neil Bibby, Neil Findlay, Anne McTaggart, Mike MacKenzie, Alison Johnstone, Kezia Dugdale, Stuart McMillan, Jamie Hepburn, Colin Beattie, Malcolm Chisholm, Hugh Henry, Sandra White, Maureen Watt, Jean Urquhart, Jackie Baillie, Helen Eadie, Claudia Beamish, Annabelle Ewing
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