Scottish Labour votes to abolish charges for Social Care

As you may know, I’m currently undertaking a consultation on the abolition of charges for non residential social care. It is an issue close to my heart.

I’ve made my thoughts clear on this a number of times. Access to a high standard of non-residential social care is an equality and human rights issue; it cannot be fair that wealth is ever allowed to come into it. The unfairness of charges is exacerbated by the fact that charges for care services vary wildly between local authorities. An easier and fairer way would be for the Scottish Government to assist councils with the cost of the delivery of care and ensure that it is free at the point of delivery.

As a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Central Scotland I hold surgeries across Lanarkshire and Falkirk. Everywhere I go, I hear of the struggles from disabled people from all walks of life brought on by social care charges. Living as a disabled person incurs all sorts of extra costs in the form of paying for things like more heating and specialised diets. Further social care charges means many are left unable to enjoy the things in life that non-disabled people take for granted. The result is that many disabled people fall below the poverty line while others who need additional help go without it for fear of cost.

I brought forward the consultation because I sensed there was a real mood among people with disabilities to tackle this issue. I know from my years on the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee that charities representing people with disabilities have long wanted to see an end to charges for social care. Even at the height of the Referendum last year, a petition from “Scotland Against the Care Tax” garnered signatures from thousands of individuals.

I was delighted that members voted to commit our party to axe the care tax at the Scottish Labour Party’s annual conference at the end of October. So much credit must go to those behind the motion, Pam Duncan-Glancy, who has grown up having care charges a constant in her life, and her friend Sean Morton. Both Pam and Sean made impassioned pleas for the removal of charges that resonated with the hall. You can find Sean’s impressive speech below.

The success of the motion is something our whole party can be very proud of and means that we go into the coming election committed to scrapping this unjust charge on disability. This creates a real dividing line between Labour and other parties.

My consultation on the care tax is still open and will be until the January 31st. I would welcome as much feedback as possible, so if you have something to add please do not hesitate to offer your submission.

You can read the consultation document here and respond to the consultation via the online smart survey here.

Campaign for smoke-free homes

I am fully behind a Lanarkshire-wide campaign to encourage smoke-free homes and cars.

The campaign, which is being promoted by local health organisation Getting Better Together, encourages parents, grandparents and carers to make simple lifestyle changes to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of secondary smoke.

 Smokers are urged to sign up to pledges such as “I choose not to smoke in front of my children”; or “I choose to have a smoke-free home”.

Volunteers will visit local primary schools and nurseries to educate parents, grandparents and carers about the benefits of smoke-free homes. Those that choose to quit smoking will be given access to help and advice.

The harmful effects of tobacco are well documented, and research has shown that children who live in houses where someone smokes at least once a day are exposed to 7 times more smoke than those who live in non-smoking households.

What this campaign highlights is that a few simple lifestyle choices can greatly reduce the threat to children of second hand smoke. I believe that we should work towards a society in which the attitude to exposing children to smoke is similar to that of exposing them to alcohol – that it is simply not acceptable.

International Children’s Games a Great Success

The International Children’s Games has drawn to a close, and been hailed a great success by all involved.

ICG President Torsten Rasch was fulsome in his praise, stating that Lanarkshire “deserves a gold medal for presenting an oustanding childrens’ games.”

For three days children from across the globe competed in a variety of different sporting events, exhibiting skill, desire, enthusiasm and passion. Not even the wet weather could dampen the competitive spirit! The standard throughout was extremely high, and I am glad to report that Lanarkshire experienced considerable success.

In athletics Lanarkshire Boys’ 4x100m relay team won gold whilst Alec Thomas won silver in the boys’ 100m. Mhairi Hendry won silver in the girls’ 8oom with Emma Frame taking bronze in the girls’ long jump.

Meanwhile, Lanarkshire’s boys football teams carried all before them, racking-up a series of double digit victories before beating Sparta of Greece 4-1 to claim gold in the final, whilst Lanarkshire’s girls lost 2-0 to Seoul of South Korea in a close fought final to take silver.

In the golf, Innes Ferguson took gold and Fraser Innes took bronze, and Sebastien Potter, Ryan Ferrey, Neil MacDonald, and Gavin Logie all won bronze medals in the boys’ judo, with Amy Dougan and Michelle Boyle claiming gold in the girls’ event.

Last (but not least!) Emma Christie took bronze in the girls’ 200m backstroke. Full results can be found on the official ICG website.

However, despite the high standard throughout, it was the spirit of warmth and togertherness surrounding the games which made a lasting impression. All the performers acquited themselves well on that score, as did the local populace, who went out of their way to welcome competitors, coaches, and spectators alike.

I have always believed in the power of sport to inspire and unite, and the success of these games has only strengthened that belief. All the children involved excelled themselves, and I have no doubt that the courage and commitment they have shown will serve them well in the years to come. Now we must work to create an enduring legacy around these games, and ensure that children across Scotland have equal access to the coaching and facilities that will give them a chance to compete in years to come.

International Children’s Games kicks off

Siobhan, Michael McMahon MSP, Pamela Nash MP and competitors at the Opening Ceremony

Last night I was delighted to be one of the 7000 people to attend the opening ceremony of the International Children’s Games at Fir Park in Airdrie.

The atmosphere was fantastic, with the competitors introduced by a fanfare from the North Lanarkshire Pipe Band before taking part in in the opening procession.

The 45th International Children’s Games is a cosmopolitan event, with over 1,300 competitors and coaches, representing 33 cities from 77 countries, descending on North and South Lanarkshire for the duration of the 3 day tournament.

Events beginning today include tennis, football, judo, golf, sailing and volleyball. Further details can be found on the official International Children’s Games website.