Today I again made it clear that we must have a radical policy on housing and a clear plan to build 10,000 houses a year over the next 5 years in order to tackle Scotland housing crisis. I spoke in support of the Housing Scotland Bill with the clear caveat that although I support the […]
Today, I again, asked the Scottish Government to take responsibility for the maintenance backlog which has developed across Scotland’s school estate. I made it clear to the Scottish Government that given the extreme pressure local government budgets face, the financial settlements given must be re-evaluated. If this dose not happen I believe that Scotland’s local […]
I am supporting the CAB campaign to raise the issues of benefit sanctions through the ‘Challenge It’ campaign. The Tory approach to welfare reform is in my view fundamentally flawed in that it does not recognise the need for support, training, skills and decent paid jobs for those who are physically able to work but […]
Today I set out the challenges that my Constituents face in the wake of the UK governments welfare reforms and the significant impact the reforms are having in many areas of the Cowdenbeath constituency. I also discussed some of the important community events which are occurring in my constituency and how grateful we should be to those who put there time and resources in to making these events a great success. Welfare Reform […]
Cowdenbeath MSP Alex Rowley has taken his fight for action to clean up the former Crown Hotel building, which blights the gateway to Cowdenbeath High Street, to the floor of the Scottish Parliament. Mr Rowley was speaking in the debate which saw the Buildings (Recovery of Expenses) (Scotland) Bill approved by the Scottish Parliament. Speaking […]
Lochore Meadows Country Park hosted its first ever Pipe Band Contest today and saw hundreds of visitors in the beautiful surroundings of the Park enjoy listening to some of Scotland’s top Bands including the Vale of Athol, Scottish Power and City of Edinburgh compete alongside local Bands Kelty and Blairadam, and Lochgelly High School Novice […]
NHS Understaffed This week I have a question tabled in the Parliament which states; “To ask the Scottish Government at what percentage of staffed bed capacity the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy is operating.” I understand that the preferred capacity for the hospital to operate at is 85% and whilst I will wait on the answer […]
A few weeks ago I met with representatives of CHAS when they were at the Scottish Parliament raising awareness of the work that children’s hospices do. I signed up to hold an event during Children’s Hospice Week which is the only awareness raising and fundraising week for children with Life-Limiting conditions and services, like children’s […]
Today I set out my vision for how we can strengthen Local government and make it more responsive, reflective and meaningful to voters. It is my belief that people are put off by politicians but are enthused by issues; especially local issues which mean so much to people. I have outlined what I believe are […]
During Today’s committee Proceedings SNP committee members acted in a discourteous and un-parliamentary manner towards expert witnesses. The committee convener failed to bring members to order despite repeated calls for her to do so by opposition members. Professor Adam Tomkins has officially complained, due to the way in which he was treated. Professor Adam Tomkins […]