Just Jackie - Jackie Baillie MSP

Published 13 Jan 2010 09:52

The big freeze

Dean Martin once sang 'Let It Snow', but with this weather we have been experiencing recently I am sure that very few of us would want to sing along.

The United Kingdom is suffering from the longest cold snap in 30 years and as a result the conditions across the country, including here in West Dunbartonshire, have become treacherous.

As many of you have made clear to me in letters and phone calls to my office, the conditions in and around this area are a cause of concern.

Icy pavements and residential areas which have not been gritted have resulted in many elderly and vulnerable people being forced to stay in their homes, or worse still, venturing out and ending up in hospital as the result of a fall.

Much has been made of local authorities across Scotland struggling to find enough salt to actually grit our roads.

Council workers, who have been doing a brilliant job around the clock to ensure that our main roads are kept open, must be supported by the Scottish Government.

The weather conditions are unprecedented and additional help must be provided to local authorities like West Dunbartonshire to replenish salt stocks in preparation for the coming weeks, which have been forecast to be just as cold and wintry.

Unfair charges

I am appalled at the increased charges for social care services introduced by the SNP in West Dunbartonshire Council.

These charges will make the lives of our elderly and most vulnerable that much harder with many perhaps losing services as they cannot afford to pay for them.

For example, an older person who attends day care services and relies on transport to and from the centre will now have to consider if they can afford to spend £2.50 to attend.

These same people will find themselves forking out £1 every time they have a hot meal and paying extra for a vital community alarm system.

The total increased charges could amount to as much as £30 per week for each older person using these services.

The SNP is punishing the elderly and the most vulnerable in our society and the increases should be immediately reversed.

On top of that parents who wish to put their children into nursery face a significant rise in costs, with many paying up to £140 more per week with two children at nursery.

The SNP has not consulted anyone on these charges, it has imposed them at a time when families are really struggling.

These too need to be reversed.

Boiling point

I am disappointed the SNP has not matched the UK Labour Government's commitment to provide up to £400 for the cost of a new boiler.

The Labour Government announced details of an agreement with the plumbing industry south of the border to help refit 125,000 old G-rated boilers in England - but the SNP has failed to commit to a similar programme in Scotland, despite being given the money to do so.

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme will benefit homeowners, the environment and many of the small plumbing businesses which depend on domestic work for their survival.

This Winter is proving to be the coldest in many decades and the SNP must not freeze out families who need real help.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 12 Jan 10

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