There will be no surgeries this week due to School holidays. John’s next surgeries will be on Monday 24th October at 2pm in Shettleston Library and 6pm in Carmyle Community Centre.
HOUSING MUST BE TOP PRIORITY, SAYS MSP
SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, has called upon the Scottish Government to make housing a top priority for the foreseeable future.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament – first during the Scottish Government’s housing debate – and then during general questions, the East End MSP called for the SNP Government’s focus to be on building more housing.
Mr Mason, who previously worked for three housing associations, welcomed the Scottish Government’s success with transport projects such as the M74 extension and the new Airdrie-Bathgate rail line, which links Glasgow and Edinburgh, but said that as well as transport, housing should be a top priority over the next five years.
Speaking from Holyrood, John Mason MSP said:
“We have had a string of welcome investments in the transport infrastructure, which have been great but, personally, I believe the top focus must be building new affordable, socially rented housing.
“The main issue constituents speak to me about is housing. Over 50% of the casework I deal with relates to housing and there is clearly a real shortage of good quality, affordable housing in Glasgow.
“As well as improving the quality of people’s lives, I believe that more house building will stimulate the economy and create jobs which can only be a good thing during these tough times.
“In Government the SNP have already built a record number of new affordable houses, but we must go even further than that. I was challenged in this morning’s debate to make housing my priority and only minutes later I raised this with Ministers during general questions. My personal commitment to new housing – along with better primary schools – is my top priority over the next five years and I will continue to make that case in the Scottish Parliament”.
JOHN MASON WELCOMES COMMONWEALTH GAMES PROGRESS
Scottish National Party MSP for Shettleston, John Mason, has welcomed news that Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games facilities are on-time and on-budget.
Raising the issue during First Minister’s Questions, John Mason, who represents the Dalmarnock and Parkhead area – where the Commonwealth Games will be held – asked Alex Salmond if the Commonwealth Games facilities are on time and on budget. The First Minister gave that assurance.
Mr Mason raised the issue after the Commonwealth Games Federation visited Glasgow check upon progress with just over 1000 days until the games open.
Commenting, SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, said:
“The report from CoCom is fantastic news which reinforces the hard work being done to deliver a fantastic event that will showcase Glasgow and Scotland to the world.
“The commission’s feedback will help shape the coming months and ensure what is needed to be done to make the event the best it can be is carried out.
“I welcome the progress of the Commonwealth Games so far. It is already clear from walking around the East End that the building work is coming along well. I myself recently visited the velodrome in Parkhead and was very impressed with the progress.
“The 2014 Commonwealth Games will be a real boost the economy in Glasgow and will hopefully provide an opportunity to leave a real lasting legacy for Dalmarnock and the wider East End.
“The Commonwealth Games – which is 80% funded by the SNP Government – is just the latest in a number of projects which will regenerate the East End. These capital projects come in addition to the recently completed M74 motorway extension and the new Edinburgh rail link via Airdrie, both of which were on time and on budget.
“This goes to show that, when the SNP wins, Glasgow wins”.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SAY SCOTLAND BILL DOES NOT ADDRESS WELFARE
The SNP have today welcomed evidence given to the Scotland Bill Committee by a number of leading experts who criticised the bill in its current form.
At its evidence session, industry professionals from a number of organisations including SCVO, SCoWR and Citizens Advice Scotland, criticised the bill for not going far enough in protecting Scotland’s most vulnerable, saying it was “driven by narrow political concerns”.
Commenting, Scotland Bill committee member and SNP MSP for Shettleston, John Mason, said:
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Scotland Bill does not go far enough in devolving the necessary powers needed to the Scottish Parliament.
“The range of evidence we heard during this session all highlighted the need for greater control of welfare powers to the Scottish Parliament, especially in the face of the unprecedented £18bn of cuts to benefits and tax credits.
“The SNP would like combine our economic, health and social policy objectives with those of our welfare system, creating a fairer Scotland which addresses the true need of our citizens.
“Too often when it comes to tackling social problems Scotland’s is operating with one hand tied behind our backs.
“The UK Government must listen to the concerns voiced today and allow the devolution of the powers needed to properly protect our most vulnerable.”