Jobs and economy my focus for 2017
As I am writing this week’s column just before New Year, I have been reflecting upon my work in the constituency and in Westminster during 2016 and also my plans for the year ahead.
Our team has been very busy. We have dealt with well over 5000 cases – assisting you with personal, local and national issues. I have held 73 surgeries across the constituency and have visited and supported approximately 100 charities, businesses and local organisations.
At Westminster, I have spoken in 99 debates and I have received answers to over 80 written questions. I continue to highlight key issues of mental health and disability and to campaign against our proposed Crown Post Office and tax office closures.
It has also been a real privilege to be re-elected as Chair of the Disability All-Party Group this year at Westminster.
Our APPG Inquiry Report addressed flaws in UK Government policy in reaching the pledge to half the disabilityemployment gap. Research shows that, at this rate, this pledge will not be achieved for 50 years which just isn’t good enough.
Pragmatic solutions from key stakeholders within our inquiry indicated that training in developing industries, additional support for employers, selfemployment opportunities, leverage through government contracting and back-to-work personal support would make a huge difference.
I will be tabling a debate to take these recommendations forward with the minister in the new year.
Locally, I visited the Big Lottery Fund and was informed, surprisingly, that applications for grants across South Lanarkshire and particularly within East Kilbride are disappointingly low; so low, in fact, that they have now appointed a specific team to try to assist organisations to apply for funding.
I am therefore hosting a Meet the Funders event on January 21, supported by Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire and we will be inviting local charities and organisations to come along to discuss their projects and to assist them to access available funding streams.
Please get in touch directly if this event would be beneficial to your organisation.
Given the implications of Brexit, a key focus for my year ahead will be supporting jobs, our local economy and encouraging trade and investment opportunities.
I will be hosting a number of constituency events during the first six months as part of my “Here for Business” campaign, supporting our companies to build international trade relationships for their Scottish produce and services.
The first of these will highlight trade opportunities with the United States and will be supported by the Department for International Trade.
For further details, please contact me directly.
This fortnight in the constituency, I am putting the final touches to our Strathaven office.
So this year brings new developments in the constituency and hopefully will maximise our accessibility to rural areas.
It has been a real privilege, as always, to serve our constituency.
I want to send a special vote of thanks at this time to our invaluable emergency services and to wish you all a peaceful and prosperous new year.