Consumer bill offers lots for all

May already. Although the last few weeks in lockdown have seemed endless for so many who have to shield or self-isolate, and even for those of us who only have to be aware of social distancing, 2020 seems to be passing quickly.

Hard times often lead to periods of introspection and thinking back on times that seem simpler. Maybe it’s just an age thing. Well, sitting at home, writing this piece on the first Sunday of May has taken me back to growing up in Glasgow, in the 1950s/60s.

The First Sunday in May was a big deal; new frock, shoes and a straw bonnet - wee lassies parading around Partick, heading for Sunday School to show off.

Times were indeed simpler, though not necessarily easier or better – we’re all tempted to look back through rose-tinted spectacles. These Spring outfits were amongst the few times that families where I lived bought new clothes, either at the local shops, a major trip into town or from mum’s ‘catalogue’. Globalisation and consumerism hadn’t yet taken hold.

This week in our Parliament – in a socially-distanced Chamber with fewer MSPs – we’ll debate the Consumer (Scotland) Bill. The law relating to trading, competition, customers’ rights etc. is generally ‘reserved’to the UK Parliament and Government. But, our Parliament in Scotland has long been of the view we should grasp all opportunities open to us to protect consumers.

So, the Scottish Government formed a working group to explore how best to use new powers for the good of consumers in Scotland. Advice was taken from experts, such as Citizens Advice Scotland and Which?, as well as trading standards professionals.

If the bill is passed this week, Consumer Scotland will be established to provide advice and represent consumers’ interests.

Consumer Scotland will have the power to campaign on issues such as high delivery charges for Scotland’s islands and mainland rural communities.

It may be a small piece of law, but important, with great potential to benefit us all as consumers; especially in this increasingly online age.

Of course, over the years, not everyone has been able to take advantage of the consumer boom. This pandemic has certainly shown even more clearly that there are those for

We’ll look back on this and note the changes...

whom life is difficult.

Thank goodness for the many volunteers in East Kilbride working hard to help those who need it. South Lanarkshire Council employees, many of them redeployed, are focused on identifying and assisting. The Scottish Government has provided the Scottish Welfare Fund with an additional £45 million to meet the increased demand for Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants. Families and people on low incomes and those in need of emergency funding can find out more from South Lanarkshire Council’s website or direct from me.

There’s a national telephone service for those at risk and without a support network, it is 0800 111 4000.

For thousands of people already this helpline has been of assistance.

I wonder how in years to come we’ll look back on the pandemic of the year 2020 – certainly not fondly, but I hope with the view that we reconsidered fairness and equality and did something about it.

FRASER WILSON

East Renfrewshire Council’s director of education has delayed her retirement to help with the challenges thrown up by the coronavirus pandemic.

We told you in February how Mhairi Shaw was set to wipe clean the chalkboard for the last time at the end of August.

Seen as the driving force behind East Renfrewshire’s educational excellence, Mhairi has held the position for seven years.

But that will be extended after she announced she was to stay on in the role until October.

Saying that‘stability during these extremely challenging times would be of benefit to all,’ Mhairi added that it“wouldn’t be right”to step down in the face of the pandemic.

She told the News:“I was looking forward to starting my retirement in the summer.

“No one could have predicted the situation we now find ourselves in though and it wouldn’t have been right to stand down when originally planned in August.

“We are now faced with an unprecedented situation but our team is working extremely hard to provide support for all our children and young people.

“And as we are provided with guidance about re-opening schools, we will put the necessary plans in place to help us return to a new normal as soon as possible.

“With that in place, there will be secure direction to help schools and the department to move forward.”

Given the uncertainties caused by coronavirus, the search for Mhairi’s successor has also been postponed.

The vacant position was set to be advertised on March 13 and interviews held in May, but all schools in the area closed on Friday, March 20 and the decision was extended to delay the process.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, convener for education and equalities, said:“I am delighted and grateful Mhairi has taken the decision to stay on longer and help steer us through this situation.

“Her vast knowledge will be invaluable and at this time of crisis strong leaders are needed to guide us through.

“This is another wonderful example of dedicated staff going above and beyond to support East Renfrewshire at this time”.