WASPI debate rages on

Deareditor

I welcomed last week’s letter from Susan Chambers-Downie supporting the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign and criticising the disgraceful actions of the Conservative government on raising the pension age for them, especially as they did so without adequate notice, but nevertheless, I disagree with a couple of points.

She said that the Labour Party opposed pensions being devolved during the Smith Commission negotiations, but others have said John Swinney MSP, the SNP’s chief negotiator, made sure that pensions were taken off the table on day one.

If they ever publishing the minutes then perhaps we will find out the truth.

However, there is one fact that is no longer up for debate, and Ged Killen MP got completely right in his article, and that is with regards to the powers of the Scottish Parliament on this issue.

In a recent freedom of information request we found out that the SNP social security minister, Jeane Freeman MSP, acknowledged that Scottish ministers’ do indeed have the power to create a targeted benefit, which they could apply to WASPI woman.

Moreover, this power has been conceded by the prime minister and the secretary of state for work and pensions.

We now need to move onto an honest debate on whether or not the Scottish Parliament should use this new power.

I accept there are strong arguments for and against. A D Moffat Rutherglen

What is point of devolved powers if not used? With reference to recent

correspondence on the WASPI campaign, just to be clear under the new fiscal framework the Scottish Government now has power over taxation that represents 48 per cent of expenditure in Scotland, increased borrowing powers and devolved power in relation to certain benefits including top up allowances.

To my knowledge none of these have been used to the benefit of the Scottish people, including the WASPI women.

If devolved powers are not being implemented to alleviate the worst impacts of Tory austerity policies, including the right to retire at a reasonable age with a decent pension, what is the point of them?

Devolving powers in itself is not enough, the vision and courage to use them is required, or is it easier for the SNP to blame Westminster? Councillor Margaret Walker Cambuslang West ward

Plea for readers to get behind campaign

This September, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is raising awareness of women and heart disease.

I want to encourage readers to help fund lifesaving heart research by taking part in our ‘Bag It. Beat It’ campaign.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes the deaths of over 8,000 women in Scotland each year and there are around 3.5million women living with CVD across the UK.

As the nation’s heart charity, the BHF is determined to fund as much vital research as possible into every aspect of CVD, including causes, better drugs and improved surgical techniques to improve the prospects for anyone affected.

It is only with the continued support of people in Scotland that we will be able to fund this pioneering research.

Having a clearout and donating any unwanted items to your local BHF shop [at Bank Street in Airdrie] is a really simple way everyone can get involved and help in the fight for every heartbeat.

Every item donated, whether clothing, shoes, books or records, will help continue the fight against coronary heart disease, the UK’s single biggest killer.

To help make donating completely hassle-free, we even offer a free home collection service which can be booked either through your local shop or by calling our freephone line on 0800 915 3000.

I really hope readers are able to support us this September and help to Bag It. Beat It for women affected by heart disease.

To find your local shop, order free donation bags or find out more about what can be donated, visit bagit.bhf. org.uk Shirley Stenhouse, Area manager, British Heart Foundation

Road order will need to be changed

In relation to South Lannarkshire Council 20 MPH Speed Limit Consolidation Order 2017(Amendment No1), I looked at and read in detail the above order.

There is no Hillend Avenue or Hillend Place in Rutherglen.

There is however, a Hillhead Avenue and Hillhead Place which may have caused some confusion with Hillend Road. I guess the order will have to be amended. Frank Conway Manor way Neighbourhood Watch group

Business to battle it out

Lanarkshire businesses are being invited to battle it out for the title of Scotland’s top business brain later this year.

Thirty-three organisations – including Hamilton Park Racecourse, Morgan Stanley, Grant Thornton, STV and Arnold Clark – have already signed up to take part in The 2017 Glasgow Brain Game when they hope to snatch the title from reigning champions Shepherd and Wedderburn.

Although the event is held in Glasgow, organisers have thrown down the gauntlet to Scotland’s wider business community.

The Brain Game isn’t just limited to Glasgow-based businesses. We hope companies throughout Scotland – especially Lanarkshire - will consider testing their general knowledge in this seriously fun black tie event.

Demand for tables grows year-onyear and I cannot emphasise strongly enough that businesses should buy tickets well in advance to ensure they secure a chance to compete in the corporate challenge of the year –2017 promises to be another exceptional occasion.

To register your interest in taking a table or sponsorship packages for this year’s Glasgow Brain Game, please contact Catherine Maclean via specialevents@mariecurie.org.uk.

David Beal Managing director The Beal Group Ltd