What a year 2016 has proved to be

To say 2016 has been eventful is something of an understatement. International and UK events continue to generate challenges which impact on us all.

The Scottish Government is working hard to address these challenges and last week the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution gave a statement on Scotland’s draft budget for 201718. I believe this is a budget for growth and public services; for our environment and our communities. It delivers increased investment in education and record investment in the NHS, and it protects low income households from tax hikes and supports more and better jobs. Overall, it delivers £700 million of additional spending on our economy and public services.

Following the publication of the Scottish Draft Budget, a variety of stakeholders welcomed the key announcements within the budget in the face of Westminster cuts to Scotland’s budget. The Federation of Small Businesses Scotland said the budget would lift the prospects of small firms, while the director of the Scottish Retail Consortium David Lonsdale praised the government for listening to their ask to prioritise “economic growth by not hitting customers or retailers with increased costs”, and various charities welcomed the pledge of £120 million to address educational needs at local levels as well as the announcement of £470 million for housing in the Scottish budget aimed at hitting the Scottish Government’s target to build 50,000 affordable homes by 2020.

Feedback I regularly receive from constituents proves that cold calling can be very distressing, particularly for vulnerable people and can go as far as causing financial hardship and even leave people too scared to answer their phones. In June, I attended a Nuisance Calls Summit which brought together regulators, industry and consumer groups, and highlighted some key areas where work is needed. As a result of the summit I recently chaired the first Nuisance Calls Commission which was established to tackle the issue. I would encourage any concerned constituents to get in touch to share their experience so that I can feed it back to the Commission.

Age Scotland, the national older peoples’ charity, recently launched their annual ‘Hot Tips’ Calendar as part of its winter campaign. Every month, the calendar looks at issues to help older people get prepared for winter, stay connected in their communities and keep healthy. The calendar, funded by the Scottish Government, is a fantastic resource for older people and I would encourage my constituents to contact my office or pop in for their free copy.

Over Christmas and the New Year I’ll be taking some time to reflect on 2016 and to look ahead to what 2017 might bring. This year I have helped many constituents on a range of issues. I held regular surgeries at venues across the constituency and carried out a number of home visits. While it’s impossible to please all of the people all of the time or to always produce instant results, I will always remain committed to help constituents and to lend my support to where I can.

Over the past year, I have met with many inspirational organisations who are focused on improving the lives of local people and I will continue to do what I can to support them throughout 2017.

I’d like to wish all readers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

I will always remain committed to help constituents and to lend my support to where I can