Coming election is critical time for Stirling

With the local government elections only now weeks away, the focus of the political debate must be on the future of our schools and education; on local hospitals and social care provision; on quality housing and passenger focused transport; on safe communities with good opportunities.

This is a critical time for Stirling. Council budgets are under constant attack from an indifferent SNP Government and an uncaring Tory Westminster Government. The Conservatives are having to deal with the consequences of a failed Brexit gamble and the SNP see an opportunity to promote their separatist agenda at the expense of governing.

Stirling’s budget for the forthcoming year has been cut by £2.6 million due to the SNP inflating and then passing on Tory austerity to our local services. But within these difficult times, we are also on the brink of a once in a generation opportunity.

Labour had the energy and the vision to broker a City Deal, bringing up to £600 million for jobs and infrastructure in the coming years, a transformational opportunity for Stirling.

Stirling Labour have unveiled their manifesto this week and there are some really exciting proposals, including a commitment to a municipal energy company and re-regulated bus services. A strong Labour-led administration will deliver services run to community priorities, not commercial ones. You can read the full manifesto at www. stirlinglabour.org.

The Labour Party in Stirling always has and always will work hard for the people and the communities around Stirling district. Our vision for Stirling is that everybody should have a good job, a warm home, a caring community and an excellent education. These are the four core principles that drive everything we do, underpinned by a drive and determination to see equality and opportunity for all.

Since 2012, Labour have created more than 300 new council homes, made Stirling Council a Living Wage employer and built new schools in Cowie and St Ninians. Labour has put 1500 solar panels on council homes which are helping tackle fuel poverty by reducing annual bills by up to £300.

This is the difference that Labour can make. Heading into these elections, Labour are the only party with a vision for Stirling’s future and a track record of success in the past.

We are unlikely to hear much about the local elections in the national news apart from how results can be interpreted as a national message. Scotland is still dominated by constitutional debates. Constituents across the region have been contacting me and while there are those who believe that we should hold another referendum on Scottish independence, the majority of those that have been in touch and, according to national polling, the majority of the country, believe this matter to be settled. Many believed the “once in a generation” assurances, and while we live in uncertain times, the result in 2014 was clear and decisive.

That is why I, and my Labour colleagues in the Scottish Parliament, voted against another referendum. Now, more than ever, we need to put national interests first and focus on what we can do in the here and now to improve our communities.

Over the next few weeks, politicians will set out their plans for local services. Labour believes that we need to grow our economy, stop the cuts to schools and hospitals, invest in communities so they can live better lives.

The elections for Stirling Council give us the opportunity to do that and continue making positive changes for the benefit of everyone.

In these difficult times, we are also on the brink of a once in a generation opportunity