Smith makes huge contribution to city

Last week, the SNP-led administration on Stirling Council rejected officers’ proposals to reduce funding to the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum and to Sistema Big Noise.

In large part, the decision to reject these proposals came as a result of the response from local residents and campaigners on these matters – all of whom deserve thanks for their efforts.

The announcement came after Finance Secretary Derek MacKay committed an additional £2.8 million in funding for Stirling Council as part of the 2018/19 Scottish Government Budget.

The Smith makes an enormous contribution to the cultural offering of the City of Stirling – celebrating our local, national and international heritage. Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend the official unveiling of the Neish Pewter Collection – a fantastic addition to the museum and one that I would encourage people to visit – and last week, I was able to attend the official launch of a new book on the impact of miners’ strikes locally. It is clear that the Smith continues to celebrate what makes the Stirling area the place that it is today.

In just a few short weeks, I will be hosting an event in the Scottish Parliament for Sistema Big Noise. Not too long ago, I also hosted event that contributed to the joint effort behind the City Region Deal for Stirling. At this event, the Big Noise played for MSPs and other local representatives. I have always been impressed Big Noise as an organisation that demonstrates the power of unlocking creativity and confidence whilst transforming communities.

As people may be aware, I am the Convener of the Finance and Constitution Committee at Holyrood. It is my job to work with MSPs of all parties to scrutinise matters relating to Scotland’s finances – including the Budget. The Scottish Parliament is now the strongest it has ever been since devolution in 1999, and with more powers devolved to us, it has improved our ability to make better and fairer decisions.

For example, a recent poll has found that Scots favour the SNP’s approach on a new, more progressive income tax system that will see 70 per cent of Scots pay less tax next year – which also means that Scotland will be the fairest and lowest taxed part of the UK.

With a modest increase in income tax for those who earn more we are able to invest in our vital public services in the face of Westminster cuts. This means that Scottish Government spending commitments can now include £400 million more for our NHS, £600 million committed to delivering superfast broadband to every property by 2021, £1.4 million going directly to Stirling’s schools to help close the attainment gap, doubling the amount available for City Deals and protecting Police and Fire budgets.

When we contrast this with the cynicism coming from the UK Government – who have cut morethan £200 million from Scotland’s day-to-day spending in this coming financial year alone – it is clearer today than ever before that an even greater ability to make our own decisions for Scotland is much needed.

Conservative politicians have been keen to tell Scots that the UK Government has granted Scotland £2 billion more in funding – this is true, but this type of funding has very specific conditions attached and cannot be used to fund things such as the Smith Museum and the Big Noise – neither can it be used for the day-to-day spending on our schools or NHS. It is for MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to work together and deliver a different way of doing things – and that is exactly what has been happening in recent weeks at Holyrood.

Constituents can contact me: Bruce.Crawford.MSP@parliament. scot, 01786 471899, Office 16, STEP, Stirling, FK7 7RP.

Scotland will be the fairest and lowest taxed part of the UK