Passing of Christina McKelvie MSP, visitor levy, heating systems

Passing of Christina McKelvie MSP
The passing of Christina McKelvie on Thursday was felt keenly across the Scottish Parliament and First Minister’s Questions was understandably a sombre occasion. Christina was an SNP MSP for nearly two decades and served the Scottish Government in many posts, most recently as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy. She was a strong advocate on many equalities issues including women’s rights and for older people. As an MSP colleague her warmth and friendship was valued across the political divide of chamber and she will be missed. To her family, friends and colleagues I offer my condolences.

Visitor Levy
The visitor levy legislation passed last year allows for Local Authorities across Scotland to develop plans for a visitor levy in their area should they choose to introduce one. I continue to have concerns about the possible impact a levy could have on a patient travelling to another health board for treatment. I once again raised the matter with the Minister in Parliament asking if the Scottish Government will consider a national exemption for patients travelling to a different area for treatment. It remains concerning to be told that implementation will be solely for local authorities to decide which could create a patchwork of different policies across the country. Despite making representations to the City of Edinburgh Council, there is no exemption in their visitor levy policy for people staying in the city to access medical appointments or treatment.

Housing upgrades for modern heating systems
Thursday afternoon offered the opportunity to raise with the Acting Minister for Climate Action how the Scottish Government will help to ensure that Scotland has the workforce skills required to upgrade homes for modern heating systems, such as air source heat pumps. Scottish Liberal Democrats secured additional funding in the recent Scottish Budget for skills supporting the transition of energy sector workers.

Radio Teleswitch (RTS) switch off
Work continues by suppliers to change household and business meters as well as find workable solutions to ensure that the meters and signals connect. I know that ahead of the switch off advice is being given that when your energy company contacts you, to respond and act. Shetland faces geographic challenges with connecting smart meters and responses from energy suppliers are inconsistent. If you have an RTS meter but haven’t already contacted your energy supplier for a replacement I would urge you to do so. I have helped many constituents previously so if you have any issues with your energy supplier or getting a meter replacement or smart meter please get in touch through the details below.

Events
Throughout the week I had several meetings including with Zero Tolerance which works to end men’s violence against women by tackling its root cause, gender inequality. I also attended an Endometriosis event in Parliament that highlighted increasing waiting lists for treatment of a condition known for having symptoms which are often disregarded by medical professionals. I was good to see Gemma Graham from Endometriosis Shetland who had made the journey from home to join the event.

On Friday I attended a charity function ‘Brian Power dinner’, instigated by BBC Scotland’s Glen Campbell, raising money for Brian Tumour Research.

I was home on Saturday morning in time for a constituency surgery and other meetings with constituents in the afternoon.

Shetland Times column
Read my latest Shetland Times column from Friday 28th March.