Campaign
Success as
Firework Injuries Fall Again
New figures published this week show that injuries caused by fireworks have again fallen, with only two injuries in the Forth Valley area.
Cathy Peattie MSP has supported action to curtail the use of fireworks and believes that the new regulations are helping reduce accidents and decrease the antisocial use of fireworks. The Falkirk East MSP is also supporting new measures to allow test purchasing of age-restricted goods, which she hopes will further reduce the amount of fireworks being misused.
"I'm delighted that these figures show that accidents involving fireworks continue to fall," said Cathy, "and that there were no children involved in either case.
"I have campaigned against the antisocial use of fireworks, so I'm glad that these regulations seem to be having an impact. The misuse of fireworks makes people's lives a misery. In particular the elderly and pet owners can suffer real distress for weeks on end.
"Most retailers are responsible people, but I will continue to campaign for action against those who put profit before safety and sell fireworks to children. I am pleased that the Scottish Executive recently announced that it would extend the test purchasing of tobacco, fireworks and other age restricted goods. We must do everything we can to stop those who endanger vulnerable children and young people by selling them these products."
What Century is this?
Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie has tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament asking What Century is this?
The motion congratulates the Close the Gap Partnership project on the launch of a new campaign to highlight that in Scotland women doing the same job as men are being paid 15 per cent less full-time work, rising to 23 per cent with overtime and bonus payments, and 38 per cent less for part time work.
"In the twenty-first century, the persistence of such figures is shocking," said Cathy. "My motion calls on trade unions, employees and employers to recognise the problem and take action to tackle the divide. If not willingly, then I hope this campaign shames employers into ending this scandalous situation."
Around 33,000 employers are being sent information on how to bridge the pay gap and avoid discrimination claims. Inflatable What Century is this? billboards will be used to publicise the campaign around Scotland.
Close the Gap began in 2001 as a campaign by the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the Equal Opportunities Commission to raise awareness of the gap. Close the Gap says YouGov surveyed 206 people from Scotland on 24 February and found that 28% of those were unaware a gender pay gap existed. And 29% of women interviewed said they do not believe they will ever earn the same as men.
New Funding to Tackle Antisocial Behaviour
Local MSP Cathy Peattie has welcomed new funding which can be used to employ community wardens and introduce measures such as specialised antisocial behaviour teams.
Cathy said "The Scottish Executive is giving Falkirk Council £835,500 next year and £880,000 the year after. I know that the police and local authorities across the country are working with those suffering from antisocial behaviour, and I believe that with this funding we can help deliver safer, stronger communities throughout Scotland. Labour is determined to support the law-abiding majority and that is exactly what the Antisocial Behaviour Act does. The law is now on the side of the many ordinary, hard-working people, who wish to improve their communities."
Overall more than £67 million will be invested in schemes aimed to directly tackle antisocial behaviour problems.
Deputy Minister for Justice Hugh Henry said "New measures are being introduced to councils and police forces across Scotland and are already making a difference. The funding allocations announced today aim to build on the achievements so far. Achievements such as the introduction of community wardens in many parts of Scotland, the establishment of mediation services to deal with neighbourhood disputes at an early stage, and local helplines for members of the public to report antisocial behaviour."
Standing Up to the Dealers
Local MSP Cathy Peattie has welcomed the phenomenal response to a new campaign designed to crack down on drug dealers in Scotland. Calls to Crimestoppers Scotland have risen by more than 400 per cent since the `Dealers Don't Care, Do You?' campaign was launched on 15th February. Cathy is encouraging all local people with information on drug dealing in the Falkirk area to call the anonymous 24-hour helpline on 0800 555 111 and help keep drugs off our streets.
Welcoming the response to the campaign she said "I am absolutely delighted with the response to this campaign so far. People from across Scotland have shown that they care about their communities and they want to take a stand against the dealers.
"The information gathered by Crimestoppers will be passed on to local police officers, who will be able to build up intelligence and take action. I hope that anyone with information on drug dealing in the Falkirk area will make the call and help get drugs off our streets and out of our communities."
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said "Drug dealers and their wares devastate communities and blight lives. Scottish Ministers are on the side of law-abiding communities who want to put a stop to them and this campaign is already helping do exactly that. I am encouraged by the public's initial response and the more than four-fold increase in the number of actionable calls to Crimestoppers about drug dealers. However, I want to urge the public to ensure this continues so that we can help get dealers off their streets and prevent more families and lives being torn apart by the misery of drugs."
Parliament
splits over
Free Travel for Older People
Cathy Peattie MSP has welcomed the passage of stage 1 of the Transport Bill, but was critical of the opposition who voted against the Bill, which will provide all older and disabled people with free nationwide bus travel.
Following the vote, Cathy said "Before the last election, I called in parliament for concessionary travel to be made Scotland wide, and this became a manifesto pledge. I am therefore very pleased that this and other suggestions are now part of the Bill. While there is room for improvement in this piece of legislation, I am confident that we can address these issues.
"This is a real opportunity to improve public transport across Scotland, and I will certainly be pushing the Scottish Executive, and working with my colleagues on the Local Government & Transport Committee to focus on the areas of concern.
"It should be borne in mind that the vote at Stage 1 asks only for support of the general principles of the Bill. That's why I am disappointed that the Tories and SNP did not support the Bill. The public will surely be dismayed that the opposition jeopardised the extension of concessionary fares."
Cathy pictured with a model of Robert Burns after the first Scottish Parliament Burns Club Supper. Cathy is the founding President of the club.New Bill to `Call Time' on Binge Drinking
Cathy Peattie MSP is backing a new Licensing Bill designed to tackle binge drinking, give communities more of say on the granting of alcohol licences, and introduce a requirement for all licensees to operate on a `no-proof, no-sale' basis to stop underage drinking.
Welcoming the publication of the Bill Cathy said "I am delighted that this Bill has been introduced to Parliament. These are the first major changes to Scotland's licensing laws for over 25 years and it is critical that we respond to the needs of our local communities and tackle the antisocial behaviour that is often associated with alcohol.
"Throughout the consultation process people from across Scotland said that they wanted more of a say in the granting of licences. I believe that giving local people a voice before new licences are granted is an essential reform, and I am glad that the proposals for Local Licensing Forums are included in the Bill. There will also be a far more extensive complaints procedure introduced, including assessments on overprovision and the ability to block licences on this basis.
"Recent figures have also shown a shocking rise in the number of young teenagers drinking alcohol. I am solidly behind the requirement for all licensed premises to operate on a `no proof, no sale' basis.
"I'm also glad that the Bill will crackdown on irresponsible drinks promotions, which encourage binge drinking and so often lead to drunken antisocial behaviour on our streets. We need to cut the link between alcohol and crime, and I believe that this new Bill is a significant step in the right direction."
Make
Trade Fair Says MSP