August 2010

Fuel Prices

It doesn't seem that long ago that the disparity in fuel prices between the North East of Scotland and the Central Belt was last in the news - but once again the gap between what we in Aberdeenshire pay for petrol, and what those in other parts of the country pay is growing. Figures this week have shown that petrol in Aberdeenshire costs, on average, as much as 5p a litre more than in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Perhaps even more concerning is the variation in prices locally. An obvious example of this is right here in Ellon, where buying petrol from the local Tesco will regularly cost 2 to 3p more per litre than if you were to buy it from the Tesco in Inverurie. With both towns a similar distance from Aberdeen, there is clearly no justification for this difference. My colleague Malcolm Bruce has raised this issue before, and the situation did improve for a while. However as the differences are creeping back in, Malcolm and I will again be talking to Tesco - it is simply not fair that Ellon residents should be ripped off in this manner.

Education

With the new school year rapidly approaching, there are many questions remaining over the progress that the Government has been making in a number of key areas. Lack of investment in school buildings is a major worry - figures we uncovered this week show that there are an astounding 493 temporary classrooms in use across Scotland - 103 of them right here in Aberdeenshire. Schemes for investing in our education infrastructure are being announced and re-announced on a regular basis, but we won't be seeing any actual progress made until late next year at the earliest.

Of equal concern is the implementation of the new curriculum for excellence. I am aware of many people's concerns that it is being rushed into place without enough preparation time. I have no doubt that our teachers will do a great job adapting to the new system, but I do think that the Government could have paid closer attention to the issues being raised by parents and teachers alike. The Cabinet Secretary for Education attended a meeting in Inverurie earlier in the week to discuss that very subject - I'd be interested to hear from any of you who went if you have any concerns that you feel still haven't been addressed.

Blue Badge Scheme

Some of you may have seen that the Government have recently announced a review of the Blue Badge Scheme, and is consulting on a number of changes. The scheme allows disabled people to park where there would otherwise be restrictions, granting easier access to shops and services. Many users of the scheme tell me they would be unable to get out and about without it.

There is certainly reason to review certain aspects of the scheme - evidence exists that badges are sometimes used inappropriately, and I agree that any abuse of the system ought to be tackled. Inconsistencies also exist between different councils on how they administer the scheme, leading to variations between how many badges are issued in different parts of the country. Reforms that tighten up the issuing of badges and level the playing field across different regions are to be welcomed. I am concerned, however, at one possibility being consulted on - using independent medical assessments and raising the cost of applying for or renewing the badge. I think it would be hugely unfair - not to mention mean-spirited - to shift the cost of medical assessment onto the disabled, and I would urge people to take the time to respond to the consultation.

Supply teachers

In the week that schools returned, Liberal Democrats revealed that nearly 1000 retired teachers were used for supply work in Scotland in the last year. Information revealed through Freedom of Information legislation shows that schools across Scotland have almost 2500 retired teachers on their supply lists.

Retired teachers often have a lot to offer to young people, but with so many probationary teachers struggling to find work, councils should think twice before employing someone who has chosen to retire rather than someone who has been newly trained at considerable cost to the taxpayer.

Councils need to get the balance right on their supply lists between retired and newly qualified teachers so that they can gain the experience that they need.

The SNP Government have cut hundreds of teaching posts and it is now harder than ever for graduates of Moray House and Jordanhill to find work. 90% of new Scottish teachers are without a permanent job. It is a staggering waste of public money to train young, enthusiastic new teachers and leave them with no jobs and little prospects of a permanent job, particularly at a time when Scottish education is facing major upheaval with the introduction of Curriculum for Excellence.

Supporting SMEs

The news that liberal democrat led Aberdeenshire Council has set up a "first employee" grant scheme is welcome indeed. The scheme will offer £1,000 to Aberdeen City and Shire businesses taking on their first employee and the target is to assist 100 businesses each year, for three years. Part of the assistance is to help businesses put processes and systems in place to be able to employ an individual. They would also be encouraged to use the funds to train the new employees - they would receive £500 when the employee is taken on and £500 six months later. Aberdeenshire Council has recognised that small and medium sized businesses are going to be the key to helping us out of the recession. I hope that other councils will follow their example.