Health, Credit, Bricks and Games

As many of you will know I am currently on maternity leave but I also plan to keep Buddies up to date with what is happening in the Scottish Parliament and how it effects Paisley.  

Heath boost

The local health board might be going but the cash keeps flowing. That is the message from Labour at Holyrood for Paisley. Not content with writing off £80m of historic debt run up by the local health board, the Executive is also providing the largest ever injection of cash into local health services from April this year. The funding will help drive up standards and drive down waiting times.  In the last year, Renfrewshire’s big three killers – Cancer, Heart Disease and Stroke are all down and staff numbers are records highs. These trends must continue, so patients reap the rewards of a modern, fast health service.  

Better Credit

Credit unions give everyone a fair deal. So I welcome the new Scottish Executive scheme, which will allow Credit Unions to offer new and better products, tailored to the needs of their members.  In future credit unions will be able to offer:

• Insurance products, such as home, buildings or life cover
• Budgeting accounts, to pay bills automatically/directly
• Savings accounts, with competitive rates of interest

 Having home contents insurance brings peace of mind, knowing you’re protected if the worst happens. Being able to budget and pay bills – on time – leads to far less stress. Knowing you can borrow at an affordable rate for essential items provides financial security.This is a fantastic opportunity to advance the credit union movement.  

Bricks

I am 100% behind the Paisley Daily Express campaign to buy a brick for Accord. My office staff has been keeping me regularly updated with the appeal. Marion Ford from Accord talks about the heart-warming public response. Given the support shown to Accord by Buddies over the years I am not surprised that they (and readers of the Paisley Daily Express in particular)  have risen to this latest challenge. Accord is one of Renfrewshire’s best-loved charities. I have seen for myself the excellent support it provides often at times most families never hope to face. 

Games

We should all take a few minutes to back Glasgow’s bid for the Commonwealth Games 2014. As one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, Glasgow’s success would also be a fantastic opportunity for Paisley and Renfrewshire. Hosting the event would inspire participation in sport, improve health and lead to long-term business and tourism opportunities for local companies. You can support the campaign by logging on to the official website at www.glasgow2014.com. Finally I want to wish all our athletes from Renfrewshire the best of luck at the forthcoming 2006 Games in Melbourne Australia, which begin on 15^th March.