Latest news with #AlexanderStewart
Daily Record
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Cancer waiting times in Forth Valley dubbed "ticking timebomb" by MSP
The figures revealed that 71 per cent of patients in the region received treatment within the 62 day target after an urgent referral for cancer. The state of cancer waiting times in the region has been labelled a 'ticking timebomb' — as new figures reveal one patient waited more than five months to begin treatment. The issue has been put in the spotlight after data was published by Public Health Scotland. This highlighted the compliance of Scotland's health boards with national targets related to the wait time between patients being urgently referred over a suspicion of cancer to kicking off treatment. A Scottish Government target states that 95 per cent of patients should be seen within 62 days of that urgent suspicion of cancer referral. But only a single health board — NHS Lanarkshire — met that goal from January 1 to March 31. In Forth Valley, the figure sat at 71.7 per cent, with 203 people being seen within the 62 day guideline. The average wait time for patients was within the target at 42 days - but one unlucky person was forced to wait 163 days. Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart took aim at the Scottish Government's handling of waiting times — and said more money must be dedicated to fixing frontline services. Mr Stewart said: 'These shocking statistics point to a ticking timebomb of cancer cases in NHS Forth Valley and across Scotland as a whole. 'While there appears to be a slight improvement over the national average here, Forth Valley's 71 per cent average is still woefully poor and way under the nationalists' own 95 per cent target. 'One patient waiting this long for is one too many, but on the SNP's watch far too many patients are suffering potentially deadly delays. 'Early diagnosis is crucial to a patient's chances of survival and my thoughts are with any patient and their families in Forth Valley who are dealing with these delays. 'NHS Forth Valley's and our wider NHS's exceptionally dedicated, hard-working staff are trying their best against considerable headwinds, however consistency is key to bringing waiting times down. 'The SNP have been missing in action and are presiding over a cancer care crisis. 'Vital resources are being squandered on backroom bureaucracy and pen-pushing while frontline services in Forth Valley are completely overwhelmed. In response, an NHS Forth Valley spokesman highlighted its positive performance in the 31-day target — the period between decision to treat to first cancer treatment. Ten of Scotland's 15 health boards complied with the 95 per cent target under that measurement. The spokesman said: 'NHS Forth Valley consistently meets or exceeds the national cancer treatment target which aims to ensure 95 per cent of patients diagnosed with cancer start their treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat. 'Our recent performance in relation to the 62-day cancer target is also above the Scottish average and the third highest NHS Board in Scotland. 'However, we recognise that there is more to do to further improve performance and we continue to work closely with regional colleagues to reduce waiting times for local patients who require specialist tests and treatment in centres out with Forth Valley.' The national struggles with cancer waiting times were put to First Minister John Swinney at last week's First Minister's Questions at Holyrood. Mr Swinney expressed his 'regret' over the lack of compliance with the waiting times target and added: 'The [Scottish] Government is focusing on improving the activities and the investment that is made in individual boards to ensure that the performance can be improved. 'We are able to demonstrate, as the data shows, that, in parts of the country, the target is being met. 'It is being met in Lanarkshire; the model of care in Lanarkshire, which is achieving both the 62-day target and the 31-day target, is meeting the standard. 'We are ensuring that learning from NHS Lanarkshire is being applied in other boards around the country to ensure that improved performance is achieved. 'That is the approach that the Government is taking to ensure that the needs of patients are met and that we can move at the earliest possible opportunity to address any concerns about cancer in the population.'
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Major update on benefit claimed by thousands of Scots
The consultation carried out after the move was announced last December received 260 responses CHECK IT OUT Major update on benefit claimed by thousands of Scots Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NATS ministers ploughed on with plans to scrap the two-child cap despite finding overwhelming opposition among Scots. Three-quarters of responses to a Scottish Government consultation on the move were against axing the limit. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Three-quarters of responses to a Scottish Gov consultation on the move were against axing the limit Credit: Alamy And ministers were repeatedly told parents should not have more kids than they can afford. But despite the findings, SNP ministers this week said they would press ahead with the £155million-a-year plan from next March. Scottish Conservative social security spokesman Alexander Stewart said the consultation responses 'show how out of touch the SNP are with the ordinary Scots who pick up the tab for the Nationalists' ballooning benefits bill'. He said: 'The vast majority of the public back the two-child cap because it strikes the right balance. 'Social security payments must be fair both to people who are struggling and to taxpayers who have to weigh up their own finances when deciding how many children to have.' The consultation carried out after the move was announced last December received 260 responses. Of these, 190 said the SNP should keep the cap. They were predominantly individuals, while the minority who backed the plan were mostly charities and anti-poverty organisations. One said: 'Having children is a financial choice - it is not for the taxpayer to pay for people's choice to have more children.' Another said 'taxpayers should not be responsible for bringing up children' and 'if you can't afford them, don't have them'. Angela Rayner says lifting 2-child benefit cap not 'silver bullet' for ending poverty after demanding cuts for millions One respondent said the policy was not about helping children but 'about the SNP helping themselves in next year's election', while another said the Nats were 'addicted to benefits' and saw them as 'a great vote booster'. An 'easy read' summary of the consulation, published today, added that 'some people said mitigating the two-child cap might encourage people to have bigger families' or 'make people rely more on benefits and not work'. The Scottish Government is currently spending around £1.3 billion more on benefits than would have been spent in Scotland if devolution of welfare hadn't taken place, due to additional spending decisions, and is forecast to be spending £2.1 billion more by 2029-30. The minority that supported scrapping the cap mostly worked in organisations that work with impoverished families. They highlighted the plight of families struggling to fee their children and the traumatic impact of the 'rape clause' the allows women to claim for addtional children if they were impregnated without consent. Lifting the two-child cap is forecast to cost £155million next year, rising to £194million in 2029-30. Polling in 2023 suggested just one in three Scots think the two-child benefits cap should be axed. The rule was backed by 50 per cent of over-16s, according to YouGov. Only 32 per cent said it should be abolished, with 19 per cent of people unsure. The policy applies to benefits including Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit, and stops parents from claiming for a third or additional child born after April 2017. It does not apply to Child Benefit. Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told MSPs this week that the two-child cap 'punishes people for having children'. She said: 'The Scottish Government will deliver the effective scrapping of the two-child cap when Labour has failed to do so.'
The Courier
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Stirling school music tuition facing £200k 'back door' cuts despite council promise
Stirling's school instrumental tuition service budget could be slashed by £200,000, despite a recent council pledge to protect its funding until 2027. Music service staff were told that 'efficiency savings' must be made this financial year at an urgent meeting on Tuesday evening (June 3). Some employees on temporary contracts were also informed that their jobs are on the line. The decision from council education officers to make efficiency savings comes just two months after councillors passed a unanimous motion to safeguard funding for several public services, including music tuition, until May 2027 in a rare show of cross-party unity. Music service staff argue that going down the efficiency savings route is a 'back door' move that avoids scrutiny from elected council members. Late last year, council officers proposed saving money by cutting £250,000 from the music tuition service budget for 2025-26. At the time, staff said the move would effectively end the 60-year-old service. The suggestion proved unpopular with members of the public, as well as many councillors. Teachers, pupils and their parents successfully campaigned against the proposal, launching a petition and staging a 'musical protest' outside council headquarters. Now, music service employees say they feel they are being 'punished' for speaking out. One told The Courier: 'Staff were shocked to be told that education officers require £200,000 of efficiency savings from the music service in this financial year. 'It is only two months since councillors voted unanimously to protect instrumental and vocal teaching in Stirling's schools until 2027. 'It appears that these savings are being brought forward behind the backs of councillors who have no knowledge that their own officers are behaving in this manner.' The Courier understands that one member of Stirling's music service staff currently on a temporary contract has been called to a meeting next week where they will be formally given four weeks' notice. Another temporary employee has been advised that their contract may not be renewed later this year. A staff member said: 'The loss of two staff members would have a devastating effect on the music service, as the remaining instrumental teachers are all part-time and their timetables are at capacity. 'Children receiving instrumental lessons at Stirling, Balfron and McLaren High Schools would be abandoned, as there would be nobody to teach them.' Alexander Stewart, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: 'Music has long played a central part in Scottish culture and the removal of this service could have a disastrous effect on these children's life chances. 'Also this situation is certainly not in the spirit of the unanimous motion in support of the music service passed by councillors only two months ago, which I welcomed in Parliament. 'So I have written to Stirling Council's Chief Executive requesting an urgent meeting regarding this awful situation and I shall also put a Parliamentary Question to the First Minister asking what urgent assistance can be put in place to ensure that these pupils are not abandoned.' A spokesperson for teaching union EIS said: 'There has been absolutely no consultation on this planned exercise with the EIS, and so this is an unexpected and unwelcome development. 'Any reduction now, following budget cuts being rejected by councillors earlier this year, and an assurance of the status quo being maintained at a subsequent council meeting until 2027, will be a shock for music tutors, students, parents and carers. 'This is a wholly unacceptable move, which will seriously affect the trust employees have in the authority as their employer, and similarly for pupils and parents.' A Stirling Council spokesperson said: 'All council services continually assess service delivery for improvement and to ensure best value. 'Work to identify service delivery transformation which may achieve savings is underway across services, but no savings are being taken forward in relation to music tuition.'
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- Daily Record
MSP proposes spraying solution to scooters and e-bike issues in Stirling
The politician is "imploring" Forth Valley police force to use the special tagging spray amid the widespread misuse of off-road bikes and motorcycles. Spraying offenders who misuse motorised bikes with a special liquid could be the answer to a growing issue in Stirling and across the Forth Valley says a local politician. Police need to use SelectaDNA tagging spray in the battle to clamp down on illegal use of off-road bikes, e-bikes, motorcycles and e-scooters says Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart. Mr Stewart, who lives in Bridge of Allan, is 'imploring' Forth Valley Police to use the sprays amid reports circulating that a number of Police Scotland divisions are successfully using them in the fight against antisocial behaviour. The handheld sprays are designed to be used by officers to target offenders involved in the antisocial and illegal use of motorcycles, and bicycles, including electric bikes. The spray is aimed by officers at bikes, clothing and skin of any riders and passengers with a uniquely-coded but invisible DNA that doesn't wash off and will provide forensic evidence to link them to a specific crime. SelectaDNA Defence Sprays have already been used by Police Scotland to tackle motorcycle crime in Edinburgh. They were deployed to officers as part of Operation Soteria which led to a reduction of 60 per cent in offences. Mr Stewart said: 'The spray's manufacturer, Selectamark Security Systems plc, has been at the forefront of providing world class property marking solutions since 1985. Since that time, Selectamark has helped homeowners, businesses, local authorities and schools protect their property, marking over 30 million valuable items. 'The use of this tagging spray is one more tool that officers will have at their disposal to help detect illegal and antisocial activity associated with motorcycle and bike crime. 'I know this burgeoning issue is one that is of great concern to our communities; I implore our Police Scotland division in Forth Valley to consider adopting this proven method to combat the horrific antisocial behaviour that many of us experience on a daily basis.' Supt Lynsey Kidd said Mr Stewart's correspondence was received on Wednesday and would be responded to directly 'as appropriate'. She added: 'Officers throughout Forth Valley Division work hard to combat antisocial behaviour. We understand such incidents can have negative effect on our local communities. Please be assured that officers carry out regular patrols and additional officers will be directed to wherever such incidents are taking place. 'We also urge parents, guardians and the local community to support us. If you see any type of disorder, or youths congregating and causing a disturbance, please report it to us at the time so we can investigate. If you have any concerns regarding antisocial behaviour, please speak to officers or contact us through 101.'
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Bus curfew call made by MSP in wake of "abhorrent" behaviour on local services
The call follows the suspension of evening services through the main bus stance in Tillicoultry due to a rise in antisocial behaviour and would see the curfew in place for repeat under-22s bus pass offenders. Calls are being made for an overnight curfew to be put in place for repeat under-22s bus pass offenders. Local Scottish Conservative Mid-Scotland & Fife MSP, Alexander Stewart has called for the 8pm to 7am ban on use of the passes for some troublemakers. It has been nearly three years since under 22s were granted free bus travel and since then reports of drivers being abused are said to have risen considerably. A recent Unite union survey of 1100 bus drivers found 84 per cent said abuse had increased in the last 12 months - 16 per cent of it physical and much of it going unreported. In Tillicoultry alone, bus company McGill's had to suspend evening bus services through the main bus stance due to a significant increase in antisocial behaviour. It included young people attempting to force their way onto buses, throwing missiles, and smashing windows. In response, McGill's supported calls for the removal of free bus passes from those who engage in such behaviour. However, whilst Mr Stewart also believes this should be the ultimate action for the worst offenders, he says a curfew may go some way in attempting to curtail this 'abhorrent' behaviour. He recently met with a senior police officer who also highlighted the situation in more detail and confirmed police are introducing a range of clampdowns. Scottish Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Mr Stewart said: 'This free bus travel scheme for under-22 year-olds was introduced in January 2022 with the main objective of making public transport more affordable and accessible to Scotland's young people. 'However it appears that whilst it was introduced with all good initial intentions, the initial idea may have backfired in many areas. 'Especially in the evenings, right across my region, bus drivers are being threatened, physically and mentally abused – and buses attacked and vandalised – all with huge monetary and mental cost to both the operators and the individuals just wanting to hold down a job. 'The majority of this abhorrent behaviour appears to take place in the evenings, so whilst I support the ultimate removal of this privilege for the very worst and repetitive offenders, a curfew from 8pm could certainly go some way in attempting to curtail the disturbances.' But Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell said more education was key, adding: 'Anyone who commits anti-social behaviour on the buses, regardless of their age and whether they are fare paying or have a pass, can be refused travel under the bus operator's 'Conditions of Carriage'. 'Bus operators need more support from the police to enforce this rather than attempting to create curfews for certain groups. 'The U22s scheme has been hugely successful for thousands of young people around the Stirling area and we should celebrate the freedom and opportunity it has given them. 'There is a need for education around bus use for young people, but that's more about courtesy to other passengers than tackling anti-social behaviour and High Schools could play a greater role working with Young Scot.'
