January news from Katy Clark MSP

AXING OF ELECTED SURGERIES IN AYRSHIRE & ARRAN “DEEPLY CONCERNING” – 12th January

Commenting on NHS Ayrshire & Arran cancelling elective procedures for three weeks, Scottish Labour MSP for West Scotland Katy Clark said: “This another deeply concerning development in what is surely the worst crisis our NHS has ever seen – certainly the worst in NHS Ayrshire & Arran board’s history.

“We now have a situation where A&E departments are overrun, the public are being asked not to attend for minor injuries, ambulances are stuck queuing to drop off patients, and patients are missing out on important procedures because emergency departments and clinical assessment units are under such pressure.

“Let’s be clear: lives will be lost and patient safety affected because our hard working NHS staff are not being supported to provide the standard of care they are used to providing.

“A lack of resources is putting the public at risk and further delays to referrals and treatments could lead to the NHS completely collapsing entirely, both in Ayrshire and across Scotland.

“The Scottish Government needs to come forward with nothing less than an emergency plan to ensure funding, staffing and resources meet demand.”

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT MUST USE TAX RAISING POWERS TO SUPPORT COUNCILS –  19th January

The Scottish Government must use its “extensive tax raising powers” to protect public services and plug the funding gap in North Ayrshire, Scottish Labour MSP Katy Clark has said.

Her comments came after the Accounts Commission warned Scotland’s councils face their “hardest spending choices in years” to make up for budget shortfalls. It says two thirds will have to use cash reserves to bridge the £400m gap.

The Scottish Government’s fiscal resource budget limit increased from 3.1% between 2013-14 and 2021, but local government total revenue was reduced by 2.4% in real terms. Now, COSLA is warning that councils only have £38 million which can go towards pressures such as inflation, pay and service demand.

Ms Clark, who represents West Scotland, commented: “North Ayrshire residents know all too well how damaging further cuts to council services will be.

“It’s completely misleading for Scottish Government ministers to suggest their hands are tied. There are extensive tax raising powers which can be used to raise revenue.

“Under the devolved settlement, the Scottish Government can create local levies on inheritance, workplace parking, carbon emissions and tourism.

“Similarly, little attempt has been made to explore the scope for wealth taxation at a local level, as recommended by a range of experts.

“Ordinary people must not pay for ministers’ lack of ambition. Instead of passing on cuts to local government, they must explore every possible avenue to ensure vital public services are not only protected but improved in the years to come.”

Featured image shows Saltcoats Harbour and Arran. Credit: Peter Ribbeck Photography