Politics: Thomson at Westminster
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Last week saw the chancellor’s latest spending review.
It was a moment which gave the opportunity to recalibrate his economic response to our present circumstances, and to set a course for an economic recovery which could live up to the hopes of many that we can “build back better”.
Ahead of his announcement, I joined a number of elected north-east colleagues in putting forward an 11-point plan which would have supported businesses, public services and families all across our region.
Included in our list were requests for a financial commitment from the UK government to allow the Scottish Government to continue with 100 per cent business rates relief for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses beyond next year, and to provide a lifeline to businesses by converting current Coronavirus loans into grants.
For families, we asked that he make permanent the current £20 Universal Credit uplift, backdating it to include “legacy” benefits.
For local authorities, we asked that he waive the interest payable on current council borrowing from the UK government’s Public Works Loans Board.
We also asked that he come forward with the long-awaited oil and gas sector deal, so that the north-east could become the home of “energy transition” to protect energy jobs now and into the future.
Our asks are genuine and reflect what MPs and MSPs are regularly asked to try and secure by businesses and constituents.
Unfortunately, none of these measures were taken up, not even our echoing of cross-party and UK- wide calls to support the three million “excluded” who have so far failed to receive any direct government financial support at all during the crisis.
I have always taken time in the House of Commons to praise the chancellor for quickly getting to grips with the scale of the economic problems that the Coronavirus presented us with, even if I have taken issue with the details of his response.
However, the greatest skill any politician can have is the quality of being able listen to those who disagree with them, or who say that they might not be getting everything right. For the sake of being able to build back better, for the north-east and elsewhere, I hope the chancellor can soon discover the value of being able to do so.
n A wish for many people leading up to December is for the chance to again see loved ones from whom we have had to distance over the past few months.
Even at more “normal” times, however, Christmas can be a lonely time for many of us, especially, but not exclusively, for our older folk.
Age Scotland’s national Friendship Line has been launched to tackle loneliness and isolation this winter.
Targeted at the over-50s, the free phoneline ensures that a friendly blether and a listening ear is no more than a free phonecall away.
The service is available on 0800 1244 222 and will be operating between 9am-5pm on weekdays.
Volunteers are available to discuss anything at all, or even to schedule a weekly call.
The charity also offers advice and support for independent living to help older people in Scotland live in their own home for as long as possible, safely and with an improved quality of life.
As Christmas approaches, keep a hold of that number and share it around.
