I believe removing charitable relief from independent schools will have a hugely negative impact on the sector. The Non-Domestic Rates Bill contains many sensible suggestions, but this controversial section proposing removing charitable relief is far from sensible.
The Stage 3 debate on the Transport Bill was long and controversial. I and many of my colleagues fought against the car park tax, which would see hundreds of pounds in charges for people to park at their place of work.
I asked the First Minister why councils were having to make business cases to request Brexit preparation money. Unfortunately she spouted the same tired rhetoric that doesn't get us anywhere. Scotland is part of the UK, and the UK voted to leave the EU.
This morning's Local Government and Communities Committee took evidence from the Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy as we scrutinised the Non-Domestic Rates Bill.
Graham Simpson MSP has successfully lodged an amendment to the Scotland Planning Bill which would introduce mediation int the planning system. The successful vote took place yesterday and will become part of Scotland’s planning system.
A report published today is calling for regular building inspections, the establishment of compulsory owners’ associations and Building Reserve Funds to be written into legislation to protect the future of Scotland’s tenement buildings.
Nicola Sturgeon said last week that her government will legislate now to pave the way for a second independence referendum and seek Westminster’s consent only later.
