Mark backs fair rent campaign
Mark Griffin MSP has backed Shelter’s campaign for a fairer deal for private renters.
Shelter Scotland’s “Make Renting Right” campaign has called to reform the sector to make it work for both the people who live in rented housing, and landlords who let out their properties.
Earlier this year, Mark Griffin MSP supported proposals by Scottish Labour to reform the private rented market. The proposals including a cap on rent rises to stop tenants being ripped off by landlords, as well as more secure tenancies.
The Labour MSP believes the moves would have made a difference to over 6000 households across North Lanarkshire
Mark met Cumbernauld mum, Maria who said:
“I know lots of people who, like me, are really struggling with the cost of renting their home.”
“When you have a fixed monthly income as I do, knowing that my rent couldn’t go up more than once a year, and only by a fixed amount would give me real security.”
Mark said:
“I am delighted to support Shelter Scotland’s ‘Make Renting Right’ campaign.
“There are over 6,000 households renting privately in the North Lanarkshire council area. Many of whom are trapped in the private rented sector, unable to access social housing or get on the property ladder.
“Stability and fair rent is at the heart of Shelter’s “Make Renting Right” campaign. Scottish Labour’s Housing Act earlier this year would have made a difference for people feeling the stress of a cost of living crisis.”“By capping rent increases, and limiting how often rent prices could be reviewed, we could have given that stability and security to families in Central Scotland.”
Mark Griffin invites Kilsyth pupils to Holyrood.
Pupils from St Patrick’s Primary School in
Kilsyth had their first taste of democracy last Thursday when they joined Mark
Griffin MSP in the Scottish Parliament.
Mark arranged for the Primary 7 pupils to have a guided tour of the Parliament
to learn about the building and the history of democracy in Scotland. Pupils also
had the opportunity to have lunch and ask Mark questions about his role as an
MSP in Holyrood and in the local community.
Mark said:
“It was great to see pupils from Saint Patrick’s in the Scottish Parliament. It is vitally important that we encourage young people to learn about how our democratic system works.
“I hope that their visit was worthwhile and enjoyable and that it will
encourage the pupils to keep learning and use their vote as soon as they can.”
British Sign Language Bill is Formally Introduced
Labour MSP Mark Griffin’s British Sign Language (BSL) (Scotland) Bill has been formally introduced in the Scottish Parliament.
The Bill, which seeks to increase awareness of BSL and improve the services available for Scotland’s Deaf and Deafblind population, has been widely supported within the Deaf and Deafblind community and received the support of 43 MSPs from all political parties to move it to Stage One proceedings.
The Bill would place a requirement on the Scottish Government to produce a national plan for BSL. Relevant public authorities would also have to develop their own plans, highlighting what they will do to increase awareness of the language within their organisations and across Scotland.
1,192 responded to the public consultation, a high figure for Members Bills.
Mark said:
“I am delighted that my British Sign Language Bill has been formally introduced.
“BSL is the first language of many Deaf people in Scotland. It is the only language some have ever known, or ever will know, yet getting access to basic information in BSL can be incredibly difficult. Simple things that so many of us take for granted such as arranging a medical appointment or reporting a crime are incredibly difficult for those who communicate in BSL. This has to change.
“My Bill seeks to increase awareness of BSL throughout Scottish society, put pressure on the Scottish Government and relevant public authorities to develop action plans on improving access to information in BSL and work towards breaking down the barriers facing Scotland’s Deaf population on a daily basis.
“I look forward to working with the members and stakeholders, as they look closely at the proposals over the next few months.”
Mark Commends Work of Veterans Charity
Shadow Veterans Minister Mark Griffin MSP has visited Hollybush House in Ayrshire, home of leading veterans mental health charity Combat Stress.
The charity offers support to armed forces veterans across the United Kingdom, and is currently aiding 5,473 veterans in three residential treatment centres, and within communities.
Mr Griffin was given a tour of Hollybush House and met with a number of veterans .
Speaking after the visit, Mark said:
"It was a great privilege to pay a visit to Hollybush House.
"Combat Stress provides a tremendous service to veterans across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Many of the veterans who attend are suffering from post-traumatic psychological injuries, some stemming back decades, and specialist care they receive at Hollybush House is extraordinary.
"It is important that the Scottish and United Kingdom Governments continue to support the incredible work being done by Combat Stress in aiding those veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to the nation. It is also important that NHS boards and local councils work in partnership to ensure those veterans who need help, but have slipped under the radar, are identified and offered a greater level of assistance.
"I am grateful to all the Combat Stress staff at Hollybush House and across the UK for the excellent work they are doing on a daily basis, and I will continue to offer them all the support I can."
Mark Supports Action on Stroke
Mark Griffin MSP has shown his support for the Stroke Association at a recent exhibition in the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Griffin had his blood-pressure taken and learned more about the work the organisation is undertaking in Scotland and across the UK. The association offers high quality information and support for suffers of stroke, their families and carers.
Mark said:
“I fully support the work being carried out by the Stroke Association within our communities.
“One in six people in Scotland will have a stroke and the impact on their lives, and the lives of their family can be devastating. In some cases the psychological effects of a stroke can be just as overwhelming as the physical effects, and therefore it is vital that organisations such as the Stroke Association exist, offering high-quality support and advice for victims, families and carers.”
Notes
- In Scotland one in six people will have a stroke.
- One in five strokes is fatal.
- Around 12,500 people have a stroke every year in Scotland.
- Of these, over 3,000 occur in people of working age or younger
- There are over 120,000 people living in Scotland who have had a stroke
- High blood pressure is the single most important risk factor for stroke - It is a factor in around half of all strokes.
- More than half of all people who have a stroke require support to live independently.
- A stroke can result in communication, cognitive, sensory, and physical impairments and mental ill health.
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