Holyrood View - Already delivering on election pledge
As this is my first column in this paper since being elected to serve as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Angus South, let me begin with a heartfelt thank you, writes Lloyd Melville MSP.
Thank you to the people of Angus South for electing me to represent the place that made me who I am, and the communities I know and love.
My pledge during the election was to put the voices of local residents at the heart of everything I do, and I am pleased already to have begun delivering on that promise.
That means being visible, accessible and active in every corner of Angus South.
When Friockheim Hub closed down, many in the local community were shocked and upset.
I know how important the Hub has been as an anchor point for services, social connection and of employment for local people.
That is why I have been pressing the Council and Voluntary Action Angus to meet with me, and other interested parties, to try and find a way to reopen the facility for the residents who rely on it.
I remain ready to meet the Council, Voluntary Action Angus and local partners as soon as possible, because the priority must be finding a way forward for the community.
We know, too, that the cost of living is impacting families across Angus.
In the first week of the new SNP Government, I backed measures which will help young Scots with up to £10,000 for a deposit on their first home.
That is practical support to help more people here in Angus take a first step on to the housing ladder, while easing pressure across the wider housing system.
And if we are serious about helping families with costs, giving every young person the best chance in life and supporting parents into work, then childcare is central to that mission.
I also supported the commitment to expand childcare from nine months old to the end of primary school.
During the election, I heard directly from local parents about the difference this will make to their lives – reducing costs, helping parents get back to work, and allowing families to plan securely for the future.
Housing and childcare are different issues, but they point to the same truth. Decisions made here in Scotland can better reflect the lives, pressures and ambitions of people here in Scotland.
But, as I said in my first speech to Parliament, far too many decisions are still made elsewhere, and our ambitions are being forced to match those poor choices.
That is why the public must have a fresh choice on Scotland’s future, so that we can use Scotland’s own resources to transform lives and improve this country for future generations.
Lloyd Melville is the new MSP for the Angus South constituency, having been elected in this year’s Scottish Parliamentary election.
He replaces fellow SNP member Graeme Dey, who held the seat for 15 years.
A former elected member for Angus Council’s Monifieth and Sidlaw ward, he was elected to the Scottish Parliament in May with a majority of 6,608.