Hansard

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Mar 2016

First Minister’s Question Time · Secretary of State for Scotland (Meetings)

The First Minister will be aware that Longannet power station in my constituency will close at the end of the month, with the loss of 236 jobs locally and more than 1,000 jobs across central Scotland in the supply chain. A £9 million economic recovery plan has been drawn up by...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

16 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · High School Provision (Dunfermline)

Does the minister share my concern that pupils in Woodmill high school in my constituency are being taught in a category C building and that the condition of the school is continuing to deteriorate? In addition to its poor condition, the school is in a rapidly growing area of ...

6. Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

16 Mar 2016

Portfolio Question Time · High School Provision (Dunfermline)

To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with Fife Council regarding the future provision of high schools in Dunfermline. (S4O-05661)

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

The SNP took a gamble and thousands of Fife commuters, residents and businesses have been left to pay the price.

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

I am sorry; I am running out of time. I am disappointed in the report. It will disappoint the businesses and commuters in my constituency, who suffered not only significant disruption but loss of income and of business and who face spiralling commuting costs. Although there i...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

I am glad that the minister laughs. That is going to be a devastating blow to the local community. It is vital that plans are brought forward to link Kincardine into the passenger rail network as quickly as possible. On the opposite side of my constituency, in Halbeath, plans ...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

No, I have no time—sorry. I have no doubt that the decision by FETA to reprioritise projects within its capital plan, including the work to replace the truss end links, was a direct consequence of the decision by the Scottish Government to reduce its funds by a staggering 58 ...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the briefing sessions that Derek Mackay mentions. On one of the days that a briefing was offered, I was out meeting some of the businesses that had been affected by the closure. During the other event, I was holding a surgery for constit...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

15 Mar 2016

Forth Road Bridge Inquiry

The Forth road bridge is one of the most important transport links in Scotland and it is crucial to Fife’s economy. More than 70,000 vehicles cross the bridge every single day, which means that there are about 24 million crossings a year. Last December’s bridge closure had a...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Childcare Costs

Liam McArthur must have seen my speech already, as I will turn to that issue shortly. Things are getting worse. The figure that I mentioned is down 2 per cent on last year’s figure, and it compares with 23 per cent in 2014. It is also a concern that just 9 per cent of local a...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Childcare Costs

One of the biggest challenges facing mums and dads in my Dunfermline constituency and in communities right across Scotland is the cost, quality, availability and flexibility of childcare. It is particularly ironic that we are debating the issue in the evening, because virtuall...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill

I confess that I am a wee bit confused by that intervention so I will pass. The bill will give staff, students and trade unions a real voice and a real say in the future of the universities in which they learn, teach and work. It is only right that public institutions that re...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill

I am pleased to speak in this evening’s stage 3 debate on the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill. The bill is by no means perfect, and it would have been enhanced greatly if many of the amendments that we discussed this afternoon had been passed. However, the bill pr...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

The purpose of my amendment 48 is to ensure that women have fair representation on governing bodies. If members support that principle, they should back my amendment.

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I am not convinced by the cabinet secretary’s argument that it is outwith the powers of the Scottish Parliament to act on the matter. I would appreciate your guidance, as Presiding Officer, on whether we have competence to act on the issue.

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I would like guidance from you, Presiding Officer, on whether it is within the competence of the Scottish Parliament to act on the issue.

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I am disappointed that the cabinet secretary will not support my amendment 48. I am not convinced at all by her argument that we do not have the power to act. Interruption.

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

As recently as 2010, just one in four governing board members was a woman and I do not accept the case that has been argued by members such as Chic Brodie that it is because women are not able to do the job. Plenty of women are well able to take on those roles. Universities i...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I am quite stunned by Chic Brodie’s intervention. When I look at, for example, the Westminster Parliament and see that it is full of men, I do not think that they are there on merit. I am glad that we in Scotland take a more progressive view and are backing the 50:50 campaign....

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

08 Mar 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

Today is international women’s day. Amendment 48 is aimed at ensuring that women in our universities have fair representation on their governing bodies. Women make up more than half the student and staff populations in our universities, but only 35 per cent of governing board ...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

25 Feb 2016

Child Protection

What reassurances can the cabinet secretary give that the £500 million cut to local authority budgets will not impact on the ability of social work and other services to carry out their child protection functions and deliver on the objectives that are set out in the programme ...

Cara Hilton Lab Committee

24 Feb 2016

Commission on Local Tax Reform

That pretty much sums it up. 11:45

Cara Hilton Lab Committee

24 Feb 2016

Commission on Local Tax Reform

I have a wee question to follow up on that. If we are going to stick with a property-based tax, what would be the impact of revaluing property prices so that the tax is fairer? How long would that take and how much would it cost?

Cara Hilton Lab Committee

24 Feb 2016

Local Government Benchmarking Framework

I am sorry.

Cara Hilton Lab Committee

24 Feb 2016

Local Government Benchmarking Framework

I have another question that is not related to that point. On the role of service users, Colin Mair said that the framework allows the public to pose questions to the council. What efforts have been made to publicise the framework so that it is accessible to people other than ...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Committee

24 Feb 2016

Local Government Benchmarking Framework

Will the panel comment on Unison’s view that the report focuses too heavily on cost measures and on too few council services for it to be an accurate reflection of council performance?

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

24 Feb 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Air Pollution (Fife)

Given the evidence that air pollution causes at least 2,000 early deaths in Scotland each year, and the fact that many areas, such as Appin Crescent in my Dunfermline constituency, continue to experience dangerous levels of air pollution, what extra funding will the Scottish G...

6. Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

24 Feb 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Air Pollution (Fife)

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle air pollution in Fife. (S4O-05569)

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Committee

10 Feb 2016

Local Government Elections 2012 (Follow-up)

I am interested in your views on the modernisation of electoral law and its impact in Scotland. I am thinking specifically about electoral registration. There has been a lot of concern about missing voters, and it has been suggested that there could even be hundreds of thousan...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

10 Feb 2016

Education

I am pleased to have the chance to speak in today’s debate in support of Scottish Labour’s call to protect Scotland’s education budget. As Kezia Dugdale said, education is everything. Our nurseries, schools, colleges and universities are the stairways out of disadvantage. The...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

10 Feb 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Fife Council (Budget 2016-17)

Thanks to the choices that have been made in the Scottish Government’s budget, Fife Council faces an additional cut of £17 million, on top of the cuts of £21 million that are anticipated for this year. Two thirds of the people who responded to Fife Council’s budget consultatio...

6. Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

10 Feb 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Fife Council (Budget 2016-17)

To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy has had with Fife Council regarding its budget for 2016-17. (S4O-05539)

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

02 Feb 2016

Education (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3

I speak in support of the amendments in the name of Angela Constance on learning hours. During the stage 1 debate, I highlighted Scottish Labour’s intention to lodge amendments to the bill to guarantee primary school pupils at least 25 hours teaching time a week. I am pleased...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

02 Feb 2016

Education (Scotland) Bill

We can make no greater investment than ensuring that our children get the best start in life. We all want Scotland to have a world-class education system to be proud of and we all aspire to a Scotland in which every child has the opportunity to fulfil their true potential. We ...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

28 Jan 2016

First Minister’s Question Time · Foster Carers (Allowance)

Will the First Minister act now to end the postcode lottery and to deliver a fair deal for Scotland’s foster carers?

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

28 Jan 2016

First Minister’s Question Time · Foster Carers (Allowance)

I thank the First Minister for her answer. Research that was published last week by the Fostering Network Scotland revealed wide variation from one Scottish local authority to the next in the payments that are received by foster carers. Allowances vary by as much as £127.31 a...

5. Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

28 Jan 2016

First Minister’s Question Time · Foster Carers (Allowance)

To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that every foster carer receives a minimum allowance. (S4F-03193)

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

21 Jan 2016

Youth Awards and Youth Work

I very much welcome the minister’s comments. We are not talking about a stand-alone certificate, as the amendment possibly implies. I hope that the minister will consider our proposal and look at what is happening in Wales, where the Government is ensuring that the diverse ran...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

21 Jan 2016

Youth Awards and Youth Work

I will take the intervention from the minister.

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

21 Jan 2016

Youth Awards and Youth Work

I am pleased to open this short debate for Scottish Labour. I would like to begin by joining the minister in welcoming the success of Scotland’s young people and Scotland’s growing youth work sector, and in welcoming the significant growth that there has been in young people’s...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

21 Jan 2016

First Minister’s Question Time · Prime Minister (Meetings)

It was announced this week that by June at least 80 jobs will be lost at FMC Technologies in my Dunfermline constituency. People in the workforce tell me that the real job-loss figure could be substantially higher, as the current figure does not include contract staff. Given t...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

20 Jan 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Fife Council (Meetings)

The closure of the Forth road bridge had a huge detrimental impact on the road network in my constituency, and the continuing restrictions on heavy goods vehicles are placing strain on the A985 and surrounding roads. The bridge closure demonstrated that the road and rail netwo...

2. Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

20 Jan 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Fife Council (Meetings)

To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities last met Fife Council and what issues were discussed. (S4O-05265)

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

14 Jan 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

If Liz Smith waits until I am further into my speech, she will hear why I think that the issue needs to be addressed. She should just be a wee bit patient. I welcome the measures in the bill to improve accountability and transparency in decision-making structures, which will ...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

14 Jan 2016

Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I am pleased to follow George Adam. I think that that was the first time that he did not mention Paisley in a speech—very novel. It is pleasing, too, to have an opportunity to speak in today’s debate. Our universities make an outstanding contribution to the academic, economic...

Cara Hilton Lab Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I still think that the law needs to be strengthened. We heard evidence last week—I cannot remember who it was from—suggesting that we should review the 200-yard criteria so that it works both ways and applies both to existing developments and to future housing developments. Pe...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Committee

13 Jan 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

My question builds on Cameron Buchanan’s point. I am quite concerned about the Government’s position on the issue. Most of the witnesses who came to the committee supported keeping the 200-yard restriction, and a number of people who have contacted me are concerned that local ...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

12 Jan 2016

Education

We all want Scotland to have an education system to be proud of. We want a Scotland in which every child in every community can achieve their true potential at school and in life. Nothing is more important than ensuring that every child gets a fair start. Today, the SNP Govern...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

07 Jan 2016

Lobbying (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

I am pleased to have the chance to speak in this debate. I commend my Scottish Labour colleague Neil Findlay for proposing a bill back in 2012 and for his patience over the past few years as the bill has been considered by the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Comm...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

06 Jan 2016

Portfolio Question Time · Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 (Review)

Is the minister concerned about the evidence presented by the League Against Cruel Sports that suggests that fox hunting is still going on? What extra resources will the Scottish Government commit to ensure that current and future legislation in this area is effective and that...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

17 Dec 2015

General Question Time · Forth Road Bridge Closure (Impact on North-east Communities)

The minister will be aware that the closure of the A985 is having a huge detrimental impact on small businesses in my constituency, such as the Walled Garden. As a result, staff have had to be laid off. Normally, the business would expect to serve 130 meals a day during the bu...

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

10 Dec 2015

Coalfields Regeneration Trust

I thank Christine Grahame for securing the debate and welcome the delegation from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust—many from my constituency. It may be 30 years since our coal industry was deliberately destroyed by Thatcher and her Tory Government, but the legacy of poverty...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

08 Dec 2015

Forth Road Bridge

That is not what my constituents are telling me.

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

08 Dec 2015

Forth Road Bridge

As the constituency member covering Dunfermline and west Fife, I know that very few of my constituents have not been detrimentally affected by the bridge closure. I am grateful to the minister for his speedy responses to the issues that I have already raised. The minister is ...

Cara Hilton Lab Committee

02 Dec 2015

Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

No, convener. I am just pleased that the minister alluded to “Designing Streets”, which was also mentioned last week. Does he agree that more needs to be done at the planning stage to build that type of provision into housing developments? That advice might be in place, but th...

Cara Hilton Lab Committee

02 Dec 2015

Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Yes. That was very helpful. Thank you.

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Committee

02 Dec 2015

Footway Parking and Double Parking (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Good morning, minister. I am interested in the Scottish Government’s view on the balance that needs to be struck between the rights of pedestrians and the rights of motorists and car owners. Last week, the committee had a lot of discussion about the provision of alternative pa...

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

02 Dec 2015

Named Persons

The Government amendment fails to give any guarantee whatsoever on resources for the named person policy and therefore, unfortunately, Scottish Labour will not vote for it at decision time. 16:41

Cara Hilton Lab Chamber

02 Dec 2015

Named Persons

We want every child in Scotland to have a fair start and we want our most vulnerable children to be protected, but fine aspirations are no good unless they are matched with the resources and support that are required to transform lives.

Cara Hilton (Dunfermline) (Lab) Lab Chamber

02 Dec 2015

Named Persons

There is no doubt that the Scottish Government’s named person policy is controversial. That is largely due to the remarks that we have heard from Tory members today and the Tory tabloids, which take great pleasure in whipping up concerns and fear among parents about a policy t...