Chamber
Plenary, 03 Nov 1999
03 Nov 1999 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Voluntary Sector
I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate. The Executive and the Parliament have shown their commitment to the voluntary sector and recognised the important role that it can play in achieving a more socially inclusive society.
Many groups and organisations see the opportunities that the new Scottish Parliament has brought them and people are keen to develop new ways of doing things to change the stagnant policies and practices of the past and tackle head on the issues and problems that matter most to the people.
The value of the voluntary sector in Scotland— and the value of volunteering—is receiving the attention that it deserves in the new political atmosphere. It is clear that the voluntary sector is high on the political agenda. One of the differences between the Scottish Parliament and Westminster is the structure, importance and powers of our committees.
By setting up a Committee on Social Inclusion, Housing and the Voluntary Sector, the Scottish Parliament showed its commitment to placing the voluntary sector high on the political agenda. The committee demonstrates the links between the appreciation and promotion of the voluntary sector and the battle against social exclusion. The Scottish Executive and the Parliament's commitment was further shown last month when
the Parliament endorsed the Executive's motion to recognise the importance of the voluntary sector in our economic prosperity and in promoting social inclusion and encouraging active citizenship.
The Parliament supported the Executive's commitment to establish a stable infrastructure in which the voluntary sector can grow and flourish. The intention to work in partnership with the voluntary sector is welcomed by all. Labour's commitment to the voluntary sector is clear in the Scottish compact. The compact was developed through wide consultation with the voluntary sector and signifies—I hope—the start of a closer and long working relationship between the Government and the sector.
Consultation and dialogue between all parties is the best way for Scotland to gain even larger benefits from the voluntary sector. Through the compact, the Executive guarantees the right of independence for the sector, and that is the road that we should take. As I have often said, organisations should have the right to criticise and be involved in the policy debate, regardless of their source of funding. I am pleased to say that the compact delivers that right.
We can only benefit from the direct involvement of the experts, the people on the ground and the people who are delivering services daily. They should be involved in the development of policies. The Executive should maximise use of the sector's unique knowledge and position and its ability to connect with and influence the Executive's thinking.
The importance of teamwork, working as a national network, sharing knowledge and expertise and developing training opportunities for volunteers and organisations, must remain a central goal; that is dealt with in the compact. Dialogue and consultation with all involved is the best way in which to harness the value of the voluntary sector. The compact will have a positive and welcome effect on the organisations involved. It is a good start and, as a member of the Social Inclusion, Housing and Voluntary Sector Committee, I look forward to working in partnership with the Executive, the voluntary sector and all involved, for the good of this country.
Many groups and organisations see the opportunities that the new Scottish Parliament has brought them and people are keen to develop new ways of doing things to change the stagnant policies and practices of the past and tackle head on the issues and problems that matter most to the people.
The value of the voluntary sector in Scotland— and the value of volunteering—is receiving the attention that it deserves in the new political atmosphere. It is clear that the voluntary sector is high on the political agenda. One of the differences between the Scottish Parliament and Westminster is the structure, importance and powers of our committees.
By setting up a Committee on Social Inclusion, Housing and the Voluntary Sector, the Scottish Parliament showed its commitment to placing the voluntary sector high on the political agenda. The committee demonstrates the links between the appreciation and promotion of the voluntary sector and the battle against social exclusion. The Scottish Executive and the Parliament's commitment was further shown last month when
the Parliament endorsed the Executive's motion to recognise the importance of the voluntary sector in our economic prosperity and in promoting social inclusion and encouraging active citizenship.
The Parliament supported the Executive's commitment to establish a stable infrastructure in which the voluntary sector can grow and flourish. The intention to work in partnership with the voluntary sector is welcomed by all. Labour's commitment to the voluntary sector is clear in the Scottish compact. The compact was developed through wide consultation with the voluntary sector and signifies—I hope—the start of a closer and long working relationship between the Government and the sector.
Consultation and dialogue between all parties is the best way for Scotland to gain even larger benefits from the voluntary sector. Through the compact, the Executive guarantees the right of independence for the sector, and that is the road that we should take. As I have often said, organisations should have the right to criticise and be involved in the policy debate, regardless of their source of funding. I am pleased to say that the compact delivers that right.
We can only benefit from the direct involvement of the experts, the people on the ground and the people who are delivering services daily. They should be involved in the development of policies. The Executive should maximise use of the sector's unique knowledge and position and its ability to connect with and influence the Executive's thinking.
The importance of teamwork, working as a national network, sharing knowledge and expertise and developing training opportunities for volunteers and organisations, must remain a central goal; that is dealt with in the compact. Dialogue and consultation with all involved is the best way in which to harness the value of the voluntary sector. The compact will have a positive and welcome effect on the organisations involved. It is a good start and, as a member of the Social Inclusion, Housing and Voluntary Sector Committee, I look forward to working in partnership with the Executive, the voluntary sector and all involved, for the good of this country.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Sir David Steel):
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S1M-240, in the name of Miss Wendy Alexander, on the Scottish Executive's compact with the voluntary sector, ...
Fergus Ewing (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber) (SNP):
SNP
On a point of order. Rule 13.2 of the standing orders provides for ministerial statements. In the light of what we read in the press this morning, do the sta...
Mr Kenny MacAskill (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
On a point of order.
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Mr MacAskill, is it the same point of order?
Mr MacAskill:
SNP
Yes. I wish to raise the concern that my colleague just made regarding repeated statements to the press before matters are announced in this chamber. Last we...
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
I have had a letter from Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on the issue that was addressed by those points of order. I do not know whether the subject of tolls wil...
The Deputy Minister for Communities (Jackie Baillie):
Lab
The Scottish Executive places particular importance on its relationship with the voluntary sector. I know that this Parliament also values the voluntary sect...
Tommy Sheridan (Glasgow) (SSP):
SSP
I thank the minister for giving way. I note the minister's words on building strength and building together, with local authorities at the core. Will she joi...
Jackie Baillie:
Lab
Sometimes I find it difficult to determine whether the member is a member of the Scottish Parliament or a councillor on Glasgow City Council. However, the co...
Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
Will the minister give way?
Jackie Baillie:
Lab
No, I intend to carry on. I was at the point of sharing with members some of the emerging conclusions of the review. In fairness to the work of the CVS netwo...
Mr Lloyd Quinan (West of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I thank the Executive for giving us the opportunity to hold a major debate, for a second time, on the voluntary sector. I welcome the initiative as part of t...
Phil Gallie (South of Scotland) (Con):
Con
In the main, I support the thrust of the motion. However, I feel that yet another endorsement of the Scottish compact is just a bit over the top, especially ...
Ms Margaret Curran (Glasgow Baillieston) (Lab):
Lab
Phil Gallie displays a total misunderstanding of the role of the voluntary sector. The voluntary sector has made very clear what it wishes to do. It is in pa...
Phil Gallie:
Con
I do not think that I misunderstand this issue. I am outlining a justifiable fear, as it is obvious that, when organisations are funded to a large extent by ...
Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Lab):
Lab
Does Phil Gallie recognise the particular role of women in the voluntary sector? Women in the voluntary sector welcome the emphasis that this Government plac...
Phil Gallie:
Con
I accept totally what Johann Lamont says about the importance of women to the voluntary sector. I suspect that 60 to 70 per cent of people who actively give ...
Tommy Sheridan:
SSP
Phil Gallie gives tax statistics, but does he agree that the facts show that the top 20 per cent in our society now pay less in tax than the bottom 20 per ce...
Phil Gallie:
Con
In terms of VAT and some other taxes, what Mr Sheridan suggests is the case. However many of the so-called fat cats are people who generate jobs and wealth. ...
Bristow Muldoon (Livingston) (Lab):
Lab
Would the member remind us what VAT rates were in 1979 and what they were when the Conservatives left their period in power?
Phil Gallie:
Con
I recall that VAT rates at that time were something like 25 per cent—
Members:
No!
Bristow Muldoon:
Lab
They were 9 per cent.
Phil Gallie:
Con
At that time there were also lower rates, because VAT levels were split, and the Conservatives went for an all-embracing level. Having said that—
Dr Richard Simpson (Ochil) (Lab):
Lab
On a point of order. Is it in order for a member to give misinformation to the Parliament in reply to a question and deliberately to—
Mr Keith Harding (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
It was his understanding.
Dr Simpson:
Lab
Oh. If it was really that, I withdraw.
Phil Gallie:
Con
My recollection of the 1979 election is that the equalisation of VAT rates was an aim. My understanding is that there were VAT levels at 25 per cent as well ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
SNP
It would be helpful if members, when taking interventions, remembered to address their remarks through the chair. Speeches will now be time-limited to four m...
Mr Keith Raffan (Mid Scotland and Fife) (LD):
LD
I will try to get the debate back on track. Applause. I welcome the speech by the Deputy Minister for Communities. We on the Liberal Democrat benches are hap...