Meeting of the Parliament 25 March 2014
I start by congratulating David Torrance on securing the debate and on his motion.
The buying habits of shoppers have changed dramatically over the past 20 years. Large retailers such as Asda have become a one-stop shop for many domestic purchases. As a result, family and community life is increasingly centred around a trip to the supermarket. It is pleasing to see Asda embrace its role and give something back to the community, other than just good prices for groceries.
Such is the importance of Asda in some families that it is even usurping the role of mum and dad. A recent article on the Asda website featured a couple whose baby girl had said her very first word, which was “Asda”. That is an effective marketing tool if ever I have heard one.
In 2012, Asda created its community life initiative—a bold strategic plan aimed at directing profits back into the communities in which they are generated. Every year, community life spends £8 million making Scottish communities a better place in which to live, work and play.
Asda is even happy to open its doors to politicians. I frequently hold surgeries in the Asda store in Perth. From a personal perspective, that is a great opportunity to meet more of the people I serve, including people who are often disengaged from the political process.
Perhaps the most visible aspect of the community life initiative is the “chosen by you, given by us” programme, which David Torrance mentioned. The little green counters that customers get at the check-out have substantial implications for the local community. Asda lets customers choose which charities to support. That gives ordinary shoppers a stake in their community, which is invaluable for fostering community spirit.
As a Conservative, I believe in always devolving as much decision-making power to local people as possible. In no small way, Asda is doing that for communities across Scotland.
I join others who have spoken in congratulating Asda’s community champions on their hard work. Champions across the Mid Scotland and Fife region have volunteered an incredible 2,300 hours of community work and have raised nearly £200,000.
David Torrance and Claire Baker have both commended the great work done by community life in Kirkcaldy. I want to say a little bit about the similar work being done by Asda in Perth, where the community champion, Fi Penman, has volunteered a fantastic 328 hours of service to the community and every week donates her time to the active monkeys youth group. Last year the store held a community in the car park fun day, at which local charities, groups and organisations came together to meet customers. Such events help to raise awareness of community initiatives and show residents how to get more involved—a process that is very important.
David Torrance’s motion welcomes Asda’s work with the Fife Gingerbread charity. Fife Gingerbread has been the subject of previous members’ business debates, but it is worth mentioning again its invaluable service to single-parent families in the region. From the establishment of the Fife Federation of Gingerbread in 1987 to the organisation today, the guiding purpose has been not just to provide information to lone parents but to ensure that they have someone to turn to. That is a much needed and much valued service.
We must accept that many people need to seek the support of Fife Gingerbread services, whether due to difficult circumstances of poverty, a low income base or because of family breakdown or substance abuse. That is a very real situation, which needs to be addressed. I note from Fife Gingerbread’s website that there are about 10,500 lone parents in Fife alone, which demonstrates the clear need for the charity’s work. Thankfully, through the support of Asda, it will be able to continue to offer its vital services.
I join David Torrance in congratulating Asda in Kirkcaldy on its impressive community life programme and I also congratulate community life initiatives throughout the Mid Scotland and Fife region. Community champions are working hard to secure a better future for their areas and in doing so are giving up their valuable time. We should acknowledge their work and I am very happy to support the motion.
17:20