University New-Starts: Up in Scotland, Down in UK

FREE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION KEEPS SCOTLAND BUCKING THE TREND

Over 50,000 fewer people across the UK started higher education courses this autumn than did so last year, except in Scotland where university uptake is up, highlighting the benefit of free access to higher education.

In England - where fees have trebled to £9,000 a year - a drastic drop in people taking places occurred, with a 6.6 per cent fall, meanwhile the number of people in Scotland is up 0.3%.

Commenting, local MSP Stewart Stevenson, said:

"These figures represent an endorsement for the SNP's policy of free access to higher education in Scotland but reveal a bleak picture elsewhere in the UK.

"It shows that Scotland is delivering far more successful policies and outcomes with the degree of independence that we already have in the Scottish Parliament - and with the full powers of an independent Scotland we could do the same in all the areas currently reserved to Westminster, such as macroeconomic policy, welfare and defence.

"A 6.6% drop shows just how much damage the UK government's socially exclusive policy is doing south of the border.

"With the average debt being kept down - and the Scottish Government delivering the best funding package in the UK, with a minimum income guarantee of £7,250 for students from the poorest backgrounds from next year - Scotland is the best place in the UK to be a university student.

"It is clearer than ever that sky-high tuition fees are fundamentally wrong. Instead of continuing down this path, Westminster must follow Scotland's lead and restore the principle of education based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay.

"That is the right way forward and these latest uptake figures should act as a wakeup call to Westminster politicians who must now realise the folly of what they are doing."

Stevenson Welcomes Help for Farmers

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed measures from the Scottish Government to help Scottish farmers who have been hit by the adverse weather this year.

Among the announcements, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said he would be writing to banks to update them on the timing of Single Farm Payments and asking them to provide maximum flexibility for those farmers whose payments are not made at the start of December.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“We have had some extreme weather this year which has caused difficulties for Scotland’s farmers.

“So these measures from the SNP Government are very welcome – we must do all we reasonably can to help support our farmers.

“Not only have we prioritised Single Farm Payments, the banks have also been urged to show leniency to those farmers who have yet to receive their payments.

“We have increased resources to pay SFP as quickly as possible – including staff working in the evenings and weekends and given a two-month invoices extension for 2012 rural priorities capital works.

“Those who have encountered problems with the slurry rules are being helped by our area staff who are working to help farmers avoid or reduce penalties in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones.

“It is particularly encouraging to hear that most of the small number of farmers who have contacted the Scottish Government for help have avoided penalties completely.

“Farming is fundamental to Scottish life. Agriculture plays an integral role in the wider community and sustains jobs in primary production and throughout related sectors. That is why the SNP is committed to helping Scotland’s farmers through these tough weather conditions.”

Stevenson Welcomes Latest Police Numbers Statistics

GRAMPIAN POLICE NUMBERS OVER 1,500

Police numbers in Scotland have reached an all-time high, as new police officer quarterly strength statistics are released this week.

In Grampian the current officer complement is over 130 higher than when the SNP came to power in 2007 - an increase of around 10% in numbers in that period.

The figures for Scotland as a whole show that there are now 17,454 Full Time Equivalent police officers in Scotland, compared to 16,234 when the SNP first took office. This figure is higher than any previous recorded and every force area in Scotland has seen an increase on the number of police officers in place in May 2007.

Separate statistics released also show that there has been a sharp reduction in the number of offences involving a firearm in the last year. In 2011/12 there were 514 offences involving a firearm, a 21% reduction on the previous year’s figure of 647 and the lowest level for 34 years. In Grampian the statistics show that just 4 offences were recorded involving a firearm.

Commenting, local MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“The figures showing that police officers are at a new high and firearms offences are at a 34 year low will be hugely welcomed by people across Scotland and stand in stark contrast to the situation south of the border where police numbers are being slashed by 16,000 over the current spending review period.

“For communities in the North-east this means a greater sense of well being and a much reduced risk of being a victim of criminal activity.

“The SNP remains focussed on preventative spend. By maintaining investment in frontline policing, crime has been driven down, which reduces the impact on other frontline services, such as courts, support for victims of crime, criminal justice social work and health services.

“Crime is at a 37 year low and communities in Scotland are safer than ever before, thanks to the incredible efforts that the police go to in order to protect us.

“That is no coincidence and shows quite clearly why the SNP Government’s determination to maintain the additional police officers that have been recruited since 2007 is so important.

“Our approach to justice is continuing to deliver results and I am confident it will continue to do so.”