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Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Constituency (Scottish Parliament)

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MAUREEN WATT MSP 

Maureen Watt became a Regional List MSP for the North-East in the Scottish Parliament on 19 April 2006 -- and the first Member to swear their oath of allegiance in Doric. Following the 2007 election, she served as the Minister for Schools & Skills in the first SNP Government, and was the Convener of Holyrood's Environment & Rural Affairs Committee.She was elected as the MSP for ABERDEEN SOUTH & NORTH KINCARDINE on 5 May 2011, taking the seat from the Liberal Democrats, with a majority of 6,323. 

On June 1, Maureen was appointed as the Convener of the Parliament's Infrastructure & Capital Investment Committee. Her Deputy is Jamie Hepburn MSP (Cumbernauld & Kilsyth). The Committee will scrutinise legislation on matters such as housing and transport. Maureen Watt was born and bred in the North-East.  Having grown up on a farm, then working as a teacher and in the oil industry before entering politics, she  has considerable experience and a strong insight into challenges and needs of the North-East economy and North-East families. She is married, with two grown-up children, and lives near Banchory in Aberdeenshire.   

“As an MSP it is an enormous privilege to be in a position to represent my constituents, both individually and collectively, and to help them in any way that I can. My interest and involvement in politics comes from a desire to see a better future for the people of Scotland. Through independence and a Government working purely for and in the interest of the Scottish people, I believe that we can achieve that better future.”    

 

Contact MAUREEN WATT at her CONSTITUENCY OFFICE:                                                                                         

51 Victoria Road                                                                                                                                      Torry                                                                                                                                                       Aberdeen                                                                                                                                                                                                    AB11 9LS

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A MESSAGE FROM MAUREEN WATT MSP

It is a great honour to represent the people of Aberdeen South & North Kincardine in the Scottish Parliament. In the first term of the SNP Government, I had the pleasure of voting to abolish the GRADUATE ENDOWMENT FEE, re-establishing free education. I was pleased to support the passing of world-leading CLIMATE CHANGE legislation -- an example for the rest of the world to follow. I also voted to put more than 1,000 extra POLICE on our streets, provide more DENTISTS in the North-East and abolish PRESCRIPTION CHARGES, which were virtually a tax on ill-health.One of my biggest regrets was the refusal of the other parties to support the SNP's proposals to replace the COUNCIL TAX, which is unfair and regressive, with a LOCAL INCOME TAX. This is a much fairer system, based on your ability to pay rather than on the property you live in. Also their failure to take a stand against the scourge of CHEAP ALCOHOL. The SNP Government's proposal for a minimum price for a unit of alcohol would have saved lives and the taxpayer millions, yet it was callously blocked by the opposition parties, despite backing from health experts and police forces.I believe that good government, locally and nationally, can create a better society in which all can lead fulfilling lives. An MSP must be an advocate for her constituents and the communities they represent. The knowledge I have gained in elected office, combined with my previous experience in education, in the oil industry and as a parent are invaluable in fulfilling my duties as an MSP.                                                                                   

Anything you want to know about the SNP and its policies? Please e-mail us at contact@aberdeensnp.org. If your query relates specifically to your own locality, please tell us your ADDRESS, so that your query can be forwarded to the appropriate MSP, Constituency Branch or Councillor. We also welcome comments and suggestions regarding this website.

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WATT CALLS ON CONSTITUENTS TO PLAY THEIR PART IN REFERENDUM                          

The SNP's Aberdeen South & North Kincardine MSP, MAUREEN WATT has called for people across the length and breadth of her constituency to play their part in shaping the forthcoming referendum on Scottish independence, by taking part in the Scottish Government consultation launched on January 25 by the First Minister. The SNP will be campaigning strongly for a decisive Yes vote in the referendum, due to take place in autumn 2014. 

Ms Watt said: “A decision as important as the Independence Referendum clearly needs to involve and engage everyone in Scotland. The referendum should be built in Scotland, by the people of Scotland, rather than being limited by the strings and conditions of Westminster.That is why I want to see as many people as possible take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation, and help to shape the way the referendum in 2014 will be held. This is an opportunity to have a huge impact on the most important decision that Scotland has faced for 300 years, and I hope large numbers of people in Aberdeen South & North Kincardine will play their part. To do more to improve Scotland and build a better country, we need the full range of powers available to an independent country. Nobody cares more about making Scotland a success than people in Scotland, and independence will give us all the ability to meet the aspirations we all hold for this country.”

“TELL US ONCE” INITIATIVE BY ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL

MAUREEN WATT, on February 21, welcomed the launch of the “Tell Us Once” initiative by Aberdeen City Council. Families which are registering a birth or death will now  have the option of allowing the Council to notify all relevant Government departments and Council services of the event. This means that the family needs only to inform the Council and other public authorities once, and not multiple times. The service is very practical in that official documents, such as passports and driving licences, can be automatically cancelled in the event of a bereavement, and that basic information can be shared with other Council services.  A similar initiative was launched by Moray Council in October and will also go live in Aberdeenshire at the end of March.

Ms Watt said: “The 'Tell Us Once' initiative is a very efficient way of letting the proper departments know of the birth or death of a family member. During these times, families are often too busy with their new baby, or grieving over the loss of a loved one, to be dealing with paperwork. So having the option of getting the Council to make all the appropriate notifications will be extremely welcome. Anything that will simplify the process and reduce the amount of paperwork involved has to be good news, and I am sure that the residents of Aberdeen will join me in welcoming the 'Tell Us Once' initiative. I am delighted that residents of Aberdeen will be able to benefit from the improvements that this system should bring, if they choose to agree to the service. This could save a lot of time for a lot of people, especially during busy or difficult times, and I also look forward to the launch of the service in Aberdeenshire in the coming months.”

CITY'S LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

On February 15, Local Government & Planning Minister DEREK MACKAY gave the go-ahead for Aberdeen City Council's Local Development Plan, the first of its type in the country. Scottish Government Reporters examined representations made after the plan was published and recommended minor modifications. They found that, on the whole, it was based on sound evidence and consistent with the Scottish Government's planning policy. MAUREEN WATT, MSP for Aberdeen South & North Kincardine, warmly welcomed the plan, which is due to come into force on February 29.

The Aberdeen Local Development Plan sets out how the city will grow over the next few years. For instance, greenfield sites for 20,328 new houses will be required up to 2030, and a further 9,477 homes on brownfield sites, of which 1,106 are in regeneration areas. Developers will be required to include at least 25% of affordable housing in all their projects. 196 hectares of land will be required for new business sites. The Council's overall view of where development should go, and the scale of development expected on each site is explained, as well as it's priorities for regenerating parts of Aberdeen and for supporting a thriving city centre.  

The plan identifies land to meet the "housing and employment land allocations" laid out in the most recent Aberdeen City & Shire Structure Plan [2009]. It also contains policies which meet the aims and objectives of the Structure Plan, which was approved by the Scottish Government. A new type of local development plan was introduced in the 2006 Planning Act, and Aberdeen City Council's is the first in the country to be authorised. Following its adoption, the Council will be required to produce an action programme within three months. The programme will include timescales for the delivery of key infrastructure and will be reviewed regularly, taking into account changing circumstances.

Maureen Watt said: "This is fantastic news for the city of Aberdeen. The plan is the first of its kind in Scotland and will be widely welcomed by residents and businesses alike. It sets out the Council's ambitious plans for the city and its sustainable economic growth.  This is to be welcomed in what is a difficult time for many people living in Aberdeen. I particularly welcome the announcement that developers will have to make at least a quarter of their new homes available at an affordable cost. This will prove a huge boost to my constituents, who find themselves struggling to get on to the property ladder, and who would otherwise not be able to set up their own homes.“ 

### The Plan and its modifications can be viewed at all Aberdeen public libraries and at Marischal College, Broad Street, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm, or viewed and downloaded from the Council's website at: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/localdevelopmentplan

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CREDIT UNION BENEFITS

SNP Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt is urging people in Aberdeen and the North-East to become members of the North-East Scotland Credit Union (NESCU). It is part of "a friendly international network of one hundred million people, helping each other by saving and borrowing together." Its members pool their savings to offer low-cost and flexible financial products, and all profits are ploughed back into the local community.

Maureen Watt said, on February 14: "The service is a realistic alternative for people who don’t qualify for mainstream credit, and who may otherwise  have to resort to paying sky-high interest rates to illegal moneylenders. Recent changes have allowed Credit Unions to extend their services to a whole new range of people, including housing association tenants or employees of national companies. I hope this will prove an attraction for customers wishing to grow their savings outwith the turbulence and uncertainty which has blighted the mainstream banking sector in recent years."

The chief executive of NESCU is David Simmers. He says: “NESCU membership is for all sections of the community. We have a priority of promoting financial inclusion by providing financial management support to lower income groups but, to be effective, we need a balance of members drawn from those with a higher income. All Credit Union members benefit from:-

Being part of a savings and loans co-operative where members have access to easy saving through standing orders or payroll deduction, and easy access to affordable loans. The interest rate is only 1% per month on the reducing balance.

Financial security. CUs are part of the UK Government's Financial Services Compensation Scheme and did not suffer in the banking crisis – so your money is safe.

The lack of bonuses or disproportionate payouts to shareholders. CU members can be paid a dividend, but this is determined by members, within constraints.

NESCU  website www.nescu.co.uk/     E-mail: info@nescu.co.uk    Tel.: 01224 899688         

Head Office:  7 Finnan Place, Torry, Aberdeen, AB11 8RW.   

Shop:  32 Menzies Road, Torry, Aberdeen.

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TULLOS SWIMMING POOL

On February 10, MAUREEN WATT MSP welcomed plans by Aberdeen City Council to invest in the renovation of the swimming pool at Tullos Primary School in Girdleness Road, Torry. It followed a successful motion by the SNP for the Council to proceed with an £871,000 investment. Liberal Democrat members failed to support the much-needed project.

Ms Watt said: "The announcement that Aberdeen City Council is going to invest in renovating the swimming pool is fantastic news for people living in and around Tullos. Prior to recent repair work, the swimming pool  was extremely well used by members of the public.  However, problems associated in carrying out the repairs has meant locals being left without the use of the facility for some time. It beggars belief that Liberal Democrat councillors have failed to support investment in the health and wellbeing of people living in one of the most deprived areas of my constituency. Tullos is one of the few regeneration areas in the city without walking access to a swimming pool, and this investment will prove to be a sound, long-term investment, which will benefit people living in the Torry area for years to come.”

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BUSINESSES BENEFIT FROM RATES RELIEF 

SNP Aberdeen South & North Kincardine MSP MAUREEN WATT has welcomed statistics which that show up to 55% of small businesses in her constituency are benefitting from the Scottish Government's rates relief package. Finance Secretary John Swinney has confirmed that over half of non-domestic properties in Aberdeenshire, and 42%  in Aberdeen City,  receive either reduced or zero business rates.

Ms Watt commented on February 9: "Small businesses in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City play a vital role in the local economy and are at the heart of our communities. So it is extremely encouraging to see these organisations benefitting from rates reductions. The relief being provided to the North-East's small companies is contributing to the creation of a fairer Scottish business rates system, and is giving them a real shot in the arm in the face of current economic pressures. There are, of course, many larger successful businesses in my constituency that began as small companies. The Small Business Bonus Scheme will play a hugely important part in assisting the growth of enterprises in Aberdeen South & North Kincardine.  Earlier this week, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing announced that the £2.5million small business loans scheme would help companies install renewables technology. I strongly urge organisations to take advantage of this assistance. Successful small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, create local jobs and are a fundamental source of entrepreneurship in  the North-East and beyond. That is why the SNP is committed to helping our small businesses withstand the current tough trading conditions, and continue to make their crucial contribution to the economy and employment."

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INCREASED FUNDING FOR ABERDEEN 

On 8 December 2011, MAUREEN WATT, the MSP for Aberdeen South & North Kincardine, welcomed the confirmation in the Scottish Parliament that Aberdeen City Council will see its funding increased by £5.3million as part of the 2012-13 budget. In previous years, the Local Government funding formula devised by COSLA has seen Aberdeen receive just 82% of the national average. However, during the May 2011 Holyrood election, the SNP promised to put in place a funding floor of 85% of the average. This means that Aberdeen will receive additional funding throughout the duration of this Parliament, and that the Scottish Government has delivered on a key promise made to the people of Aberdeen. COSLA has also agreed in principle that Councils should accept the Local Government finance settlement, including a continued Council Tax freeze, with individual local authorities making their own decisions in coming weeks.

Ms Watt commented: “Having been one of many people pushing to secure a fairer funding deal for Aberdeen, I am delighted that the SNP Government is putting words into action and delivering on our manifesto promise so swiftly. The long-running underfunding of Aberdeen has added to the financial strain that the Council has been under, with a significant impact on the services people rely on. The implementation of this 85% funding floor, and confirmation that Aberdeen will see its funds boosted, is great news for the city. The Scottish Government is delivering on its promises for people in Aberdeen, and the new funding floor will give the city a fairer deal for years to come. I also welcome the fact that COSLA has agreed in principle that Councils should freeze their COUNCIL TAX for another year. This is in line with our commitment to help households in these difficult times, by keeping the tax frozen throughout the lifetime of this Parliament."

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MORE LEGAL ACTION BY "ROADSENSE"                                                                     

The hearing for the  latest round of legal action by objectors trying to block the building of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) took place on 13-16 December 2011. A ruling by the Court of Session is expected sometime in March. The announcement was welcomed by MAUREEN WATT MSP. A large section of the 28-mile by-pass will pass through her Aberdeen South & North Kincardine constituency.

Ms Watt said: “The unacceptable and unnecessary delays to the AWPR being caused by continuing legal action are extremely frustrating to the vast majority of people in Aberdeen and the North-East, who are being held hostage by the actions of the "RoadSense" group. The courts have already given a clear verdict that the AWPR should proceed, and I hope we will see a swift decision backing that judgement. All that these legal efforts to delay the road have achieved is to waste over £1million of taxpayer’s money on legal costs so far, and to anger the clear majority of people in the North-East who are desperate for this road to proceed. I had hoped that RoadSense would accept the court’s judgement and admit defeat, but they now seem determined to proceed with new legal action. We can only hope for a speedy resolution so that work on the road can finally begin.”

Over 15,000 Aberdeen and North-East residents have already signed an online petition deploring the actions of the group. You can sign at www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/roadsense-stop-the-nonsense.html

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WINNING FOR SCOTLAND! 

The SNP won all three ABERDEEN constituencies in the General Election on 5 May 2011.   

Election Result:     ABERDEEN SOUTH & NORTH KINCARDINE

Maureen Watt           SNP       11,947

Greg Williams             Lab.        5,624

John Sleigh         Lib. Dem.        4,994

Stewart Whyte          Con.       4,058

Marie Boulton             Ind         1,860

Ross Willett      Nat. Front           214

SNP GAIN FROM LIB. DEM.         Maj. 6,323          Turnout 52.8%