Latest news with #SouthLanarkshireCouncil
The Herald Scotland
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
SNP: Labour costing households in South Lanarkshire £165m
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council defended the use of the funding model, saying it had allowed the authority to rebuild its entire school estate. Labour claimed the SNP were trying to deflect from their own record of local authority funding cuts. READ MORE: PFI contracts were introduced by John Major's Conservative government in the 1990s to fund infrastructure projects with private capital. The approach was later expanded by Tony Blair's Labour government and rebranded as PPP. Though hundreds of schools, hospitals and roads were built under these schemes, they have been criticised for long-term repayment costs far exceeding the original construction value. Since 2005, the Scottish Government has replaced PFI with non-profit distributing (NPD) and hub models, which aim to limit private profits by removing dividend payments. These alternatives have funded £3.3bn in infrastructure projects. The long-term financial burden of PFI was highlighted in a report by Audit Scotland last year, which found NHS Scotland is still less than halfway through repaying its PFI debts — more than 25 years after contracts were signed. BBC Scotland has also reported that at least 11 Scottish PFI schemes may require expensive buyouts at the end of their terms, including Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and University Hospital Wishaw. The council said PFI had allowed them rebuild every school in the regionSince Labour took control of South Lanarkshire Council in 2022, the local authority has paid — or is projected to pay — £165.29m in PFI and PPP repayments over four years: £39.81m in 2022/23, £40.80m in 2023/24, £41.82m in 2024/25, and £42.86m in this financial year. SNP MSP Collette Stevenson said the figures exposed the 'true price of Labour failure' and claimed the increasing costs were the result of 'decades-old policy decisions' that continue to drain local budgets. 'Labour's PFI and PPP failure is costing households across South Lanarkshire more and more every year — hitting this community with a bill of almost £43m this year,' she said. 'In government, the SNP has delivered for this community; scrapping PFI and PPP contracts and providing record funding for local authorities — much of which goes towards mitigating the impact of Labour decisions like PFI.' She added: 'Whether it is decades-old policy decisions like PFI, their decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment or the council's decision to slash school bus provision, Labour in power is costing households dearly. 'Scotland has always been an afterthought to the Labour Party — but the SNP under John Swinney's leadership will always stand up for Scotland and be on the side of communities like South Lanarkshire.' A council spokesperson said: 'The council has utilised different financing options at different times in order to rebuild every single secondary and primary school in the area. "The result is a fantastic learning environment for every pupil in the area — and what many consider to be the best schools estate in the United Kingdom — including 127 new primary schools that were funded directly by the council. 'Part of the due diligence process undertaken for the secondary school contract was a comparison exercise signed off by Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government. 'In terms of secondary schools, funding is provided by the Scottish Government towards the costs of these contracts.' READ MORE Scottish Labour also hit back, with local government spokesperson Mark Griffin accusing the SNP of trying to 'deflect' from its own record. 'The SNP is the architect of austerity in Scotland's councils and this desperate attempt at deflection will not hide that,' he said. 'The SNP has raided over £480m from core South Lanarkshire Council budgets over recent years, undermining vital local services. 'Despite the SNP's relentless campaign of cuts, the Labour council has protected frontline services and delivered the lowest Council Tax increase in the country for local families.' The row comes as the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election enters it final week.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Major Cambuslang housing development nears completion
The landmark eight-year project from Persimmon Homes West Scotland has delivered 443 new properties. A major development in Cambuslang that is set to leave 'a lasting, positive legacy in the area' is nearing completion. Castle Gardens is wrapping up after nearly a decade of delivery, providing hundreds of new homes, jobs and significant community investment for the town and South Lanarkshire. The landmark eight-year project from Persimmon Homes West Scotland has delivered 443 new properties, and the sales of its final homes have just been made. As part of the development, 57 of the 443 homes were transferred to South Lanarkshire Council to help local people in housing need. Since construction began, the development has contributed over £2.6 million in investment to support local infrastructure and services, including education, roads, public transport, affordable housing provision and community facilities. The project has supported the local economy by creating a number of direct jobs, along with additional roles in the local supply chain. It has also played a vital role in developing local talent, with more than 10 apprentices gaining valuable on-site experience throughout the build. Among them is Lee Brooks, whose work helped shape the community – and whose family now proudly call Castle Gardens home. As part of Persimmon's commitment to the communities it builds in, thousands of pounds have been donated to local charities and groups, including the Whitlawburn Resource Centre and Friends of Cambuslang Park, through the company's Community Champions initiative. Craig Moore, land director at Persimmon West Scotland, said: 'Castle Gardens is a great example of how long-term development, when delivered thoughtfully, can transform a site and bring real benefits to local people. 'We're proud of the homes we've delivered here and the strong partnerships we've built with community groups, local businesses, and South Lanarkshire Council over the past decade.' Castle Gardens has played a key role in helping meet local housing need, particularly for first-time buyers and families, with Persimmon's homes typically priced 20% below the average for new builds in Scotland. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
The National
4 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Orange Order 'not divisive', says Tory Hamilton by-election candidate
Richard Nelson, who is running for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat, insisted that he could represent all constituents despite his affiliations, also confirming he was a member of the Apprentice Boys of Derry. Both groups have long been accused of sectarianism. In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland, Nelson confirmed his membership of both organisations and was asked whether they were compatible with holding elected office. He said: 'We are law-abiding organisations. We pledge allegiance to His Majesty the King. And, you know, we are not divisive at all, and people have their right to their own religion.' Pressed on whether he would be able to represent everyone in the community, Nelson said: 'I always do. I always have. Last week, I met with the parish priest in Larkhall – not just the parish priest, but also another priest. READ MORE: Nigel Farage accuses Anas Sarwar of 'sectarianism' as he doubles down on 'racist' ad "We sat for an hour and spoke about the local community and the things that have been happening in the community. Everybody that comes to my surgery or contacts me – I do not ask what religion they are.' He added: 'People always try and target organisations with a bad brush, but we are not. The things that we do for the local charities, the local communities… that is the part that is missing with all of this.' Nelson's entry on South Lanarkshire Council's register of interests shows that he has been a member of the Netherton Covenanters Loyal Orange Lodge 233 since 2019 and is currently listed as secretary of the Scottish Amalgamated Committee of the Apprentice Boys of Derry. He is also a member of the Sir William Johnston Memorial Royal Black Preceptory 634. Between 2012 and 2023, he was a member of the Carluke No Surrender Apprentice Boys of Derry. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar ad is not racist, says Reform by-election candidate The Orange Order claims that it is 'the protection of the principles of the Protestant Reformation', which historically included the persecution of Catholics, and its modern-day critics point to its frequent marches through Irish Catholic areas and allege it promotes bigoted attitudes towards that community. Nelson also has a side-line as a comedy hypnotist and was revealed to have sworn at audience members under his spell at an event in Penicuik. Footage obtained by the Daily Record showed him shouting at participants: 'What are yous daeing, you d**k? I'm in the middle of a show here. A****holes. You and all.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
South Lanarkshire councillors' expenses set for public scrutiny on June 1
South Lanarkshire councillors' expenses are set for public scrutiny. The full register, detailing allowances and expenses paid to elected members during the year ending March 31, will be published on the council's website on June 1. From June 2, a published record will be available for inspection at the council's Finance and Corporate Resources office, located on floor four of the Almada Street building in Hamilton. The document will be accessible to the public from 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Requests must be made in writing to view the physical record. To view the full public notice, go to
The Herald Scotland
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Council warned of law breach over failure to help toddler
She says she had already been forced out of the flat for over a week after he was found vomiting in his sleep and in danger of choking as a result of the damp and mould-ridden conditions in the flat at the end of January. Now she says she was forced out again to stay are her mother's after her son was again vomiting in his sleep. And a damning expert study has now condemned the council's failure to act to remove the mother and child accusing it of "unacceptable and unethical blaming of tenants" and warning that it face legal issues by not acting. It said: "The continued blaming of the tenants, rather than addressing the fundamental property defects and severe Indoor Air Quality issues, is unacceptable [and] unethical" while breaching the law on Scottish housing standards. The mother has told South Lanarkshire Council that she feared that her son, who needed urgent medical treatment, would suffer the same fate as Awaab Ishak the two-year-old who died over four years ago as a result of damp and mould in his home, which was managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH). Evidence provided to South Lanarkshire Council in the expert report (Image: NQ) Ms Ure's case has been credited with helping to force the Scottish Government to propose the introduction of new rules over housing standards which is being dubbed by some as Leighton's Law after her son. READ MORE: But the 28-year-old mother who has had the written support of her doctor for a move out of the flat saying that the toddler has "frequent attendances with respiratory tract infections" was told that the council that he is not a health priority for a move. But Ms Ure, who moved into the flat while pregnant three years ago says conditions are exacerbating her own asthma, and is upset that desperate appeals have fallen on deaf ears. Now a new expert study of conditions at the flat carried out at the end of April by Berwick-upon-Tweed-based indoor environmental group Healthy Homes and Beyond has warned that the council that the flat remains "unfit for human habitation" and that the family should be moved out. The study, supported by a mould and air quality analysis by Sporcyte and carried out by the group's director and founder Kristine Reilly-Blake makes what it described as an "urgent and immediate recommendation " stating: "South Lanarkshire Council must immediately remove the Ure family and place them in safe, accommodation. "The property is currently unfit for human habitation and poses an imminent and unacceptable risk to their health and well-being. " Evidence provided to South Lanarkshire Council in the expert report (Image: NQ) Ms Reilly-Blake, who began investigations as an independent damp and mould surveyor in the north east of England and Scotland after her eldest daughter had such a severe exacerbation of asthma it left her fighting for her life, added: "Continued exposure to these conditions is likely to result in further deterioration of Michelle's health and poses a significant and potentially irreversible risk of long-term respiratory damage to Leighton. Your failure to act decisively in light of this medical evidence would be a grave dereliction of your duty of care. "The cumulative and irrefutable evidence from my investigations, coupled with the documented medical evidence linking Leighton's illness directly to the property conditions, demonstrates a severe, ongoing, and deteriorating dampness and mould problem stemming from fundamental structural deficiencies and inadequate ventilation. "These conditions, which I have thoroughly documented, present a substantial, immediate, and unacceptable risk to the health and well-being of the occupants, particularly the young child, Leighton, and Michelle..." The study said that in addition to the "direct and acute health and safety concerns substantiated by Leighton's medical records" the conditions also raised "significant and actionable legal and regulatory issues". It says their examination shows "strongly and unequivocally" that the flat fails to meet the 'tolerable standard' test under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 in order to be fit for human habitation and requires that houses are free from dampness that is prejudicial to health. "This failure is particularly egregious given the documented and severe impact on Michelle's asthma and the direct link between the property conditions and Leighton's documented medical issues," the study said. Evidence provided to South Lanarkshire Council in the expert report (Image: NQ) It said the council should carry out a comprehensive indoor air quality investigation and remediation plan, carry out urgent comprehensive structural repairs and carry out professional and comprehensive mould remediation. And it states that there should be "accurate, transparent and ethical communication, adding that the council should "cease blaming of the tenants". The mother received an email from a council investigator at the end of January insisting there were no problems with the flat. South Lanarkshire Council had said it has been working hard to carry out alleviate any dampness issues and say the property has been "confirmed to be habitable". The mother denies this. The report has come as South Lanarkshire HomeFinder, a housing allocation system, run by South Lanarkshire Council told Ms Ure she could not be rehoused as a health priority adding that there was "insufficient need shown to demonstrate that your current home is medically unsuitable" and that issues over damp and mould would have to be address by a repairs team. Scottish Labour's housing spokesman Mark Griffin, who has been taking the case up with the council is sue to meet the mother and child today [Wednesday]. Sean Clerkin, campaign co-ordinator of the Scottish Tenants Organisation who has been supporting Ms Ure and has urged the council to act on the report. He told Stephen Gibson, the council's executive director of housing in a message: "In all my years of advocating for tenants and their issues this is the one that has affected me more than any other. Evidence provided to South Lanarkshire Council in the expert report (Image: NQ) "The two-year-old Leighton will die in this property due to the silent violence of your department against him and his family. "The boy will succumb and you will be responsible for his death unless you act now and remove this family to a new safe and secure home free from damp and mould. "You have been given fair warning time and again. South Lanarkshire Council are derelict in their duty of care towards this family in that you insist this family live in such intolerable conditions to the detriment of their health." Leighton's Law emerged after the Herald revealed more than 700,000 Scottish homes have been classed as not fit for habitation jn a new housing emergency - with 600,000 more properties registered as below a legal tolerable standard since the pandemic. Campaigners say that initial proposals are 'flawed' as they focus only on the social rented sector which comprises properties owned by councils and housing associations such as Wheatley. Official surveys carried out for the Scottish Government show that in 2023, the number of Scots properties falling below the 'tolerable standard' in order to be fit for habitation has shot up from an estimated 54,000 (2%) in 2018 to 729,000 (27%) in 2023. It is classed as a "condemnatory" standard which means that it is not reasonable to expect people to continue to live in a house that falls below it. Campaigners including the Scottish Tenants' Organisation and Living Rent have described the issue over housing standards and damp and mould in Scotland as a "public health crisis". A council spokesman said: 'This house has now been visited on numerous occasions by our own staff and by independent contractors, including a range of professionals who are highly qualified in property matters and environmental health. At no time has any of these experts found the property to be anything other than habitable. 'We have undertaken a range of actions to investigate the issues reported by Ms Ure, including dampness surveys carried out by a specialist contractor that identified no major issues. 'While some actions have been taken, including the fitting of thermal insulation to external walls and the upgrading of fans in the bathroom and kitchen, Ms Ure has refused to allow us to install a new ventilation system that would further improve air quality. 'Ms Ure has also been repeatedly provided with advice on how to prevent condensation and dampness in the home. 'While Ms Ure's request for a housing transfer has been based in part on the suggestion that her son's health is being impacted by conditions in the flat, we have been presented with no evidence that this is the case. There appears to be no such evidence in the reports commissioned by Ms Ure either. 'However, a further inspection of the property has been arranged that will take place in the next few days.'
