7th June 2021: A Week in Parliament

Covid Restrictions

Having watched covid rates increase locally, it was no surprise that East Ayrshire remained in level two when other areas moved into level one. As I write, the case rate is 126 per 100,000. Just a couple of weeks ago, it was 21 per 100,000. Test positivity is heading towards the 5% rate that the WHO state indicates problematic levels. So, once again, I would urge everyone to be careful. Some people and politicians say that due to the vaccinations, people are getting less ill and we can continue to open up. However, that is too simplistic – just allowing the virus to spread could mean more people suffering from covid even though  they are not ill enough to be hospitalised. It could mean letting the virus mutate again. I would rather stay in level two to work towards level one rather than go to level one and then go backwards again, which would be really bad for morale and businesses. 

Travel

I feel for the people in the travel industry, especially with the likes of Portugal added to a green list and then removed after a couple of weeks. This shows the Scottish Government approach of trying to discourage travel and control the borders is a much better strategy. However, it feels that we have effectively been bounced into adopting the UK scheme as it was too easy for travellers to come and go via England. I am angry that the blasé approach by the UK Government has allowed the latest variant into the UK and causing the current problems. It would be more cost effective to control the borders and provide proper support for those involved in the travel industry. It seems the UK Government has learned nothing. They obsess about controlling the borders against immigration, but are unwilling to do so for public health. 

Building Supplies and House Prices

House prices appear to continue to rise since house sales were stopped during the first lockdown. If you are selling and buying then any extra profits on one house disappears into the overpayments you have to make on the next one. If you are a first time buyer, then it becomes even more difficult. Now, there is another issue which could put further inflation on the cost of houses – Brexit. There are real shortages of building materials. The shortages will mean further cost increases, partly directly due to supply and demand but also indirectly if it causes delays to projects. Anyone doing their own DIY projects will have noticed how difficult it is to get wood, and sand and cement stocks are hit and miss as well. I have a meeting with a building materials supplier to hear first handthe issues being caused. I fear it is not something that I can help resolve quickly. 

Grid Charges

A report confirmed that Scotland pays the highest grid charges in Europe. It is shocking our net zero ambitions are put at risk with this. I will be raising this in a meeting I have secured with the Energy Minister.