Stirling Council By Election – Scottish Labour select David Wilson to stand in Dunblane and Bridge of Allan

Stirling Council Labour candidate David WilsonIn the forthcoming Stirling Council By election on 25 January 2024, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Labour Party members have selected Local Government IT expert David Wilson as their candidate.  David knows how crucial Local Government services are to our communities and wellbeing and that high quality services are vital.

David Wilson says,

The people of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan need a strong voice in the Labour Administration running Stirling Council.  I will be that strong voice for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan and will fight to protect and defend local services for all.’

David added,

It is the declared austerity policy of the Conservative Party, since 2010, to underfund and undermine the ability of local councils to provide services which are vital to the lives of local residents – from all walks of life.

 The SNP have multiplied the attacks on local government services by refusing to pass on even the paltry level of funding they have received from the Conservatives in Westminster.

Our teachers, librarians, street sweepers, care assistants and every other local authority worker are the glue that hold our local services together for people. We need to fight to protect these services and jobs from mismanagement of our finances by a failing SNP government.  After 16 years in power, our services continue to be slashed, year on year while children and communities suffer.

 The people of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan deserve a councillor who will fight for the services they need.  I look forward to offering myself to be that councillor who will fight for the priorities of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan – at all levels of government.’

On 25 January, vote ‘1’ for DAVID WILSON and elect a hard working Labour Councillor for Dunblane & Bridge of Allan

David Wilson 1 and Scottish labour logo

Stirling Council Labour Group Leader, Councillor Chris Kane, says,

David has an impressive track record delivering local services, championing environmental and climate issues and a passionate belief in improving the life chances of people of all ages. He will be an excellent addition to the Labour Group on Stirling Council and a strong voice for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.’

You can get in touch with David online at www.stirlinglabour.org, via Twitter @labourstirling and facebook.com/stirlinglabour.

The by-election was caused by the resignation of a Tory Councillor and will be held on 25th January, 2024.

(Promoted by Sean Austin on behalf of David Wilson, both at ‘Mo Dhachaidh’, Park Avenue, Gartmore, FK8 3RL)

 

Scottish Labour select local government worker David Wilson to fight Dunblane and Bridge of Allan by-election

Stirling Council Labour candidate David WilsonStirling Labour have selected Local Government worker David Wilson as their candidate in the Dunblane and Bridge of Allan by-election.   David knows how crucial Local Government is to our communities and our wellbeing.  As an elected Trade Union Officer for UNISON, David also knows how important it is to defend the staff and protect their employment rights that underpin the quality of those services.

David says, ‘I’m delighted to have been selected to stand in this election and if elected I promise to be a listening councillor who will always put the priorities of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan first at the council.  I will work hard to help all residents and ensure a fair share of resources are spent in the ward.  My focus will be on education, the environment, improving our town centres and protecting local services and standing up for workers’ rights.’  

 ‘It is vital that our children receive the best start in life, with more apprenticeships being rolled out to ensure we have the workforce skills to grow our local economy and businesses.  I believe thriving town centres are vital to the wellbeing of local communities and I will engage with all stakeholders to protect and develop the heart of Bridge of Allan and Dunblane.  I believe our environment needs our help, which is why I’ve campaigned for biodiversity in our green spaces and against new incineration plants for household residual waste’. 

David has been active in raising funds for welfare schemes through his trade union and has a focus on helping people who are facing daily challenges with food and fuel poverty.

Stirling Councillor Chris Kane Stirling Council Labour Group Leader Chris Kane says, ‘David has an impressive track record in championing environmental and climate issues, in defending the rights of local government workers and a passionate belief in the need to work hard to improve the life chances for people of all ages.  He will be an excellent addition to the Labour Group on Stirling Council and a true champion for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan.’ 

Away from politics, David is a keen road cyclist and hill walker who supports better access and biodiversity in our green spaces, especially around the Dunblane and Bridge of Allan ward.

You can get in touch with David online at www.stirlinglabour.org, via twitter @labourstirling and facebook.com/stirlinglabour.

Read our “Manifesto for Stirling 2022-2027″

We’re excited to publish our “Manifesto for Stirling 2022-2027”, setting out what Labour Councillors will look to achieve over the next term of Stirling Council.

Download:  Labour manifesto for Stirling 2022 to 2027

Above everything else, Labour Councillors will focus on addressing the Cost of Living crisis and improving our quality of life by providing local services that meet our needs.

Labour Group Leader, Councillor Chris Kane, says,

Chris Kane with vote Scottish labour sign at Stirling Castle“There is a severe cost of living crisis which affects everyone in our communities, cutting the quality of life for most families and dragging more people into severe poverty.  It is Labour’s primary mission to do all we can to lift people and communities out of poverty by using every power we have to improve the lives of those living in challenging circumstances.  We must work hard and work together to build a Stirling which is safe and thriving and offers opportunities for all, with local services that meet our needs and improve our quality of life.  I would encourage everybody to read our Manifesto for Stirling and vote for hard-working Labour councillors on 5th May.”

Stirling Labour’s Manifesto sets out our Priorities for Action in Stirling. It is organised around our key pledges setting out the actions which we will pursue throughout the term of the next Council.  Among the commitments are:

Safe and thriving communities: with good street lighting and safe walking routes, access to libraries, sports facilities and cultural experiences. Well-maintained parks, roads and pathways, allotments and community gardens.

Children and Young People:  access to high quality childcare and schools which are well resourced and give your children the best start in life.

Housing:  affordable new build and regeneration schemes with a focus on modernisation and upgrading, insulation and carbon neutral electricity generation.

Transport:  an integrated transport system for every community that is run for public good and not private profit.

Economic recovery, jobs & regeneration: a strong focus on the recovery of the local economy that will prioritise well-paying secure jobs.  Encourage local job creation. Develop community wealth building strategies.  Promote business models that support wellbeing.  Recognise the contribution of our public sector key workers.

Download a copy of our Manifesto for Stirling:  Labour manifesto for Stirling 2022 to 2027

Our candidates (l-r): Ewan Dillon (Dunblane and Bridge of Allan), Josh Hamilton (Trossachs and Teith), Margaret Brisley (Bannockburn, Chris Kane (Stirling East), Jen Preston (Stirling West), Danny Gibson (Stirling North), Gerry McGarvey (Forth and Endrick
Our candidates (l-r): Ewan Dillon (Dunblane and Bridge of Allan), Josh Hamilton (Trossachs and Teith), Margaret Brisley (Bannockburn, Chris Kane (Stirling East), Jen Preston (Stirling West), Danny Gibson (Stirling North), Gerry McGarvey (Forth and Endrick

Meet Labour’s Candidates for 2022 Stirling Council Elections

The Stirling Constituency Labour Party are fielding candidates in all seven wards at the Stirling Council elections in May 2022. Find out more about our candidates below:

Ward 1: Trossachs and Teith – vote ‘1’ for JOSH HAMILTON

26 year old Josh Hamilton is a retail worker who has lived in Stirling all of his life.  Click here to find out more about Josh and his priorities for the communities of Trossachs and Teith

 

 

Ward 2: Forth and Endrick – vote ‘1’ for GERRY MCGARVEY

Gerry McGarvey has lived in West Stirlingshire for 15 years.  He’s already active within his community where he’s a community councillor and a Trustee on his local Community Development Trust.  Click here to learn more about Gerry and his priorities for the communities of Forth and Endrick

 

 

Ward 3: Dunblane and Bridge of Allan – vote ‘1’ for EWAN DILLON

Former Dunblane High pupil Ewan Dillon volunteers with the Dunblane Centre and represented Stirling as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.  A seasoned campaigner ready to make a significant contribution for everyone and be a strong voice for young people.  Click here to find out more about Ewan and his priorities for the communities of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan

 

Ward 4: Stirling North – vote ‘1’ for Danny Gibson

Danny Gibson has been a Stirling Councillor since 2012.  He Lives in Riverside with his wife and two children.  Danny is a graduate of Stirling University and is also standing at the Co-operative Party candidate in Stirling.  Click here to find out more about Danny and his priorities for the communities of Stirling North.

 

Ward 5: Stirling West – vote ‘1’ for JEN PRESTON

Jen Preston is a public sector worker and a former member of Borestone Community Council.  Jen has a strong interest in pushing good quality, affordable housing of the right type in the right places.  Click here to find out more about Jen and her priorities for the communities of Stirling West.

 

 

Ward 6: Stirling East – vote ‘1’ for Chris Kane

Chris Kane has been a Stirling Councillor since 2017 and is the current Depute Leader of Stirling Council.  Chris lives in Braehead with his wife and two children.  A Stirling University Graduate, Chris is also a former Stirling Observer columnist and Central FM presenter.  Click here to find out more about Chris and his priorities for the communities of Stirling East.

 

Ward 7: Bannockburn – vote ‘1’ for Margaret Brisley

Margaret Brisley has represented Bannockburn Ward since 2007, but has served as a councillor for 40 years.  Margaret’s experience and her commitment to her constituents is second to none.  Click here to find out more about Margaret and her priorities for Bannockburn and the Eastern Villages.

Courts AGREE with SNP Government: Fracking NOT currently banned in Scotland

Commenting on the news that fracking is not currently banned in Scotland, Stirling Council’s Environment Spokesperson Cllr Danny Gibson says,

Danny Gibson“In both the current Stirling Council Administration and the previous one, Labour’s environmental policies have made Stirling one of the greenest in the UK.  Labour have invested in low-energy LED streetlights.  Labour are generating power from solar panels on council buildings and council homes.  Labour have helped reduce energy bills by installing insulation measures in council homes and helping the private homes that need it the most.  Labour have ensured Stirling recycles over 55% of its rubbish, one of the highest rates in the country.  Our climate can’t stand another fossil fuel and our communities don’t need the risks associated with fracking.” 

“Fracking was a key issue for voters across Stirling in recent elections.  People can clearly see now that what the SNP Government say on the campaign trail and what they say in the courts are two completely different things.”  

“We need real leadership on this issue and if the SNP Government won’t provide it, Labour will.”

This story relates to our 2017 Stirling Council Manifesto commitment:

  •  We will use all of the tools at our disposal to stop fracking in Stirling and use all of the influence we can bring to bear to ensure a national ban on fracking.

Airthrey Kerse Planning Appeal REJECTED

Commenting on the news that Scottish Government Ministers have refused a planning appeal that would have allowed 600 homes on land at Airthrey Kerse, Stirling North Labour Councillor Danny Gibson, who represents Causewayhead, Cornton and Stirling University, said,

Danny Gibson “I would say we’ve been holding our breath hoping the Scottish Government would make the right decision, but we’d have been holding it for 382 days.  That’s how long it took between the Scottish Government’s planning and environment appeals division making a recommendation to Scottish Ministers to refuse the appeal, and Ministers getting around to agreeing with them.   This is a victory for local communities who did not support this application and a vindication of Stirling Council’s 2016 decision to refuse planning permission. It is also an indictment of the current national planning procedures, which allow a minority SNP Government to keep communities cruelly hanging on for decisions seemingly on the whim of Ministers.”

This story relates to our 2017 Stirling Council Manifesto Commitment:

  • We will put pressure on the Scottish Government to overhaul the planning system to put more power in the hands of our local communities, not the hands of developers or distant government bureaucrats

Clothing & Footwear grant set to rise significantly for low income families

schooluniformNearly 1500 children across Stirling are set to benefit from a Labour Councillor’s work on a key Stirling Council poverty fund.  From August, children will be eligible for £130 School Clothing and Footwear grant – which research suggests is the cost faced by parents ahead of a new school year.

Stirling Council has a statutory responsibility to help children from families who need financial support with footwear and clothing for school.   COSLA recently agreed to a Scottish Government proposal to fund a national minimum contribution of £100 per child.  A report to Stirling’s Finance & Economy committee this week  recommended this amount be adopted immediately, with £50 coming from the Scottish Government and £50 from Stirling Council.

However, Labour’s Economy spokesperson Margaret Brisley, tabled an amendment calling for the amount to rise to £130 per child.

Margaret explained,

IMGP0497“Research from the Poverty Truth Commission suggests the current cost of clothing a child for school is £129.50, and that is with shopping at supermarkets and bargain stores.    The cost of school uniforms is leaving many children in low income families at risk of bullying and embarrassment because they are sent to school in ill-fitting clothes, or in clothes which don’t meet the dress code. If we are serious about closing the attainment gap and tackling child poverty, then we need to explore every option to get families the help many so desperately need.    This isn’t about blazers and ties, this is about ensuring our children can concentrate on learning rather than what their peers are thinking about them.  This is ensuring parents don’t have to prioritise between gym shoes and pencil cases.  This is about ensuring our policies work for the many, not the few, and target those who need our help the most.”

Margaret’s amendment was accepted, meaning those families who need it will receive the funding in time to prepare for the school year starting in August.

Margaret added,

“I would encourage any family who is struggling to check if you are eligible for this grant and to fill in the application form as soon as possible”

Last year Stirling Council gave 1499 children across the district footwear and clothing grants.  Labour’s proposal to set the amount at £130 per child is expected cost £44,970 per year.

This story relates to our 2017 Stirling Council Manifesto Commitments:  

  • we will poverty proof the school day, ensuring every child has the support they need to learn.

UPDATED: Labour councillors vote for “gold standard” in paternity leave at Stirling Council

**Update 14/06/18 – the motion was carried at the meeting of the Finance and Economy Committee and will become Council policy. 

In 2012, Labour ensured that Stirling Council was one of the first in Scotland to pay its staff the Living Wage.  In 2015, Labour ensured that Stirling Council set standards again by becoming an Accredited Living Wage Employer.  In 2018, Labour will again lead the way by voting for Stirling Council to introduce one of the most family friendly paternity leave standards in Scotland.

Currently staff are entitled to one week on full pay and one week on statutory paternity pay, which is currently £145.18.  Currently, almost a third of eligible council employees don’t take the second week, with many citing financial pressures as their reason for returning to work.

The new proposal, to be debated at the Finance & Economy Committee on Thursday would see new dads entitled to four weeks of paternity leave on full pay, to be taken during the first year after their child is born. Labour’s 2017 General Election manifesto contained a commitment to “double paid parternity leave to to four weeks and increase paternity pay – because fathers are parents too and deserve to spend more time with their new babies.”

Labour’s Finance Spokesperson, and Convenor of the Finance & Economy Committee, Councillor Margaret Brisley says,

IMGP0497I’m proud that Labour is leading this charge on Stirling Council to give new dads every opportunity to play a pivotal role in the critically formative first weeks and months of their children’s lives.  Various international studies have found a link between longer paternity leave and greater involvement of fathers in the early lives of their children, greater well being for mums, reduced incidence of postnatal depression in both mums and dads, better outcomes for children and an increased sharing of household work.  By taking away a little of  the financial pressures, Labour want to ensure that mums and dads can share in both the joy and the work that comes with a new addition to their family.  I hope by adopting this proposal that it sends a message to other employers that they should also consider putting in place similar methods in their businesses.”

In the proposal to the Finance & Economy Committee, it says “if adopted, it would place Stirling Council in a gold standard position in relation to the paternity leave terms and conditions available to employees.”

This story relates to our 2017 Stirling Council Manifesto Commitment:  

  • “we will lead the way by ensuring that Stirling Council sets the standard we want all organisations to aspire to”

Stirling Labour Councillors welcome first moves towards possible rent pressure zone for Stirling City Centre.

Stirling Council have approved plans to begin to gather evidence on the need for a rent pressure zone in Stirling City Centre.

The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 introduced the new Private Residential tenancy for all new tenancies created after 1 December 2017.  The Act included a new provision for a local authority to make application to Scottish Ministers for the designation of Rent Pressure Zones.

Rent Pressure Zones may be necessary if rents begin to rise to fast and to far in any given community, causing undue hardship to tenants.

Stirling Labour’s Environment and Housing spokesperson, Cllr Danny Gibson, said,

IMGP9286 (1)“A rent pressure zone doesn’t stop rents rising, it simply limits the rate and amount by which they can rise in any given year.  As a ward councillor for the city centre, I hear anecdotal evidence from tenants about steep rent rises and I see genuine fear about being able to afford to stay in their current home in the future.   What we’ve done at committee is to try and take the guess work out of the picture and begin to gather evidence on what is happening in the rental market in Stirling.”

“Stirling has plenty of landlords who work in partnership with their tenants and I want to ensure that continues.  However, landlords who don’t want to live up to their responsibilities with repairs, or squeeze as much out of people’s pockets as they can, should take note that we’re watching them and we will ensure that tenants are treated fairly now and in the future.”

Scottish Labour has made reforming housing a priority and recently unveiled plans for a “Mary Barbour” law, which would limit rent rises with a link to wages and ensure that they are affordable, as well as ensure that all private rented properties meet proper standards for health, safety and energy efficiency.

This story relates to our 2017 Stirling Council Manifesto Commitments:  

  • We will ensure tenants are always put first and that landlords live up to their obligations.

Stirling Labour invests in Playparks across the District

At the recent meeting of Stirling’s Environment and Housing Committee, Stirling Labour Councillors voted to approve a quarter of a million pound investment in playparks across the district.

Labour’s Environment and Housing Spokesperson, and Deputy Convenor of the Environment and Housing Committee, Danny Gibson, said:

IMGP9286 (1)“In our 2017 Stirling Council manifesto, Labour promised to invest in our playparks and I’m delighted that this year we’re spending £250,000 in replacing equipment in 22 parks across all seven council wards.  From a £20,000 multiclimber in Church Park in Cowie to £13,000 for a roundabout and Trimtrail in Riverside, these investments will make a real difference to children and families using our popular neighbourhood parks. As a dad with young kids myself I regularly see just how well used our parks are and I know how important this investment is.”

This story relates to our 2017 Stirling Council Manifesto Commitment:  

  • we will invest in new equipment for playparks.