This week I:
Monday: I met with EDI to discuss updates on the Brunstane development and a number of other planning proposals.
Tuesday: I attended a meeting for the Economy, Jobs, and Fair Work Committee.
Wednesday: I attended a meeting for the Finance and Constitution Committee. In this monumental meeting, we approved the second stage of the budget, the first time a budget has ever included tax raising powers. In Chambers, I pressed the Tories to condemn Job Centre Closures after Ruth Davison fails to. I also met with the SNP with the Commission on Parliamentary Reform.
Thursday: I spoke at the Standards, Procedures, and Public Appointments Committee to advocate for a Cross-Party Group on Commercial Sexual Exploitation. See the proposal here. I also dropped in to support the League Against Cruel Sports.
I met with Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution Derek MacKay and was reassured the Scottish Government has done everything in its power to ensure fair business rates. Mr. MacKay reinforced the business rate under control of the Scottish Government is the poundage, which is being reduced by 3.7%. This is in addition to the expansion of the small business bonus scheme, which will exempt 100,000 new small businesses from rates altogether. Reevaluation assessments are done independent of the Scottish Government.
Friday: I held a surgery at my constituency office.
