Parliament
Today I contributed to a debate on the housing emergency facing both Scotland and the UK.
A partnership approach to tackle this issue will be vital. We will also require the reversal of the slashing of Scotland's capital budget by the UK Labour Government if we are to do all we can.
At First Minister's question's today I asked the Scottish Government about plans to improve the planning and consenting regime for renewable energy generation in order to support our journey to net zero. In particular I asked about how we can help decarbonise the construction sector which accounts for 40% of emissions.
As part of an on-going campaing to tackle the misuse of Off-Road Vehciles - such as Quad Bikes - I led a Members Business debate in the Scottish Parliament. During the debate, I welcomed the support from MSPs from other parties. This truly is an issue that impacts people all over Scotland.
As part of this I, along with Councillor Allan Gow, have written to the UK Government given the fact much of what is needed is reserved to Westminster. I hope to work in partnership with the UK Government on this matter.
I spoke in a Scottish Parliament debate on Child Poverty today.
That poverty may be far lower in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK due to positive action taken by the SNP Scottish Government.
However, it is still too high.
UK austerity cuts - Labour and Tory- hold back that progress
Canal ward - which covers Possil and Milton, had the highest level of spoilt ballot papers in the Local Authority elections in 2022. It also has one of the lowest turnouts.
I have once again contacted Police Scotland regarding the dangers of the misuse of ‘off-road’ vehicles in our constituency. I acknowledge that some users are responsible, but unfortunately, others are not. I raised the matter with the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament to see how we can support Police Scotland and others to promote responsible usage, as well as take whatever enforcement action is possible.
It is deeply concerning to hear of the rising surge in cases of whooping cough and the tragic deaths of 5 babies in England. I raised this matter with the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament. Worryingly, uptake in infant vaccinations appears to have fallen in recent times. Babies in the most deprived areas – including here in Maryhill and Springburn – are less likely to be vaccinated.
The trial which has seen the removal of peak time fares being removed from ScotRail has been a huge success. It helps with commutes to work, getting out and about, visits to family and much more. It has also helped make journeys across Scotland more affordable for constituents. So when rail travel elsewhere in Scotland was raised in Parliament, I sought to make just that point. For those that can, I would encourage constituents to use our rail network to see what Scotland has to offer.
It is welcome news that passengers have, on average, seen a saving of 20% on travel costs.
I know the Scottish Government is reviewing the success of this trial, and I look forward to finding out if this can be supported further.
Recently, the Scottish Parliament debated the “Fair Fares Review” (you can read this at https://www.transport.gov.scot/our-approach/strategy/fair-fares-review).
office@bob-doris.scot 
Bob Doris MSP, Maryhill Burgh Halls, 24 Gairbraid Avenue, Maryhill, Glasgow, G20 8YE