Policies the SNP have promised and CAN implement
I've been doing a bit of brainstorming to determine what we can now to be delivered by the SNP Government based on three criteria:
I refer, of course, to petrol prices.
If you were to pile up all the press releases that have been issued on this matter by the SNP, you would undoubtedly need planning permission and a aircraft warning light on the top.
The solution is actually simple and most of the mechanism is already in place since it was devolved to Transport Scotland last year. The process [and my suggestions].
Some safeguards are necessary: any mainland red-lined areas would have to be carefully defined - using islands as a test area allows the problems to get ironed out; deliveries into drums would have to be limited to 50 litres; deliveries over 100 litres fully traceable; bus and marine fuel duty claims reduced accordingly.
What's stopping this happening; and I hope our MSP is busy lobbying for this, rather than just waiting to praise whatever list of promises is presented to the Parliament.
It isn't difficult, and isn't hugely expensive, so there can be no excuses for non-delivery by the Government. Agreed?
- It was as SNP promise or aspiration before the election
- It can be delivered under the current powers, and
- It is a sensible policy, rather than just grandstanding
I refer, of course, to petrol prices.
If you were to pile up all the press releases that have been issued on this matter by the SNP, you would undoubtedly need planning permission and a aircraft warning light on the top.
The solution is actually simple and most of the mechanism is already in place since it was devolved to Transport Scotland last year. The process [and my suggestions].
- Designate the areas to benefit from price reductions [all the islands]
- Determine the price reduction for the coming year [50p/litre]
- All petrol stations in the designated areas claim a rebate from Transport Scotland based on litres delivered [quarterly, like Bus Service Operators Grant]
Some safeguards are necessary: any mainland red-lined areas would have to be carefully defined - using islands as a test area allows the problems to get ironed out; deliveries into drums would have to be limited to 50 litres; deliveries over 100 litres fully traceable; bus and marine fuel duty claims reduced accordingly.
What's stopping this happening; and I hope our MSP is busy lobbying for this, rather than just waiting to praise whatever list of promises is presented to the Parliament.
It isn't difficult, and isn't hugely expensive, so there can be no excuses for non-delivery by the Government. Agreed?
3 comments:
I'm not quite sure why someone living in Stornoway deserves a discount on petrol any more than someone living in Gairloch for instance.
Where did the 50p figure come from??
How about ensuring that the ADS is (legitimately) available to help the business community?
I would like to nominate Broadband.
On this esteemed site alone, not are there numerous postings but comments a plenty on the subject. Even when the post has nothing to do with broadband, someone feels the need to raise a gripe about it. And rightly so. I have access to BT broadband which delivers 500kbps. More than some people but not sufficient. However it has been reliable, thus far. I don't run a business at home but do work remotely. Whilst what I have in terms of broadband reliability is okay, it is slow at times and it is limited in what I can transmit in terms of quality images etc.
In 2011 it can't be that difficult to provide everyone in the Western Isles with a high speed, reliable link?
You're spot on the money Angus:
The Treasury, Dr Allan continued, need to re-examine the way in which fuel is taxed and how that tax is passed onto ordinary motorists in Scotland’s most remote communities, because the current price regime is unsustainable.
“In areas like the Western Isles, fuel at a reasonable price is not just a luxury, it is a lifeline, and people need to get to work, to be able to shop, and to fuel their fishing boats,”
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When will he ask Edinburgh to do something, now they have the power to?
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