Media Briefings - Sep 18, 2001
The First Minister's Press Secretary opened by saying
that Cabinet met today and discussed many issues of
importance to the people of Scotland. He then highlighted
three topical issues:
- First Minister and Social Justice Minister Jackie
Baillie had today announced the new debt arrangements
for housing stock transfer. These would provide a
massive boost and were being done for the benefit of
tenants.
- First Minister and Deputy Minister for Sport, the
Arts and Culture Allan Wilson had commented on the
Rangers UEFA Cup situation.
- The SNP had issued a news release on the Care
Development Group claiming that the Executive has only
allocated £25 million over three years and that the
sums did not add up. The FMPS said the news release was
wrong - it was £25 million a year. The Executive had
always said its plans for long-term care can be
financed and the sums do add up.
Asked further on long-term care, the FMPS stressed that
the Executive had always said it was able to meet its
promises and commitments from within existing budgets - and
that included free personal care. There had been contact
between Executive officials and their Whitehall colleagues
- it would be extraordinary if there hadn't been. There is
cross-over between the benefits system and what can be done
under Devolution. Asked which Department would take the
lead, the FMPS said that the Care Development Group had a
clear view of how it sees things, and their view would be
forthcoming soon. Asked when the Executive will respond to
the group, the FMPS said it was hoped that there will be a
statement fairly soon.
On housing stock transfer, it was asked why the debt
can't be cleared with the housing remaining under council
control. The FMPS replied that it was part of a package -
part of a strategy aimed at improving the lives of
thousands of tenants. Glasgow City Council will be relieved
of their debt. Asked why Jackie Baillie had been absent on
this important issue, the FMPS said that was quite simply
wrong.
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