It's time for a windfall tax on energy companies to help OAPs

Oct 6 2008 by Hugh Henry MSP, Paisley Daily Express

I WAS pleased to join with Energy Action Scotland to celebrate 25 years of campaigning for warm, dry homes.

We have made huge progress in Scotland with new homes built to better insulation standards.

We continue to invest in central heating systems for pensioners, despite the means testing introduced by the SNP.

And I welcome the announcement from the UK Government that more will be spent in insulation projects, particularly for the elderly.

But I can't help feeling the cash rich energy companies are being let off the hook. Will the money they invest in insulation be offset to reduce their tax liability?

I still believe we should have introduced a windfall tax on these companies with the money used for a hardship fund to help those who will struggle to pay bills this winter. It's right to invest in insulation to reduce future bills, but what about those who can't afford to pay their current bills?

CRIME FIGURES DOWN

THE latest figures show that almost 34,000 fewer crimes were recorded in Scotland last year.

Crime is at its lowest level for almost a quarter of a century.

The figures for 2007/08 follow a number of measures introduced by the Labour-led Executive.

From 2003 to 2007, myself and Cathy Jamieson introduced a number of measures on crime and anti-social behaviour.

We were often criticised for this tough approach, but the latest figures justify our actions.

Decent people need to know that the law is there to protect them. I hope the pressure is kept up on the criminal minority.

VIOLENT OFFENDERS

ON the same subject, I was pleased to read in the Express of action by Strathclyde Police against those with outstanding warrants for violent crime.

There is nothing more frustrating for victims than to see their attacker convicted but nothing happening.

Strathclyde Police are right to crack down on those who have ignored court warrants.

Why should they be allowed to flout the law?

Victims need to know that court decisions will be enforced, and I hope we see more of this type of police activity.

FINANCIAL MELTDOWN

THE turmoil in the world financial markets affects us all.

Pension funds are hit, taxpayers are asked to bail out banks, and unemployment will rise.

Events have shown that we cannot isolate ourselves from events elsewhere.

Last week it was reported that Ireland is the first country in the Euro zone to go into recession. Will Ireland still be held up as the model for Scotland to follow?

And how did all this happen?

There is no doubt that greed and bad practice have led to much of the current difficulties.

We are suffering because of the lax regulation from George Bush in America.

But let's not kid ourselves on.

City slickers did well when Margaret Thatcher deregulated the markets. They were happy to take millions in bonuses as they played fast and loose with our money.

And what do we hear now from these champions of the free market who don't want any state interference? Why of course, taxpayers, through the state, have to bail out these banks and financiers. The free market is ok only when they make money. We have to bail them out when they make a mess.

It's time for tighter regulation, action against the speculators and an assurance that taxpayers will be repaid when stability returns.

We can't leave our future to the wheelers and dealers who have caused misery and mayhem.

Oh, and incidentally is it just a coincidence that many of the hedge funds which speculate so irresponsibly, happen to fund the Conservative Party?

JOHNSTONE SUCCESS

CONGRATULATIONS to Claire Morrison, whose painting from her art portfolio at Johnstone High will be on display in Edinburgh.

Claire is one of a group of talented young Scots whose art work can stand comparison with the best.

Well done to Claire and all who supported her at Johnstone High.