In Brief: In her own words Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch candidate Kate Forbes addresses some of the key problems faced by the constituency ranging from fuel poverty to transport
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On the eve of the Scottish Parliamentary elections, the SNP's Kate Forbes offers her answers – in brief – to some of the most significant issues facing the north ranging from fuel poverty to delivering healthcare after the pandemic to the housing crisis that is de-populating many areas and the problem of transport.
Kate Forbes:
Fuel Poverty:
“Over the last few years the SNP have invested heavily in tackling fuel poverty, by improving the energy efficiency of homes and putting money into people’s pockets. Two years ago, the SNP passed a bill to tackle the root causes of poverty.
“The Bill ensures that by 2040 no more than five per cent of households in Scotland will be in fuel poverty. Beyond that, we are investing in more housing, increasing investment in energy efficiency and doubling the Scottish child payment so that no child lives in poverty.”
Healthcare:
“My fundamental approach to healthcare is that as many services as possible should be delivered as locally as possible. That means that our rural general hospitals, in Fort William or Skye, or our other local hospitals, like the Ross Memorial in Dingwall, should be bolstered with clinical staff and equipment to care for general healthcare needs.
“However, I do also recognise that certain acute services can only be delivered by specialists working in hubs. I think that local and regional hospitals and surgeries need to work very closely together. Some have described it as a ‘hub and spoke’ model so that the need to travel is reduced unless essential.”
Housing:
"Firstly, continuing to increase the supply of affordable homes is vital. You can see these homes in places like Dingwall, which have brought new families into the area. Secondly, I would do more to disincentivise second home ownership. We introduced the Additional Dwelling Supplement a few years ago, which is a surcharge on the purchase of a second home.
"Thirdly, I would put a 'rural burden' on far more homes, which prohibits the sale of a property for profit or to people who are not working and living locally. Lastly, all of this has got to go hand in hand with rural jobs. The SNP has announced that we will create a Rural Entrepreneur Fund if re-elected, that provides specific financial support to entrepreneurs in the Highlands."
Transport:
“On buses, we want to reduce fares for young people, and will deliver free bus travel to under 22s so that it is cost effective, especially in the Highlands, for them to get to college or work. We’ll also invest over £500 million to improve bus infrastructure, including establishing a Community Bus Fund to support new bus services in local communities – particularly useful in the Highlands.
“As for trains, we will take ScotRail into public ownership. The current franchise expires in about March 2022, and the current system is no longer fit for purpose. Last, but not least, is active travel – enabling more people to walk and cycle. We will provide bikes for young people who can’t afford one to help them get fit and healthy, as well as making funding available to local government to create spaces for active travel.”
Read more of our election coverage here
