International Travel update
Following a meeting today of UK Government Ministers it has been agreed to introduce a new travel framework, simplifying the current process.
Following a meeting today of UK Government Ministers it has been agreed to introduce a new travel framework, simplifying the current process.
As residents will be aware, I welcomed the final abolition of parking charges at Ninewells Hospital, having campaigned against them for many years.
The charges have acted as a tax on ill-health – as Ninewells is a hospital serving a large region and for many patients and visitors, particularly from outwith Dundee, public transport options to Ninewells are often limited or non-existent.
Additionally, however, the charges have resulted in many vehicles parked on adjacent residential streets.
Scottish Government made a promise to abolish all hospital parking charges back in 2007. It may have come 14 years late, but the decision to not reimpose charges after their initially temporary suspension due to the COVID health emergency, is welcome.
I did raise a number of questions with the Head of Soft Facilities at NHS Tayside as follows :
1. That there will still be an enforcement presence within the hospital grounds/car parks?
2. How NHS Tayside will try to ensure no further spillage of vehicles onto adjacent streets?
3. Question 2 above really arises from staff member concerns about what they perceive to be inadequate staff spaces. Can you give reassurance on capacity for NHS Tayside staff at Ninewells going forward?
The Department of Justice (DoJ) today published ‘The Northern Ireland Prison Population 2020/21’ report. It is a National Statistics Publication.
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots is looking forward to this year’s Balmoral Show, which will showcase the very best of Northern Ireland’s agri-food and rural sectors.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has launched a targeted consultation on a taxi fares review as part of her ongoing plans to assist the taxi industry as they rebuild following the Covid restrictions.