Holyrood Election Manifesto 2011 SOLIDARITY WITH THE SSP!

“I am very pleased to support the elderly, a good education independent campaign of the SSP in the coming of private interests, a fully funded election. health service, decent housing - these All across Europe people are finding are not unreasonable demands. But their jobs threatened, wages and now they are revolutionary. The benefits cu t and the quality of life system cannot allow them. Which reduced. The great public institutions other party, to take but one example, that have been built by past now calls for full employment? generations are now to be Scotland has a long history of dismembered, sold off, privatised. radical struggle, like the great cities Blaming the bankers is not an of England. We should show solidarity adequate response. Socialists know with those around the world who fight that it is not individual greed but the for justice, peace and the rule of law. very system itself that generates these Socialism is the heart of that. A disasters. Private corporations and strong vote for the SSP would be the banks will always put profit before best news for ordinary people people, otherwise they would not keep wherever they live. And it would be up with their competitors. brilliant for Scotland - you might find Only a party that starts from the some of us were coming to work here independent interests of working even more than we do now!” people can begin to redress the balance. A secure job, care for the - Ken Loach 2 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 CONTENTS

Pages 4&5 - INTRODUCTION: Open The Doors! Light of the day, shine in; light of the mind, shine out! Page 6 - ECONOMIC CRISIS: There is an alternative! Pages 7&8 - SOCIALIST ALTERNATIVE TO CUTS: Make the rich pay! Page 9 - INDEPENDENCE: For An Independent Socialist Scotland! Pages 10-20 - SSP POLICIES: Poverty and Wealth, Jobs and Workers Rights (page10), Privatisation and Social Ownership, Safer Communities (page11), General Health, The NHS (page12), Additional Health Needs, Care and Support of Elderly People, Carers’ Rights, Higher and Further Education (page13), Schools, Special Education, Transport (page14), Housing, Sport Culture and Entertainment (page15), Local Government, The Voluntary Sector, Energy, Pollution and the Environment (page16), Land and Rural Regeneration (page17), Animal Welfare, Women’s Rights, Youth Rights, Disabled People’s Rights (page18), Elderly People’s Rights, LGBT Rights (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual), Racism and Sectarianism (page19), War and Peace, International Solidarity (page20). HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 3 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 INTRODUCTION OPEN THE DOORS! Light of the day, shine in; light of the mind, shine out!

WHEN the late Edwin Morgan wrote this arms- wide opener, the Scottish Parliament was a minor, the new building reeked of fresh paint and nervy optimism, and the impacted earth of British politics, north of the border at least, was in the process of being turned over, ready to be sown with new seeds. Fast forward a few years and where are we? The politics of Westminster are more entrenched than ever, and the radical elements in Holyrood seem scattered to the winds. People don't talk about better things anymore, like good, free food for schoolchildren, Scottish independence, the dismantling of nuclear weapons; they just talk about how bad things are, and wonder how they'll cope if things continue to deteriorate. And while we're scrabbling to make ends meet, those distant beings at the very peak of the economic pile are finding new ways to screw us ever harder, to make us pay for what we already own, to dodge tax and pare profit from a bone. flights of the imagination. 'realist' who tells you we money used to bail them out, This is a frozen spring, The spirit of open doors must all share the pain. that brought us to this progress dead in the ground, and shining light has been Why must we? impasse. lifeline services and public well and truly petrified by We didn't cause this crisis. That, and a global infrastructure cold to the austerity. It's not down to extravagant economic system that pushes touch, optimism iced over. But, you know what? public spending and civil for ever-increasing Surely this is the time to There's never been a better service tea breaks. profit, whether that cast a safe vote, to kick out time to strike a light in the It was the overheated delivers enough food to feed at the Tories, not that they'll darkness, and use your vote housing market, the us, enough homes to house even feel it, and return the to return a Scottish Socialist subsequent near-collapse of us, enough jobs for us to live devil we know. to the Scottish Parliament, the banks, followed by the by, or not. Not a time for risks, or rather than a hand-wringing stupendous sums of public In fact, while millions go 4 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 INTRODUCTION

without the basic things in government to strip the need it, and it creates jobs The future cannot be life, such as clean water, welfare state. and training, it holds grown from starved soil and shelter and medicine, If you think this sounds communities together and it stayed hands. avalanches of unwanted, like a con trick, then join the supports families. Nor can it be created unused goods pile up in queue. Or even better, join We should be raising the behind closed doors. warehouses, in landfill and us. minimum wage, because we The future is ours if we in aid parcels that no one The SSP is built on social can afford to do this, through make it so, and we ask you can use; wonderbras, film solidarity and the spirit of cutbacks in the defence to join us and to support us merchandise, gadgets, the resistance to oppression, budget and the raising of in the fight for a better, accumulated detritus of a injustice and nasty con tricks taxes on the rich, and fairer, more light-filled consumer culture out of that strangle communities because it helps to build world. control. and people's lives. strong, local economies. This May, we are standing Meanwhile, fields of We don't have time for We should be holding onto on every regional list in spinach, mountains of hand-wringing. our schools and community Scotland. oranges, whole crops of We're out there, fighting halls, not closing them down We believe the world can potatoes, lie rotting, because the cutbacks, the hacking to like we were going out of be won, that we can live they're not up to bits of our hard-won health business. together as equals, and face supermarket scratch, or there service and public sector, the We should be feeding our the challenges of climate is a glut in the market, almost casual cancellation of children healthy, locally change, economic recession caused by the supermarket youth clubs, patient transport sourced food, not the and social uprising together, system getting its orders systems, teaching assistants nutritionally deficient rubbish fairly and sanely. wrong. and class size promises. cooked up by the lowest We will always hold that We're not just supposed to Life can be better than this. bidder. there is no justice without pay for this mess, we're We have the resources, the We should be investing in social justice, and that if we supposed to take know-how, we are just sustainable energy and a fully set our minds to it, another, responsibility for it too. lumbered with a government comprehensive, free public better world is not only It's us, you see, wanting that lacks the political will. transport system, not building possible, but impossible to too much, forcing the We can, and should, be nuclear power stations and resist. world's corporations to strip expanding the public sector, motorways and subsidising Come on, open the doors! the planet, and the domestic because more and more of us motorists at the petrol pump. Let the people in! 5 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 ECONOMIC CRISIS THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE THIS election is dominated by the economic cutbacks being imposed on Scotland by the Westminster government and the unwillingness of the Scottish Government to stand up against these cuts. The economy in Scotland was, for the last 20 years, built on banking and financial services. New Labour and the SNP trumpeted the ‘success’ of the big Scottish banks RBS and HBOS – seeing them as the future for the economy. All of this was built on sand. The economic growth produced by the banks was an illusion that was always going to collapse when the Instead, New Labour, the proposed scrapping the such as in Afghanistan and ‘get rich quick’ schemes they SNP and the Tory/LibDeml council tax and introducing Iraq, and rid ourselves of engaged in turned sour. coalition made the choice to an income-based tax based nuclear weapons. The money Those banks, egged on by cut public services, cut on the ability to pay. spent on killing would be New Labour and the SNP, pensions and cut benefit Under our proposals, 77 spent instead on building a had become greedier and levels to pay for the crisis. per cent of people would be better society. greedier, making money from The Scottish Socialist better off, but by taxing the The 2011 Scottish the poorest people in the UK Party has a different rich more we would raise Parliamentary election and across the world. approach. enough money to protect all presents a choice for the When the banks collapsed, We are on your side, not of our public services. people of Scotland. it was the UK government, the side of the rich and We would end the You could vote for Labour, borrowing billions of pounds powerful. scandalous practice of tax the SNP or Liberals – but on our behalf, which bailed We have fought beside you avoidance and tax evasion by their policy is to cut public them out. to save you schools, to save big business – a practice services in an attempt to This collapse of the banks your hospitals, to save your which is effectively theft repair the discredited created a crisis of capitalism: libraries and swimming from ordinary working capitalist system. If you get a a crisis caused by the greed of pools. people. chance, ask them how they the rich and powerful. We have opposed cuts to We would promote public would pay for their promises. An alternative response by pensions and benefits levels, ownership of services so that The truth is that they the government was possible and we have resisted in our economy would be run would make you pay by at the time of the banking communities across Scotland for the good of the people cutting your services or collapse, and this alternative the actions of Labour, SNP rather than for profit. We increasing your council tax. is still possible today. and Liberal councils who would introduce fair shares But you have a choice. The government could have implemented Tory cuts. for carbon, rapid You could vote for the choose to tax the rich and The Scottish Socialist improvement in housing Scottish Socialist Party. We powerful, the people that Party does more than just insulation and heating will provide a voice for you caused the crisis with their opposing cuts. systems and free public within parliament – fighting greed, to pay the debts. It We have an alternative transport to ensure that cuts and proposing could take the opportunity to plan that would allow us to Scotland plays its part in alternative funding rebuild the economy is a pay for all our public ensuring that climate chaos mechanisms which offer a sustainable way, designing services, create jobs and re- does not occur and realistic way of funding the economy to serve the orientate the economy protecting Scots from rising public services and creating needs of the people rather towards sustainability. electricity and gas prices. a sustainable economy to than the needs of big Scottish Socialist Party We would end spending on serve the needs of all of business. MSPs have in the past illegal and immoral wars, society. 6 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SOCIALIST ALTERNATIVE TO CUTS MAKE THE RICH PAY NEW figures that show how Scotland can be shielded from ConDem council cuts It’s the biggest political fraud since the Blair government fabricated dodgy documents to prove the existence of imaginary weapons of mass destruction. But in contrast to the impassioned debate over the Iraq war, the myth that savage cuts in jobs and services are unavoidable has been swallowed whole by the media and by opposition parties. So far, the debate Britain’s budget deficit has focused narrowly on the scale and tempo of the proposed cuts. No mainstream political party has presented any serious alternative. None have dared suggest that the solution to the debt financial year, it would have government hurriedly raised in the founding 16- crisis lies in raising revenues generated £3.4billion. cobbled together a fallback. point programme of the SSP rather than slashing This compares to the The Council Tax substituted back in late 1998. spending. Scottish Government’s a single flat payment for a Over the next few years, Now the Scottish Socialist projection for 2010-2011 of a new tax, based – like the old the detail of the policy was Party can reveal new figures total £1.8billion yield from rates system – on property. refined by economists from that show how Scotland the Council Tax – including, But the differential in Paisley University Business could avoid axing services, crucially Council Tax Council Tax bills between School. Based on the slashing jobs and cutting pay. benefits. the highest and lowest principle of progressive That means a Scottish valued properties was now taxation, the Scottish Service Research Service Tax, set at the rates just three to one, even Tax proposed a rising scale Our research – verified by suggested by the SSP, could though the gap in Scottish of tax bands based on accountants and economists raise up to £1.5billion extra salaries can reach 100 to one income. – shows that by replacing the for local jobs and services. and more. Under the latest version of Council Tax with a new Measured against the Poll the plan, all individual income-based Scottish Council Tax Tax, it was the lesser of two income would be taxed at the Service, with a sliding scale Under the old rates system, evils – the equivalent at the following rates: of payments based on which existed in Scotland time of a heavy smoker income, the Scottish until the end of the 1980s, switching from Capstan Full Under £10,000 – zero. Government could raise an the differential between the Strength to Silk Cut. £10k-£30,000 – 4.5 per cent additional £1.5billion a year. highest and the lowest bills But it is essentially a £30k-£50,000 – 10 per cent This stunning statistic is was 14 to 1. regressive Tory tax, designed £50k-£70,000 – 15 per cent based on the Inland The Poll Tax, introduced for the express purpose of £70k-£100,000 – 18 per cent Revenue’s own figures for by the Thatcher government protecting the wealthier Over £100,000 – 20 per cent. individual income in in 1989, abolished all social classes from paying Scotland during the financial differentials in favour of a their fair share of local taxes. In concrete terms, an year 2007-2008 (the latest flat rate, per capita, local tax. Scottish Service Tax individual earning £25,000 available). If the Scottish After the Poll Tax was The idea of a redistributive would pay an annual bill of Service Tax model had been swept away by a mass non- local tax system to replace £675 in Scottish Service Tax. implemented during that payment campaign, the Tory the Council Tax was first (continued on next page) 7 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SOCIALIST ALTERNATIVE TO CUTS

(continued from previous page) the same city faced a bill of This is because the first £1,169. As a percentage of £10,000 of their income her income, she had to pay would be exempt, and the 120 times more than Fred remaining income would be Goodwin, the banker who taxed at 4.5 per cent. managed to lose £24billion. Someone on £32,000 The Scottish Service Tax would pay a total bill of would redress the £1,100. The first £10,000 of incongruity of individuals on their income would be sky-high salaries paying a exempt; the next £20,000 pittance towards local would be taxed at £900; the services, while low paid final £2,000 would be taxed workers pay a sizeable chunk at £200 (i.e. 10 per cent). of their income. But most important of all, Surplus because of rising incomes at When it was first the top, the Scottish Service launched, and subsequently Tax now has the potential to updated, the Scottish Service turn the Scottish budget Tax model produced a deficit into a spectacular plead and demand that the local authority trade unions, modest surplus. surplus. Westminster Government tax COSLA and the STUC. Over time, incomes in the rich fairly and scrap Our goal would be to build Scotland rose substantially, Recession Trident to plug the deficit. a Scotland-wide united front especially at the upper levels. The recession of the past We might as well present a to stop the cuts by moving For example, in 1999-2000, two years has meant rising petition to the bronze statues towards a progressive system there were 60,000 people in unemployment and a drop in of Lloyd George and of local taxation. Scotland with an income real earnings for many low- Benjamin Disraeli in above £50,000 a year. By paid workers. Parliament Square. Sacrifices 2008-2009, this figured had But high inflation and a In Scotland, the balance of When the idea of Scottish tripled to 187,000. modest growth in overall forces is different. Out of a Service Tax was first As a result the total tax income levels – especially total of 129 MSPs, 93 publicly launched in 2000, it Scottish Service Tax yield on among higher earners – represent either the SNP or was an idea ahead of its incomes over £50,000 now means that the Scottish Labour, both of whose time. Most mainstream stands at over £2billion, Service Tax would raise even support base is strongly politicians ran scared of any compared to under more money next year than rooted in the public sector. policy that smacked of £600million in 1999-2000. in 2007-2008. With cross-party party wealth redistribution. Over the same period, Afair new local tax system support, a version of the The rich would flee the because of political pressure, would also help propel Scottish Service Tax could country, shrieked the Labour Council Tax rises were held Scotland out of recession by be implemented by the Party in a briefing document to a minimum, rising by less transferring idle cash from Scottish Parliament within a against the Scottish Service than one third during the wealthy bank accounts to the year. Tax. same period (even before the low paid. It would lead to a brain Council Tax freeze As a general rule people United Front drain, they warned: people introduced by the SNP on low incomes tend to For its part, the Scottish like Fred Goodwin and the Government). spend their money, while the Socialist Party has always other directors of HBOS and more prosperous tend to been prepared to cooperate RBS would be packing their Pittance hoard it. Thus, the Scottish with other parties and Mercs and speeding south Many people on lower Service Tax would provide independents to bring about down the A1 to avoid the incomes benefited. But one an vital stimulus to the wider progressive change. tax. It should’ve seemed like unfortunate side effect of the economy. Although the Scottish a great idea at the time… curb on Council Tax levels is Service Tax was developed Today, such touching that the wealthy now pay an Viable by the SSP and remains a concern for the welfare of increasingly paltry fraction The Scottish Service Tax flagship policy, the general the rich looks even more of their income in local offers a constructive and idea has attracted much tasteless. Everyone has to taxes. viable way forward. Those broader support. make sacrifices, say the In2007, for example, Fred who have opposed it in the Without demanding 100 politicians and the Goodwin, paid a Council Tax past should reconsider their per cent agreement on every economists. bill of just £2,338 out of his position in the light of the detail of the policy, the SSP If that’s the case, then let £4million income. changes of the past two would be prepared to open the biggest sacrifices be A basic grade nurse living years. up discussions with other made by those who can in a modest council house in At a UK level, we can political parties, councils, afford to tighten their belts. 8 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 INDEPENDENCE FOR AN INDEPENDENT SOCIALIST SCOTLAND THE Act of Union was a that lurk on the Clyde, and travesty from the moment it bring our troops safely home. was signed – a stitch-up We will fight to become a between the ruling classes of nation, a beacon, of peace, not two nations, designed to further an exploited outpost of the their own agenda and to hell dying British Empire. with the people. We will welcome people The intervening three fleeing oppression, war and hundred years have witnessed poverty, and offer them full no significant redress of this rights and a place in our society. democratic deficit. Scotland We will cherish our civil remains the short-changed liberties, not straitjacket them northern neighbour: a dumping with ID cards and Criminal ground for nuclear missiles yet Justice legislation. We will live with no say in defence policy; in real hope, not manufactured an underpopulated nation yet fear. with no say over immigration. We will look after our Scottish troops are still used workers, repealing Thatcher’s as the British state’s cannon anti-trade union laws and fodder. will continue to support the SNP are the pretenders to their delivering a fair minimum Scottish culture and history work of the Independence throne. wage for all, including those are still largely suppressed in Convention, whose role is to The SSP opposes the SNP’s under 21. our schools. promote the cause of increasingly pro-business vision We have a powerful vision Scottish votes and voices independence and to provide a of an independent Scotland, of the nation we can be, in continue to be drowned out, forum for all of the pro- which promises hundreds of which everyone has rights, and unheard. independence forces in millions of pounds in Corporate democracy is extended and The United Kingdom, this Scotland to discuss the road Tax cuts to big business. This extended, from proportional nominally multi-national forward. could only be achieved by representation in all elections creation, was, and remains, The SSP supports the call for plundering our public services. to participatory democracy nothing less than an a referendum on Scotland's The SSP is fighting for a forums at local level, where Anglocentric, centralist state future and we will fight for a different Scotland. neighbourhoods can vote on with all political power vested yes vote on independence. Instead of slashing corporate and veto the decisions that in the Crown and Westminster. We challenge the pro-Union taxes to the level of the Irish affect them. There is no doubting that parties to explain why, if they Republic, as the SNP propose, This is our world, and we many Scots on the make have are so confident that they we would slash military will fight tirelessly to bring it benefited from the Union. But represent the majority of the spending to Irish levels. into the hands of the people, to the people, the ordinary, Scottish people, they continue Scotland’s current share of the bring socialism into being. working people of Scotland, to deny the Scottish people the UK’s bloated military budget is We harbour no illusions that have gained nothing from the right of self-determination in a over £3billion, while the independence, in itself, will Union and lost much. democratic referendum. Republic of Ireland spends just cause this transformation. The SSP has been at the In Scotland the bulwark of £700million. But we believe it can help us forefront of the call for today’s British state is not the We would use the extra on our way, by delivering independence, as a major Tory Party, who have long billions to transform Scotland. massively increased democratic advance, a means since been kicked into touch. Nor do we subscribe to the democracy and making the by which, at last, we can decide No, the arch-Unionists in this bizarre idea that the British ideas of socialism – equality, who, if at all, we go to war election are the Scottish Labour monarch should remain the wealth redistribution, peace with, how we treat our workers, Party. The ex-party of the Head of State in an independent and human solidarity – more how we run our welfare state working class are now giving it Scotland. easily achieved. and organise our energy big guns for Queen and Our call is for a Scottish Should the referendum on resources. Coronation Street, warning that socialist republic, in which the independence be won, and we We believe that armed guards will surely stalk people are sovereign, not some believe it will, we will argue independence is an idea whose the Tweed and ex-pats will descendant of the house of for the establishment of a time is coming. never again see their loved ones Saxe-Coburg, and not the Constitutional Assembly, The SSP was the first party to south of the border. multinationals who like to squat independent of political sign up to the Independence But the more ludicrous their on our shores till the parties, to draw up a brand Convention, which now also arguments, the more surely we government subsidies run out. new constitution for Scotland involves Scotland’s two other all know they’re losing. We seek to throw out the to be ratified in a further pro-independence parties. We They are on the run, and the weapons of mass destruction referendum. 9 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES BUILDING A BETTER SCOTLAND Socialism - Independence - Internationalism In a devolved Scotland the SSP is J The reduction of the voting and J Restoration of benefits to 16 and 17 committed to implementing the candidacy age to 16. year olds. following: J The extension of the right to vote to J The restoration of lone parent people who are homeless and to those benefits slashed by Westminster. J For a Yes vote in any independence who are in prison. J A progressive tax system which will referendum. J Participatory democracy in the increase the top rate of taxation and J The introduction of participatory workplace. reduce the tax burden on those on low democracy at community level by J Support for the open source incomes. establishing local assemblies with the software movement and for all public J An overhaul of disability benefits to power to make and veto decisions that bodies to use open source software remove means testing. affect their community. where available and appropriate. J The increase of all benefits by £30 a J An increase in the maximum number J Greater use of referenda to allow week with subsequent annual increases of councillors per ward from 4 to 6, to ordinary people a say in controversial in line with inflation. allow greater proportionality and more decisions. J The regulation of banks and building representative local government. societies to outlaw the practice of Poverty and wealth charging customers to access their own We will also campaign for the In a devolved Scotland the SSP is money, and charging customers who following measures, which are not committed to implementing the exceed their agreed overdraft limit, with within the Scottish Parliaments following: refunds backdated five years. powers: J The protection of public sector J A new income-based Scottish pension schemes. J A directly elected Constitutional Service Tax to replace the Council Tax. J Carers Allowance to be replaced Assembly, representative of Scotland’s J The scrapping of domestic water with the national minimum hourly wage regional, gender and ethnic diversity to charges, with household water financed rate. draw up options for a new constitution via the Scottish Service Tax. J Rigorous new laws to prevent big for Scotland, which would be put to a J Special funding to enable Scotland’s business avoiding legitimate taxation. further referendum vote. 32 local authorities to recruit and train J A new corporate tax regime which J A nuclear-free Scotland that is a team of welfare rights workers with forces Scotland’s most profitable outside of NATO. special responsibility for identifying companies to pay their fair share of J Military spending to be reduced to and assisting people who are failing to taxation, at least to Nordic levels. no more than the per capita level of the receive benefits to which they are J A two tier VAT system, with luxury Republic of Ireland, which would mean entitled. goods taxed at 20 per cent and VAT on slashing the defence budget by J An expansion of locally-based all other goods reduced from 20 per £2.5billion. money advice centres and credit cent to its 1979 level of 8 per cent. J A new relationship with the unions. J Public ownership of North Sea oil European Union which would J A change in debt legislation to with the profits used for the benefit of safeguard Scotland’s independence. remove the threat of eviction and house the people rather the profiteers. J All individuals living in Scotland to repossession. n A socialist Scotland that will stand be entitled to full Scottish citizenship, J The extension of concessionary up to the forces of neo-liberalism and irrespective of national origin. travel to carers. the free market. J A socialist Scotland based on the J The establishment of a cross-party principles of equality, democracy, working group, which would involve Jobs and workers rights liberty, generosity and solidarity. people affected by poverty and anti- In a devolved Scotland the SSP is J The abolition of the monarchy and poverty organisations, to address committed to implementing the all its structural and ideological poverty and inequality in Scotland. following: supports, including the offensive ceremony whereby elected MSPs are We will also campaign for the J A national minimum wage of £9 an forced to swear an oath of allegiance to following measures, which are not hour for all public sector workers – two an unelected monarch. within the Scottish Parliament’s thirds of median male earnings. J No unelected second chamber. powers: J A 35 hour week for all public sector J All elections to be conducted under workers without any loss of earnings. a genuinely proportional system, and J A basic state pension of £160 a J The funding of 5000 new the scrapping of the anti-democratic week and the restoration of the link apprenticeships in construction-related first-past-the-post system. between pensions and earnings. trades. 10 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES

J Confiscation of the assets, including maternity/paternity leave to each other. including the banks and financial factories, offices and equipment, of J 6 weeks paid annual leave for all institutions. multinational companies which shift workers, plus public holidays (including J New forms of public ownership production from Scotland to low wage defence of the May Day public which reject top down nationalisation in economies elsewhere. holiday). favour of democratic management J Full support for trade unionists J Free trade unions and the scrapping involving workers, communities, forced to take strike action in defence of all laws designed to restrict the rights consumers and representatives of local of their living standards and working of trade unionists. and national government. conditions. J All public sector trainees to be paid Privatisation and social Safer communities trade union negotiated rates of pay. ownership The SSP will campaign for: J The regeneration of local economies In a devolved Scotland the SSP is by returning the Uniform Business Rate committed to implementing the J Replacement of the toothless Joint to the control of local authorities. following: Police Boards with new community, J A skills diversification programme regional and national police boards, involving the Scottish Trades Union J Public ownership and democratic which would hold the police to account Congress, in preparation for the future management of all public utilities, and and would include elected councillors, decommissioning of Scotland’s nuclear the replacement of all PFI/PFI and MSPs and directly elected community power plants and nuclear weapons Scottish Futures Trust/NPD projects in representatives. bases. favour of public funding paid for by J A new drugs policy which will allow J The right to jury trials on demand progressive taxation (including a new free heroin on prescription to registered for cases involving compensation Scottish Service Tax which would addicts, under controlled conditions, to claims against employers, for example generate an extra £1.5 billion a year for reduce petty crime and to undermine by victims of asbestos-related disease. public services in Scotland). the lucrative criminal empires which J A ‘corporate killing bill’ and other J An end to private catering and have been built on the illegal supply of legislation that will serve to hold cleaning contracts in the NHS and heroin. company executives to account for the education. J The expansion of drug and alcohol actions of their companies. J Defiance of European Union laws rehabilitation and detox facilities. J Workers’ control of health and safety over tendering where these laws J A zero tolerance approach to at work through elected health and threaten the livelihoods of Scottish violence and abuse towards children, safety stewards. workers. women and vulnerable people. J Opposition to deregulation of Health J Mandatory ethical and workers J A Scottish-wide strategy to reduce and Safety legislation and cutbacks to rights provisions to be included in all domestic abuse, including special H&S enforcement agencies. public sector procurement agreements. domestic abuse courts, domestic abuse J Support for an NHS-based J The establishment of a Scottish awareness training and roll out of the Occupational Health Service. national rail corporation to take over Caledonian System (domestic abuse J Promotion of International Workers’ the Scotrail franchise when it expires in perpetrator programme) through Memorial Day. November 2014. Scotland rehabilitation programmes. J Support for government funding of a J The creation of ten regional, J All convicted sex offenders to be Scottish Hazards Centre to assist, publicly-owned bus companies, legally required to undergo a sex advise, train and represent workers in accountable to local councils. offender programme either within the pursuit of improved health and safety in J The reversal of the part-privatisation community or within custody, the workplace (including non-unionised of water and sewerage; and for depending upon the level of risk they ones). Scotland’s water supply to be pose. municipalised and run by groups of J Increased police resources We will also campaign for the local authorities, along the lines of the specifically dedicated to monitoring and following measures, which are not police and fire boards. supervision of sex offenders. within the Scottish Parliament’s J The establishment of special secure powers: We will also campaign for the units providing intensive rehabilitation following measures, which are not for sex offenders who are judged to J A £9 per hour national minimum within the Scottish Parliament’s pose a continuing risk to the public. wage - based on two-thirds median powers: J An end to the practice which allows male earnings - for all over 16. those accused of sex offences the right J A 35 hour maximum working week J The establishment of a to cross-examine their alleged victims without any loss of earnings as the first democratically run Scottish National in court, and for these principles to be step towards a four-day working week. Oil Corporation to take over the North extended into civil litigation J 12 months’ statutory paid maternity Sea oilfields, with the profits used for proceedings. leave without loss of rights; and one public investment, including in J A reduction in Scotland’s prison month’s statutory paternity paid leave. renewable energy. population – already the highest in J Partners being given the option of J The extension of public ownership Western Europe pro-rata to the transferring some of their paid into profitable sectors of the economy, population– by expanding alternatives 11 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES to custody for offenders who are not a General Health inpatient facilities with single sex danger to the public. The SSP would work towards wards. J An end to the waste of the police eradicating the scandalous health J Respect for the rights of people with and legal resources devoted to arresting inequalities that blight Scotland. Health mental health problems, including and prosecuting people for the inequalities arise from the power and public education to challenge the possession of cannabis for personal use. income differences between groups stigma associated with mental health J Community youth forums across which generate health problems more and derogatory labelling of people with Scotland to identify what amenities are frequently for those who are most mental health problems. needed in each local area. disadvantaged. Our range of J Local youth facilities in every progressive economic and social We will also campaign for the community, run by young people. policies, as well as our investment in following measures, which are not J Education, prevention and treatment the NHS, will make the difference that within the Scottish Parliament’s to tackle bullying. every government since the powers: J A system of accountability over the introduction of the NHS has failed to Crown Office Procurator Fiscal do. J A publicly owned Scottish Services, judges and sheriffs, with the pharmaceutical corporation which involvement of organisations such as In a devolved Scotland the SSP is would supply a range of cheap generic the Law Society of Scotland and Victim committed to implementing the medicines for the NHS and work with Support Scot land. following: universities to research new drug J The right of prisoners to vote in treatments. This corporation would sell elections, in line with recent legal J Free healthy school meals with milk generic medicines to third world rulings. and water for all state school pupils. countries at cost price, to help alleviate J Extend ability to claim legal aid J A continued policy of no suffering from Aids and other treatable regardless of income for any case where prescription charges. diseases. a victim is seeking protection from J All school children to be entitled to J Investment to be directed towards unsafe contact abuse, violence, stalking, receive and be encouraged to take up a promoting health, preventing illness and and harassment. minimum of three hours of physical curing disease when it does occur rather J Introduce domestic abuse risk education of their choice, with a range than on the profitable symptom-control assessments by qualified and accredited of alternatives for those who are unable medicines favoured by the private professionals for any disputes in to participate in standard PE classes. pharmaceutical companies. regards to domestic abuse and children. J Funding to enable local authorities J All medical and scientific research J Introduce multi agency violence to remove admission charges to fitness to be published and made available for against women task squads throughout facilities, including swimming pools, free on NHS databases. Scotland to target perpetrators. sports centres and gymnasiums. J A ban on the advertising of junk J Roll out of multi agency risk J Free toothpaste and toothbrushes for food. assessment conferences throughout all children and a dental hygiene Scotland with fully funded advocacy campaign in all schools. The NHS services for adult victims and their J The establishment of a network of In a devolved Scotland the SSP is dependents. community-run supermarkets committed to implementing the J Legislative change that criminalises specialising in healthy local produce at following: the buyers of sex from women and men the cheapest possible retail prices, in the “sex industry”. starting with areas of high deprivation. J A fully democratic and decentralised J The extension of legal aid to cover J Increased funding for community NHS, integrated with social services workplace and consumer disputes. psychiatric nurses to tackle Scotland’s within the framework of local J A new fast track appeals system to mental health crisis which affects one in government. The day to day running of deal with suspected miscarriages of five of the population, and is the NHS to be supervised by elected justice. disproportionately concentrated in health boards consisting of medical J The reversal of all privatisation and deprived areas. professionals, other healthcare workers PFI in the prison service. J Mental health treatment to be and local communities. J The expansion of prison directed primarily towards J The cancellation of all existing PFI rehabilitation programmes, including rehabilitation rather than alleviation of and PPP projects in favour of public education, training, psychiatric and symptoms. investment. psychological support, drug and alcohol J People suffering mental illness to J A mean bed occupancy rate of 85 detox, rehab and abstinence have access to a full range of treatment per cent to ensure there is adequate programmes. options – modern medication, capacity to cope with any surge in J Resistance to all Westminster counselling, short- and long-term demand. interference in devolved matters. psychotherapy, occupational therapy, J Increased capacity in order to J For the Scottish Parliament to have diversional activities. achieve a mean bed occupancy rate of the right to set its own laws on asylum, J Treatment for mental illness to be 85 per cent in general wards; and a drugs, anti-terrorism and media primarily community-based, though mean 75 per cent for intensive care regulation. backed up with modern, well-staffed units to ensure there are sufficient 12 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES available beds to cope with any surge in within the Scottish Parliament’s schools, health authorities and social demand. powers: services identify young carers and J An expansion of primary care provide them with effective services within a public model. All J Free care for everyone who needs it, professional support. legislation expanding the role of the without means-testing, including those J At least £1million a year to provide private sector in primary care repealed. in nursing homes and those under 65 support services for young carers. J An end to hospital closures except with debilitating conditions such as with the approval of the local dementia. We will also campaign for the community. J Increased funding for research into following measures, which are J The phasing out of private health the causes and the most effective outwith the powers of the Scottish care and the incorporation of private treatments for complex conditions such Parliament: medical facilities, services and as dementia and autism. resources into the NHS. J People with autism to be eligible for J Carers Allowance to be replaced with J A charge on private medicine all relevant benefits, including those the national minimum hourly wage rate. providers to recoup the costs to the connected with mobility, personal care, public purse of the training and housing support and independent living. Higher and further education of their staff. education J A ban on consultants working for the Care and support of elderly In a devolved Scotland the SSP is private sector. people committed to implementing the J Proper funding for physiotherapy In a devolved Scotland the SSP is following: services. committed to implementing the J A living income for student nurses. following: J Defending higher and further J Free childcare for NHS shift- education as public services. workers. J Full support for the manifesto of J Ending any form of student J Zero tolerance of violence against Alzheimer Scotland, which includes contribution to fund HE which should health workers. increased funding for dementia services be paid for from progressive taxation. J Staff employed by private and dementia drug treatments to be J The reinstatement of student grants contractors to be brought back into available free on the NHS. as a first step towards ending student NHS employment with NHS pay and J Astandard level of free elderly care poverty. conditions. services across Scotland’s 32 local J Investment in affordable, quality authorities. accommodation for students, while We will also campaign for the J Central funding to the Care ensuring that no guaranteed above- following measures, which are not Commission which monitors elderly inflation rent increase agreements are within the Scottish Parliament’s care projects. As things stand, care reached with suppliers. powers: organisations are forced to pay the costs J Curbing the undue influence of of inspection. private businesses in the education J The funding and resources to create system a Scottish NHS which would match the Carers’ rights J The unification of all colleges into a best in the world. In a devolved Scotland the SSP is co-operative network of institutions committed to implementing the working together rather than competing Additional health needs following: against one another, under local In a devolved Scotland the SSP is democratic control. committed to implementing the J Recognition of the indispensable J Removal of the requirement for 50 following: role of Scotland’s half a million carers per cent business sector representation who contribute £5.3billion worth of on college boards, replacing this with J Free personal care for everyone who care to the Scottish economy every representatives from teaching unions, needs it, including those under 65 with year. ancillary staff, students, local councils debilitating conditions such as J Investment of at £10million in carer and local communities. dementia. organisations to ensure a fully J Encouragement of life-long learning J Free access to autism specific health functioning carer-support infrastructure. by providing equal educational services which acknowledge that the J Long term core funding oppertunities for mature students based condition may in some cases be a arrangements for carers’ organisations on experience and prior learning. health problem that can be helped by that will safeguard their existence. J An end to the capping system in medical intervention. J A cash investment of £135million a Further Education to enable colleges to J All families with children who have year to allow full time carers to have meet demand for learning in the been awarded on the higher rate care guaranteed annual breaks from caring. communities they serve, including component of DLA to be entitled to at J Free access for carers to suitable evening class provision and ESOL least 4 weeks respite care per year. training programmes and an extra classes (English for speakers of other £1.5million to be invested in a languages). We will also campaign for the programme of Expert Carer Training. J Increased provision of adult following measures, which are not J An action programme to ensure that numeracy and literacy programmes. 13 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES

We will also campaign for the J The recruitment of specialist human diversity, including conditions following measures, which are not teachers to support existing teachers in such as autism and Aspergers. within the Scottish Parliament’s the areas of PE, Art, languages, Music powers: and IT to enable class teachers to focus Transport on core skills. In a devolved Scotland the SSP is J Students to be eligible for housing J A long term solution to staffing committed to implementing the benefit. shortages that does not rely on supply following: J Employers to be compelled to allow teachers. paid time-off for training and life-long J A broadening of the criteria of J Free bus, rail, underground and ferry learning opportunities. assessment in schools to ensure league travel within four years to cut carbon tables are not just exam-based. emissions, enhance social inclusion and Schools J Free publicly funded pre-school save public money by reducing In a devolved Scotland the SSP is education for all three and four year congestion, cutting road accidents and committed to implementing the olds in place of nursery vouchers. slashing the roads repair bill. following: J Quality pre-school care for babies J Re-regulation of Scotland’s buses. and toddlers up to the age of three. J The establishment of a Scottish J Maximum class sizes of 20. J Free after-school care for all National Bus Corporation, publicly J No school closures except with the primary and secondary school pupils. owned and democratically run by agreement of the local community. J Clean and well-supervised toilet regional boards. J The termination of all PPP and PFI facilities in all primary and secondary J The transfer of the Scotrail franchise projects and a return to the principle schools. when it expires in November 2014 to a that education facilities be publicly J An £9 an hour minimum wage for publicly owned and democratically funded. all education workers with either managed Scottish National Rail J School boards to become fully holiday pay or the entitlement to claim Corporation. representative of local communities. benefits outside term times. J Immediate free rail, bus, J The opening of all schools and their underground and ferry travel for all facilities free of charge for non- Special education pensioners, schoolchildren, students, profitable learning activities outside In a devolved Scotland the SSP is people with disabilities, carers and school hours and term time. committed to the following: benefit claimants. J Enhanced facilities for pupils with J A review of all new road building additional needs. J The staffing, resources and facilities and upgrading, with priority given to J Democratic and egalitarian to make it easier for children with road safety improvements and better restructuring of schools, with plenary special needs to integrate into road maintenance rather than bigger staff decision-making and flattened pay mainstream education, while and faster roads. scales. maintaining existing special education J All money raised by government and J Participation in decision-making by units to allow parents to choose what is local authorities from parking meters, pupils, so as to embed the practice of in the best interests of their child. and car parks to be ring-fenced for democratic principles at the earliest J A 1:1 student-teacher ratio for public transport. age. children with classic autism, and a J A system of ferry pricing based on J Support for the Parent Involvement system of regular three-month re- the Road Equivalent Tariff which Network as part of a national forum, assessments of the effectiveness of successfully operates in Norway. This involving parents, teachers and school teaching strategies. means that the cost of a ferry journey students, to help shape and monitor the J Smaller class sizes for children with for a bus, lorry or car and occupants school curriculum and ensure its Aspergers. should be no more than the cost of a relevance to the needs of 21st century J An expansion in the number of road journey over the same distance. Scottish school students. speech and language and language J 20 mph zones (around schools for J Bilingual education to be available therapists in schools. instance) with traffic calming in all for children from ethnic minorities. J Closer involvement of parents in the residential streets where requested by J Promotion of Gaelic and Scots, with education of children with special the local community to cut the all their diverse dialects. needs. unacceptably high number of child J Nutritious free school meals with J The integration of the children of deaths. milk and water for all primary and asylum seekers and travelling families J Expansion of the provision of low- secondary pupils and replace the into mainstream education, backed up cost park-and-ride schemes to reduce private sponsorship of school meals by specialist language teachers and congestion in major towns and city with freshly prepared meals. child support workers. centres. J A desegregated education system J The fast-tracking of Additional J A national cycle strategy worked out that allows for the rights of religious Support Needs Tribunals. with cycling organisations to develop observance by all denominations. This J The development of an anti-bullying an extensive network of safe, well- would be implemented by consent and strategy within schools, which would maintained and well-lit cycle tracks; agreement rather than by compulsion include training teachers in how to deal and high quality cycle training for all and enforcement. with bullying, and educating pupils on primary 6/7 pupils. 14 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES

J The development of a similar for every five new homes built for sale. J Legislation to stop social landlords strategy to encourage walking, These new homes for rent would be evicting their tenants, particularly including the funding of well-lit, owned and managed by the relevant vulnerable households and families properly maintained pavements and local authority or community-based with children. footpaths. housing association and would J With 62 per cent of Scotland’s social J The phasing in of alternative fuels contribute towards the target of 100,000 housing currently falling beneath the (e.g. electric motors, H fuel cells) for new homes for rent. New Scottish Housing Quality public service vehicles. J All tenants, including new tenants Standard, the SSP campaigns for J The bringing back into public and those in the private sector, to be housing investment to make vital ownership of trunk road maintenance. guaranteed secure tenancies in line with improvements in order to prevent social the new Scottish secure tenancy housing seriously damaging the We will also campaign for the agreement. physical and mental health of tenants following measures, which are not J The transformation of the across Scotland. within the Scottish Parliament’s appearance of our housing schemes, powers: employing environmental artists, We will also campaign for the landscape gardeners and others with following measures, which are not J Special road tolls for heavy goods relevant skills. within the Scottish Parliament’s vehicles, based on annual mileage as J Council and housing association powers: registered on tacographs. tenants to be involved in all strategic J A shift of heavy goods from road to planning decisions. J Public ownership and democratic rail wherever feasible, facilitated by the J The extension of the Scottish Secure management of the construction building of new dedicated freight lines. Tenancy to private sector tenants. industry. J All homes identified as ‘below J The reinstatement of housing Housing tolerable standard’ in the private sector support grant from central government In a devolved Scotland the SSP is to be brought into public ownership if back to local government, based on pre- committed to implementing the the landlord fails to bring them up to 1980s levels, increased in line with the following: standard within a six month deadline. retail-price index. This would provide J A national construction Scotland’s councils with sufficient J The cancellation of Scotland’s local apprenticeship scheme to turn around funding to carry out repairs, house authority housing debt with no strings the skills shortage in the building building, and renovation as well as to attached. industry. This would aim to train 5,000 reduce rents. J The building of 100,000 fully new apprentices each year. accessible new homes for rent over four J The establishment of council tenant Sport culture and years, bringing public sector house forums with real powers at entertainment building into line with the private neighbourhood and city-wide level, In a devolved Scotland the SSP is sector. along with similar forums for housing committed to implementing the J The right of local authorities to association tenants and for those in the following: impose a land value tax on land and private rented sector. property worth over £1million to help J Each tenant forum to be allocated £5 J Free access to all publicly-owned finance the building of social housing for every house that they represent. cultural and recreational centres for rent. This will generate at least £4-5million including art galleries, museums and J A new minimum housing standard in for the re-establishment of the tenant sports centres. both the public and private rented movement in Scotland. J A commitment to revitalise the sectors, with central heating, double- J Council and housing association Gaelic language, including setting a glazing and high standards of tenants to be involved in all strategic four-year target of making available insulation. planning decisions. Gaelic language lessons to all children J A major renovation programme to J Homeless organisations to be and adults who wish to learn the include all stock, except where tenants provided with the resources they language with Gaelic and Scots to be themselves favour demolition. require to end rough sleeping, including given equal legal status with English. J The replacement of the ‘right-to- hostels as an interim measure until J Support for the Gaelic Digital buy’ policy with a graduated rents proper homes are available for Service, and for the necessary discount set at the same level as the everyone. infrastructure and coverage to make the discount available for tenants to buy J Safe housing for women/families service available on all media platforms their council homes. After 25 years, who have suffered domestic violence or including the internet. tenants would pay zero rent until their other forms of abuse. J Encouragement of the various ethnic tenancy is terminated or transferred to J An end to the public funding of cultures that have enriched Scotland another member of the family. private home ownership. over the past half-century. J An end to all wholesale housing J Legislation to give local councils the J An end to the sell-off of football stock transfers. power to ban holiday homes in their pitches and other sports facilities to J Construction companies to be area where they believe there is a local property developers. required to build one new home for rent housing shortage. J Senior football clubs to distribute a 15 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES portion of their seats, free of charge, to J A fully proportional electoral transferred from Westminster to the pensioners and benefit claimants via system, to be achieved by reinforcing Scottish Parliament and the wealth of local community councils. the new STV electoral with larger Scottish energy resources to be brought J Free football coaching schools in multi-members wards of seven or eight into public ownership. This will allow local communities open to girls and members. the full development of these resources boys. J An end to privatisation, PFI and PPP in an ecologically sustainable and J Coaching and training facilities to in the provision of local facilities and socially just manner putting people and allow Scottish athletes to compete at services. planet before profit. world class levels. J A gradual decentralisation of powers J An independent audit commission, to J A national film studio in Scotland to to local councils, for example in enforce Scottish climate emissions develop the outstanding acting, writing, transport and health, backed by targets of at least three per cent a year. and film-making talent in the country. additional funding. J The tightening of building regulations J A national project aiming to to compel construction companies to use transform the drab appearance of our The voluntary sector sustainable sources for their construction towns and housing schemes through In a devolved Scotland the SSP is materials and to ensure that energy murals, ornamental gardens, sculpture, committed to implementing the efficiency is built into the design of fountains, monuments, mazes, following: buildings and appliances fitted. performance areas and architectural J Every new building, including restoration. J A four-year minimum funding period private homes, to be carbon neutral by J The replacement of Creative for all publicly funded projects, to 2016. Scotland with an artist-led organisation reduce the atmosphere of uncertainty J 100 per cent grants, available to all, which is more open, democratic and that surrounds those projects which are for insulation and double-glazing in representative body. funded on a year-to-year basis. private homes. J No cuts in community-based arts J Reduced water bills for voluntary J All rented housing to have ventures. organisations. compulsory insulation and double- J No cuts in Scotland’s overall arts J The funding of training programmes glazing. budget. for independent community J The replacement of overhead pylons J Action to ensure that all publicly- representatives, which would be with underground cables where owned sporting, leisure and recreational conducted via the Scottish Council for environmentally beneficial. facilities are fully accessible to disabled Voluntary Organisations. J The cancellation of all airport people. J The democratisation of local expansion projects. planning by ensuring that elected and J A ban on the transportation of We will also campaign for the accountable community representatives nuclear materials on Scotland’s roads following measures, which are not have at least 50 per cent representation and railways. within the Scottish Parliament’s on all planning forums. J The protection by law of ancient powers: J The nurturing of grassroots forests. democracy by working with the J An expanded, fully integrated, J A Scottish Six O’Clock news Scottish Council of Voluntary publicly owned, fully accessible and broadcast on BBC. Organisations and the existing network free public transport network. J The responsibility for broadcasting of community groups to train J The cancellation of new road- to be transferred to the Scottish independent community representatives. building projects. Parliament. J All publicly funded projects to J A reduction in urban traffic by provide trade union rates of pay and extending pedestrianisation of town and Local government conditions to all paid employees. city centres and halting all further In a devolved Scotland the SSP is J Investment in not-for-profit development of out-of-town shopping committed to implementing the community transport by funding an malls. following: increase in services and routes. J Diversification and alternative J Increased funding for youth work employment opportunities for fishing J Total opposition to all local authority and a reform of the funding allocation communities. spending cuts. The suplus generated system so that national youth and J A conservation scheme to protect from the implementation of a Scottish sporting organisations are not forced to wildlife habitats and parkland from Service Tax would provide £1.5 Billion negotiate with 32 separate local industrial development. to maintain and extend local authorities. J An audit of all contaminated land to government services. identify areas that may pose a potential J An end to the Uniform Business Energy, pollution and the health hazard and embark on a safe and Rate, with local councils given back environment comprehensive containment or clean-up control over non-domestic rates subject In a devolved Scotland the SSP is programme. to an equalisation mechanism to ensure committed to implementing the J Environmental education to be that all local councils get a fair deal. following: incorporated into the curriculum of J An income-based Scottish Service primary, secondary, further and higher Tax to replace the Council Tax. J Responsibility for energy to be education. 16 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES

J Kerbside collection of materials for speed rail and ferry links between J Increased funding to the Rural recycling, including glass, from every Scotland and mainland Europe. Transport Community Initiative to household in Scotland. J Resistance to the building of any allow people living in remote and J Recycling bins in every public new nuclear power plants in Scotland, isolated areas access to social, leisure, building and workplace. and the setting of a clear timetable for shopping, health and other services. J All suppliers of goods to the public the decommissioning of existing J Government grants to enable small sector to be legally required to use nuclear power stations. farmers to establish farming co- biodegradable and recyclable J A target date for all public service operatives, where they can agree prices packaging. vehicles to be carbon-free. for produce and thus resist the power of J A ban on any release of genetically J A target date for all private vehicles supermarkets to drive down prices. modified organisms into the to be carbon-free. J Government grants for local food environment and effective testing of J Legislation making it illegal to own, cooperatives, selling local produce in food and animal feed imports from as well as to import, illegally logged town centres, villages and housing countries which do grow GM crops to timber. schemes at reasonable prices. ensure that food and feed imports are J All biofuels to have sustainability J Grants and assistance to help not contaminated. and greenhouse gas certification. farmers convert to organic farming. J A ban on the sale of GM food J The establishment of elected anti- J Free school meals with the products. pollution boards at national and local ingredients purchased from local J Public contracts to be refused to any level to monitor and enforce pollution farmers. company with a record of dangerous controls, and for these boards to have J The expansion of the number of work practices or polluting the the power to impose penalties. allotments in Scotland and the environment. J A shift of focus away from pure protection of existing allotments from J Local communities to be provided economic growth as measured by gross the infringement of developers in with information about any plan to domestic product, in favour of a more recognition of their important construct a mobile phone mast within a balanced measurement of the quality of environmental, health and recreational one mile radius and to have the right of life. role in our communities. veto. J The establishment of a national body J No new incinerators. Land and rural regeneration along the lines of SportScotland to J Serious waste reduction targets to be In a devolved Scotland the SSP is promote and support gardening in all its set for every local authority area, committed to implementing the forms. backed by whatever resources are following: J Road Equivalent Tariff scheme to be necessary to deliver these targets. rolled out across every Scottish ferry J The building of 20,000 fully route. We will also campaign for the accessible new homes across Scotland’s J Elected and accountable River following measures, which are not rural communities for low cost rent to Boards to remove fishing rights in within the Scottish Parliament’s local people. rivers and lochs from the control of powers: J Public and community ownership of private landowners and bring them Scotland’s vast landed estates and under public control, thus allowing the J An international 90 per cent corporate farms. relevant authorities to keep control of reduction in emissions of carbon J Local councils to be allowed to set fish stocks. dioxide by the year 2030 together with special local taxes on second homes. significant reductions of other J Extra funding for public amenities We will also campaign for the greenhouse gas emissions. and public transport in sparsely following measures, which are not J Investment in alternative energy populated areas that lack social within the Scottish Parliament’s technologies, including community- facilities. powers: owned wind farms, tidal power and J The shop in single shop villages to clean coal technology. be exempted from business rates. J Full trade union rights and J Public and community ownership of J Local and regional initiatives to protection for farm workers. energy, including oil, windfarms, bring performing artists and J The rural economy to be geared electricity, coal and gas, with a productions to rural areas, and towards providing quality local foods proportion of all profits ring-fenced for encourage the development of sport, for regional markets, rather than investment in alternative energy. drama, live music and the performing exports. J An end to the imposition of pre- arts. J Immediate withdrawal from the EU payment meters on those who owe J The release of funds to increase the Common Fisheries Policy with a 25 debts to gas and electricity companies. numbers of mobile and small cinemas mile offshore limit within which only J Refunds backdated by five years to serving isolated areas. Scottish fishermen and women can fish. households which have been forced to J A halt to the closure of small rural J Local management of sea fisheries, pay the higher charges associated with schools. based on the Finnish model, where pre-payment meters. J The setting up of a network of environmental sustainability is a key J Increased taxation on aviation fuel, community post offices to replace those priority alongside community with revenue used to improve high lost through UK government cuts. sustainability. 17 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES

Animal welfare which provide refuges, helplines and J The right to vote and stand for office In a devolved Scotland the SSP is drop in centres for women who have at 16. committed to implementing the experienced violence, abuse, rape and J Support for current initiatives to following: child sexual abuse. establish a national school students J Free environmentally-friendly union to support and represent school J Full support for the ban on sanitary protection for all women. students facing bullying, harassment foxhunting and resistance to any future J The expansion of initiatives such as and discrimination. The union would moves to water down the legislation. ‘Routes Out of Prostitution’. also represent students on new J A ban on the abuse of animals in J The decriminalisation of women democratic school boards. entertainment and sport. involved in prostitution, recognition of J An end to battery farming, factory men who buy sex as abusers, and We will also campaign for the farming and other forms of intensive increased police resources to enforce a following measures, which are not farming. clamp down on kerb-crawlers in red within the Scottish Parliament’s J Stringent new legislation for zoos to light districts. powers: ensure that animals held in captivity do J The closure of saunas and massage not suffer ill-treatment. parlours which operate as legalised J An end to discrimination against J Similar legislation to prevent cruelty brothels. young workers by establishing a to animals at market and at slaughter. uniform national minimum wage for all J Financial support for co-operatively We will also campaign for the workers over 16 years. (The SSP would owned local abattoirs to avoid transport following measures, which are not set this figure at two thirds the median of live animals over long distances. within the Scottish Parliament’s male earnings, currently £9 an hour). J Animal welfare to be incorporated powers: (Note: The SSP has an active youth into the curriculum of primary and wing, Scottish Socialist Youth. Visit secondary schools, as part of personal J A minimum 12 months maternity their website at www.ssy.org.uk) and social education. leave on full pay, for all workers, with the right to return part time if Disabled people’s rights We will also campaign for the preferred. In a devolved Scotland the SSP is following measures, which are not J The average worker’s wage for any committed to implementing the within the powers of the Scottish parent, male or female, who chooses to following: Parliament: care full-time for their children or any other dependants. J A network of staff to be employed J A ban on animal testing for J Equal representation for women at and trained specifically to provide full cosmetics, household products and all levels of government. support and assistance to those applying military research. or being reassessed for disability living J A ban on unnecessary use of animal Youth rights allowance and incapacity benefit. testing in medical research. In a devolved Scotland the SSP is J Full funding for community care. J The replacement of the ineffective committed to implementing the J Increased support for those who care Dangerous Dogs Act with new non- following: for or assist family or friends with breed based legislation which disabilities, including education, respite recognises the responsibility of owners J A maintenance grant for all college and counselling services. for aggressive behaviour by their dogs. and university students. J Comprehensive and enforced J Continued opposition to student standards of accessibility on all public Women’s rights fees, extend abolition of fees to all transport. In a devolved Scotland the SSP is students studying in Scotland, J Housing to be adapted to meet the committed to implementing the regardless of national origin. needs of disabled occupants on request. following: Recognition of free education as a J Existing public buildings to be universal right. converted to ensure access for disabled J Free, publicly funded nursery places J The funding of 5000 new people. for all pre-school children. apprenticeships. J Increased resources to promote and J A minimum 12 months’ maternity J Community youth forums across provide training in British Sign leave, on full pay for public sector Scotland to identify what amenities are Language, for assistants, public sector workers, with the right to return part needed in each local area. workers, education employees and time if requested. J Funding to set up local youth others. J After-school, weekend and holiday facilities in every community, run J BSL to be taught in all schools, with clubs in every locality for school age democratically by young people. free courses in BSL at all levels for any children. J Free access to all publicly owned adult or child who wishes to develop J Equal access for all women to cultural and recreational centres their skills in the language. abortion services regardless of where including sports centres, arts galleries J Reduced waiting lists for they live in Scotland. and museums. Community Care Assessments, J An end to cuts to, and full funding J Free bus and ferry travel for school, rehabilitation and Occupational for Women’s Aid and other agencies college and university students. Therapy services. 18 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES

J A consultation with disabled people J Better accessibility to all goods, continue whether part-time or full-time and their personal assistants or carers facilities and services including public beyond retirement age. on the provision and location of more transport, public buildings and the J The pension industry to be taken disabled parking bays close to shops, majority of housing stock. This would into the public sector and to be cinemas, hospitals and other facilities. include wheelchair users and those with administered transparently and J Free access for all disabled people to mental health impairments. democratically. educational, sporting, cultural and other J A total reform of the benefits system J Free heating, phone rental and TV leisure facilities. to remove all barriers to disabled licenses for all pensioners. J Increased funding to allow local people moving in and out of work; and authorities to meet the demand for to provide all disabled people with an LGBT rights (Lesbian, gay, Direct Payments, which allow disabled income equal to at least the living wage bisexual, transsexual) people to receive the assistance plus additional allowances to take In a devolved Scotland the SSP is necessary to allow them to live account of the additional costs of being committed to implementing the fulfilling independent lives in the disabled. following: community. J Resources to enable all disabled J The guaranteed right of disabled people the opportunity of to living J Guaranteed long term funding for people to autonomy, including the right independently in a fully accessible and community projects supporting LGBT to choose where to live and to plan their attractive house with appropriate people, under direct democratic control own packages of personal assistance personal assistance. of service users, with full transparency and/or care through local authorities. J Free care without means testing for and accountability. J Care packages to be portable across all those who could benefit from it, J Educational projects in schools and local authorities. with freedom of choice over the means colleges aimed at eradicating J The guaranteed right of disabled of obtaining this personal assistance homophobic, biphobic and transphobic people to be treated with dignity, and/or care. bullying and isolation. including at the end of their lives. J The right for disabled people to J The strengthening of civil J Disabled children and old people to participate fully in all aspects of partnership legislation to full equality have the same right to life and medical society. with marriage, including religious treatment as non-disabled people; no J British Sign Language (BSL) to be ceremonies. disabled people to be starved to death recognised as an official language of an J Measures to tackle rural LGBT because the medical profession independent Scotland. isolation through funding outreach and considers them untreatable. support projects across Scotland. J Adequate resources, advice and Elderly people’s rights J LGBT officers for local authorities, support for disabled adults to obtain In a devolved Scotland the SSP is with secure funding for LGBT projects. suitable employment which they find committed to implementing the J Full implementation of anti- enjoyable and fulfilling and which has a following: discrimination laws in provision of career structure. goods and services, including hospital J Funding and support for disabled J The scrapping of rents for visitation rights for partners. people’s organisations to ensure the pensioners who are housing association views of disabled people are clearly or council tenants, including for those We will also campaign for the heard. who live in sheltered housing. following measures, which are not J Free access for pensioners to sports, within the Scottish Parliament’s We will also campaign for the leisure and educational facilities powers: following measures, which are not designed specifically for pensioners. within the Scottish Parliament’s J Forums which bring together elderly J Full recognition of homophobic powers: and younger people to exchange persecution as a legitimate reason to experiences and break down age seek asylum, equal immigration rights, J Replacement of the Disability barriers. ending the two year co-habitation rule Discrimination Act with fully and granting leave to remain to LGBT comprehensive, enforceable civil rights We will also campaign for the asylum seekers. legislation as demanded by the disabled following measures, which are not J Equal pension rights, including people’s movement. This legislation within the Scottish Parliament’s survivors’ rights for all pension will be backed up by heavy fines and powers: schemes. even imprisonment for the bosses of organisations that do not comply with J The basic state pension to be Racism and sectarianism it. Such rights will include: access to increased to £160 a week and linked to In a devolved Scotland the SSP is information in appropriate formats; full prices or earnings, whichever is the committed to implementing the access to education at all levels; the higher. following: right to employment for all disabled J Reduction of the retirement age to people and fair treatment at work; equal 55, for men and women. J Educational projects on issues of access to all goods, facilities and J Retirement to be genuinely racist and sectarian stereotyping and services. voluntary, with the right of workers to discrimination in all schools. 19 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 SSP POLICIES

J All public information to be provided J The transportation of nuclear to increased impoverishment or in the main languages of Scotland’s warheads on Scotland’s roads, railways environmental degradation overseas. ethnic minority communities. and waterways to be prohibited. J Full support for organisations We will also campaign for the challenging racism and sectarianism, We will also campaign for the following measures, which are not including Show Racism the Red Card, following measures, which are not within the Scottish Parliament’s Nil By Mouth and the Scottish Anti- within the Scottish Parliament’s powers: Fascist Alliance. powers: J Work with football clubs, in J Fair trade country status for Scotland. particular the Old Firm, to eradicate J The removal of all nuclear weapons J The immediate and total cancellation sectarianism from our culture. from Scotland. of debt from the poor countries of the J The SSP supports the long struggle J Scotland’s overall military budget to Third World to the rich countries of the of Scottish Gypsy Travellers for brought into line per capita with that of First World. recognition as a distinct ethnic minority the Republic of Ireland with the savings J International pressure to abolish the with full legal protection. Full diverted to vital public services. United Nations’ Security Council and to implementation of the 37 J Guaranteed employment and/or democratise the General Assembly – the recommendations agreed by the Scottish retraining with no loss of pay for sovereign body of the UN. Parliament in 2001. A full apology from workers who would no longer be J The refoundation of the World Trade the Scottish Government for the past employed in the defence industry and Organisation (WTO) as a Fair Trade discrimination and genocidal policies of special funding earmarked for local Organisation (FTO) – ensuring minimum previous governments and public communities currently dependent on environmental and social standards are bodies. defence spending. met in internationally traded products. This new organisation would be We will also campaign for the International solidarity democratic – and the system of ‘green following measures, which are not In a devolved Scotland the SSP is room’ decision making, where more within the Scottish Parliament’s committed to implementing the powerful countries plan strategies in powers: following: private – would be banned. J The replacement of international J The granting of Scottish citizenship J Solidarity with those forces in the lending institutions such as the World to all people residing in Scotland at the Arab world struggling for democracy, Bank and International Monetary Fund time of independence, including asylum progress and against the oppression of with an international clearing seekers and so-called “illegal residents”. pro-western dictatorships. organisation – to ensure debts are written J A warm welcome to any asylum J Solidarity with all those resisting off and reparation paid to countries who seekers who come to Scotland in the globalisation and neo-liberalism have suffered at the hands of the current future, and the offer of Scottish worldwide, including trade unionists, system. citizenship to those who want it. anti-poverty campaigners, national J Full support for the introduction of a J For Dungavel Detention Centre for liberation movements, Tobin-like tax on all cross-border asylum seekers to be turned into a environmentalists, and small farmers’ commercial transactions, reducing a museum of anti-racism and and peasants’ movements. major cause of economic instability and multiculturalism. J Ethical procurement policies by all providing a fund for international public bodies, and opposition to the development. War and peace award of contracts to companies who J A new and radical style of open and In a devolved Scotland the SSP is fail to observe basic ethical standards on transparent diplomacy, with all committed to implementing the child labour, poverty pay and negotiations and deliberations to be held following: environmental degradation. in public. J Support for the stance of those J A truly internationalist Scotland that J A declaration by the Scottish governments resisting globalisation and welcomes refugees and supports all those Parliament calling for the immediate imperialism, such as in Cuba and struggling worldwide against political, withdrawal of UK troops from Venezuela and for the peoples around economic and national oppression. Afghanistan. the globe struggling for self- J The withdrawal of Scotland from J A declaration by the Scottish determination. NATO and the initiation of an Parliament opposing any UK J Support for the Palestinian people in international campaign for its abolition. involvement in US or NATO led their just fight for an independent J The funding of schemes to encourage military action against Iran, North Korea homeland; and for Israeli dissidents and young Scots to teach and work on or anywhere else. peace campaigners. overseas development projects. J A declaration from the Scottish J Support for all other peoples J A worldwide alliance of socialist and Parliament opposing the use of Scottish struggling for national self- progressive political parties, trade unions airports and airspace for US “rendition” determination. and grassroots organisations. and secret torture flights, or the J Agricultural and industrial subsidies J Scotland to be an international force transportation of military personnel and and grants distributed in Scotland to be for peace not war, for social justice not hardware. vetted to ensure they do not contribute corporate profit. 20 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 VOTE SSP THE SSP IN ACTION

IN February this year the inequalities and injustices in proven so popular that they’ve If elected, they will fight Scottish Parliament finally our society. even now been adopted by for them in Parliament too. passed a bill to abolish The SSP was the party that other parties. And finally, if elected a prescription charges. introduced the bill to end the And there’s a lot more Scottish Socialist Party MSP The Scottish Socialist Party hated warrant sales that were a where they came from. will take only the wage of an warmly welcomed this, after disgrace in a modern society. Our members standing for average skilled worker, all, we were the party that We were the party that put election are all committed to just as they have when first introduced a bill to do free, nutritious school meals building a different Scotland. they’ve been elected before. this in 2004, winning support on the political agenda, before One where the homes and This is an important point from other parties but even Jamie Oliver! communities of the many are of principle for us. ultimately defeated by an It was also the SSP that first put before the profits and Our representatives will unholy coalition of Labour, introduced a bill to replace the bonuses of the few. not get rich off their time in Tories and Liberal unfair council tax with a One where the destruction Parliament. Democrats. Scottish Service Tax, a fully of our environment is not a They will not play the Thanks to that campaign, costed alternative based on a fair price to pay. One where expenses system like so Parliament subsequently saw person’s ability to pay rather people of all backgrounds are many others have in the the error of its ways and has than the value of their house. genuinely treated as equals. past. now scrapped this tax on the On each occasion the SSP Our members fight for these Our MSPs will take a sick. has been criticised by the values every day- in wage that will ensure they The Scottish Socialist Party establishment parties as being community campaigns and in understand the day to day is not just a protest vote, unrealistic but on each our trade unions; on the streets problems faced by the although there is no doubt occasion it has just been ahead and occupying buildings in a majority of us. that many of our voters want of the game. bid to protect services enjoyed For a workers’ MP on a to protest against the gross Some of those policies have by generations before. worker’s wage- vote SSP. 21 HOLYROOD ELECTION MANIFESTO 2011 Promoted by Kevin McVey on behalf of the Scottish Socialist Party, Suite 370, 4th Floor Central Chambers 93 Hope St, Glasgow Partaidh G2 6LD Soisealach na h-Alba

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