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Joe FitzPatrick MSP

• Dundee Politicians Welcome Renewables ‘Cluster’ Plan to create 5,000 jobs

  27Jul

  Dundee politicians say the city could be building offshore wind turbines as one of three regional offshore energy manufacturing ‘clusters’ built around key port locations.

  The politicians were responding to Stage 2 of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP) published today by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

  Dundee East MSP Shona Robison said: “This latest report recommends that the sites, including Dundee, are developed into three regional manufacturing clusters that would support the fabrication of offshore wind components and tap into the wealth of subsea expertise that already exists in Scotland.

  “If we can get the city established in constructing renewables sector hardware, then that work, and its associated secondary industry of maintenance over the next decade, will be truly vast.

  “We are absolutely committed to Dundee being at the heart of the Scottish renewables industry. Apart from the great benefits which Dundee will derive in terms of jobs, society will benefit from lower carbon emissions as we move to greener energy. ”

  Joe FitzPatrick, MSP for Dundee West and Vice-Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Renewable Energy at the Scottish Parliament, said: “The report states that a total private and public investment of £223 million would assist the creation of 11 offshore wind manufacturing sites in three regional clusters.

  “Dundee Renewables, the high-powered group formed between the key players in the public and private sectors locally, is working hard to ensure that Dundee grabs a significant share of the new industry.

  “Being a deep-water port, Dundee has many physical and geographical advantages and is one of the longest established import and export hubs for bulk products in Scotland.” 

  “Taken together these 11 sites could support the creation of up to 5,180 jobs and an annual economic impact of up to £294.5 million each year.” 

  Commenting on today’s announcement, Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie said: “Unlocking the potential of these sites will require investment from both the private and public sector.

  “It is important that the Treasury urgently releases Scotland’s £185 million Fossil Fuel Levy to allow that to be invested to further develop the Scottish renewables industry.”

• MSP Welcomes Announcement of R&D Tax Credits Review

  22Jul

  Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick today welcomed a reply he has received from the Chancellor George Osborne which announces that the UK government will consult with businesses in the autumn to review the support which R&D tax credits provide for innovation.

  In his letter to the Chancellor two months ago, Joe FitzPatrick warned of the danger that the Dundee-based industry would lose out to countries such as Canada and France who have boosted their computer games industry through introducing tax relief on research & development work.

  The Chancellor, George Osborne, announced that there were no funds to introduce Tax Breaks for the computer Games industry and the MSP – and the games industry – are fearful of the impact on the Dundee-based industry.

  The reply, from David Gauke, Minister at HM Treasury, states that he “recognises, that, as outlined in your letter, there has been a relative decline in the tax competitiveness of the UK.

  “The UK’s R&D tax credit schemes provide an internationally competitive tax regime for R&D activity, providing nearly £800 million of relief and supporting around 7,500 innovative companies each year, including companies in the video games industry.

  “To ensure the continued effectiveness of the schemes, the Government will consult with business in autumn 2010 to review the taxation of intellectual property, the support R&D tax credits provide for innovation and the proposals of the Dyson review. We would welcome any representations on the schemes as part of this process.”

  Joe FitzPatrick said today: “I welcome this announcement from the Chancellor which is a recognition that, although he did not introduce tax relief in the emergency Budget, he is willing to review that decision.

  “I will be contacting leading industry figures and major stakeholders such as TIGA to ensure the strongest possible representations can be made to this review.  

  “The dropping of industry support doesn’t make sense as any tax relief would be outweighed by increased growth in the sector.  A recent report by the games industry body TIGA has shown that over five years the tax breaks would cost an estimated £192 million but would deliver £415 million in tax receipts.

  “Reports by the Computer games industry show that Dundee could lose 200 jobs over the next 5 years as a result of a failure to implement tax breaks, whereas introducing tax incentives would create 350 Graduate level Jobs and £45 million of extra investment in Dundee.

  “I am still awaiting replies on the subject of tax breaks, from Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media & Sport and Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills – and am writing today to chase up these replies.”

  Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said: “The Treasury’s decision to drop Games Tax Relief in the June Budget was a mistake.

  “The UK video games industry is export oriented, employs highly skilled people and is low carbon in output. It is an industry of the future. With the right Government support, the UK can be a world leader in video game development.

  “TIGA will of course respond to the Government’s consultation document on reform of R&D tax credits. We will seek to make them as beneficial as possible for the games industry. The fact remains, only a dedicated sector specific tax break for games production will put the UK on a level playing field with its overseas competitors.”

• MSP Urges Dundee Youth Groups to Apply for Cashback

  17Jul

  More than £66,000 could be coming to Dundee youth groups in the fourth round of funding for youth projects from the CashBack for Communities scheme which is now open for applications.

  Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced that a £2.5 million pot of cash created from the proceeds of crime will be administered by YouthLink Scotland, the national youth work agency.

  The fund has been allocated for distribution over the next two years to local youth projects in the form of grants up to a maximum of £30,000.

  Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick today welcomed the funding announcement and urged local community organisations to get involved and to apply for funding.

  Across Scotland, 509 projects, have so far benefited from CashBack for Communities funding through YouthLink Scotland.

  The local MSP said: “CashBack for Communities delivers on our ambitions for young people but it also benefits the wider community, whether that’s getting kids off street corners, getting them involved in things like volunteering or offering them the chance to give something back to their communities.

  “The benefits to the young people are clear – and the benefits are felt in the wider community. Many groups in Dundee have already benefitted from previous funding rounds, and this has led to new diversionary activity opportunities including skateboarding, basketball, hockey, street football and others.

  “To date £19.5 million has been invested in a range of free activities for young people in Scotland and every penny of it is money well spent.”

  “By investing in local communities to provide free diversionary activities, we are able to show our young people that there is much more to life than offending or getting out of your heads on drink or drugs.”

  The fourth phase of the YouthLink Scotland administered fund is now open and full details of how to apply can be found on the YouthLink Scotland website: http://www.youthlinkscotland.org

• MSP Urges Dundee Youth Groups to Apply for Cashback

  17Jul

  More than £66,000 could be coming to Dundee youth groups in the fourth round of funding for youth projects from the CashBack for Communities scheme which is now open for applications.

  Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced that a £2.5 million pot of cash created from the proceeds of crime will be administered by YouthLink Scotland, the national youth work agency.

  The fund has been allocated for distribution over the next two years to local youth projects in the form of grants up to a maximum of £30,000.

  Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick today welcomed the funding announcement and urged local community organisations to get involved and to apply for funding.

  Across Scotland, 509 projects, have so far benefited from CashBack for Communities funding through YouthLink Scotland.

  The local MSP said: “CashBack for Communities delivers on our ambitions for young people but it also benefits the wider community, whether that’s getting kids off street corners, getting them involved in things like volunteering or offering them the chance to give something back to their communities.

  “The benefits to the young people are clear – and the benefits are felt in the wider community. Many groups in Dundee have already benefitted from previous funding rounds, and this has led to new diversionary activity opportunities including skateboarding, basketball, hockey, street football and others.

  “To date £19.5 million has been invested in a range of free activities for young people in Scotland and every penny of it is money well spent.”

  “By investing in local communities to provide free diversionary activities, we are able to show our young people that there is much more to life than offending or getting out of your heads on drink or drugs.”

  The fourth phase of the YouthLink Scotland administered fund is now open and full details of how to apply can be found on the YouthLink Scotland website: http://www.youthlinkscotland.org

• MSPs Support Dovetail’s Diversification

  17Jul
  

  Picture shows Shona Robison and Joe FitzPatrick with Dovetail MD Gavin Strachan today outside the factory.

  Dundee’s two constituency MSPs today visited Dovetail Enterprises on Dunsinane Avenue to meet Managing Director Gavin Strachan and to hear of the company’s diversification to meet the new challenges of the downturn in the economy.

  Dovetail, created in 1993, employs nearly 60 workers, a high proportion of whom have disabilities, and occupy a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility in the Dunsinane industrial estate.

  The MSPs heard about the company’s recent successes in providing doors and door-set products for the hotel market as well as their continuing success in manufacturing and installing high quality furniture products for contract and retail clients across Scotland.

  Speaking after the meeting, the MSPs said: “Dovetail is a very valuable local facility offering employment and training to many people with a disability and it makes a commercial success of what it does.

  “As well as its work for major clients it also manufactures a range of home interior and furniture products including sofas, beds, tables and chairs for the domestic consumer.

  “Dovetail provides high-quality items at competitive prices and support local people, including many with disabilities.

  “It is well worth getting a copy of their most recent catalogue or visiting the showroom if you are looking to buy or replace these items in your own home.”

• MSPs Support Dovetail’s Diversification

  17Jul
  

  Picture shows Shona Robison and Joe FitzPatrick with Dovetail MD Gavin Strachan today outside the factory.

  Dundee’s two constituency MSPs today visited Dovetail Enterprises on Dunsinane Avenue to meet Managing Director Gavin Strachan and to hear of the company’s diversification to meet the new challenges of the downturn in the economy.

  Dovetail, created in 1993, employs nearly 60 workers, a high proportion of whom have disabilities, and occupy a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility in the Dunsinane industrial estate.

  The MSPs heard about the company’s recent successes in providing doors and door-set products for the hotel market as well as their continuing success in manufacturing and installing high quality furniture products for contract and retail clients across Scotland.

  Speaking after the meeting, the MSPs said: “Dovetail is a very valuable local facility offering employment and training to many people with a disability and it makes a commercial success of what it does.

  “As well as its work for major clients it also manufactures a range of home interior and furniture products including sofas, beds, tables and chairs for the domestic consumer.

  “Dovetail provides high-quality items at competitive prices and support local people, including many with disabilities.

  “It is well worth getting a copy of their most recent catalogue or visiting the showroom if you are looking to buy or replace these items in your own home.”

• Labour Now Proved Wrong On ‘Scottish Oil’ Says Dundee MSP

  16Jul

  Commenting on David Miliband’s recent comments when he admitted Labour’s failure to set up an oil fund like Norway’s – a scheme supported by the SNP – Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee – said: “These comments are an embarrassment to the Labour party in Scotland and show they have learnt nothing from the 1980s.

  “Yet again we see Labour politicians regret not setting up the means to forestall the negative effects a London Tory government will have on Scotland.

  The Labour Leadership contender had said that under Mrs Thatcher the public benefits of North Sea Oil were used for tax cuts – often to benefit the richest. The Norwegians used theirs to build a sovereign wealth fund. ‘But we did not learn the lesson,’ he concluded.

  The Labour leadership contender’s remarks come as reports of another boom in North Sea oil are forecast.

  Commenting further, Joe FitzPatrick said: “In the 1980s it was their failure to implement Scottish devolution and the resulting devastation the Tories caused to Scotland’s economy.

  “Now we have Labour repeating history again with this admission that they should have set up an oil fund. It’s not as if they weren’t warned. Labour’s Malcolm Wicks suggested they set one up in 2007.

  “This is just another example of how Labour cannot be trusted to protect Scotland from a London Tory government. When they have the chance to put in the place the means to avoid the worst excesses of a Tory government they fail to do so and then they pretend they should have implemented those policies.

  “They are taking the voters for fools if they think they can get away with their empty oppositionalism again.

  “As the latest reports on another oil bonanza show it’s Scotland’s oil and gas industry which is the only thing keeping the London Treasury afloat. Over the next few years, billion worth of North Sea revenues will flow to the London exchequer to shore up the UK’s precarious finances.

  “In the 1970s requests for an oil fund were turned down by a Labour government – the repetition of this failure by Labour in the 21st century is unforgivable.”

• MSP Helps Local Man Celebrate 47 Years Service Award at Remploy

  07Jul
  

  Joe with Bobby Brown and Remploy Manager Maureen Maxwell

  Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick was delighted to have been invited to Remploy on Dunsinane Avenue to help celebrate the retirement of staff member Bobby Brown after an amazing 47 years of service.

  The MSP presented Bobby with a glass plaque and framed copy of his original contract from September 1962, while senior local and regional management and Dundee Remploy colleagues presented him with a variety of retirement gifts.

  Bobby left school and started initially in the previous Remploy factory in Kinnoull Road and has served under several managers including Margaret Harris, who returned to be at his retirement event today and current manager, Maureen Maxwell.

  Joe said: “It was a wonderful and very happy occasion, which I was delighted to have been invited to attend. Bobby is a unique character and will be greatly missed at Remploy. I hope he will enjoy his new ‘career’ as a volunteer at the Unicorn as I know he has a great interest in the navy which came from his father’s service during the war. I wish him very well for the future.”

• Benefits of Council Tax Freeze for Dundee Households Outlined

  25Jun

   

  The value of the continuing Council Tax Freeze for ordinary households was underlined today at Holyrood when Cabinet Secretary for Finance John Swinney revealed that the average Band D council tax payer in Dundee would have been paid more than £212 extra over the three year period of the freeze.

  The Minister was responding to a question from Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick.

  Joe FitzPatrick said: “I asked the Cabinet Secretary how much more the average family in Dundee would be expected to pay if Council Tax had been increased by a comparatively modest 3% each year since 2007.

  “Since the introduction of the Council Tax, it had increased by 100% under Conservative and Labour Governments, and throughout that period there had been double-digit increases. 

  “Today’s figures from the Cabinet Secretary show how much help this has provided to families and households since 2007.

  “The average Band D council tax payer is  £212 per year better-off with the Council Tax freeze.”

  Commenting after the meeting, Shona Robison, Dundee East MSP said: “Labour and Conservative MSPs have regularly demanded that we should end the Council Tax Freeze – but this shows how wrong such demands are. No-one would want to return to the old days under Labour and Tory Governments and Labour Councils when your Council Tax went up and up, every single year.

  “Of course, we now have final proof of the value of the Council Tax Freeze with the Con-Lib Dem Coalition at Westminster now planning to establish a similar Council Tax Freeze in  England.

  “That wouldn’t be happening if the policy had not been such a big success in Scotland.”

• Dundee MSP Welcomes £0.5m For Dundee Cold Store

  25Jun

  Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick has hailed a grant of more than half a million pounds awarded to the innovative Dundee frozen food producer, Kingsway-based Dundee Cold Store, from the Scottish Government’s Food Processing, Marketing and Co-Operative (FPMC) Grants Scheme.

  Mr FitzPatrick who recently visited the Cold Store [pictured with Manager and senior staff inspecting the frozen pea line] said: “This is hugely welcome as Dundee Cold Store have received the biggest single hrant in this round of awards. 

  “They are providing a wonderful service to local food producers and farmers and making big inroads into the market for frozen food products. I think they told me that now nearly one in four frozen peas in the UK comes from Angus.”

  The awards were made by the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, who revealed a 30 per cent sales increase of Scottish food and drink brands across Scotland, England and Wales during the past three years, increasing the value of sales by £425 million.

  In Scotland, sales of Scottish food and drink brands increased 22 per cent over the same period (May 2007 – May 2010), demonstrating Scotland’s strength as a food and drink retailer in a highly competitive market.

   Announcing the figures at the Royal Highland Show, the Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary, said: “Sales of Scottish food and drink are soaring on shop shelves across Scotland, England Wales as consumers flock to the Saltire. Despite a tough economic backdrop, sales of Scottish food and drink brands in these islands have risen to £1.83 billion.

  “Combined sales grew last year by eight per cent which, at a time of economic recession, demonstrates how vital a comprehensive plan of support and promotion can be.”

  “Scotland’s reputation as a producer of high quality food and drink can sustain the industry during hard times. As the government, we will continue to support our rural industries in whatever way we can and build on the principles of ‘Recipe for Success’ – the next steps in our national food and drink policy.”