ELAINE MURRAY NEW YEAR MESSAGE

2009 was a year of mixed results in the struggle to tackle climate change. In June the Scottish Parliament passed the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, which sets very challenging targets for reducing greenhouse gases – 42% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. High hopes for international agreement at Copenhagen were disappointed, although some limited progress has been made, and hopefully will be built upon at the Mexico summit in 2010.

Global recession continued to bite throughout 2009 and although there are some signs that recovery might be on the way next year, 2009 has been a very difficult and worrying year for many. Parliament is currently considering a Bill which would assist people threatened with repossession of their homes as a result of unemployment or short-time working.

The shortage of affordable housing has remained a major issue in my constituency. New homes are under construction but sadly there are far too few to solve the pressing needs of many who find themselves in inadequate accommodation but are making no progress on the housing association waiting lists. As there are no council houses in Dumfries and Galloway we do not benefit from the £24m allocated by the Scottish Government for new council housing, and the reduction in Housing Association Grants will hit our Housing Associations hard.

On a cheerier note, the festive season is a time of enjoyment and holiday for many of us, but for others it can be a lonely time and the consideration of neighbours and friends can make all the difference. I would like to thank the workers in the post office, health service, public protection services, retail and hospitality businesses who have had to work extra hours to ensure that the rest of us enjoy the festivities.

I would like to wish all my constituents a Happy New Year and all the best for 2010, as always, it has been a privilege to represent you in the Scottish Parliament.

ENDS