The First Minister's Press Secretary opened by saying that Cabinet met today and discussed many issues of importance to the people of Scotland. He then highlighted three topical issues:
- First Minister and Social Justice Minister Jackie Baillie had today announced the new debt arrangements for housing stock transfer. These would provide a massive boost and were being done for the benefit of tenants.
- First Minister and Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture Allan Wilson had commented on the Rangers UEFA Cup situation.
- The SNP had issued a news release on the Care Development Group claiming that the Executive has only allocated £25 million over three years and that the sums did not add up. The FMPS said the news release was wrong - it was £25 million a year. The Executive had always said its plans for long-term care can be financed and the sums do add up.
Asked further on long-term care, the FMPS stressed that the Executive had always said it was able to meet its promises and commitments from within existing budgets - and that included free personal care. There had been contact between Executive officials and their Whitehall colleagues - it would be extraordinary if there hadn't been. There is cross-over between the benefits system and what can be done under Devolution. Asked which Department would take the lead, the FMPS said that the Care Development Group had a clear view of how it sees things, and their view would be forthcoming soon. Asked when the Executive will respond to the group, the FMPS said it was hoped that there will be a statement fairly soon.
On housing stock transfer, it was asked why the debt can't be cleared with the housing remaining under council control. The FMPS replied that it was part of a package - part of a strategy aimed at improving the lives of thousands of tenants. Glasgow City Council will be relieved of their debt. Asked why Jackie Baillie had been absent on this important issue, the FMPS said that was quite simply wrong.
