Overview
Despite restrictions, it’s still been a busy time for Councillors, with a great many meetings to attend, largely on Microsoft Teams but some in person. A lot of concerns have been raised by constituents. These concerns have increased because of the difficult situations which have arisen as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
These difficulties are magnified across our different services with education and health acutely affected although thankfully we are now adjusting to the new norms.
Ward Business
Just recently I have re-started one of my face-to-face surgeries, which has proved popular so the intention is to conduct more in the coming months. These meetings help to ascertain what constituents priorities are and how I can be of help. If you are unable to meet face-to-face, please contact me by email.
I've been chatting with a local group that provides support for disabled children. The group requires funding for amenities, and I am making some enquiries on their behalf. Recently, there have been issues surrounding an increase in the demand for social care. Midlothian is no different in that there are shortages of staff and amenities and we are working to alleviate these shortfalls.
There are unfortunately no “quick fixes” so we are having to rely on agency staff, which although more expensive enables us to continue to provide for constituents until a longer-term solution is identified.
Education is another area, which with an increasing population requires some strategic decisions to be made. I attended the Paradykes Parent Council to give an update on the proposed development of the new school on the A701. However, due to the commercial sensitivity of the current situation, it has been impossible to say where the school is likely to be built. This will hopefully become available very soon.
The encouraging aspect of a new school is that it nearly always leads to an improvement in grades - and we want our schoolchildren to be given every benefit to achieve those better grades.
On Remembrance Sunday, I laid a wreath in Roslin alongside one of the Deputy Lord Lieutenants of Midlothian, Mr Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel.
At the end of November, I attended the COSLA Convention, which is held every 6 months, with councillors from across Scotland attending.
Council Business
Recently, Council business has been somewhat dominated by the Scottish Government’s insistence we carry out a survey asking schoolchildren intimate questions about their sexual preference. Thus far, the council have been unwilling to take part in a survey that adds nothing to the academic curriculum and is what we ought to be concentrating on.
Conversations have been ongoing on the issue of the National Care Service. Both the Conservatives and Labour took part in a cross-party working group. The SNP refused to take part. Midlothian’s submission should be available to read when responses are published.
Housing is also an issue that has come up. At the moment, Midlothian has a shortage of social housing. I have had some encouraging discussions with housing officers for the possible building of a block of flats, especially for over-55s.
Representations
I currently attend the Loanhead, Roslin & Bilston and Damhead Community Councils.
I have had some interesting meetings with the Integrated Joint Board, concentrating on GPs.
If you have any more questions, please contact:
Cllr Pauline Winchester: [email protected]
Midlothian Conservative and Unionist Association: [email protected]
