21.10.2011
Largs will play host to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee when it holds a public meeting to discuss the Scottish Government’s budget with John Swinney MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth on Monday 7 November.
The Finance Committee is inviting local Ayrshire people along to Brisbane House Hotel in Largs to hear the debate for themselves.
MSPs will question the Minister on the budget for the coming year and future spending plans.
Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson MSP said: “This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in hearing about how the Scottish Government’s proposed budget, which pays for our health service, schools and police, could affect everyday lives in Ayrshire and Scotland.
“We hope that everyone from members of the public, community groups and school children will come along to watch a committee of their Parliament at work, particularly when it is looking at how public money will be spent.
“We have also invited a number of local organisations and business groups to take part in a private morning session of workshops with committee members. We look forward to hearing their views.”
Timetable
The Committee meeting at which the Cabinet Secretary will give evidence will be held in public at Brisbane House Hotel, Greenock Road at 14.00.
To book free tickets to attend the meeting please call the Scottish Parliament Visitor Service on 0131 348 5200 or email SP.Bookings@scottish.parliament.uk
Ayrshire school children decide Scotland’s Budget
Local Ayrshire school children will also get the unique opportunity of creating their own version of the Scottish Budget for 2012/13 on Friday 4 November at Ardrossan Academy.
S5 and S6 pupils from local Ayrshire schools will attend a workshop with the Finance Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson MSP, the Parliament’s Outreach Education service and Parliament staff.
The workshop will cover everything from an easy guide to the Scottish budget process to pupils assuming the role the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth and make their own decisions on what to save and what to cut from the budget.
- Any media wishing free photographs of the events on 4 and 7 November should contact Andrew Cowan the Scottish Parliament’s photographer. Email andrew.cowan@scottish.parliament.uk