Conference, RTS, visitor levy

Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference
Delegates gathered in sunny Inverness last weekend for our Spring conference. As well as engagement in debates and policies, it was a chance to hear members’ contributions and from those who have put themselves forward as candidates for election. Debates included proposals to transform children’s social care, protect young people from the harms of vaping, and improve Scotland’s transport links with Europe. The surprise of the conference though was the unveiling of a new member of the Liberal Democrats. Jamie Greene, MSP for the West Scotland region, had resigned the Conservative whip the day before. He was welcomed with open arms by the conference and received a standing ovation. It can’t have been an easy decision to ‘cross the floor’ despite recognising the change of direction in the party that he joined under the leadership of Ruth Davidson. Jamie quoted Eleanor Roosevelt when he resigned from his former party: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway”.

Radio Teleswitch (RTS) Emergency Motion
I successfully brought forward an emergency motion to conference calling for action hoping to avoid RTS chaos, securing party policy change through an emergency motion at the Scottish Liberal Democrat Spring Conference in Inverness last weekend. Smart meters are a way to ensure that customers are able to continue to switch between tariffs and continue to use storage heaters. Shetland and other parts of island and rural Scotland have geographical issues connecting smart meters to the network that supports them as well as a lack of engineers to exchange older meters. It is not clear what will happen to households with RTS meters that have not been exchanged once the signal turns off. It is also unclear what resilience planning is taking place across local authorities.

RTS switch off
Work continues by suppliers to change household and business meters to find workable solutions in the run-up to the RTS switch off date of 30th June 2025. I know that ahead of the switch-off advice is being given that when your energy company contacts you, to respond and act. Shetland faces geographic challenges with connecting smart meters and responses from energy suppliers are inconsistent. If you have an RTS meter but haven’t already contacted your energy supplier for a replacement I would urge you to do so. I have helped many constituents previously so if you have any issues with your energy supplier or getting a meter replacement or smart meter please get in touch through the details below.

Conference Round-up
I was able to meet with several organisations attending conference. Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, the Stroke Association, Scottish Sea Farms, Trussel Trust and SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health). I also spoke with representatives from the Scottish Police Federation who shared with me the short film Relentless, a powerful reminder of what police officers have to deal with.

Aberdeen City proposed visitor levy consultation
Aberdeen City Council’s consultation on their proposed Visitor Levy Scheme is open until 1st July. They are proposing an exemption for medical travel. It is important they hear from people with experience of travelling to the city for medical reasons, have your say.

Cruise ship levy consultation
The Scottish Government is seeking views on giving local authorities in Scotland the power to introduce a cruise ship levy. You can give your views on the benefits and problems a cruise ship levy could bring, the potential impacts and practical questions about how any such levy could best work. 

Shetland Times column
Read my latest Shetland Times column from Friday 11th April.