IN the last couple of weeks, I have spoken to a few classes in schools and answered the many and varied questions posed. 

S4 in St Columba’s High School are working with the Anne Frank Trust on an exhibition about Anne Frank.

I was impressed with the knowledge of the students and how they have applied themselves to learn.

On the education theme, there was positive news this week with the official opening of the new St Patrick’s Primary school. The school was jointly funded by the Scottish Government and Inverclyde Council.

This is an example of joint working that takes place and should take place on a more regular basis. I’m sure the pupils and the teachers will enjoy the new school.

The Scottish Government budget was passed last week. There was a lot to offer as well as the headline Income Tax proposal. 

For the next financial year, there will be £470m investment into new Affordable Housing, £140m investment into Energy Efficiency measures, £25m into the Regeneration Capital Fund, £60m childcare expansion, £120m direct funding to schools to help with the Attainment Fund, additional £300m into the NHS, £357m transfer from health to social care, £107m to pay for living wage for social care workers, £47m to mitigate Westminster’s appalling ‘bedroom tax’, £88m to maintain the teacher to pupil ratio, £55m to help the regeneration of disadvantaged communities and £20m for the Empowering Communities Fund.

This is a budget to grow the economy and help our public services.