Perth FM News - 6th January 2010

Cold Weather paymenty concerns

Concerns have been raised over the understanding of how cold weather payments are made over the winter months. The payments are part of an automatic scheme, made to those on Pension credits or Income support, when the temperature falls to 0 degree or below for 7 consecutive days. MP for Ochil and South Perthshire Gordon Banks also raised the issue of the wind chill factor and plans to table a parliamentary question on the issue, where he has also asked about the timescale for payments. Mr Banks lobbied to have the new station opened at Strathallan to better judge the temperature in Perthshire during the colder time of year.

Complaint on 'silence' from Council over bad weather

Despite assurances that the Council is doing all it can to deal with the road and pavement situation during the bad weather, complaints have been made over the handling of the situation. Councillor Alexander Stewart has now written to both Council Leader Ian Miller and Chief Executive Bernadette Malone asking for a report on the measures taken. Having fielded calls from residents in his ward area, Mr Stewart believes the silence from the Council during the bad conditions has enraged the people of Perth.

New city competition announced for Queen's Diamond Jubilee

A new city competition was announced yesterday by Lord Mandelson for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. With Perth actively seeking city status, local MP Gordon Banks have welcomed the news. Secretary for State of Scotland Jim Murphy has also wished Perth success in its expected bid. With Perth 800 currently underway it is hoped that the events will raise awareness for the area, and local politicians recently gathered for a special dinner in London in support of a city bid.