Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP

The new Currie Primary School opened last month and the old school is for sale.  I know there are concerns about appropriate development of the old building which is in a conservation area.  The Currie Community Council is against residential development and is keen to see the building developed for community use.  If the frontage of the school, which is a significant landmark, can be maintained that would be appreciated by many people.  The Council is selling more land than originally indicated and parents feel this leaves the new school short of play areas.  This change by the council needs to be looked at again.  Importantly, though, I hope pupils and staff enjoy their new school and I look forward to visiting them in the future.

Last month saw the start of the new session in Parliament. The Climate Change Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech will make the UK the first country in the world to have a legally binding long term framework to cut CO2 emissions.

Many people worry about their financial security in retirement. The Pensions Bill will place a duty on every employer to contribute to good quality workplace pensions for their employees. The reforms will lead to millions of new savers in workplace pension schemes as well as 1.5 million existing savers gaining from higher employer contributions.

Importantly, we will continue to build on the foundation of a strong and stable economy, with low inflation, sound public finances, high levels of employment, and interest rates kept as low as possible.   

Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish Currie and Balerno News readers a very happy Christmas and a good New Year.