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P&K Community Car Association Formed
The Annual Meeting of the Perth & Kinross Community Transport Group (PKCTG) was held at McDiarmid Park, Perth on 27 June with MSP John Swinney, Minister for Finance and Sustainable Growth, as the keynote speaker.
The chairman, Norman Jarvie (pictured here, left, with the MSP) , welcomed a range of delegates from across the region all with an interest in community transport. He highlighted changing and challenging times for the voluntary sector with funding a core issue.
The contribution of the sector to the health and welfare of those who are disadvantaged, by either physical or mental impairment, is immense. Accessible community transport in all its many forms is a lifeline for many and the chairman urged government and local authorities to view favourably requests for adequate funding to sustain and develop this service.
In his address the Minister paid tribute to the commitment of volunteers in Perth and Kinross and their active involvement in so many areas of life in this area. He detailed the reasoning behind the recent transfer of funds from central government to local authorities whom, he believes, are often best placed to decide local priorities. He expertly dealt with a number of questions relating to the Blue Badge Scheme, disabled parking bays, hospital parking, rising fuel prices, abuse of the Concessionary Fare Scheme along with accessibility and funding issues. He was warmly thanked for his address and his continuing interest in community transport.
The chairman ackowledged the co-operation of PKC Transport Unit in the formation of the Community Car Association formally launched at this meeting. Voluntary Car Schemes are a valuable local resource but often work in isolation. The new Association aims to bring these groups together to promote best practice procedures, negotiate favourable insurance rates and facilitate the development of other groups. The Minister congratulated PKCTG on this worthwhile initiative.
Further information about the Community Car Association from PKCTG at The Learning Centre, Swansacre, Kinross or contact Angela on 01577 866766. Website: www.pkctg.org.uk
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