Friday morning sees two main issues but we may be able to get onto some of the other prioritised motions.

Regional Government Composite L

While the range of motions (110-112) sets out the issues for regional government in England, not sufficient attention has been paid to the impact of devolution on the bargaining agenda and how the union sets itself to engage in the dynamic of devolution for membership organisation and resources.

GATS Composite F, includes Motion 29, Scottish priority 7, 28 and 127, 127.1

Our social and environmental priorities for the future will be decided by multi-national corporations through the General Agreement on Trade in Services, set by the World Trade Organisation. It will expose services to worldwide competition and is a real threat to public services. GATS rules include exemptions for some services but the exemption clause is not clear. GATS could also affect services in developing countries. There is much education and campaigning work to be done on the issue which was one of UNISON Scotland's motions to the STUC and is addressed in the composite.

Afternoon priorities

The overall Scottish line is to support unless otherwise stated. We think we could get through quite a few of the motions and we've covered a couple from the first 10 - somewhat optimistically.

University Funding and Top Up Fees
Composite G

The issues and challenges facing the education system are brought to our attention in Comp G, involving the City of Edinburgh amendment. With many children still not having the opportunity to reach their full potential, the motions call for a clearer government agenda. The different priorities of the devolved legislatures are acknowledged, comprehensive schools in Wales and tuition fees in Scotland, but these issues, particularly the dangers of top-up fees in England will have a knock on effect across the UK.

Housing Composite E

A number of motions (23-27) draw attention to the depletion of low rent public housing through stock transfers and right to buy. The motions call for significant additional investment to increase the supply of for rent accommodation by local authorities and other social housing using 'prudential borrowing'. Housing is seen as a fundamental right. Does the emptying of the New Housing Partnership Fund in Scotland indicate a shift in policy by the Scottish Executive.

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