IMPROVING NHS, SCRAPPING TWO CHILD CAP AND DELIVERING UNIVERSAL WINTER SUPPORT

The SNP Government’s Budget will deliver progress for Scotland, by Scotland – after listening carefully to the people of Scotland and taking action on their concerns.

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes, highlighted key SNP policies which will be taken forward in the Budget which will benefit people in Renfrewshire, including:

  • Record levels of NHS funding – throwing the weight of the government behind NHS improvement

  • Reintroducing universal winter heating payments for pensioners after they were axed by the UK Labour Government

  • Scrapping Labour’s Two Child Cap – lifting 15,000 children out of poverty

  • Increased investment in housing, supporting the delivery of 8,000 homes

  • Delivering a fair tax system – meaning the majority of people in Scotland pay less tax than in the rest of the UK

Commenting, Natalie Don-Innes MSP said:

“I am delighted at the support John Swinney’s first Budget is offering for people in Renfrewshire. It will deliver real progress on people’s priorities – and will offer hope, putting in place the investment for Scotland to win big in the future.

“The First Minister has listened to what people have told him on the NHS – that’s why he is investing record amounts and throwing the whole weight of the government behind improving the health service, making it easier for people to see their GP and bringing down waiting times.

“I am also pleased to see £726 million being committed to affordable housing across Scotland, helping to tackle the housing challenges we are facing, prevent homelessness, and provide everyone with a safe and warm place to live.

“People across Renfrewshire have been let down by the UK Labour Government. While the UK Government’s Budget treated Scotland as an afterthought – this is a Budget that puts the people of Scotland first.

“As Labour is cutting winter fuel payments, the SNP is introducing universal support and while they push kids in Renfrewshire into poverty with the cruel two-child cap, the SNP will scrap it and give thousands of kids a better chance in life.

“All this is being achieved while delivering the fairest tax system in the UK – with the majority of people in Scotland paying less tax than south of the border.

“That is what you get from a Swinney Government – listening to people’s concerns and taking strong and decisive action to deliver on their priorities.”