HOSPITAL AT HOME FUNDING

Providing older people with a safe alternative to hospital.

The number of patients using Hospital at Home in Scotland rose by almost a quarter last year, it has been revealed, as funding allocations for NHS boards were announced.

A total of 13 local healthcare providers have been allocated a share of £3.6 million for Hospital at Home for older people to help ease pressure on frontline acute services.

Hospital at Home offers a safe alternative to admission to an acute hospital, with almost 15,000 older patients using the service in 2023/24 and this funding will support the continuation and development of existing programmes.

Confirmation of the awards comes as a new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland highlights the impact that the Hospital at Home service for older people has had in 2023-24.

The findings show:

• 14,467 patients used Hospital at Home in 2023, up from 11,686 in the previous year

• Total bed numbers increased by 58%, ahead of the Scottish Government’s 50% target

• An estimated £14.9 million was saved in traditional hospital admission costs

• A further estimated £36.3 million was saved in post-hospital care due to a reduction in re-admission.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been awarded a £165,000 share of the funding.

Providing older people with a safe alternative to hospital

Hospital at Home is a a great service and it’s great to see the progress that the local Health Board is making to deliver it in Renfrewshire and across the rest of the region.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Hospital at Home is a a great service and it’s great to see the progress that the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board is making to deliver it in Renfrewshire and across the rest of the region.

“The service has a positive impact, particularly on elderly patients, as it allows patients to receive acute treatment in an environment that they feel comfortable and familiar with.

“It also gives people greater independence during their recovery. Evidence shows that those benefitting from the service are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.

“This is one of a range of measures that the Scottish Government have put in place to tackle delayed discharge numbers and free up beds within our hospitals.”

REGIONAL FOOD FUND OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: £100,000 TO PROMOTE LOCAL PRODUCE

Scottish food businesses, producers and groups are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to promote and champion produce from their local area.

Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund, launches its fifth round with £100,000 available from the Scottish Government to support regional food activity across Scotland.

Since 2018, the Scottish Government has provided over £770,000 to the fund, which has supported 167 collaborative projects, varying from food and drink tourism trails, festivals, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I welcome this latest round of Regional Food funding from the Scottish Government, which underlines the SNP’s commitment to empowering local businesses and economies to grow and flourish.

“Food and drink is one of our largest industry sectors, and Scotland’s largest employer with an industry value of over £15 billion. The engagement of regional markets is vital in achieving the Scottish Government’s industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years.

“Scotland has a highly successful and influential food and drink sector and this fund allows us to demonstrate that through the development of creative food and drink projects. These grants allow opportunities to increase the promotion of local produce and the chance for businesses to engage and educate local communities about what is available.

“I would encourage eligible businesses and groups in Renfrewshire to apply for a grant before the deadline on 30 August 2024: https://fs22.formsite.com/scotfooddrink/RFF-202425/index”.

DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK IN RENFREWSHIRE SHORTLISTED AS FINALISTS FOR COSLA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024

Fifteen projects from across Scotland have been chosen as finalists for the 2024 Excellence Awards, which are COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success.

All 32 Scottish local authorities and partner organisations were invited over the summer to submit entries to a judging panel comprising a number of experts across local and national government as well as the private sector.

After much deliberation, the COSLA judging teams determined just 15 finalists from dozens of high-quality applications – this year, entries surpassed 200 for the second year in a row.

The judges’ shortlist features a series of projects and programmes which highlighted areas of best practice and innovative service delivery over five categories; Service Innovation and Improvement, Achieving Better Outcomes for the Most Vulnerable in Partnership, Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health and Wellbeing, Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy and Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy.

The AMIDS District Heating Network in Renfrewshire has been selected as one of three finalists in Category 5: Just transition to a net zero economy.

Renfrewshire Council, alongside the other finalists, will now be invited to present their projects in person to a panel of judges in August led by COSLA President Shona Morrison, who will decide on a winner in each of the 5 main categories as well as the winners of an additional 4 special awards.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am delighted that the AMIDS District Heating Network has been selected as a finalist in these prestigious awards, highlighting the many positive and innovative projects coming from across Scottish local government. 

“The low carbon Heating Network in Renfrewshire supplies heat and hot water 90% greener than a gas boiler to facilities at Scotland's home for manufacturing innovation.

“The £1.7 million project, funded by Renfrewshire Council and by the Scottish Government Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, was also the first of its kind in Scotland and the first in the UK supplying a mixed-use development.

“Its great to see this ambitious local project celebrated and gaining recognition nationally, and I wish Renfrewshire Council the best of luck for the Awards Ceremony in September”.

LABOUR HAS "BROKEN ITS PROMISE TO VOTERS" BY IMPOSING CUTS

CUTS ARE A POLITICAL CHOICE THAT THREATEN PUBLIC SERVICES IN SCOTLAND

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, has called out the Labour Party on misleading the public and their broken promises to voters – after the Chancellor announced immediate cuts to public services, infrastructure and social security worth billions of pounds, despite promising no cuts during the election.

Ms Don has warned that the cuts are "a political choice that will damage public services and economic growth".

The announcement that the Labour government will slash spending on hospitals, road and rail projects, the Winter Fuel Allowance and plans to make further cuts at the UK budget – comes despite Rachel Reeves promising during the election: “I don’t want to make any cuts to public spending... There’s not going to be a return to austerity under a Labour government" and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar claiming: “I don’t accept there will be spending cuts" and "read my lips: no austerity under a Labour government".

Throughout the election, the SNP repeatedly warned that the Labour Party’s decision to copy damaging Tory spending plans and fiscal rules would mean around £18billion of cuts or tax rises.

Senior Labour figures including Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Ian Murray and Anas Sarwar all denied this.

LABOUR HAS "BROKEN ITS PROMISE TO VOTERS" BY IMPOSING CUTS

These cuts are a political choice that will damage public services and economic growth.

 
Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

"Throughout the election, the SNP repeatedly warned the Labour Party's damaging decision to copy Tory fiscal rules and spending plans would mean around £18billion of cuts or tax rises. Labour flatly denied this and promised there would be no cuts – but now they have been forced to admit it was true and the cuts will be even deeper than expected.

"The Labour Party misled the public and has broken its promise to voters. The cuts announced today are a political choice that will damage public services and economic growth – and, more worryingly, it's now clear the Labour government will continue to cut and squeeze the budgets of public services, at a time when they desperately need investment.

"Renfrewshire and Scotland as a whole has suffered the consequences of fourteen years of Westminster cuts - and now Labour is piling more cuts on top and extending austerity.

“Public services have been starved of cash and can't take any more. People in Renfrewshire voted for “change” – they didn't vote for a Labour government to cut hospitals, roads and railways, they didn't vote to push children into poverty – and they didn't vote for another decade of Westminster austerity.

"You can't improve public services by cutting them – and you can't grow the economy, or build a country fit for the future, by taking investment away from infrastructure projects.

"The SNP will continue do everything it can to stand up for Scotland and hold the Labour government to account for the damage it will do to Scotland's public services by cutting off investment."

FAIRER WORKPLACES FUND: SUPPORT FOR FLEXIBLE WORKING

A £350,000 fund to help businesses, charities and other organisations adopt fair work practices has opened for applications.

Grants are available to implement changes such as the delivery of workplace training and processes that support flexible working and help to create and sustain a more diverse workforce.

The Fairer Workplaces Fund adds to Scottish Government measures supporting fair work, including making payment of the real Living Wage and providing an effective voice for workers a condition of grant awards.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“This fund is a great opportunity for businesses, charities and organisations in Renfrewshire to take a step towards creating fairer workplaces for their staff.

“Offering flexible shift patterns, remote working and making workplaces more accessible are among the relatively simple steps that can help more people into work and ensure they are able to stay there.

“They are also good for business. Experience shows that adopting fair work practices can help recruitment and improve staff retention. This new fund and the dissemination of the learning from it will help more companies – and Scotland’s wider economy - reap those benefits.

“I would urge organisations in Renfrewshire to look into the Fund and make sure to submit an application before the deadline on Sunday 1st September 2024.”

£30 MILLION TO REDUCE NHS WAITING TIMES: TARGETED ACTION TO TACKLE LONGEST WAITS

Significant activity is underway to clear the longest NHS waits following the allocation of £30 million of targeted funding.

The funding has been allocated to specialty areas where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits – this includes cancer, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, dermatology and diagnostics.

It is estimated the £30 million, initially announced in April, will help boards across the country deliver around; 12,000 additional procedures, 40,000 extra diagnostic procedures and 12,000 new outpatient appointments.

Activity levels will increase over the coming weeks and the Scottish Government will work closely with Boards to support delivery. 

Targeted action to tackle longest waits

I welcome this initial investment of £30 million which will target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic,

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I welcome this initial investment of £30 million which will target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic. This is all part of the Scottish Government’s programme to tackle waiting times in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde region and across the country, including waiting lists for orthopaedic treatment and diagnostics for cancer.

“These actions will help Scotland’s NHS maximise capacity, build greater resilience and deliver year-on-year reductions in the number of patients who have waited too long for treatment. The number people waiting over two years for a new outpatient appointment is down by more than half in the last two years, and we want to build on that progress.

“As part of the £30 million, the Scottish Government have invested close to £2 million in ophthalmology helping to increase activity in the short term as we aim to deliver one cataract procedure every 30 minutes on standard lists. This will allow a more resilient and sustainable service for the future.”

LABOUR MPs IN RENFREWSHIRE VOTE TO KEEP TWO CHILD CAP

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, has called out the three newly elected Labour MPs in Renfrewshire, stating that "the Labour Party failed its first major test in government".

This comes after the majority of Labour MPs voted against the SNP amendment to scrap the two child cap last night (23 August), including the three Renfrewshire Labour MPs, causing it to fall by 103 MPs in favour of scrapping the cap to 363 MPs against.

Using the latest data, published by the Department for Work and Pensions, the research reveals the typical cost of the two child cap to families in Scotland this year is £287.92 a month, or £3455 a year, for families with three children, and £575.84 a month, or £6910 a year, for families with four children. In total, some of the poorest families in Scotland have lost a combined £454.8million in financial support since the policy was introduced in 2017/18. Across Britain, families have lost a total of £8.05 billion in support.

The Labour Party failed its first major test in government

This is now the Labour government's two child cap - and it must take ownership of the damage it is causing.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“Last night, Labour MPs had the opportunity to deliver meaningful change from years of Tory misrule by immediately lifting thousands of children out of poverty and abolishing the two child benefit cap - they made a political choice not to do so.

“Data shows that in Renfrewshire alone, 790 households (63%) in receipt of Universal Credit or Child Tax Credits are not receiving financial support for at least one child as of April 2024, which equates to 63% of all recipients.

“However, all three of the newly elected Labour MPs across Renfrewshire voted to keep this cruel cap in place under their Labour government, which will unnecessarily keep children and families in our communities in poverty.

"This is now the Labour government's two child cap - and it must take ownership of the damage it is causing.

"The SNP will continue campaign vigorously for the cap to be abolished at the earliest opportunity, as we have done since its introduction in 2015. It is the very worst of Westminster’s welfare cuts, and every day it remains more children suffer.

"The Labour government has a moral duty to go much further and faster to tackle child poverty. Scrapping the cap is the bare minimum we should expect. In order to eradicate child poverty, the UK government must take much bolder action, including matching the Scottish Child Payment UK-wide by raising Universal Credit by £26.70 per child, per week at the UK budget.

“It is clear that the Labour Party failed its first major test in government.”

From Renfrewshire to Paris - Natalie Don MSP highlights Renfrewshire Olympic Connections

“It’s great to see sports stars from Renfrewshire making their way to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris”, said Natalie Don MSP.

Amongst the 34 Scots within the GB Olympic Team are two cyclists who have a connection with Renfrewshire.  This includes cyclist Jack Carlin who was born in Paisley but later moved to Manchester to be part of the Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy.  Jack has won medals in the keirin, sprint and team sprint events including silver medals at the World Championships in 2018, silver at prestigious events including British titles, European championships and World championships.  Jack also won silver and bronze medals at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo and is planning to increase his medal tally at the Paris Olympics.

The other Scot with a Renfrewshire connection is Neah Evans who was born in Langbank and also competes in cycling.  Neah has represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games European Championships and World Championships and Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.  Her medal tally includes a silver in the team pursuit event from the Tokyo Olympics and she hopes to go one better in Paris.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Olympics in the pinnacle sports event for many athletes and it’s great to see two people with Renfrewshire connections making Team GB for the Paris Olympics.

“I wish both Jack and Neah all the best and hope that they can both reach their goal of coming back with gold medals.

“Jack and Neah are great examples for anyone taking up a specific sport.  The successes they have achieved has shown what dedication and hard work can achieve and both should inspire children and young people to pursue their favourite sport as much as they can.”

DON’T LET WESTMINSTER BLOCK YOUR VOICE BEING HEARD

EVERY VOTE COUNTS ON 4TH JULY TO REJECT MORE AUSTERITY  

 
SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has told voters to ensure their voice is heard at the polls on Thursday.

There have been reports of postal delays affecting many voters across Scotland, with many not receiving their ballot papers prior to going on holiday.

This, combined with Westminster’s Voter ID laws that will be imposed for the first time at this General Election, could lead to many voters being disenfranchised.

DON’T LET WESTMINSTER BLOCK YOUR VOICE BEING HEARD

EVERY VOTE COUNTS ON 4TH JULY TO REJECT MORE AUSTERITY

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“It’s deeply concerning that delays in the postal system will mean that some of those who had signed up for a postal ballot to cast their vote ahead of the 4th July won’t have their voices heard – in an election in Scotland that’s on a knife edge.

“The calling of this election has been done at a time which is inconvenient for many Scots, with the school holidays already starting and families heading off on well-earned breaks. 

“On top of this, Westminster has imposed a new law on Scotland meaning those who are voting in person on Thursday will have to show an accepted form of ID.
 
“This is wrong, and the SNP opposed this unnecessary measure every step of the way – voting is a democratic right that should be accessible and easy for everyone.
 
“I have been reassured by Renfrewshire Council that the vast majority of Postal Votes were handed to the Royal Mail on 18th and 19th June, with the remainder being handed over on the 24th June.

“However, anyone who has lost, spoiled, or has not received their postal vote can visit Renfrewshire House in Paisley with photographic ID to have a ballot reissued.

“Inverclyde Council, which covers Bridge of Weir and Houston, has also reassured me that all postal ballot packs, apart from the most recent applications, should now have been delivered.

“However, a replacement for any undelivered or lost postal votes can be collected from Inverclyde Council’s Customer Service Centre in the Municipal Buildings, Greenock. An appointment can be made by calling 01475 712 126 or emailing elections@inverclyde.gov.uk, but appropriate photo ID must be brought to allow the packs to be issued.

“If you are having any issues accessing your postal vote, or if you have any issues voting on Thursday 4 July, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my constituency office for assistance. The Electoral Registration Office can also be contacted directly on 0300 300 0150.”

ONLY THE SNP WILL REJECT AUSTERITY AND PUT SCOTLAND’S INTERESTS FIRST

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) have warned that the Labour Party will need to make massive cuts to the Scottish budget and Scotland’s public services.

The IFS today confirmed that “Under both the Labour and Conservative parties’ plans, the Scottish Government would see cuts in funding for investment and only modest increases in funding for day-to-day spending.”

The Nuffield Trust also recently revealed that Labour Party spending plans would leave the NHS with lower spending increases than during the worst years of Tory austerity cuts.

The Trust stated:

"Labour proposals would represent a lower level of funding increase than the period of ‘austerity’ between 2010-11 and 2014-15. This would be an unprecedented slowdown in NHS finances.... it would make the next few years the tightest period of funding in NHS history. They will struggle to be able to pay the existing staff, let alone the additional staff set out in the workforce plan. It’s completely unrealistic.”

ONLY THE SNP WILL REJECT AUSTERITY AND PUT SCOTLAND’S INTERESTS FIRST

The IFS today confirmed that “Under both the Labour and Conservative parties’ plans, the Scottish Government would see cuts in funding for investment and only modest increases in funding for day-to-day spending.”

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“The independent IFS have been warning about this for months, and they’ve now written it down in black and white – Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour government are planning massive cuts to the Scottish budget and Scotland’s public services.

“At least £18 billion of Labour cuts, on top of 14 years of Tory austerity, is a price Scotland’s public services simply can’t afford to bear. We now have 6 days left in this election to stop those Westminster cuts from becoming a devastating reality.

“The SNP want to see investment in our NHS and public services. This latest warning is firm proof that if people in Scotland want an end to cuts, if they want to ensure that decisions about Scotland are made in Scotland, for Scotland, then they’ve got to vote SNP.

“The result of the election in England is a foregone conclusion - the Labour Party has a commanding lead and it is certain Sir Keir Starmer is going to be the next Prime Minister

“The only story left in this election is Scotland - where it is hotly contested between the SNP and the Labour Party.

“It is only SNP voices in the House of Commons that will hold a Labour government to account given that they’re going to win hands down in England. On July 4th, vote SNP.”

CIRCULAR ECONOMY BILL PASSED

New powers to increase reuse and recycling rates.

Legislation giving Ministers and local authorities the tools needed to increase reuse and recycling rates, as well as modernise and improve waste and recycling services, has been passed.

The Circular Economy Bill will give Ministers the powers to:

-              Set local recycling targets, building on the experience of Wales, which has the best recycling rate in the UK.

-              Set statutory targets for delivery of a circular economy to measure progress in transforming the economy.

-              Restrict the disposal of unsold consumer goods, to prevent good products ending up in landfill.

-              Place charges on single-use items like disposable cups to encourage the move to reusable alternatives.

-              Give local authorities additional enforcement powers, allowing them to crack down on fly tipping and littering from cars.

The measures will be underpinned by support and investment, building on the investments already made through the £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund.

Circular Economy Bill Passed

Legislation giving Ministers and local authorities the tools needed to increase reuse and recycling rates, as well as modernise and improve waste and recycling services, has been passed.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“There are huge opportunities in having an economy which makes reuse and recycling the default choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.

“We have already seen businesses creating jobs by turning what we might otherwise throw away into valuable new products and services.

“The measures in the Circular Economy Bill will give local Councils, like Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, and the Scottish Government the powers needed to support the sustainable use of resources and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“For people to do the right thing for the planet and tackle the climate emergency, it is crucial that everyone experiences a modern, easy to use waste service.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with local authorities and householders to co-design how these powers are implemented to take account of different circumstances and needs on our journey towards a truly circular economy.”

NEARLY £50 BILLION INVESTED IN SNP SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PRIOIRTIES

Funding to support the NHS, reduce carbon emissions and help tackle poverty.

Almost £50 billion was spent by the Scottish Government last year on public services to help tackle child poverty, reduce carbon emissions, support the NHS and secure pay deals, according to newly published official figures.

The Provisional Outturn, which compares actual spending with the funding commitments set out in the Budget, shows that the Scottish Government spent £49.3 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. There was £292 million remaining – representing 0.6% of the Scottish Government’s total budget – all of which has been carried over through the Scotland Reserve to be directed towards priority areas in 2024-25.

In 2023-24 the Scottish Government:

-              Spent nearly £5.2 billion on social security benefits. This includes £429 million on Scottish Child Payment, alongside funding to introduce Carer Support Payment in pilot areas, ahead of full roll-out in 2024, and to widen eligibility for Best Start Foods.

-              Invested more than £19 billion in health and social care, supporting recovery and reform to secure sustainable public services, while delivering a pay uplift for NHS staff.

-              Provided nearly £220 million to the Heat in Buildings Programme to help deliver greener and more energy efficient homes.

-              Continued providing Just Transition Fund grant funding, including £16.8 million for projects in the North-east and Moray regions, in addition to £3 million to help vulnerable global communities address loss and damage brought on by climate change.

-              Invested almost £422 million on bus services and concessionary fares, providing up to 2.3 million people in Scotland with access to free bus travel.

Nearly £50billion invested in SNP Scottish Government Priorities.

This funding was spent on public services to help tackle child poverty, reduce carbon emissions and to support the Scottish NHS.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“These figures show once again how the SNP Scottish Government is prudently and competently managing the public finances while delivering funding for the things that matter to people across Renfrewshire and the rest of Scotland, not least the NHS and action to tackle child poverty.

“The last year has been extremely challenging for the SNP Scottish Government, with the continued impact of persistently high inflation, pressure on public sector pay, backlogs as a result of the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine combined to place pressure on the public finances. However, the Scottish Government has continued to consistently balanced its budgets whilst investing in public services and supporting people through the cost of living crisis.”

FOOTBALL ACTIVITY CLUB FUNDING DOUBLES TO £4 MILLION

Support to help families on low incomes with childcare.

Football clubs and trusts across Scotland, including St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation in Paisley, will receive additional funding to boost efforts to eradicate child poverty.

The Scottish Government will double its investment in the Extra Time Programme, a joint initiative with the Scottish Football Association, from £2 million to £4 million for this financial year. The funding will support more free before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs for children from families on low incomes.

By giving around a projected 3,000 children each week free access to sport and other activities which wrap around the school day, the funding will help more parents to enter or sustain employment or training. 

St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation in Paisley are one of the clubs delivering this programme, with their funding from the Scottish Government now increasing to £151,300.

Football activity club funding doubles!

SNP Scottish Government has doubled funding to £4million.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“This funding from the Extra Time Programme is enabling football clubs and trusts to provide really valuable childcare options, particularly for families from low-income households who are most at risk of living in poverty.

“This Programme is a reminder that local football clubs are supporting communities here at home – providing valuable services beyond matchday. They understand the value of that support for local families, and they are well placed to provide crucial facilities and services.

“I am delighted that this further funding will enable St Mirren FC Charitable Trust to provide free fun activities to children and young people across the constituency, helping families with childcare costs and relieving pressure on stretched family budgets.

“By removing barriers to affordable and accessible childcare, we will contribute to the Scottish Government’s goal of eradicating child poverty.”

HOME OWNERSHIP SUPPORT SCHEME REOPENS

Help for first-time buyers across the country on low to medium incomes.

A scheme to help first time buyers and certain priority groups step on to the property ladder has reopened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme is available across Scotland to first-time buyers on low or medium incomes who cannot afford the full price of a home.

Successful applicants will be able to buy a home without having to purchase it in full, usually between 60% and 90% of the property’s value, with the Scottish Government owning the remaining share.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Taking the first step on to the property ladder can be difficult for some, especially during the cost of living crisis where we have seen inflation and interest rates push house prices up.

“The Scottish Government recognise these barriers and by reopening the OMSE scheme, we are giving help to as many people as possible to own an affordable home by creating a level playing field with other buyers.

“I would encourage anyone in the Renfrewshire North and West constituency who is either a first-time buyer or in one of the priority groups to consider applying through the scheme.”

NEW APPROACHES TO HELP ERADICATE CHILD POVERTY

Up to £500,000 to be shared by local projects.

A fund to trial new ways of combating child poverty has opened for a second round of applications.

The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund (CPAF) will provide up to £80,000 per grant towards local projects that test and evaluate new approaches which target at least one of the three drivers of child poverty reduction: improving income from employment, supporting people with the cost of living, and increasing awareness and uptake of social security benefits.

New approaches to help eradicate child poverty

Eradicating child poverty is a central mission for the SNP Scottish Government.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“Eradicating child poverty is a central mission for the SNP Scottish Government and we must find new and innovative ways to achieve this.

“Measures such as the Scottish Child Payment are estimated to keep 100,000 children in Scotland out of relative poverty this year, but we are determined to go further. The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund will support projects in Renfrewshire and beyond that target the root causes of child poverty and create lasting change in our communities.

“Local authorities and health boards are already undertaking transformative work to tackle child poverty and this fund will support them to go further and share best practice, to help make child poverty a thing of the past.”

INCREASING PAY FOR CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE STAFF

Staff in children's social care services will see their pay increase to at least £12 an hour thanks to new Scottish Government funding.

Backed by over £19 million this year, it will ensure more than 6,000 people working in a direct care role in the voluntary, private and independent sector services receive the pay increase, which could be worth more than £2,000 a year for some staff.

It will help people providing direct care to vulnerable children and young people under the age of 18, including Personal Assistants, and all payments will be backdated and provided for all hours worked from April 2024.

Increasing pay for children’s social care workers was a commitment set out in the 2023 Programme for Government.

Increasing pay for children’s social care staff

New Scottish Government funding will see pay for staff in children’s social care services increase to at least £12 per hour.

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West and Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don, said:

“This uplift is an important step forward in supporting our highly valued social care staff across Scotland. The support they provide is invaluable and the Government is committed to ensuring no-one is paid less than the Real Living Wage.

“Children’s social care services couldn’t be delivered without our private, voluntary and independent sector providers and this funding will help support the sustainability of their services.

“The implementation of this uplift would not have been possible without close working with our partners especially with COSLA and with Health and Social Care Partnerships.”

RECORD NUMBER OF YOUNG CARERS SUPPORTED UNDER SNP GOVERNMENT

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES PEOPLE ACROSS RENFREWSHIRE NORTH & WEST TO APPLY FOR SUPPORT

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the latest figures which show a record number of young carers have received support from the Scottish Government, with over 3,700 receiving a Young Carer Grant in the last year.

Since the payment was launched in 2019, over 12,000 payments totalling £4 million have been made, and since March 2023 almost 1.4m has been paid - almost 60% more than the year before.

The £380 grant is only available in Scotland to those aged 16 - 18 who spends at least 16 hours a week on average caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.

Record Number of Young Carers supported under SNP Government

Natalie Don MSP encourages people across Renfrewshire North & West to apply for support.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West said:

“This SNP Scottish Government is transforming more lives than ever before across Renfrewshire North & West, and will continue to do all it can as we work towards the First Minister’s goal of eradicating child poverty.

“With a social security system built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, we can make a real difference – alleviating hardship and supporting those who sacrifice so much to care for their loved ones.

“I am glad this support – which is unique to Scotland – is available to young carers across Renfrewshire North & West, and I would encourage anyone who is not receiving this payment to check if they’re eligible.”

SNP UNVEIL NEW SUPPORT FOR START-UPS IN RENFREWSHIRE: SCOTLAND REMAINS TOP PLACE FOR INVESTMENT

The SNP Scottish Government has unveiled new support for start-up firms in Renfrewshire.

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the announcement from the Deputy First Minister that £5 million pounds is being invested to grow and nurture high-growth businesses. This package includes funding to develop pre-start up support and increased investment in Scottish EDGE, the business funding competition.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced these measures to ensure that “innovation is at the very heart of our economy.”

This package comes as figures show that Scotland once again attracted the highest number of UK financial services foreign direct investment (FDI) projects outside of London – highlighting that Scotland continues to be an attractive destination for economic investment.

New Supports for Start-Ups

In Renfrewshire, we have the talent, skills and facilities to develop a strong and vibrant start up economy.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“This investment package from the SNP Government is an important step that will increases opportunities and help develop start-up networks across the constituency and beyond.

“At a time when Scotland is becoming an attractive destination for economic investment – the SNP Government will continue taking every possible action to prioritise growing the economy.”

MORE WOMEN TAKING PART IN BREAST SCREENING PROGRAMME

The number of women being tested for breast cancer is at its highest ever level in Scotland.

More than three in four women (75.9%) took up their screening invitations over the three-year period 2020 to 2023, Scottish breast screening programme statistics indicate.

This is an increase on the previous three-year period (2019-22) when uptake was 74.5% and pre-pandemic (2017-20) when uptake was 72.2%.

The figures also show that all NHS boards individually have met the acceptable uptake standard of 70% for a second year in a row.

Moore women taking part in Breast Screening Programme

The Scottish Government will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“I am pleased that more women are attending breast screening appointments and that boards, including Greater Glasgow and Clyde which covers my constituency, have individually met their target for a second year in a row. However, there is more work to be done to reach the achievable target of 80% and to encourage people from more deprived areas to attend their appointments.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES VITAL FUNDING FOR SCOTLAND’S REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

Natalie Don MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has welcomed funding from the SNP Scottish Government for Scottish Refugee Council’s Refugee Support Service, which will help refugees and people seeking asylum in Scotland to settle in Renfrewshire.

The £3.6 million funding, which replaces the now ended EU funding for the services, will be used by the SRC to help people access health, housing, welfare and employment support.

This funding from the Scottish Government will also help provide information and resources and to encourage social connections.

The EU funding which previously funded the service ended in 2023.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“I welcome this vital funding for the Scottish Refugee Council, which underlines the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to championing the rights of and supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable groups who are fleeing war and persecution.

“It is essential that we take every step possible to make sure refugees and asylum seekers looking to settle in Scotland have access to all the help they need to rebuild their lives in Renfrewshire. Following the inhumane Rwanda Bill that has recently been passed in Westminster, it is vital that refugees are treated with compassion and dignity throughout.

“Our communities are made all the richer for the asylum seekers and refugees who choose to make Scotland their home, and thanks to this continued investment from the SNP Scottish Government, Scotland will continue to leave its door open to those who need it most.”