NEW DATA: SUPERFAST BROADBAND ON THE UP IN RENFREWSHIRE

SNP INVESTMENT DELIVERING FOR COMMUNITIES

Natalie Don-Innes, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, has welcomed new figures from the Scottish Parliament’s information centre which show a steep increase in the availability of superfast broadband across the constituency.

As of September 2024, 99.21% of properties in Renfrewshire have access to superfast broadband – up 22.51% since 2014.

Across Scotland in 2014, 50% of households had access to superfast broadband whereas this has risen to 95% in 2024, an increase of 45% in the past decade.

The SNP is determined to ensure that everyone in Renfrewshire has the digital connectivity they need and that is why we have significantly invested in programmes to make this happen.

From 2025, all new builds in Scotland must have access to superfast broadband as the SNP delivers on a Programme for Government commitment.

SNP Investment Delivering for Communities

It is absolutely fantastic to see that under the SNP Government, access to superfast broadband across Renfrewshire has risen dramatically.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don-Innes said:

“It is absolutely fantastic to see that under the SNP Government, access to superfast broadband across Renfrewshire has dramatically risen over the previous decade – this makes a real and important difference to people’s lives.

“Going from just 76.70% in 2014 to 99.21% now, a rise of 22.51%, shows the benefit that long term investment in our community infrastructure is having.

“One of the SNP Government’s four priorities is to boost growth across Scotland and it is through the funding of vital infrastructure projects that we can help our economy flourish.”

SNP DELIVERING 2,511,470 FREE BUS JOURNEYS IN RENFREWSHIRE

OVER 178 MILLION FREE BUS JOURNEYS MADE IN SCOTLAND IN 2023/24 - WHILE ENGLANDS ELDERLY WAIT AN ADDITIONAL SIX YEARS FOR FREE BUS PASS 

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes has welcomed the news that over 2,500,000 free bus journeys have been made in Renfrewshire this year, thanks to the SNP protecting free bus passes for the over 60’s and those with disabilities, as well as introducing free bus travel for the under 22’s. 

In Scotland, the SNP Government has consistently protected free bus passes for everyone over 60, and disabled people, while also extending the scheme to injured veterans. By contrast, in England, pensioners only receive their free bus pass upon reaching the state pension age of 66 - six years later than is the case in Scotland.  

The free bus travel scheme for under 22s, introduced in 2022, is helping young people across Renfrewshire access work, education, and further training, free of charge. No equivalent scheme exists anywhere else in the UK. 

In Renfrewshire 2,511,470 free bus journeys have been made under these schemes in 2023/24, contributing to the over 178 million free journeys recorded across Scotland this year. 

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

“The delivery of 2,511,470 free bus journeys in Renfrewshire this year is a fantastic achievement, that demonstrates the SNP Government’s commitment to improving mobility for our youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable citizens.  

“These free bus passes are a lifeline for many, helping people access essential services, education, and employment across the constituency. 

“While the UK Labour Government is determined to strip pensioners of their Winter Fuel Payment – the SNP Government is supporting our pensioners by protecting the free bus pass from age 60 – unlike in England, where it’s issued at age 66.  .

"Likewise, as Labour are increasing tuition fees in England, we’re supporting our young people by introducing free bus passes to support them going to work, school, education or further training.  

"The SNP is committed to continuing to support all of Scotland - and it’s important to celebrate the difference that SNP policies are making here in Renfrewshire.” 

£57 MILLION PAID TO FAMILIES IN SCOTLAND TO HELP WITH THE FOOD SHOP

People in Renfrewshire urged to check and use Best Start Foods card.

Families getting a Scottish benefit to help them buy healthy foods are being urged to check their balance on their prepaid card. 

Best Start Foods, a payment of up to £42.40 every four weeks, helps eligible pregnant women, parents, families, and carers with children under the age of three to buy healthy foods from a range of supermarkets, small shops and online stores.  

Since its launch in 2019, over £57 million has been paid to over 86,000 parents and carers. 

The majority of people say it is clear how to use the card, it has helped them to buy milk or healthy food and have been able to use it without any difficulty, according to a recent survey.  

People that have not yet activated their card or don’t use it regularly could be missing out on money that can help pay for healthy foods. Social Security Scotland continue to contact those getting Best Start Foods via text message to alert them to balances available to spend on their cards.  

People can apply for the payment as soon as they know they are pregnant, during pregnancy and up to when their child turns three.  

The removal of income limits earlier this year also means even more people can now get the payment and are being urged to check if they are eligible.   

People in Renfrewshire urged to check and use Best Start Foods card

I’m urging anyone who has a Best Start Foods card to look it out and start using it.

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

“The SNP Scottish Government is determined to eradicate child poverty and reduce health inequalities in Scotland and Best Start Foods, part of the five family payments, is part of a package to support this. 

“I want to make sure people in the constituency know about, and get, all the financial help they are entitled to. This is particularly relevant during the continuing cost of living crisis. 

“I’m urging anyone who has a Best Start Foods card to look it out, make sure it’s activated and check the balance for money to help pay for their food shop.  

“If cards are lost, or people are unsure of how to use them, support is available to help them use their card. The card works the same as any chip and pin card and can be used in many supermarkets, small shops and online.   

“The Scottish Government also removed income limits earlier this year, so I would also urge anyone who has not yet applied for Best Start Foods to check if they are eligible.” 

SNP mark day one of Challenge Poverty Week with focus on Housing

Scottish Government policies have had a transformative impact on Renfrewshire North & West

Natalie Don-Innes MSP is raising awareness of the challenges posed by housing poverty, and highlighting the difference made by the SNP Government in improving access to housing in Renfrewshire.  

The Poverty Alliance’s Challenge Poverty week begins on today, with housing as the first theme. The initiative aims to highlight the injustice of poverty in Scotland and showing the difference that policy interventions can make in alleviating poverty. 

Since coming to power in 2007, the SNP has introduced a number of measures to improve the availability of housing in Scotland - including the abolition of Margaret Thatcher’s Right to Buy scheme, ending fixed-term private lets, and improving tenants' rights. The SNP Government has also overseen the construction of 133,409 social and affordable homes across Scotland, since 2007, with 3,018 bult in Renfrewshire. 

First Minister John Swinney recently reaffirmed the SNP’s commitment to improving access to affordable housing, by announcing a £600 million investment in the sector this year – including £80 million over two years to bring empty properties back into use.  

Supporting Challenge Poverty Week

Key SNP policies have already made a significant difference, boosting the availability of housing in Renfrewshire where we’ve built 3,018new affordable homes since 2007. 

Natalie Don-Innes MSP said: 

“As we mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week, it's crucial to highlight the difference that having a safe, secure, warm and sustainable home can make in a person's life.

"Key SNP policies have already made a significant difference, boosting the availability of housing in Renfrewshire where we’ve built 3,018new affordable homes since 2007. 

“And we are committed to doing more, but progress is being hindered by damaging Westminster policies like the Bedroom Tax and a 9% cut to Scotland’s capital budget.

"While we continue to oppose these policies and further austerity under Labour, the First Minister has announced £600 million for affordable housing, including £80 million to repurpose empty properties; improving the availability of affordable housing in Renfrewshire and taking meaningful action to address the housing emergency.” 

LABOUR MUST MATCH SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT TO END CHILD POVERTY

NEW ANALYSIS SHOWS ACTION WOULD LIFT 563,000 CHILDREN OUT OF POVERTY

The SNP has challenged the Labour government to "get serious about eradicating child poverty" by matching the Scottish Child Payment UK-wide at the UK Budget in October - as new research shows doing so would lift more than half a million children out of poverty across the UK, including more than 40,000 in Scotland.

With one month until the budget, the SNP have made the call to raise the child element of Universal Credit by £26.70 per child per week across the UK - amid growing calls from anti-poverty campaigners and trade unions for the Labour government to end austerity cuts and put cash into people's pockets.

New analysis by the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the SNP and using Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data, shows that matching the Scottish Child Payment across the UK by raising the child element of Universal Credit would lift 563,000 children out of poverty across the UK, including 40,400 children in Scotland, 479,000 in England, 27,000 in Wales and 16,700 in Northern Ireland.

In addition, the research shows that such a move would boost the incomes of around 200,000 low income households in Scotland, and more than 2.6million households across the UK, by £1,390 per child per year.

The SNP government introduced the Scottish Child Payment in 2021 and has since increased its value by more than 160% to £26.70 per child per week. The eligibility has also been extended to include children up to age 16. The benefit, which is paid to Scottish families in addition to any UK-wide benefits, has been described as a "game-changer" by child poverty charities and is estimated to lift around 60,000 children out of poverty.

It comes after the Labour government voted against abolishing the two child benefit cap in a motion tabled by the SNP at the King's Speech in July, keeping thousands of children in poverty.

SNP challenge Labour to tackle Child Poverty

It is nothing short of shameful that so many children across the UK are living in poverty.

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

"It is nothing short of shameful that so many children across the UK are living in poverty - and it's unforgivable that the Labour government has made the political choice to push even more children into destitution by continuing damaging welfare cuts like the two child benefit cap.

"It's time for the new Labour MPs in Renfrewshire to get serious about eradicating child poverty. Keir Starmer’s government must take bold and urgent action at the UK Budget, including abolishing the two child benefit cap immediately and matching the SNP government's Scottish Child Payment UK-wide.

"The evidence is clear – doing so would lift more than half a million children out of poverty across the UK, including more than 40,000 children in communities across Scotland.

"Governments are defined by the choices they make. SNP government policies are lifting children out of poverty but for every step Scotland takes forward, Westminster is dragging us back as draconian Labour Party austerity cuts push more children into poverty.

"Labour must start delivering the change they promised instead of copying the Tories and imposing even more cuts."

SNP GOVERNMENT DELIVERS RECORD 214 HEAT PUMPS FOR RENFREWSHIRE

Natalie Don-Innes MSP has welcomed news that 46 heat pumps were installed in homes across Renfrewshire since January as Scotland remains on course to deliver a record number of heat pumps in 2024.

According to latest data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) the SNP Scottish Government has delivered 214 in total in Renfrewshire since 2007 and is providing support to those looking to install them via the Home Energy Scotland grant and loan worth £7,500, or £9,000 for those in rural areas.

The Scottish Government also has fuel poverty programmes for low-income households like Warmer Homes Scotland and Area Based Schemes. When compared with other nations of the UK, Scotland is leading the way with 1.68% of households with heat pump installations compared to 0.81% in England.

Scotland leading the way

Installing heat pumps helps to achieve our net zero goals.

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

“Once again Scotland is leading the way, working towards achieving our net zero goals while bringing down energy costs.

“While the Labour government are making decisions that threaten our public services with more austerity cuts and will see 800,000 Scottish pensioners go without the Winter Fuel Payment, we are making 214 homes warmer and greener in Renfrewshire.

“We are also tackling fuel poverty at a time when energy bills are rising – despite Labour’s promise to bring them down – just as we approach the winter months.

“I’m proud that since entering government we’ve delivered 46 heat pumps for homes in Renfrewshire this year and am confident that we will continue to build on our impressive track record.”

Investing £100million in Mid-Market Rent

Supporting the delivery of 2,800 homes.

The construction of 2,800 mid-market rent homes will be supported by £100 million of investment from the Scottish Government.

As announced as part of the 2024-25 Programme for Government, funding will be used alongside institutional investment – such as pension funds – to grow to at least £500 million.

This commitment forms part of the Government’s approach to leverage in more private investment to deliver housing, making public funds go further.

It will build on the success of the Thriving Investments model which has grown an initial £47.5 million investment from the Scottish Government to £222.5 million to deliver up to 1,200 mid-market homes across Scotland.

Mid-market rent is a type of affordable housing aimed at assisting households on low to moderate incomes to access affordable rented accommodation and helps those who have difficulty accessing social rented housing, buying their own home or renting privately.

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

“Tackling the housing emergency requires a collective effort and bold decisions. The SNP Scottish Government already have a strong track record in housebuilding in Scotland and this commitment will ensure public funds are used more efficiently.

“Since 2007, the SNP have supported the delivery of more than 133,000 affordable homes, including more than 94,000 social rented homes. However, we know we can do more to tackle the housing emergency and encouraging more private investment into the sector is one key aspect of that.

“This new model will encourage more private investment into the mid-market sector in Renfrewshire and across Scotland that we know is willing and able to invest and it will deliver affordable homes that people need.”

NHS SCOTLAND PAY RISE AGREED

Agenda for Change pay offer accepted by trade unions.

Almost 170,000 nurses and healthcare workers in Scotland, including in Renfrewshire North and West, will receive a 5.5% salary increase this year, ensuring they have the best reward package in the UK.

Unions representing NHS Agenda for Change staff – which includes nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – unanimously agreed to an investment of more than £448 million for improved pay conditions.

The pay rise, backdated to 1 April 2024, will come into effect from next month.

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

“I am pleased that trade unions have unanimously agreed to accept this pay offer, which ensures that nurses and healthcare staff in Renfrewshire, who are part of Agenda for Change, will have the best reward package in the UK.

“I want to express my thanks to our hardworking healthcare staff for the care they provide to patients, day in, day out. They are the very backbone of the NHS and the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring they feel supported and valued.”

Natalie Don-Innes MSP welcomes bold steps to advance a woman's right to choose

SNP MSP, Natalie Don-Innes has welcomed the enactment of the Safe Access Zones (Abortion Services) (Scotland) Act 2024.

The legislation creates “buffer zones” of 200 metres around all providers of abortion services, making it a criminal offence to try to influence women and staff trying to access services or cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Those who breach this law could face significant fines, with the Scottish Government saying its aim is to “safeguard public health and protect the right of women to access healthcare without obstruction.”

Advancing a woman’s right to choose

This legislation is an enormous step forward in protecting the rights of women across Scotland.

Commenting, Natalie Don-Innes MSP said:

“This legislation is an enormous step forward in protecting the rights of women across Scotland.

“We have so much to be proud of when it comes to the progress we have made, especially while so many women and girls around the world continue to have their rights curtailed.

“A woman’s right to access healthcare should not be up for debate but should be guaranteed and enhanced, and this legislation plays a crucial part in that.

“This is a result of our Scottish Parliament at its best, working to improve the lives of people across Scotland on a cross-party basis in recognition of the importance of this issue and I thank Gillian for bringing forward this legislation. This is an extremely positive moment and will make a huge difference to many women whose rights will now be protected as a result."

Natalie Don-Innes MSP: SNP Boost Social Security Support for Families in Renfrewshire North & West amid Labour Cuts

Natalie Don-Innes SNP MSP has welcomed the news that the SNP Scottish Government will enshrine in law the requirement to increase social security payments each year in line with inflation.

In the last year the Scottish Government provided £370 million to uprate payments - £5 million above the amount required in statute – and by making this a legal duty it guarantees that support like the winter heating payments receive a financial boost – especially while the UK Labour government cuts winter fuel payments.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don-Innes said:

Boosting Social Security Support

The SNP Scottish Government will enshrine in law the requirement to increase social security payments each year in line with inflation.

“Scotland’s social security system – which is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – has been truly transformational for so many families across Renfrewshire North & West.

“As we build on this progress, it’s crucial we maintain the value of the fourteen payments which are estimated to be keeping 100,000 children out of poverty.

“This legal duty will bring us closer to achieving the First Minister’s goal of ending child poverty while ensuring we continue to do what we can to protect Renfrewshire North & West’s families from continued Westminster austerity.

“Unlike Labour, the SNP will always do right by Renfrewshire North & West’s households, making sure they get the support they need.”

Notes

https://x.com/ScotGovFairer/status/1836755708575981570 

HELPING DISABLED PEOPLE INTO WORK

Support to be rolled out across Scotland.

People seeking work who are disabled or have long-term health conditions are to be offered help from a dedicated employability adviser.

The initiative will be in place by next summer and involve advisers working with employers to develop roles suited to an individual’s needs.

Included as part of last week’s Programme for Government, it is designed to support people into work, boosting Scotland’s workforce and helping to drive economic growth. It will also help to deliver the Scottish Government’s ambition of creating a fairer labour market and halving the disability employment gap by 2038.

The Scottish Government will partner with local authorities and others including health and voluntary organisations to implement the measures. They build on the existing No-one Left Behind approach which has supported 61,930 people since April 2019, 19% of whom reported having a disability.

Helping Disabled People into Work

“By helping those furthest from the job market find employment, we can tackle inequalities within the labour market and improve overall quality of life.”

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

“The SNP Scottish Government is committed to providing specialised employability support starting in the summer of 2025, ensuring more disabled people can secure meaningful and fulfilling employment.

“Addressing the discrimination and stigma faced by people with disabilities and long-term health conditions is essential for fostering a diverse workforce and building a stronger, more resilient economy.

“By helping those furthest from the job market find employment, we can tackle inequalities within the labour market and improve overall quality of life.”

NEW SCHOOL UNIFORM GUIDANCE PUBLISHED

Reducing the cost of the school day.

New national guidance which aims to reduce the cost of school uniforms for families has been published.

Following consultation with schools, families, uniform suppliers, pupils and councils, the new guidance also sets out key considerations to ensure pupil comfort, freedom and happiness.

The guidance, which can be used to form individual school uniform policies, includes advice on encouraging schools to adopt measures that limit costs for families and reduce waste, including limiting the number of items that pupils need and promoting items that can be reused more easily.

New School Uniform Guidance

This new national guidance contains measures for schools to develop and implement their own affordable and sustainable policies with the involvement of pupils that recognise the individual needs of all.

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

“Every child in Renfrewshire should be able to attend school feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. However, we know the cost can be a significant burden for families and the Scottish Government wants to support schools to minimise these costs.

“This new national guidance contains measures for schools to develop and implement their own affordable and sustainable policies with the involvement of pupils that recognise the individual needs of all.

“It makes clear that schools are expected to do all they can to limit school clothing costs for families as part of our wider aim to reduce the cost of the school day. The guidance also encourages schools to develop flexible and inclusive policies which promote generic items of clothing and do not include compulsory branded items, supporting our efforts to be more sustainable.

“Ending child poverty is the central mission of this government. Reducing the cost of the school day for families, combined with school clothing grants of at least £120 for primary school pupils and £150 for secondary school pupils, will play a crucial role in this work.”

Notes:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/school-uniform-clothing-guidance-schools-education-authorities/

RENFREWSHIRE AND INVERCLYDE ALLOCATED ADDITIONAL HOUSING FUNDS SNP TAKING ACTION TO TACKLE HOUSING EMERGENCY

MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes, has welcomed the SNP Scottish Government announcement of £40 million for councils across Scotland, including Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, to boost the supply of affordable homes.

First Minister John Swinney outlined in the Programme for Government that £600 million would be committed to affordable housing in the current financial year and allocating this £40 million will allow for the purchase of properties in order to reduce temporary accommodation and bring vacant buildings back into use.

Across Scotland councils have been supported to purchase almost 1,500 properties in 2023-24 for use as affordable homes and the allocation of this £40 million will accelerate that work to ensure that families across the constituency have a safe and warm place to call home.

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

"Tackling the housing emergency are important issues in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde and one of the key ways we can solve it is by bringing empty and vacant buildings back into use.

"This £40m fund, introduced by the SNP Government as part of the £600m affordable housing budget, will ensure that we can build on the 1,500 properties that were brought into use for affordable housing in the past year. Renfrewshire Council will receive a £0.168m share and Inverclyde Council will receive £0.040m.

"Every family in this constituency deserves to have a safe and warm place that they can call home and with the SNP in government that is exactly what they will get."

SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Campaign to stop the sharing of violent incidents.

 A national campaign to support young people to safely navigate social media and prevent violence has been launched.

“Quit Fighting For Likes’ aims to get young people to think about and discuss attitudes and behaviours around the filming and sharing of violent incidents.

Developed by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU), YouthLink Scotland and Medics Against Violence (MAV), the new campaign is part of an action plan agreed in the Scottish Government’s Violence Prevention Framework, published in May last year.

It features a short awareness-raising animation, illustrating the digital world where this content can take place and showing an alternative route to switch off from it. A set of memes has also been produced covering a range of messages about why filming and sharing fights is damaging.

Young people helped develop the campaign through focus groups and feedback sessions involving various schools and youth groups.

The campaign has been launched as the first annual progress report for Scotland’s Violence Prevention Framework was published – highlighting progress made to help cut violent crime and reduce the harm it causes. Key developments in 2023-24 include:

-              the creation, by the SVRU, of a Violence Anonymous group, the first of its kind in Scotland, to help individuals with significant problems turn their lives around

-              the extension of MAV’s hospital-based Navigator programme to reach young people in times of crisis, to receive support to steer them away from violence and harm

-              YouthLink Scotland’s training and resources provided to more than 700 practitioners across the country to provide young people with key messages on violence and knife crime prevention

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

“While social media can play a positive role in young people’s lives, helping them engage with their friends and family, it can also be a platform where violent imagery is spread.

“The Quit Fighting For Likes campaign aims to enable young people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland to look at attitudes and behaviours regarding social media while pointing towards the toolkit to equip those working with young people to help build positive social norms.

“Scotland’s Violence Prevention Framework is making encouraging progress with a number of partner initiatives focused on prevention and early intervention so that communities across Scotland remain safe and more people live free from the threat of violence.”

5.5% pay increase for nurses and NHS workers in 2024-25.

Nurses and healthcare staff across Renfrewshire North and West and Scotland have been offered a pay increase of 5.5% that will ensure they have the best pay package in the UK.

The offer, if accepted by trade unions, will see an investment of more than £448 million in 2024-25 and will ensure almost 170,000 NHS Agenda for Change staff – including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – benefit from the pay rise which will be backdated to 1 April 2024.

5.5% Increase for Nurses and NHS workers

This latest pay offer will ensure that Scotland’s NHS staff will have the best pay package of all NHS staff in the UK.

Natalie Don MSP said:

“This latest pay offer will ensure that Scotland’s NHS staff will have the best pay package of all NHS staff in the UK.

“We rely so much on our NHS staff to support us when we are ill and in need of help so it is great that we can support them as much as we can to ensure that they remain the highest paid NHS staff in the UK.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 

“Following weeks of constructive engagement with trade union representatives, I am pleased to have agreed an offer, in recognition of the Pay Review Body recommendations, that will ensure Scotland’s nurses and NHS staff have the best pay package in the UK. The unions will now consult their members and I hope it will be accepted.

“I want to express my thanks again to Scotland’s hardworking healthcare staff for their commitment and patience – they are the very backbone of the NHS and we are committed to supporting them, particularly during a cost of living crisis. I am grateful for the continued efforts around the table and that the trade unions will now put this to their members.”