NEW FIGURES REVEAL VALUE OF SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO FAMILIES IN RENFREWSHIRE

Natalie Don-Innes MSP has welcomed new figures which show £5,314,391 has been paid out to families across Renfrewshire in Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods Payments, saying “the Scottish Government’s fair and respectful approach to social security is making a real difference to families in the constituency.”

According to figures from Social Security Scotland, a total of £164,448,957 was paid out across Scotland in Best Start Foods payments and Best Start Grants since they were introduced – which are two of the 15 benefits administered by Social Security Scotland.

In Renfrewshire, £5,314,391 has been paid out between 2018 and June 2024, following 10,870 successful applications.

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

"The SNP government is rightly proud of the different approach we have taken in Scotland to social security – one which, in stark contrast that of the DWP, is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.

“As a result, families across Renfrewshire have received a total of £5,314,391 in support since 2018 – despite the very limited powers of Scotland’s parliament and over a decade of Tory and now Labour austerity.

“I am pleased to see 10,870 families receive the support they need, which will make a real difference to the lives of children across the constituency as we work towards the First Minister’s mission of eradicating child poverty.”

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.”

£30 MILLION PAID THIS YEAR TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS WITH HIGHER ENERGY BILLS

People in Scotland have received more than £30 million via two SNP Scottish Government benefits to help them deal with increased energy costs this winter, new statistics have shown.   

Winter Heating Payment supports households on low incomes, including older people, disabled people and families with children under five.    

Child Winter Heating Payment helps families of the most severely disabled children and young people.     

The official figures show more than 400,000 Winter Heating Payments of £55.05 were issued between November last year and the end of March. More than 30,000 Child Winter Heating Payments of £235.70 were made in the same spell.    

Winter Heating Payment replaced the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment in 2023. Most people getting it receive more money on average than via Cold Weather Payment. 

People receive Winter Heating Payment whatever the weather, unlike the Cold Weather Payment when the temperature needs to drop to a specific level.  

The Child Winter Payment, introduced in 2020, is not available anywhere else in the UK. There is also no cap on the number of children who can get it in the same family.   

Support for Energy Bills

I would encourage anyone who is struggling during these tough times to visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living website for support and advice.

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

“The £30.2 million paid over the colder months provides support to those who need it most across Renfrewshire and the rest of Scotland. It is being paid quickly and effectively to help mitigate the worst of the Westminster-made cost-of-living crisis.  

“The Winter Heating Payment guarantees those who qualify a payment every year – in contrast to the UK Government approach which needs the weather to be under a certain temperature for a sustained spell.

“In addition, both the Winter Heating Payment and the Child Winter Heating Payment have recently been increased in line with inflation which means the SNP Scottish Government will be getting more money into people’s pockets in 2024/25.

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling during these tough times to visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living website for support and advice.” 

ENHANCING SOCIAL CARE SERVICES WITH £9.2 MILLION TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING

More than £9 million is being made available over the next three years to give people who access social care more choice and control over decisions relating to their care.

This funding builds on an additional £2 billion investment in social care and integration, as part of the Scottish Budget for 2024-25, and delivers on the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase spending by 25% over this Parliament – two years ahead of the original target.

The funding for the national ‘Support in the Right Direction’ programme will enable organisations to deliver independent support and advocacy to help people live independently and participate in all aspects of life.

The grants are part of the Scottish Government’s Self-Directed Support Improvement Plan which empowers people to make informed choices about the support they need.

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

“Through this funding, people and carers across Renfrewshire will be supported to have more choice and involvement in how their social care is delivered.

“The Scottish Government wants everyone accessing social care to feel confident participating in every stage of their social care journey and be equal partners in their care and support decisions, so that they can live a full and independent life.

“The ambition is to have the right independent support available at the right time and place to meet the specific needs of each individual.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES £344,922 OF NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING TO RENFREWSHIRE COMMUNITY GROUPS

The National Lottery Community Fund, which supports communities to thrive, is distributing £344,922 between seven community groups across Renfrewshire North and West.

Erskine Hospital received a £192,833 grant which will go towards delivering services for veterans at the Erskine Reid Macewen Activities Centre in Bishopton.

Friends of Robertson House received £9,000. This grant will fund activities and classes in Robertson House - a sheltered housing complex in Erskine, serving older people with additional care needs.

£8,759 will be used by Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners to establish a weekly men's mental-health group held in Broadloan Community Gardens.

Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners received £114,970 which will be used by the group to develop their community-garden activities by retaining the services of a Seasonal Gardener and hiring a new Gardens Coordinator over the next two years. A portion of funding will go towards improving the facilities.

£9,960 has been awarded to Renfrew Care Home Activities Group to help tackle loneliness and isolation by creating a mixed programme of activity for their residents, their friends and family and the wider community including school children.

The Renfrew Over 50’s Swimming Club has received £3,800 to take their members to social dances and on bus trips.

The Welcoming Renfrewshire Families Group received a £5,600 grant which will help to bring local and new families together in a cultural showcase in Renfrew, enabling interactions between the new arrivals and local people, to improve the integration of new families.

Successful Lottery Fund applications to Renfrewshire groups

I am delighted that so many community groups in Renfrewshire have been successful in securing National Lottery funding.

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

“I am delighted that so many community groups in Renfrewshire have been successful in securing National Lottery funding.

“Each of the groups provide a wide range of invaluable support and services to communities within the constituency and I look forward to keeping up with the projects that these grants will fund.”

SOCIAL SECURITY SUPPORT INCREASES

Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire, has highlighted that from yesterday, everyone who receives support from Social Security Scotland will see an increase in the amount of assistance they receive.

In the 2024/25 Scottish budget, despite cuts from Westminster the SNP prioritised helping those who need it the most – which is why all devolved social security payments will be uprated in line with inflation. 

This means that vital supports such as the Scottish Child Payment, the Winter Heating Payment and the Young Carer grant will all go up 6.7% from today.

In the face of a Westminster cost of living crisis, the SNP Government is using their limited resources to support household budgets and ensure those who need it most get the assistance they need.

Social Security Support Increases

It is clear that the SNP Government is taking significant action to protect household budgets in Renfrewshire North and West from a Westminster inflicted cost of living crisis.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Despite brutal Westminster cuts to spending on public services, the SNP Scottish Government has chosen to prioritise helping out those who need it most.

“Social Security Scotland assistance, including the vital Scottish Child Payment, go a long way in ensuring that people in Renfrewshire are not living in poverty.

“From yesterday, each and every one of these support payments will increase by 6.7%.

“Scottish Child Payment, which helps the families of more than 327,000 children, is now worth £26.70 per child per week.

“A person eligible for the highest rate of Adult Disability Payment will receive £184.30 per week.

“Carer Support Payment, Scotland’s newest benefit, has gone up to £81.90 every four weeks. The benefit for unpaid carers launched in three local authorities last year and will be available across Scotland by Autumn 2024.

LONG TERM RENT CONTROLS PROPOSED

Long term rent controls would help keep homes affordable for tenants in future, under new legislation to create a fairer, better regulated rented sector.

The Housing (Scotland) Bill, introduced to Parliament last week, sets out how close working with councils will ensure rent controls are tailored to the local needs of tenants and landlords in different parts of the country.

Publication of the Bill, which will be scrutinised and voted on by MSPs, comes as temporary changes to the way rents are decided, through adjudication, come into force. From 1 April, these changes will ensure people are protected from very steep rent rises, following the end of the rent cap. Proposed rent increases after this date will still need to give three months’ notice.

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

“Scotland has led the way within the UK in supporting and strengthening the rights of people who rent their homes.

“The Housing Bill sets out our next steps on the path towards a fairer, well-regulated private rented sector, which is good for both tenants and landlords and encourages investment.

“While the Parliament prepares to consider this legislation, the Scottish Government are also taking steps to support tenants with the pressures they are facing here and now. Our temporary changes to the ways that rents are decided will come into place from April 1 – to protect people who may be facing very steep increases as the temporary rent cap comes to the end of its final extension period.”

OVER £44 MILLION PAID TO HELP WITH FINANCIAL COST OF LOSS

More than £44 million has been paid to help thousands of people with the cost of a funeral via a Scottish Government benefit, according to latest figures.

Funeral Support Payment provides money to help cover funeral costs and ease financial pressure for people suffering bereavement.

The statistics show it had helped more than 23,000 people by the end of December.

The payment can be used to pay towards costs including burial and cremation, a coffin, flowers and travel. The amount paid depends on costs, and the average payout between April and December last year was £1969.

People who get qualifying benefits and are responsible for paying for a funeral have been urged to check if they are eligible for this vital financial support and avoid getting into debt. They can apply up to six months after the date of the funeral.

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

“Coming to terms with a loss and grief is devastating at any time. As people continue to deal with the cost of living crisis, the Scottish Government wants to ease the pressure on those who can least afford to pay for a funeral.

“Since the Funeral Support Payment launched, the SNP Scottish Government has provided over £44 million in vital financial support to help people and families across Scotland pay for a funeral.

“I would encourage anyone living in Renfrewshire and facing these costs to check if they are eligible and make an application, even if they have already planned for and made other financial arrangements – it is vital that constituents receive the support that they are entitled to during difficult times.”

NEW DATA REVEALS NEARLY 30,000 SCOTS HAVE HAD BENEFITS CAPPED : SNP CALL ON UK GOVERNMENT TO ‘SCRAP THE CAP’

The SNP has urged the UK government to ‘scrap the cap’, after new data from the Department of Work and Pensions revealed that 28,248 Scottish households have had their housing benefit or Universal Credit capped between the introduction of the benefit cap and November 2023.

88% of those households include children, with the majority of capped households continuing to be single parents with children.

The SNP are calling for both the Tories' and Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party to commit to the abolition of the benefit cap - or devolve the full powers of social security laws to Holyrood so that the SNP Scottish Government can tackle the problem head on.

The SNP Scottish Government is already providing £8.6million in direct support for people affected by the UK benefit cap as part of its work to tackle child poverty.

Scarp the benefits Cap!

It is essential that Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer finally commit to abolishing the cruel benefit cap in their general election manifestos. 

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

“It is essential that Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer finally commit to abolishing the cruel benefit cap in their general election manifestos. 

“A failure to do so consigns families across Renfrewshire North and West to poverty and financial hardship.

“The data released today highlights the reality of Westminster austerity. It is time to abolish the cap and stop taking vital support away from those who need it most.

“It is clear that the only Party that represents Scotland’s values in Westminster is the SNP, who will continue to stand up for Scotland’s priorities and be the voice that Scotland needs."

SCOTTISH ADULT DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE PLANNED

Plans for a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, a new benefit to provide continued support to around 66,000 adults with a disability or long-term health condition, have been unveiled.

Under new proposals, eligible people who receive Disability Living Allowance through the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions would have their award transferred automatically to the new Scottish benefit. They would then have the opportunity to apply for Adult Disability Payment if they choose.

Legislation to create the ‘closed’ benefit – for existing recipients of the Disability Living Allowance that it supersedes – will be laid in the Scottish Parliament this year.

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

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government is progressing plans to bring forward legislation to create a Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance and give people in Renfrewshire the opportunity to remain on this benefit for as long as they are eligible.

“Once transferred, people can continue to be paid Scottish Adult Disability Allowance or apply for our flagship Adult Disability Payment if they prefer.

“Around 137,000 people are now receiving our Adult Disability Payment, including over 3000 in Renfrewshire based on latest statistics published this month, and it has provided almost £462 million to disabled people since it was launched in 2022.”

Natalie Don MSP raises concerns over Bank of Scotland closures in her constituency

Natalie Don MSP for Renfrewshire North & West comments on proposed Bank of Scotland closures in Bridge of Weir and Renfrew, Natalie said:

“This is extremely disappointing news for both Bridge of Weir and Renfrew, with little notice given from the Bank of Scotland that they are closing their branches in both communities in July 2024.

“These closures will have an impact on residents and local businesses who rely on in-person banking and will inevitably hit our elderly and vulnerable the hardest, who may not use, or have access to online services or are unable to travel outwith their communities to access a bank.”

“I will be meeting with the Bank of Scotland immediately to discuss this decision. I will be urging them to reconsider this decision and, at the very least, seeking assurances on any measures they plan to put in place to support their customers.”

NATALIE DON MSP URGES WOMEN TO APPLY FOR HISTORIC MESH REMOVAL EXPENSES

Any women who have not claimed back the cost of private mesh removal arranged before 3 June 2022 are being encouraged to do so ahead of the planned closure of the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme.

As announced in the parliament in October 2023, the scheme for women to claim back the cost of private mesh removal surgery will close to new applications at the end of March. The Scheme was due to close in December 2023, but the Scottish Government extended to give women a final chance to apply.

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

“Many women who have been impacted by complications after having had transvaginal mesh implanted have experienced immense pain and suffering.

“This scheme aims to help those who have undergone private treatment by allowing these past costs to be refunded, ensuring women affected across Renfrewshire North and West, and the rest of Scotland, are no longer at a financial disadvantage.

“It is important that women who are eligible to apply to the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme are not left out of pocket, which is why the Scottish Government extended the scheme. I would urge any women who thinks she may be eligible for reimbursement to apply before 31 March.”