NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE’S SMALL BUSINESSES TO SIGN-UP FOR SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL GIFT CARD SCHEME

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging small businesses in Renfrewshire to sign up for a new Scottish Government backed gift card scheme which has been launched to encourage people to shop locally.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is backing the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative which is being rolled out in Renfrewshire and involves no registration costs for businesses who can sign up easily and quickly to appear on the scheme’s online directory.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation spearheading the Scotland Loves Local Campaign urging people to spend locally, is launching the gift card in partnership with fintech specialists Miconex.

Natalie Don MSP in Renfrew town centre encouraging local businesses to register with the Scotland Loves Local Campaign.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The innovative new Scotland Loves Local Gift Card programme, supported by the SNP Government, has the potential to drive up local spending and help many of the small businesses across Renfrewshire North and West which have experienced challenging circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I encourage local companies and independent retailers to sign up to the gift card scheme and I would be delighted to discuss the opportunities this initiative presents with representatives from small businesses throughout the constituency.

“As Renfrewshire embarks on economic recovery, I urge everyone to continue supporting businesses in each of our communities by shopping locally at every opportunity and buying the Scotland Loves Local gift cards when they become available later in the year.”

Phil Prentice, STP Chief Officer, said: “We have never valued local life, the people and businesses around us more and the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative embraces that. We can’t wait to see people loving local life by using the gift card, whether that be while out shopping, meeting friends for a coffee or meal. This is an ideal way of supporting the brilliant businesses in our communities.

“These gift cards will be a remarkably powerful way of unlocking spending potential and keeping that money in local communities for longer. The more businesses that sign up, the better the local experience will be. We have had tremendous interest and support so far.”

For details and to register for the scheme, go to www.lovelocal.scot/giftcard.

NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE RESIDENTS TO SHARE VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT’S INNOVATIVE PLAN TO ERADICATE POVERTY

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents to share their views on a bold and radical Scottish Government plan to eradicate poverty in Scotland.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is urging local people to input their ideas and opinions via a consultation about designing and delivering a Minimum Income Guarantee which would provide an assurance that everyone in Scotland would have enough money to live a dignified, healthy and financially secure life.

The Scottish Government has set up a steering group consisting of experts and MSPs from different political parties to consider how the existing powers held by the Scottish Parliament can be used to provide a Minimum Income Guarantee for all. 

Natalie Don MSP wants Renfrewshire residents to share their views on the proposals for a Minimum Income Guarantee.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I am so pleased that, thanks to the SNP Government, Scotland is now taking its first steps towards establishing a Minimum Income Guarantee which would ensure everyone in the country is provided with a base level of income.

“I strongly believe that eradicating child poverty and building a fairer, more equal country is possible. It is the main driving force which influenced me to enter politics and the reason why I am so thrilled to be taking on the Deputy Convenorship of the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

“It is only by taking radical moves like this that we will ever truly see an end to poverty in this country.

“I urge everyone – especially women, disabled people and citizens in ethnic minority communities who are all disproportionately impacted by poverty – to take the opportunity to get involved and help shape the policy on establishing Scotland’s Minimum Income Guarantee.”

For more information about the Minimum Income Guarantee and to participate in the consultation, go to www.ideas.gov.scot before Thursday 16 September 2021.

NATALIE DON MSP CONDEMNS DWP’S BRUTAL TEXT MESSAGES INFORMING UNIVERSAL CREDIT CLAIMANTS OF DEVASTATING CUT

Natalie Don MSP has condemned the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for informing local people receiving Universal Credit support by text messages about cuts to their benefits coming into effect in the weeks ahead.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West says the DWP’s heartless approach illustrates why the Scottish Parliament should have full powers over welfare and social security decisions to tackle poverty more effectively throughout Scotland.

Natalie Don MSP says the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was cruel for informing people about the Universal Credit cut by text messages.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The Tory Government’s scrapping of the £20 uplift to Universal Credit is devastating for low income families across Renfrewshire North and West and to inform claimants by text message is an absolutely brutal way to tell people about the removal of a lifeline benefit. 

“This savage cut, which is the result of inhumane decisions by out-of-touch Westminster politicians, will plunge even more children in Renfrewshire and across the country deeper into poverty.

“My heart goes out to local families who have found out about their household budgets being decimated in such a cold, calculated manner.

“The Tories’ cruel decision to remove the uplift of this benefit and the way it has been communicated to people who need supported most in our communities clearly demonstrates why the Scottish Parliament should have full powers over welfare issues, so that the more compassionate Social Security Scotland system created by the SNP Government can ensure everyone requiring support is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”

NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE PROJECTS TO APPLY FOR SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL FUND GRANTS

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed a new Scottish Government scheme which has been launched to help town centres to recover from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage people to support local businesses.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is encouraging local organisations to apply to the Scotland Loves Local Fund which is administered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership and will provide eligible projects with match funding of between £5,000 and £25,000.

Applications are invited from constituted groups with bank accounts and suitable governance controls, and where there is a local council co-signatory, until 5pm on Friday 1st October.

Constituted groups may include a collaboration involving two or more of: charitable community groups, community or development trusts, housing associations, town centre partnerships, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, Renfrewshire Council, business/trader associations cooperatives, social enterprises and other third sector organisations.

Eligible projects could include community shops, marketing and digital schemes, refurbishment of vacant or derelict sites, making minor adaptations to improve the local environment or creating events and performance spaces.

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging organisations in Renfrewshire North and West to apply to the Scotland Loves Local Fund.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been very challenging for many businesses across Renfrewshire North and West which were not able to operate or required to implement restrictions to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

“As we recover with protective restrictions having further eased on Monday, I am pleased that the SNP Government is making money available via the Scotland Loves Local Fund to invest in our communities to encourage greater footfall into our town and village centres and help stimulate growth in the local economy.

“I strongly encourage eligible projects to apply for funding and urge people in Renfrewshire to continue supporting our local businesses at every opportunity.”

For more information, go to www.lovelocal.scot or email Scotland’s Towns Partnership at alison@scotlandstowns.org

NATALIE DON MSP CONDEMNS INCREASING NUCLEAR WARHEADS ON RENFREWSHIRE’S DOORSTEP AS A WASTE OF MONEY

Natalie Don MSP had the honour of speaking at Renfrewshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)’s commemoration in Barshaw Park’s Peace Garden this evening to mark the anniversary of the first atomic bombs being dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West joined around 30 people – including cross party elected representatives – enduring thunderstorms and torrential rain to reflect on the value of peace and the importance of working to ensure no one again suffers indiscriminate death from weapons of mass destruction.  

Natalie Don MSP said: “The bombing of the two cities in Japan took nearly 350,000 lives as a result of the blasts and radiation in the years that followed. The survivors’ testimonies are harrowing – the white smoke, the mushroom cloud, the loss and devastation of general life.

“It is disgusting that we still hold weapons that could do this kind of damage and are, in fact even stronger, as the warheads at Faslane are more powerful than those used by the US in 1945. 

“The thought of the devastation that these warheads would bring to so many people, families and our natural habitat is unthinkable. Who could wish this on any country? How many innocent people would die?

“These warheads are nothing more than a way for the UK Government to flex its muscles on the international scene. If the last 18 months has taught us anything, it’s that the threats our society faces are very different to those in 1945. 

“CND estimate the cost for the next generation of nuclear weapons to UK taxpayers could be £205billion, which would be a shameful waste of money when we’ve got food banks just down the road from Faslane. Nuclear missiles don’t feed starving families! 

“A worldwide pandemic, cyber-attacks and terrorism are the threats we now face so our money would be better used to increase spending in our health service, improving cyber security and on anti-terrorism measures.

“The SNP Government is firmly opposed to the possession, threat and use of nuclear weapons and committed to pursuing the safe and complete withdrawal of all nukes from Scotland.

“Scottish independence, in my view, is the only viable way in the near future that we could say ‘Goodbye’ to nuclear weapons because successive UK governments haven’t been listening to the people of Scotland. 

“I thank everyone for attending Renfrewshire CND’s commemoration in the pouring rain, thunder and lightning because events like this are so important for raising awareness and keeping the conversations are nuclear disarmament going.”

180 nuclear bombs, each of which are seven times more destructive as the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, are stored at Faslane just over 20 miles from Renfrewshire and, despite the UK signing the United Nation’s nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Boris Johnson announced in March 2021 that he is planning on increasing the number of nuclear warheads to 260.

For information about Renfrewshire CND, email Duncan Macintosh (Secretary) at duncanmac2609@gmail.com

NATALIE DON MSP HAILS SCOTLAND’S STATUS AS EUROPE’S THIRD TOP COUNTRY PRODUCING ELECTRICITY FROM RENEWABLES

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the latest figures showing that Scotland has been catapulted into the top three countries in Europe producing electricity from renewables.

Scottish Government figures for 2020 show 97% of electricity in Scotland is produced from renewables.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West and member of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero committee hailed the news that only Norway and Iceland produced more electricity from renewables than Scotland, putting the country ahead of the UK which as a whole generated just 35% of electricity from renewables.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Scotland is a world leader in producing electricity from renewable sources and we continue to increase our capacity to do so and provide a surplus to be exported to other countries around the world.

“In the year of COP26, Scotland will be on the world stage where we will be able to showcase our abilities to develop technologies and innovation to continue to produce clean energy for not only the people of Scotland to use but for it to be sold elsewhere.

“Despite this, investment in Scotland’s world-leading renewables sector is being held back from its full potential as the Tories at Westminster continue to charge extortionate transmission rates in Scotland, making it more expensive for firms to have access to the grid to export electricity.

“We cannot trust the Tories with Scotland’s renewables sector and to get the best out of it for the people of Scotland. The only way we can harness the full potential of the sector in Scotland is by becoming an independent country.”

NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR INCREASED PAYMENT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN’S FOOD

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s increased support for low-income families in Renfrewshire to buy healthy food for children under three years old.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is encouraging eligible families to apply for Best Start Foods payments which have risen this month up to £36 from £34 for children under one and from £17 to £18 during pregnancy and for one to three year olds.

Best Start Foods payments are administered by Social Security Scotland every four weeks on a pre-paid card to help pay for healthy food including eggs, milk, fruit, vegetables and pulses.

Parents who receive qualifying benefits, such as Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit or income related Child Tax Credits or Universal Credit where earned income is £625 or less, can apply for the Best Start Foods payment.

Natalie Don MSP said: “With many families in Renfrewshire North and West facing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out-of-touch Westminster Tories removing the £20 Universal Credit uplift, I’m pleased to see the SNP has delivered its commitment to increase Best Start Foods payments within 100 days of forming the Scottish Government.

“I strongly encourage eligible parents in Renfrewshire to apply for the payment, which is part of the Scottish Government’s national mission to eradicate child poverty by offering vital support for low income families to buy healthy food for their children under three.”

For more information, go to www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods or call Social Security Scotland on telephone: 0800 182 2222.

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S DELIVERY OF FREE BUS TRAVEL FOR RENFREWSHIRE’S YOUNGSTERS

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed Scottish Government confirmation that all residents under the age of 22 in Renfrewshire and across Scotland will be eligible for free bus travel from 31 January 2022.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is hailing the government’s new scheme which, following legislative changes being introduced in the Scottish Parliament this summer, will be delivered in partnership with the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office and Young Scot.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted many youngsters in Renfrewshire North and West so it is pleasing to see the Scottish Government is changing legislation to extend free travel for under-19s to include those under 22 early next year.

“This will be a hugely positive step in removing barriers for young people travelling to their college, university or workplace.

“With many local residents also continuing to benefit from free bus travel through the Older and Disabled Persons Free Bus scheme, this important move clearly demonstrates the SNP Government’s commitment to a fairer, greener transport system which reduces inequalities and makes a valuable contribution towards protecting Scotland’s climate.”

NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR LOW INCOME PANDEMIC SUPPORT PAYMENT

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging householders in Renfrewshire who are exempt from paying Council Tax or receive a reduction to apply for a £130 Low Income Pandemic Support Payment.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is welcoming the Scottish Government’s funded support for people in Renfrewshire who qualify for a Council Tax reduction or are exempt from paying due to all household occupants being under 18, care leavers, or they have impaired intelligence and social functioning caused by a learning disability, a degenerative brain disorder (e.g. Alzheimer's disease), other forms of dementia or severe/chronic mental illness.

Natalie Don MSP said: “With many families in Renfrewshire North and West facing financial challenges as we recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic, I’m pleased to see the SNP Government is providing a £130 Low Income Pandemic Support Payment to help alleviate some of the pressure caused by increased costs and lost income.

“People who qualify for this payment should already have received a letter from Renfrewshire Council about their eligibility and they will receive a second letter in the upcoming weeks containing a reference number and instructions on how to submit a claim by completing a simple form on an online portal or over the telephone.

“I encourage everyone who is eligible for the Low Income Pandemic Support Payment to ensure they apply as soon as they receive their letter so that they can start benefiting from this crucial support to ease the ongoing financial burdens as Scotland recovers from the pandemic.”

When an applicant’s submission has been processed, payment via BACS will be made in the first instance within 14 days of the application having been approved. Other payment options will be available if the claimant does not have access to banking facilities.

For more information, go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/low-income-pandemic-payment

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES EXTRA £363,000 OF SCHOOL CLOTHES GRANT FUNDING TO SUPPORT RENFREWSHIRE’S FAMILIES

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment of an extra £363,000 funding to support low income families in Renfrewshire to buy schools clothes through the School Clothing Grant.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West welcomed the move by the Scottish Government to increase the School Clothing Grant to provide families with £120 for each child attending primary school and £150 for those in secondary school.

Parents who receive qualifying benefits, such as Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax reduction or income related Child Tax Credits, can apply to Renfrewshire Council for the grant.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The cost of buying school clothes and shoes can be very challenging for many families in Renfrewshire North and West so I’m pleased to see the Scottish Government has increased the School Clothing Grant to alleviate some of the financial pressures and help to ensure children can be best prepared for the new school term.

“This improved support for low-income families is another clear example of the SNP building a social security system built on dignity, fairness and respect, while out-of-touch Tory politicians at Westminster are making inhumane decisions like removing the £20 Universal Credit uplift which is estimated to push more than 60,000 people in Scotland – including 20,000 children – into avoidable poverty.

“I encourage eligible parents in Renfrewshire to apply for the School Clothing Grant via myaccount.renfrewshire.gov.uk for the start of the new school year.”

An estimated 5,498 children and young people in Renfrewshire will benefit from the minimum School Clothing Grant.

Parents in Renfrewshire can apply to Renfrewshire Council for the School Clothing Grant if their child, or the child they care for, goes to a Renfrewshire primary, secondary or special school and they receive any one of the following benefits:

• Income Support

• Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based)

• Employment & Support Allowance (Income Related)

• Child Tax Credit with a gross annual income below £16,105 with no element of

• Working Tax Credit

• Maximum Child Tax Credit and maximum Working Tax Credit with annual income below £7,500

• Support Under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Universal Credit with a monthly earned income of not more than £625

• Housing Benefit

• Council Tax reduction

• Working Tax Credit with an annual income under £16,105

• Child Tax Credit with an annual income under £16,105

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES KEY WORKERS TO REGISTER FOR RENFREW STORE’S DISCOUNTED FOOD

Natalie Don MSP is backing a Renfrew-based store providing many of Renfrewshire’s key workers with bargain priced food and household items, whilst also helping the environment by reducing the quantity of products going to waste.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West enjoyed a tour of Company Shop Renfrew in Blythswood Retail Park where she was informed by Gemma Edlin, Head of Retail for the Company Shop Group, about the business’s model.

Natalie Don MSP with Gemma Edlin, Head of Retail for the Company Shop Group, outside Company Shop Renfrew’s store.

Company Shop is a redistribution supermarket preventing good food and household products from going to waste. With heavily discounted products that are on average around 50% off the normal retail price, Company Shop Renfrew helps to stretch family budgets, whilst simultaneously tackling the challenge of surplus food and product waste.

The store is part of the UK’s leading surplus redistribution organisation, Company Shop Group, which works with all the major retailers, manufacturers and brands across the UK to redistribute surplus food and household products, including Ocado, Morrisons, Marks and Spencer, Nestlé, Greencore, Iceland and Tesco. All products sold within the store are in date but are deemed ‘surplus’ and may have otherwise gone to waste.

Membership is free and open to almost all key workers, including those working in the NHS, social care, emergency services, fast moving consumer goods supply chain, the armed forces and prison services, and temporarily to those working in schools and councils. In order to reach families most in need, Company Shop Renfrew has also extended its membership to those in receipt of means tested benefits.

Natalie Don MSP with Gemma Edlin, Head of Retail for the Company Shop Group, inside Company Shop Renfrew’s store.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I was delighted to visit Company Shop Renfrew and find out about the store’s progress in the 20 months since its launch – including its employment of 42 staff and their rapidly expanding customer base consisting of more than 48,000 locally registered members, making it the largest of the company’s premises in Scotland.  

“It was great to hear that membership has been temporarily extended during the COVID-19 pandemic to people employed by nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and housing associations as well as those receiving means-tested benefits, so they too can also access substantially discounted food that would otherwise go to waste.

“I encourage people throughout Renfrewshire North and West who are eligible to become members to register with Company Shop Renfrew and start benefiting from being able to buy cheaper food products which are all in date but have been overstocked elsewhere or become surplus simply due to incorrect labelling or seasonal packaging.”

Gemma Edlin, Head of Retail for the Company Shop Group, said: “We were really pleased to welcome Natalie to Company Shop Renfrew and show her all of the great work that has been taking place since the store opened, benefitting local families and helping to tackle surplus in the area. We look forward to continuing to work with Natalie to support those in Renfrewshire and beyond.”

For information about applying for membership, visit www.companyshopgroup.co.uk/membership or call telephone: 01226 747 121.

Company Shop Renfrew is open 8am-8pm Mondays to Fridays, 8am-6pm on Saturday and 9am-6pm on Sundays.

NATALIE DON MSP IMPRESSED BY ERSKINE’S NEW DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTING VETERANS INTO SUSTAINED EMPLOYMENT AND LONG-TERM ACCOMODATION

Natalie Don MSP was impressed by the high standard of accommodation and new specialist services for armed service veterans of working age when visiting Erskine’s Veterans Village in Bishopton.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West enjoyed a tour led by Erskine’s Chief Executive, Ian Cumming, and Head of Facilities and Support Services, Dougie Beattie, around David Boyle Court, the charity’s recently opened £4 million state-of-the-art residential development.

The new facility is offering residents of the 24 apartments a two-year tenancy and a bespoke support package, tailored to suit each veteran’s needs, including volunteering, training, and work experience, as well as job opportunities with local business partners.

Natalie Don MSP said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Erskine’s Veterans Village and I was delighted to see the apartments and communal facilities in the amazing new David Boyle Court development as well as the refurbished workshop and leisure rooms in the Reid McEwan Activity Centre, which are both fantastic spaces providing engaging services and activities for veterans from throughout the west of Scotland.

“I was grateful to Ian and Dougie for showing me around David Boyle Court and explaining how the project’s person-centred employability support has already started to equip veterans of working age with the skills to move onto sustained employment and long-term accommodation in communities of their choice.

“I appreciated getting an insight into the employment challenges faced by especially younger veterans who often leave the armed services before developing their skillsets or gaining experiences. The training and work opportunities offered by this project will clearly be of great value in enhancing their career prospects as they adjust to civilian life. 

“Each time I visit Veterans Village, I become even more impressed by the charity’s innovative developments and the wonderful support provided by their staff and volunteers to improve everyday life for many people who have served the country!”

Wing Commander Ian Cumming, Chief Executive of Erskine, said: “We were pleased to welcome Natalie to Erskine’s Veterans Village and showcase some of the wide range of facilities and services we offer people who have left military service – including our brand new David Boyle Court project which is giving veterans time and space to get the best possible support to develop and showcase their talents, as they re-prepare for civilian life.”

For information about David Boyle Court, veterans can call telephone: 0141 814 4578 or email: accomodation@erskine.org.uk

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES EXTRA £45.8 MILLION FUNDING FOR NHS GREATER GLASGOW AND CLYDE

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment of an extra £45.8 million COVID-19 funding for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West welcomed the additional funding which will help the treatment of patients as well as supporting the local NHS remobilise as Scotland recovers from the pandemic.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I thank all NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff who have been under huge pressure treating and caring for patients from Renfrewshire North and West during the pandemic.

“I am pleased to see the Scottish Government commit £45.8 million of additional funding to support the health board with its efforts to treat patients, continue its ongoing roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme and provide personal protective equipment for health and care workers.

“The money will also help towards the effective Test and Protect system and will play a vital role in supporting our NHS in its remobilisation programme during Scotland’s recovery.

“It is essential that our health services can be on a sure footing as we re-emerge from the pandemic in order that services which have been disrupted can restart smoothly. This additional support is the latest clear demonstration that the only political party in Scotland that can protect Scotland’s NHS is the SNP.”

This Scottish Government £380 million package allocated to health boards across Scotland comes on top of the £1.7 billion already provided to health boards and local health and social care partnerships last year.

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE IN RENFREWSHIRE TO APPLY FOR A JOB START PAYMENT

Natalie Don MSP is urging young people in Renfrewshire starting a new job after a period of unemployment to apply for the Job Start Payment introduced by the Scottish Government.

The Job Start Payment, will help with the costs of starting a job – including travel, new clothes or childcare – is available to 16-24-year-olds who have been on Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit for six months or more.

Eligible young people can apply for the one-off payment worth £252.50, or £404 if they have children.

Young people who are care leavers can access the payment up to the age of 25 as long as they were receiving a qualifying benefit when they got their job offer. Young care leavers do not need to have been receiving their benefit for six months.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted on young people across Renfrewshire North and West as it has been challenging to secure seasonal or permanent employment with many workplaces not functioning to their usual full capacity.

“For young people who do find employment, starting a new job can present other challenges such as the costs of travel or buying clothes, so I was delighted to see the Scottish Government introduce the Job Start Payment.

“I encourage all eligible young people in Renfrewshire who have been unemployed for a long time and recently found work to apply for this support which can ease financial burdens associated with starting a new job.”

For information about how to apply for a Job Start Payment, go to mygov.scot or call telephone: 0800 182 2222.

NATALIE DON MSP BACKS LAMONT FARM PROJECT’S APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Natalie Don MSP is backing a call for volunteers from a local farming project which educates around 10,000 people each year about animal care, welfare and husbandry.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West visited Lamont Farm Project on Barrhill Road, Erskine, where manager, Yvonne Elliot, gave a tour featuring the amazing sights and sounds of a variety of animals at the site.

The farm hosts larger animals including llamas, goats, horses, donkeys and ponies down to smaller furry creatures like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets. There are also plenty of birds and exotic reptiles to see too.

Natalie Don MSP said: "As part of my work getting out and about in the constituency, I was delighted to enjoy a lovely visit to Lamont Farm Project where I appreciated Yvonne for taking the time to show me around and introduce all the beautiful animals!

“It’s a fantastic wee place and a great day out for kids right here on our doorstep in Renfrewshire.

“Despite relying on only small grants, donations and contributions from individuals or groups via their animal sponsorship scheme to keep them going, Yvonne and the project’s dedicated volunteers do wonderful work on the land and looking after the animals.

“As someone with charity volunteering experience myself, I encourage anyone in Renfrewshire North and West with spare time on your hands to contact Yvonne and find out about the many volunteering roles currently being offered to see if you can play a part in helping the project thrive in the months ahead.”

Yvonne Elliot said: “We were pleased to welcome Natalie Don MSP and showcase the wide range of animals and activities we have available for visitors throughout the summer.

“As a charity depending entirely on generous donations and the great efforts our volunteers, we are always looking to benefit from fundraising opportunities and welcoming more people giving their time.

“Right now, we are especially keen to hear from people who can offer particular skills like joinery, animal husbandry, administration, poster design or fundraising.

“If you want to contribute towards rewarding teamwork on our project, increase your knowledge about animal welfare and meet new people, please don’t hesitate to contact us!”

For information about volunteering opportunities at Lamont Farm Project, call telephone: 0141 812 5335 or email: farm@lamontfarm.plus.com

Bookings are not needed to visit the farm and there is no charge to enter, although a small donation of £1.50 (adult) and £1 (child) is requested to help towards the care and welfare of the animals.

The farm is open between 10am-4pm on Saturdays to Thursdays, with visitors advised to arrive no later than 2.30pm.

NATALIE DON MSP IMPRESSED BY GLASGOW AIRPORT’S DEVELOPMENTS

Natalie Don MSP was impressed to see the steps Glasgow Airport has been taking to keep passengers safe in the COVID-19 pandemic and minimising environmental impacts during a tour today.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West enjoyed both behind the scenes and frontline views of the airport’s facilities whilst being guided through the terminal buildings and airfield by Operations Director, Ronald Leitch.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I was grateful to Ronald for giving me a tour of Glasgow Airport, including a rare visit to the runway which would normally not be possible at this time of year.

“It was very impressive to see developments – such as the COVID-19 testing centre – keeping passengers safe during the pandemic and I was also pleased to discover all electricity used in the airport is from renewable sources and carbon neutrality status has been achieved for emissions under its direct control.

“As the airport is a major employer of Renfrewshire North and West constituents and hugely important to Scotland’s economy, I was eager to visit as soon as possible and I am keen to see the airport's recovery taking place in the months ahead.”

NATALIE DON MSP TAKES ON TWO KEY SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT COMMITTEES ROLES

Natalie Don MSP has landed two key roles in the Scottish Parliament after being elected as the Deputy Convenor of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee and a member of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.

In the absence of the Convenor of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West will chair meetings which will consider a range of important issues including welfare policy and social security, poverty action measures, human rights, the third sector, refugees and asylum, tackling inequalities as well as violence against women and girls.

Having previously served as the Depute Convenor of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board, Natalie Don will also build on her extensive local experience at national level in the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee which will examine policies on climate crisis and environmental protection, biodiversity, sustainable development, fuel poverty, renewable energy, flood prevention and transport strategy.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the vital work of two of the Scottish Parliament’s most important committees which scrutinise government policies on a variety of issues which impact on everyday life across the country as well as global efforts to tackle the climate emergency.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the Deputy Convenorship of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee because work ensuring people-centred policies are developed to make our country fairer and improve the lives of Scotland’s citizens – including low-income families and children experiencing poverty – is extremely close to my heart.

“As someone with a real-life understanding of just how tiresome, stressful and cruel welfare application processes can be, I will reflect on my personal experiences during my committee duties and listen very carefully to the views of my constituents, anti-poverty campaigners and other stakeholders.

“With Glasgow hosting COP26 in November, I am really excited about the SNP Government’s plans for Scotland to play our part as a responsible global citizen to lead the world into the net zero age.

“In my previous role on Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board, I was proud to be involved in bringing real change to Renfrewshire, declaring a climate emergency over two years ago and pioneering Team Up to Clean Up, one of the Council’s most successful campaigns, which highlights the importance of our natural environment and encourages community involvement and action.

“It is a privilege to now have a parliamentary role overseeing national policies aimed at overcoming the climate crisis which, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, remains the greatest challenge facing the planet.”

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES RENFREWSHIRE STUDENTS TO ACCESS SUMMER FUNDING TO REDUCE FINANCIAL PRESSURES

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment of £20 million to help alleviate financial pressures during the summer experienced by students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following concerns raised by constituents, the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West highlighted via a parliamentary question that some students are at a disadvantage to their peers, based on personal or family financial circumstances rather than learning ability, and cannot afford take up summer volunteering or training opportunities relevant to their courses.

Students, many of whom have already lost crucial part-time jobs in the service sector due to the pandemic, are also likely to face increased difficulties in securing seasonal employment because of the lower number of tourists visiting Scotland.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The pandemic has severely impacted many students in Renfrewshire North and West and it has magnified the financial burdens that some will face during the summer.

“Many students find themselves in debt over the summer months and not all have the capability to find work, stay in their accommodation or take up volunteering or training opportunities relevant to their degree as they simply cannot afford to do so.

“I am pleased that the Minister for Higher Education and Further Education has committed £20 million to help alleviate the financial pressures experienced by students in the summer and confirmed a review of this support will take place within the SNP Government's first 100 days in office.

“As the SNP continue to prioritise improving the attainment gap in Scotland, providing this summer support to students is a vital positive step towards achieving this.

“I encourage students in Renfrewshire experiencing financial hardship to apply directly to their college or university’s Coronavirus Discretionary Fund to benefit from the summer support package.”

This latest funding takes total Scottish Government support for students since the start of the pandemic to more than £96 million via hardship funds, digital access, mental health support and assistance for student associations.

NATALIE DON MSP HAILS SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S AMBITIOUS ANTI-POVERTY SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT SUPPORTING 1200 LOCAL FAMILIES

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed Scottish Government estimations that around 1200 families in Renfrewshire North and West will benefit from the Scottish Child Payment this year (2021/22).

Qualifying low-income parents and carers are provided with a Scottish Child Payment of £40 every four weeks for each child under six by the Scottish Government’s Social Security Scotland agency.

The benefit, which is unique to Scotland within the UK, has been hailed as a potential ‘game-changer’ by anti-poverty campaigners in the fight against child poverty.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West welcomed news in response to her parliamentary question today (Wednesday 16th June) that the payment is planned to be fully rolled out to children under the age of 16 by the end of 2022, subject to data being provided by the UK Government’s Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) to enable Social Security Scotland to make top-up payments.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The Scottish Child Payment will make a massive difference in helping lift many children out of poverty in my constituency. However, the UK Government’s welfare policies are having the opposite effect.

“The Children’s Commissioner for Scotland said that if the UK Government scraps the £20 Universal Credit uplift in September, this will effectively knockout the benefits the Scottish Child Payment brings into families.

“The UK Government should start matching the SNP Government’s ambitions by introducing anti-poverty measures, instead of cuts. The scale of the Tories’ benefit cuts makes mitigation by the Scottish Government unsustainable and one of the reasons why we need full powers in the Scottish Parliament to tackle child poverty.”

By 2023/24 – the first full year of the Scottish Child Payment for under 16s – the Scottish Government estimates the number of families receiving the support in Renfrewshire North and West could increase to around 2,100.

NATALIE DON MSP HOPES RENFREWSHIRE’S YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE ALL SMILES AT PROSPECT OF FREE DENTAL CARE

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed a Scottish Government announcement today (Wednesday 16th June) which will mean all young people in Renfrewshire aged 18 to 25 will benefit from free NHS dental care from the end of August, subject to approval by MSPs.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West welcomed the move to include all 18 to 25 year-olds, which goes further than the SNP’s original commitment to remove dental charges for care-experienced young people within the government’s first 100 days.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I was thrilled with the SNP’s manifesto pledge to abolish all NHS dentistry charges over the course of this Parliament. Dental charges can be a huge expense for many people and families, with pain often going untreated due to the lack of affordability.

“I am extremely pleased that our first step towards this goal includes the removal of dental charges for all young people aged between 18 and 25. Young people have experienced a disproportionate economic impact during the pandemic, which is recognised by the SNP Government, and I am delighted that this move will remove a cost barrier that may have prevented local youngsters from accessing dental care.

“I hope this news bring smiles to the faces of 18-25 year olds across Renfrewshire North and West who, from later this year, will be able to be treated to maintain or improve their oral health without needing to be concerned about the affordability of dental services.”