NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES DOUBLING OF CARER’S ALLOWANCE SUPPLEMENT FOR RENFREWSHIRE’S 2,715 UNPAID CARERS

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed a Scottish Government announcement that 2,715 unpaid carers across Renfrewshire will have their Carer’s Allowance Supplement doubled in December.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West hailed the increase of the supplement to £462.80 for unpaid carers, which follows the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill passing its third and final stage in the Scottish Parliament today.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year to carers who live in Scotland and receive Carer’s Allowance, paid by the Department for Work and Pensions, on specified qualifying dates. The qualifying date for the December 2021 double payment is 11 October 2021.

Natalie Don MSP welcomes the doubling of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Unpaid carers across Renfrewshire have experienced an incredibly difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic and, without their heroic efforts, our services would have been under greater strain.

“I’m pleased to see the SNP Government doubling the Carer’s Allowance Supplement in recognition of the vital contribution that dedicated carers are making in our communities, as they begin to face increased pressures on their incomes due to rising energy and food prices.

“While the out-of-touch UK Tory Government cuts Universal Credit at a time when those on the lowest incomes need it most, the Scottish Government is building a social security system in Scotland based on dignity, fairness and respect.

“The people of Renfrewshire and throughout Scotland must have the choice of a different path in a referendum for recovery to give us the chance to escape the callous decisions made on welfare at Westminster and gain full powers over social security so we can protect those who need supported most.”

To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance and the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, a carer must be providing 35 hours or more of care per week, and earn only up to £128 a week, after deductions, through paid work.

The person the carer looks after must be in receipt of one or more of the following disability benefits: Personal Independence Payment (daily living component), Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate), Attendance Allowance, constant Attendance Allowance (at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit), Constant Attendance Allowance (at the basic full day rate with a War Disablement Pension) or an Armed Forces Independence Payment.

NATALIE DON MSP CONDEMNS WESTMINSTER CONTROL FREAKS THREATENING THE RIGHTS OF RENFREWSHIRE’S CHILDREN

Natalie Don MSP has condemned the UK Tory Government for launching a legal challenge which has resulted in an UK Supreme Court ruling today (Wednesday 6 October 2021) that the Scottish Parliament cannot enshrine the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law, thereby threatening the rights of children in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West says the judgment highlights the extreme limitations of the devolution settlement in Scotland, as the intervention by the Westminster government flies in the face of the UNCRC Bill being passed unanimously by democratically elected representatives in the Scottish Parliament.

The judgement comes on the same day that the Westminster Tories cut Universal Credit by £20 a week, taking away from the most vulnerable at a time when they need it most.

Natalie Don MSP is concerned about the extreme limitations of the devolution settlement in Scotland. Photo credit: Ricky Kelly

Natalie Don MSP said: “The SNP Scottish Government introduced the UNCRC Bill to put the needs of children in Renfrewshire and across Scotland at the very heart of every decision made by government and local authorities.

“The legal challenge by the control freaks in this callous Tory UK Tory Government means that the Scottish Government cannot now introduce vital protections for our young people and leaves them at the mercy of out-of-touch Westminster politicians who simply cannot be trusted to protect our future generations in Scotland, as they cut Universal Credit to plunge 20,000 children into poverty.

“Families in Renfrewshire who face a decision of whether to heat their homes or feed their children as the cost of energy and food bills go up should be protected from this hardship and it’s becoming increasing clear that the Scottish Parliament needs the full social security powers that can only be delivered by Scotland becoming an independent country.”

NATALIE DON MSP CALLS FOR THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO BE FULLY EMPOWERED TO ERADICATE POVERTY

Natalie Don MSP is backing Challenge Poverty Week (4th – 10th October) by calling for the Scottish Parliament to be fully empowered to eradicate poverty in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is supporting Challenge Poverty Week, which is giving everyone an opportunity to raise their voices against poverty and call for a more just and equal Scotland. 

During the week, key poverty issues are being highlighted such as low wages and insecure contracts which prevent too many people from earning enough money to live a decent life; and the need for a social security system supporting everyone to live a dignified life.

In backing Challenge Poverty Week, Natalie Don MSP is calling on all political parties represented in Holyrood to be united in demanding to have all welfare and social security powers transferred to the Scottish Parliament.

Natalie Don MSP wants the Scottish Parliament to be fully empowered to eradicate poverty.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I believe a Scotland free from the grip of poverty is possible. The Scottish Government is tackling child poverty head on by implementing bold policies such as the Scottish Child Payment benefitting low-income parents, an increase in the school clothing grant and funding the provision of 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare.

“I am proud that we are also looking into radical and innovative policies such as a Minimum Income Guarantee and, in the future, a Universal Basic Income, which could genuinely make our society more equal and make a real difference to people’s lives.

“We know we still have a way to go but these are important steps in the SNP Government’s mission to eradicate poverty once and for all.

“With the Scottish Parliament having responsibilities for around only 15 per cent of welfare decisions affecting the everyday lives of people in Scotland, however, there is so much more that we could do to alleviate poverty in Renfrewshire and across the country, if we had the appropriate powers to do so. 

“Although neither Tory or Labour politicians are backing the Scottish Government’s call for all welfare decision-making to be devolved, I urge cross-party colleagues across the Scottish Parliament to realise that now is the time to demand these vital powers, which are needed, to build a social security system to protect those who need it most.

“With many people facing the horrendous choice of heating or eating as energy bills skyrocket, food bills increase, and thousands having their Universal Credit benefit cut by the out-of-touch UK Tory Government, the prospect of an independent Scotland with complete control over a social security system with dignity, fairness and respect at its heart, gets more appealing by the day.”

NATALIE DON MSP CONDEMNS TORY MSPS FOR BACKING CUT IN VITAL SUPPORT

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed an overwhelming vote by Members of the Scottish Parliament supporting a call on the UK Government’s to cancel its planned £20 cut to Universal Credit next month.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West criticised Tory MSPs, however, for shamelessly voting in favour of the cut which will plunge 60,000 families and 20,000 children in Scotland into poverty, leaving the Conservatives isolated at Holyrood as the only party not to vote to reverse the cut.

Natalie Don MSP condemns the UK Government’s decision to cut the Universal Credit uplift. Photo credit: Ricky Kelly

Natalie Don MSP said: “A strong message has been sent to the Tories at Westminster that the Scottish Parliament rejects its plans to cut Universal Credit from the most vulnerable at a time when they need it most.

“It is shocking, but unsurprising, that Tory MSPs voted in favour of the Universal Credit cut, condemning thousands of families into poverty – the Nasty Party is well and truly back.

“Scottish Tory MSPs have let down thousands by supporting this callous cut to support and by propping up a Tory UK Government that imposes these policies on the people of Scotland.

“Many households in Renfrewshire and across Scotland are facing an incredible squeeze on their incomes this winter as energy bills skyrocket, food bills increase, and thousands face the prospect of having their Universal Credit cut. This will inevitably lead to people having to make the choice between heating their home or feeding their children.

“We cannot trust the Tories to protect the future of the people of Scotland. We need the full powers of independence to build a social security system to support the most vulnerable members of our society at a time when they need it most.”

PREGNANT PATIENTS FACE UPHILL STRUGGLE AS RAH MATERNITY UNIT REVIEWS PARKING IN RESPONSE TO NATALIE DON MSP’S CONCERNS

Natalie Don MSP is welcoming a review of parking places for Maternity Unit patients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), after raising deep concerns about the uphill challenges currently facing mothers-to-be.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West asked NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to consider the unacceptable situation of pregnant women presently being expected to walk up a big hill in the hospital’s main car park due to parking provision not being secured for patients immediately outside the maternity wards.

In the health board’s response, the MSP was advised that the limited parking bays at the Maternity Unit, with the exception of two spaces allocated for disabled motorists, will be reviewed and re-provided for maternity patients, where possible, at the earliest opportunity. 

Natalie Don MSP raised concerns about the lack of parking spaces for patients at the RAH’s maternity unit.

Natalie Don MSP said, “I am thankful that the health board took heed of my concerns and will re-allocate spaces to allow pregnant women to access the parking facilities at the maternity unit.

“It is simply unacceptable that women who are attending antenatal appointments or going into labour, currently have no access to parking facilities at the unit, especially at a time when, due to COVID-19 restrictions, many women are expected to attend appointments on their own.

“Although I appreciate the offer of sincere apologies for the difficulties and distress experienced by my constituents trying to access parking close to the RAH Maternity Unit, this does still remain a problem for women in Renfrewshire accessing the hospital via public transport or foot. I will therefore continue to seek further solutions to this for all women, in the future. 

“No woman should be forced to walk up this hill to access maternity services while they are pregnant.”

NATALIE DON MSP BACKS NEW ‘OUR ADVICE ADDS UP’ CAMPAIGN URGING LOCAL RESIDENTS TO CONTACT RENFREWSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Natalie Don MSP is backing the new ‘Our Advice Adds Up’ campaign encouraging local residents to contact Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau to get advice to maximise their incomes and cut their bills.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is supporting the campaign after being by informed that more than 1.4 million people in Scotland have run out money before payday in the last year.

Citizens Advice Bureau asks “Running out of money every month?”

Natalie Don MSP said: “It is truly heart-breaking to discover that so many people across Scotland are struggling to put food on their tables ahead of their work, pensions or benefits payday.

“With food and energy prices already rising, and the latest figures showing 15,476 people in Renfrewshire are claiming Universal Credit, thousands of hard-pressed local families will be devastated by the cut to the £20 UC uplift, and I dread to think about how they will cope during the winter months as they are driven much deeper into poverty.

“I’m pleased to support the ‘Our Advice Adds Up’ campaign and encourage people in Renfrewshire who are experiencing financial pressures to obtain vital advice from Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau about how to maximise their incomes and cut their bills.”

Gavin Lovesey, Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau’s Service Development Manager, said: “We welcome this support for the campaign. With the National Insurance contributions increase, rising inflation and rapidly rising energy prices, going into this winter will be challenging particularly for those on low incomes. 

“As furlough ends, many more people may find themselves living solely on benefits. We urge anyone who is struggling with money, or worried about how they’ll cope with these challenges, to get in touch with us to ensure they’re receiving everything they’re entitled to, getting help to manage any debt, and reducing spend where possible.” 

Get in touch with Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau on telephone: 0141 889 2121 or via the contact details on www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk

In 2020/21, Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau provided advice to help 3,564 local people to gain a cumulative total of £2.4million.

NATALIE DON MSP CONDEMNS BROKEN PROMISES OF ANTI-INDEPENDENCE AND BREXIT CAMPAIGNERS AS ENERGY BILLS SOAR

Natalie Don MSP has expressed deep concerns about increasing energy bills which are becoming a nightmare for people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland, as promises about cheaper fuel costs made by anti-independence and pro-Brexit campaigners are shattered.

With energy bills soaring, the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has criticised Boris Johnson for breaking his pledge to make energy bills cheaper after Brexit and condemned the Better Together campaign for claiming ahead of the last independence referendum that Scotland benefits from lower energy bills by being part of the United Kingdom.

The MSP has also added her voice to SNP calls for the UK Government to introduce an energy payment to help lower income families cope with the increased prices.

Average household energy bills have increased despite the UK Government projecting in 2014 that prices would fall by around £48 in 2020, and costs are set to soar even higher from October just as the colder weather starts to bite.

Ofgem estimates a typical gas and electricity customer will face an increase of £139, from £1,138 to £1,277 per year.

Natalie Don MSP condemns anti-independence and Brexit campaigners for breaking promises on energy prices.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Many low-income families in Renfrewshire and across Scotland are set to pay a hefty price for their gas and electricity this autumn and winter, and my heart goes out to those who will be forced to choose between heating and eating.

“Boris Johnson has clearly broken the pledge he made a month before the EU referendum about Brexit reducing energy bills for everyone, and the No campaign’s big anti-independence scare story claiming energy prices are lower for people in Scotland as part of the UK was, like so many of their dystopian assertions, found to be evidently bogus.

“The UK Government should take urgent action by introducing an energy payment to help lower income families who are already struggling to survive due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit and callous welfare cuts.

“There is absolutely no way that people in Renfrewshire or anywhere else in energy-rich Scotland should be sitting shivering or starving, and the Tories at Westminster should be ashamed if they fail to protect the poorest in our communities from horrendous suffering caused by fuel poverty during the colder months ahead.”

NATALIE DON MSP CONDEMNS TORY UK GOVERNMENT’S INHUMANE UNIVERSAL CREDIT CUTS WHICH WILL DEVASTATE 13,273 RENFREWSHIRE FAMILIES

Natalie Don MSP has condemned the Conservative UK Government’s decision to cut the £20 uplift to Universal Credit as “inhumane”, with more than 13,000 low-income families in Renfrewshire already being hit with the additional pressures of increased prices on their household budgets expected to suffer dire consequences.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West says the Tories’ cut shows they are out-of-touch with the reality of the everyday financial problems faced by people who are disabled or have disabled children, have caring responsibilities or experiencing in-work poverty, as new research from the Scottish Parliament’s independent information service (SPICe) revealed 13,372 low income families across Renfrewshire will lose more than £1,000 a year.

Natalie Don MSP says the UK Government’s Universal Credit cut is inhumane.

Natalie Don MSP said: “This Tory UK Government’s decision to inflict the biggest cut to welfare since World War II is inhumane and demonstrates that they are completely out-of-touch and simply do not care about the poorest people in Renfrewshire’s communities.

“With food and energy prices already rising, more than 13,000 hard-pressed families across Renfrewshire will be devastated by the Tories’ callous cut to Universal Credit and I dread to think about how many will cope during the winter months as they are driven much deeper into poverty.

"To cut support to people already struggling during a global pandemic, regardless of the consequences, is cruel and heartless, and shows exactly why the Scottish Parliament should has all the social security powers required to protect those that need supported most.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S BRIDGING PAYMENTS SUPPORTING LOW-INCOME RENFREWSHIRE FAMILIES

Natalie Don MSP is welcoming a Scottish Government commitment to tackling child poverty which will see low income families across Renfrewshire benefit from a £320 uplift in essential support before Christmas.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is pleased that the Scottish Government is implementing progressive anti-poverty measures such as the quarterly Scottish Child Bridging Payments which will see eligible families receive payments of £160 per child in October and again in December.

The Bridging Payments are made to all eligible children in receipt of free school meals due to low income and is equivalent to the Scottish Child Payment – a £10-a-week benefit to assist with the costs of caring for a child aged under six.

Natalie Don MSP welcomes the Scottish Child Bridging Payments.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Families in Renfrewshire North and West and across Scotland are experiencing severe financial pressures right now and, unfortunately, the circumstances for many will get worse due to the out-of-touch UK Tory Government’s obsession with Brexit and their unrelenting cruel austerity cuts such as removing the £20 uplift to Universal Credit.

“While the Tories plans to cut the incomes of six million people throughout the UK by £1040 a year – the biggest cut to welfare since the 1930’s – the SNP Government, thankfully, is supporting the poorest people in our communities.

“The Scottish Child Payment is already the most ambitious anti-poverty measure in the UK and Bridging Payments provided in the summer put £502,300 in the pockets of 5,023 low-income families across Renfrewshire.

“It is becoming even clearer by the day that the only way to keep Scotland safe from Westminster cuts is by becoming an independent country to ensure the Scottish Parliament has all the social security powers required to protect those that need supported most.”

For more details about the Scottish Child Bridging Payments, go to www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-bridging-payments

NATALIE DON MSP THANKS RENFREWSHIRE’S SHOP WORKERS AS NEW PROTECTIVE LAW COMES INTO FORCE

Natalie Don MSP is backing a campaign urging shoppers to say thanks to Renfrewshire’s retail workers, as a new law giving shop employees greater legal protection comes into force.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is supporting the Don’t Put Up With It campaign, which is funded by the Scottish Government and driven by the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) in partnership with Crimestoppers’s youth programme Fearless and Police Scotland, to encourage greater respect for retailers.

The campaign launched as the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) Act 2021 came into force.

The legislation, which has been widely welcomed across the sector, gives stronger protection to shop staff across Scotland with a new offence having been created for situations whereby a retail employee is assaulted, threatened or abused while engaged in their work.

Natalie Don MSP is backing the Don’t Put Up With It campaign.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Along with many people throughout Renfrewshire North and West, I greatly appreciate the efforts of shop workers in all our communities who have supplied essential provisions through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I offer my heartfelt thanks for all their tremendous work during a very challenging time.

“As someone who worked in retail myself, I am pleased to support the Don’t Put Up With It campaign which is urging retailers to report crimes they witness in their shops, as well as urging customers to thank the people who serve them.

“Everyone working in our local shops deserve our thanks and respect, and I encourage people across Renfrewshire to continue supporting our local businesses at every opportunity.”

SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema, said: “The simple act of saying thanks can make a remarkable difference to a retail worker’s day.

“Local convenience stores really stepped up to the plate during Covid, making immediate alterations to their stores to keep them open, make them Covid-safe, and service the local communities who needed them the most.

“So, the next time you pop around the corner for some essential supplies, #SayThanks. If you’re grateful that your local store is there; if you’re grateful they’ve been there during the pandemic; if you want them to stay there as long as you are, #SayThanks.. And, if you do witness a crime in a shop, please support your local retailer by sharing information and help bring those responsible to justice.”

Details about crimes should be reported to Police Scotland on 101 and information about those responsible for offences can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more details about the campaign, go to www.dontputupwithit.scot

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES PERSON-CENTRED APPROACH AWAITING RENFREWSHIRE FAMILIES APPLYING FOR NEW CHILD DISABILITY PAYMENT

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed a Scottish Government announcement that families of children and young people with a disability or terminal illness in Renfrewshire and across the country can apply for Social Security Scotland’s new Scotland’s Child Disability Payment from 22 November 2021.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is delighted that the Child Disability Payment will be the first disability benefit in the UK that can be applied for online, with local families also having the option to apply by post, phone, or face-to-face (COVID-19 restrictions permitting).

Families already receiving the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children do not need to make a new application as Social Security Scotland will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred.

Young people who have a terminal illness or are aged 16 or over will see their benefit being transferred to Social Security Scotland from mid-October onwards, with other claimants aged up to 15 having theirs transferred from spring 2022.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I welcome the Scottish Government taking on responsibility for providing financial assistance to help meet the additional expenses for families associated with their children having a disability, for example extra care and mobility costs.

“I am delighted that such families were involved throughout the entire process of developing the new Child Disability Payment to ensure a more simplified, less time consuming and stressful system than the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) version which many parents often perceived as being too complex and a negative experience.

“It will be reassuring for families in Renfrewshire North and West and across Scotland who may need to apply for the Child Disability Payment, from 22 November onwards, that they will be treated with dignity, fairness and respect by the SNP Government’s social security agency which is designed to meet the person-centred needs of people requiring support.”

For more information about the Child Disability Payment, go to www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment or call telephone: 0800 182 2222.

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR A FAIR, GREEN RECOVERY AND GIVING PEOPLE THE CHOICE OVER SCOTLAND’S FUTURE

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s 2021/2022 Programme for Government, which was announced today (Tuesday 7 September), as a strong plan to help Renfrewshire and Scotland to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, take on climate change and give people the chance to decide the country’s future.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West hailed the government’s plans which are focussed on building a greener, fairer society, mitigating the damaging impacts of Brexit where possible and offering people in Scotland the chance to give the Scottish Parliament full powers by holding an independence referendum when the COVID-19 crisis is over.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I warmly welcome the Programme for Government which includes the SNP Government’s top priority commitments of leading Scotland safely out of the COVID-19 pandemic and embarking on a green, fair economic recovery as we show global leadership in urgently tackling the climate emergency.

“It is also great to see the government laying out ambitious plans to boost opportunities for children and young people and drive forward Scotland’s national mission to end child poverty, make a record investment in frontline health spending, legislate for a National Care Service, and create a childcare system supporting low-income families.

“I am delighted that the government is committed to taking forward its democratic mandate for a referendum on Scotland becoming an independent country when the COVID-19 crisis is over.

“It is important that people in Scotland have the opportunity to make an informed choice about how we can build a better future if the Scottish Parliament had the full powers to make key decisions affecting everyday life, instead of us constantly needing to look over our shoulders to see the next set of callous policies being imposed on our society by out-of-touch Tory governments.”

For more details about the Programme for Government, go to www.gov.scot/programme-for-government

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES RENFREWSHIRE RESIDENTS TO TAKE STEPS TOWARDS A HEALTHIER FUTURE WITH A DAILY MILE WALK OR RUN

Natalie Don MSP is backing an initiative which is encouraging people of all ages and circumstances to walk, jog, run or wheel a mile each day as part of everyday life to improve health and wellbeing.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is supporting The Daily Mile scheme, which was created in Scotland, adopted by the Scottish Government, and has the objective of encouraging more active lifestyles to improve physical, social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

Scottish Household Survey research shows that only 61% of children and 65% of adults in Scotland meet the minimum daily guidelines for physical activity and people’s health is often suffering as a consequence.

2,500 deaths in Scotland each year are related to inactivity and around a quarter (26 per cent) of children aged two to five are at risk of being overweight, including 13% at risk of obesity. 65% of adults are also overweight, with 29% considered to be obese.

Natalie Don MSP is supporting the Daily Mile initiative.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Many of us were impressed by the superb performances of athletes during the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games and perhaps think regular running or jogging long distances are beyond our personal capabilities, but we can all consider doing a 15 or 20 minute walk or wheel at our own pace every day or so.

“That’s what the Daily Mile is all about – encouraging us all, regardless of our age or fitness level, to become more physically active to benefit our individual and our communities’ collective health and wellbeing.

“The initiative originally started as a school-based programme as research shows that children’s mental health and fitness improves by increased exercise, and they can carry the benefits into later life.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic having created additional pressures on the physical and mental wellbeing of more people throughout society, we can take steps to improve our physical activity so I encourage community groups, youth organisations and workplaces in addition to nurseries and schools across Renfrewshire North and West to sign up to The Daily Mile and help get us all moving towards a healthier future.”

For more details about The Daily Mile, go to www.thedailymile.co.uk

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES FIGURES SHOWING ANTI-POVERTY SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT IS SUPPORTING 3,410 RENFREWSHIRE FAMILIES

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the latest Scottish Government figures showing that 3,410 families in Renfrewshire have been benefiting from the Scottish Child Payment since its introduction in February 2021.

Local qualifying low-income parents and carers are bring 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 MSP for Renfrewshire North and West says the success of the benefit, which has been hailed as a ‘game-changer’ by anti-poverty campaigners, shows the stark contrast between Scotland’s social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect and the often inhumane approaches by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in implementing welfare cuts such as the scrapping of the Universal Credit £20 uplift to society’s most vulnerable people.

Natalie Don MSP is welcoming the Scottish Child Payment support for low income families in Renfrewshire.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Scottish Government figures show the Scottish Child Payment is making a huge difference in helping lift local children out of poverty, with £570,320 having been provided to 3,410 low-income families across Renfrewshire up to 30 June 2021.

“Along with the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods benefits, which have also been introduced by the SNP Government, eligible low-income families can receive up to £5,200 of essential support by the time their child turns six.

“With cuts to the Universal Credit £20 uplift being imposed by the out-of-touch Tory Government in Westminster, I strongly encourage eligible parents in Renfrewshire to apply for the Scottish Child Payment to obtain support which can help ease the pressure on their hard-pressed family budgets.”

Parents who receive qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can apply for the Scottish Child Payment by going to www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment/how-to-apply.

The Scottish Government is planning for the payment 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 DWP to enable Social Security Scotland to make top-up payments.

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE IN RENFREWSHIRE TO ACCESS FREE DENTAL CARE

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging 18 to 25-year-olds in Renfrewshire to start taking advantage of free dental care which, from this week onwards, they are now eligible to access.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that young people aged 18 to 25 and everyone who has started a course of NHS dental treatment before their 26th birthday no longer need to pay to maintain or improve their oral health.

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging 18 to 25-year-olds in Renfrewshire to get free dental care.

Natalie Don MSP said: “It is great to see the SNP Government has taken this first step towards scrapping NHS dental charges for everyone in Scotland by removing the treatment costs for people aged under 26.

“Dental charges can be a huge expense for families, with pain going untreated due to the lack of affordability, so I am delighted that local young people can now access dental care without being concerned about the cost.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic not yet over, it is currently not ‘business as usual’ at dental practices as they still need to prioritise people with urgent dental problems and those in most need of treatment, but I encourage 18 to 25-year-olds throughout Renfrewshire North and West to start taking advantage of the provision of free dental care services in the months ahead.”

The Scottish Government confirmed this week that £7.5 million of funding will help dental practices to purchase drills that do not create as much airborne particles as standard drills, and so will enable dentists to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 protective restrictions on the number of patients they can see.

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