SNP Scottish Government protecting households from cruel Tory cuts

In 2021/22, the SNP Scottish Government provided Discretionary Housing Payments of £2,761,790 in Renfrewshire and £1,486,542 in Inverclyde to protect families from cuts, with £2,488,652 spent in Renfrewshire and £1,330,822 spent in Inverclyde mitigating the impact of the cruel Tory bedroom tax.

Across Scotland £82million has been used to mitigate Tory cuts, with £71m spent to protect households from the bedroom tax.

Natalie Don MSP

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

“The introduction of the bedroom tax has been one of the cruellest policies introduced by this UK Tory government as it targets the most vulnerable in our society.

“The SNP Scottish Government has spent millions across Scotland, including in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, to protect households from the most devastating impacts of Tory cuts and policies. This is money that could be invested on pulling people out of poverty but instead the Scottish Government has to mitigate against the Tories pushing people further towards poverty.

“This demonstrates the tale of two governments facing the people of Scotland as we have one in London implementing cruel policies such as the bedroom tax, whereas we have one in Edinburgh investing in a social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect.

“However, the Scottish Government should not have to clean up the mess left by the Tories. That is why we must have the full powers of independence to build a fairer, more equal Scotland.”

Stats below, full breakdown of stats can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/discretionary-housing-payments-in-scotland-1-april-2021-to-31-march-2022/

Natalie Don MSP urges students to apply for funding now

“Students don’t need to wait for exam results or an unconditional offer before applying for funding, so get started now!” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West).

The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is urging students to apply now for their funding – whether that’s to pay for fees, bursaries or loans. It is crucial to ensure that their funding will be in place for the start of the new term.  SAAS would also like to emphasise the importance of submitting the correct documentation and any required evidence to allow them to progress the applications as quickly as possible.

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education, Youth Employment and Training, said:

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting students on their learner journey by offering the right level of funding. It’s extremely important that students don’t delay and apply now, to ensure they will have funding for the start of their course.”

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP added:

“SAAS is open for 2022/23 applications and new and continuing students should apply now. This will guarantee their money will be in place for the start of their course.

“Beginning higher education or even just starting a new year at college or university can be daunting enough without the added financial stress that comes with not having your funding in place. With the cost of living continuing to soar, it really will be in students’ best interests to try to get funding sorted as soon as possible to guarantee it is in place for the beginning of term.

“To make the application process easier, it is important to make sure you have the necessary paperwork ready before you apply. A full list of what you might need in advance is on the SAAS website.”

To apply for funding, students must complete an online application form and SAAS is on hand to help.  The hints and tips section on the SAAS website provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.

NOTES:

Students, parents and carers can also use the budget and funding calculators at www.studentinformation.gov.scot – to find out how much money and funding may be required to attend college or university.

To access the full suite of SAAS help videos visit: www.youtube.com/saashelpchannel

Apply at: www.saas.gov.uk

Have your say on school uniform consultation says Natalie Don MSP

“If you’re a pupil, parent or carer, the Scottish Government wants to hear your views on the school uniform,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West), commenting on the consultation from the Scottish Government to inform national guidance on the issue of school uniforms.

The Scottish Government has committed to introduce statutory guidance in Scotland which aims to address equalities issues around uniform policy and reduce the cost of school uniform, as this can be a significant barrier to participation in learning.  This consultation seeks views on:

·       what should be included within the scope of the guidance

·       the role that school uniform plays within the ethos, culture and day to day school life

·       the considerations available to schools and education authorities in reducing school uniform costs

·       the draft principles which are intended to be incorporated as part of national school uniform policy

The consultation will help shape guidance to build on the support that the SNP’s previous increase of the clothing grant provided, to reduce costs for families whilst ensuring pupils can go to school feeling comfortable and ready to learn.

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP added:

“A key aim of the guidance will be to reduce costs for families, while ensuring pupils can go to school feeling comfortable and ready to learn.

“School uniform can promote a sense of identity, belonging and connectedness to school. However, the cost can be a significant burden for families, although there is no legal requirement to wear uniform.

“Although the Scottish government has increased the school clothing grant to help families who need it most, they intend to go further by bringing forward national guidance aimed at reducing uniform costs. This could mean increasing the use of generic items of uniform.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest to have their say on how this guidance should look. It is essential that the views of children and young people are heard as part of this consultation.”

The level of school clothing grant increased to at least £120 for primary school pupils and £150 for secondary school pupils from the start of the new school year in 2021.

Further information:

The consultation runs until 14th October 2022 and can be found at: https://bit.ly/schooluniformsconsultation

Further information on school clothing grants in Renfrewshire is available at: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/3338/Free-school-meals-and-clothing-grants

Natalie Don MSP supports Face Equality Week

“Face Equality Week is a time to celebrate visible difference, challenge people’s perceptions and raise awareness about the prejudice experienced by too many people with scars, marks and conditions that make them look different,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West).

Face Equality Week, organised by the charity Changing Faces, happens every year during May, this year it runs between the 16 - 20 May.

The theme for Face Equality Week 2022 is ‘staring’.  Changing Faces will be using campaigners and ambassadors during Face Equality Week to explain to the public that hostile behaviours, like staring, can have a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people with a visible difference or disfigurement. During Face Equality Week this charity be sharing their latest research, #StopTheStare campaign film and social media messages to explain why staring needs to stop, advice on how to stop staring before it happens and tips on what to do if you catch yourself staring. For those impacted by staring, importantly, Changing Faces want them to know they aren’t alone, and there is support and advice available

Research carried out for Changing Faces by Savanta ComRes, found that people with visible differences have experienced:

• An increase in hostile behaviour when they go out in public, with a rise from a third (34%) in 2019, to over two in five (43%) in 2021.

• A negative impact on mental health and wellbeing, with half of respondents (51%) reporting they have felt self-conscious or embarrassed as a result of their visible difference.

• Being stared at, when people with a visible difference do go out, three in ten (28%) report this happens to them. #StopTheStare explains the impact of staring and shares great advice to help stop staring before it happens.

Natalie Don MSP added;

“I met with Changing Faces last week to discuss their campaign and their work around face equality.

“This is an important campaign by Changing Faces, and one that I hope everyone will support.

Natalie Don MSP

“Some people with a visible difference struggle to come to terms with their appearance or go through periods of finding it hard to cope.  We should all learn from this campaign week the impact our actions may have on others.

“If you or a loved one are struggling with the emotional impact of a visible difference then please seek support. Changing Faces offer a confidential support and information line which can be accessed on 0300 012 0275 or online.”
NOTES:

Further information is available from: 

https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/services-support/support-information-line/

Support is also available from Changing Faces Helpline on 0300 012 0275

Natalie Don MSP welcomes extension of Best Start Foods scheme

“Removing income thresholds will mean that around 30,000 additional people who receive tax credits or certain benefits will be able to receive Best Start Foods by the end of financial year 2023-24,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on the SNP Scottish Government’s plan to remove all income thresholds from Best Start Foods by 2023/24, as part of the second Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan – ‘Best Start, Bright Futures’.

This change will increase eligibility to all people in receipt of a qualifying benefit. As a result, an additional 30,000 people are expected to benefit from Best Start Foods.

Best Start Foods is delivered via a prepaid card and provides £18 every four weeks throughout pregnancy, £36 every four weeks from birth until a child turns one, then £18 every four weeks from one until a child turns three. 

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said:

“Tackling child poverty is a national mission for us. We continue to take the necessary steps to reach the ambitious targets set out in our Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan. Social security is one of the main pillars of this plan and will help us to deliver support directly into the pockets of those families who need it the most.”

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The cost of healthy food was already a pressure for parents and carers, and the cost of living increases are only making this more challenging. Removing the income thresholds for Best Start Foods will mean that around 30,000 additional people who receive tax credits or certain benefits will be able to receive Best Start Foods by the end of financial year 2023-24.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes additional funding for Young Person’s Guarantee

“This extra funding will help young people who are struggling to access employment”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on the Scottish Government providing an additional £4million through the Young Person’s Guarantee to help connect young people with employers, training and volunteering opportunities.

The Young Person's Guarantee aims to connect every 16 to 24 year old in Scotland to an opportunity. This could be a job, apprenticeship, further or higher education, training or volunteering.  The Scottish Government has provided significant funds to local authorities for employment support which is used in addition to their own local funding. In 2022-23, almost £60 million was provided to help deliver employment support, including £15 million for the Young Person’s Guarantee.

This additional £4 million funding for the Young Person’s Guarantee will be shared between three programmes to help young people impacted most by the pandemic, including those who are care-experienced and those experiencing mental health issues:

• Inspiring Scotland will receive £2.6 million towards their Our Future Now programme which offers young people the opportunity to take part in work placements, shadowing and interview training

• The Young People’s Consortium (Action for Children, Barnardo’s and Prince’s Trust) will receive £1.4 million to help young people with experience of the care system secure full-time employment

• Volunteering Matters, in partnership with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), will receive £97,000 towards their work to support young people in Glasgow, including those experiencing mental health issues, to gain access to formal volunteering opportunities

Minister for Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said:

“We want all of our young people to succeed, no matter their background or circumstances. Our aim is to ensure those seeking work have access to valuable support and opportunities for years to come.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“We know that many young people may face additional barriers to successfully gaining permanent work and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic combined with the cost of living crisis has made this more challenging. By connecting young people seeking work directly with employers we can offer them potentially life changing opportunities.

“This additional support is on top of £15 million already allocated to local authorities through the Young Person’s Guarantee for the current year and will build on the Scottish Government’s strong record of tackling youth unemployment.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes International Nurses’ Day 2022

“This is an excellent occasion to celebrate the best of nursing and thank all staff working in health and social care for what they do,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on International Nurses’ Day which takes place on Thursday 12th May 2022.

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. The RCN (Royal College of Nursing) is using this day to showcase the incredible work of nurses and the difference they make to patients’ lives.  RCN is asking their members, patients and the wider public to take to social media to share a story that demonstrates the #BestOfNursing. RCN Scotland will also be using Nurses’ Day to launch our inaugural RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year awards, which will take place on St Andrews Day this year.   

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Nursing staff across Scotland continue to work through unprecedented circumstances. International Nurses’ Day is a chance to celebrate the best of nursing and thank staff working in health and social care for what they do.

“We saw just how important nursing staff were to the NHS during the Covid pandemic, where their dedication and commitment highlighted the best of nursing at a very critical time for many families.

“I would encourage everyone to join this campaign, share your positive experience of the impact nurses has had on your life, or of a family member and help shine a light on and say thank you to the incredible nursing staff who work in health and social care  across Renfrewshire.”

Natalie Don MSP highlights Mental Health Awareness Week

“Mental Health Awareness Week (MHA) this year is raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from Monday 9th May 2022 until Sunday 15th May 2022.

One in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time. There’s no single cause and there’s no one solution because after all, everyone is different. However, the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. Some people are also at higher risk of feeling lonely than others.  For Mental Health Awareness Week this year, campaigners are raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it. 

Also running throughout this period (from 4th May to 24th May) is the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) which this year is exploring the theme of ‘Gather’. This reflects the Mental Health Awareness Week theme of ‘Loneliness’.  SMHAF 2022 is a hybrid festival, combining live events and online programming to enhance connections and strive toward being accessible for all. Artists, communities, and organisations working in the arts and mental health across Scotland have contributed to developing the programme. The theme of ‘Gather’ was chosen to recognise that bringing people together has always been vital in the work of the SMHAF who use the arts to connect communities, reduce social isolation, and challenge mental health stigma.

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Covid pandemic and the rules about visiting family and friends highlighted the impact that loneliness can have on most people.  However, some people feel lonely even outwith the pandemic and it can have a serious impact on their mental health.

“Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to highlight the impact that loneliness can have on your mental health and some ways to try to deal with this.

“The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival also looks at how we can bring people together, through in-person and even virtual events.  There is a wide range of events happening across Renfrewshire including a Music Café, a Wellbeing Café and even a walk around Fountain Gardens in support of Renfrewshire Anti-Stigma Alliance.

“I don’t want anyone to suffer in silence. I would encourage everyone to look at the resources available including the events in the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, to help combat loneliness and encourage people to open up about their mental health.”

Further Information available at:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

https://www.mhfestival.com/

Natalie Don MSP welcomes Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

 “Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (MMHA) is a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems during and after pregnancy,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from Monday 2nd May 2022 until Sunday 8th May 2022.

Natalie Don MSP

This week is all about raising public and professional awareness of perinatal mental health problems, advocating for women affected by it, changing attitudes and helping families access the information, care and support they need to recover.

Organised and led by MMHA member, the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK (PMHP UK), the overall theme of this year’s MMHA is the ‘power of connection’ though each day will have a slightly different focus ranging from what is Maternal Mental Health to Smashing the Stigma and Perinatal Positivity Pot.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“It is extremely important that we continue to highlight and break the stigma around maternal mental health issues, not just this week but every day. There is so much pressure on women and mums and I know many women fear that admitting there is a problem might lead to doubts over your ability to parent. This is completely wrong. Pregnancy, childbirth and parenting can affect women in very different ways and it is extremely common for mums to struggle with their mental health during and after pregnancy. The pandemic, which brought new and complex challenges for pregnant women and parents has exasperated this even more so now more than ever we need to ensure that support is available for mothers, fathers and families.

“I would encourage any pregnant woman or parents who are suffering from poor mental health, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be, to seek support. No one will think you are a bad parent and the most important thing is that you and your baby get the support you need. There are many groups and health professionals where you can seek support but even starting at home, speaking to friends and family can make a huge difference.”

Further Information available at: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/news/maternal-mental-health-awareness-week-2022/

Natalie Don MSP welcomes new Stay at Home Covid Guidance

“As of 1st May, we are now moving into a different phase of the Covid pandemic. This includes the primary purpose of testing changing from population-wide testing to reduce transmission, to a targeted response focused on reducing severe harm of the virus”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on the changes to managing the Covid pandemic which were published last month, and which will also see all contact tracing ending.

From Sunday 1 May public health advice will change to a ‘stay at home’ message replacing self-isolation for people who have symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.  People who have symptoms of Covid-19 and who have a fever or are too unwell to carry out normal activities will be asked to ‘stay at home’ while they are unwell or have a fever.  They will no longer be advised to take a PCR test.

As previously announced, testing for the general population will end on 30 April with test sites closing at that point too.  However, testing will remain available to certain groups in order to protect high risk settings, support clinical care and for surveillance purposes.  Those groups include health and social care workers, care home and hospital visitors, patients groups eligible for treatment, hospital patients, unpaid carers and people in prison.

Other adults who have symptoms of Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses and have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, are advised to stay at home until their fever has gone or they feel well enough.

Children and young people aged 18 and under with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, do not need to stay at home and can continue to attend education settings.

They should only stay at home if they are unwell and have a high temperature. They can go back to school, college or childcare, and resume normal activities when they no longer have a fever and they feel well enough to attend.  This guidance reflects the fact that children and young people generally have a higher likelihood than adults of regular instances of respiratory symptoms from non-Covid illnesses. 

Natalie Don MSP added:

Natalie Don MSP

“Scotland’s Test and Protect programme has been one of the key interventions in our response to Covid-19, the success of which has been due, in no small part, to the remarkable staff and volunteers working in Test and Protect - my sincere thanks go to them.

“I would also like to thank the Scottish public for their commitment and willingness to engage with Test and Protect when it was required of them and helping to protect their fellow citizens.”

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“As we are now seeing a steady reduction in new Covid cases, the NHS will no longer remain on emergency footing after Saturday 30 April. But we must continue with a measured approach to support the recovery and renewal of our NHS.

“This will require balancing capacity of the NHS and the wellbeing of the workforce to respond to increasing demands for urgent care while reducing the backlog of planned care.”

Patients should only attend A&E if their condition is an emergency, to continue to limit the pressure on services.  Patients can contact their GP during the day, local pharmacy or call NHS24 on 111 as an alternative.

Further information on the stay at home guidance and measures you can take to limit the spread of Covid-19 can be found at Stay at home guidance and from 1 May on nhsinform.scot/covid19. 

Natalie Don MSP highlights importance of International Workers Memorial Day

“International Worker’s Memorial Day is a key event in the promotion of safe working places for all workers,” said Natalie Don (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West).

International Workers Memorial Day takes place every year on the 28th April. The purpose of the day is two-fold, to remember those who have died, been injured, or made ill by their work and to ensure that this loss and suffering is used to reinvigorate all campaigns for healthier and safer work; for those still at work, their families, and their children who will become tomorrows’ workers.

There are two commemoration events in Renfrewshire this year –at 11:30am at the Workers Memorial Cairn at Robertson Park, Renfrew and at 12noon at the flagpoles outside Renfrewshire House in Paisley.

Natalie Don MSP added;

Natalie Don MSP at the Memorial Cairn for International Workers Memorial Day

“The theme for this year’s International Worker’s Memorial Day is ‘health and safety is a fundamental right’ underlining the importance of ensuring that every workplace is safe and healthy for all workers.

“We have seen through the Covid pandemic the dangers that medical staff and others were placed in when trying to care for those who contracted Covid, we should ensure that every workplace is a safe environment for all workers. And that also means not wasting valuable public finances on faulty PPE equipment – as we have seen with the UK Tory Government!

“Everyone deserves to know that they will be returning home from their work, and for that to happen we need stronger enforcement of health and safety policies within each workplace.

“Normally on this day I would be attending the event at the Worker’s Memorial Cairn in Robertson Park, Renfrew and fondly remembering former Councillor Bill Perrie who worked hard with Paisley and District Trade Council to get this cairn installed. However, as I will be in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 28th April I will take time out at 12noon to pay my respects to all those who have lost their lives at work.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes MS Awareness Week

“MS Awareness Week is an important event to help highlight the problems facing people with MS and supporting the charities and groups which help them,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on MS Awareness Week which runs from 25th April until 1st May 2022.

The theme for this year’s awareness week is ‘uncertainty’ because MS is unpredictable and different for everyone living with it. As a fluctuating condition people have good days and bad, and go to bed not knowing what tomorrow will bring. They don’t know how symptoms might change, how their condition may progress or whether their treatments will continue to work.

This uncertainty can be exacerbated by a social security system that does not guarantee adequate support, stretched health services that may not be there when needed and a rising cost of living that will have a greater impact on disabled people than others.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“I met with the MS Society Scotland earlier this year where the issue of uncertainty was raised with me. It comes as no surprise then to find that a recent survey carried out for MS Awareness Week by MS Society Scotland revealed that 67% of respondents living with MS said they were ‘scared and uncertain about the future’.

“Rises in the cost of living present an acute challenge for people living with disabilities in general and MS in particular. Before the pandemic MS Society Scotland estimated that the average person living with MS faced additional costs of between £600-£1000 per month, depending on the severity of their condition.

“I welcome MS Awareness week as a chance to highlight this important issue and to support the work of charities, such as the MS Society Scotland and the MS Trust in raising awareness of MS and campaigning for better care and funding research to stop MS.”

Further Information on MS (Multiple Sclerosis) can be found at: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/contact-us/scotland

Children in Renfrewshire excelling under SNP Scottish Government

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed figures which show children in Renfrewshire are excelling under the SNP Scottish Government.

Schools across Renfrewshire are benefitting from £4.3 million of funding for the coming year to reduce the attainment gap in the area.

As a result, 96.5% of young people in the area go on to positive destinations. The latest figures also show that 12,456 have went into a modern apprenticeship under the SNP Scottish Government. 

In helping to close the attainment gap, there are currently 4,654 children receiving free school meals.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said: 

Natalie Don MSP

“Since the SNP formed a government in 2007, attainment and the number of pupils going on to positive destinations has improved in Renfrewshire.

“This is down to the funding the SNP Scottish Government has provided to reduce the attainment gap and I am delighted that this will continue as £4.3 million has been committed to reduce the gap even further for the coming year.

“The SNP Scottish Government is also ensuring that P1-3 children have the best start to their day by providing free school meals. This will also be extended to all primary schools within this parliamentary term.

“It is only the SNP who can be trusted to protect Scotland’s education system and on May 5 the people of Renfrewshire have the chance to send a message to the Tories that we do not trust them with it.”

Natalie Don supporting Young Carers’ Action Day

Young Carers’ Action Day, which takes place on16th March 2022, is an annual event which aims to raise awareness of young carers and the incredible contribution they make to their families and local communities.

Natalie Don MSP has experience of being a young carer herself and wanted to highlight the contribution that young carers and young adult carers make to support their families and friends.  The theme for this year’s Young Carers’ Action Day is tackling the social isolation that they can experience as young and young adult carers.

In Renfrewshire, there is support available via the Renfrewshire Carers Centre: Young Carers Project which has a range of events including allotment, arts and football groups to help them break down the barriers of isolation.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“With experience of being a young carer myself, I can understand how you can feel isolated from your friends and how it can be difficult to get out and go places.

“However, the support of organisations such as Renfrewshire Carers Centre is invaluable in not only bringing young and young adult carers together but helping them interact with one another and join in with activities to help lessen the isolation that they may sometimes feel.”

To find out more about the support Renfrewshire Carers Centre offer to young carers please contact them on enquiries@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk or call 0141 887 3643

Natalie Don MSP welcomes new bus powers for councils

“This could transform public transport across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on Scottish Government plans to allow local authorities to run their own bus services by July 2022. Secondary legislation to enable bus franchising and partnership options will also be introduced before the end of 2023.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 was designed to help make Scotland’s transport network cleaner, smarter and more accessible than ever before by empowering local authorities and establishing consistent standards in order to tackle current and future challenges, whilst delivering a more responsive and sustainable transport system for everyone in Scotland.

However, work to implement the new bus legislation provided by the Transport Act was paused due to COVID-19 and the need to shift focus and support bus operators in navigating the pressures of the pandemic. As revealed in a Parliamentary Written Answer to Natalie Don MSP, who had asked a question on this issue, it was revealed that the work to enable this legislation had recommenced and the Minister for Transport outlined the next steps in bringing this legislation to fruition.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said:

“Local authorities asked for greater powers to run their own bus services and I’m pleased the Scottish Government will now deliver this.

“As with many aspects of the Transport Act, the provisions empower local authorities with the flexible tools they need to respond to their own transport challenges. Not every local authority will want to run their own bus services – some may opt for a partnership or franchise approach. What’s key is that local authorities will soon have greater tools at their disposal to revitalise bus services where required. 

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Whether it’s local authority run bus services or private operators – there are shared challenges we need to address collectively to put bus at the heart of our green recovery. This is why the Scottish Government is investing over half a billion pounds in long term funding for bus priority infrastructure. This will address the impact that congestion has on bus services, making them quicker and more attractive for passengers.

“This will give local authorities the options of either running their own services, franchising services to a particular operator or establishing a bus service improvement partnership between the local authorities and bus operators – with the aim of improving local bus services.

“There are many communities, both urban and rural, across my constituency of Renfrewshire North & West which feel isolated and cut adrift due to poor public transport.  These new powers will give local authorities the power to tackle this while also tackling climate change by investing in public transport.

“Coupled with the expansion of free bus travel to under 22s and significant investment to encourage a shift to zero emission buses, the SNP Scottish Government is responding to the climate emergency by placing buses at the front of our just transition to a net zero society – supporting our world leading commitment to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030.”

Natalie Don MSP calls to Break the Bias on International Women's Day

“Despite how far we have come with gender equality, and I do believe here in Scotland that is a long way, bias continues to surround our everyday lives. Breaking it can be difficult. Stereotypes fuel misogyny and women should not have to act or behave in a certain way to conform to these outdated stereotypes”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West), in her contribution to the debate on International Women’s Day in the Scottish Parliament.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Break the Bias, highlighting that structural barriers and prejudice continue to cause inequality within our society. Break the Bias challenges everyone to take action against prejudice whenever they see it. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Natalie Don MSP praised the efforts of women during the pandemic and outlined the difficulties many have faced. Natalie also called out the judgements that women face on a daily basis that few man would ever be subject to and made a call to let women be and let them get on with their lives without these daily battles.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Women have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Sectors that women have traditionally worked in were hardest hit and school and nursery closures saw many women’s childcare responsibilities increase. New mothers missed out on many experiences with their little ones and pregnant women have faced a pregnancy like no other with limited or no birthing partner visits, missed antenatal classes, face masks during birth and in general, a level of uncertainty. I know it has been an extremely difficult time for so many women and on International Women’s Day, I wanted to highlight this and pay tribute to every single women for everything you have given during the pandemic.

“Women face judgement, stigma and criticism for everything we do, everything we say or dare to speak about, the clothes we wear, how we style our hair, our weight, our height, how we conduct ourselves on social media… the list is exhausting. Women have a certain way we are expected to behave and whether you are a young girl, a woman, or a mother or grandmother I have no doubt that you have faced this kind of judgement or questioning along the lines of this in the past. I think it is important, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day, to highlight this because it is unjust that women should have to fight these battles on a daily basis.”

Natalie Don MSP calls out the Chancellor for Short-changing Renfrewshire

“Renfrewshire households will lose out on a total of £9,517,581 due to the actions of the UK Tory Chancellor who falsely claimed he would provide support to help with the cost of living crisis”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West).

Despite the Chancellor claiming that Scotland would receive an additional £290million to help with the cost of household council tax bills, it has been revealed by the Scottish Finance Secretary - Kate Forbes MSP – that no such additional money has come to Scotland to help low-income families to pay their council tax!

In a letter to Holyrood’s Finance Committee Ms. Forbes reveals the Scottish Government was expecting to receive £852m from the Treasury but will instead receive £814m. Meaning the Scottish Government will have to find funds from elsewhere in its budget to help people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland to pay their council tax bills.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Tories are trying to pull the wool over our eyes and dupe the people of Renfrewshire and Scotland into thinking they would be providing extra cash to deal with the cost of living crisis.  However, the reality is that the extra cashed promised by the Chancellor simply isn’t there.

“Again, the Scottish Government has to make good on another broken Tory promise by finding funds from its limited budget to help out hard press families by cutting £150 off their council tax bills.

“This is real cash to deal with the cost of living crisis, not Tory smoke and mirrors. This trend is all too familiar to people in Scotland – when it comes to the Tories, all we get is cuts, not cash.

“This once again demonstrates that it is only with the full powers that independence would bring that we can provide support for those on the lowest incomes instead of having one hand tied behind our backs by relentless Tory cuts.”

In total Renfrewshire should have received £9,517,581 which would equate to £109.10 per household.

Constituency service contacts

Police – 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency). 18000 is available for Deaf or hard of hearing emergency callers using a textphone.

Renfrewshire Council – 0300 300 0300 in emergency cases only. The Customer Service Centre in Paisley is closed from 2.30pm on Friday 24 December 2021 and re-opens at 8.45am on Thursday 6 January 2022. All of the council’s essential services such as care at home, homeless support, community meals and emergency repairs will continue to operate. The 24-hour emergency Homeless Help and Advice service can be called on 0141 618 7200.

Scottish Water – 0800 077 8778, www.scottishwater.co.uk

Scottish Power Energy Networks Electricity Emergency – 0800 092 9290 (from landlines) or 0330 1010 222 (from mobiles)

National Gas Emergency Service – 0800 111 999

Renfrewshire Foodbank – info@renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk, renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk

Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) FIRST Crisis service – 0800 221 8929 (freephone) or 0141 848 9090 (standard rate) 9am-8pm Monday-Friday or 9am-5pm Saturday-Sunday seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87, www.breatingspace.scot

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health – 0344 800 0550, info@samh.org.uk

Samaritans Scotland Helpline – 116 123, jo@samaritans.org

Renfrewshire Women's Aid – 0141 561 7030 (9am - 4pm)

Women and Children First – 0300 300 0345, woman.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Scotland's 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 027 1234, www.safer.scot

Galop LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428

Men's Advice Line – 0808 801 0327

Rape Crisis Scotland – 08088 01 03 02, www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

Childline – 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk

Floodline Scotland – 0845 988 1188, www.floodlinescotland.org.uk

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – 0800 80 70 60 (pollution hotline), www.sepa.org.uk

NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE RESIDENTS TO SHARE VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO DELIVER A BETTER DEAL FOR RENTING TENANTS

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents to share their views on the Scottish Government’s new plans to deliver a new deal for tenants, with stronger rights, greater protections against eviction and access to greener, higher quality, more affordable housing.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is urging local people to input their opinions via a consultation about the Scottish Government’s ’A New Deal for Tenants’ strategy which aim to deliver a fairer rented sector that meets the needs of tenants and welcomes responsible landlords.

The proposals include:

• increasing penalties for illegal evictions and stronger enforcement

• restricting evictions during winter

• giving tenants greater flexibility to personalise their homes and keep pets

• developing a national system of rent controls for the private rented sector

• introducing a new housing standard to apply to all homes

• establishing a private rented sector regulator to uphold these standards and ensure the system is fair for both landlords and tenants

• setting minimum standards for energy efficiency and making homes cheaper to heat

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents to share their views on the Scottish Government’s ’A New Deal for Tenants’ strategy.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I am pleased to see the Scottish Government is proposing to take important steps towards delivering an improved fairer rented sector that better meets the needs of both tenants and responsible landlords in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

“I urge Renfrewshire tenants who are renting from a housing association, the council or from a private landlord to share their views on how the new strategy can give them more decision-making power over their homes, which should all be of an ensured high quality, safe and energy efficient.”

The measures outlined in the consultation are proposed to form part of the government’s Housing to 2040 strategy, with feedback helping to shape the final version to be published in 2022, with elements put to the Scottish Parliament in a Housing Bill during 2023.

For more information about the government’s consultation, which ends on 15 April 2022, go to www.gov.scot/publications/new-deal-tenants-draft-strategy-consultation-paper

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S £4BN INVESTMENT IN SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s £4bn of investment to support and protect low income people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West hailed confirmation by Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes MSP, that the SNP Government’s 2022/23 budget includes £197m for the Scottish Child Payment – which is set to be doubled to £20 per child per week at the start of April – and children will also be supported to have the best start in life with £17.8m being committed to the Best Start Grant and £13.1m being invested in Best Start Foods.

People with a disability will also be supported by the Scottish Government’s £1.9bn of investment in the new Adult Disability Payment and £444m in the Disability Living Allowance, and carers will also benefit from £314m going towards the Carers Allowance plus an extra £41.8m for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Natalie Don MSP welcomes the Scottish Government’s £4bn of investment to support and protect low income people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The SNP Scottish Government is continuing to build a social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect – in stark contrast to the Westminster Tory government which is focused on hammering the poorest in society, as we saw with their recent callous cut to Universal Credit by £20-a-week.

“I am pleased that low income families throughout Renfrewshire will benefit from the doubling of the Scottish Child Payment at the start of April, and payments like Best Start Foods and the Best Start Grant will assist many children to have a better start in life

 “With out-of-touch Westminster Tory politicians continuing to decide the vast majority of welfare policies which are having such damaging impacting on the most vulnerable people in our Renfrewshire communities, the Scottish Government is showing exactly why we need full powers over all social security in the Scottish Parliament to complete our national mission of eradicating child poverty.”

For more details about the Scottish Budget, go to www.gov.scot/budget