UK Spring Budget Statement: Response from Natalie Don MSP (Renfrewshire North & West)

Natalie Don MSP said:

“The Chancellor could have chosen to raise funds by making fairer choices such as putting a levy on share buy back schemes, scrapping non-dom tax status or even expand the windfall tax.  Instead, he chose to protect the richest in society and let the rest of us to suffer under this Tory created Cost of Living Crisis.

“Yet again the Tories protect the well off and ignore those who are struggling to get by during the Tory created Cost of Living Crisis.  More handouts for the rich include increasing the pensions annual tax-free allowance from £40,000 to £60,000 while the rest of us suffer from high energy bills, and now even food shortages due to Brexit and Tory economic incompetence.

“The SNP has been clear in demanding that energy bills should be cut – the Chancellor has the resources to do this, but instead bills will remain at their current exorbitant rate and the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme payments will be withdrawn – effectively resulting in energy payments rising.

“Energy prices are falling but still Scotland faces the highest energy charges in the developed world, due to Tory indifference on the impact this is having on households all across the country.  Instead, the Chancellor is protecting the scandalous profits of energy companies and ignoring those who are struggling to heat their homes.

“I’m concerned by the comment regarding Universal Credit sanctions being applied more rigorously – the DWP is already heavy handed in dealing with those on benefits and it’s disturbing that they intend to enhance this approach rather than using the Social Security Scotland model of delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect. 

“The usual claims are made that the Scottish Government will receive more funding through Barnet Consequentials but as usual, we need to see the small print to find out what the reality behind these claims.  Normally this figure never meets the UK Government’s claims.  Let’s not forget that Scotland only gets back a percentage of the tax raised in Scotland, with Westminster holding onto a majority share of this funding.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes Increased Support for Students

“Increasing support for students is essential during this cost of living crisis and will alleviate the financial pressures facing many students,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Financial support available to undergraduate students will rise by £900 from the start of the 2023-24 academic year.

Estranged students in higher education and other undergraduate learners with the lowest household income will see their maximum support package increase from £8,100 to £9,000 per year, as the ceiling for all student loan applications is uplifted by £900.

The annual non-repayable Care Experienced Bursary for eligible higher education students will also increase to £9,000. In further education, a £900 increase will also be applied to the maximum bursary rate available to care experienced students.

These increases will be available to students already at college and university and for new students beginning their studies from Autumn 2023.

“Increasing support for students is essential during this cost of living crisis and will alleviate the financial pressures facing many students”.

Natalie Don MSP

Students in need of immediate financial support for the 2022-23 academic year are still able to apply to their college or university for assistance through their Discretionary Funds.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“I especially welcome the increase in the Care Experienced Bursary which will help more of Scotland’s Care Experienced community to access further and higher education, giving them a chance to fulfil their potential.

“This increase in support - which sees the maximum financial support package for the most vulnerable students as well as those from the lowest household incomes in Higher Education rising to £9,000 - is an important step in delivering the SNP’s commitment to provide a total package of student support equivalent to the living wage.

“The SNP have always fought to improve the lives of students and ensure that access to education is about the ability to learn, not to pay.”

Further Information:

The uplift will be applicable to higher education students receiving SAAS funding, including Scottish domiciled students studying elsewhere in the UK. The rise in financial support for further education students will only apply to those studying in Scotland.

The 2021 Programme for Government committed an ambitious reform to student financial support, including to expand our total student support package to reach the equivalent of the living wage.

The Scottish Funding Council will announce other bursary maintenance rates for further education students in due course.

Further details for support rates available to students in 2023-24 academic year will be available on the SAAS website from March 2023.

Natalie Don MSP calls on UK Budget to Cut Energy Bills and reverse the Tory Cost of Living Crisis

The SNP has said "the number one priority for the UK budget must be to put money back into people's pockets" - warning the Tories can't continue to hammer household incomes.

Ahead of tomorrow’s budget, Natalie Don MSP has urged Jeremy Hunt to deliver a comprehensive package to boost household incomes and economic growth for Renfrewshire North and West.  Natalie Don MSP said "families are sick to the back teeth of being ripped off by the Tory government " - and challenged the Chancellor to deliver the SNP's five point plan:

 1. Saving families £1400 on energy bills - by cutting the Energy Price Guarantee to £2000 and maintaining the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme to the summer.

2. Raising public sector pay and benefits by CPI - putting money into the pockets of millions of workers and delivering Barnett consequentials for Scottish spending.

3. Scrapping Tory plans to raise the pension age to 68, and reinstating the Triple Lock - so no one has to struggle in old age.

4. Rejoining the European Single Market - to boost economic growth and halt the multi-billion pound long-term damage being caused by Brexit.

5. Investing in green growth - by competing with EU and US subsidies to attract green investment.

“The number one priority for the UK budget must be to put money back into people's pockets”.

Natalie Don MSP

In addition to the headroom identified by the IFS, and the billions of pounds saved as a result of the falling wholesale price of gas, Natalie Don MSP is calling for the Chancellor to scrap non-dom tax status, tax share buy backs, and expand the windfall tax, which would raise billions more to fund cost of living support for ordinary households.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

"The number one priority for the UK budget must be to put money back into people's pockets - and reverse this Tory-made cost of living crisis.

"Scotland is a wealthy, energy-rich country but families are being fleeced by Westminster. By refusing to act, the Tories are showing why Scotland needs independence, so we can escape Westminster control, rejoin the EU, and build a fair and prosperous economy.

"Families are sick to the back teeth of being ripped off by the Tory government. Instead of hammering household incomes, the Chancellor must save families £1,400 by slashing energy bills and deliver a comprehensive package of support.

"The SNP's five-point plan would reduce bills, raise incomes and boost economic growth, at a time when many families are struggling to get by. With energy companies making record profits and the wholesale price of gas falling, there is no excuse for failing to act.

"The SNP Scottish Government is doing everything it can with limited fiscal powers, including delivering the Scottish Child Payment, higher energy bill support, and higher public sector pay.

"The UK government must finally step up to the plate and use its reserved powers to introduce a Real Living Wage and raise public sector pay and benefits by CPI. In doing so, it would raise the incomes of millions of workers and deliver Barnett consequentials which would benefit Renfrewshire North & West and Scotland.

"This UK Budget is all about choices. Instead of making ordinary families in Renfrewshire North & West pay for Westminster failure, the Tories must fund support by scrapping non-dom tax status, expanding the windfall tax and taxing share buy backs, which would raise billions.

"And if we are serious about delivering economic growth and reversing decline, the UK government must rejoin the European single market and properly invest in green energy.

"Scotland is suffering the consequences of Westminster control. The Tories trashed the economy with Brexit, austerity cuts and thirteen years of mismanagement. And with the pro-Brexit Labour Party becoming a pound-shop Tory tribute act, it’s clear independence is the only way for Scotland to secure the real change we need."


Further Information:

European wholesale gas prices for 2023-24 are down 75 per cent from their summer peak.

As a consequence, the Energy Price Guarantee will now cost the government £26.8 billion - this is down from a forecast of £42 billion last November  (Cornwall Insights analysis and comparison).

So, in effect, the UK government has underspent £15 billion since the EPG forecasts were first introduced.

In terms of the full range of government energy supports since last October, the National Audit Office estimate the Treasury should also save a total of £50billion from original business case. Falling from £139 billion to £69 billion.

Taxing share buy backs on major oil and gas companies is estimated by the IPPR to bring in £4.8 billion per year.

Scrapping the non-dom tax status is estimated by the LSE to bring in £3.2 billion per year.

Natalie Don MSP supports legislation to tackle misogynistic harassment

“I would encourage everyone to get involved in this consultation, it’s important that all voices are heard to ensure that this proposed legislation can help tackle the problem of misogynistic harassment,” said Natalie Don MSP, commenting on the launch of a consultation on draft reforms which could create five new laws to provide police and prosecutors with new powers to tackle the corrosive effects of misogyny.

The proposals are based on the recommendations made by the Working Group on Misogyny led by Baroness Kennedy. This concluded that the harmful effects of misogyny meant women and girls required new protection through the criminal law.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved in this consultation, it’s important that all voices are heard to ensure that this proposed legislation can help tackle the problem of misogynistic harassment”.

Natalie Don MSP

Under the proposals, the scope of how current laws tackle misogynistic abuse would be expanded to include threatening, abusive or sexual behaviour directed towards women or girls – because of their gender– which is likely to cause them to feel degradation, humiliation or distress.  It would also be used to tackle situations where women or girls are subjected to threatening or abusive messages about rape, sexual assault or disfigurement – either in person, or online.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Baroness Kennedy’s report provided a stark assessment on the level of misogyny that exists in Scotland. It is unacceptable that women and girls in Scotland are routinely being humiliated, touched, groped, undermined, trolled and objectified both online and off, subjected to threats, harassment and abuse about their looks or desirability. This is stopping women and girls from fully participating in society.

“While existing legislation can be used to prosecute aspects of misogynistic harassment and abuse, it does not accurately identify the particular harm caused by misogyny. It is also extremely important that legislation adequately responds to the problems faced by women therefore the Scottish Government is consulting on further criminal reforms.

“The 8th March saw International Woman’s Day, a day to celebrate the achievements of women but also reflect on the inequalities that still exist. Unfortunately, despite how far we have come in terms of tackling inequality, women still face misogynistic attitudes every day so these specific criminal protections are an important step in challenging society’s tolerance of misogyny.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in this issue but especially women, to participate in this consultation. It is vital that the lived experiences and opinions of women are taken into account if we are ever going to make real change.”

The consultation will run from 8th March to 2nd June 2023.

Notes:

The five new proposed criminal laws are:

• An offence of misogynistic harassment. This would make it a criminal offence for a person to behave in a way that amounts to misogynistic harassment directed at a woman or girl or group of women and girls.

• An offence of misogynistic behaviour. Intended to deal with misogynistic behaviour which is likely to have the effecting of causing a woman or girl to experience fear, alarm, degradation, humiliation or distress where that behaviour is not directed at a specific woman or girl (or group of women and girls) and so could not be described as ‘harassment’.

• A statutory aggravation concerning misogyny. This would be used where an offence had a misogynistic motive or a person demonstrates misogyny whilst committing a crime. The statutory aggravation would ensure that this motive is recorded and taken into account when sentencing.

• An offence of threatening or abusive communications to women or girls that reference rape, sexual assault or disfigurement. This offence criminalises sending an abusive message to a woman or girl that refers to rape, sexual assault or disfigurement

• An offence of stirring up hatred against women and girls. This offence is concerned with the effect that the behaviour may be likely to have on the people in whom the perpetrator is seeking to stir up hatred of women and girls.

Natalie Don MSP calls for UK Tory government to cut energy bills

“First it was Shell with their massive increase in profits to £32.2bn, then BP with their excessive profits of £23bn and now we have British Gas tripling their profits to £3.3billion – enough is enough, the profiteering comes as ordinary households are struggling to keep their homes warm,” said Natalie Don MSP.

The SNP has repeated calls for the UK government to slash household energy bills by at least twenty per cent as energy company profits continue to soar.
 
British Gas owners, Centrica, became the latest firm to announce huge profits in 2022, tripling the £948m it made in 2021 to make £3.3bn.
 
It comes as BP, Shell, Exxon and other major energy companies report record profits – and the Tory government refuses to expand the windfall tax or follow the lead of other countries in taxing the billions of pounds funnelled through share buybacks.
 
Despite the profits, households' energy bills are set to rise, with the UK government planning to increase the cost of the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) by 20% from £2,500 to £3,000, for typical annual consumption.
 
In March, the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme, a crucial lifeline for struggling households, will also be scrapped.
 
Natalie Don MSP added:
 
“Scotland is an energy-rich country yet, through Tory inaction and greed, the people of Scotland are being forced to pay excessive energy prices.  We are an energy-rich country but don’t have the power to stop the profiteering of the energy companies.

Natalie Don MSP

“It is particularly sickening that while raking in this massive increase in profits, the company behind British Gas - Centrica – was behind the scandal of using aggressive debt collection agencies to force their way into the homes of vulnerable customers to install expensive pre-payment meters.

“The Tory UK government has the power to make a real difference by cutting energy bills and actually help households through the cost of living crisis which they created, instead though they are allowing households to suffer while energy companies post record profits.
 
“Instead of protecting households from excessive energy costs, the UK Tory Government have sided with the profiteering energy companies, protecting their profits and shareholders to the detriment of households struggling to heat their homes.
 
“It’s time the UK Tory government stepped in and tackled this issue properly, and that would mean a real cut in bills by at least 20%.  More and more households will find themselves in fuel poverty over the inaction of the Tories.

“The Scottish Government needs the real powers of independence to ensure that no household struggles to heat their home while energy companies are flaunting their record-breaking profits.”

Demand for energy advice overtakes Universal Credit for first time

“This is concerning news from the Citizens Advice network and highlights how worried people are about rising energy costs,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Citizens Advice Scotland has revealed that demand for energy advice overtook advice on Universal Credit and other benefits in December 2022. This is the first time that Universal Credit wasn’t the top advice area since Citizens Advice Scotland started monitoring monthly advice trends during the pandemic. 

Advice in relation to regulated fuel made up 15% of all advice in December 2022. Utilities and Communications advice - the majority of which is related to energy - increased 70% from November 2022, nearly doubling in terms of the amount of advice provided. This is a further increase of 98% from the same time last year.

According to Citizens Advice Scotland, people all across the country are seeking advice from the CAB network on energy issues.

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The rise in the number of people seeking advice on energy issues is a stark reminder of the problems caused by an uncaring Tory UK Government who are simply not doing enough to help people.

“Energy companies are reporting their largest ever profits yet households are struggling to get by, with many people suffering while the Tory UK Government fail to tackle this profiteering.

“It’s a disgrace that anyone in energy rich Scotland should struggle to pay for their energy bills, but the Scotland doesn’t have the power to act on this – energy is reserved to an uncaring Westminster Government who are ignoring the pleas for help.

“This issue highlights why we need independence and control of our own resources, to properly tax and regulate energy companies so that everyone can live in a warm and safe home.”

Natalie Don MSP raises the closure of M & Co in Scottish Parliament

“I was glad to raise this issue in the Scottish Parliament, to ensure that everything is being done to help my constituents who currently work for M & Co.”, said Natalie Don MSP.

On Tuesday 7th February 2023, Natalie Don MSP raised her concerns about the future of her constituents who work in the M & Co headquarters in her constituency of Renfrewshire North and West.  Natalie highlighted that she has already written to the administrator to request a meeting to see what support they can provide for those whose jobs are being cut.  Natalie asked the Scottish Government Minister for Public Finance, Tom Arthur MSP, for details on what steps the Scottish Government will take to provide support to those facing redundancies and to help find similar employment locally.

In response the Minister responded that at this time no date for when individual stores will close including the distribution centre and head office staff in Renfrew.  Administrators have assured the Scottish Government that it will provide the Scottish Government and impacted individuals with as much notice as possible.             

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The closure of M & Co will have a devastating impact on my constituency and there are obvious concerns regarding the loss of jobs in this area.  I have already written to the employer to request a meeting to see what support they can provide for those losing their jobs.

“I was glad to be able to raise this issue in the Scottish Parliament, direct to the Minister responsible, to ensure that the Scottish Government are aware of the issue and are working closely with the administrators to do as much as possible to help those most closely affected by this.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes tax support for businesses

“It is important that everyone pays their share and these regulations will help tackle those who seek to find loopholes to avoid payment,” said Natalie Don MSP.

New draft legislation on non-domestic rates (NDR) aims to tackle tax avoidance and promote the Scottish Government’s ground-breaking Deposit Return Scheme.

Regulations laid before the Scottish Parliament will empower councils to crack down on tax-avoidance such as the artificial use of insolvency, leasing arrangements or shell companies. They would also make owners of non-domestic properties liable for payment, rather than the property’s occupiers, and allow for liability for payment to be backdated if an offence is repeated within a five-year period.

In a separate move, parts of properties solely used to house reverse vending machines, which refund users for recycling drinks containers, would be exempt from NDR. This will support businesses to get ready for Scotland’s Deposit Return scheme. 

Further amendments to NDR, announced in the Scottish Budget 2023-24, will be published shortly as part of a package of regulations to provide more help for businesses through the current cost of living crisis.

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Scottish Government is committed to a fair and transparent system of non-domestic rates which supports businesses and communities.

“We want to ensure that parts of properties used for reverse vending machines are not liable to pay rates. This will incentivise and promote Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme which will launch on 16 August this year.

“Subject to the regulations passing in the Scottish Parliament, we will work to ensure Scotland’s non-domestic rates system remains progressive and in line with our net zero ambitions.”

Notes:

The Non-Domestic Rates (Miscellaneous Anti-Avoidance Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 will deliver on a commitment in the Bute House Agreement to help local authorities tackle tax avoidance tactics, including when they make decisions on applying empty property relief and charity relief.

The Non-Domestic Rating (Valuation of Sites of Reverse Vending Machines) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 will ensure the part of a non-domestic property used solely in the provision or use of a reverse vending machine, is not liable for rates.

The Scottish Budget 2023-24 announced the lowest poundage in the UK for the fifth year in a row and a package of reliefs worth an estimated £744 million.  Draft regulations are laid in order to be considered by Parliament before they are signed into law. These new regulations should come into force in Scotland on 1 April 2023.

Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, will launch on 16 August 2023. It will be a major part of the Scottish Government’s efforts to reduce littering and cut emissions by creating return points for recycling drinks containers. More information on operating a return point or applying for an exemption is available at circularityscotland.com

Natalie Don MSP highlights deadline for School Age Payment

“It’s important that parents and guardians are aware of the approaching deadline for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Parents and guardians who get qualifying benefits or tax credits and who have a child born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018 are being urged to check whether they should apply for Best Start Grant School Age Payment as the deadline of 28th February approaches.  This one-off payment of £267.65 per child can be used for books, bags, clothes and equipment for school.

The Scottish Government introduced automatic payments for Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment in November 2022. Parents and guardians who get Scottish Child Payment will get School Age Payment automatically when their child reaches eligibility and within the School Age Payment window of 1 June to 28 February.

There are some people who don’t qualify for Scottish Child Payment that could be eligible for School Age Payment, including those who get housing benefit. There may be others who choose not to apply for Scottish Child Payment who can still apply for School Age Payment. There are also parents and guardians who opted out of automatic payments so they could have more control around when they receive this money. All of these people are being urged to check if they could be due School Age Payment and to apply if they do.  

Statistics last week revealed that more than £105.8 million has been paid by Social Security Scotland in the Best Start group of payments – which also includes Pregnancy and Baby Payment and Early Learning Payment. 

Natalie Don MSP added:

“If you have a child in the family aged five, or who turns five this month, then you could be eligible for School Age Payment. 

“We are making it easier than ever to apply but we still ask people to check and make sure they know what they are entitled to.

“The Best Start Grant payments, which include School Age Payment, were the first three of our five family payments to be introduced.

“To date we’ve provided more than £100 million across these three payments.

“Making these payments automatic, where we have the information to do so, will enable us to get this money to families at key stages in their child’s development and when they may face additional costs

Notes:

School Age Payment is not directly linked to taking up a school place but the age of the child. If the child’s school start has been deferred until next year, or if the child is not going to start school at all, parents or carers should still apply for the payment by 28 February 2022. 

Qualifying benefits include: Universal Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. 

Best Start Grant is a package made up of three one-off payments: Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment.

Further information can be found at mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods or by calling 0800 182 2222. 

Natalie Don MSP welcomes retention of McGills 530 Service

“I was contacted by a number of constituents regarding the threat of the McGills 530 Service between Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow being withdrawn and contacted Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to find a solution to save this essential service,” said Natalie Don MSP.

SPT have confirmed that this is an essential service and they looked at putting the route out to tender to see if any bus operator would take on this route due to McGill’s initially terminating this service.  SPT have now stated that the only bidder was McGills who will now receive additional funding from SPT to keep this service going.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“I shared the concerns of my constituents that losing this bus service would have an impact on local residents and could increase the risk of isolation for many people.

“I contacted SPT to see if they could look into this matter and find a solution for my constituents and other residents. SPT agreed that it was an essential service and a subsidised service will now run, operated by McGills.

“I am pleased that a solution has been found to ensure that this service continues, even with a revised timetable. However the lack of suitable bus services across many of our towns and villages is an ongoing concern for many local people and something that I will continue to explore options to improve.

MSP URGES SCOTS TO HAVE A ZERO WASTE CHRISTMAS

SMALL CHANGES THIS FESTIVE SEASON CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

SNP MSP Natalie Don is urging people across Scotland to enjoy a zero waste Christmas by making small changes to their festivities.
 
The MSP is encouraging households to consider simple ways to help meet Scotland’s world-leading climate change ambitions. Ms Don has said ‘we can all choose better, greener alternatives to our usual habits that can typically have a harmful impact on the environment.’
 
There are many easy adjustments that can be made to reduce festive food waste, gift wrapping and excessive emissions of travelling to see loved ones.
 
Natalie Don MSP is highlighting Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS)’s “10 tips for a waste-free Christmas” that include planning meals before you go food shopping and remembering to turn your Christmas lights off.
 
ZWS has also produced a “Sustainable Christmas Guide” to help reduce the impact of their own research which showed Scots expected to use upwards of 19,000 miles of wrapping paper this Christmas and estimates that 50,000 tonnes of food and drink is thrown away from Scottish homes in December alone.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said: “After a challenging year, we all want to celebrate this holiday season with our loved ones and enjoy the usual festive fun – and we can do this while making some simple changes to reduce our levels of waste at the same time.
 
“It’s clear that people across Scotland are willing to play their part in helping tackle the climate crisis so I want to highlight some better, greener alternatives to our usual habits that can typically have a harmful impact on the environment.
 
“It can be as simple as planning meals before you go food shopping, recycling wrapping paper, car sharing or just remembering to turn your Christmas lights off – these are all ways we can make our Christmas more sustainable and at a time when people are experiencing huge financial constraints, these small steps can also help to make small savings.
 
“It can be hard to see how much of an impact our individual contributions can have but it’s clear that the little things mount up. The difference we can all make this Christmas should not be underestimated and every little helps so it is important that we all play our part.”

LOW-INCOME SCOTS SUPPORTED WITH MORE THAN £200M OF SOCIAL SECURITY

SNP SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PUTTING REAL CASH INTO THE POCKETS OF THE LEAST WELL OFF

Low-income households across Scotland have been supported by more than £200m of social security payments in the last financial year and part of 2022.

Figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that those on the lowest incomes received £206.85m of support in the 2021/22 financial year and part of 2022.

A breakdown of the figures shows how the Scottish Child Payment is putting extra cash in the pockets of families across Scotland. Combining 2021/22 financial year and part 2022 figures families were as follows:

-    £108.19m from the Scottish Child Payment
-    £13.22m from the Best Start Grants
-    £4.01m of Winter Heating Assistance
-    Young jobseekers received £850,000 from the Job Start Payment
-    Young carers were supported by £730,000 from the Young Carer Grant

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Scotland continues to build a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect, but does so with one hand tied behind its back by an austerity obsessed Westminster government. The only way we can build a fairer Scotland is with independence.

“Thousands of households across Scotland are suffering from this Tory-made cost of living crisis, but the SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can with the powers at its disposal to provide a social security system that puts extra cash in their pockets.

“By introducing the child payment, which has been described as ‘game-changing’ by anti-poverty charities, the SNP Scottish Government has provided a safety net for thousands.

“However, this good work is undermined by the Tory UK government who have cut Universal Credit and are making even deeper cuts to household budgets.

“Labour offers no alternative either as the economic damage of Brexit will continue if they get into power. They will not take Scotland back into the EU, despite Scotland overwhelmingly rejecting Brexit.

“The only way for Scotland to escape the chaos of Westminster and build a fairer, more equal country is by becoming independent.”

LOW INCOME PENSIONERS: DON’T MISS OUT ON £324 EXTRA HELP

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR COST-OF-LIVING PAYMENT

 SNP MSP Natalie Don and Age Scotland are urging low income pensioners in Renfrewshire North and West to act quickly to claim for Pension Credit before this Sunday’s deadline to avoid losing out on an extra £324 cost of living payment. 

Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, can help identify if someone is eligible for Pension Credit and offer advice on applying by calling their helpline on 0800 12 44 222, where advisers can carry out a full benefits check, or check their eligibility online at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator  

Pension Credit provides pensioners on a low income with extra money and other helpful support.  It can top up their weekly income to £182.60 if they are single, and £278.70 if they are making a joint claim with a partner, as well as cutting council tax bills, help with energy costs and a free TV licence if they are over the age of 75. 

Anyone who makes a successful Pension Credit application to the Department for Work and Pensions before 18 December, 2022 will also be entitled to a £324 lump sum financial support payment.  This is because a claim for Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time. 

Natalie Don MSP

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

“With growing numbers of older people struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, there has never been a more important time to make sure you are receiving everything to which you are entitled. 

“Every year in Scotland, hundreds of millions of pounds in social security payments go unclaimed by older people due to lack of awareness, difficulty in accessing them, stigma surrounding benefits or just not knowing where to turn for help. 

“I would encourage people to call Age Scotland’s helpline to find out if they are entitled to Pension Credit or make an application directly via the gov.uk website as soon as possible.” 

Age Scotland interim chief executive Michelle Supple said: 

“Pension Credit is not only an essential benefit, but it opens the door to much more additional support including help with energy bills in the winter, a free TV licence for over-75s, help with rent and council tax reduction, free dental care and reduced water bills. 

“We are urging all pensioners on a low income to act quickly and start the application process or call our helpline 0800 12 44 222 for advice. We don’t want to see anyone miss out on extra cost of living support, especially with Christmas around the corner.” 

If you receive Pension Credit, there is a range of additional support and payments to help: 

· A one-off payment of £150 (previously £140) through the Warm Home Discount Scheme to help with the cost of energy this winter 

· A £50 payment in February to help with heating costs 

· Help with Council Tax and rent 

· Reduced water bills 

· Free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital 

· A free TV licence (if over-75) 

· An extra amount of Pension Credit for some carers worth up to £38.85 a week  

Applications for Pension Credit can be made by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 99 1234, or online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim 

'SCOTTISH POLICIES ARE IMMENSELY IMPORTANT...BUT THEY ARE FIGHTING A REAR-GUARD ACTION'

INDEPENDENCE IS VITAL TO PROPERLY PROTECT FAMILIES

The crippling effects of Westminster control on families across Scotland have been laid bare in a damning new report that also praises 'the significant impact of Scottish government policies and lower childcare costs’ and makes yet another compelling case for independence, says the SNP. 

This latest Child Poverty Action Group Scotland report states 'Scottish policies are immensely important in reducing the level of financial strain and hardship on families at a particularly difficult time, but they are fighting a rear-guard action' - citing that the Scottish Government's bold actions can only cushion the impact of UK wide deterioration. 

Several SNP Scottish Government policies were praised within the report, including:

• The Scottish government’s commitment to ‘provide local authorities with additional discretionary housing payment funding to mitigate the UK government benefit cap as fully as possible’

• The extension of free school meals throughout primary education - predicted to make the cost of bringing up a child £1,800 cheaper in Scotland compared to England

• The introduction of free bus travel to all children - saves a total of £3,000 in the lifetime cost of a child in Scotland compared to England.

• The Scottish child payment - totally nearly £21,000 over 16 years.

• The Best Start grant - taking an average of the first two children, and subtracting the value of the UK maternity grants, in total this gives an additional £768 per child to Scottish families for children in their early years.

• The school clothing grant - the net cost of buying clothing is reduced by a total of £1,740 over the course of a child’s schooling.

However, CPAG outlines that 'against all these headwinds, Scottish families are going backwards despite additional help from the Scottish government' and goes on to blame 'a fall in real wages, the effects of real-terms benefit cuts - including the loss of the £1,000 increase to UC in 2021 - the bite of the two-child limit and benefit cap, and the limited help families are getting to help with rocketing fuel bills because cost of living payments are flat rate rather than proportional to the size of families.' 

Natalie Don MSP

Commenting SNP MSP Natalie Don said: 

"This report makes it explicitly clear how vital independence is to properly protect families across Scotland because we see that the SNP's bold actions to support families are being painfully undermined by cruel Westminster policies. 

"Families in Scotland should not be facing choices like heating or eating just now - especially in a society as wealthy as the UK - but years of Tory governments that Scotland has not voted for are ignoring the need to support households under increasing pressures.

"The SNP is doing as much as possible with its limited powers, by introducing 'gaming changing' policies like the Scottish Child payment - which is lessening the burden on families but independence is the only way to escape the impact of callous Westminster policies for good." 



Cost of a Child in Scotland report
 

Savage Tory sanctions block vital cost of living payment for over 700 Scots

The SNP has slammed the UK Tory government for blocking hundreds of Scots from receiving the cost of living payment they are entitled to as a result of being subject to benefit sanctions.

SNP MSP Natalie Don has now called on the UK Government to take urgent action to get the vital payment to the 700 claimants in Scotland who were denied the first £326 payment in September. 

The SNP has also demanded Westminster ensure the second payment, due to be issued between November 23-30, will not be withheld for anyone subject to Tories 'punitive sanction regime' at the time.

SNP MSP Natalie Don, who convenes Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: 

“It is completely immoral that people are being denied vital financial support as a direct result of cruel Westminster policies.

“In the middle of a crippling cost of living crisis, this is nothing short of a scandal and the UK government must act urgently to get these payments to the hundreds of Scots that are entitled to them. 

"By the Tories own admission, this payment was introduced for people desperately struggling - but they are being denied the support because of the Tories’ punitive sanction regime. 

"It is clear that every bit of Tory talk on 'targeting support' and 'helping those who need it most' is utterly meaningless. We may have a new Prime Minister in Number 10, but we are still seeing the same old hollow Tory promises. 

"The sooner Scotland escapes the cruel consequences of Westminster control and becomes independent, the sooner we can build a fairer society that looks after everyone." 

Hundreds of Scots refused cost of living payments

DWP FOI Response: 
We confirm that we hold the information you have requested. A copy of the information is provided below.
Between the 14 and 20 July, the department processed over 7.2m cost of living payments worth around £2.4 billion. In total, over eight million families will be eligible for this payment, with around one million eligible because they receive tax credits and no other eligible benefits. These families will receive their first instalment from HMRC in the autumn, and the second instalment in the winter. Further information is available at: 7.2 million Cost of Living payments made to low-income families – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and at: Cost of Living Payment – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Universal Credit households can receive a nil award for various reasons. The majority of nil awards are due to household earnings. Other reasons that can cause or contribute to a nil award include capital, other income, other benefits, sanctions and fraud penalties.
700 households in Scotland, containing 700 UC claimants had a nil Universal Credit award with an amount deducted for a sanction in the qualifying assessment period and did not receive the cost of living payment. Of these, there were 400 Scottish households containing 400 claimants where the sanction was the only reason for the nil award. In the remaining households the nil award was due to a combination of the sanction and other reasons.
Notes:
1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.
2. Nil awards have been defined as households that received a £0 Universal Credit payment and had no deductions for advance repayments, third party debts or government debts and had no money paid directly to their landlord by Universal Credit.
3. Figures are provisional and are subject to retrospective change as later data becomes available.
4. The methodology used is different to the methodology used to derive the Official Statistics Household series and therefore, figures may not be comparable.
5. The methodology and data source may be slightly different to those used to derive entitlement to the Cost of Living Payment.
6. For around 2% of claims it is not possible to determine their location due to incomplete data.
7. A household is a single person or couple living together.

Chancellor’s Autumn Statement : Response from Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP said:

“No matter what spin they try to put on this, we are in the current economic mess due to the combined actions – and inactions – of successive Tory governments and chancellors over the past 12 years.

“From practically crashing the pound and the emergency action from the Bank of England to save pension funds from failing, to doing nothing as energy companies raised their prices to eye-watering levels, the whole financial mess we are in is down to the Tories.  Yet now they propose more austerity to make the rest of us pay for their economic failings.

“Yet again the Chancellor attacks the usual suspects – focusing on benefit fraud when it’s estimated that around £15billion of benefits go unclaimed. The policies of the DWP penalise those who need support yet this Tory government spends more chasing fraud in the benefit system than it does on tax dodgers. 

“Although re-instating the Pensions Triple Lock is welcome it still doesn’t make up for the £500 loss from suspending the triple lock last year.  The increases for pensions and benefits are still behind the current inflation rate which is expected to rise even further – ensuring that those who can least afford it are suffering the most under Tory policies.

“We will have to wait and see if the projected £1.5billion in Barnett consequentials actually makes it way to Scotland, but even if it does it doesn’t even cancel out the estimated £1.7billion loss to the Scottish budget due to the runaway inflation rates that have happened under the Tory mismanagement of the economy.

“Scotland deserves more than being tied to a failing economy which will never recover from the ongoing disaster of Brexit.  We have another option – we need the full powers of an independent nation, to take control of our resources and build a stronger yet fairer society for all – and that will only come with independence.”

Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme growing in Renfrewshire

Following a campaign by Renfrewshire North & West MSP, Natalie Don, there has been a large increase in the number of places that have signed up to the Scottish Government’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme. 

Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) is a national scheme which businesses can sign up to for free. Backed by the Scottish Government and run by local health boards, the scheme aims to help businesses and people who breastfeed know their rights and responsibilities. Essentially, if an establishment is signed up to the scheme, mums can be sure that the place they are entering will be welcoming and supportive of her feeding choice.

Natalie Don MSP’s office signed up to the scheme back in August and at the time, Natalie was disheartened to find her office was only the second in Renfrewshire to have signed up. Following this, Natalie contacted Renfrewshire Council, OneRen, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (RHSCP) and is still in the process of writing to businesses across her constituency. 

Natalie has stated that she is “overwhelmed” with the progress on this to date with the latest figures showing that there are now over 50 different locations signed up to the scheme across Renfrewshire.

Natalie stated,

“This is a really positive scheme from the Scottish Government and I am actually a little bit overwhelmed by how supportive businesses and organisations have been with this. When I first brought this to the forefront, I was, naturally, a little disappointed by the uptake locally, however simply starting the conversation and putting this on the agenda has went a long way and now, just a couple of months later, we have over 50 places signed up across the whole of Renfrewshire with more in the process of signing up.

“I am extremely thankful to Renfrewshire Council, OneRen and RHSCP who have been dedicated in getting their own venues signed up to the scheme and are continuing the roll-out of the scheme within their buildings and venues across Renfrewshire, including a programme of training to ensure all appropriate staff are well-trained to support parents to breast-feed. 

“While this can certainly be seen as a success, we still have a way to go and there are still many more venues who could sign up so I will continue to encourage take up of the scheme and other ways to support mothers and families locally. I have now met with both infant feeding teams in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, most recently, Inverclyde, who have done some amazing work to help increase awareness, encourage and support families in their parenting journeys. It was really great to chat about the ways they are supporting breastfeeding mothers, as well as the absolutely beautiful mural they have in Greenock which aims to raise awareness. I am still exploring how we could see something like this in Renfrewshire but for now, I am happy that the visibility of support for breastfeeding continues to rise.”

Cllr Lisa Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen stated;

'When Natalie got in touch to highlight the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme, One Ren and Renfrewshire Council were keen to have our spaces registered. Families have so many of their firsts with us, from registering births to first swims and library visits. We hope breastfeeding mothers feel confident in our spaces and that this helps make their time with us a relaxed and positive experience.'

Natalie Don MSP supporting Book Week Scotland

“Book Week Scotland is a great opportunity to promote books and the pleasure of reading,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Now in its eleventh year, Book Week Scotland is an annual celebration of books and reading that takes place across the country.  Book Week Scotland 2022 takes place from 14th to 20th November and is supported by Creative Scotland and Scottish Libraries and Information Council (SLIC).

A number of events are taking place all across Scotland and online, including author visits, storytelling events, the publication of a new free book – Scotland’s Stories – available from local libraries and an online reading map of Scotland, where people can put online the books they are currently reading. You can take a look at what people are reading in your area – and share the book(s) you’re currently enjoying – via the online map www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland//reading-map-of-scotland. There is even an online event where the public can vote on their favourite animal from fiction. More details on all events can be found atwww.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland.  

Natalie Don MSP added: 

“Book Week Scotland encourages us all to come together to share the joy of reading. It is also a great opportunity to inspire children to read more and explore different kinds of literature. There are a number of events taking place all across Scotland, including events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde or if you are unable to attend any of these, there are a whole range of activities that little ones can enjoy from home. 

“My children and I have had great fun playing with the free Book Week resources, from posters to puppets to fun character masks. We also had great fun inputting the books we are currently reading into the reading map of Scotland and having a look at what other people are choosing to read this week. This is a great initiative encouraging people to share the books they are currently reading, giving everyone an insight into what books are popular and maybe even highlighting some other books to read.

“Reading can open up new worlds and ideas so I truly hope this week helps to encourage more people to pick up a book. The annual free book that comes with Book Week Scotland is usually a great read, with poems and short stories and can be picked up at local libraries as well as online in print as well as an audiobook.

“I also hope this week helps to support some of the fantastic independent book shops we have locally, such as the excellent Ginger Cat Children’s Bookshop in Kilmacolm and Abbey Books in Paisley

 

More information on Book Week Scotland can be found at: https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland

The online reading map of Scotland can be found at:

https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland//reading-map-of-scotland

UK Inflation hits 11.1%: Response from Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP said:

“With inflation now at a 41 year high of 11.1% it is clear that the Tory Government has lost all control of the UK economy.

“The ONS (Office of National Statistics) estimates that prices are rising even faster for the poorest households - by more than 16% for the families who spend the least. That’s because food and energy, whose prices are driving the rises in the cost of living, take up a higher proportion of their spending.

“The rise in inflation is being attributed mainly to the rise in food and energy prices.  Yet this Tory Government failed to act decisively on energy prices, wasting time on two leadership contests and allowing energy prices to go through the roof. In contrast France, which limited energy price rises is facing inflation of 6.2%.

“With threats to public services, tax rises and a further suspension of the Pensions Triple Lock coming from the current Chancellor ahead of his budget statement on 17th November, it’s clear that the UK economy is only going to get worse.

“After 12 years of Tory mismanagement of the economy from austerity to Brexit, it’s clear that Scotland is not well served by the Westminster parliament.  Scotland needs the full powers of independence to ensure we have a stronger yet fairer economy.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes increase and expansion of Scottish Child Payment

“This increase and extension of the Scottish Child Payment will make a big difference to many families”, said Natalie Don MSP.

The Scottish Child Payment has today been increased to £25 and been extended to include eligible children up to age 16.

First launched in February 2021 at £10 per week per child for children under the age of six, the Scottish Child Payment - unique to Scotland - provides direct financial support to eligible families and carers. Around 104,000 children already getting the payment will automatically see the payment increase to £25 per week – which represents a 150% increase within eight months. This is also the rate for all those now eligible up to age 16.

Following today’s extension, it is forecast that a further 300,000 children across the country will be eligible.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and is the most ambitious child poverty reduction measure in the UK. The increased payment of £1,300 per eligible child is especially welcome when the Tory-created cost of living crisis is causing significant hardship for many families.

“I was proud to support the increase to £25 per week and the extension to all eligible children up to the age of 16 when this issue came before the Social Justice and Social Security Committee in the Scottish Parliament.

“It is no surprise that charities like Child Poverty Action Group and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation not only support this unique payment but are calling for the UK Government to replicate it as a serious attempt to tackle child poverty.

“I would encourage all parents to check if they are eligible for this benefit and apply for it as soon as possible.”

• Ahead of today’s Scottish Child Payment extension and increase, the Scottish Government introduced bridging payments worth £520 a year to provide immediate support to around 145,000 children and young people of school age. A doubled payment of £260 will be made to eligible people in December.

• Families, and carers can find out more and apply at mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222

• Given the large numbers, the Scottish Government is expecting a high number of applications. This means that eligible people applying for the first time might need to wait to get their payment, with all payments calculated from the day they applied.

• Families who already get Scottish Child Payment for a child under the age of six can add older children to their existing award.

• The Scottish Government’s new cost of living website provides information and support for families: gov.scot/costoflivingsupport