Natalie Don MSP pays tribute to Winnie Ewing

“I am saddened to hear of the death of Winnie Ewing, a towering figure in the history of the SNP and Scottish politics”, said Natalie Don MSP.

It has been announced today that former MP, MEP and MSP Winnie Ewing – known as Madame Ecosse died yesterday.  Winnie famously won the Hamilton by-election for the SNP in 1967, marking the party’s main breakthrough in electoral politics.  Initially making her mark in the Westminster Parliament, Winnie was then elected to the European Parliament as an MEP where she affectionately became known as Madam Ecosse.  Winnie was then later elected to the first elections of the Scottish Parliament and became the initial presiding officer where she gave the famous quote that “The Scottish Parliament, which adjourned on March 25, 1707, is hereby reconvened”.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Winnie Ewing was an icon within Scottish politics and particularly within the SNP. She did so much to re-invigorate the belief that Scotland should rule itself and had a remarkable career in three parliaments.

“Everyone is aware of Winnie’s words when she first arrived at Westminster in 1967 where she said, ”Stop the World, Scotland wants to get on!”.

“She has been an inspiration for generations of politicians and those active in Scottish politics, standing firm in her belief of Scottish independence and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Winnie several years ago and enjoyed listening to her talk about her political life and it was clear she still had that spark that drove her belief in Scotland’s Independence.

“My condolences go out to her family and friends.”

Natalie Don MSP highlights Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) open for applications

“Applications for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the next academic year are now open for any eligible student who has reached school leaving age but intends to continue with their studies,” said Natalie Don MSP.

The Education Maintenance Allowance is now open for eligible students who will be continuing their studies in the next academic year.  This includes those who are continuing into 5th or 6th year at school, home-school or studying non-advanced courses at college (up to and including Advanced Highers).  For eligible students the EMA provides a weekly payment of £30, paid every 2 weeks in arrears.

For the latest available figures of 2020/21, around 15.2% of young Scots aged between 16-18 were in receipt of EMA, with the majority (72%) being school pupils.

Apply as soon as possible

This vital scheme helps young people study for longer to achieve their full potential.

For a young person to receive EMA support they must first meet all the eligibility criteria. This includes meeting residency criteria; having a household income under the EMA income threshold; be of an eligible age and be taking part in an eligible course of learning. 

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

"I would encourage any student who is eligible, to complete the application for the Education Maintenance Allowance as soon as they can as this will ensure that you receive your payment as early as possible after your 16th birthday.

"While the UK Government removed the EMA for English students, the Scottish Government has continued to ensure that this payment is available for eligible students, to help them continue their studies.

Many young people face barriers to continuing their education and EMA is just one of the ways that the Scottish Government are supporting young people. Transport, clothes, resources such as books and stationary can really add up so this continued financial support will be welcome I am sure.

“I am proud that the Scottish Government has continued this vital scheme that helps young people study for longer and to achieve their full potential.

Further information on EMA and how to apply can be found at: https://www.mygov.scot/ema

Natalie Don supporting Carers Week 2023

This latest report from Carers UK reveals that 73% of people who currently provide unpaid care, or have done in the past, have never identified as or called themselves a carer,” said Natalie Don MSP.

This week is Carers Week (5th – 11th June) – a time to raise awareness of caring while highlighting the challenges faced by unpaid carers and recognising the contribution they make to those who rely on them.  It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.  The Carers UK report highlighted that 73% of those polled who carry our unpaid care don’t identify as a carer.

The report also highlighted that 8 million people across the UK with experience of providing care have seen their health and wellbeing suffer.  By not identifying as carers, there is a concern that too many people could be missing out on important information, support or advice that could make a real difference to their day-to-day lives.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Carers UK report highlights why it’s so important to have events like Carers Week, to raise awareness of unpaid care and the impact if can have on individuals.

“This lack of support can leave unpaid carers isolated; unable to take breaks from caring, struggling to look after their physical and mental health, stay in work or education, or manage financially
“People providing unpaid care often fail to see themselves as a carer and regard themselves simply as a family member or friend and don’t recognise the support that is available for them.

“We need to do more to ensure that everyone who has unpaid care responsibilities is aware of the support and information that is available to them”.

Carer UK report: https://bit.ly/CarersReport23

Renfrewshire Carers Centre: https://renfrewshirecarers.org.uk/

Natalie Don MSP welcomes Scottish Breastfeeding Week

“This week provides a great opportunity to promote the Scottish Government’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme, and generally promote the advantages of breastfeeding,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Scottish Breastfeeding Week runs from 5th June until 11th June and aims to celebrate the work being carried out to support, promote and protect breastfeeding in Scotland.  Breastfeeding is beneficial to babies, protecting them from infections and diseases, developing a strong emotional bond between babies and their mothers as well as lowering the risks of various cancers and osteoporosis in mothers. 

The Scottish Government’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme also aims to support breastfeeding mothers while they are out and about. The Breastfeeding Friendly sticker outside premises indicate that this establishment will make breastfeeding mothers feel welcome, will be supportive and that the staff have received training and information. 

It has been amazing to see the increasing number of places supporting breastfeeding locally rising.

This will make such a huge difference to many women and families.

Natalie Don MSP’s constituency office in Renfrew was one of the first locally to sign up to the scheme and, according to the latest reports, that figure has now risen to around 120 establishments.  With further training planned for Early Learning and Childcare centres within Renfrewshire and training planned for staff at various Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership buildings, there will be even more Breastfeeding Friendly options across Renfrewshire.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“It has been amazing to see the increasing number of places supporting breastfeeding locally rising and this will make such a huge difference to many women and families. I want to thank every organisation who has signed up to the scheme so far as well as Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (RHSCP) who are working hard to increase take up of the scheme locally.

“Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different but for some mothers a lack of support or understanding can lead to that journey finishing earlier than it may have otherwise. Weeks like this are so important to highlight the support that is available for families and ensure that women are able to make an informed choice about how they wish to feed their baby and equally, that they are supported while doing so.

“I also want to thank the many organisations who work locally to provide invaluable support, both direct and indirect, to breastfeeding mothers, many of whom I have met with over the last few years. The work that you do is invaluable and you are an asset to families at a time when it is needed most.”

NOTES

If you would like to know more about joining the scheme visit: https://www.mygov.scot/breastfeeding-and-your-business

If you need any help or support with breastfeeding you can contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 or visit https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

Natalie Don MSP welcomes moves to tackle food insecurity

“The Scottish Government’s plans to establish a new Cash-First Programme is the first of its kind in the UK and aims to improve responses to food insecurity”, said Natalie Don MSP.

A commitment to a ‘cash-first’ approach to tackling food insecurity is at the heart of a new plan to reduce the need for people to turn to food banks.

Actions include establishing a new £1.8 million Cash-First Programme to help reduce the demand for emergency food parcels by improving urgent access to cash in crisis and associated support.

The Scottish Government will work with councils, the third sector and community food initiatives to help prevent future need by integrating money advice and wider support into crisis responses.

This announcement coincides with a report from Citizens Advice Scotland which revealed that there has been an 11% increase in demand for foodbank advice in the past year (to April 2023).

Natalie Don MSP added:

“While recognising the essential role played by foodbanks to support those struggling to feed themselves and their families, we need to reach people in need by providing a cash-first approach – backed with advice and support – allowing them more choice and dignity.

“The Scottish Government is doing what it can with the limited powers of devolution to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, including food insecurity but we need the full powers of an independent nation to really tackle the root causes of poverty.

“Scotland is the first nation in the UK to publish a plan towards ending the need for food banks, and this ambition is shared by food bank networks.  As well as underlining our commitment to tackling poverty, cash is more humane in terms of allowing people to make their own choices about what their families require rather than just being assigned a food parcel.

Notes:

• Cash-First: Towards ending the need for food banks in Scotland

• The Scottish Government recognises the pressure on household budgets and has allocated almost £3 billion, both last year and this, to support policies which tackle poverty and protect people as far as possible during the ongoing cost of living crisis. In 2022-23 this included an additional £1.8 million for food groups and an extra £2.5 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund. 

• Anyone who is struggling financially can get advice through their local authority, a local advice service, or Social Security Scotland or by visiting the Scottish Government’s cost of living website.

• The Trussell Trust found that the increase in the number of parcels provided for children in the second half of the year was 17% in Scotland compared to 42% in England.  

Natalie Don MSP highlights the contrast between Scottish and UK governments on child poverty

“It’s clear from the latest research that the UK government’s cruel two-child cap is forcing thousands into poverty, exacerbating child poverty and undermining the Scottish government’s efforts to tackle child poverty”, said Natalie Don MSP.

The UK government introduced the controversial two-child benefit limit in 2017, which restricted welfare payments to larger families in an attempt to force parents to find work.  However, a study by the London School of Economics (LSE) has found no evidence that parental employment has increased due to this policy and that the policy has left hundreds of thousands of households in poverty. 

In contrast Scottish government policies are having a positive impact on children and families, including over 303,000 children being in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment while Audit Scotland have praised the free childcare expansion policies.

Audit Scotland has said that the majority of infrastructure projects and recruitment required to implement the 1140-hour expansion for three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds has been successfully completed.  A further report, this time from the think tank IPPR, also praised the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare policy for its positive impact in tackling poverty, citing that at least 10,000 people were held above the poverty line, over 2017–20, by the incomes earned while children were in free childcare.

£730 million

That’s how much the Scottish Government spends each year to mitigate Tory benefit cuts.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The contrast between the two governments could not be clearer. UK government policies are pushing families and children further into poverty while Scottish government policies are doing their best to tackle child poverty.

“The study by the LSE reveals that the UK government’s two-child cap policy increases poverty and hardship and can actually make it harder for parents to take up work.

“We know that the Scottish Child Payment of £25 per week to every eligible child is having a positive impact on children and their families, as is our expansion of free childcare.
“However, all the positive results from the Scottish government policies are hampered by the impact of UK government policies.  The Scottish Government spends around £730 million per year to mitigate the worst of the Tory benefit cuts.  Yet, while we try to improve the lives of Scotland’s children, the UK Tory government is putting more and more families at risk of poverty with their cruel policies like the two-child cap.

“The only way to escape these Tory policies is regain our independence.  Only then can we build on the progressive policies of the Scottish government and build a fairer, wealthier country that puts families and child benefit at its heart.”

Notes:

Two-child limit on UK welfare benefits ‘has failed to push parents into jobs’

Tipping the scales: The social and economic harm of poverty in Scotland | IPPR

Transforming children’s experiences of the justice system

New test sites for ‘Bairns’ Hoose’ to be set up.

Children and young people in the justice system will soon be able to benefit from coordinated, comprehensive support under one roof thanks to a £6 million investment in setting up Bairns' Hoose test sites.

A key action from The Promise, the creation of Bairns’ Hoose test sites will ensure a range of trauma-informed support is available to child victims and witnesses, aiming to improve their experience of the justice system and reduce stress when recounting their experiences.

Healthcare including therapeutic support, child protection, recovery and justice services will be available at Bairns' Hoose such as:

• assessment of protection needs and involving the child in decisions that affect them

• police and social work led joint investigative interviews, including deployment of the new Scottish Child Interview Model, to ensure vulnerable children are able to share evidence at the earliest opportunity and minimising the risk of further trauma

• health and wellbeing assessments

• counselling services that provide support for both the child and wider family

Children below the age of criminal responsibility, whose behaviour has caused harm, will also have access to Bairns’ Hoose.

Local authorities, health boards, police and third sector organisations will be required to partner together to apply for a share of the £6 million fund in 2023-24 – with further investment proposed in the future. Five multi-agency test sites are expected to be created with learning from the sites providing a blueprint for a full pilot of Bairns’ Hoose in 2025.

Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise Natalie Don said:

“The creation of Bairns’ Hoose is a key action in Keeping the Promise and I would like to pay tribute to the determination and resilience to everyone who has contributed their expertise and time to help bring the Barnahus model to Scotland.

“The experiences of the children who will access Bairns’ Hoose are in many cases absolutely appalling and ones which nobody, let alone a child, should have to go through.

“We want to prevent children being retraumatised and to improve the experience of the justice and care processes for children and families. These test sites will trial what a Bairns’ Hoose could mean in reality for children and their families, as well as for the professionals who will work to support with them. This funding marks a significant step in the development of Bairns’ Hoose in Scotland and offers us a chance to provide wrap around care, recovery and justice for children in a way which best responds to their trauma, needs and circumstances.”

Independent Chair of the National Bairns' Hoose Governance group Val de Souza said:

“Following years of hard work this is the first tangible, major milestone that has been realised in the implementation of a Scottish Barnahus model - Bairns’ Hoose. Now that the standards are published I very much look forward to being involved in the Pathfinder phase and shaping the implementation of Bairns’ Hoose across Scotland and seeing real life improvements being made to the experiences of children and young people.”

Director of Evidence and Digital for Healthcare Improvement Scotland Safia Qureshi said:

“Throughout the development of the standards, it was important to us that young people were at the heart of every aspect of our work. The young people offered vital advice and opinions throughout the process and were instrumental in the development of the standards. They told us what's important to them and we listened.

"The standards set out what a Bairns’ Hoose will mean for children, young people and their families. They also explain the role of the professionals who support them. Now, we must all work together to ensure that the standards help to improve how children and young people experience recovery, support and justice in Scotland.”

Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate Jackie Irvine said:

“The Care Inspectorate is proud to have partnered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland to develop the Bairns’ Hoose Standards. We also commend the significant efforts of partner agencies, and children and families with lived experience, who contributed to this important work.

“It will deliver transformative change by supporting children who have experienced or witnessed abuse in Scotland with professionals working together ‘under one roof’ covering protection, health, recovery and justice services, and with consistent therapeutic support available throughout.

“Establishing a network of Bairns’ Hooses will help us to collectively uphold the rights of children and families to compassionate and effective intervention and support in line with the UNCRC and Promise principles.”

NOTES:

Further information on Bairns’ Hoose.

‘Barnahus’ is based on the Child Advocacy Model adopted in the US in the 1980s and was first implemented in Iceland in 1998, followed by other Nordic countries and is now being widely adopted across Europe. Bringing the ‘Barnahus’ model to Scotland has been a long standing and crosscutting policy ambition, as set out in the Programme for Government 2022-2023. It is key action in the Keeping the Promise Implementation Plan and Best Start, Bright Futures: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2022 to 2026, in addition to achieving the Vision for Justice.

The Scottish Child Interview Model has been developed and assessed by Social Work Scotland, Local authorities and Police Scotland in a series of pilot projects.

Further information on:

Bairns’ Hoose Standards

Vision, Values and Approach

Project Plan Progress Report and Pathfinder Delivery Plan

Bairns’ Hoose Project Plan Progress Report and Pathfinder Delivery Plan (2023 – 25)

Bairns’ Hoose – Children and Young People Participation and Engagement Plan

Natalie Don MSP welcomes Volunteers’ Week 2023

Now in its 39th year, Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which sees charities, voluntary groups, social organisations, and volunteers themselves come together to recognise the incredible impact that volunteering has in communities around Renfrewshire, Scotland and the UK.

The theme set for this year’s week-long celebration is ‘Celebrate and Inspire’ and it encourages volunteer organisations across Renfrewshire, Scotland and the UK to highlight diversity in volunteering and demonstrate the many ways everyone can get involved with volunteering.

Each year, the annual celebrations recognise and reward the work and efforts of volunteers who are active at the heart of every community, whilst acknowledging their important contribution to our local communities, the voluntary sector and society as a whole.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“I am delighted to not only support Volunteers’ Week but to thank all the hard working and dedicated volunteers within my constituency of Renfrewshire North & West.  They give up their time, energy and skills to help make the constituency a better place.

“Whether its volunteering for environmental campaigns like Team Up to Clean Up or supporting families, such as Home Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde – or any other field, it is great to see so many people freely giving their time to help support causes close to their hearts.

“Although the contributions of volunteers are often unseen or unrecognised by many, I feel events like Volunteers’ Week gives us the opportunity to thank those who keep local voluntary groups, charities and social organisations going, year in, year out. 

“I regularly meet with a number of dedicated volunteers from organisations all across my constituency and would like to thank them for their dedication to helping make our communities better places to live in”.

NOTES:

The 2021 Scottish Household Survey revealed that 27% of Scotland’s adult population volunteers for an organisation or group in the previous 12 months.

It is estimated that volunteering contributes £5.5billion annually to Scotland’s economy.

Volunteering opportunities in Renfrewshire can be found on the Engage Renfrewshire website at: https://volunteer.engagerenfrewshire.org/index-classic

Natalie Don MSP congratulates Erskine and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company funding success

“This is great news for both Erskine and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company on receiving grants from the Scottish Veterans Fund,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Amongst the seventeen projects across Scotland who have been successfully awarded funds totalling £500,000 to help ex-service personnel access support for physical and mental health, financial, employment and cost of living challenges were Erskine and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.

This round of grants for 2023/24 from the Scottish Veterans Fund means that this fund has now provided more than £2.8 million to nearly 220 projects since 2008.

Erskine – which cares for nearly 1,000 residents each year – will receive £13,450 for their One Stop Shop project which extends the provision of tailored financial advocacy, guidance and support to veterans.

Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company has received £50,000 to provide early service leavers and other veterans support to obtain qualifications and sustainable employment with the support of a qualified trainer.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“I am delighted for both organisations.  Their successful funding applications highlights the excellent work that they both do to help veterans.

“As the local constituency MSP covering Erskine, I’m fully aware of all the excellent service this organisation gives to veterans and the One Stop Shop will make sure that veterans are receiving the support they deserve and are entitled to.

“Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company is an innovative social enterprise manufacturing products and delivering services whilst providing employment opportunities to members of the Armed Force community, helping veterans towards independence through employment.

“This grant will help them to train ex-service personnel and to obtain qualifications and sustainable employment.

“I am sure this funding will make a real difference to both organisations and the veterans that they support.”

Natalie Don MSP responds to report on the redesign of the Children’s Hearings System

Minister for Keeping the Promise, and local MSP for Renfrewshire North & West, Natalie Don has welcomed a landmark independent report that sets out more than 100 recommendations for transforming Scotland’s unique children’s hearings system.

‘Hearings for Children’ has been developed following a 20-month review of the children’s hearings system, and how it can be reformed to better support children needing care and protection. The work has been led by Sheriff David Mackie, the Promise Scotland and the Hearings System Working Group (HSWG) and follows on from the publication of the Independent Care Review (The Promise), which recommended a review and redesign of the children’s hearings system.

The Scottish Government will now take the time necessary to carefully consider the proposals contained within the report before responding later in the year.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister for Keeping the Promise Natalie Don s

“The Children’s Hearings System is unique to Scotland and for over 50 years, the dedication and commitment of those working within it has been outstanding. However, the Promise is clear that the system needs to change, as children’s experiences in the system haven’t always reflected that investment of care and skill.

“I am very grateful to Sheriff Mackie, the Promise Scotland and the wider Hearings System Working Group for this crucial report. It has clearly been developed with care and we must apply the same levels of care and diligence when considering our response. The Scottish Government will now move forward with a programme of transformational change founded on this report. We’ll reflect on the legal, financial and workforce implications of these proposals before responding more fully later in the year. We will work closely with all partners, including those in the responsible agencies such as COSLA and Social Work Scotland to deliver wholesale positive change.

“Where early positive change is possible, I am clear that should happen quickly. The changes that need new law or new structures will take time, but I want to assure children, families and those that work in the system that there will be opportunities to contribute, and to shape future reforms. Children, young people and the care-experienced community – along with volunteers and professionals – want to see this work yielding positive, sustainable change. I am determined that we will deliver that for

The HSWG was set up by the Promise Scotland in the summer of 2021 to Keep the Promise with regard to the redesign of the current children’s hearings system. It is a partnership between Children’s Hearings Scotland, Scottish Children’s Reporters Administration and The Promise Scotland and is independent of the Scottish Government.

The Promise is the outcome of the Independent Care Review and was published in 2020. The Scottish Government signed up to all of the conclusions set out in the review and set out the actions we would take in The Promise Implementation Plan published in March 2022.  This included a commitment to a review of the children’s hearings system.

UK Inflation at 8.7%: Response from Natalie Don MSP (Renfrewshire North & West)

Natalie Don MSP said:

“Although the inflation rate has fallen since last month, it still remains at a sky-high level. A slower rate of inflation doesn’t mean that prices are coming down, it just means that they are not going up so quickly.

“Food prices are still 19.1% higher than a year ago – which is close to record highs. Olive oil, eggs, and sauces & spices have recorded the largest annual price rises.  The price tags are shocking - food inflation of 19.1% means the basket of food that cost £50 a year ago is now close to £60.

“From Brexit to the Tory created Cost of Living Crisis, households and businesses are suffering from Tory economic incompetence.

“Scotland needs the full powers of independence to ensure we have a stronger yet fairer economy.”

Natalie Don MSP supporting Mental Health Awareness Week

This week (15th – 21st May) is Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, an annual event to promote issues surrounding mental health.  Promoted by the Mental Health Foundation, the theme of this year is anxiety, highlighting some of the issues that may cause anxiety but also looking at strategies people can use to help control it.

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

There are many things that can lead to feelings of anxiety such as exam pressures, relationships, dealing with money and bills.  Everyone can experience anxiety at some stage in their life but it is something that can be managed.

Focusing on anxiety for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

"Anxiety can affect anyone and can come on quite quickly.  There are so many triggers, and each could be personal to you but it’s important to realise that it is a normal emotion that everyone can feel.

“Weeks like this are great for raising people’s awareness and understanding of an issue.  Mental Health Awareness Week occurs every year, with a different focus, trying to increase the public’s understanding of mental health issues.

“It’s also important to know that help is available.  As well as medical support, there are online resources – including some excellent information from the Mental Health Foundation – which can help you to tackle any anxiety that you may feel.”

NOTES

For further information on coping with anxiety: https://bit.ly/MentalHealthAnxiety

SNP BOOSTS INVESTMENT IN AFTER SCHOOL AND HOLIDAY CLUBS

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed new funding from the Scottish Government to support the provision of after school and holiday clubs for Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities in Renfrewshire North and West constituency.

Both Renfrewshire and Inverclyde councils will be able to apply for a share of £4.5 million to help support families in the Renfrewshire North & West constituency through the Tory cost of living crisis by increasing access to affordable and quality childcare.

First Minister Humza Yousaf announced details of the funding while convening a national anti-poverty summit in Edinburgh this week.

The funding will help councils like Renfrewshire and Inverclyde to improve indoor and outdoor areas with school estates in alignment with community needs.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

"This additional investment from the Scottish Government is sure to support many working parents in Renfrewshire North & West during the summer holidays and term time - improving access to easily available childcare is key when it comes to tackling child poverty.

“Under the leadership of First Minister Humza Yousaf, this SNP Government is delivering where it matters during this Tory cost of living crisis. From taking action on fuel poverty to increasing social security benefits, it’s clear for all to see that tackling poverty is a priority.

“While the Tories in Westminster give with one hand and take away with the other, and Labour watch on idly by the side-lines, only the SNP has proved that it’s the party brave enough to take action against Westminster austerity and offer the people of Scotland a chance to get rid of the Tories for good by becoming an independent country."

NOTES

Increasing childcare in disadvantaged areas - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Natalie Don MSP supporting Bookbug Week

Bookbug Week takes place this week (15–21 May), encouraging little ones and their families to dance to their favourite songs and rhymes and then cosy up with a story. To mark the week, Natalie Don MSP, Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, joined youngsters and their families at Erskine Library to take part in a Bookbug session. 

Ran by the Scottish Book Trust, Bookbug is Scotland’s universal early years book gifting programme helping families to read, sing and play with their little ones to give them the best start in life. It also includes gifts of free books and resources to all children at different stages from birth to primary school.  Bookbug sessions take place in local libraries and community groups across the constituency and the whole of Scotland as well as through the Bookbug app. 

Natalie Don MSP

I am very excited for this year’s Bookbug Week and I had a brilliant time at Erskine library joining the little ones for a sing-song.

This year’s theme is Bookbug’s Big Shoogle, focusing on the benefits of movement and dance for early years development. Dance and movement is not only fun for little ones but plays a very important role in their development. Movement helps young children to build strength and mobility and the tactile element of many songs and rhymes helps them to understand and learn about different parts of their body.

Natalie Don MSP stated:

“I am very excited for this year’s Bookbug Week and I had a brilliant time at Erskine library joining the little ones for a sing-song. Bookbug is a fantastic initiative run by the Scottish Book Trust and funded by the Scottish Government, who have increased the funding for this year to £1.8million for the continuation of the programme.

“Widening access to reading, encouraging an early love of books among children and providing great opportunities for parents and their wee ones to spend time together whilst having fun and learning are just some of the benefits that Bookbug brings to families. 

“It was really great to join in with the children and see how much they were enjoying their session. I would encourage any local parents or carers to find out about their local Bookbug sessions and join in with this years Big Shoogle.

Find out about Bookbug sessions in your area at:

https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/reading-and-stories/bookbug/find-your-local-bookbug-session

Natalie Don MSP welcomes additional support for fuel insecurity

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government is investing £9 million to Advice Direct Scotland to roll out Home Heating Support as part of our investment to tackle fuel insecurity,” said Natalie Don MSP.

One of the first acts of the new First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP was to triple the Fuel Insecurity Fund, with £30 million now being available to help those who need the most support.  The details of how this additional funding will be allocated has now been confirmed and will see:

·       £9 million to enable Advice Direct Scotland to administer the Home Heating Support Fund grants to those struggling with the rapid increase in gas, electricity and oil prices;

I welcome the additional funding to tackle fuel insecurity

The Scottish Government is doing what it can to offset the Tory Cost of Living Crisis and the proposals within the increased Fuel Insecurity Fund will go some way to helping households in Scotland.

·       £8.5 million for the Fuel Bank Foundation to rapidly support more than 85,000 households, including those with prepayment meters and at risk of imminent disconnection;

·       £7.25m to enable the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations to provide more than 55,000 households across Scotland with advice, support with bills and energy-saving items.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Although energy policy is reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Government is doing what it can to offset the Tory Cost of Living Crisis and the proposals within the increased Fuel Insecurity Fund will go some way to helping households in Scotland.

“The First Minister is holding an anti-poverty summit which will include those with direct experience of poverty along with experts from the public, private and third sectors.  Tackling fuel poverty is one of the key issues to be addressed.

“It is a disgrace that energy rich Scotland, with abundant supplies of oil, gas and renewable power still has households in fuel poverty.  We may have the energy, but we lack the power to control it or deal with the excess profits made by energy companies.

“The UK Tory Government has consistently failed Scottish households when it comes to energy prices, letting the private companies make excess profits while people are terrified to turn on their heating.  It simply isn’t good enough and we need the full powers of independence to ensure that no one in Scotland suffers from fuel poverty.”

Ofgem plans to tackle Prepayment Meters not good enough

“Although the revised Code of Practice by Ofgem could be seen as a good start, the reality is, that it doesn’t go far enough and too many people are still at risk of having prepayment meters forced upon them”, said Natalie Don MSP.

Following consultation, Ofgem has announced a revised Code of Practice regarding the forced instalment of prepayment meters.  This would see the forced instalments of these meters banned in the homes of consumers over 85 as well as those with some severe illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and sickle cell disease, which could be worsened by living in a cold home.

This issue arose due to the actions of companies employed by British Gas who broke into the homes of vulnerable customers to install prepayment meters.

There are concerns that this code is merely voluntary, with Ofgem claiming they will make it mandatory in the future.  This allows the energy companies to continue as they see fit. There are also concerns that other vulnerable customers do not get even this limited protection, especially those with young children or those with disabilities who may require properly heated homes.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“More needs to be done to ensure that no energy company employs agents to forcibly break into people’s homes to instal prepayment meters.  This is unacceptable irrespective of any debt owed by a household.

Ofgem has let the public down

Ofgem has let the public down when it comes to excessive energy price rises and is in danger of doing the same on the issue of prepayment meters.

“The code of practice has to be mandatory for anyone to have any faith that it will work, it also has to be extended to include all vulnerable customers including those with long term illness, disabilities and families with young children.

“Too many households are suffering from extortionate energy price increases yet while the energy companies are making record profits they are using agents to break into vulnerable people’s homes to force them to take a prepayment meter.

“Ofgem has let the public down when it comes to excessive energy price rises and is in danger of doing the same on the issue of prepayment meters.”

Natalie Don MSP raises concern over increase in demand for debt advice

“There is a serious concern that people are struggling with the Tory created Cost of Living Crisis as seen by the surge in demand for online support for money and debt worries”, said Natalie Don MSP, commenting on a new report from Citizens Advice Scotland on the rise of online demand for support.

Citizens Advice Scotland said online demand had surged by 25% for support with money and debt worries.  The advice service has said Scots budgets are being ‘crushed’ as demand for money and debt help surged by a quarter amid spiralling costs.  Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said online demand for debt and money help was 25% higher in February than in the same month last year.  As energy bills remained stubbornly high, the charity also issued help on gas and electricity 12,386 times in February.

David Hilferty, social justice spokesman at CAS, said it was a “historic moment” when demand for energy advice overtook that for universal credit in December, and it has remained the most asked about subject for a third month in a row.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“This report highlights the impact that the Tory-created Cost of Living Crisis is having on households across Scotland.  It used to be that more people contacted CAS for advice on universal credit but that has been overtaken by those seeking advice and support on energy concerns.

Natalie Don MSP

“The fact that more and more people are now struggling to afford their energy bills, despite living in an energy rich country, highlights that the current system only serves the energy companies who continue to rake in billions of pounds of profit at the expense of the consumer.

“With inflation still high and incomes remaining sluggish, there is a real risk people are going to end up in debt because they can’t keep up with everyday essential spending.

“What is vital is people who are worried about money and bills seek advice as soon as possible.  This can be sought from Renfrewshire Council’s Advice Works service or by contacting Paisley Citizen Advice Bureau, both of whom offer free, impartial and confidential advice to everyone.”

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.