Scottish Government launches Winter Healthcare Awareness campaign

An awareness campaign has been launched by the Scottish Government to make sure people know the best place to go for healthcare over the winter.

Right Care Right Place has been rolled out earlier than in previous years to help Scots know which health setting is best for their medical concerns, and in turn to help alleviate pressures on the NHS and social care ahead of an expected increase in demand.

The campaign, featuring targeted advertising on television, radio and online, tells people how to access the most appropriate care for their physical or mental health needs.

The public is advised to use self-help guides on the NHS inform website, visit their local pharmacy for advice, telephone NHS 24 on 111, or contact their general practice surgery. Accident & Emergency departments should be used only for genuine emergencies.

The series of self-help guides include advice on the most common winter illnesses, based on the health concerns raised on calls to NHS24 on 111.

Winter Healthcare Awareness

It’s important to know exactly how and when to access services when you need them

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

“Since early this year, the Scottish Government has been working closely with colleagues across the NHS and social care to make sure that every possible mitigation is in place ahead of winter, with a full Winter Plan being published later this month.

“Public information and awareness is a key part of the strategy, and that’s why the awareness campaign is being started earlier than in previous years.

“It is important that people in Renfrewshire North and West know exactly how and when to access services when they need them, which is what the plan will highlight. This will help everyone to get the right care, in the right place as quickly as possible. Crucially, it will also help to alleviate pressures on the rest of our NHS.

“I would also encourage people to help by making sure they get their Covid and flu vaccinations if eligible.”

Scottish Government funded childcare has positive impact on low-income households

The Access to Childcare Fund Phase 2 Evaluation Report has highlighted the positive impact of investment in school-age childcare, as more parents have been able to start work or progress their careers.

Eight childcare providers across Scotland received a share of almost £600,000 from the Scottish Government to help 650 children from low-income families access school-age childcare.

The funding helped to make school-age childcare more accessible, affordable and flexible for parents and carers from low-income families, or those most at risk of experiencing poverty.

The Access to Childcare Fund Phase 2 Evaluation report also highlights the positive impact the projects had on the health and wellbeing of the children and parents. It found the projects increased opportunities for children to develop social skills and strengthen relationships with both adults and peers, especially for those with additional support needs.

Children and Young People Minister Natalie Don said:

“I welcome the findings of this report, which highlights the impact the Scottish Government’s support continues to make for children, young people and their families who are most in need, and how childcare providers can be key in supporting these families.

“Improving access to childcare not only brings wide ranging benefits for the children, it also helps parents to get back into work, engage in training or progress their careers. Quality childcare provision is both an anti-poverty and a pro-growth measure.

“This report follows the Scottish Government’s commitment in the Programme for Government to expand our childcare offering, and sets out the difference that funded school-age childcare can make to support families to enter and sustain employment.

Making school-age childcare more accessible

Improving access to childcare benefits children and their parents

“Currently, all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds are able to take up 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare in Scotland.

“I look forward to seeing the outcome of the Scottish Government’s work that is underway with local authorities and other partners to phase in an expanded national provision for families with two-year-olds, as well as targeted early delivery of all-age childcare for low income families.”

Natalie Don MSP raises concerns about US trade deal

Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West, has expressed their concerns about the impact any prospective trade deal between the UK and the USA may have on local businesses.

According to reports in the media, the UK government is potentially negotiating a foundational trade partnership with the United States – having failed to engage or provide advance warning to Scottish Ministers or local businesses.

This prospective arrangement reportedly covers topics such as digital trade, labour protections and agriculture. The inclusion of agriculture in any talks will be particularly concerning and farming communities in Renfrewshire North and West and to consumers who are strongly against low standard food products entering the Scottish market.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“While I fully support building trade and investment links with the United States, agricultural businesses in Renfrewshire North & West must not be sold out to secure a quick trade deal.

“Scotland has a global reputation for exporting high quality food and drink produce across the world and I am extremely concerned that a deal with the United States may undermine our standards and cost us access to other global markets, including the EU.

“I know that constituents across Renfrewshire North & West will also be deeply worried about any action from the UK government which would result in sub-par food, particularly meat, produce ending up on supermarket shelves.

“These reports are already causing concern to business in Renfrewshire North & West – I urge the UK government to engage with our communities and Scottish Ministers and give a cast-iron guarantee that no trade deal will reduce food safety and animal welfare standards.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes support for people with neurological conditions

Eight projects supporting people with neurological conditions are receiving a total of almost £440,000 to enable them to enhance and expand the services they provide.

The Scottish Government funding is the fourth round of awards made as part of a five-year action plan to improve support for people living with neurological conditions.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Service Improvement Team is one of the successful bids - £82,000 will be used to build on the success of the previous project funded through Round 3, to extend the tenure of a team who are working across a number of areas, including but not limited to; anticipatory care planning, carers support and the development of a Right Clinical Decisions web based tool kit, to allow the completion of pathway improvement works across NHS boards in the West of Scotland.

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

“I welcome this further support for the one million people in Scotland living with neurological conditions.

“The Scottish Government is committed to its National Neurological Action Plan as it supports various organisations to help these people to live well and on their own terms, regardless of where they stay.

“The Framework contains £4.5 million investment over five years, and this latest allocation of funding will benefit a wide range of projects helping those living with a number of conditions, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and Functional Neurological Disorder.

“All of these innovative projects, including the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s plan to improve services for people here in Renfrewshire and across the West of Scotland, seek to ensure seamless access to high-quality and co-ordinated health, social care and third sector support in the right place at the right time.”

Natalie Don MSP raises concerns over increase in older people facing financial hardship

New research from Age Scotland has revealed a substantial increase in the number of older people facing financial hardship.  The charity’s Big Survey identified that 41% of over 50s in Scotland feel financially squeezed and a further 35% think they will be within a year. This is an increase of more than 60% in two years since the charity’s first Big Survey in 2021 where 26% felt financially squeezed.

Nearly all respondents who are squeezed (97%) were struggling with energy bills, an increase from 82% in 2021. Food was in second place for 76%, which didn’t feature in the charity’s 2021 list of most concerning bills. In third place was Council Tax which had risen sharply to 62% from 46% in 2021.

Eight in ten people over the age of 50 (79%) reported cutting back on energy and heating, 55% on holidays, 49% on food, 46% on socialising and 41% on savings.

Of further concern for the future is the 26% of those aged 50-54 and 27% aged 55-59 cutting back on saving for retirement.

• 15% of respondents with less than £10,000 annual gross household income were using credit or taking on debt to cope with their finances.

• Only 16% felt optimistic about their future.

Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, said:

“Our Big Survey findings drive home the devastating toll the cost-of-living crisis is taking on older people’s financial wellbeing.

“Far too many pensioners are affected by poverty, and the stark reality for 2023 is older people in Scotland are getting colder, poorer and less optimistic about their future.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Too many older people are cutting back on all life’s necessities and pleasures – from heating and food to holidays and social activities – and still struggling to make ends meet.

“The Age Scotland helpline is hearing from an increasing number of older people who are finding it near impossible to pay their bills, having cut down on all but the essentials, and are at risk of falling into unmanageable debt as a result.

“It’s also a concern that a huge number of working age older people cutting back on saving for retirement as this paints a grim image of the future.

“The UK has one of the worst state pension schemes in the developed world.  The UK Government has failed to ensure that the pension triple lock continues, so year on year the real value of the state pension falls even further.

“It’s clear that pensioners are treated as an afterthought by successive UK governments.  Scotland needs the real powers of an independent nation to boost the Scottish State Pension.

“It’s important that anyone who needs support gets what is available.  I would encourage everyone to seek advice on whether or not they are getting the help they are entitled to.  This can be done by contacting Renfrewshire Council’s Advice Works (0300 300 1238), Renfrewshire CAB (0141 889 2121) or, if you fall within their age range -over 50 – contact Age Scotland’s helpline on 0800 12 44 222 to help make sure you’re not missing out.”

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES WOMEN AND GIRLS TO ‘GET ACTIVE’

The SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has marked the beginning of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2023 by encouraging all women and girls to get involved in local events.

The Scottish Government, alongside Scottish Women in Sport and Active Scotland, designed this initiative to highlight the importance of sport in achieving gender equality and improving health and wellbeing, to increase female participation and to celebrate the achievements of women and girls in all sports across all levels.

The ultimate goal is to eradicate gender inequality in sport and promote better discussion around women’s health, and this year’s theme is celebrating inclusion of those with all levels of ability.

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

“Scotland’s seventh annual Women and Girls in Sport Week is a fantastic opportunity to encourage more women and girls to get active and to celebrate the many trailblazing role models in women’s sport.

“Being active offers many benefits to women, including better mental health and physical well-being. It can also be an incredible force for good in communities like Renfrewshire, leading to empowerment and a sense of belonging which are too often in short supply for many girls.

“Whilst gender equality within sports has improved at all levels, both on and off the pitch, there remains a huge disparity between male and female participation. That is why the SNP Scottish Government is spearheading the fight for equal opportunities and inclusion for all.

“It is a long-standing priority of the SNP Scottish Government to increase women and girls’ participation in sport and improve awareness of its benefits, as is the commitment to double investment in sport and active living to £100 million by the end of this Parliament.

“As part of this week, women and girls can share and celebrate their achievements on social media by using #SheCanSheWill. I encourage all those who can to get involved!”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes almost £4million in Scottish Government support for Renfrewshire families.

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed new figures that reveal 9,835 children in Renfrewshire are being supported by the Best Start Foods and Best Start Grant payments from the Scottish Government.

Since the Scottish Government’s introduction of the Best Start Grant in 2018 and of Best Start Foods in 2019, £130 million has been paid in support for pregnancy and the early years of raising a family, equating to 1.7 million Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments.

These payments are part of the five key benefits that families may be entitled to from Social Security Scotland – the Best Start Grant is comprised of three one-off payments and Best Start Foods is a prepaid card which can be used to buy healthy foods.

Families who qualify for the Scottish Child Payment are now automatically awarded Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments when their child becomes eligible – from November 2022 until June 2023 14,825 Early Learning Payments and 23,810 School Age Payments were made.

In the first six months of this year, payments worth £3,888,870 have been made to Renfrewshire families.

Tackling Child Poverty

This is another demonstration of the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“The Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments provide crucial support to families at key stages of their children’s lives, and it is excellent to see thousands of families in Renfrewshire have benefitted.

“This is another demonstration of the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty, now automatically accompanying the Scottish Child Payment following last year’s increase to £25.

“However, the reality is that these families are simultaneously feeling the worst effects of the Tory-made cost of living crisis, and the SNP Scottish Government will do all it can to mitigate Westminster’s incompetence, even with one hand tied behind it’s back.

“This kind of vital support for families in Renfrewshire is another indication of what is possible with full social security powers – it’s time for Scotland to have the full powers of an independent nation so that we can build a fairer, more prosperous country.”

POVERTY EXPERTS: SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT IS ‘SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING CHILD POVERTY’

The SNP has welcomed poverty groups and experts highlighting the vital impact that the Scottish Child Payment is having on tackling child poverty.

Introduced by the SNP Government as part of Scotland's new social security system, the “game changing” child benefit payment provides families with £25 a week per eligible child. Recent figures have shown that over 300,000 children in Scotland are in receipt of the payment.

Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee, experts said:

Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation:

“The Scottish Child Payment is working. It is significantly reducing child poverty. Some people will give you various different numbers, but it is probably 4 or 5 per cent at the moment… it will significantly reduce child poverty. That is a really good thing.”

Bill Scott, Chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission:

“The Scottish Child Payment has made a significant difference, will continue to make a significant difference.”

The Committee evidence follows recent comments on the Scottish Child Payment by Professor Danny Dorling of Oxford University, who considered that Scottish Child Payment may have caused the largest fall in child poverty anywhere in Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall: “Two out of every seven children in Scotland, their families will get it, and that has an effect on changing the inequality level in Scotland which I don’t see in any country for which there has been data for the last 40 years.”

Senior civil servant, Liz Ditchburn, also recently wrote for the David Hume Institute to ask, ‘Why aren’t more people talking about the Scottish Child Payment?’

She said: “I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve mentioned the Scottish Child Payment to colleagues and friends based elsewhere in the UK (even some involved in public policy work) and been told they’ve never heard of it. The next reaction when I describe the level and scale of this initiative, is ‘Wow! That’s big!’. It is indeed.”

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

"The introduction of the Scottish Child Payment in 2021 was a transformational step from the Scottish Government in tackling child poverty. It has been one of the most important policies introduced since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and it is encouraging to learn from experts about the positive impact it is having.

"Westminster’s policies and economic mismanagement is causing so much damage and hardship, leaving devolved governments to pick up the pieces. Therefore, its welcoming that the SNP’s game-changing payment is benefitting so many children across Scotland during these times.

"Ultimately, there is only one way we can escape the harm of Westminster control and build a fairer, greener, wealthier Scotland - and that is by becoming an independent country.”

SNP GOVERNMENT UNLEASHING ENTERPRISE IN RENFREWSHIRE

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the direct action taken by the Scottish Government to help unleash enterprise and entrepreneurship across Renfrewshire North and West.

In the Programme for Government, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced a new £15 million support package that will unleash entrepreneurial talent, support enterprise and entrepreneurship, and create new opportunities to start, scale and sustain businesses.

A further £1.5 million will also be delivered through the Pathways Pre-Start fund to provide support, mentoring and advice to people considering creating a start-up business – this fund will have a particular focus on closing the gender gap and widening participation in entrepreneurship.

These funds will ensure that across Renfrewshire, more high-quality jobs are created, and a sustainable and growing economy is developed. It will also put Scotland on track to become a leading start-up nation.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“This commitment from the SNP Scottish Government will help support entrepreneurs to scale up and create high-quality jobs across the constituency.

“It is essential that we help businesses to develop a fair and growing economy, and I hope that this welcome investment will develop a thriving local economy whilst putting Scotland on track to becoming a leading start-up nation.

“While Scotland remains held back by a failing Westminster Government, the SNP Government is using the powers they have to build an economy that drives up living standards, reduces poverty, and sustains high quality public services.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes health measures in the First Minister’s Programme for Government

Natalie Don MSP has said the Scottish Government’s proposals will go a long way to improving the health of the community in Renfrewshire North & West.

The SNP Scottish Government announced plans to establish a Mental Health and Capacity Reform Programme as part of modernising mental health and capacity legislation, enhancing the protection of people’s rights.

The First Minister also committed to taking action to reduce vaping, tackling their environmental impact and consulting on the banning of disposable vapes.

Improving Health and Wellbeing

The First Minister’s Programme for Government demonstrates the SNP’s commitment to improving the lives and wellbeing of people across Renfrewshire North & West.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“The First Minister’s Programme for Government demonstrates the SNP’s commitment to improving the lives and wellbeing of people across Renfrewshire North & West.

“The SNP Scottish Government recognises that too many Scots are dealing with mental health challenges, which are only compounded by cost-of-living pressures, and is determined to take meaningful action to ensure people get the support they need.

“The SNP is also aware of concerns regarding the impact of vaping, both on the increasing number of young people using vapes and on the environment. I am very pleased to see steps being taken to address the impact of these devices.

“As Westminster continues in its intransigence, refusing to take meaningful action to support people during these difficult times, the SNP Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to support people with health issues and protect our environment.”

1,760 CHILDREN IN RENFREWSHIRE HIT BY CRUEL TWO CHILD LIMIT

SNP ONLY PARTY OFFERING REAL CHANGE WITH INDEPENDENCE

Natalie Don MSP has warned that damaging Tory and Labour policies are cutting the incomes of thousands of working families after new analysis revealed 1,760 children across Renfrewshire are impacted by the two-child benefit cap.

The analysis, conducted by the SNP using the latest available data from the UK Government Department for Work and Pensions, found that 1,760 children in Renfrewshire are missing out on receiving vital financial support due to the Westminster two child benefit cap.

These findings come on the back of the Labour Party admitting it would keep the Tory two child cap, a policy which has pushed more than 20,000 Scottish children into poverty. In sharp contrast the SNP Government has lifted 90,000 children out of absolute poverty thanks to policies such as the game changing Scottish Child Payment.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“Damaging Westminster policies are cutting the incomes of families across Renfrewshire who are struggling to make ends meet.

“The revelation that 1,760 children in Renfrewshire are being harmed by the Tory’s cruel two child limit policy is shameful – The SNP Government’s national mission to eradicate child poverty is being undermined by Westminster at every step.

“In the Scottish Parliament this week the SNP backed a motion calling out cruel Westminster welfare policies. All the while Labour MSPs sat on their hands and failed to oppose a policy harming 1,760 children in Renfrewshire.

“Families across Renfrewshire are suffering like never before – and while Labour under orders from their London bosses are happy to see this continue – the SNP will stand up against harmful Westminster policies at every opportunity.”

NEW SCOTTISH EDUCATION EXCHANGE PROGRAMME OPENS DOORS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN RENFREWSHIRE

SNP MSP Natalie Don has said the announcement of a new Scottish Education Exchange Programme in the First Minister’s Programme for Government will “open countless doors for young people across Renfrewshire”.

The SNP Scottish Government is to launch a new exchange programme which would prioritise placements for disadvantaged young people, following an initial test and learn project this year.

Principal of the University of Glasgow, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, has welcomed the programme, saying “the return on this investment could be immense” for young people across Scotland.

Welcoming the new Scottish Education Exchange Programme

This will open countless doors for young people across Renfrewshire North & West.

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

“I am very excited about the Scottish Government’s plans to build a new Scottish Education Exchange Programme, which will transform the life experience and open doors for young people across Renfrewshire.

“These plans will give pupils and students across Scotland, regardless of their background, equal opportunities to learn and thrive through EU and global partnerships with schools, colleges and universities.

“Ambitious commitments from the SNP Scottish Government, such as this, will not only enrich the lives of young people by offering them a chance to study abroad and broaden their horizons, they also improve communities like Renfrewshire.

“In the face of a Tory Government at Westminster which continues to deny young people participation in Erasmus+, and a Labour party which refuses to even acknowledge the damage caused by Brexit, the SNP is determined to support the youngest members of our society.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes pay rise for Social Sector workers

“Increasing pay for those who care for the young and vulnerable is vitally important and will make a huge difference to social care workers across my constituency of Renfrewshire North & West”, said Natalie Don MSP.

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the First Minister’s Programme for Government as crucial to ensuring those who work in child and social care are paid a fair wage.

The First Minister’s announcement means that private and voluntary sector staff working in Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and funded Early Learning and Childcare will be paid at least £12 an hour from April 2024.

This is an increase of more than £2,000 a year for some, and of 10.1% from the minimum rate that was introduced in April 2023 for those eligible. It also represents a minimum increase in pay of 15.2% for workers in Children’s Services who previously received National Minimum Wage.

Increasing pay for those who care for the young and vulnerable is vitally important and will make a huge difference to social care workers across my constituency of Renfrewshire North & West.

Natalie Don added:

“While the minimum wage for adult social care staff is already around £900 a year higher in Scotland than it is in England, this uplift reflects the invaluable work done by those caring for the most vulnerable members of our society.

“The First Minister’s core missions of equality, opportunity and community are at the heart of this Programme for Government; with policies such as these benefitting up to 100,000 workers, of whom four out of five are female.

“The increase also reflects the SNP Scottish Government’s wider priorities on child poverty and fair work while recognising the critical role of these workers in our communities.

“I am very pleased to see the First Minister recognising the work of social sector workers in Renfrewshire North & West”

SNP GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING PARENTS AND CHILDREN ACROSS RENFREWSHIRE NORTH AND WEST

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed new funding from the Scottish Government to expand early years childcare and free school meals across Renfrewshire North & West.

The First Minister announced in the Programme for Government that in this parliamentary year the Scottish Government will significantly invest to expand free school meals and provisions for early year care.

The funding will ensure that all primary school pupils receive a free school lunch – a vital step to eradicating child poverty in Renfrewshire North & West.  This expands on existing measures that already see all Primary 1 to 5 pupils currently receive free school meals.  

There will also be an expansion of support available for early years childcare to support more young parents go back to work in Renfrewshire North & West. 

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Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“This investment from the SNP Government will ensure that working families and struggling households across Renfrewshire North & West are supported through the Westminster cost-of-living crisis.

“Under the leadership of First Minister Humza Yousaf, the SNP Government has made it a national mission to eradicate child poverty. This move to expand free school meals to all primary school pupils during this parliament will go a long way to making sure this becomes a reality.

“Expanding free childcare will also be warmly welcomed by parents across Renfrewshire North & West. 

“Supporting families with affordable and accessible childcare strengthens both employment and the economy.

“Helping families get through the Westminster cost-of-living crisis is the SNP Government’s main priority and expanding childcare and free school meals will help deliver that.” 

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES POLICE PAY DEAL TO KEEP RENFREWSHIRE NORTH & WEST SAFE

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the news that a pay deal has been agreed for all police officers in Renfrewshire North & West.

A 7% increase to pay and allowances, which will be backdated to 1st April 2023, ensures a cumulative increase of 12.35% in police officer pay since April 2022.

The agreement was reached following extensive dialogue and negotiation through the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) – a body made up of representatives from the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland, the Scottish Government, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS), Scottish Police Federation (SPF) and the Scottish Chief Police Officers Staff Association (SCPOSA).  

Police officers in Renfrewshire North & West perform an essential role in keeping local communities safe and SNP MSP Natalie Don has said that this pay deal recognises the hard work and valuable contribution they make to daily life.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Police officers perform an essential role in keeping communities across Renfrewshire North & West safe and this pay deal recognises their hard work and valuable contribution.

“Despite the difficult financial environment created by Westminster, I strongly welcome the direct action taken by the SNP Government to invest £11.6 billion in policing since 2013 to ensure that people in Renfrewshire North & West remain safe. 

“I would like to recognise and thank those on the Police Negotiating Board who worked in good faith to achieve an agreement that works for all parties involved.

“In Scotland we have an SNP Government that is committed to keeping communities in Renfrewshire North & West safe - whilst also working to support those responsible for doing so through the Westminster cost-of-living crisis.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes focus on childcare in Programme for Government

“There are a number of important policies contained within today’s Programme for Government which will have a direct impact on families and those struggling to get by,” said Natalie Don MSP, commenting on the First Minister’s Programme for Government.

The Programme for Government is published every year at the beginning of September and sets out the actions we will take in the coming year and beyond.

It includes the legislative programme for the next parliamentary year.  The First Minister outlined his key policies which builds on his three missions of delivering equality, opportunity and community.  

Welcoming the Programme for Government

“I welcome the proposals from the First Minister, they will make a real difference for families with an extension of childcare and providing more scope for families to personally manage their childcare.

 The highlights of this programme include enhanced childcare, allowing parents to have more control over their childcare choices, accelerating the next phase in the expansion of childcare for families with 2-year-olds. The programme also highlights funding for social care staff to increase to £12 per hour (from next April), and supporting care leavers into employment.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“I welcome the proposals from the First Minister, they will make a real difference for families with an extension of childcare and providing more scope for families to personally manage their childcare.

“The First Minister has already stated that helping families deal with the cost of living crises was a priority and his programme for government will go some way to doing this with an expansion of childcare including support for increasing the minimum wage for frontline staff working in private, voluntary and independence providers in the early learning and childcare sector.

“Providing funding to enable an increase in the pay of social care workers in direct care roles to £12 per hour will help to retain and recruit staff in this vital sector.

“I warmly welcome the extra support for care leavers into employment, it is important that we continue working to keep our Promise to those with experience of care.  I also welcome the key announcements including supporting women with miscarriages, investment in the Scottish Child Payment and expansion of free school meals as well as the increased investment in more affordable homes.

“The Scottish Government is operating with one hand tied behind our back due to the limitations of devolution and coping with the fallout of Brexit, the disastrous Tory mini-budget and their continued ideological drive for austerity. With Independence we could achieve more for the people of Scotland.”

OVER 115,000 UNIVERSAL CREDIT SANCTIONS IMPLEMENTED IN SCOTLAND

ONLY INDEPENDENCE CAN END “BRUTAL” WESTMINSTER IMPOSED AUSTERITY

Shocking new figures have revealed that the DWP’s “callous” sanctions policy has been used against claimants in Scotland over 115,000 times.

The UK Government's own data shows that close to a third of all Universal Credit claimants are at risk of being sanctioned - whereby their benefits are reduced or stopped completely.

The data also showed that between May 2022 and April 2023, the failure to attend or participate in a mandatory interview was the reason for 97% of sanctions given out.

Commenting Natalie Don MSP said:

“These shocking figures show that the cruel Tory benefits sanctions regime - which is punishing the poorest members of our society - must come to an end during this cost of living crisis, to avoid pushing more and more people into poverty.  

“Unfortunately, there have been many cases of people who have missed a bus or been held up in traffic making them slightly late to a jobseekers appointment, which has led to their benefits being sanctioned, yet we have Tory MPs and Ministers who barely turn up for work but never face any sanctions!

“In direct opposition to Westminster, the SNP Government is building a social security system based on values of fairness, dignity and respect. We have uprated benefits in line with inflation, increased the ‘game-changing Scottish Child Payment to £25 a week per child, and implemented the Best Start Grants to help people through the cost of living crisis.

“However, the sad reality is that all of that progress continues to be undermined while we remain under Westminster control. The Tories and Labour have proven time and time again that tackling poverty and making life better for people in Scotland is not on their agenda. This is why Scotland must have the full powers of independence – to build a fairer society for all.”

NATALIE DON MSP URGES LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ACROSS RENFREWSHIRE NORTH AND WEST TO APPLY TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S CASH-FIRST FUND TO HELP TACKLE FOOD INSECURITY

The Scottish Government’s Cash-First Fund is seeking applications from organisations at the frontline of helping people facing poverty and hardship. Community food initiatives, local authority teams, and money advice services are all invited to apply.

The £1.6 million fund is aimed at public and third sector partnerships to deliver cash grants for food and other essentials, helping to reduce the need for food parcels.

The successful applicants will receive up to £200,000 over two years to deliver activities that improve urgent local access to cash in a crisis.

Public and third sector organisations are invited to apply to the Cash-First Fund by 5pm on Friday 1 September.

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

“Taking a cash-first approach to tackling food insecurity ensures that people can maintain their dignity whilst accessing support. When this is delivered collaboratively, with advice and assistance to strengthen people’s income, it can also help prevent future hardship.

“Local public and third sector services in Renfrewshire know the community best and are well-placed to support households in crisis, so I encourage any organisation which fits the criteria to apply for the Cash-First Fund before the deadline.

“Tackling poverty is a priority for the Scottish Government, highlighted by the fact that Scotland is the first nation in the UK to publish a plan towards ending the need for food banks.

“Measures such as this are vital steps forward in achieving this goal, and I am hopeful that one day, we will live in a Scotland where no one needs to use food banks.”

NOTES

Cash-First Fund form and guidance: https://www.gov.scot/publications/cash-first-fund-form-and-guidance/

Cash-First: Towards Ending the Need for Food Banks in Scotland Plan: https://www.gov.scot/publications/cash-first-towards-ending-need-food-banks-scotland/

1,374 HOUSEHOLDS IN RENFREWSHIRE HIT BY BEDROOM TAX £9,012,755 SPENT OVER 5 YEARS IN RENFREWSHIRE TO MITIGATE CRUEL WESTMINSTER POLICY

Natalie Don MSP has warned that Labour and the Tories are pushing families into poverty, as new analysis has revealed that over 1,300 households in Renfrewshire are being impacted by the bedroom tax.

The analysis, conducted by the SNP using the latest data available from the UK government Department for Work and Pensions, revealed that 1,374 households in Renfrewshire have had their housing benefits cut due to the policy as of February 2023.

Recent figures have also shown that it cost Renfrewshire Council £2,310,208 last year to mitigate the impact of the bedroom tax, amidst the Tory cost of living crisis.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Whilst the SNP Scottish Government spends millions of pounds protecting families by mitigating policies like the bedroom tax, both the Tories and Labour continue to push people in my constituency, and across Scotland, into poverty by supporting this cruel policy.

"This is yet another broken promise from the pro-Brexit Labour Party, who are becoming indistinguishable from the Tories.

“With the full powers of independence, Scotland could rid itself of Westminster control for good – which would make policies like the bedroom tax a thing of the past.”

5,233 AFFORDABLE HOMES BUILT IN RENFREWSHIRE AND INVERCLYDE UNDER THE SNP

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed recent figures that show 5,233 affordable and social homes have been completed in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde since 2007 – with 845 completed in 2022/23 alone.

Statistics show that almost 10,500 low-cost ownership, mid-market rent, and social rent homes were completed across Scotland in the financial year 2022/23; bringing the total since SNP affordable housing programmes began in 2007 to over 122,200.

Scotland continues to lead the UK in affordable home provision. Between 2007/08 and 2021/22, the annual average supply of affordable housing per head of population in Scotland has been 13.9 homes per 10,000 population, higher than England (9.7 homes per 10,000 population), Wales (8.0), and Northern Ireland (12.7). The 10,458 affordable homes completed in Scotland in 2022/23 equates to a rate of 19.1 homes delivered per 10,000 population.

The SNP Scottish Government has also announced a further boost of £60 million to reduce the number of households living in temporary accommodation, supporting a national acquisition plan to increase the supply of social and affordable housing.

Welcoming the new figures, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & South, Natalie Don, said:

“As a result of bold action from the SNP Scottish Government, we can see more affordable and social housing in across the constituency. During this Tory Cost of Living Crisis, it is more important than ever that everyone can access warm, safe, and affordable accommodation to call home – which is why this Affordable Housing Supply Programme really matters.

“Last year alone, 845 high-quality affordable and social homes were built across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, bringing the total of affordable home completion figure in these areas to 5,233 since 2007. This is supported by the Scottish Government’s five-year, £3.2 billion fund to accelerate affordable home provision, with the aim of delivering a further 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032.

“Whilst the decisions of the Tory UK Government continue to put pressure on Scottish households, and Labour offer nothing but regressive U-turns, the SNP is showing what progressive government looks like, getting on with the day job and building a new Scotland.”