SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT AIM TO IMPROVE BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES IN SCHOOLS

This week, the Scottish Government announced £900,000 in new funding for staff to tackle poor behaviour and attendance in schools.

The funding will be provided directly to local authorities to train support staff to respond to new challenges and develop behaviour management strategies in schools post-COVID.

It comes as part of a multi-year plan that is being developed in conjunction with key stakeholders and will set out actions at national, local and school level to improve behaviour and support better relationships.

Actions include:

·       the new Interim Chief Inspector being tasked with ensuring HMI inspections are accurately recording behaviour to ensure any issues are tackled as soon as possible

·       a call for more accurate and robust recording of any incidents of poor behaviour in schools

·       a dedicated approach to responding to issues regarding misogyny

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

“Thousands of head teachers, teachers and support staff recently had a chance to share their views on pupil behaviour and relationships, whereby many reported generally good behaviour amongst pupils.

“However, the report noted a deterioration in some pupil’s behaviours since the last research carried out in 2016, which is why the Scottish Government is setting out a national plan that will provide the support necessary to help tackle these problems at the root.

“It is important that our schools are safe and consistent learning environments for all – both pupils and staff. No one should face violence or abusive behaviour at work.”

STARMER’S VALUES FAR REMOVED FROM SCOTLAND’S VALUES

The SNP has warned that Sir Keir Starmer’s values are far removed from Scotland’s values – after confirming a Labour government would implement more austerity-driven policies.

Ahead of his speech to the Resolution Foundation, the Labour leader has said that he will not “turn on the spending taps” if his party win the next General Election, despite thirteen years of devastating Tory austerity policies fuelling the cost of living crisis.

Over the last few days, Sir Keir Starmer has:

• Praised former Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for delivering “meaningful change” to the UK.

• Claimed that the UK has "failed to realise the possibilities of Brexit".

• Committed to continuing austerity.

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

“From celebrating the Thatcherite policies that destroyed communities across Scotland, to committing to continuing austerity, Sir Keir Starmer has really shown his true colours this week.

“It is clear that the values of this Labour Party align more with the Tories than the people of Scotland, who remember the damaging legacy of Thatcher all too well.

“The Tories and Labour rejected our calls for a £400 energy rebate, for mortgage interest tax relief and for action on food prices – a perfect demonstration of why Scotland urgently needs the powers to grow the economy and boost household incomes.

“Independent European countries like Scotland are wealthier and fairer than the UK - so the question is: why not Scotland?”

SNP SCOTLAND HAS LOWEST COUNCIL TAX LEVELS IN UK

Natalie Don, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, has welcomed new analysis which shows that under the SNP Scotland has the lowest levels of council tax in the UK.

In 2023/24, the average household in Scotland will pay £1,301.89 in council tax – significantly less than the £1,854.05 in Wales and £1,579.32 in England. In real terms, this is over £100 less per year than when the SNP came to Government in 2007.

The SNP Government is committed to putting money directly into the pockets of people in Renfrewshire, which is why council tax is cheaper in Scotland across every single band than in other parts of the UK.

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed these figures alongside the recent commitment to freeze council tax next year as the Scottish Government supports households through the cost of living crisis.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“During this Westminster inflicted cost of living crisis, the SNP Government is doing everything possible to support households in Renfrewshire – and it cannot be underestimated how important these additional hundreds of pounds make to struggling families.

“Keeping council tax low has remained a priority throughout the SNP’s time in Government and I welcome these figures which show year after year people in Scotland pay the lowest levels in the UK.

“While the UK Government’s economic chaos continues to harm Scotland’s interest – the SNP Government is taking direct action, such as freezing council tax, to support our constituents through the cost of living crisis. However, only with independence can we fully free ourselves from the damage of Westminster.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES ‘OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE’ EXPERIENCE OF SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS IN RENFREWSHIRE

SNP MSP Natalie Don has commended the work of Social Security Scotland, as new figures show the positive experiences of benefit recipients overall, applying for and in receiving those benefits.

Figures from Social Security Scotland’s Client Survey reveal that, of those in receipt of benefits in [AREA]:

·       90% said their overall experience was very good or good

·       90% said their experience applying for benefits was very good or good

·       95% said their experience receiving benefits was very good or good

The survey found that 97% of recipients of people across Scotland received their payments on time, 90% said their experience with staff was ‘very good’ or ‘good’ and 93% feel they were treated with kindness.

OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE’ EXPERIENCE OF SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS

The SNP Scottish Government has built a welfare system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect; whose foundational principle is to help and support the most vulnerable, in stark contrast with the DWP.

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

“These new figures show the real difference that devolving social security powers can make to the day-to-day lives of people in Renfrewshire.

“The SNP Scottish Government has built a welfare system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect; whose foundational principle is to help and support the most vulnerable, in stark contrast with the DWP.

“I am pleased that recipients in Renfrewshire have an overwhelmingly positive experience with Scotland’s devolved social security system – people should always feel encouraged and respected in getting support.”

WESTMINSTER IS BIGGEST THREAT TO SCOTLAND’S NHS

The SNP has warned that Westminster control is the biggest threat to Scotland’s NHS after the Tory autumn statement cut funding in real terms, and Labour confirmed it would "hold the door open" to NHS privatisation.
 
This comes after repeated threats to privatise the NHS from Labour’s Wes Streeting as Shadow Health Secretary, and the Tory Chancellor’s autumn statement, which experts have said will lead to further brutal cuts to public spending.
 
Brexit, backed by both the Tories and Labour, has also led to a massive labour shortage within the NHS and other public services.
 
In contrast, the SNP Scottish Government has ensured Scotland’s NHS has had the highest per-capita funding of the UK nations - 10% higher than Tory-run England. Proportionally, almost £1.8 billion more is spent on frontline health services in Scotland compared to England, and almost £405 million more compared to Labour-run Wales.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“It is clear that Westminster control, regardless of the party in government, is the biggest threat facing Scotland’s NHS, and only independence will remove that threat for good.
 
“Both the Tories and Labour are now signed up to dismantling our vital public health service with privatisation and cuts. Ahead of next year's election, the Tory plan for the NHS is more austerity and the Labour plan is to "open the door" to privatisation. Their plans are clear and the threat is real - it is one more reason why Westminster isn't working for Scotland.
 
“Jeremy Hunt is set on taking us back to the worst years of austerity, with the NHS first in line for further cuts - and Keir Starmer’s Labour party is offering no alternative, choosing to stick with Tory spending plans.
 
"Under the SNP, Scotland’s NHS will always remain in public hands. We’ve made our values and our priorities clear by ensuring Scotland has the highest NHS funding of all the UK nations. However, only the full powers of independence can get rid of Westminster governments for good.”
 

NATALIE DON SNP MSP: SOCIAL SECURITY IN AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE “ROOTED IN DIGNITY, FAIRNESS AND RESPECT”

Local MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has said that the full powers of independence will allow Scotland to “end the cycle of poverty” and “guarantee financial support for all those in Renfrewshire North and West who need it” following the publication of the Scottish Government’s latest independence paper, Social Security in an Independent Scotland. 

The ninth paper in a Building a New Scotland series outlines how an independent Scotland would take a radically different approach to social security from the UK government, rooting its approach in dignity, fairness and respect. The changes outlined include: 

·       Removing the two-child limit and scrap the ‘rape clause’ 

·       Removing the benefit cap and the bedroom tax 

·       Replacing Universal Credit budgeting loans with grants 

·       Ending the current benefit sanctions regime 

·       Improving support for unpaid carers 

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

“This latest paper from the SNP Scottish Government outlines how Scotland can, with the powers of an independent nation, build a social security system designed to meet people in Renfrewshire North and West’s needs and end the vicious cycle of poverty. 

“A strong social security system is key to a thriving economy and a fair, more equal society. We would work towards a universal guarantee of financial security, and potentially even a universal basic income. 

“This would be radically different from Westminster’s woeful welfare regime which the UN has described as “grossly insufficient,” and that was before it was cut back even further to the tune of £4 billion in the Autumn Statement. 

“With the full powers of an independent country, we can ensure that everyone in Renfrewshire North and West has the support they need to enjoy a decent quality of life. 

“Independent countries similar to Scotland are fairer, happier and healthier than we are under Westminster control. So why not Scotland?” 

10,535 CHILDREN IN RENFREWSHIRE BENEFITTING FROM SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT

Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West, has welcomed new figures which show that 10,535 children in Renfrewshire are currently receiving the Scottish Child Payment. 

The Scottish Child Payment, which provides £25 per week to every eligible child, is estimated to lift 50,000 children out of relative poverty in 2023/24. 

In Renfrewshire, 124,025 payments worth £14,877,770 have been paid out to help tackle child poverty – with over £450 million issued across Scotland. 

The SNP Government has made tackling child poverty its number one priority, and Natalie Don MSP has welcomed latest figures showing it has reduced 5% in 2023/24. 

10,535 CHILDREN IN RENFREWSHIRE BENEFITTING
FROM SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT 

The SNP is taking action to meet our mission of tackling child payment and I strongly encourage people to spread the word so as many children eligible for this payment get it as possible. 

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said: 

“The SNP Government’s Scottish Child Payment is taking direct action to eliminate child poverty in Scotland and it is very welcome that it is currently supporting 10,535 children in Renfrewshire. 

“As we head into the winter months, and with the Tory-made cost of living crisis continuing to affect households across Renfrewshire North & West, families will face even greater challenges, with many struggling to make ends meet. The Scottish Child Payment will therefore be even more vital. 

“The fact that 124,025 payments have been made in Renfrewshire, worth £14,877,770, is very positive and I know this will be going a long way to support young people who need it most. 

“The SNP are taking action to meet our mission of tackling child payment and I strongly encourage people to spread the word so as many children eligible for this payment get it as possible”. 

Natalie Don MSP calls out the Chancellor on missed opportunities

The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement delivers little for the people of Renfrewshire North & West, and is "far too little, too late for the squeezed majority of households" - as the soaring cost of household bills outpaces the limited help on offer in today's statement.

With families paying thousands more for their energy bills, mortgages, rents and food shopping, Natalie Don MSP said "the limited measures in today's statement won't touch the sides for most households, who have seen their monthly costs go through the roof".

In an underwhelming budget, the Chancellor: 

• Failed to introduce a £400 energy bill rebate for households - despite bills being around double what they were in 2021 and expected to rise yet again this week 

• Failed to match the SNP government's council tax freeze and Scottish Child Payment - which are putting thousands of pounds back in the pockets of families in Scotland 

• Failed to introduce mortgage interest tax relief - despite many families paying thousands of pounds more in interest due to soaring rates 

• Failed to take action to reduce food prices - despite countries like France intervening to help families with their grocery bills 

• Failed to reverse real terms Tory cuts to public sector pay for millions of workers 

Natalie Don MSP said: 

"This Tory budget is far too little, too late for the squeezed majority of households - and it shows why Scotland urgently needs the full powers of independence to boost incomes and grow our economy. 

"With UK energy bills, mortgages, rents and food prices soaring, the very limited measures in the Chancellor's statement won't touch the sides for most households who have seen their monthly costs go through the roof - and will still be hundreds of pounds worse off.

"This is yet another con trick from a Tory government that trashed the UK economy, failed to match the SNP government's council tax freeze and Scottish Child Payment - and has refused to devolve powers to the Scottish Parliament so the SNP can act where they won't.

"The UK economy is trapped in a vicious cycle of poor growth, stagnant wages and rising poverty as a result of Brexit and Tory cuts - but neither Rishi Sunak nor Keir Starmer will change course from the damaging Westminster policies that got the UK into this mess.

"Scotland needs the full powers of independence. Independent European countries like Scotland are wealthier and fairer than the UK - so the question is: why not Scotland?"

Natalie Don MSP welcomes £17,734,595 of Social Security Support in Renfrewshire

Natalie Don MSP has praised Social Security Scotland following news that it made £641 million in direct payments to people across Scotland, including £17,734,595 to people in Renfrewshire.

The payments were made between April 2022 and March 2023 and include 13 Scottish benefits, seven of which are new forms of support which are unavailable elsewhere in the UK. 

Among these payments is the Scottish Child Payment, now helping over 300,000 young people, and the new Winter Heating Payment which has helped almost 400,000 people on low incomes with their heating costs.  

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“The SNP Scottish Government is providing £17,734,595 of support to the most vulnerable households in Renfrewshire at a ti when many are feeling the full effects of the exorbitant cost of living.

“Since entering government in 2007, the SNP has built a welfare system based on dignity, fairness and respect, in stark contrast to the appallingly little support available from the DWP at Westminster.

“I am proud that Social Security Scotland continues to expand, with their 14th payment – the Carer Support Payment – about to be launched and the ground-breaking Scottish Child Payment continuing to help those who need it most.

“As long as the SNP are in government, people across Renfrewshire and beyond can trust that they will receive the money they are entitled to and will be supported in accessing the help that they need.” 

LABOUR NOT CLOSED OFF TO NHS PRIVITISATION

The SNP has called on the Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer to distance himself from comments made by his Shadow Health Secretary which threaten to allow private interests in the NHS under a Labour government.

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the i newspaper's podcast that Labour would "hold the door open" to private interests as part of the party's NHS reform plans.

Scotland's NHS has the highest per-capita funding of the UK nations - 10% higher than Tory-run England. Proportionally, almost £1.8 billion more is spent on frontline health services in Scotland compared to England, and almost £405 million more compared to Labour-run Wales.

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

“The comments made by Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary are deeply concerning as it shows that they are not truly committed to protecting our NHS from privatisation.

“Each day, it is becoming more difficult to distinguish Labour’s right-wing rhetoric from the Tories. Under the SNP, the Scottish NHS will always remain in public hands.

“However, only independence can get rid of Westminster governments for good - and guarantee that Scotland's health services will remain in free at the point of use in public hands.”

TORY AND LABOUR MPS REFUSE TO SUPPORT SNP’S AMENDMENT CALLING FOR A CEASEFIRE IN GAZA

Last week in the House of Commons, MPs had the opportunity to vote on the SNP’s amendment to the King’s Speech which called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The constant bombardment of Gaza has seen thousands of people being killed, injured and displaced. In addition, nearly two hundred remain held hostage by Hamas, including children and elderly.

There has been growing international momentum for an immediate ceasefire, with the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator to the Occupied Palestinian Territory appealing to all parties to the conflict, and to Member States with influence, to urgently agree to a humanitarian ceasefire.

The SNP’s amendment asked the UK to “join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire”.

However, Sir Keir Starmer shamefully ordered his MPs to stand alongside the Tories in refusing to support the calls for a ceasefire, which seen the amendment being blocked from passing.

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

“I am appalled that the majority of Tory and Labour MPs could not find the courage to join the SNP, the UN, and other international bodies in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Thousands of innocent people have been killed and injured, and it is beyond shameful that Sunak and Sir Starmer made the decision to be complicit and sit on their hands during these immense breaches of international law.

“The SNP will not stand by and support this and will continue to press for an immediate ceasefire.

“The public will not forget how their elected members have voted on this matter.”

SARWAR CHALLENGED ON LABOUR MSP'S HOLYROOD "STOPGAP" CLAIM

The leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Anas Sarwar, has been challenged on whether he agrees with his frontbench MSP that the Scottish Parliament’s only purpose is to mitigate Tory austerity.

In a bizarre intervention yesterday, Labour MSP Paul O'Kane asked "What is the point in this Parliament, Presiding Officer, if not to mitigate the policies of this Conservative government?".

This suggests that Labour believe that the only role of the Scottish Parliament is to spend time and money protecting the people of Scotland from the cruel policies made by the Tory UK Government.

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

“The comment made by Mr O’Kane shows a distinct lack of respect for devolution, and for the people he is meant to represent in the West of Scotland region.

“People elect MSPs to represent them in their national parliament, such as participating in debates, passing bills, and creating legislation – not to simply be a stopgap for Westminster governments.

“It is a sad state of affairs that Labour have drifted so far from their founding values under Starmer, that their frontbench in Holyrood have now become apologists for Tory austerity. Anas Sarwar must clarify whether his MSP’s acceptance of Tory austerity status quo is his party’s official position.”

NATALIE DON MSP MARKS CHILDREN’S GRIEF AWARENESS WEEK

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West and Scottish Government Minister for Children and Young People, Natalie Don, is marking Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2023.

This year’s theme, ‘The Shape of Your Support’, focuses on the people around a bereaved child or young person, beyond their friends or family, that can be there to support them through their grief.

A debate on Grief Awareness Week was led by Stuart McMillan MSP in the Scottish Parliament, which heard touching contributions from all parties across the chamber.

While closing the debate, Ms Don reflected on her own personal experience of losing her Dad at two years old, highlighting the lack of support that was available to her and her Mum at this time and the lasting impacts this has had.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“I thank Stuart McMillian MSP for bringing the debate to the Scottish Parliament to recognise Children’s Grief Awareness Week. This is a very important topic to me, given my own experience of childhood bereavement.

“The Scottish Government recognises that bereavement can affect many aspects of life, which is why a Cross Policy Bereavement Network has been set up to ensure there is a more joined up approach from Ministers, enabling more strategic government action and providing a single point of access for bereavement partners.

“The Scottish Government has also provided over £14 million each year to 115 organisations that provide invaluable support and guidance to children and their families that have lost a loved one.

“We also know that there is more to do, which is why the Scottish Government will continue to engage with and listen to the bereavement sector in order to provide a collaborative approach to supporting those who need it most.”

NEW FIGURES: SCOTLAND HAS LOWEST COUNCIL TAX EVERY YEAR FOR 16 YEARS UNDER SNP

New figures from the House of Commons Library show Scotland has had the lowest council tax for 16 years under an SNP government, when compared with England and Wales.

Whilst the average amount of council tax in Scotland has decreased by -7.1% (around £101) in real terms since the SNP came to power, in Labour run-Wales it has increased in real terms by 31.6% (around £445). In England under successive Tory and Labour governments, it has slightly increased.

Council tax is also cheaper in every Band (A-H) in Scotland, when compared with England and Wales, and will likely remain so given the Council Tax freeze the SNP Scottish Government has recently announced, which has not been replicated elsewhere in the UK.

The figures come after reports revealed the Labour Party’s ‘shocking’ plans to raise council tax by 32% in East Lothian, which has been stopped in its tracks by the SNP’s council tax freeze.

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

“These figures show that only the SNP can be trusted to support people during this Tory-made cost of living crisis.

“Whilst the average amount of council tax in Scotland has decreased since the SNP came to power, in Labour-run Wales it has gone up by hundreds of pounds, and in England, the Tories have done nothing to try to bring it down.

“On top of this, it has been revealed that Labour were planning to hike council tax by hundreds of pounds for residents in East Lothian before the SNP brought in the council tax freeze, showing just how out-of-touch Keir Starmer’s party are.

“Whilst Labour and the Tories support damaging policies like Brexit, NHS privatisation and welfare cuts the, SNP Scottish Government is saving families thousands of pounds through the council tax freeze, Scottish Child Payment and other policies that are helping to keep money in people’s pockets.”

NATALIE DON MSP SHOWS SUPPORT FOR CAREERS WEEK 2023

The annual Scottish Careers Week campaign has returned from the 13th to 17th November 2023.

Delivered by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the national skills agency, and a range of other local and national partners, the week aims to shine a light on the support and advice that is available to people of all ages in Scotland, allowing everyone to understand and manage their career choices and shape their future.

With cost-of-living pressures, the climate emergency, an ageing population, and advancing technologies all changing how we work and the type of work we do – it’s never been more important for people to access and understand the opportunities out there, and the support available to them.

My World of Work are hosting a range of online and in-person throughout the week for people to get involved in: https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/news-events?type=careerweekevents

A social media campaign is also running, encouraging people to share stories of their unique career journey with the hashtag #ScotCareersWeek23.

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

“I am delighted to support Careers Week 2023, which highlights various opportunities for young people, parents and carers, and adults to learn about the future of jobs, growth industries and what skills will be needed in the workplace of the future.

“There is truly no wrong path, and I would encourage anyone needing assistance to use the support and services available in Renfrewshire:

“Skills Development Scotland: https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/local-national-work/renfrewshire

“Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau: https://www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk/”

£641 MILLION IN SOCIAL SECURITY SCOTLAND SUPPORT PAID LAST YEAR

Social Security Scotland has published its Annual Report and Accounts, which show that it made £641 million in direct payments to people across Scotland from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.  

The payments were made across 13 Scottish benefits, seven of which are completely new forms of support not available anywhere else in the UK.  

This includes the Scottish Child Payment which has been extended to eligible children under the age of 16. More than 300,000 young people are now receiving this payment.

The payments also include the new Winter Heating Payment, which has helped almost 400,000 people on low incomes with their heating costs.  

The results of an annual survey of clients have also been published, showing that 93% of people who had been in contact with Social Security Scotland felt they had been treated with kindness. 

Among those who responded to the survey, 97% said they had received their benefit payments when Social Security Scotland said they would and 90% said their experience with staff was ‘very good’ or ‘good’. A further 90% said staff listened to them and 89% felt they were treated with respect. 

In total, the combination of direct payments made by Social Security Scotland and those paid through Agency Agreements with the Department for Work and Pensions saw the Scottish Government invest £4.04 billion in benefits across Scotland.

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

“I am glad that the Scottish Government is supporting families in Renfrewshire at a time where they are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and higher energy bills. Social Security Scotland now delivers 13 benefits, seven of which are only available in Scotland and are delivering these payments while treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect.  

“The Scottish Government’s decision to expand the Scottish Child Payment to all eligible young people under the age of 16 and increase the payment to £25 per week means the government is supporting over 10,300 children in here Renfrewshire, with £11,450,080 having been paid out by June 2023. Across the whole of Scotland, over 316,000 are benefitting from the payment.

“As the Scottish Government prepares to launch Carer Support Payment, their 14th benefit, they are committed to making sure that people get the money they are entitled to and that people who are eligible know how to apply for payments.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes Book Week Scotland

“Book Week Scotland is a great annual event celebrating books and reading,” said Natalie Don MSP commenting on the start of Book Week Scotland which runs from the 13th – 19th November.

Book Week Scotland, now celebrating its twelfth year, aims to promote the importance of books and reading.  As well as a number of events all across Scotland including authors readings and events for younger readers, the Scottish Book Trust produces a free book made up of true stories from people all over Scotland. This year around 70,000 copies of this year’s book will be distributed around the country. 

Natalie Don MSP added:

“During Book Week, people of all ages and walks of life come together to share the joy of reading.  This is a great opportunity to celebrate reading and all the benefits that come with it for both children and adults.

“Each year the Scottish Book Trust produces a free book, written by people from all over the country.  The theme of this year’s book is adventure, with the Scottish Book Trust narrowing down all the stories sent to them into one small book.

“I have a limited supply of this free book available for constituents or book groups within my constituency of Renfrewshire North and West.  If anyone would like a copy of this book, please contact my office.

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

SNP MSP NATALIE DON WELCOMES NEW ROUND OF SUPPORT FOR SCOTTISH ENTREPRENEURS IN RENFREWSHIRE

Local MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has welcomed £54,800 of SNP Scottish Government funding for local projects that foster entrepreneurship. 

Scotpreneur - Entrepreneurial Voices in Renfrewshire is set to receive £42,850, and the University of West of Scotland’s Academic Entrepreneurs will also benefit from £11,950 of funding.

This latest round of funding will help people from under-represented backgrounds start their own businesses and nurture new companies. There will also be funding to help women and other priority groups become entrepreneurs and access support. 

The Ecosystem Fund will provide a total of £1.6 million to 42 recipients, while the Pre-Start Pathways Fund will support 20 projects with £1.3 million.  

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

“I am delighted that this latest round of SNP Scottish Government support for entrepreneurial talent is investing a total of £54,800 towards local projects in Renfrewshire.

“These funds will unlock enormous potential in budding sectors of our economy, helping Scots to utilise their talents and easing financial pressures for those hit hardest by the ongoing cost of living crisis. 

“It is the SNP’s mission to foster an entrepreneurial climate built on the three pillars of equality, opportunity and community, and this fund is an important step towards making that a reality in communities like Renfrewshire.” 

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S NEW BSL ACTION PLAN

Actions to help improve the lives of British Sign Language (BSL) users have been published as part of ongoing work to make Scotland the best place to live, work and visit for people that use the language.

The BSL National Plan 2023-29 has made 45 commitments aimed at tackling barriers faced by BSL users by embedding the language across health, education, transport, culture and employment.

Commitments made include:

-          building the right partnerships and connections to ensure deaf and deafblind children and their families can access BSL support at an early stage

-          improving accessibility to arts and culture events, in addition to promoting BSL culture

-          working with Transport Scotland and transport operators on solutions to make public transport easier to use for BSL users

-          improving accessibility of the Scottish Government website for BSL user

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

“I welcome this plan from the Scottish Government which recognises how important BSL is to the lives of many people and aims to make Scotland the best place in the world for BSL users to visit and live in.

“These 45 commitments will improve access to vital services and provide more opportunities for BSL users to contribute further to Scotland’s economy, culture and communities.

“The BSL community should be at heart of our decision-making process in this area, which is why the Scottish Government will also establish a BSL National Plan Implementation Advisory Group, to ensure that the views of the community are properly represented.”

MIGRATION IN AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND

Scotland would benefit from the creation of a migration system that could boost the economy and better meet the country’s needs, according to a new paper on independence published by Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville.

‘Migration to Scotland after independence’, the sixth paper in the Building a New Scotland series, sets out the Scottish Government’s proposals for how migration and asylum could work in an independent Scotland.

The proposals include new visa routes to make it easier for people to live, work, study and invest in Scotland, to support population growth in rural and island areas and key economic sectors such as tourism and hospitality.

Asylum and migration policy would also be overhauled from the current UK system, with people seeking asylum given the right to work and access employability services, to help integration and address key labour market shortages.

The paper also includes details on a simplified immigration system with lower fees and new public agencies to manage how migration and citizenship systems would operate, in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to re-join the EU as an independent nation.

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

“I welcome this paper from the Scottish Government, which sets out how independence can offer the opportunity to ensure that asylum and migration policy is set according to Scotland’s needs, so that Scotland can thrive.

“Unlike other UK nations, Scotland’s population is set to fall, which means fewer people working, paying taxes and contributing to public services like the NHS. However, Scotland remains subject to the inhumane and hostile approach of the UK government, which is damaging to our economy and does not work for the distinct needs of our population.

“With independence, we would have control over migration policy which would help Scotland grow its overall and its working population. We would also have the chance to again welcome fellow EU citizens through re-joining the European Union, bringing back the benefits free movement in Europe.

“Ultimately, we would be able to create a fairer system enshrined in dignity and respect, welcoming everyone and anyone who wants to make Scotland their home.”