New Figures show Scotland closing the Gender Pay Gap faster than the rest of the UK

Scotland continues to lead the way in equal pay.

Scotland is expected to close the gender pay gap at twice the rate of the rest of the UK, as figures reveal that the gender pay gap between men and women is lower in Scotland is almost half that of the rest of the UK.

According to figures from the SPICe, between April 2022 and April 2023, the gender pay gap for median gross hourly earnings (excluding overtime and the self-employed) was 8.7% in Scotland and 14.3% across the UK.

SPICe also calculated, using the three-year rolling average over the last five years, that it will take 10.8 years to close Scotland’s gender pay gap. In the UK, this is expected to take 20.9 years, with the gap widening in the last year.

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

“It is extremely encouraging to see that Scotland is leading the way in equal pay in the UK.

“In this day and age, it is beyond disappointing that many employers still fall short of equal pay, and that women are undervalued and underpaid compared with men in exactly the same roles.

“I welcome the Scottish Government’s action to address the structural inequalities that contribute to sustaining the gender pay gap, such as expanding free early years provision and its Women Returners’ scheme.

“There is still much work to be done before we see a true zero gender pay gap in Scotland. I would encourage all employers in Renfrewshire, and across Scotland, to ensure their employees are paid fairly and equally, and to look at how they can provide the conditions women workers need to excel.”

£1.4 Billion of Support paid by Social Security Scotland: Figures reveal almost four-fold increase in spend on last year

The SNP has revealed that Social Security Scotland has paid out £1.4 billion directly to those who need support since it was established in 2018, with a record £641 million directly administered in the last year alone.

Since its foundation, Scotland’s social security agency has paid out £381.7 million in Scottish Child Payments; £8.9 million in Best Start Grants and £29.5 million in Best Start Foods Payments. It has also issued £311.7 million in Child Disability Payments and £255.6 million in Carers’ Allowance Supplement.

In the last year alone, parents have been supported by £33.4 million in Best Start Grants and Best Start Food payments, receiving £213.2m in Scottish Child Payments while Carers across Scotland have benefitted from £33.9m of support from the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Social Security Scotland has paid out £1.4 billion directly to those who need support

Countries of a similar size to Scotland are fairer and wealthier than the UK, which begs the question – why not Scotland?

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

“I am proud that the SNP Scottish Government has built a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect, and continues to expand provision from Social Security Scotland to support all those who need it.

“Here in Renfrewshire alone, £17,734,595 of support was paid out between April 2022 and March 2023 to the most vulnerable households at a time when many are feeling the full effects of the exorbitant cost of living.

“Scotland’s fundamentally different approach to Westminster ensures that support is readily available to those in need, including fourteen social security payments – seven of which are unique to Scotland such as the ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment.

“These payments have seen Scotland take huge strides towards tackling poverty; however the Scottish Government is acting with one hand tied behind its back while Westminster inflicts further benefit cuts on those who are struggling.

“It is imperative that we build on the progress we have made and build a country rooted in fairness and equality, and the only way we can do that is with the full powers of an independent country.

“Countries of a similar size to Scotland are fairer and wealthier than the UK, which begs the question – why not Scotland?”

Independence Living Fund Re-Opens for new Applicants

The Independent Living Fund, which supports disabled people in Scotland, is to reopen to new applicants after receiving £9 million investment as part of the 2024-25 Scottish Budget.

The funding forms part of the £19.5 billion budget for NHS recovery, health and social care and will support around 1,000 new applicants.

The initiative was closed to new applicants by the UK Government in 2010, with payments to the 3,000 existing recipients taken over by the Scottish Government in 2015. Scottish Ministers committed to reopening the fund in September as part of the Programme for Government.

The health and social care budget also includes £13.2 billion for frontline NHS Boards – a real terms uplift, with additional investment of more than half a billion pounds. Funding for social care next year will be over £1 billion higher than in 2021-22. The health increase is more than the total block grant consequentials announced in the autumn statement which means that resource funding for health and social care has more than doubled since 2006-07.

Independence Living Fund Re-Opens for New Applicants

This will help more disabled people in Scotland to lead full and independent lives

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

“I very much welcome this move from the Scottish Government which will be able to help more disabled people in Scotland to lead full and independent lives as part of our continued support for social care services.

“We are investing in the development of the National Care Service so that everyone in Renfrewshire has access to consistently high-quality social care, whenever they need it. This will help to remove barriers, tackle inequalities and allow people choice – as well as easing the pressure on Scotland’s NHS and continuing the integration of community health and social care support.

“This also builds on our other commitments in this sector including an £840 million increase in funding for social care over the life of the Parliament and an additional £230 million to support a pay uplift for social care workers to a minimum of £12 an hour. 

“The Budget provides funding of more than £19.5 billion – protecting health and social care delivery in the face of unprecedented fiscal pressure. However, despite this investment, hard choices along with greater efficiencies and savings will need to be made. This is because the Scotland’s healthcare system is under extreme pressure from the ongoing impacts of Covid, Brexit, inflation and UK Government spending decisions.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES APPROVAL OF PLANNING APPLICATION FOR NEW HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE FACILITY AT DARGAVEL

Plans for a new health and social care facility in the Dargavel area took a further step forward this week as the planning application was approved by Renfrewshire Council. Once operational, the new facility will provide additional capacity for the existing GP Practice and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to address the needs of local communities over coming years.

The new facility has been designed to accommodate projections of future population growth for the area. This has been tested against the most recent, independent projection of local population growth, which includes changes to the original planned house numbers in the area. Together with the existing Health Centre in Bishopton, which was refurbished in 2022 to add to its capacity, these two facilities will make best use of the primary care estate within the local area.

This is a significant milestone for the project, which will now enter the next phase of its development. A more comprehensive timeline is being developed, which will be refined once technical details and building warrants have been agreed - but it is currently projected that construction of the new facility will begin in Spring 2024. 

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

“I very much welcome this positive development towards an exciting new Health and Social Care Facility in Dargavel.

“The centre has been designed to accommodate the current projected population increase in the area, with flexibility built in so that it can be further extended if required.

“Residents can keep up with updates on the progress on the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership website: https://www.renfrewshire.hscp.scot/article/12956/Bishopton-and-Dargavel---Public-Information-Hub”.

AROUND 850,000 SCOTTISH HOUSEHOLDS IN FUEL POVERTY DESPITE ENERGY RESOURCES – SCOTLAND HAS THE ENERGY, WE JUST NEED THE POWERS

On Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, the SNP has demanded the Westminster government devolve energy powers to Holyrood, after repeated failures to act have left an estimated 850,000 Scottish households in fuel poverty.

Figures from National Energy Action (NEA) show that 34% (around 850,000) of households in Scotland are currently living in fuel poverty, and 23% (over half a million) are living in extreme fuel poverty - despite being an energy rich country.

These figures come almost exactly a month after it was revealed that the three constituencies facing the highest average increase in energy bills are in Scotland.

Polling by the NEA also revealed that:

·       Of the 49% UK adults that had turned their heating off even though it was cold outside over the last three months, Scots were more likely to say they had done so.

·       Of the 41% UK prepayment customers who were self disconnected over the last three months, Scottish households with prepayment meters were more likely to say they had done so.

·       Of the 43% of UK adults who had gone to bed to stay warm over the last three months, Scots were more likely to say they had done so.

Scotland produces six times more gas than it consumes and two thirds of its electricity comes from renewable sources in Scotland.

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

“It is frightening that 850,000 households in Scotland are sadly living in fuel poverty in 2023. Scotland is an energy rich country with natural resources in abundance, so this should not be the case.

“These statistics are the consequence of decades of failed energy policy from Westminster governments we haven’t voted for. For too long the UK Treasury has raked in the profits that Scotland's natural resources have generated, while seeing nothing in return.

“We saw it again with the recent autumn statement – the Westminster government failed to use the profits to give families in Renfrewshire, and the rest of Scotland, a £400 energy rebate. If Westminster won’t act, it must devolve energy and welfare powers to Scotland so we can.

“Only with the full powers of independence can Scotland chart its own course to green growth in the wider European market. Scotland has the energy, we just need the powers.”

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/”