RENTERS REMINDED OF RIGHTS BEFORE RENT CAP ENDS

TENANTS RIGHTS IN SCOTLAND CONTINUE TO BE THE STRONGEST IN THE UK

Private renters in Renfrewshire are being urged to know their rights before the emergency rent cap and additional evictions protections in Scotland come to an end from 1 April.

Tenants in Scotland have some of the strongest rights of any part of the UK, an awareness raising campaign will highlight those rights and what tenants should expect from their landlords, including:

• the right to ask for a review of a rent increase

• protection from illegal evictions or being asked to leave a property without proper notice

• a landlord giving a tenant the correct notice period before increasing rent

• ensuring rented homes are maintained to an acceptable standard

Natalie Don MSP

Tenants and landlords are also reminded that the emergency rent cap is still in place until 1 April, so all rent increase notices for private residential tenancies issued before then must still comply with the current cap of 3%. Rent increases proposed after that date still need to give 3 months’ notice, and tenants can seek a review of increases they are concerned about.

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

“The Scottish Government’s emergency legislation has led the way in the UK in capping most in-tenancy rent increases, protecting tenants across Scotland from the worst impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.

“The emergency nature of the legislation, which was approved by the Scottish Parliament, means the rent cap cannot be extended beyond 31 March. However, tenants in Renfrewshire should be aware that they still have significant rights from before the emergency act, and the government has made use of powers to make sure any rent rises are more manageable.

“Subject to parliamentary approval, the system of checking rent rises will be adjusted from 1 April so that rents are not simply jumping to market levels in all cases in one step.   

“I would encourage anyone across the Renfrewshire North and West constituency who is currently renting or about to enter the rental market to check the rights that exist to protect them from unfair practices.”

FREE COURT TRANSCRIPTS FOR RAPE VICTIMS

Victims in rape and serious sexual assault cases in Scotland will be the first in the UK to have access to transcripts from their court cases free of charge.

The year-long pilot, commencing this week, will see those whose cases are heard in the High Court be eligible to apply for transcripts of what was said in court.

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

“I very much welcome this step from the Scottish Government which will help to ensure that we have a trauma-informed justice system, helping to support survivors of rape and serious sexual assaults.

“Many survivors in Scotland have shared their experiences of the court process, stating that it can be very traumatic and it can be difficult to take in what is said in court at the time. Being able to obtain transcripts, where they can go over exactly what was said in court in their own time, can help their recovery.

“Survivors have reported that the costs of paying for transcripts can be prohibitive, so the Scottish Government’s pilot will provide £100,000 funding for court transcripts in these High Court cases. They will also continue to work with the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service to see how the application of new technology might help minimise the cost of producing transcripts for all those who wish to access them.

“I hope that the pilot, along with the proposed reforms in the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, will help to improve sexual offence victims’ experience of the justice system so they can have confidence in it.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes funding to reduce health inequalities

£66,000 will go to Thrive under Five to support work to reduce child obesity.

Natalie Don MSP has said that new Scottish Government funding for projects which work with families to reduce obesity and health inequalities will make a tangible difference to the lives of children in Renfrewshire North & West.

Ten projects across Scotland – including Thrive under Five – will be allocated a share of £538,141 for work to reduce obesity in children. This coincides with the ‘HENRY - Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme which helps parents and carers provide a healthier, happier start in life to children under five.

Reducing Health Inequalities

By reducing inequalities and enabling families to make better food choices we can make a real difference to the next generation and embed health habits that will last a lifetime.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Childhood obesity has huge, life-long implications for those suffering from it and for our NHS, however the rising cost of living has exacerbated food insecurity for many families in Renfrewshire North & West.

“That is why the preventative work and support offered by Thrive under Five is so important; ensuring that Renfrewshire North & West’s children have the best start in life and taking use one step closer to achieving the Scottish Government’s ambitious goal of halving childhood obesity by 2030.

“By reducing inequalities and enabling families to make better food choices we can make a real difference to the next generation and embed health habits that will last a lifetime.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES FUND TO MAKE COURT TRANSCRIPTS FREELY AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the Scottish Government pilot scheme to improve access to justice which will see victims of rape and serious sexual assault able to access transcripts from their court cases for free.

From 1st March 2024 to 1st March 2025, £100,000 of funding will enable complainers who have had their cases heard in the High Court to apply for the transcripts of what was said in their court cases, free of charge.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“For those in Renfrewshire North & West who are victims of sexual assault or rape, this pilot will greatly improve transparency and fairness in the process of achieving retribution.

“I pay tribute to those in my constituency and beyond who have campaigned for greater fairness and accountability in the process of achieving justice – something that can always be improved.

“The scheme, along with the proposed Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill are designed to improve victims’ experience and increase confidence in the justice system.

“I am pleased to see this SNP Government removing barriers to justice for victims of sexual assault, and I encourage all those in Renfrewshire North & West who are able to do so to make full use of this pilot fund.”

20,000 can get Best Start Foods for the first time

“This rule change means an estimated 20,000 more people being able to access money to help with the cost of food shopping”, said Natalie Don MSP.

Changes to a key Scottish Government benefit will see an estimated 20,000 people able to access money to help with the cost of food shopping for the first time.  Rule changes around eligibility for Best Start Foods came into force from Monday 26th February extending eligibility by making it easier to qualify.

Best Start Foods, which was paid to more than 46,000 people in 2022/23, is money every four weeks to help pay for healthy food from pregnancy until a child turns three.  It’s delivered on a pre-paid chip and pin card which can be used in most stores and online.

Before the changes it was paid to people who receive qualifying benefits as long as their incomes did not pass certain limits. Those income thresholds have now been removed in a move which means thousands more will be able to successfully apply for a card.  Other rule changes have made it simpler for eligible young parents to receive the benefit.

Improving Access to Best Start Foods

This investment allows us to take positive measures such as giving critical help with buying healthy foods to those who need it most.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“This is an important move by the Scottish Government.  In 2024/25 we are committing a record £6.3billion for benefits expenditure, supporting over 1.2 million people to help tackle poverty.

“This is £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security, demonstrating our commitment to tackling poverty.

“This investment allows us to take positive measures such as giving critical help with buying healthy foods to those who need it most.

“It will also further benefit the whole economy when cards are used and the cash is spent.”

HOME INSURANCE REMAINS HIGHER IN BROKEN BREXIT BRITAIN THAN IN EU NEIGHBOUR COUNTRIES

New research shows that home insurance costs have significantly increased in the UK post-Brexit and have remained higher than our European Union neighbours ever since.

Research commissioned by the SNP from the House of Commons library shows home insurance prices have risen faster in the UK than the EU average since 2015. Since 2015 EU home insurance prices have risen by less than a fifth, but in the same period UK home insurance prices have risen by nearly a third.

Previous analysis from the SNP found that between January 2022 and May 2023, UK home insurance inflation has risen sharply to an average of 17.9%.

In contrast, the inflation rate during the exact same period in neighbouring EU countries remained far lower - in France it averaged only 2.8%, and in Germany inflation on home insurance actually fell by an average of 2.6%.

EY UK reported that the UK home insurance market experienced its worst performing year on record in 2022, with further losses expected across 2023 and 2024 - as a result consumer premium prices are set to rise 17% this year (on average £43 per policy), and a further 16% in 2024 (£44 per policy).

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

“As a result of broken Brexit Britain, the UK is being hit harder by inflation than our nearest European neighbours and it is ordinary working households in Renfrewshire and beyond that are paying the price.

“The UK Tory government have crashed the economy, dragged Scotland out of the EU and exacerbated the cost of living crisis. The blame for rising home insurance costs lies squarely at the door of number 10 and the slew of Tory Prime Ministers we’ve had since 2010, none of which Scotland voted for.

“Only by voting for the SNP at the next General Election can we guarantee a Tory free Scotland, alongside enabling us to build a fairer, more successful and equal economy that works for all.”

SCOTTISH GOVERNENT SUPPORTING STUDENTS OVER SUMMER

Higher education students can apply to spread their student financial support package over a 12-month period for the first time this coming academic year.

The year-long package of support will be available for eligible undergraduate students from August 2024. The change will ensure that payments of relevant student loans and bursaries can continue through the summer months. This follows a successful two-year programme, which saw care experienced students being given the option of 12-month support.

Care-Experienced students will continue to receive additional support for their living costs under the Summer Accommodation Grant from Summer 2024. Students eligible for the grant - which will replace the Care-Experienced Accommodation Grant - will be entitled to a payment of up to £1,330 to help ensure they do not fall into rent arrears over the summer.

These changes will coincide with the £2,400 increase to the annual support package, which sees the main undergraduate funding package rise up to £11,400.

Supporting Students over Summer

Throughout my own time in university, I also campaigned on this issue as I felt the impacts of the lack of support myself. 

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

“I know that the summer months can be a difficult period for learners when their SAAS payments stop – not all students are able to rely on their parents, and not everyone has the access to work and training opportunities due to financial barriers and caring responsibilities.

“Throughout my own time in university, I also campaigned on this issue as I felt the impacts of the lack of support myself. 

“This change will ensure that learners can access the vital funds they need the whole year round and is on top of increased financial support for Scottish students, with the main undergraduate funding package now in line with the Living Wage.

“It is also another example of the actions being taken by the Scottish Government to support students through the cost-of-living crisis. Scotland already has the lowest student debt levels in the UK, which is thanks to our commitment to free tuition and our enhanced student support offering.

“We are seeing a record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived areas applying to study at university, so action like this from the Scottish Government is essential to ensure that they are supported to succeed in their studies. It will help to further break down barriers and ensure that access to our world-class institutions is not denied to anyone across Renfrewshire, whatever their background.”

RENFREWSHIRE CITIZEN’S ADVICE BENEFITTING FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO HELP TACKLE COUNCIL TAX DEBT

Extra help for people struggling with council tax debt will be on offer in three local authority areas, including Renfrewshire, under a pilot scheme.

The Scottish Government is providing Citizens Advice Scotland with £200,000 funding to better understand the reasons why some people end up in council tax arrears and to work collaboratively with local councils to help reduce and prevent council tax debt in future.

Citizen’s Advice Bureaux in Renfrewshire, Clackmannanshire and the Scottish Borders will test different ways of working including:

-              Providing targeted support to individuals facing council tax debt

-              Simplifying the referral processes between councils and advice services

-              Organising mutual training sessions for council and Citizens Advice staff

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

“The SNP Scottish Government know many people are struggling with the cost of living crisis , which is why we are targeting resources at those most in need.

“Council tax debt is a significant issue and one that particularly affects the most vulnerable. The three Bureaux involved in these pilots, including Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice, have established relationships with their local authorities. This funding will help build on those connections to support individuals tackle problem debt and also provide valuable learning on how public sector debt can best be managed.

“Advice services are critical to our communities, supporting people to understand their rights and entitlements, maximising incomes and helping to reduce poverty. I am glad that the Scottish Government will invest more than £12.5 million in a range of advice services providing free income maximisation, welfare and debt advice.”

SNP BUDGET PRIORITISES REDUCING INEQUALITY

BUDGET BILL PASSES FIRST STAGE

Plans to target funding at the Scottish Government’s key missions amid an “extremely challenging” financial situation have been endorsed by the Scottish Parliament.

MSPs have voted for the general principles of the Scottish Budget Bill, which prioritises tackling the cost of living crisis and reducing inequality through record social security funding. 

Among other priorities, the Budget includes:

• £6.3 billion for social security benefits, which will all be increased in line with inflation. This is £1.1 billion more than the funding received from the UK Government for social security, demonstrating the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling poverty.

• £13.2 billion for frontline NHS boards, with additional investment of more than half a billion – an uplift of over 4%.

• Record funding of more than £14 billion for local government, including £144 million to enable local authorities to freeze Council Tax rates at their current levels.

• More than £1.5 billion for policing to support frontline services and key priorities such as body-worn cameras, as well as nearly £400 million to support the fire service.

• £200 million to help tackle the poverty-related attainment gap, up to £1.5 million to cancel school meal debt and almost £390 million to protect teacher numbers and fund the teacher pay deal.

• Almost £2.5 billion for public transport to provide viable alternatives to car use and increased investment of £220 million in active travel to promote walking, wheeling and cycling.

SNP Budget Passes First Stage

While cruel Westminster policies such as the Tory-implemented and Labour-backed two child cap hammer struggling households - the SNP is doing everything possible to stand up for and support people in Renfrewshire North and West and beyond.

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

“I am pleased that once again, the SNP Scottish Government is investing in the people of Scotland and tackling poverty through investment of £6.3 billion in social security support, over £1 billion more than the Scottish Government receives from the UK government through block grant adjustments, to support over 1.2 million people.

"Social Security Scotland support goes directly to low income households and disadvantaged communities - including £457 million for the game-changing Scottish Child Payment which now reaches over 320,000 families. 

“The record spend on our social security system ensures that low-income families are supported through the Westminster cost of living crisis, older people are able to heat their homes over winter and disabled people are enabled to live full and independent lives. 

"While cruel Westminster policies such as the Tory-implemented and Labour-backed two child cap hammer struggling households - the SNP is doing everything possible to stand up for and support people in Renfrewshire North and West and beyond."

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PROMOTING EQUALITY IN SCHOOLS

Around 20,000 pupils are expected to benefit from anti-racism and equality projects based in school libraries across Scotland.

A total of 21 schools will be awarded a share of £200,000 from the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

£19,734 will be shared amongst 10 schools in Glasgow and Renfrewshire towards their Library Young Team initiative.

£23,350 will also be distributed across schools in Inverclyde to teach pupils Black, Asian and minority ethnic history as part of learning on historical links to slavery in Inverclyde

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

“School libraries play a key role in the Scottish Government’s efforts to further boost literacy and continue improving attainment, but they are also places where positive values can be developed and celebrated.

“Projects across the Renfrewshire North and West constituency supported by this funding will help young people to understand the harmful consequences of racism and ensure they feel empowered to challenge discrimination.

“Scotland’s school libraries help accelerate education and learning, ensuring every young person has the chance to fulfil their potential by enabling access to information and creative opportunities. This funding will help ensure that people from all backgrounds feel the full benefits.”

SNP ACTION SEES RECORD LEVELS OF GREEN ENERGY

113% OF SCOTLAND’S ENERGY GENERATED FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES

Scotland is punching well above its weight when it comes to tackling the global climate crisis as new figures from the Scottish Government have revealed that 113% of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption in 2022 was generated from renewable sources.

Representing a 26 percentage point increase from 2021, the SNP has said this shows a significant step towards the Scottish Government’s goal of making Scotland a Net Zero nation.

In contrast, just months ago the UK Tory government sanctioned a series of U-turns on its own climate commitments, which doesn’t only put the UK woefully behind it its own climate targets, but will have a drag effect on Scotland’s journey towards a just transition.

Reports have also suggested that, under Keir Starmer, a Labour UK government would scrap its pledge of £28bn worth of green investment each year – threatening Scotland’s energy security, economic growth and potential for a new skilled workforce.

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

“The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity, and it is important that governments are doing all they can to tackle it.

SNP action sees record levels of Green Energy

These figures show that Scotland has the resources and the ambition to be fully self-sufficient in renewable energy as an independent country.

“I welcome these new statistics which show Scotland is punching well above its weight in delivering on its renewable energy targets. Under the SNP, Scotland is taking the global climate emergency seriously – unlike the talking heads in Westminster.

“Scotland is a renewable energy powerhouse and there is a global energy race to Net Zero - if the UK takes us out of that race the damage will be catastrophic, with far reaching consequences.

“These figures show that Scotland has the resources and the ambition to be fully self-sufficient in renewable energy as an independent country – but this momentum will be wasted under any Tory or Labour UK government, who have both watered down their own climate commitments so much, the time to act is slipping through our fingers.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES CONTINUING RENT PROTECTION FOR PRIVATE TENANTS

Regulations to protect tenants concerned about rent increases following the ending of the emergency rent cap have been laid in the Scottish Parliament.

From 1 April onwards, subject to parliamentary approval, the process for rent adjudication will temporarily be modified for one year.

This will enable challenges to rent increases on the basis of open market rent, as well as a maximum ‘reasonable’ increase to be defined by reference to a new ‘taper’ that supports a transition away from the cap. The government will also introduce a Housing Bill later this year, which is expected to establish a longer-term rent control system.

Any tenant who wishes to dispute a rent increase notice can apply for rent adjudication. In such cases, Rent Service Scotland or the First-tier Tribunal will set rent based on the lowest of the following three figures:

• the open market rate

• the rent requested by the landlord

• and a comparator based on the difference between the market rate and current rent

Rent Protection for Private Tenants

The Scottish Government is committed to bringing in a long-term system of rent controls and creating new rights for tenants through the forthcoming Housing Bill.

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

“The Scottish Government’s emergency legislation, which capped in-tenancy rent increases and protected tenants across Scotland, led the way in protecting people from the from the worst impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.

“As final deadline for these temporary measures approaches, the Scottish Government is continuing to put power into the hands of tenants, reducing rent increases and giving more certainty to those who are struggling.

“From the 1st February, the Scottish Government is proposing temporary changes to the way rents are decided when tenants challenge a rent increase to provide a level of protection for private tenants which remains far greater than anywhere else in the UK. It will also enable landlords to react to an increase in costs and reinvest in our private rented sector.

“This follows the significant progress made by the SNP in government, which has delivered 126,396 affordable homes since 2007 – over 40% more per head of population than in England – while making Scotland the fairest place to rent in the UK after the introduction of Private Residential Tenancies in 2017 with the very limited powers it has.

“At the same time, the Scottish Government is committed to bringing in a long-term system of rent controls and creating new rights for tenants through the forthcoming Housing Bill.

“This stands in stark contrast to Westminster’s antics, which have resulted in austerity, Brexit and a cost of living crisis – all of which have put huge strain on household budgets across Scotland.

“Under the SNP, Scotland’s values of fairness, equality and prosperity are reflected in government, and those impacted by damaging Westminster policies will always be protected and empowered.”

UK Economic Recession highlights the failure of Tory economic policies

“It’s now official, the UK economy is in recession, further highlighting the incompetence of Tory economic policies,” said Natalie Don MSP.

A recession occurs when a countries economic growth is in reverse.  This follows the recent 40-year high inflation rate which has seen mortgages, food and energy prices rising rapidly. Although inflation has now fallen, food and energy prices are still rising – but only at a slower rate than before – putting more pressure on hard pressed households during this ongoing Tory Cost of Living Crisis. 

Some analysts such as Professor Richard Murphy have highlighted that the Tory economic policies of austerity, tax cuts and high interest rates have promoted everything that creates a recession.

UK’s recession highlights Tory Economic Failure

Scotland’s potential is wasted by the Westminster parties and their flawed economic policies.  We need to grow our economy to create a greener, wealthier and fairer economy for our future but that can only come with Independence.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“It is clear that the Tories are incompetent when it comes to delivering economic growth and a strong economy.  Along with the disaster of Brexit, all their policies have enriched their supporters – such as the lifting of the cap of bankers’ bonuses and the VIP lane for dodgy Covid contracts – to the detriment of everyone else.

“The Tory UK Government had boasted about growing the UK economy but instead they introduced policies such as tax cuts, austerity and high interest rates which helped to deliver this recession.

“It is also clear that the Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer are also planning to follow Tory economic policies – having recently ditched their £28billion plan to boost the green economy and agreeing to lifting the cap on bankers’ bonuses.

“Scotland’s potential is wasted by the Westminster parties and their flawed economic policies.  We need to grow our economy to create a greener, wealthier and fairer economy for our future but that can only come with Independence.”

ANALYSIS SHOWS HOUSEHOLDS IN SCOTLAND ARE THOUSANDS BETTER OFF

Opposition party claims that Scots would move to England because of the SNP's budget are exposed as new analysis conducted by the SNP has revealed that people choosing to live in Scotland are significantly better off than those living in England.

Findings show that average house prices in England are £306,000 compared to £191,000 in Scotland. This would result in yearly mortgage repayment up to £22,392 compared to £13,980 in Scotland - a difference of £8,412.

For London, where Labour has claimed people would move, would see an even worse outcome. The average house price in London is now at £516,000 which would result in a yearly mortgage repayment of over £37,764 - a staggering £23,784 difference.

Plus purchasing a property in England would also incur significant stamp duty charges of an average of £2,800 for England and £13,300 in London.

Choosing to live in Scotland also ensures:

-              Free prescriptions – the average Scot receives 19 prescriptions per year, saving £183.35.

-              Lower council tax – the average Band D rate in Scotland is £648 lower than England.

-              Free tuition – a saving of over £9,000 for each year of study.

-              Access to the baby box – providing essential items for the first six months of a child’s life.

-              Free personal and nursing care for everyone who needs it.

-              Free bus travel for over 2 million people in Scotland.

-              Support from Social Security Scotland – ensuring 1.2 million people get the assistance they need, including 7 benefits unique to Scotland such as the Scottish Child Payment.

Households in Scotland are Better Off

Despite significant financial pressures caused by Westminster economic chaos and cuts, the SNP Government is continuing to do everything possible to make Scotland a fairer, equal and more prosperous country to live in

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

“Whilst Westminster parties encourage people in Scotland to move to England, these figures lay bare exactly how beneficial it is to live, work and raise a family in Scotland.

“With lower mortgage prices and the SNP Government’s council tax freeze, being a homeowner in Scotland is significantly more financially rewarding than in England – with household budgets potentially thousands of pounds better off.

“Free tuition and prescriptions, access to the baby box and support from Social Security Scotland are just some of the ways we are ensuring that everyone in Scotland, including those living in Renfrewshire, has access to the education, healthcare and support they require without financial barriers.

“Despite significant financial pressures caused by Westminster economic chaos and cuts, the SNP Government is continuing to do everything possible to make Scotland a fairer, equal and more prosperous country to live in.”

NATALIE DON MSP: NEW REPORT SHOWS WESTMINSTER CAN'T BE TRUSTED TO TACKLE POVERTY

Westminster can’t be trusted to tackle poverty, the SNP has said after new research revealed those on the lowest incomes would need to double their incomes to escape poverty.

A report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found the poverty gap, the amount of money needed to bring the incomes of people in poverty to the poverty line, has nearly doubled since the mid-90s, with a couple with two children under-14 in poverty now needing an additional £6,200 per year to reach the poverty line, with families in very deep poverty needing £12,800 to reach the poverty line.

The report also highlights Scotland's “much lower” child poverty rate of 24% – compared to 31% in England and 28% in Wales – attributing this to “at least in part” the Scottish Child Payment, which provides low-income families with £25 a week for each child.

SNP MPs have slammed Westminster for refusing to follow in the footsteps of the SNP Scottish Government in implementing policies like the Scottish Child Payment, and attacked the Tories for driving poverty rates to massive levels through their over decade-long austerity regime and damaging Brexit.

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

“Westminster cannot be trusted to take meaningful action to tackle this growing issue, with fourteen years of Tory austerity leading to almost Dickensian levels of extreme poverty in the UK.

“At every opportunity, the UK Tory government has doubled down on their punitive policies and ignored every suggestion that could lift households out of poverty, including SNP calls to replicate the Scottish Child Payment across the UK, introduce an energy social tariff for vulnerable households and bring back the £400 energy rebate and implement a Real Living Wage.

“The SNP Scottish Government’s game-changing £25 a week Scottish Child Payment has been instrumental in lowering rates of child poverty within Scotland, and it would make a huge difference to poverty levels in the UK if the Westminster government matched this policy.  

“The Scottish Government is also spending around £83.7 million to protect households in Scotland from the Tories’ cruel bedroom tax and housing benefit cap, which could be much better spent on further efforts to tackle poverty.

“The SNP will continue to lead the way on calling on not only the Tories, but also Labour, to scrap these abhorrent policies.

“For years, we have seen that with every step forward we take in Scotland, the Westminster drags us back two. It’s impossible for the Scottish Government to fully eradicate poverty in Scotland when it has one hand tied behind its back, with a cloud of Tory austerity and Brexit lingering over us. 

“Only the SNP will stand up for Scotland.”

NATALIE DON MSP CALLS FOR LAW CHANGE TO SUPPORT KINSHIP CARERS

UK GOVERNMENT URGED TO RECONSIDER POSITION ON PARENTAL LEAVE RIGHTS

The Scottish Government’s Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, Natalie Don, has written to the UK Government calling for statutory parental leave rights to be extended to kinship carers.

Kinship carers are people caring for a child on behalf of a friend or relative, full time. The latest statistics show there are currently 4,249 formally looked after children in kinship care across Scotland. It is estimated there are around a further 3,000 non-looked after children in kinship care who are supported by local authorities.

As it stands, UK Government guidance means these carers are reliant on the “good will” of their employers to secure paid time off to look after the children in their care.

Natalie Don MSP calls for change to support Kinship Carers

The Scottish Government wants to ensure kinship carers are not penalised for taking in their kin.

Commenting, Minister for Keeping the Promise and MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“It is very disappointing that family leave for kinship carers remains entirely dependent on the good will of the employer to ensure kinship carers, whose circumstances often change without notice, are given paid time off work to help the children they care for adjust to their new environment.

“I have been advised by kinship carers in Scotland that because there is no statutory leave, which is offered to other carers such as adoptive parents, some kinship carers have been forced to leave employment. Some, who were fortunate enough to own their homes, have also been forced to sell their house to make ends meet, forcing them into poverty. This is unacceptable.

“This issue was highlighted in the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, published in May 2022, which recommended that kinship carers receive paid employment leave on a par with statutory adoption leave
“Kinship carers should not have to wait any longer as a result of delays from the UK Government, so I have requested an urgent update from the UK Government on the implementation of the recommendation regarding statutory leave in relation to kinship carers and have called on them to make these changes immediately.

“The Scottish Government wants to ensure kinship carers are not penalised for taking in their kin. Given the vital role they play in providing a loving, safe and stable home, I believe it is imperative that kinship carers are treated on an equal par with all parents eligible for parental leave.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes over 43,000 automatic payments to help families with the cost of living

“The introduction of automatic payments means the Scottish Government is getting money to families quickly in the crucial early years of their child’s development”, said Natalie Don MSP commenting on the more than 43,000 payments paid automatically to help parents and carers with the cost of living and starting school.

The introduction of automatic payments means that tens of thousands of people getting Scottish Child Payment have been awarded Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments without the need to apply separately.

For each of the two benefits, people are awarded one-off payments of £294.70 per child to help with costs like clothes, toys and school trips.

Some parents and carers don’t get Scottish Child Payment but could still qualify for the two grants and they have been urged to apply. These include people who opted out of automatic payments and some who get housing benefit.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“I am so pleased that automatic payments are now being introduced because it means we are getting money to families quickly in the crucial early years of their child’s development.

“While the majority of eligible people get these payments automatically, I would urge anyone who doesn’t to check if they are eligible and make sure they get the support they are entitled to.

“The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to tackling poverty and we are doing everything we can within our power to make life easier for people. In 2024-25 the Scottish Government is committing a record £6.3 billion for benefits expenditure, providing support to over 1.2 million people. This is £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security, demonstrating our commitment to put more money in people’s pockets."

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PLANS TO RAISE TOBACCO AGE OF SALE AND BAN DISPOSABLE VAPES

Plans to ban single use vapes and raise the tobacco age of sale so that no one born on or after 1 January 2009 can ever legally be sold tobacco in Scotland have been unveiled.

Scottish Government Ministers have agreed to take forward the recommendations following a consultation on ‘Creating a Smokefree Generation and Tackling Youth Vaping’ which ran across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland last year.

The report also recommends that powers are taken to restrict vape flavours, how vapes are displayed in stores, their packaging and product presentation, along with powers to regulate other nicotine products. In addition, it suggests measures which are already underway or in place in Scotland, including restrictions on non-nicotine vapes and powers for local authorities to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for breaches of age of sale legislation for tobacco products and vapes.

Legislating to ban single-use vapes fulfils a Programme for Government commitment to reduce vaping and take action to tackle their environmental impact of single-use vapes.

Raising age of sale for Tobacco

The Scottish Government wants to do more to achieve the goal of being tobacco-free in Scotland by 2034

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

“I welcome this announcement from the Scottish Government that they are looking to ban disposable vapes, as well as increase the minimum age to buy tobacco.

“Smoking damages lives and kills more than 8,000 people a year in Scotland and is burden on our NHS and social care services. Research also suggests that almost one in five adolescents have tried vapes.

“In Scotland, 82.3% supported restrictions on single-use vapes (79.3% UK-wide), and 73.4% favoured an outright ban (68.1% UK-wide).

“The Scottish Government wants to do more to achieve the goal of being tobacco-free in Scotland by 2034 and after collaborating on the UK-wide consultation, they have worked closely across the four UK nations on next steps and now intend to act on taking forward its recommendations, either on a UK-wide basis or through legislation in the Scottish Parliament.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with the UK Government and other nations in relation to the ban on disposable vapes, including addressing the need for any exclusion from the UK Internal Market Act through the Resources and Waste Common Framework.”

SCOTLAND LEADS THE WAY IN AFFORDABLE HOMES

Under the SNP, Scotland had the highest number of affordable homes per head of the population than anywhere else in the UK, most recent figures reveal.

In 2021/22, Scotland had 13.9 homes per 10,000 of the population, compared to 9.7 in Tory run-England and 8.0 in Labour-run Wales.

124,000 social and affordable homes have been delivered by the SNP in government.

The SNP Scottish Government has also committed to delivering a further 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70% for social rent and 10% in Scotland’s rural and island communities.

In contrast, Scottish Labour built only 6 council houses over four years during their last government- failing to capitalise on the opportunities devolution brought for investment in social housing.

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

“Scotland is leading the way in building affordable homes, and I welcome the fact that, since the SNP took office, over 124,000 social and affordable homes have been delivered across the country.

“In Renfrewshire and Inverclyde alone, more than 5,000 high-quality affordable homes have been built in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde since 2007, with 845 completed in 2022/23.

“The SNP has also gone further than any other government to safeguard affordable council homes by scrapping the Right to Buy in 2016; protecting over 15,000 council homes from sale over a 10-year period.

“This SNP Government has also committed to delivering a further 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70% for social rent and 10% in Scotland’s rural and island communities.

“Everyone deserves a warm, safe and affordable place to live, especially with the additional pressures of the cost of living crisis, and the SNP’s record of delivery here underline the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackle homelessness.

“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.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES FUNDING TO BOLSTER LOCAL FOOD & DRINK INDUSTRY IN RENFREWSHIRE

The SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has welcomed £100,000 of funding from the Scottish Government to help local projects promote food products from their region and establish new markets.

Natalie Don MSP has said that the latest round of the Scottish Government’s Regional Food Fund will help to bolster businesses across Renfrewshire and showcase produce from Renfrewshire Food; First Step Forward, ran by Tenement Kitchen, across Scotland and beyond.

The local project is among 22 local and collaborative initiatives throughout Scotland, including food festivals, food and drink trails, markets and online shops, who will benefit from the Regional Foods Fund with grants of up to £5,000 – continuing to support local food and drink businesses through the Tory cost of living crisis.

Initiatives like the Regional Food Fund is just one way in which the SNP Scottish Government is delivering for Scotland’s food and drink industry, as the sector continues to struggle in the aftermath of the Tory UK government’s botched Brexit deal.

Managed by Scotland Food & Drink, the fund from the SNP Government will help to support and grow local and regional economies by encouraging projects like Renfrewshire Food to market and sell their local products.

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

“I welcome this latest round of Regional Food funding from the Scottish Government, which underlines the SNP’s commitment to empowering local businesses and economies to grow and flourish.

“Scotland’s celebrated food and drink sector is a pillar of Scotland’s economy and global image- from its world-famous whisky and seafood industries, to Renfrewshire Food in the constituency. It is right that every level of this sector receives the support it needs.

“While the Tory UK government have abandoned food and drink businesses in Renfrewshire and Scotland, the SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can to ensure local businesses like Renfrewshire Food can continue to trade and prosper.

“I look forward to seeing the amazing products from Renfrewshire Food promoted throughout Scotland and given the recognition they deserve.”