From Renfrewshire to Paris - Natalie Don MSP highlights Renfrewshire Olympic Connections

“It’s great to see sports stars from Renfrewshire making their way to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris”, said Natalie Don MSP.

Amongst the 34 Scots within the GB Olympic Team are two cyclists who have a connection with Renfrewshire.  This includes cyclist Jack Carlin who was born in Paisley but later moved to Manchester to be part of the Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy.  Jack has won medals in the keirin, sprint and team sprint events including silver medals at the World Championships in 2018, silver at prestigious events including British titles, European championships and World championships.  Jack also won silver and bronze medals at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo and is planning to increase his medal tally at the Paris Olympics.

The other Scot with a Renfrewshire connection is Neah Evans who was born in Langbank and also competes in cycling.  Neah has represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games European Championships and World Championships and Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.  Her medal tally includes a silver in the team pursuit event from the Tokyo Olympics and she hopes to go one better in Paris.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Olympics in the pinnacle sports event for many athletes and it’s great to see two people with Renfrewshire connections making Team GB for the Paris Olympics.

“I wish both Jack and Neah all the best and hope that they can both reach their goal of coming back with gold medals.

“Jack and Neah are great examples for anyone taking up a specific sport.  The successes they have achieved has shown what dedication and hard work can achieve and both should inspire children and young people to pursue their favourite sport as much as they can.”

DON’T LET WESTMINSTER BLOCK YOUR VOICE BEING HEARD

EVERY VOTE COUNTS ON 4TH JULY TO REJECT MORE AUSTERITY  

 
SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has told voters to ensure their voice is heard at the polls on Thursday.

There have been reports of postal delays affecting many voters across Scotland, with many not receiving their ballot papers prior to going on holiday.

This, combined with Westminster’s Voter ID laws that will be imposed for the first time at this General Election, could lead to many voters being disenfranchised.

DON’T LET WESTMINSTER BLOCK YOUR VOICE BEING HEARD

EVERY VOTE COUNTS ON 4TH JULY TO REJECT MORE AUSTERITY

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

“It’s deeply concerning that delays in the postal system will mean that some of those who had signed up for a postal ballot to cast their vote ahead of the 4th July won’t have their voices heard – in an election in Scotland that’s on a knife edge.

“The calling of this election has been done at a time which is inconvenient for many Scots, with the school holidays already starting and families heading off on well-earned breaks. 

“On top of this, Westminster has imposed a new law on Scotland meaning those who are voting in person on Thursday will have to show an accepted form of ID.
 
“This is wrong, and the SNP opposed this unnecessary measure every step of the way – voting is a democratic right that should be accessible and easy for everyone.
 
“I have been reassured by Renfrewshire Council that the vast majority of Postal Votes were handed to the Royal Mail on 18th and 19th June, with the remainder being handed over on the 24th June.

“However, anyone who has lost, spoiled, or has not received their postal vote can visit Renfrewshire House in Paisley with photographic ID to have a ballot reissued.

“Inverclyde Council, which covers Bridge of Weir and Houston, has also reassured me that all postal ballot packs, apart from the most recent applications, should now have been delivered.

“However, a replacement for any undelivered or lost postal votes can be collected from Inverclyde Council’s Customer Service Centre in the Municipal Buildings, Greenock. An appointment can be made by calling 01475 712 126 or emailing elections@inverclyde.gov.uk, but appropriate photo ID must be brought to allow the packs to be issued.

“If you are having any issues accessing your postal vote, or if you have any issues voting on Thursday 4 July, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my constituency office for assistance. The Electoral Registration Office can also be contacted directly on 0300 300 0150.”

ONLY THE SNP WILL REJECT AUSTERITY AND PUT SCOTLAND’S INTERESTS FIRST

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) have warned that the Labour Party will need to make massive cuts to the Scottish budget and Scotland’s public services.

The IFS today confirmed that “Under both the Labour and Conservative parties’ plans, the Scottish Government would see cuts in funding for investment and only modest increases in funding for day-to-day spending.”

The Nuffield Trust also recently revealed that Labour Party spending plans would leave the NHS with lower spending increases than during the worst years of Tory austerity cuts.

The Trust stated:

"Labour proposals would represent a lower level of funding increase than the period of ‘austerity’ between 2010-11 and 2014-15. This would be an unprecedented slowdown in NHS finances.... it would make the next few years the tightest period of funding in NHS history. They will struggle to be able to pay the existing staff, let alone the additional staff set out in the workforce plan. It’s completely unrealistic.”

ONLY THE SNP WILL REJECT AUSTERITY AND PUT SCOTLAND’S INTERESTS FIRST

The IFS today confirmed that “Under both the Labour and Conservative parties’ plans, the Scottish Government would see cuts in funding for investment and only modest increases in funding for day-to-day spending.”

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

“The independent IFS have been warning about this for months, and they’ve now written it down in black and white – Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour government are planning massive cuts to the Scottish budget and Scotland’s public services.

“At least £18 billion of Labour cuts, on top of 14 years of Tory austerity, is a price Scotland’s public services simply can’t afford to bear. We now have 6 days left in this election to stop those Westminster cuts from becoming a devastating reality.

“The SNP want to see investment in our NHS and public services. This latest warning is firm proof that if people in Scotland want an end to cuts, if they want to ensure that decisions about Scotland are made in Scotland, for Scotland, then they’ve got to vote SNP.

“The result of the election in England is a foregone conclusion - the Labour Party has a commanding lead and it is certain Sir Keir Starmer is going to be the next Prime Minister

“The only story left in this election is Scotland - where it is hotly contested between the SNP and the Labour Party.

“It is only SNP voices in the House of Commons that will hold a Labour government to account given that they’re going to win hands down in England. On July 4th, vote SNP.”

CIRCULAR ECONOMY BILL PASSED

New powers to increase reuse and recycling rates.

Legislation giving Ministers and local authorities the tools needed to increase reuse and recycling rates, as well as modernise and improve waste and recycling services, has been passed.

The Circular Economy Bill will give Ministers the powers to:

-              Set local recycling targets, building on the experience of Wales, which has the best recycling rate in the UK.

-              Set statutory targets for delivery of a circular economy to measure progress in transforming the economy.

-              Restrict the disposal of unsold consumer goods, to prevent good products ending up in landfill.

-              Place charges on single-use items like disposable cups to encourage the move to reusable alternatives.

-              Give local authorities additional enforcement powers, allowing them to crack down on fly tipping and littering from cars.

The measures will be underpinned by support and investment, building on the investments already made through the £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund.

Circular Economy Bill Passed

Legislation giving Ministers and local authorities the tools needed to increase reuse and recycling rates, as well as modernise and improve waste and recycling services, has been passed.

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

“There are huge opportunities in having an economy which makes reuse and recycling the default choice for Scottish households, businesses and the public sector.

“We have already seen businesses creating jobs by turning what we might otherwise throw away into valuable new products and services.

“The measures in the Circular Economy Bill will give local Councils, like Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, and the Scottish Government the powers needed to support the sustainable use of resources and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

“For people to do the right thing for the planet and tackle the climate emergency, it is crucial that everyone experiences a modern, easy to use waste service.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with local authorities and householders to co-design how these powers are implemented to take account of different circumstances and needs on our journey towards a truly circular economy.”

NEARLY £50 BILLION INVESTED IN SNP SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PRIOIRTIES

Funding to support the NHS, reduce carbon emissions and help tackle poverty.

Almost £50 billion was spent by the Scottish Government last year on public services to help tackle child poverty, reduce carbon emissions, support the NHS and secure pay deals, according to newly published official figures.

The Provisional Outturn, which compares actual spending with the funding commitments set out in the Budget, shows that the Scottish Government spent £49.3 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. There was £292 million remaining – representing 0.6% of the Scottish Government’s total budget – all of which has been carried over through the Scotland Reserve to be directed towards priority areas in 2024-25.

In 2023-24 the Scottish Government:

-              Spent nearly £5.2 billion on social security benefits. This includes £429 million on Scottish Child Payment, alongside funding to introduce Carer Support Payment in pilot areas, ahead of full roll-out in 2024, and to widen eligibility for Best Start Foods.

-              Invested more than £19 billion in health and social care, supporting recovery and reform to secure sustainable public services, while delivering a pay uplift for NHS staff.

-              Provided nearly £220 million to the Heat in Buildings Programme to help deliver greener and more energy efficient homes.

-              Continued providing Just Transition Fund grant funding, including £16.8 million for projects in the North-east and Moray regions, in addition to £3 million to help vulnerable global communities address loss and damage brought on by climate change.

-              Invested almost £422 million on bus services and concessionary fares, providing up to 2.3 million people in Scotland with access to free bus travel.

Nearly £50billion invested in SNP Scottish Government Priorities.

This funding was spent on public services to help tackle child poverty, reduce carbon emissions and to support the Scottish NHS.

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

“These figures show once again how the SNP Scottish Government is prudently and competently managing the public finances while delivering funding for the things that matter to people across Renfrewshire and the rest of Scotland, not least the NHS and action to tackle child poverty.

“The last year has been extremely challenging for the SNP Scottish Government, with the continued impact of persistently high inflation, pressure on public sector pay, backlogs as a result of the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine combined to place pressure on the public finances. However, the Scottish Government has continued to consistently balanced its budgets whilst investing in public services and supporting people through the cost of living crisis.”

FOOTBALL ACTIVITY CLUB FUNDING DOUBLES TO £4 MILLION

Support to help families on low incomes with childcare.

Football clubs and trusts across Scotland, including St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation in Paisley, will receive additional funding to boost efforts to eradicate child poverty.

The Scottish Government will double its investment in the Extra Time Programme, a joint initiative with the Scottish Football Association, from £2 million to £4 million for this financial year. The funding will support more free before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs for children from families on low incomes.

By giving around a projected 3,000 children each week free access to sport and other activities which wrap around the school day, the funding will help more parents to enter or sustain employment or training. 

St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation in Paisley are one of the clubs delivering this programme, with their funding from the Scottish Government now increasing to £151,300.

Football activity club funding doubles!

SNP Scottish Government has doubled funding to £4million.

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

“This funding from the Extra Time Programme is enabling football clubs and trusts to provide really valuable childcare options, particularly for families from low-income households who are most at risk of living in poverty.

“This Programme is a reminder that local football clubs are supporting communities here at home – providing valuable services beyond matchday. They understand the value of that support for local families, and they are well placed to provide crucial facilities and services.

“I am delighted that this further funding will enable St Mirren FC Charitable Trust to provide free fun activities to children and young people across the constituency, helping families with childcare costs and relieving pressure on stretched family budgets.

“By removing barriers to affordable and accessible childcare, we will contribute to the Scottish Government’s goal of eradicating child poverty.”

HOME OWNERSHIP SUPPORT SCHEME REOPENS

Help for first-time buyers across the country on low to medium incomes.

A scheme to help first time buyers and certain priority groups step on to the property ladder has reopened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme is available across Scotland to first-time buyers on low or medium incomes who cannot afford the full price of a home.

Successful applicants will be able to buy a home without having to purchase it in full, usually between 60% and 90% of the property’s value, with the Scottish Government owning the remaining share.

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

“Taking the first step on to the property ladder can be difficult for some, especially during the cost of living crisis where we have seen inflation and interest rates push house prices up.

“The Scottish Government recognise these barriers and by reopening the OMSE scheme, we are giving help to as many people as possible to own an affordable home by creating a level playing field with other buyers.

“I would encourage anyone in the Renfrewshire North and West constituency who is either a first-time buyer or in one of the priority groups to consider applying through the scheme.”

NEW APPROACHES TO HELP ERADICATE CHILD POVERTY

Up to £500,000 to be shared by local projects.

A fund to trial new ways of combating child poverty has opened for a second round of applications.

The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund (CPAF) will provide up to £80,000 per grant towards local projects that test and evaluate new approaches which target at least one of the three drivers of child poverty reduction: improving income from employment, supporting people with the cost of living, and increasing awareness and uptake of social security benefits.

New approaches to help eradicate child poverty

Eradicating child poverty is a central mission for the SNP Scottish Government.

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

“Eradicating child poverty is a central mission for the SNP Scottish Government and we must find new and innovative ways to achieve this.

“Measures such as the Scottish Child Payment are estimated to keep 100,000 children in Scotland out of relative poverty this year, but we are determined to go further. The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund will support projects in Renfrewshire and beyond that target the root causes of child poverty and create lasting change in our communities.

“Local authorities and health boards are already undertaking transformative work to tackle child poverty and this fund will support them to go further and share best practice, to help make child poverty a thing of the past.”

INCREASING PAY FOR CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE STAFF

Staff in children's social care services will see their pay increase to at least £12 an hour thanks to new Scottish Government funding.

Backed by over £19 million this year, it will ensure more than 6,000 people working in a direct care role in the voluntary, private and independent sector services receive the pay increase, which could be worth more than £2,000 a year for some staff.

It will help people providing direct care to vulnerable children and young people under the age of 18, including Personal Assistants, and all payments will be backdated and provided for all hours worked from April 2024.

Increasing pay for children’s social care workers was a commitment set out in the 2023 Programme for Government.

Increasing pay for children’s social care staff

New Scottish Government funding will see pay for staff in children’s social care services increase to at least £12 per hour.

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West and Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don, said:

“This uplift is an important step forward in supporting our highly valued social care staff across Scotland. The support they provide is invaluable and the Government is committed to ensuring no-one is paid less than the Real Living Wage.

“Children’s social care services couldn’t be delivered without our private, voluntary and independent sector providers and this funding will help support the sustainability of their services.

“The implementation of this uplift would not have been possible without close working with our partners especially with COSLA and with Health and Social Care Partnerships.”

RECRUITING AND RETAINING CHILDMINDERS

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING THE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE SECTOR

Plans to grow Scotland’s childminding workforce by 1,000 and provide more support to childminders have been announced.

Backed by more than £1 million of Scottish Government funding, the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) will scale up their successful childminder recruitment pilot programme across the country, starting with 16 local authority areas including Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

As well as support through the registration process, a £750 start-up grant will be available for newly-registered childminders completing the programme to help set up their new business.

For existing childminders, it will provide more practical assistance and include developing a mentoring scheme – helping to reduce workplace isolation and create networks of support, which will be piloted from January 2025.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING THE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE SECTOR

The Scottish Government has announced plans to boost Scotland’s childminding workforce by 1,000.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West and Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don, said:

“Childminders provide vital support to children and parents and are an important part of Scotland’s thriving Early Learning and Childcare sector. They also contribute to child poverty reduction by enabling parents to work, seek work or stay in work. 

“The support provided by the pilot projects to date has made a real difference for the families they help. This investment will not only help us grow the childminding workforce by 1,000, it will also support existing childminders across the Renfrewshire North and West constituency and beyond, which is essential as we look to increase the workforce.

“More details on the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future can be found at www.childminding.org/getstarted.”

RECORD NUMBER OF YOUNG CARERS SUPPORTED UNDER SNP GOVERNMENT

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES PEOPLE ACROSS RENFREWSHIRE NORTH & WEST TO APPLY FOR SUPPORT

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the latest figures which show a record number of young carers have received support from the Scottish Government, with over 3,700 receiving a Young Carer Grant in the last year.

Since the payment was launched in 2019, over 12,000 payments totalling £4 million have been made, and since March 2023 almost 1.4m has been paid - almost 60% more than the year before.

The £380 grant is only available in Scotland to those aged 16 - 18 who spends at least 16 hours a week on average caring for someone who gets a qualifying disability benefit.

Record Number of Young Carers supported under SNP Government

Natalie Don MSP encourages people across Renfrewshire North & West to apply for support.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West said:

“This SNP Scottish Government is transforming more lives than ever before across Renfrewshire North & West, and will continue to do all it can as we work towards the First Minister’s goal of eradicating child poverty.

“With a social security system built on the principles of dignity, fairness and respect, we can make a real difference – alleviating hardship and supporting those who sacrifice so much to care for their loved ones.

“I am glad this support – which is unique to Scotland – is available to young carers across Renfrewshire North & West, and I would encourage anyone who is not receiving this payment to check if they’re eligible.”

SNP UNVEIL NEW SUPPORT FOR START-UPS IN RENFREWSHIRE: SCOTLAND REMAINS TOP PLACE FOR INVESTMENT

The SNP Scottish Government has unveiled new support for start-up firms in Renfrewshire.

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the announcement from the Deputy First Minister that £5 million pounds is being invested to grow and nurture high-growth businesses. This package includes funding to develop pre-start up support and increased investment in Scottish EDGE, the business funding competition.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced these measures to ensure that “innovation is at the very heart of our economy.”

This package comes as figures show that Scotland once again attracted the highest number of UK financial services foreign direct investment (FDI) projects outside of London – highlighting that Scotland continues to be an attractive destination for economic investment.

New Supports for Start-Ups

In Renfrewshire, we have the talent, skills and facilities to develop a strong and vibrant start up economy.

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

“This investment package from the SNP Government is an important step that will increases opportunities and help develop start-up networks across the constituency and beyond.

“At a time when Scotland is becoming an attractive destination for economic investment – the SNP Government will continue taking every possible action to prioritise growing the economy.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES JUNE PROGRAMME FOR GOVERNMENT

Immediate focus on Scotland’s priorities.

First Minister John Swinney has declared the priorities that his government will focus on as part of his vision to deliver for all of Scotland.

The Scottish Government will focus on four areas targeted to have the most immediate benefits for people in their everyday lives. They are:

• Eradicating child poverty

• Growing the economy

• Tackling the climate emergency

• Improving public services

In order for work to be prioritised immediately, the First Minister confirmed he will present his first Programme for Government before the Scottish Parliament’s summer recess.

He also committed to work with Members across the chamber to realise Scotland’s potential, in the spirit of the opening of Parliament 25 years ago.

The First Minister said:

“In setting out my approach to government, I am acutely aware of the economic and fiscal realities we face.

“With that important context, today, I will outline the four priorities that will guide my government’s decisions on policy and budget; the four priorities around which I will work to secure cross-party support, for the good of the people of Scotland.

“Eradicating child poverty, growing the economy and tackling the climate emergency all link together to support my fourth key priority – to improve Scotland’s public services – not as a cost, but as a vital investment in our future health, equality and prosperity.

“I will set out how my government and my cabinet will take practical steps to deliver in these four areas of priority when I present my Programme for Government before the summer recess.

“The Programme for Government will be central to a wider range of decision-making that will happen before the summer on key issues on energy, on oil and gas, on reform of the health service and on taxation. Action will be set out on each, tackling the challenges facing Scotland today.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes June Programme for Government

I fully support John Swinney’s priorities for Scotland, which are focused on the issues impacting people the most during the cost of living crisis. 

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

“I fully support John Swinney’s priorities for Scotland, which are focused on the issues impacting people the most during the cost of living crisis. 

“These aims will ensure that residents across my constituency continue to be lifted out of poverty, work in a thriving local economy, rely on high-quality public services which are free at the point of use, and live in a greener Scotland.”

MORE WOMEN TAKING PART IN BREAST SCREENING PROGRAMME

The number of women being tested for breast cancer is at its highest ever level in Scotland.

More than three in four women (75.9%) took up their screening invitations over the three-year period 2020 to 2023, Scottish breast screening programme statistics indicate.

This is an increase on the previous three-year period (2019-22) when uptake was 74.5% and pre-pandemic (2017-20) when uptake was 72.2%.

The figures also show that all NHS boards individually have met the acceptable uptake standard of 70% for a second year in a row.

Moore women taking part in Breast Screening Programme

The Scottish Government will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.

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

“I am pleased that more women are attending breast screening appointments and that boards, including Greater Glasgow and Clyde which covers my constituency, have individually met their target for a second year in a row. However, there is more work to be done to reach the achievable target of 80% and to encourage people from more deprived areas to attend their appointments.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.”

JUSTICE FOR POST OFFICE HORIZON VICTIMS

Bill to exonerate wrongly convicted sub-postmasters.

Sub-postmasters wrongly convicted as a result of the faulty Horizon IT system will automatically be exonerated under proposed legislation introduced to the Scottish Parliament today.

Those whose convictions are quashed under the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences (Scotland) Bill will then be able to access the UK Government financial redress scheme.

The Bill’s passage through the Scottish Parliament will be expedited to allow justice and redress to be delivered to victims as swiftly as possible in line with the UK Bill, which was not extended to cover sub-postmasters in Scotland.

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

“The Horizon scandal is one of the largest miscarriages of justice in the UK, which ruined the lives of sub-postmasters and their families.

“The quickest, easiest route to overturn these would have been for the UK Government to extend their Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill to cover sub-postmasters in Scotland. However, the Scottish Government’s repeated requests for this were refused.

“The Scottish Government’s Bill, therefore, mirrors that of UK legislation to ensure parity for affected sub-postmasters in Scotland with those elsewhere in the UK and to ensure access to the UK Government’s compensation scheme.

“The scale of the scandal and the length of time that the victims have waited for justice means the government is taking an unprecedented step of introducing legislation to right this terrible wrong and asking Parliament for it to be processed as an emergency Bill.

“The Scottish Government will not do anything to jeopardise equality and parity for victims, so the final stage of the Bill cannot be considered in the Scottish Parliament until after the UK legislation has been passed. This will ensure that MSPs can take account of any amendments made to the UK Bill.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES VITAL FUNDING FOR SCOTLAND’S REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

Natalie Don MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has welcomed funding from the SNP Scottish Government for Scottish Refugee Council’s Refugee Support Service, which will help refugees and people seeking asylum in Scotland to settle in Renfrewshire.

The £3.6 million funding, which replaces the now ended EU funding for the services, will be used by the SRC to help people access health, housing, welfare and employment support.

This funding from the Scottish Government will also help provide information and resources and to encourage social connections.

The EU funding which previously funded the service ended in 2023.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“I welcome this vital funding for the Scottish Refugee Council, which underlines the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to championing the rights of and supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable groups who are fleeing war and persecution.

“It is essential that we take every step possible to make sure refugees and asylum seekers looking to settle in Scotland have access to all the help they need to rebuild their lives in Renfrewshire. Following the inhumane Rwanda Bill that has recently been passed in Westminster, it is vital that refugees are treated with compassion and dignity throughout.

“Our communities are made all the richer for the asylum seekers and refugees who choose to make Scotland their home, and thanks to this continued investment from the SNP Scottish Government, Scotland will continue to leave its door open to those who need it most.”

£30 MILLION PAID THIS YEAR TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS WITH HIGHER ENERGY BILLS

People in Scotland have received more than £30 million via two SNP Scottish Government benefits to help them deal with increased energy costs this winter, new statistics have shown.   

Winter Heating Payment supports households on low incomes, including older people, disabled people and families with children under five.    

Child Winter Heating Payment helps families of the most severely disabled children and young people.     

The official figures show more than 400,000 Winter Heating Payments of £55.05 were issued between November last year and the end of March. More than 30,000 Child Winter Heating Payments of £235.70 were made in the same spell.    

Winter Heating Payment replaced the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment in 2023. Most people getting it receive more money on average than via Cold Weather Payment. 

People receive Winter Heating Payment whatever the weather, unlike the Cold Weather Payment when the temperature needs to drop to a specific level.  

The Child Winter Payment, introduced in 2020, is not available anywhere else in the UK. There is also no cap on the number of children who can get it in the same family.   

Support for Energy Bills

I would encourage anyone who is struggling during these tough times to visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living website for support and advice.

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

“The £30.2 million paid over the colder months provides support to those who need it most across Renfrewshire and the rest of Scotland. It is being paid quickly and effectively to help mitigate the worst of the Westminster-made cost-of-living crisis.  

“The Winter Heating Payment guarantees those who qualify a payment every year – in contrast to the UK Government approach which needs the weather to be under a certain temperature for a sustained spell.

“In addition, both the Winter Heating Payment and the Child Winter Heating Payment have recently been increased in line with inflation which means the SNP Scottish Government will be getting more money into people’s pockets in 2024/25.

“I would encourage anyone who is struggling during these tough times to visit the Scottish Government’s Cost of Living website for support and advice.” 

ENHANCING SOCIAL CARE SERVICES WITH £9.2 MILLION TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING

More than £9 million is being made available over the next three years to give people who access social care more choice and control over decisions relating to their care.

This funding builds on an additional £2 billion investment in social care and integration, as part of the Scottish Budget for 2024-25, and delivers on the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase spending by 25% over this Parliament – two years ahead of the original target.

The funding for the national ‘Support in the Right Direction’ programme will enable organisations to deliver independent support and advocacy to help people live independently and participate in all aspects of life.

The grants are part of the Scottish Government’s Self-Directed Support Improvement Plan which empowers people to make informed choices about the support they need.

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

“Through this funding, people and carers across Renfrewshire will be supported to have more choice and involvement in how their social care is delivered.

“The Scottish Government wants everyone accessing social care to feel confident participating in every stage of their social care journey and be equal partners in their care and support decisions, so that they can live a full and independent life.

“The ambition is to have the right independent support available at the right time and place to meet the specific needs of each individual.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES £344,922 OF NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING TO RENFREWSHIRE COMMUNITY GROUPS

The National Lottery Community Fund, which supports communities to thrive, is distributing £344,922 between seven community groups across Renfrewshire North and West.

Erskine Hospital received a £192,833 grant which will go towards delivering services for veterans at the Erskine Reid Macewen Activities Centre in Bishopton.

Friends of Robertson House received £9,000. This grant will fund activities and classes in Robertson House - a sheltered housing complex in Erskine, serving older people with additional care needs.

£8,759 will be used by Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners to establish a weekly men's mental-health group held in Broadloan Community Gardens.

Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners received £114,970 which will be used by the group to develop their community-garden activities by retaining the services of a Seasonal Gardener and hiring a new Gardens Coordinator over the next two years. A portion of funding will go towards improving the facilities.

£9,960 has been awarded to Renfrew Care Home Activities Group to help tackle loneliness and isolation by creating a mixed programme of activity for their residents, their friends and family and the wider community including school children.

The Renfrew Over 50’s Swimming Club has received £3,800 to take their members to social dances and on bus trips.

The Welcoming Renfrewshire Families Group received a £5,600 grant which will help to bring local and new families together in a cultural showcase in Renfrew, enabling interactions between the new arrivals and local people, to improve the integration of new families.

Successful Lottery Fund applications to Renfrewshire groups

I am delighted that so many community groups in Renfrewshire have been successful in securing National Lottery funding.

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

“I am delighted that so many community groups in Renfrewshire have been successful in securing National Lottery funding.

“Each of the groups provide a wide range of invaluable support and services to communities within the constituency and I look forward to keeping up with the projects that these grants will fund.”

FIRST INSTALMENT OF £300 MILLION TO REDUCE INPATIENT AND DAY-CASE WAITING TIMES

The Scottish Government has announced an initial £30 million of targeted investment for Q1 of the new financial year, as part of a £300 million plan over the next three years, to help reduce inpatient and day-case waiting lists.

Backed by planned additional investment, this targeted approach will help drive down waiting lists by an estimated 100,000 patients over three years.

Tackling inpatient and day-case waiting times

This initial investment of £30 million will target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic, including orthopaedic treatment, diagnostics for cancer referrals and patients with the longest waits.

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

“As the First Minister set out last October, the Scottish Government are committed to accelerating treatment in our NHS and reducing inpatient and day-case waiting lists by an estimated 100,000 patients over the next three years, backed by planned investment of an extra £100 million annually.

“This is all part of the Scottish Government’s programme to drive up productivity and tackle waiting lists. Our actions will further enable NHS Scotland to maximise capacity, build greater resilience and deliver year-on-year reductions in the number of patients who have waited too long for treatment.”