Natalie Don-Innes MSP welcomes bold steps to advance a woman's right to choose

SNP MSP, Natalie Don-Innes has welcomed the enactment of the Safe Access Zones (Abortion Services) (Scotland) Act 2024.

The legislation creates “buffer zones” of 200 metres around all providers of abortion services, making it a criminal offence to try to influence women and staff trying to access services or cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Those who breach this law could face significant fines, with the Scottish Government saying its aim is to “safeguard public health and protect the right of women to access healthcare without obstruction.”

Advancing a woman’s right to choose

This legislation is an enormous step forward in protecting the rights of women across Scotland.

Commenting, Natalie Don-Innes MSP said:

“This legislation is an enormous step forward in protecting the rights of women across Scotland.

“We have so much to be proud of when it comes to the progress we have made, especially while so many women and girls around the world continue to have their rights curtailed.

“A woman’s right to access healthcare should not be up for debate but should be guaranteed and enhanced, and this legislation plays a crucial part in that.

“This is a result of our Scottish Parliament at its best, working to improve the lives of people across Scotland on a cross-party basis in recognition of the importance of this issue and I thank Gillian for bringing forward this legislation. This is an extremely positive moment and will make a huge difference to many women whose rights will now be protected as a result."

Natalie Don-Innes MSP: SNP Boost Social Security Support for Families in Renfrewshire North & West amid Labour Cuts

Natalie Don-Innes SNP MSP has welcomed the news that the SNP Scottish Government will enshrine in law the requirement to increase social security payments each year in line with inflation.

In the last year the Scottish Government provided £370 million to uprate payments - £5 million above the amount required in statute – and by making this a legal duty it guarantees that support like the winter heating payments receive a financial boost – especially while the UK Labour government cuts winter fuel payments.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don-Innes said:

Boosting Social Security Support

The SNP Scottish Government will enshrine in law the requirement to increase social security payments each year in line with inflation.

“Scotland’s social security system – which is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – has been truly transformational for so many families across Renfrewshire North & West.

“As we build on this progress, it’s crucial we maintain the value of the fourteen payments which are estimated to be keeping 100,000 children out of poverty.

“This legal duty will bring us closer to achieving the First Minister’s goal of ending child poverty while ensuring we continue to do what we can to protect Renfrewshire North & West’s families from continued Westminster austerity.

“Unlike Labour, the SNP will always do right by Renfrewshire North & West’s households, making sure they get the support they need.”

Notes

https://x.com/ScotGovFairer/status/1836755708575981570 

HELPING DISABLED PEOPLE INTO WORK

Support to be rolled out across Scotland.

People seeking work who are disabled or have long-term health conditions are to be offered help from a dedicated employability adviser.

The initiative will be in place by next summer and involve advisers working with employers to develop roles suited to an individual’s needs.

Included as part of last week’s Programme for Government, it is designed to support people into work, boosting Scotland’s workforce and helping to drive economic growth. It will also help to deliver the Scottish Government’s ambition of creating a fairer labour market and halving the disability employment gap by 2038.

The Scottish Government will partner with local authorities and others including health and voluntary organisations to implement the measures. They build on the existing No-one Left Behind approach which has supported 61,930 people since April 2019, 19% of whom reported having a disability.

Helping Disabled People into Work

“By helping those furthest from the job market find employment, we can tackle inequalities within the labour market and improve overall quality of life.”

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

“The SNP Scottish Government is committed to providing specialised employability support starting in the summer of 2025, ensuring more disabled people can secure meaningful and fulfilling employment.

“Addressing the discrimination and stigma faced by people with disabilities and long-term health conditions is essential for fostering a diverse workforce and building a stronger, more resilient economy.

“By helping those furthest from the job market find employment, we can tackle inequalities within the labour market and improve overall quality of life.”

NEW SCHOOL UNIFORM GUIDANCE PUBLISHED

Reducing the cost of the school day.

New national guidance which aims to reduce the cost of school uniforms for families has been published.

Following consultation with schools, families, uniform suppliers, pupils and councils, the new guidance also sets out key considerations to ensure pupil comfort, freedom and happiness.

The guidance, which can be used to form individual school uniform policies, includes advice on encouraging schools to adopt measures that limit costs for families and reduce waste, including limiting the number of items that pupils need and promoting items that can be reused more easily.

New School Uniform Guidance

This new national guidance contains measures for schools to develop and implement their own affordable and sustainable policies with the involvement of pupils that recognise the individual needs of all.

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

“Every child in Renfrewshire should be able to attend school feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. However, we know the cost can be a significant burden for families and the Scottish Government wants to support schools to minimise these costs.

“This new national guidance contains measures for schools to develop and implement their own affordable and sustainable policies with the involvement of pupils that recognise the individual needs of all.

“It makes clear that schools are expected to do all they can to limit school clothing costs for families as part of our wider aim to reduce the cost of the school day. The guidance also encourages schools to develop flexible and inclusive policies which promote generic items of clothing and do not include compulsory branded items, supporting our efforts to be more sustainable.

“Ending child poverty is the central mission of this government. Reducing the cost of the school day for families, combined with school clothing grants of at least £120 for primary school pupils and £150 for secondary school pupils, will play a crucial role in this work.”

Notes:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/school-uniform-clothing-guidance-schools-education-authorities/

RENFREWSHIRE AND INVERCLYDE ALLOCATED ADDITIONAL HOUSING FUNDS SNP TAKING ACTION TO TACKLE HOUSING EMERGENCY

MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes, has welcomed the SNP Scottish Government announcement of £40 million for councils across Scotland, including Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, to boost the supply of affordable homes.

First Minister John Swinney outlined in the Programme for Government that £600 million would be committed to affordable housing in the current financial year and allocating this £40 million will allow for the purchase of properties in order to reduce temporary accommodation and bring vacant buildings back into use.

Across Scotland councils have been supported to purchase almost 1,500 properties in 2023-24 for use as affordable homes and the allocation of this £40 million will accelerate that work to ensure that families across the constituency have a safe and warm place to call home.

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

"Tackling the housing emergency are important issues in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde and one of the key ways we can solve it is by bringing empty and vacant buildings back into use.

"This £40m fund, introduced by the SNP Government as part of the £600m affordable housing budget, will ensure that we can build on the 1,500 properties that were brought into use for affordable housing in the past year. Renfrewshire Council will receive a £0.168m share and Inverclyde Council will receive £0.040m.

"Every family in this constituency deserves to have a safe and warm place that they can call home and with the SNP in government that is exactly what they will get."

SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Campaign to stop the sharing of violent incidents.

 A national campaign to support young people to safely navigate social media and prevent violence has been launched.

“Quit Fighting For Likes’ aims to get young people to think about and discuss attitudes and behaviours around the filming and sharing of violent incidents.

Developed by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU), YouthLink Scotland and Medics Against Violence (MAV), the new campaign is part of an action plan agreed in the Scottish Government’s Violence Prevention Framework, published in May last year.

It features a short awareness-raising animation, illustrating the digital world where this content can take place and showing an alternative route to switch off from it. A set of memes has also been produced covering a range of messages about why filming and sharing fights is damaging.

Young people helped develop the campaign through focus groups and feedback sessions involving various schools and youth groups.

The campaign has been launched as the first annual progress report for Scotland’s Violence Prevention Framework was published – highlighting progress made to help cut violent crime and reduce the harm it causes. Key developments in 2023-24 include:

-              the creation, by the SVRU, of a Violence Anonymous group, the first of its kind in Scotland, to help individuals with significant problems turn their lives around

-              the extension of MAV’s hospital-based Navigator programme to reach young people in times of crisis, to receive support to steer them away from violence and harm

-              YouthLink Scotland’s training and resources provided to more than 700 practitioners across the country to provide young people with key messages on violence and knife crime prevention

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

“While social media can play a positive role in young people’s lives, helping them engage with their friends and family, it can also be a platform where violent imagery is spread.

“The Quit Fighting For Likes campaign aims to enable young people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland to look at attitudes and behaviours regarding social media while pointing towards the toolkit to equip those working with young people to help build positive social norms.

“Scotland’s Violence Prevention Framework is making encouraging progress with a number of partner initiatives focused on prevention and early intervention so that communities across Scotland remain safe and more people live free from the threat of violence.”

Natalie Don-Innes MSP highlights the importance of Free Prescriptions Policy

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West, Natalie Don-Innes, has highlighted the latest report from the Trussell Trust which shows how vital the SNP introduced policy of free prescriptions is to the people of Scotland.
 
The Trussell Trust report on people receiving Universal Credit is a damning assessment of the damage cruel DWP policies are having on people in Renfrewshire North & West, including those in work. The report found that 68% of working households receiving universal credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication. 
 
Thanks to the SNP this does not apply in Scotland. Everyone, regardless of income status, has free access to prescriptions – ensuring that no matter who you are you can get the vital medication you need. In Renfrewshire North & West the average person receives 19 free prescriptions per year, saving £183.35 per person. 
 
The SNP is committed to a social contract with the people of Scotland that ensures no matter what your financial status – you will have access to essential services such as prescriptions, further education and additional health support.
 
Commenting, Natalie Don-Innes MSP said:
 
“Free prescriptions are a vital part of the social contract the SNP has with people across Renfrewshire North & West – no matter what your income status is it is essential that you have access to medical treatment.
 
“This Trussell Trust report indicates exactly how vital a policy this is as over two thirds of working households receiving universal credit are having to go without essential items such as toiletries and prescriptions.
 
“The Tories left behind a legacy of cruel social security decisions and it is time for this Labour UK government to get a move on and start supporting those most in need, which is exactly what the SNP is doing in Scotland.”
 
Notes
Half of universal credit claimants ran out of food in the last month - Big Issue

Labour cuts will be devastating for services across Renfrewshire North & West

Natalie Don-Innes MSP has said that the cuts coming under this Labour government will be devastating for public services in Renfrewshire North & West following the Prime Minister’s speech laying the groundwork for harsh austerity measures.

The SNP and independent think tanks alike repeatedly warned Labour that they would be forced to make spending cuts, but they chose to dismiss and deride those warnings, with Anas Sarwar saying “read my lips” as he promised there would be no austerity under Labour.

This is not new: Labour in opposition backed many of the worst Tory policies, including Brexit, attacks on the welfare state and over a decade of public spending cuts. They then ran an election campaign on the promise of ‘change’ which we now know was just another empty slogan.

Labour Cuts will devastate services

Labour must apologise to voters for empty promise of ‘change’

Commenting SNP MSP Natalie Don-Innes said:

“In wake of the mess left by the Tories, Labour promises of ‘change’ will now ring hollow in the ears of people across Renfrewshire North & West.

“This is a watershed moment in UK politics, and by building on the work of 14 years of Tory governments the Labour Party are choosing to continue the work of harming the UK economy and public services.

“They were elected on the promise of change, but as the SNP warned these cuts will have a profound impact on public services across Renfrewshire North & West – their dishonesty showing disregard for Scotland’s priorities.

“The SNP are committed to a better alternative: delivering on the priorities of the people of Renfrewshire North & West, standing up for public services across Scotland and rejecting the programme of austerity measures announced today.”

Notes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rx0mdgpnno

Labour manifesto ‘would keep £7bn of planned Tory welfare cuts’ | Labour | The Guardian

Institute for Fiscal Studies: “Like the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, Labour continues in a conspiracy of silence on the difficulties they would face. These challenges are already perfectly clear. The books are open. A post-election routine of shock-and-horror at the state of the public finances will not cut it.”

5.5% pay increase for nurses and NHS workers in 2024-25.

Nurses and healthcare staff across Renfrewshire North and West and Scotland have been offered a pay increase of 5.5% that will ensure they have the best pay package in the UK.

The offer, if accepted by trade unions, will see an investment of more than £448 million in 2024-25 and will ensure almost 170,000 NHS Agenda for Change staff – including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – benefit from the pay rise which will be backdated to 1 April 2024.

5.5% Increase for Nurses and NHS workers

This latest pay offer will ensure that Scotland’s NHS staff will have the best pay package of all NHS staff in the UK.

Natalie Don MSP said:

“This latest pay offer will ensure that Scotland’s NHS staff will have the best pay package of all NHS staff in the UK.

“We rely so much on our NHS staff to support us when we are ill and in need of help so it is great that we can support them as much as we can to ensure that they remain the highest paid NHS staff in the UK.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 

“Following weeks of constructive engagement with trade union representatives, I am pleased to have agreed an offer, in recognition of the Pay Review Body recommendations, that will ensure Scotland’s nurses and NHS staff have the best pay package in the UK. The unions will now consult their members and I hope it will be accepted.

“I want to express my thanks again to Scotland’s hardworking healthcare staff for their commitment and patience – they are the very backbone of the NHS and we are committed to supporting them, particularly during a cost of living crisis. I am grateful for the continued efforts around the table and that the trade unions will now put this to their members.”

HOSPITAL AT HOME FUNDING

Providing older people with a safe alternative to hospital.

The number of patients using Hospital at Home in Scotland rose by almost a quarter last year, it has been revealed, as funding allocations for NHS boards were announced.

A total of 13 local healthcare providers have been allocated a share of £3.6 million for Hospital at Home for older people to help ease pressure on frontline acute services.

Hospital at Home offers a safe alternative to admission to an acute hospital, with almost 15,000 older patients using the service in 2023/24 and this funding will support the continuation and development of existing programmes.

Confirmation of the awards comes as a new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland highlights the impact that the Hospital at Home service for older people has had in 2023-24.

The findings show:

• 14,467 patients used Hospital at Home in 2023, up from 11,686 in the previous year

• Total bed numbers increased by 58%, ahead of the Scottish Government’s 50% target

• An estimated £14.9 million was saved in traditional hospital admission costs

• A further estimated £36.3 million was saved in post-hospital care due to a reduction in re-admission.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been awarded a £165,000 share of the funding.

Providing older people with a safe alternative to hospital

Hospital at Home is a a great service and it’s great to see the progress that the local Health Board is making to deliver it in Renfrewshire and across the rest of the region.

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

“Hospital at Home is a a great service and it’s great to see the progress that the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board is making to deliver it in Renfrewshire and across the rest of the region.

“The service has a positive impact, particularly on elderly patients, as it allows patients to receive acute treatment in an environment that they feel comfortable and familiar with.

“It also gives people greater independence during their recovery. Evidence shows that those benefitting from the service are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.

“This is one of a range of measures that the Scottish Government have put in place to tackle delayed discharge numbers and free up beds within our hospitals.”

SUPPORTING PARENTS WITH CHILDREN IN CARE

£900,000 for organisations working with birth parents.

Parents who have had a child taken into care will receive support from community services through £900,000 of Scottish Government funding this year.

The annual investment, delivered through the Corra Foundation, will be shared in 2024-25 by 11 organisations who work closely with birth parents who see their mental health decline following their child being moved into care.

Many of these parents have dealt with multiple traumatic life events, such as childhood trauma, substance misuse, mental health issues or experience of domestic abuse.

The community organisations work to help empower birth parents to take control of their lives, develop new skills and build their self-confidence.

The SNP Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise and keeping families together where it is safe to do so.

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

“The SNP Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise and keeping families together where it is safe to do so.

“Taking a child into care should only be done in the best interests of the wellbeing of the child, as it can be a hugely traumatic experience that impacts on the whole family.

“These situations often leave birth parents feeling isolated and it is essential that they have access to support.

“Feedback from birth parents involved in the programme to date has been extremely positive, with some calling it ‘life changing’. I am pleased that the Scottish Government is continuing to support the Corra Foundation, along with all the groups they work with and the parents they support.”

REGIONAL FOOD FUND OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: £100,000 TO PROMOTE LOCAL PRODUCE

Scottish food businesses, producers and groups are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to promote and champion produce from their local area.

Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund, launches its fifth round with £100,000 available from the Scottish Government to support regional food activity across Scotland.

Since 2018, the Scottish Government has provided over £770,000 to the fund, which has supported 167 collaborative projects, varying from food and drink tourism trails, festivals, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, 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.

“Food and drink is one of our largest industry sectors, and Scotland’s largest employer with an industry value of over £15 billion. The engagement of regional markets is vital in achieving the Scottish Government’s industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years.

“Scotland has a highly successful and influential food and drink sector and this fund allows us to demonstrate that through the development of creative food and drink projects. These grants allow opportunities to increase the promotion of local produce and the chance for businesses to engage and educate local communities about what is available.

“I would encourage eligible businesses and groups in Renfrewshire to apply for a grant before the deadline on 30 August 2024: https://fs22.formsite.com/scotfooddrink/RFF-202425/index”.

Natalie Don MSP condemns Labour’s cut to Winter Fuel Payment

“So much for Labour saying there would be no austerity cuts, the first announcement made by the Chancellor is going to impact negatively on a lot of pensioners in Renfrewshire,” said Natalie Don MSP commenting on the decision of the Chancellor – Rachel Reeves MP – to limit the annual winter fuel payment to those receiving pension credit or other benefits.

According to Age Scotland there are around 150,000 pensioners living in poverty in Scotland and many more just above that level, all of whom will be impacted by Labour’s decision to means test the winter fuel payment.  Anyone who does not receive, or claim, pension credit will no longer get this benefit which was aimed at helping older people with fuel bills over the coldest months. 

The Scottish Pensioners Forum believe that 1 in 4 older people don’t apply for pension credit, due in part to the complex system and the perceived indignity surrounding it.  Labour politicians must be aware of this yet fail to take this into account.

Katherine Crawford, chief executive of Age Scotland, said:

“I would urge the UK government to look again at this decision, which affects older people who are already struggling with the high cost of living and will now face being worse off at a time they desperately need support.

“Already Age Scotland are getting calls to our helpline from older people who are distressed by the announcement and worried about what lies ahead. I would call on anyone in that position to get in touch with our free helpline on 0800 12 44 222 where our advisers can carry out a full benefits’ check to ensure that you are getting everything you are entitled to.”

Natalie Don MSP added:

“This decision by Labour will push tens of thousands of low income pensioners in Scotland further into poverty, and puts some of the poorest older people at greater risk of ill-health and burgeoning debt.

“We know that Ofgem is proposing a 10% increase in the price cap from October and this will add even more pressure to pensioner households.  It’s clear that this Labour government is piling more misery onto pensioners already suffering under the cost of living crisis.

“It is disgraceful that anyone should be in fuel poverty in Scotland.  We are an energy rich country but have no control over our own resources and pensioners and households all across Scotland are suffering from a Westminster government that treats them with contempt.”

DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK IN RENFREWSHIRE SHORTLISTED AS FINALISTS FOR COSLA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024

Fifteen projects from across Scotland have been chosen as finalists for the 2024 Excellence Awards, which are COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success.

All 32 Scottish local authorities and partner organisations were invited over the summer to submit entries to a judging panel comprising a number of experts across local and national government as well as the private sector.

After much deliberation, the COSLA judging teams determined just 15 finalists from dozens of high-quality applications – this year, entries surpassed 200 for the second year in a row.

The judges’ shortlist features a series of projects and programmes which highlighted areas of best practice and innovative service delivery over five categories; Service Innovation and Improvement, Achieving Better Outcomes for the Most Vulnerable in Partnership, Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health and Wellbeing, Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy and Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy.

The AMIDS District Heating Network in Renfrewshire has been selected as one of three finalists in Category 5: Just transition to a net zero economy.

Renfrewshire Council, alongside the other finalists, will now be invited to present their projects in person to a panel of judges in August led by COSLA President Shona Morrison, who will decide on a winner in each of the 5 main categories as well as the winners of an additional 4 special awards.

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

“I am delighted that the AMIDS District Heating Network has been selected as a finalist in these prestigious awards, highlighting the many positive and innovative projects coming from across Scottish local government. 

“The low carbon Heating Network in Renfrewshire supplies heat and hot water 90% greener than a gas boiler to facilities at Scotland's home for manufacturing innovation.

“The £1.7 million project, funded by Renfrewshire Council and by the Scottish Government Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, was also the first of its kind in Scotland and the first in the UK supplying a mixed-use development.

“Its great to see this ambitious local project celebrated and gaining recognition nationally, and I wish Renfrewshire Council the best of luck for the Awards Ceremony in September”.

LABOUR HAS "BROKEN ITS PROMISE TO VOTERS" BY IMPOSING CUTS

CUTS ARE A POLITICAL CHOICE THAT THREATEN PUBLIC SERVICES IN SCOTLAND

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, has called out the Labour Party on misleading the public and their broken promises to voters – after the Chancellor announced immediate cuts to public services, infrastructure and social security worth billions of pounds, despite promising no cuts during the election.

Ms Don has warned that the cuts are "a political choice that will damage public services and economic growth".

The announcement that the Labour government will slash spending on hospitals, road and rail projects, the Winter Fuel Allowance and plans to make further cuts at the UK budget – comes despite Rachel Reeves promising during the election: “I don’t want to make any cuts to public spending... There’s not going to be a return to austerity under a Labour government" and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar claiming: “I don’t accept there will be spending cuts" and "read my lips: no austerity under a Labour government".

Throughout the election, the SNP repeatedly warned that the Labour Party’s decision to copy damaging Tory spending plans and fiscal rules would mean around £18billion of cuts or tax rises.

Senior Labour figures including Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Ian Murray and Anas Sarwar all denied this.

LABOUR HAS "BROKEN ITS PROMISE TO VOTERS" BY IMPOSING CUTS

These cuts are a political choice that will damage public services and economic growth.

 
Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

"Throughout the election, the SNP repeatedly warned the Labour Party's damaging decision to copy Tory fiscal rules and spending plans would mean around £18billion of cuts or tax rises. Labour flatly denied this and promised there would be no cuts – but now they have been forced to admit it was true and the cuts will be even deeper than expected.

"The Labour Party misled the public and has broken its promise to voters. The cuts announced today are a political choice that will damage public services and economic growth – and, more worryingly, it's now clear the Labour government will continue to cut and squeeze the budgets of public services, at a time when they desperately need investment.

"Renfrewshire and Scotland as a whole has suffered the consequences of fourteen years of Westminster cuts - and now Labour is piling more cuts on top and extending austerity.

“Public services have been starved of cash and can't take any more. People in Renfrewshire voted for “change” – they didn't vote for a Labour government to cut hospitals, roads and railways, they didn't vote to push children into poverty – and they didn't vote for another decade of Westminster austerity.

"You can't improve public services by cutting them – and you can't grow the economy, or build a country fit for the future, by taking investment away from infrastructure projects.

"The SNP will continue do everything it can to stand up for Scotland and hold the Labour government to account for the damage it will do to Scotland's public services by cutting off investment."

FAIRER WORKPLACES FUND: SUPPORT FOR FLEXIBLE WORKING

A £350,000 fund to help businesses, charities and other organisations adopt fair work practices has opened for applications.

Grants are available to implement changes such as the delivery of workplace training and processes that support flexible working and help to create and sustain a more diverse workforce.

The Fairer Workplaces Fund adds to Scottish Government measures supporting fair work, including making payment of the real Living Wage and providing an effective voice for workers a condition of grant awards.

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

“This fund is a great opportunity for businesses, charities and organisations in Renfrewshire to take a step towards creating fairer workplaces for their staff.

“Offering flexible shift patterns, remote working and making workplaces more accessible are among the relatively simple steps that can help more people into work and ensure they are able to stay there.

“They are also good for business. Experience shows that adopting fair work practices can help recruitment and improve staff retention. This new fund and the dissemination of the learning from it will help more companies – and Scotland’s wider economy - reap those benefits.

“I would urge organisations in Renfrewshire to look into the Fund and make sure to submit an application before the deadline on Sunday 1st September 2024.”

£30 MILLION TO REDUCE NHS WAITING TIMES: TARGETED ACTION TO TACKLE LONGEST WAITS

Significant activity is underway to clear the longest NHS waits following the allocation of £30 million of targeted funding.

The funding has been allocated to specialty areas where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits – this includes cancer, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, dermatology and diagnostics.

It is estimated the £30 million, initially announced in April, will help boards across the country deliver around; 12,000 additional procedures, 40,000 extra diagnostic procedures and 12,000 new outpatient appointments.

Activity levels will increase over the coming weeks and the Scottish Government will work closely with Boards to support delivery. 

Targeted action to tackle longest waits

I welcome this initial investment of £30 million which will target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic,

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

“I welcome this initial investment of £30 million which will target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic. This is all part of the Scottish Government’s programme to tackle waiting times in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde region and across the country, including waiting lists for orthopaedic treatment and diagnostics for cancer.

“These actions will help Scotland’s NHS maximise capacity, build greater resilience and deliver year-on-year reductions in the number of patients who have waited too long for treatment. The number people waiting over two years for a new outpatient appointment is down by more than half in the last two years, and we want to build on that progress.

“As part of the £30 million, the Scottish Government have invested close to £2 million in ophthalmology helping to increase activity in the short term as we aim to deliver one cataract procedure every 30 minutes on standard lists. This will allow a more resilient and sustainable service for the future.”

£1 MILLION TO TACKLE HEALTH INEQUALITIES: SUPPORTING SCOTLAND’S MOST DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES

A programme improving the quality of general practice care in disadvantaged areas of Greater Glasgow and Clyde will continue for a second year through £1 million of Scottish Government funding.

The Inclusion Health and General Practice (IHAGP) programme looks to provide patients with targeted, early interventions and an evaluation of the scheme showed it had enhanced patient care, bolstered staff training and strengthened community links.

Over 7,000 extended or outreach consultations were delivered in 2023-24 for patients with complex health needs or those missing from healthcare. More than 200 staff members received training related to health inequalities, including trauma, resulting in improved healthcare delivery for vulnerable patients. Practices were also supported to build stronger connections with community groups.

The funding for 2024-25 will support practices to engage in extended consultations, promote staff training on health equity and trauma, build on improvements to practice policies and strengthen connections with community groups.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“The IHAGP programme is a vital part of the Scottish Government’s reform strategy and our efforts to tackle health inequalities here in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

“The positive evaluation of the programme underscores its importance and effectiveness in providing enhanced care to those who need it most. The SNP Scottish Government’s continued funding of the programme demonstrates our dedication to evidence-informed policy and practices and we look forward to building on the successes of the programme to date.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to the long-term goals of IHAGP. While the current funding is set at £1 million, the positive impacts demonstrated by the programme pave the way for potential future expansions.”

LABOUR MPs IN RENFREWSHIRE VOTE TO KEEP TWO CHILD CAP

SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, has called out the three newly elected Labour MPs in Renfrewshire, stating that "the Labour Party failed its first major test in government".

This comes after the majority of Labour MPs voted against the SNP amendment to scrap the two child cap last night (23 August), including the three Renfrewshire Labour MPs, causing it to fall by 103 MPs in favour of scrapping the cap to 363 MPs against.

Using the latest data, published by the Department for Work and Pensions, the research reveals the typical cost of the two child cap to families in Scotland this year is £287.92 a month, or £3455 a year, for families with three children, and £575.84 a month, or £6910 a year, for families with four children. In total, some of the poorest families in Scotland have lost a combined £454.8million in financial support since the policy was introduced in 2017/18. Across Britain, families have lost a total of £8.05 billion in support.

The Labour Party failed its first major test in government

This is now the Labour government's two child cap - and it must take ownership of the damage it is causing.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“Last night, Labour MPs had the opportunity to deliver meaningful change from years of Tory misrule by immediately lifting thousands of children out of poverty and abolishing the two child benefit cap - they made a political choice not to do so.

“Data shows that in Renfrewshire alone, 790 households (63%) in receipt of Universal Credit or Child Tax Credits are not receiving financial support for at least one child as of April 2024, which equates to 63% of all recipients.

“However, all three of the newly elected Labour MPs across Renfrewshire voted to keep this cruel cap in place under their Labour government, which will unnecessarily keep children and families in our communities in poverty.

"This is now the Labour government's two child cap - and it must take ownership of the damage it is causing.

"The SNP will continue campaign vigorously for the cap to be abolished at the earliest opportunity, as we have done since its introduction in 2015. It is the very worst of Westminster’s welfare cuts, and every day it remains more children suffer.

"The Labour government has a moral duty to go much further and faster to tackle child poverty. Scrapping the cap is the bare minimum we should expect. In order to eradicate child poverty, the UK government must take much bolder action, including matching the Scottish Child Payment UK-wide by raising Universal Credit by £26.70 per child, per week at the UK budget.

“It is clear that the Labour Party failed its first major test in government.”

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.”