Natalie Don MSP highlights importance of International Workers Memorial Day

“International Worker’s Memorial Day is a key event in the promotion of safe working places for all workers,” said Natalie Don (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West).

International Workers Memorial Day takes place every year on the 28th April. The purpose of the day is two-fold, to remember those who have died, been injured, or made ill by their work and to ensure that this loss and suffering is used to reinvigorate all campaigns for healthier and safer work; for those still at work, their families, and their children who will become tomorrows’ workers.

There are two commemoration events in Renfrewshire this year –at 11:30am at the Workers Memorial Cairn at Robertson Park, Renfrew and at 12noon at the flagpoles outside Renfrewshire House in Paisley.

Natalie Don MSP added;

Natalie Don MSP at the Memorial Cairn for International Workers Memorial Day

“The theme for this year’s International Worker’s Memorial Day is ‘health and safety is a fundamental right’ underlining the importance of ensuring that every workplace is safe and healthy for all workers.

“We have seen through the Covid pandemic the dangers that medical staff and others were placed in when trying to care for those who contracted Covid, we should ensure that every workplace is a safe environment for all workers. And that also means not wasting valuable public finances on faulty PPE equipment – as we have seen with the UK Tory Government!

“Everyone deserves to know that they will be returning home from their work, and for that to happen we need stronger enforcement of health and safety policies within each workplace.

“Normally on this day I would be attending the event at the Worker’s Memorial Cairn in Robertson Park, Renfrew and fondly remembering former Councillor Bill Perrie who worked hard with Paisley and District Trade Council to get this cairn installed. However, as I will be in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 28th April I will take time out at 12noon to pay my respects to all those who have lost their lives at work.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes MS Awareness Week

“MS Awareness Week is an important event to help highlight the problems facing people with MS and supporting the charities and groups which help them,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on MS Awareness Week which runs from 25th April until 1st May 2022.

The theme for this year’s awareness week is ‘uncertainty’ because MS is unpredictable and different for everyone living with it. As a fluctuating condition people have good days and bad, and go to bed not knowing what tomorrow will bring. They don’t know how symptoms might change, how their condition may progress or whether their treatments will continue to work.

This uncertainty can be exacerbated by a social security system that does not guarantee adequate support, stretched health services that may not be there when needed and a rising cost of living that will have a greater impact on disabled people than others.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“I met with the MS Society Scotland earlier this year where the issue of uncertainty was raised with me. It comes as no surprise then to find that a recent survey carried out for MS Awareness Week by MS Society Scotland revealed that 67% of respondents living with MS said they were ‘scared and uncertain about the future’.

“Rises in the cost of living present an acute challenge for people living with disabilities in general and MS in particular. Before the pandemic MS Society Scotland estimated that the average person living with MS faced additional costs of between £600-£1000 per month, depending on the severity of their condition.

“I welcome MS Awareness week as a chance to highlight this important issue and to support the work of charities, such as the MS Society Scotland and the MS Trust in raising awareness of MS and campaigning for better care and funding research to stop MS.”

Further Information on MS (Multiple Sclerosis) can be found at: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/contact-us/scotland

Children in Renfrewshire excelling under SNP Scottish Government

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed figures which show children in Renfrewshire are excelling under the SNP Scottish Government.

Schools across Renfrewshire are benefitting from £4.3 million of funding for the coming year to reduce the attainment gap in the area.

As a result, 96.5% of young people in the area go on to positive destinations. The latest figures also show that 12,456 have went into a modern apprenticeship under the SNP Scottish Government. 

In helping to close the attainment gap, there are currently 4,654 children receiving free school meals.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said: 

Natalie Don MSP

“Since the SNP formed a government in 2007, attainment and the number of pupils going on to positive destinations has improved in Renfrewshire.

“This is down to the funding the SNP Scottish Government has provided to reduce the attainment gap and I am delighted that this will continue as £4.3 million has been committed to reduce the gap even further for the coming year.

“The SNP Scottish Government is also ensuring that P1-3 children have the best start to their day by providing free school meals. This will also be extended to all primary schools within this parliamentary term.

“It is only the SNP who can be trusted to protect Scotland’s education system and on May 5 the people of Renfrewshire have the chance to send a message to the Tories that we do not trust them with it.”

Natalie Don supporting Young Carers’ Action Day

Young Carers’ Action Day, which takes place on16th March 2022, is an annual event which aims to raise awareness of young carers and the incredible contribution they make to their families and local communities.

Natalie Don MSP has experience of being a young carer herself and wanted to highlight the contribution that young carers and young adult carers make to support their families and friends.  The theme for this year’s Young Carers’ Action Day is tackling the social isolation that they can experience as young and young adult carers.

In Renfrewshire, there is support available via the Renfrewshire Carers Centre: Young Carers Project which has a range of events including allotment, arts and football groups to help them break down the barriers of isolation.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“With experience of being a young carer myself, I can understand how you can feel isolated from your friends and how it can be difficult to get out and go places.

“However, the support of organisations such as Renfrewshire Carers Centre is invaluable in not only bringing young and young adult carers together but helping them interact with one another and join in with activities to help lessen the isolation that they may sometimes feel.”

To find out more about the support Renfrewshire Carers Centre offer to young carers please contact them on enquiries@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk or call 0141 887 3643

Natalie Don MSP welcomes new bus powers for councils

“This could transform public transport across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde,” said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North & West), commenting on Scottish Government plans to allow local authorities to run their own bus services by July 2022. Secondary legislation to enable bus franchising and partnership options will also be introduced before the end of 2023.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 was designed to help make Scotland’s transport network cleaner, smarter and more accessible than ever before by empowering local authorities and establishing consistent standards in order to tackle current and future challenges, whilst delivering a more responsive and sustainable transport system for everyone in Scotland.

However, work to implement the new bus legislation provided by the Transport Act was paused due to COVID-19 and the need to shift focus and support bus operators in navigating the pressures of the pandemic. As revealed in a Parliamentary Written Answer to Natalie Don MSP, who had asked a question on this issue, it was revealed that the work to enable this legislation had recommenced and the Minister for Transport outlined the next steps in bringing this legislation to fruition.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said:

“Local authorities asked for greater powers to run their own bus services and I’m pleased the Scottish Government will now deliver this.

“As with many aspects of the Transport Act, the provisions empower local authorities with the flexible tools they need to respond to their own transport challenges. Not every local authority will want to run their own bus services – some may opt for a partnership or franchise approach. What’s key is that local authorities will soon have greater tools at their disposal to revitalise bus services where required. 

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Whether it’s local authority run bus services or private operators – there are shared challenges we need to address collectively to put bus at the heart of our green recovery. This is why the Scottish Government is investing over half a billion pounds in long term funding for bus priority infrastructure. This will address the impact that congestion has on bus services, making them quicker and more attractive for passengers.

“This will give local authorities the options of either running their own services, franchising services to a particular operator or establishing a bus service improvement partnership between the local authorities and bus operators – with the aim of improving local bus services.

“There are many communities, both urban and rural, across my constituency of Renfrewshire North & West which feel isolated and cut adrift due to poor public transport.  These new powers will give local authorities the power to tackle this while also tackling climate change by investing in public transport.

“Coupled with the expansion of free bus travel to under 22s and significant investment to encourage a shift to zero emission buses, the SNP Scottish Government is responding to the climate emergency by placing buses at the front of our just transition to a net zero society – supporting our world leading commitment to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030.”

Natalie Don MSP calls to Break the Bias on International Women's Day

“Despite how far we have come with gender equality, and I do believe here in Scotland that is a long way, bias continues to surround our everyday lives. Breaking it can be difficult. Stereotypes fuel misogyny and women should not have to act or behave in a certain way to conform to these outdated stereotypes”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West), in her contribution to the debate on International Women’s Day in the Scottish Parliament.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Break the Bias, highlighting that structural barriers and prejudice continue to cause inequality within our society. Break the Bias challenges everyone to take action against prejudice whenever they see it. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Natalie Don MSP praised the efforts of women during the pandemic and outlined the difficulties many have faced. Natalie also called out the judgements that women face on a daily basis that few man would ever be subject to and made a call to let women be and let them get on with their lives without these daily battles.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Women have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Sectors that women have traditionally worked in were hardest hit and school and nursery closures saw many women’s childcare responsibilities increase. New mothers missed out on many experiences with their little ones and pregnant women have faced a pregnancy like no other with limited or no birthing partner visits, missed antenatal classes, face masks during birth and in general, a level of uncertainty. I know it has been an extremely difficult time for so many women and on International Women’s Day, I wanted to highlight this and pay tribute to every single women for everything you have given during the pandemic.

“Women face judgement, stigma and criticism for everything we do, everything we say or dare to speak about, the clothes we wear, how we style our hair, our weight, our height, how we conduct ourselves on social media… the list is exhausting. Women have a certain way we are expected to behave and whether you are a young girl, a woman, or a mother or grandmother I have no doubt that you have faced this kind of judgement or questioning along the lines of this in the past. I think it is important, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day, to highlight this because it is unjust that women should have to fight these battles on a daily basis.”

Natalie Don MSP calls out the Chancellor for Short-changing Renfrewshire

“Renfrewshire households will lose out on a total of £9,517,581 due to the actions of the UK Tory Chancellor who falsely claimed he would provide support to help with the cost of living crisis”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West).

Despite the Chancellor claiming that Scotland would receive an additional £290million to help with the cost of household council tax bills, it has been revealed by the Scottish Finance Secretary - Kate Forbes MSP – that no such additional money has come to Scotland to help low-income families to pay their council tax!

In a letter to Holyrood’s Finance Committee Ms. Forbes reveals the Scottish Government was expecting to receive £852m from the Treasury but will instead receive £814m. Meaning the Scottish Government will have to find funds from elsewhere in its budget to help people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland to pay their council tax bills.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Tories are trying to pull the wool over our eyes and dupe the people of Renfrewshire and Scotland into thinking they would be providing extra cash to deal with the cost of living crisis.  However, the reality is that the extra cashed promised by the Chancellor simply isn’t there.

“Again, the Scottish Government has to make good on another broken Tory promise by finding funds from its limited budget to help out hard press families by cutting £150 off their council tax bills.

“This is real cash to deal with the cost of living crisis, not Tory smoke and mirrors. This trend is all too familiar to people in Scotland – when it comes to the Tories, all we get is cuts, not cash.

“This once again demonstrates that it is only with the full powers that independence would bring that we can provide support for those on the lowest incomes instead of having one hand tied behind our backs by relentless Tory cuts.”

In total Renfrewshire should have received £9,517,581 which would equate to £109.10 per household.

Constituency service contacts

Police – 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency). 18000 is available for Deaf or hard of hearing emergency callers using a textphone.

Renfrewshire Council – 0300 300 0300 in emergency cases only. The Customer Service Centre in Paisley is closed from 2.30pm on Friday 24 December 2021 and re-opens at 8.45am on Thursday 6 January 2022. All of the council’s essential services such as care at home, homeless support, community meals and emergency repairs will continue to operate. The 24-hour emergency Homeless Help and Advice service can be called on 0141 618 7200.

Scottish Water – 0800 077 8778, www.scottishwater.co.uk

Scottish Power Energy Networks Electricity Emergency – 0800 092 9290 (from landlines) or 0330 1010 222 (from mobiles)

National Gas Emergency Service – 0800 111 999

Renfrewshire Foodbank – info@renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk, renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk

Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) FIRST Crisis service – 0800 221 8929 (freephone) or 0141 848 9090 (standard rate) 9am-8pm Monday-Friday or 9am-5pm Saturday-Sunday seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Breathing Space – 0800 83 85 87, www.breatingspace.scot

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health – 0344 800 0550, info@samh.org.uk

Samaritans Scotland Helpline – 116 123, jo@samaritans.org

Renfrewshire Women's Aid – 0141 561 7030 (9am - 4pm)

Women and Children First – 0300 300 0345, woman.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Scotland's 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 027 1234, www.safer.scot

Galop LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428

Men's Advice Line – 0808 801 0327

Rape Crisis Scotland – 08088 01 03 02, www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

Childline – 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk

Floodline Scotland – 0845 988 1188, www.floodlinescotland.org.uk

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – 0800 80 70 60 (pollution hotline), www.sepa.org.uk

NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE RESIDENTS TO SHARE VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO DELIVER A BETTER DEAL FOR RENTING TENANTS

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents to share their views on the Scottish Government’s new plans to deliver a new deal for tenants, with stronger rights, greater protections against eviction and access to greener, higher quality, more affordable housing.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is urging local people to input their opinions via a consultation about the Scottish Government’s ’A New Deal for Tenants’ strategy which aim to deliver a fairer rented sector that meets the needs of tenants and welcomes responsible landlords.

The proposals include:

• increasing penalties for illegal evictions and stronger enforcement

• restricting evictions during winter

• giving tenants greater flexibility to personalise their homes and keep pets

• developing a national system of rent controls for the private rented sector

• introducing a new housing standard to apply to all homes

• establishing a private rented sector regulator to uphold these standards and ensure the system is fair for both landlords and tenants

• setting minimum standards for energy efficiency and making homes cheaper to heat

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents to share their views on the Scottish Government’s ’A New Deal for Tenants’ strategy.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I am pleased to see the Scottish Government is proposing to take important steps towards delivering an improved fairer rented sector that better meets the needs of both tenants and responsible landlords in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

“I urge Renfrewshire tenants who are renting from a housing association, the council or from a private landlord to share their views on how the new strategy can give them more decision-making power over their homes, which should all be of an ensured high quality, safe and energy efficient.”

The measures outlined in the consultation are proposed to form part of the government’s Housing to 2040 strategy, with feedback helping to shape the final version to be published in 2022, with elements put to the Scottish Parliament in a Housing Bill during 2023.

For more information about the government’s consultation, which ends on 15 April 2022, go to www.gov.scot/publications/new-deal-tenants-draft-strategy-consultation-paper

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S £4BN INVESTMENT IN SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTION

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s £4bn of investment to support and protect low income people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West hailed confirmation by Finance Secretary, Kate Forbes MSP, that the SNP Government’s 2022/23 budget includes £197m for the Scottish Child Payment – which is set to be doubled to £20 per child per week at the start of April – and children will also be supported to have the best start in life with £17.8m being committed to the Best Start Grant and £13.1m being invested in Best Start Foods.

People with a disability will also be supported by the Scottish Government’s £1.9bn of investment in the new Adult Disability Payment and £444m in the Disability Living Allowance, and carers will also benefit from £314m going towards the Carers Allowance plus an extra £41.8m for the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

Natalie Don MSP welcomes the Scottish Government’s £4bn of investment to support and protect low income people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

Natalie Don MSP said: “The SNP Scottish Government is continuing to build a social security system built on fairness, dignity and respect – in stark contrast to the Westminster Tory government which is focused on hammering the poorest in society, as we saw with their recent callous cut to Universal Credit by £20-a-week.

“I am pleased that low income families throughout Renfrewshire will benefit from the doubling of the Scottish Child Payment at the start of April, and payments like Best Start Foods and the Best Start Grant will assist many children to have a better start in life

 “With out-of-touch Westminster Tory politicians continuing to decide the vast majority of welfare policies which are having such damaging impacting on the most vulnerable people in our Renfrewshire communities, the Scottish Government is showing exactly why we need full powers over all social security in the Scottish Parliament to complete our national mission of eradicating child poverty.”

For more details about the Scottish Budget, go to www.gov.scot/budget

NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE RESIDENTS TO SHARE VIEWS ON SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S LITTER AND FLYTIPPING STRATEGY

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents to share their views on the Scottish Government’s new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy which is proposing a range of measures to prevent litter and flytipping as well as strengthening enforcement.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is urging local people to input their opinions via a consultation about the Scottish Government’s strategy which could see fines for flytipping more than doubled from £200 to £500 – the maximum permitted by current legislation – or possibly increased beyond this cap.

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents to take part in the Scottish Government’s National Littering and Flytipping Strategy.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I am pleased to see the Scottish Government is proposing to take important steps towards achieving a Scotland where our streets, parks and public spaces are free of litter and flytipping.

“I was proud to pioneer Team Up to Clean Up, one of Renfrewshire Council’s most successful campaigns which highlights the importance of our natural environment and encourages community involvement and action to clean up areas, but it is essential, as a society, that we tackle littering and flytipping before they become a visible problem.

“It’s great to see that the government is proposing a sustained campaigning push, informed by research showing the reasons why anti-litter measures are still not reaching some people, and taking more targeted actions, driven by data about where and when flytipping takes place, to become more effective in clamping down on illegal dumping.

“I urge Renfrewshire residents to take the opportunity to get involved in the government’s consultation and share their views on how the new strategy can eradicate littering and flytipping in all our communities.”

For more information about the government’s consultation, which ends on 31 March 2022, go to consult.gov.scot/environment-forestry/national-litter-and-flytipping-strategy

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES TARGETED SUPPORT FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES IN SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S BUDGET

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Budget announcement today which confirmed a range of targeted measures aimed at supporting low income families in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West hailed the Scottish Budget commitments prioritising tackling inequalities and helping to reduce increasing financial pressures being experienced by the poorest people in communities, including the following pledges:

• More than £4 billion in social security and welfare payments, supporting low income families, carers and disabled people - including £41 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund and £80.2 million in Discretionary Housing Payments.

• Nearly £200 million will go directly to lift children across Scotland out of poverty, including the doubling of the Scottish Child Payment to £20 per week.

• Over £72 million to expand free school lunches for all children in P1-5 and support the infrastructure to roll-out lunches to all primary children.

• £200 million for the Scottish Attainment Challenge as part of the SNP's commitment to provide £1 billion to tackle the poverty-related attainment gap.

• £544 million to deliver free funded early learning and childcare for three and four year olds, and two year olds from lower income households.

Natalie Don MSP welcomes the Scottish Government’s targeted measures aimed at supporting low income families in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

Natalie Don MSP said: “While the out-of-touch Westminster Tory government continues to hammer the most vulnerable people in our communities and plunges families into poverty, I am pleased to see the SNP Government is taking important steps in providing much-needed support for low income families in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

“Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been exceptionally difficult for many people, it has been particularly devastating for families with the lowest incomes so I welcome this Scottish Government’s Budget’s targeted approach towards reducing inequalities by helping those who need supported most, as the SNP continues our national mission to eradicate child poverty.

“Whilst Boris Johnson stumbles from one crisis to another, the Scottish Government is getting on with the job of providing security and stability for the poorest people in our society and this Budget shows exactly why we need full powers over all social security decisions in the Scottish Parliament.

“It is no surprise to see independence becoming an increasingly attractive prospect for more and more people in Scotland when the stark differences between the Westminster and Holyrood governments becomes clearer by the day.”

For more details about the Scottish Budget, go to www.gov.scot/budget

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES RENFREWSHIRE RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE TO CONTACT POLICE AND SPECIALIST HELPLINES

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse to report the incidents to police and contact organisations providing specialist advice and support for victims often living in traumatic circumstances.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West’s call comes following figures published by the Scottish Government showing the number of reported domestic abuse incidents in Renfrewshire was 2,118 in 2020/21 and Police Scotland figures released this week revealing 1,431 domestic abuse incidents were reported in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde between April and September this year.

Natalie Don MSP encourages Renfrewshire residents witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse to report the incidents to police and contact organisations providing specialist advice and support for victims.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I thank Police Scotland and multi-agency local partners for their ongoing dedicated work in helping people in our communities who have experienced domestic abuse into safe environments.

“The fact that there were 2,118 reported incidents in 2020/21 is a stark reminder of the completely unacceptable levels of domestic abuse that occur in Renfrewshire and, as a society, we clearly need to do more to foster a zero tolerance approach by challenging the horrendous attitudes and behaviours which often underpin domestic abuse.

“A person’s home should be a place of safety but, unfortunately, the vast majority of domestic abuse incidents take place in households, with women disproportionately accounting for around four in five victims.

“No-one should be subject to domestic abuse and no child should have to witness this growing up. I urge all Renfrewshire residents who either witness or experience domestic abuse incidents to find the confidence to speak out by contacting specialist helplines and the police to ensure victims can be provided with the support that they require and the perpetrators brought to justice.”

People in Renfrewshire concerned about domestic abuse can contact:

• Police Scotland on 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergencies

• Women and Children First on 0300 300 0345 or woman.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk

• Renfrewshire Women's Aid on 0141 561 7030 (9am - 4pm)

• Scotland's 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234

• Galop LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 999 5428

• Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327

NATALIE DON MSP URGES RENFREWSHIRE RESIDENTS TO SHARE VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO LAUNCH A NEW HEATING BENEFIT

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging Renfrewshire residents to share their views on the Scottish Government’s proposals to launch a new heating benefit to help low income households in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is urging local people to input their opinions via a consultation about the Scottish Government’s planned Low Income Winter Heating Assistance payment of a guaranteed £50 for qualifying households every winter from 2022, which will replace the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment scheme.

The current UK Government benefit triggers a £25 payment only when temperatures are recorded or forecast at below zero degrees Celsius for seven days in a row, whilst the Scottish Government’s replacement Low Income Winter Heating Assistance benefit would provide financial stability regardless of the exact temperatures.

Qualifying benefits for the Low Income Winter Heating Assistance payment are proposed to include Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I am pleased to see the SNP Government is taking important steps towards supporting low income families in Renfrewshire and across Scotland who may need help paying to heat their homes during future winter periods.

“There have been some years when the UK Tory Government has provided only one or no Cold Weather Payments at all but, thankfully, the Scottish Government’s new Low Income Winter Heating Assistance would be guaranteed, irrespective of whether the temperature is forecast or recorded as zero degrees Celsius for seven days in a row, and will double the support for more households at risk of fuel poverty and which need extra help with heating costs during the coldest months of the year.

“I urge Renfrewshire residents to take the opportunity to get involved in the government’s consultation and share their views on the various policy aspects of this vital proposed benefit before it is finalised.”

For more information about the government’s consultation, which ends on 23 February 2022, go to www.gov.scot/publications/consultation-low-income-winter-heating-assistance-liwha

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT’S DOUBLING OF THE SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement today that Scottish Child Payment will be doubled to £20 per week per child from April 2022.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West hailed the increase in the payment, which provides essential support for low income families with children aged under six.

Parents who receive qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can apply for the Scottish Child Payment.

Natalie Don MSP welcomes the Scottish Government’s announcement about doubling the Scottish Child Payment.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I am proud that the SNP is delivering the most ambitious anti-poverty measure in the UK in the shape of the Scottish Child Payment which is designed to improve the everyday lives of children in low income families in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

“With rising energy costs and the UK Tory Government’s callous cut to the Universal Credit £20 uplift bringing further hardship and plunging more local families into poverty, I am delighted that the Scottish Government has acted quickly to protect children in our communities who need supported most.

“With out-of-touch Westminster Tory politicians continuing to decide the vast majority of welfare policies which are having such damaging impacting on the most vulnerable people in our society, the Scottish Government’s doubling of the Scottish Child Payment shows exactly why we need full powers over all social security in the Scottish Parliament to complete our national mission of eradicating child poverty.”

The benefit, which is unique in the UK, will be fully rolled out to children under the age of 16 by the end of 2022, subject to data on qualifying benefits being received from the UK Government’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Parents can apply for the benefit by going to www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment/how-to-apply

NATALIE DON MSP CONDEMNS LABOUR’S PFI CONTRACT COSTS CONTINUING TO HIT RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL’S FINANCES

Natalie Don MSP has condemned the continuing impact on Renfrewshire Council’s finances of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts, which were introduced by the UK Tory Government and adopted by Labour when they ran the devolved government at Holyrood.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West highlighted research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) which shows the amount being forked out by Renfrewshire Council in 2019/20 was £17million, 10% of its education resource funding.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Horrendously expensive Private Finance Initiative contracts, which were introduced by Westminster Tories and supercharged by Labour-led devolved governments at Holyrood in years gone by, are still impacting on local authorities across Scotland, including Renfrewshire Council.

“The legacy of past decisions taken by Labour at Holyrood and locally when they ran the council administration in Renfrewshire continues to be felt as schools’ budgets are significantly eaten up by the huge ongoing cost of £17million in 2019/20 due to their beloved PFI contracts.

“Thankfully, the SNP scrapped PFI contracts to end taxpayers’ money being wasted in such ridiculously lengthy and costly ways but, unfortunately, we are still stuck with paying the heavy price of disastrous decisions by Labour in previous decades.”

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES RENFREWSHIRE RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS TO CONTACT RAMH’S FIRST CRISIS HELPLINE

Natalie Don MSP has praised the efforts of Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) staff and volunteers in providing much-needed support for Renfrewshire residents experiencing mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a meeting with RAMH’s Chief Executive, Stephen McLellan, and recently appointed Operations Manager, Claire Gallagher, the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West was informed that the charity, which usually supports around 7,5000 people across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire in their recovery from mental ill health each year, saw an increase of 10 per cent in the number of individuals contacting the organisation during the last 18 months.

Stephen McLellan, Manager of RAMH, said: “We were pleased to speak with Natalie Don MSP to highlight the valuable one-to-one support we are providing to people throughout Renfrewshire during the pandemic – including to many individuals who were previously not known to Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Adult Community Mental Health Team.

“Unsurprisingly, we have been contacted by an increasing number of Renfrewshire residents who are experiencing COVID-19 related anxiety both in terms of the social isolation being suffered during times of restrictions as well as concerns relating to the prospects or reality of unemployment and debt issues.

“Anyone in Renfrewshire aged 16 or over who is experiencing a crisis in their mental health can reach out on an anonymous basis to our FIRST Crisis service which operates out of hours and offers essential personalised support.”

Natalie Don MSP with Claire Gallagher (Operations Manager) and Stephen McLellan (Chief Executive) from Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH).

Natalie Don MSP said: “It’s vitally important that we all look after our mental health as much as we can and don’t hesitate to reach out for confidential support offered by dedicated services such as those run by RAMH.

“Through correspondence and conversations with my constituents, I am acutely aware of the range of difficulties and everyday challenges facing a lot of local people during the COVID-19 pandemic and offer RAMH staff and volunteers my heartfelt gratitude for making themselves available to provide life enhancing person-centred support to residents across Renfrewshire.

“I encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to make immediate contact with RAMH’s FIRST Crisis service and give the charity’s trained staff and volunteers the opportunity to gently talk you through steps which can help improve your wellbeing and recovery.”

Renfrewshire residents can contact RAMH’s FIRST Crisis service between 9am-8pm Monday-Friday or 9am-5pm Saturday-Sunday on freephone: 0800 221 8929 (or standard rate 0141 848 9090) seven days a week, 365 days a year.

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES RENFREWSHIRE FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR NEW CHILD DISABILITY PAYMENT

Natalie Don MSP is encouraging families of children and young people with a disability or terminal illness in Renfrewshire to apply for the Scottish Government’s new Scotland’s Child Disability Payment which becomes available from Monday 22 November 2021.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West welcomes the fact that it is the first disability benefit in the UK which can be applied for online, with local families also having the options to apply by post, phone, or face-to-face (COVID-19 restrictions permitting) as part of Social Security Scotland’s commitment to inclusive communications.

The new benefit replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children. Families already receiving DLA for children do not need to make a new application as Social Security Scotland will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred.

Natalie Don MSP said: “I welcome the launch of the Scottish Government’s new Child Disability Payment and encourage eligible families across Renfrewshire to apply for this financial assistance which will help towards meeting the additional expenses such as extra care and mobility costs, associated with children who have a disability.

“Families with disabled children were directly involved in developing the application process so I’m delighted that applicants will experience a simplified, person-centred system and that it is the first disability benefit in the UK which can be applied for online.”

For more information about the Child Disability Payment, go to www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment or call telephone: 0800 182 2222.

NATALIE DON MSP CALLS FOR ‘BORIS BRIDGE’ FUNDING TO BE ALLOCATED TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT LINKS IN RENFREWSHIRE AND ACROSS SCOTLAND

Natalie Don MSP is calling on the UK Government to make good on the money Scotland and Northern Ireland are owed as their share of the £20 billion Boris Johnson planned to use on building a bridge across the Northern Channel.

With the plan having now been ditched, the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is demanding that the money is allocated to the two countries’ respective devolved governments so it can be spent on transport projects to transform local connectivity.

Natalie Don MSP calls on the UK Government to transfer Scotland its share of the £20 billion funds which were earmarked for the now ditched plans to build a bridge to Northern Ireland.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Whilst the bridge was a daft idea and a vanity project which had very little support beyond Boris Johnson, the £20 billion earmarked for the scheme should be handed over to the governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland to decide how to invest the funds in improving local, regional and national transport links.

“Renfrewshire’s share of the cash would be in the region of £328m to £487m, depending on whether it was split 50-50 or on a pro-rata basis, which could make a significant difference in improving our transport networks.

“As people in Renfrewshire and across Scotland simply cannot trust the out-of-touch Westminster Tory Government to act in our best interests, we shouldn’t hold our collective breath to see a penny of this funding and, yet again, it shows why we need to move towards choosing a different path by becoming an independent country.”

NATALIE DON MSP PRAISES RENFREWSHIRE FOODBANK’S SERVICES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS HIT BY INCREASED LEVELS OF POVERTY

Natalie Don MSP has praised the efforts of Renfrewshire Foodbank’s staff and volunteers in providing essential food and household items for hundreds of local people experiencing increased levels of poverty due to the recent Universal Credit cut and rises in energy prices.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West visited the foodbank’s depot at Westway Park, Renfrew where she was informed by manager, Crystal Clayton, and project lead, Alistair Reid, that 9,300 emergency food parcels were compiled and issued by the organisation 90 plus volunteers to local families in the last year

In addition to providing food for balanced, nutritious and culturally appropriate diets for people referred to attend the weekly distribution operation at Renfrew Baptist Church, 77 Paisley Road, PA4 8LH between 10am and 12noon on Thursdays, Renfrewshire Council’s Advice Works staff are always on hand to provide confidential and independent advice on money, debt and benefits issues.

The foodbank also signposts service users requiring advice about managing energy bills to Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and provides SIM cards, loaded with 20GB data and free calls and texts to provide six months of connectivity for people experiencing digital poverty and exclusion.

Crystal Clayton, Manager of Renfrewshire Foodbank, said: “The removal of the £20 Universal Credit uplift and the increase in energy prices have, unfortunately, but not surprisingly, resulted in many more people using our services as they are forced to choose between heating their homes or eating. 

“I was pleased to speak with Natalie Don MSP to highlight how the foodbank is working with a range of local partner organisations to provide a more holistic approach to help reduce the devastating impacts of poverty experienced by everyone coming to our distribution centres.

“At the foodbank, we are trying to work ourselves out of a job but, sadly, it looks like our services will continue to be needed by many Renfrewshire residents for some time to come.”

Natalie Don MSP with Crystal Clayton and Alistair Reid at Renfrewshire Foodbank.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Although it is completely unacceptable that our fellow citizens are experiencing in-work poverty or horrendously low welfare incomes that they need support to access nutritious food, I am thankful that Renfrewshire Foodbank’s 90 plus volunteers have worked so hard to provide emergency food parcels for local people in the last year.

“It is good to see that the foodbank has a joined-up approach with other local organisations equipped to offer Renfrewshire residents crucial advice about managing debts, energy bills and ensuring they are fully informed about benefits they may be eligible to receive.

“I was also pleased to be advised that the foodbank’s pilot mobile service ensuring that people in Bridge of Weir can more easily and discretely use their services is proving to be a success and will hopefully be rolled out in other Renfrewshire villages in due course. ”

Although the foodbank is well stocked for service users over the winter period, donations of toiletries, laundry detergent, bags for life, long life milk, diluting juice, jam and non-alcoholic sweet treats will be gratefully received at its depot in Westway, Porterfield Road, Renfrew PA4 8DG between 9.30am-11.45 am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For more information, visit renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk or email: info@renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk.