MSP URGES SCOTS TO HAVE A ZERO WASTE CHRISTMAS

SMALL CHANGES THIS FESTIVE SEASON CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

SNP MSP Natalie Don is urging people across Scotland to enjoy a zero waste Christmas by making small changes to their festivities.
 
The MSP is encouraging households to consider simple ways to help meet Scotland’s world-leading climate change ambitions. Ms Don has said ‘we can all choose better, greener alternatives to our usual habits that can typically have a harmful impact on the environment.’
 
There are many easy adjustments that can be made to reduce festive food waste, gift wrapping and excessive emissions of travelling to see loved ones.
 
Natalie Don MSP is highlighting Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS)’s “10 tips for a waste-free Christmas” that include planning meals before you go food shopping and remembering to turn your Christmas lights off.
 
ZWS has also produced a “Sustainable Christmas Guide” to help reduce the impact of their own research which showed Scots expected to use upwards of 19,000 miles of wrapping paper this Christmas and estimates that 50,000 tonnes of food and drink is thrown away from Scottish homes in December alone.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said: “After a challenging year, we all want to celebrate this holiday season with our loved ones and enjoy the usual festive fun – and we can do this while making some simple changes to reduce our levels of waste at the same time.
 
“It’s clear that people across Scotland are willing to play their part in helping tackle the climate crisis so I want to highlight some better, greener alternatives to our usual habits that can typically have a harmful impact on the environment.
 
“It can be as simple as planning meals before you go food shopping, recycling wrapping paper, car sharing or just remembering to turn your Christmas lights off – these are all ways we can make our Christmas more sustainable and at a time when people are experiencing huge financial constraints, these small steps can also help to make small savings.
 
“It can be hard to see how much of an impact our individual contributions can have but it’s clear that the little things mount up. The difference we can all make this Christmas should not be underestimated and every little helps so it is important that we all play our part.”

LOW-INCOME SCOTS SUPPORTED WITH MORE THAN £200M OF SOCIAL SECURITY

SNP SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PUTTING REAL CASH INTO THE POCKETS OF THE LEAST WELL OFF

Low-income households across Scotland have been supported by more than £200m of social security payments in the last financial year and part of 2022.

Figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that those on the lowest incomes received £206.85m of support in the 2021/22 financial year and part of 2022.

A breakdown of the figures shows how the Scottish Child Payment is putting extra cash in the pockets of families across Scotland. Combining 2021/22 financial year and part 2022 figures families were as follows:

-    £108.19m from the Scottish Child Payment
-    £13.22m from the Best Start Grants
-    £4.01m of Winter Heating Assistance
-    Young jobseekers received £850,000 from the Job Start Payment
-    Young carers were supported by £730,000 from the Young Carer Grant

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Scotland continues to build a social security system based on fairness, dignity and respect, but does so with one hand tied behind its back by an austerity obsessed Westminster government. The only way we can build a fairer Scotland is with independence.

“Thousands of households across Scotland are suffering from this Tory-made cost of living crisis, but the SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can with the powers at its disposal to provide a social security system that puts extra cash in their pockets.

“By introducing the child payment, which has been described as ‘game-changing’ by anti-poverty charities, the SNP Scottish Government has provided a safety net for thousands.

“However, this good work is undermined by the Tory UK government who have cut Universal Credit and are making even deeper cuts to household budgets.

“Labour offers no alternative either as the economic damage of Brexit will continue if they get into power. They will not take Scotland back into the EU, despite Scotland overwhelmingly rejecting Brexit.

“The only way for Scotland to escape the chaos of Westminster and build a fairer, more equal country is by becoming independent.”

LOW INCOME PENSIONERS: DON’T MISS OUT ON £324 EXTRA HELP

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR COST-OF-LIVING PAYMENT

 SNP MSP Natalie Don and Age Scotland are urging low income pensioners in Renfrewshire North and West to act quickly to claim for Pension Credit before this Sunday’s deadline to avoid losing out on an extra £324 cost of living payment. 

Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, can help identify if someone is eligible for Pension Credit and offer advice on applying by calling their helpline on 0800 12 44 222, where advisers can carry out a full benefits check, or check their eligibility online at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator  

Pension Credit provides pensioners on a low income with extra money and other helpful support.  It can top up their weekly income to £182.60 if they are single, and £278.70 if they are making a joint claim with a partner, as well as cutting council tax bills, help with energy costs and a free TV licence if they are over the age of 75. 

Anyone who makes a successful Pension Credit application to the Department for Work and Pensions before 18 December, 2022 will also be entitled to a £324 lump sum financial support payment.  This is because a claim for Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time. 

Natalie Don MSP

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

“With growing numbers of older people struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, there has never been a more important time to make sure you are receiving everything to which you are entitled. 

“Every year in Scotland, hundreds of millions of pounds in social security payments go unclaimed by older people due to lack of awareness, difficulty in accessing them, stigma surrounding benefits or just not knowing where to turn for help. 

“I would encourage people to call Age Scotland’s helpline to find out if they are entitled to Pension Credit or make an application directly via the gov.uk website as soon as possible.” 

Age Scotland interim chief executive Michelle Supple said: 

“Pension Credit is not only an essential benefit, but it opens the door to much more additional support including help with energy bills in the winter, a free TV licence for over-75s, help with rent and council tax reduction, free dental care and reduced water bills. 

“We are urging all pensioners on a low income to act quickly and start the application process or call our helpline 0800 12 44 222 for advice. We don’t want to see anyone miss out on extra cost of living support, especially with Christmas around the corner.” 

If you receive Pension Credit, there is a range of additional support and payments to help: 

· A one-off payment of £150 (previously £140) through the Warm Home Discount Scheme to help with the cost of energy this winter 

· A £50 payment in February to help with heating costs 

· Help with Council Tax and rent 

· Reduced water bills 

· Free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital 

· A free TV licence (if over-75) 

· An extra amount of Pension Credit for some carers worth up to £38.85 a week  

Applications for Pension Credit can be made by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 99 1234, or online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim 

 

'SCOTTISH POLICIES ARE IMMENSELY IMPORTANT...BUT THEY ARE FIGHTING A REAR-GUARD ACTION'

INDEPENDENCE IS VITAL TO PROPERLY PROTECT FAMILIES

The crippling effects of Westminster control on families across Scotland have been laid bare in a damning new report that also praises 'the significant impact of Scottish government policies and lower childcare costs’ and makes yet another compelling case for independence, says the SNP. 

This latest Child Poverty Action Group Scotland report states 'Scottish policies are immensely important in reducing the level of financial strain and hardship on families at a particularly difficult time, but they are fighting a rear-guard action' - citing that the Scottish Government's bold actions can only cushion the impact of UK wide deterioration. 

Several SNP Scottish Government policies were praised within the report, including:

  • The Scottish government’s commitment to ‘provide local authorities with additional discretionary housing payment funding to mitigate the UK government benefit cap as fully as possible’

  • The extension of free school meals throughout primary education - predicted to make the cost of bringing up a child £1,800 cheaper in Scotland compared to England

  • The introduction of free bus travel to all children - saves a total of £3,000 in the lifetime cost of a child in Scotland compared to England.

  • The Scottish child payment - totally nearly £21,000 over 16 years.

  • The Best Start grant - taking an average of the first two children, and subtracting the value of the UK maternity grants, in total this gives an additional £768 per child to Scottish families for children in their early years.

  • The school clothing grant - the net cost of buying clothing is reduced by a total of £1,740 over the course of a child’s schooling.

However, CPAG outlines that 'against all these headwinds, Scottish families are going backwards despite additional help from the Scottish government' and goes on to blame 'a fall in real wages, the effects of real-terms benefit cuts - including the loss of the £1,000 increase to UC in 2021 - the bite of the two-child limit and benefit cap, and the limited help families are getting to help with rocketing fuel bills because cost of living payments are flat rate rather than proportional to the size of families.' 

Natalie Don MSP

Commenting SNP MSP Natalie Don said: 

"This report makes it explicitly clear how vital independence is to properly protect families across Scotland because we see that the SNP's bold actions to support families are being painfully undermined by cruel Westminster policies. 

"Families in Scotland should not be facing choices like heating or eating just now - especially in a society as wealthy as the UK - but years of Tory governments that Scotland has not voted for are ignoring the need to support households under increasing pressures.

"The SNP is doing as much as possible with its limited powers, by introducing 'gaming changing' policies like the Scottish Child payment - which is lessening the burden on families but independence is the only way to escape the impact of callous Westminster policies for good." 



Cost of a Child in Scotland report
 

Savage Tory sanctions block vital cost of living payment for over 700 Scots

The SNP has slammed the UK Tory government for blocking hundreds of Scots from receiving the cost of living payment they are entitled to as a result of being subject to benefit sanctions.

SNP MSP Natalie Don has now called on the UK Government to take urgent action to get the vital payment to the 700 claimants in Scotland who were denied the first £326 payment in September. 

The SNP has also demanded Westminster ensure the second payment, due to be issued between November 23-30, will not be withheld for anyone subject to Tories 'punitive sanction regime' at the time.

SNP MSP Natalie Don, who convenes Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: 

“It is completely immoral that people are being denied vital financial support as a direct result of cruel Westminster policies.

“In the middle of a crippling cost of living crisis, this is nothing short of a scandal and the UK government must act urgently to get these payments to the hundreds of Scots that are entitled to them. 

"By the Tories own admission, this payment was introduced for people desperately struggling - but they are being denied the support because of the Tories’ punitive sanction regime. 

"It is clear that every bit of Tory talk on 'targeting support' and 'helping those who need it most' is utterly meaningless. We may have a new Prime Minister in Number 10, but we are still seeing the same old hollow Tory promises. 

"The sooner Scotland escapes the cruel consequences of Westminster control and becomes independent, the sooner we can build a fairer society that looks after everyone." 

Hundreds of Scots refused cost of living payments

DWP FOI Response: 
We confirm that we hold the information you have requested. A copy of the information is provided below.
Between the 14 and 20 July, the department processed over 7.2m cost of living payments worth around £2.4 billion. In total, over eight million families will be eligible for this payment, with around one million eligible because they receive tax credits and no other eligible benefits. These families will receive their first instalment from HMRC in the autumn, and the second instalment in the winter. Further information is available at: 7.2 million Cost of Living payments made to low-income families – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and at: Cost of Living Payment – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Universal Credit households can receive a nil award for various reasons. The majority of nil awards are due to household earnings. Other reasons that can cause or contribute to a nil award include capital, other income, other benefits, sanctions and fraud penalties.
700 households in Scotland, containing 700 UC claimants had a nil Universal Credit award with an amount deducted for a sanction in the qualifying assessment period and did not receive the cost of living payment. Of these, there were 400 Scottish households containing 400 claimants where the sanction was the only reason for the nil award. In the remaining households the nil award was due to a combination of the sanction and other reasons.
Notes:
1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.
2. Nil awards have been defined as households that received a £0 Universal Credit payment and had no deductions for advance repayments, third party debts or government debts and had no money paid directly to their landlord by Universal Credit.
3. Figures are provisional and are subject to retrospective change as later data becomes available.
4. The methodology used is different to the methodology used to derive the Official Statistics Household series and therefore, figures may not be comparable.
5. The methodology and data source may be slightly different to those used to derive entitlement to the Cost of Living Payment.
6. For around 2% of claims it is not possible to determine their location due to incomplete data.
7. A household is a single person or couple living together.

Chancellor’s Autumn Statement : Response from Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP said:

“No matter what spin they try to put on this, we are in the current economic mess due to the combined actions – and inactions – of successive Tory governments and chancellors over the past 12 years.

“From practically crashing the pound and the emergency action from the Bank of England to save pension funds from failing, to doing nothing as energy companies raised their prices to eye-watering levels, the whole financial mess we are in is down to the Tories.  Yet now they propose more austerity to make the rest of us pay for their economic failings.

“Yet again the Chancellor attacks the usual suspects – focusing on benefit fraud when it’s estimated that around £15billion of benefits go unclaimed. The policies of the DWP penalise those who need support yet this Tory government spends more chasing fraud in the benefit system than it does on tax dodgers. 

“Although re-instating the Pensions Triple Lock is welcome it still doesn’t make up for the £500 loss from suspending the triple lock last year.  The increases for pensions and benefits are still behind the current inflation rate which is expected to rise even further – ensuring that those who can least afford it are suffering the most under Tory policies.

“We will have to wait and see if the projected £1.5billion in Barnett consequentials actually makes it way to Scotland, but even if it does it doesn’t even cancel out the estimated £1.7billion loss to the Scottish budget due to the runaway inflation rates that have happened under the Tory mismanagement of the economy.

“Scotland deserves more than being tied to a failing economy which will never recover from the ongoing disaster of Brexit.  We have another option – we need the full powers of an independent nation, to take control of our resources and build a stronger yet fairer society for all – and that will only come with independence.”

Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme growing in Renfrewshire

Following a campaign by Renfrewshire North & West MSP, Natalie Don, there has been a large increase in the number of places that have signed up to the Scottish Government’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme. 

Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) is a national scheme which businesses can sign up to for free. Backed by the Scottish Government and run by local health boards, the scheme aims to help businesses and people who breastfeed know their rights and responsibilities. Essentially, if an establishment is signed up to the scheme, mums can be sure that the place they are entering will be welcoming and supportive of her feeding choice.

Natalie Don MSP’s office signed up to the scheme back in August and at the time, Natalie was disheartened to find her office was only the second in Renfrewshire to have signed up. Following this, Natalie contacted Renfrewshire Council, OneRen, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (RHSCP) and is still in the process of writing to businesses across her constituency. 

Natalie has stated that she is “overwhelmed” with the progress on this to date with the latest figures showing that there are now over 50 different locations signed up to the scheme across Renfrewshire.

Natalie stated,

“This is a really positive scheme from the Scottish Government and I am actually a little bit overwhelmed by how supportive businesses and organisations have been with this. When I first brought this to the forefront, I was, naturally, a little disappointed by the uptake locally, however simply starting the conversation and putting this on the agenda has went a long way and now, just a couple of months later, we have over 50 places signed up across the whole of Renfrewshire with more in the process of signing up.

“I am extremely thankful to Renfrewshire Council, OneRen and RHSCP who have been dedicated in getting their own venues signed up to the scheme and are continuing the roll-out of the scheme within their buildings and venues across Renfrewshire, including a programme of training to ensure all appropriate staff are well-trained to support parents to breast-feed. 

“While this can certainly be seen as a success, we still have a way to go and there are still many more venues who could sign up so I will continue to encourage take up of the scheme and other ways to support mothers and families locally. I have now met with both infant feeding teams in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, most recently, Inverclyde, who have done some amazing work to help increase awareness, encourage and support families in their parenting journeys. It was really great to chat about the ways they are supporting breastfeeding mothers, as well as the absolutely beautiful mural they have in Greenock which aims to raise awareness. I am still exploring how we could see something like this in Renfrewshire but for now, I am happy that the visibility of support for breastfeeding continues to rise.”

Cllr Lisa Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen stated;

'When Natalie got in touch to highlight the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme, One Ren and Renfrewshire Council were keen to have our spaces registered. Families have so many of their firsts with us, from registering births to first swims and library visits. We hope breastfeeding mothers feel confident in our spaces and that this helps make their time with us a relaxed and positive experience.'

Natalie Don MSP supporting Book Week Scotland

“Book Week Scotland is a great opportunity to promote books and the pleasure of reading,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Now in its eleventh year, Book Week Scotland is an annual celebration of books and reading that takes place across the country.  Book Week Scotland 2022 takes place from 14th to 20th November and is supported by Creative Scotland and Scottish Libraries and Information Council (SLIC).

A number of events are taking place all across Scotland and online, including author visits, storytelling events, the publication of a new free book – Scotland’s Stories – available from local libraries and an online reading map of Scotland, where people can put online the books they are currently reading. You can take a look at what people are reading in your area – and share the book(s) you’re currently enjoying – via the online map www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland//reading-map-of-scotland. There is even an online event where the public can vote on their favourite animal from fiction. More details on all events can be found atwww.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland.  

Natalie Don MSP added: 

“Book Week Scotland encourages us all to come together to share the joy of reading. It is also a great opportunity to inspire children to read more and explore different kinds of literature. There are a number of events taking place all across Scotland, including events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde or if you are unable to attend any of these, there are a whole range of activities that little ones can enjoy from home. 

“My children and I have had great fun playing with the free Book Week resources, from posters to puppets to fun character masks. We also had great fun inputting the books we are currently reading into the reading map of Scotland and having a look at what other people are choosing to read this week. This is a great initiative encouraging people to share the books they are currently reading, giving everyone an insight into what books are popular and maybe even highlighting some other books to read.

“Reading can open up new worlds and ideas so I truly hope this week helps to encourage more people to pick up a book. The annual free book that comes with Book Week Scotland is usually a great read, with poems and short stories and can be picked up at local libraries as well as online in print as well as an audiobook.

“I also hope this week helps to support some of the fantastic independent book shops we have locally, such as the excellent Ginger Cat Children’s Bookshop in Kilmacolm and Abbey Books in Paisley

 

More information on Book Week Scotland can be found at: https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland

The online reading map of Scotland can be found at:

https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-week-scotland//reading-map-of-scotland

UK Inflation hits 11.1%: Response from Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP said:

“With inflation now at a 41 year high of 11.1% it is clear that the Tory Government has lost all control of the UK economy.

“The ONS (Office of National Statistics) estimates that prices are rising even faster for the poorest households - by more than 16% for the families who spend the least. That’s because food and energy, whose prices are driving the rises in the cost of living, take up a higher proportion of their spending.

“The rise in inflation is being attributed mainly to the rise in food and energy prices.  Yet this Tory Government failed to act decisively on energy prices, wasting time on two leadership contests and allowing energy prices to go through the roof. In contrast France, which limited energy price rises is facing inflation of 6.2%.

“With threats to public services, tax rises and a further suspension of the Pensions Triple Lock coming from the current Chancellor ahead of his budget statement on 17th November, it’s clear that the UK economy is only going to get worse.

“After 12 years of Tory mismanagement of the economy from austerity to Brexit, it’s clear that Scotland is not well served by the Westminster parliament.  Scotland needs the full powers of independence to ensure we have a stronger yet fairer economy.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes increase and expansion of Scottish Child Payment

“This increase and extension of the Scottish Child Payment will make a big difference to many families”, said Natalie Don MSP.

The Scottish Child Payment has today been increased to £25 and been extended to include eligible children up to age 16.

First launched in February 2021 at £10 per week per child for children under the age of six, the Scottish Child Payment - unique to Scotland - provides direct financial support to eligible families and carers. Around 104,000 children already getting the payment will automatically see the payment increase to £25 per week – which represents a 150% increase within eight months. This is also the rate for all those now eligible up to age 16.

Following today’s extension, it is forecast that a further 300,000 children across the country will be eligible.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and is the most ambitious child poverty reduction measure in the UK. The increased payment of £1,300 per eligible child is especially welcome when the Tory-created cost of living crisis is causing significant hardship for many families.

“I was proud to support the increase to £25 per week and the extension to all eligible children up to the age of 16 when this issue came before the Social Justice and Social Security Committee in the Scottish Parliament.

“It is no surprise that charities like Child Poverty Action Group and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation not only support this unique payment but are calling for the UK Government to replicate it as a serious attempt to tackle child poverty.

“I would encourage all parents to check if they are eligible for this benefit and apply for it as soon as possible.”



  • Ahead of today’s Scottish Child Payment extension and increase, the Scottish Government introduced bridging payments worth £520 a year to provide immediate support to around 145,000 children and young people of school age. A doubled payment of £260 will be made to eligible people in December.

  • Families, and carers can find out more and apply at mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222

  • Given the large numbers, the Scottish Government is expecting a high number of applications. This means that eligible people applying for the first time might need to wait to get their payment, with all payments calculated from the day they applied.

  • Families who already get Scottish Child Payment for a child under the age of six can add older children to their existing award.

  • The Scottish Government’s new cost of living website provides information and support for families: gov.scot/costoflivingsupport

Natalie Don MSP honoured to represent constituency at Remembrance Day events

“I am honoured and humbled to represent my constituents at Remembrance Day events across my constituency”, said Natalie Don MSP.

Remembrance Day is an important event for communities across Renfrewshire North and West, paying tribute to the sacrifices of those individuals from across the UK, the Commonwealth and Allied Nations which ensured the peace and freedoms that people enjoy today. It is also a time for reflecting on the peace-keeping and peace-making efforts of the Armed Forces today, trying to prevent war and the consequences of war.

This year is also an important one for the town of Renfrew, where we marked the 100th anniversary of the original unveiling of our War Memorial with a re-dedication service earlier this year.  I was proud to attend that ceremony and to lodge a motion in the Scottish Parliament in support of this event.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Remembrance Day is important for all our communities, providing a focus on those we have lost though various wars and conflicts and showing respect for the sacrifices that they made.

“Scotland’s veteran’s community has given a great deal to society and it is right that we do all we can to provide the best possible care and support when they return to civilian life

“Throughout wars and crises, like in the recent pandemic, we’ve relied on the selflessness of our armed forces to protect our freedoms and keep us safe from harm, with many making great sacrifices to do so. Each and every one of us owes a massive debt to them all.”

Natalie Don MSP appointed Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the new Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Following the appointment of Elena Whitham MSP to the Scottish Government as Minister for Community Safety, Natalie Don MSP (Renfrewshire North and West) was appointed as the new Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

Natalie Don MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee

Natalie Don MSP added:

“I would like to congratulate Elena for her appointment as a Minister in the Scottish Government and thank her for all her work as the previous Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

“I am really looking forward to this new challenge, the committee has a wide remit and the decisions and investigations of this committee will have a real impact on the lives of many people in Scotland.

“This committee has recently produced some important work on poverty in Scotland including our ‘Robbing Peter to Pay Paul’ report, which looked at the challenges facing people with low incomes and debt problems.

“The committee has a number of inquiries ongoing including scrutiny of how new social security benefits such as the Adult Disability Payment are delivered by Social Security Scotland. 

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues on the committee to ensure that people centred policies are developed to make our country fairer and improve the lives of Scotland’s citizens.  Dignity, fairness and respect must be at the heart of that.


The Social Justice and Social Security Committee was established in June 2021. It looks at subjects such as:

  • the Scottish Government's policies on welfare, poverty and homelessness

  • the social security system in Scotland

  • violence against women and girls and domestic violence

  • social justice (looking at ways to create a fairer Scotland)

  • third sector including social economy and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)

Natalie Don MSP highlights deadline for winter family payment

“I would encourage everyone who is eligible, and not already in receipt of Bridging Payments, to register for free school meals through their local authority as soon as possible to ensure they qualify for the December payment,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Families are being urged to make sure they don’t miss out on a double December Bridging Payment of £260.  The payment will be made ahead of the Christmas holidays to the families of children registered to receive free school meals on the basis of low income.

Bridging Payments were introduced in 2021 ahead of the roll out of the Scottish Child Payment to under-16s. Bridging payments are paid quarterly by councils on behalf of the Scottish Government. Families received up to £520 per eligible child in 2021 and will receive up to £650 in 2022. Bridging Payments currently support around 145,000 school age children. Total Scottish Government funding for the Bridging Payments will increase to an estimated £169 million across 2021 and 2022.

Scotland is the only nation in the UK offering the Scottish Child Payment, one of five family benefits delivered by the Scottish Government to support low income parents with the costs of raising a child. The Scottish Child Payment is currently available to families of eligible children under 6 years old and will open to applications for under-16s from 14 November.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on the Bridging Payment, especially as the Scottish Government has doubled the value of December’s payment.

“Applications for the Scottish Child Payment will also open to all eligible under-16s from 14 November, when it will be increased to £25 per eligible child per week – a rise of 150% in less than eight months.

“The Tory-created cost of living crisis is having a severe impact on many families, particularly for those on the lowest incomes. With pressures on family budgets increasing it is more important than ever to receive all the help available.

“With limited powers and a finite budget, the Scottish Government can only do so much to mitigate the cost of living crisis, but it will continue to do as much as possible for the people who need it most.”

 

  • All children registered for free school meals on the basis of low family income qualify for Bridging Payments.

  • The December Bridging Payments will be made before the start of the Christmas holidays for children who receive Free School Meals on the basis of low income on 30 November. Payments for children who are subsequently registered and become eligible for Free School Meals ahead of the Christmas holidays will be made as soon as possible in the new year.

  • The Scottish Government is working with councils to ensure families who currently receive Bridging Payments are aware of the enhanced support that will become available through the Scottish Child Payment from 14 November onward.

  • Information on support for households is available at gov.scot/costoflivingsupport 

Labour vote against plan to increase uptake of Scottish welfare cash: Labour and Tories team up again

Scottish Labour should be ashamed of “teaming up with the Tories” to vote against progressing the automation and take-up of Scottish social security benefits, and a plan to get cash into the pockets of eligible people more easily, according to the SNP.

The SNP government received backing to proceed with its plans to help more people get the benefits that they are entitled to. The automation of payments for the Child Winter Heating Assistance and Carer’s Allowance Supplement is already in place and the Scottish Government will now begin automation of Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Best Start Grant School Age Payment for those in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment from the end of this month, if Parliament approves.

This will mean thousands of families not needing to apply for the benefits they are entitled to.

The move to progress payment automation in Scotland's Social Security system is part of the SNP's priority to ensure fairness, dignity and respect is at the centre of its approach to support those who need it most.

Commenting SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Frankly, Scottish Labour should be ashamed of teaming up with the Tories, especially when it comes to social security - instead of supporting the SNP’s plan to get cash into the pockets of eligible people more easily during a cost-of-living crisis.

"This kind of blatant political game playing is not only pathetically tribal but, more importantly, it doesn't help the households struggling with the Tory made cost of living crisis just now - it is nothing more than opposition for opposition's sake and people across Scotland deserve far better.

"Unfortunately, Labour is offering no ideas, no solutions and no alternative to the Tories, making it crystal clear that the only way to properly protect the people of Scotland from the devastating consequences of Westminster control is to become an independent country.”

New Survey reveals continued trust in the Scottish Government

“These new figures from this year’s Scottish Social Attitudes Survey reveal continued trust in the Scottish Government, with 75% of people in Scotland believing the Scottish Government should have the most influence over the way the country is run,” said Natalie Don MSP.

The survey measured the public’s views on a range of issues including influence over how Scotland is run, levels of tax and government priorities, the economy, NHS and political engagement. Its findings reflect emerging public concern in the cost of living crisis, with 66% of respondents believing the economy had got weaker in the previous 12 months.

The findings also show:

  • 64% of people thought the level of taxation and spending on health, education and social benefits should be increased, whilst 32% thought the level of taxation and spending should stay the same

  • 68% agreed that income should be redistributed from the better-off to those who are less well-off, while 16% disagreed

  • over half of people (54%) in Scotland were satisfied with the way NHS Scotland is run

  • 98% of people thought it was important to vote in Scottish Parliament elections, 95% in local council elections and 92% in UK Government elections

  • 64% of people thought the Scottish Parliament was giving Scotland a stronger voice in the UK and only 7% thought it was giving Scotland a weaker voice

Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The results of this survey highlight the public’s continued faith in the Scottish Government, revealing that 66% of people trust the Scottish Government to work in the country’s best interests.

“This clearly shows that the SNP led administration in Holyrood reflects the thoughts of the majority of the Scottish people, putting more trust in our Scottish Government to look after the welfare and public services of this country.

“Although this survey was conducted before the full extent of the Tory-created cost of living crisis took hold, it is clear that the Scottish public are more in tune with the Scottish Government on issues of taxation and spending on public services, as opposed to the Tory obsession with tax cutting and austerity.”


NOTES

The survey has previously been conducted face to face but as a result of coronavirus restrictions in place at the time of fieldwork, this year’s survey was completed via telephone.

This change in methodology has impacted the nature of the sample and responses received, and as a result has affected comparability with survey data from previous years. This year’s report solely focusses on data from this year’s survey rather than examining trends over time.

Scottish Social Attitudes 2021/2022

The Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2021-2022 was conducted by the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen) between 21st October 2021 and 27th March 2022.

Natalie Don congratulates Anderson’s Home Bakery on 100th Anniversary

“I was delighted to pop into Anderson’s Home Bakery in Bridge of Weir to present them with a Parliamentary motion I lodged congratulating them on their recent 100th anniversary celebration,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Anderson’s Home Bakery in Bridge of Weir recently celebrated their 100th anniversary, serving the residents of Bridge of Weir and surrounding areas.  Throughout the various Covid lockdowns Anderson’s showed its commitment to he local area by not only remaining open but also provided deliveries for local residents, prioritising vulnerable or high risk customers.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Anderson’s has been a staple of the Bridge of Weir community for as long as I can remember, one of my fondest memories from when I was younger was my Gran getting home on a Friday with a huge bag from Anderson’s to set us up for the weekend.

“It’s amazing to think how many generations have enjoyed their goods over the years. 100 years is a brilliant achievement and I wish Anderson’s all the best for the future.”

Motion Number: S6M-06233
Lodged By: Natalie Don
Title: Anderson's Home Bakery, Bridge of Weir
Motion Text:

That the Parliament congratulates Anderson’s Home Bakery of Bridge of Weir on celebrating its 100th anniversary; considers that Anderson’s has been keeping residents of Bridge of Weir and the surrounding areas well supplied with excellent cakes, pastries and other baked goods for the past 100 years; notes the ongoing contribution it believes that Anderson’s Home Bakery made to the local community during the various COVID-19 lockdowns, when it remained open and provided deliveries for residents of Bridge of Weir, including prioritising vulnerable or high risk customers, and wishes Anderson’s Home Bakery all the best for the future.

Liz Truss resigns as Prime Minister: Response from Natalie Don MSP

Natalie Don MSP said:

“This does not really come as a surprise, with the complete chaos we’ve seen since Liz Truss became Prime Minister.

“Her economic plans crashed the economy and her attempt to shift all the blame on her former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng fooled no one.  Her position was untenable.

“She came into office and actually made things worse than the previous worst Prime Minister in history – Boris Johnson – but has even managed to set standards even lower.

“We’ve already wasted weeks during the last Tory leadership election contest – where no one was taking the decisions to tackle the cost of living crisis created by the Tories.  We will now have at least another week of confusion as Tory MPs alone will try to find a new leader and Prime Minister.

Natalie Don MSP

“It’s sheer hypocrisy that yet again we’re told that Scotland’s voters aren’t allowed to change their minds over the 2014 Independence Referendum yet here we have the Tories changing their leader yet again – and no voter having any say on this!  This is not democracy – this is shambolic and Scotland deserves better.

“It’s time for a UK general election and the issue of Scotland’s Independence must be at the forefront of any campaign.  We need to make our own decisions and not be dragged down by the political and economic chaos created in Westminster.”

Natalie Don MSP comments on the Chancellor's sacking

Commenting on the sacking of the Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, Natalie Don MSP said:

“This is simply a case of Liz Truss throwing her former chancellor under a bus, letting him take the blame for the economic mess that both she and him created.

“This is a desperate attempt by the Prime Minister to save her own political skin, only yesterday she claimed she was in lockstep with the former chancellor.  Liz Truss won the Tory leadership contest on the basis of her tax cutting agenda, so it is disingenuous for her to lay all the blame on the former chancellor.

“I previously called for the former chancellor to resign or be sacked for the devastation his mini-budget had on the UK economy, with up to £65billion having to be invested by the Bank of England to save pension funds from going under.

Natalie Don MSP

“Appointing the Jeremy Hunt as her new chancellor only highlights the lack of quality within the Tory benches. Mr Hunt hammered the NHS in England with his reforms and cost-cutting and now putting him in charge of the economy only fills most people with dread.

“Food and fuel prices are rising, inflation is out of control, mortgages and loans are rising faster than people can afford.  This is a UK Tory government which has lost control of the economy.  This is due to an unelected Prime Minister who simply doesn’t know what she is doing.

“Under successive Tory governments we’ve seen inequality rise, poverty rise and the economy failing.  We can’t afford to remain part of this union any longer, we need to have control of our own economy and that can only come with Independence.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes extra winter cash for low income families

“This move – to double December’s bridging payment – is another good move by the Scottish Government to tackle child poverty and has already been welcomed by child poverty organisations,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Families of around 145,000 children will benefit from extra support this winter to help with cost of living pressures – backed by Scottish Government investment of £18.9 million.

Bridging Payments were introduced in 2021 ahead of the extension of the Scottish Child Payment to 6 – 15-year olds.  The final quarterly Bridging Payment, due in December, will now be doubled to £260, meaning families will receive up to £650 per eligible child this year.

All children registered to receive free school meals on the basis of family low income are eligible and will receive this payment automatically.  Total Scottish Government funding for the Bridging Payments will increase to an estimated £169million across 2021 and 2022.

This is in addition to the Scottish Child Payment which will be extended to all eligible under-16s from 14th November and will rise to £25 per child per week on the same date – a 150% increase in the benefit within eight months.

Natalie Don MSP


Natalie Don MSP added:

“The Scottish Child Payment is paid to eligible families and is unique in the United Kingdom – no other government has introduced such a payment.  From an initial £10 per week per eligible child under 6, from November 14th, it will increase to £25 per week, per child and will also extend to families with children up to age 16.

“With winter coming we still need to do more, and I am delighted that the First Minister has announced that the Scottish Government will double the December Bridging Payment to £260.

“The Tory-created Cost of Living Crisis is affecting families and individuals all across my constituency and we know this winter is going to be really tough.  Hopefully this additional payment will go some way to helping those in most need.

Scotland is the only nation in the UK offering the Scottish Child Payment, one of five family benefits delivered by the Scottish Government to support low income parents with the costs of raising a child. Scottish Child Payment is currently available to families of eligible children under 6 years old and will open to applications for under 16s from 14 November.


Information on support for households is available at gov.scot/costoflivingsupport 


Natalie Don MSP is holding a Cost of Living surgery on Friday 14th October (10am – 1pm) in Renfrew Town Hall, for local constituents.  It is a free, drop-in event, with no appointment needed to attend and will have a number of agencies there to provide support and advice including Citizens Advice Bureaux, Advice Works, Home Energy Scotland and Social Security Scotland.