NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES EXTRA £50 MILLION OF SUPPORT FOR NHS OVER WINTER

A £50 million funding boost for Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) recruitment and up to £12 million to expand Hospital at Home are among measures to support the health and care system this winter.

The Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint Winter Plan, published this week, identifies new funding for SAS to support work already underway to recruit a further 317 frontline staff to help increase capacity to emergency response. It will also see 18 additional clinicians working in the call centre hub who, through additional triage, can offer patients alternative treatment routes in cases which are not time-critical, reducing the number of hospital admissions.

The expansion of Hospital at Home, which enables people to be treated at home rather than on a ward, is intended to deliver at least 380 additional beds this winter – significantly increasing the total service capacity.

The Scottish Government has been working closely with COSLA, Health and Social Care Partnerships, and NHS Boards on a number of further measures to ensure they are prepared for the winter period. This includes a Delayed Discharge Action Plan and improvements to the reporting of data to better identify specific areas for further support or escalation.

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

“The workforce within Renfrewshire’s health and social care sector, and across Scotland, are outstanding, and so I very much welcome this investment from the Scottish Government, which is vital in ensuring we deliver high quality care for the public as we approach the winter period.

“The Scottish Government are in no doubt that this winter will be extremely challenging. This Winter plan builds on the lessons they have learned from previous years and preparations have been on-going since spring. The whole system approach is based on ensuring people can access the care that is right for them – at the right time and in the right place.

“The additional investment of up to £12 million to expand the Hospital at Home service will allow people, especially elderly patients, patients with respiratory conditions and children, to receive treatments in the comfort of their own home and will crucially help reduce pressure on our A&E departments this winter.

“Furthermore, as a result of the Scottish Government’s significant investment of over £15 million, an additional 1,000 nurses, midwives and Allied Health Professional from overseas have joined NHS Scotland in the last two years to bolster our existing workforce this winter. The £50 million funding boost for the Scottish Ambulance Service will also help tackle increased demand and support on-going recruitment to drive up capacity for emergency response and reduce the need for people to go to hospital.”

SNP MSP URGES LOCAL PRODUCERS TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

Natalie Don, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, is encouraging local food and drink producers in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde to apply for funding from the SNP Government’s Regional Food Fund. 

The Regional Food Fund has made £100,000 available for businesses and groups who are undertaking projects to promote regional products and open new markets. 

The fund has so far supporter a variety of projects across Scotland and is an excellent opportunity for local businesses, producers, and community groups across the constituency to showcase the best food and drink products in our region. 

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said: 

“This fund is an excellent opportunity for producers, businesses, and community groups across Renfrewshire North and West to get the support they need to promote their fantastic local products. 

“Scotland’s food and drink sector is a multi-billion-pound industry – and this fund ensures that local producers get the opportunity to fully take advantage of national supply chains and promote their products across the country. 

“I strongly encourage any local producers in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde to apply for this fund before the November 24thdeadline – the desire for local produce is strong and this support helps make it a reality.”

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES NEXT STEPS FOR BAIRNS HOOSE

Minister for Keeping the Promise, Natalie Don, has announced the six successful locations that will become home to Scotland’s first Bairns’ Hoose test sites.

Supported by £6 million Scottish Government funding, multi-agency partnerships in Fife, North Strathclyde, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Tayside and the Outer Hebrides will set up pathfinders to provide coordinated comprehensive support for children and young people in the justice system.

Services including child protection, recovery, healthcare, therapeutic support and justice will be available which will provide a blueprint for a full pilot in 2025.

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Renfrewshire North and West, and Minister for Keeping the Promise, Natalie Don, said:

“Establishing this network is a major step forward in our aim to transform the care and justice systems for children and young people, many of whom will have been through serious trauma. The creation of these pathfinders will also help us to collectively uphold the rights of children and their families to compassionate and effective support in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

“This is a key action in Keeping the Promise and I’m pleased to have marked Care Experienced Week by meeting representatives of this vital project to hear about their vision for the future as one of the first Bairns’ Hoose Pathfinder Partnerships.”

Barnahus founder and Member of the United Nation’s Committee on the Rights of the Child, Bragi Guðbrandsson, said:

“I am delighted that Barnahus is being implemented in Scotland through the Bairns’ Hoose Pathfinder programme led by Scottish Government and working with partners across a range of sectors.

“This important milestone shows that Barnahus can be adapted to different contexts, cultural traditions, and legislative structures, but its core concept remains the same - to support children who have experienced trauma, in the best possible way, through multiagency responses.

“A significant financial contribution from the Scottish Government will help to build on the positive collaborative working between social work, police, health, third sector and other partners to ensure successful implementation and capturing learning to support a wider national rollout. I look forward to following the progress of Scotland’s Bairns’ Hoose Pathfinders closely.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes funding for The Promise

42 organisations across Scotland will benefit from £4 million funding to deliver projects that will help children, young people and families in the care system.

Administered by the Corra Foundation, the second round of The Promise Partnership Fund will be split across third sector and public organisations that prioritise work to:

-         Build supportive workforces that can provide the unique support for young people and families in the care system to thrive

-         Create school structures that provide support, opportunities and a sense of belonging

-         Enhance youth justice and rights to reduce and prevent the criminalisation of children and young people with care experience

The announcement marks the beginning of Care Experienced Week, when people come together to advocate for change and encourage the transformation required to Keep The Promise.

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

"The Promise Partnership Fund is crucial in supporting 42 organisations across Scotland, including here in Renfrewshire, to make the changes needed to enrich the lives of children and young people in or on the edges of care.

“Care Experienced Week starts today and is a key opportunity for Scotland to come together to celebrate and show our love for children and young people who have experienced care. I am determined we keep driving forward the transformational change that is required to Keep The Promise and make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up, where all children are loved, safe, respected and realise their full potential.”

Natalie Don MSP urges residents to shape delivery of Winter Payment

Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West, has urged residents in Renfrewshire North & West to take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation on the introduction of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

From winter 2024, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which will be an annual payment, will replace the UK government’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland.

The Scottish Government are consulting people across Renfrewshire North & West to understand who should be eligible for this payment, when and how it should be delivered, and what measures can be put in place to support those living off the gas grid.  The consultation closes on January 15th 2024.

Natalie Don MSP urging constituents to complete the consultation

This will help ensure the payment is as effective as possible in helping pensioners with their winter heating costs.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“The new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment delivered by the SNP Government will help over a million pensioners in Scotland with their heating costs, including thousands in Renfrewshire North & West.

“The SNP Government is committed to helping the most vulnerable through the difficult winter period – but it is vital people make their views known of how this payment can best be delivered.

“Since setting up a devolved social security system with compassion, fairness, and respect at its core – 13 benefits, of which 7 are unique to Scotland, have been established.

"Social Security Scotland is set to deliver £5.3 billion in devolved benefits in 2023-24 alone, supporting over 1.2 million people as the SNP continues to deliver every day for the people of Scotland.”

Scottish Government launches Winter Healthcare Awareness campaign

An awareness campaign has been launched by the Scottish Government to make sure people know the best place to go for healthcare over the winter.

Right Care Right Place has been rolled out earlier than in previous years to help Scots know which health setting is best for their medical concerns, and in turn to help alleviate pressures on the NHS and social care ahead of an expected increase in demand.

The campaign, featuring targeted advertising on television, radio and online, tells people how to access the most appropriate care for their physical or mental health needs.

The public is advised to use self-help guides on the NHS inform website, visit their local pharmacy for advice, telephone NHS 24 on 111, or contact their general practice surgery. Accident & Emergency departments should be used only for genuine emergencies.

The series of self-help guides include advice on the most common winter illnesses, based on the health concerns raised on calls to NHS24 on 111.

Winter Healthcare Awareness

It’s important to know exactly how and when to access services when you need them

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

“Since early this year, the Scottish Government has been working closely with colleagues across the NHS and social care to make sure that every possible mitigation is in place ahead of winter, with a full Winter Plan being published later this month.

“Public information and awareness is a key part of the strategy, and that’s why the awareness campaign is being started earlier than in previous years.

“It is important that people in Renfrewshire North and West know exactly how and when to access services when they need them, which is what the plan will highlight. This will help everyone to get the right care, in the right place as quickly as possible. Crucially, it will also help to alleviate pressures on the rest of our NHS.

“I would also encourage people to help by making sure they get their Covid and flu vaccinations if eligible.”

Scottish Government funded childcare has positive impact on low-income households

The Access to Childcare Fund Phase 2 Evaluation Report has highlighted the positive impact of investment in school-age childcare, as more parents have been able to start work or progress their careers.

Eight childcare providers across Scotland received a share of almost £600,000 from the Scottish Government to help 650 children from low-income families access school-age childcare.

The funding helped to make school-age childcare more accessible, affordable and flexible for parents and carers from low-income families, or those most at risk of experiencing poverty.

The Access to Childcare Fund Phase 2 Evaluation report also highlights the positive impact the projects had on the health and wellbeing of the children and parents. It found the projects increased opportunities for children to develop social skills and strengthen relationships with both adults and peers, especially for those with additional support needs.

Children and Young People Minister Natalie Don said:

“I welcome the findings of this report, which highlights the impact the Scottish Government’s support continues to make for children, young people and their families who are most in need, and how childcare providers can be key in supporting these families.

“Improving access to childcare not only brings wide ranging benefits for the children, it also helps parents to get back into work, engage in training or progress their careers. Quality childcare provision is both an anti-poverty and a pro-growth measure.

“This report follows the Scottish Government’s commitment in the Programme for Government to expand our childcare offering, and sets out the difference that funded school-age childcare can make to support families to enter and sustain employment.

Making school-age childcare more accessible

Improving access to childcare benefits children and their parents

“Currently, all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds are able to take up 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare in Scotland.

“I look forward to seeing the outcome of the Scottish Government’s work that is underway with local authorities and other partners to phase in an expanded national provision for families with two-year-olds, as well as targeted early delivery of all-age childcare for low income families.”

Natalie Don MSP raises concerns about US trade deal

Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North & West, has expressed their concerns about the impact any prospective trade deal between the UK and the USA may have on local businesses.

According to reports in the media, the UK government is potentially negotiating a foundational trade partnership with the United States – having failed to engage or provide advance warning to Scottish Ministers or local businesses.

This prospective arrangement reportedly covers topics such as digital trade, labour protections and agriculture. The inclusion of agriculture in any talks will be particularly concerning and farming communities in Renfrewshire North and West and to consumers who are strongly against low standard food products entering the Scottish market.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“While I fully support building trade and investment links with the United States, agricultural businesses in Renfrewshire North & West must not be sold out to secure a quick trade deal.

“Scotland has a global reputation for exporting high quality food and drink produce across the world and I am extremely concerned that a deal with the United States may undermine our standards and cost us access to other global markets, including the EU.

“I know that constituents across Renfrewshire North & West will also be deeply worried about any action from the UK government which would result in sub-par food, particularly meat, produce ending up on supermarket shelves.

“These reports are already causing concern to business in Renfrewshire North & West – I urge the UK government to engage with our communities and Scottish Ministers and give a cast-iron guarantee that no trade deal will reduce food safety and animal welfare standards.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes support for people with neurological conditions

Eight projects supporting people with neurological conditions are receiving a total of almost £440,000 to enable them to enhance and expand the services they provide.

The Scottish Government funding is the fourth round of awards made as part of a five-year action plan to improve support for people living with neurological conditions.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Service Improvement Team is one of the successful bids - £82,000 will be used to build on the success of the previous project funded through Round 3, to extend the tenure of a team who are working across a number of areas, including but not limited to; anticipatory care planning, carers support and the development of a Right Clinical Decisions web based tool kit, to allow the completion of pathway improvement works across NHS boards in the West of Scotland.

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

“I welcome this further support for the one million people in Scotland living with neurological conditions.

“The Scottish Government is committed to its National Neurological Action Plan as it supports various organisations to help these people to live well and on their own terms, regardless of where they stay.

“The Framework contains £4.5 million investment over five years, and this latest allocation of funding will benefit a wide range of projects helping those living with a number of conditions, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and Functional Neurological Disorder.

“All of these innovative projects, including the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s plan to improve services for people here in Renfrewshire and across the West of Scotland, seek to ensure seamless access to high-quality and co-ordinated health, social care and third sector support in the right place at the right time.”

Natalie Don MSP raises concerns over increase in older people facing financial hardship

New research from Age Scotland has revealed a substantial increase in the number of older people facing financial hardship.  The charity’s Big Survey identified that 41% of over 50s in Scotland feel financially squeezed and a further 35% think they will be within a year. This is an increase of more than 60% in two years since the charity’s first Big Survey in 2021 where 26% felt financially squeezed.

Nearly all respondents who are squeezed (97%) were struggling with energy bills, an increase from 82% in 2021. Food was in second place for 76%, which didn’t feature in the charity’s 2021 list of most concerning bills. In third place was Council Tax which had risen sharply to 62% from 46% in 2021.

Eight in ten people over the age of 50 (79%) reported cutting back on energy and heating, 55% on holidays, 49% on food, 46% on socialising and 41% on savings.

Of further concern for the future is the 26% of those aged 50-54 and 27% aged 55-59 cutting back on saving for retirement.

• 15% of respondents with less than £10,000 annual gross household income were using credit or taking on debt to cope with their finances.

• Only 16% felt optimistic about their future.

Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, said:

“Our Big Survey findings drive home the devastating toll the cost-of-living crisis is taking on older people’s financial wellbeing.

“Far too many pensioners are affected by poverty, and the stark reality for 2023 is older people in Scotland are getting colder, poorer and less optimistic about their future.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Too many older people are cutting back on all life’s necessities and pleasures – from heating and food to holidays and social activities – and still struggling to make ends meet.

“The Age Scotland helpline is hearing from an increasing number of older people who are finding it near impossible to pay their bills, having cut down on all but the essentials, and are at risk of falling into unmanageable debt as a result.

“It’s also a concern that a huge number of working age older people cutting back on saving for retirement as this paints a grim image of the future.

“The UK has one of the worst state pension schemes in the developed world.  The UK Government has failed to ensure that the pension triple lock continues, so year on year the real value of the state pension falls even further.

“It’s clear that pensioners are treated as an afterthought by successive UK governments.  Scotland needs the real powers of an independent nation to boost the Scottish State Pension.

“It’s important that anyone who needs support gets what is available.  I would encourage everyone to seek advice on whether or not they are getting the help they are entitled to.  This can be done by contacting Renfrewshire Council’s Advice Works (0300 300 1238), Renfrewshire CAB (0141 889 2121) or, if you fall within their age range -over 50 – contact Age Scotland’s helpline on 0800 12 44 222 to help make sure you’re not missing out.”

NATALIE DON MSP ENCOURAGES WOMEN AND GIRLS TO ‘GET ACTIVE’

The SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West has marked the beginning of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2023 by encouraging all women and girls to get involved in local events.

The Scottish Government, alongside Scottish Women in Sport and Active Scotland, designed this initiative to highlight the importance of sport in achieving gender equality and improving health and wellbeing, to increase female participation and to celebrate the achievements of women and girls in all sports across all levels.

The ultimate goal is to eradicate gender inequality in sport and promote better discussion around women’s health, and this year’s theme is celebrating inclusion of those with all levels of ability.

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

“Scotland’s seventh annual Women and Girls in Sport Week is a fantastic opportunity to encourage more women and girls to get active and to celebrate the many trailblazing role models in women’s sport.

“Being active offers many benefits to women, including better mental health and physical well-being. It can also be an incredible force for good in communities like Renfrewshire, leading to empowerment and a sense of belonging which are too often in short supply for many girls.

“Whilst gender equality within sports has improved at all levels, both on and off the pitch, there remains a huge disparity between male and female participation. That is why the SNP Scottish Government is spearheading the fight for equal opportunities and inclusion for all.

“It is a long-standing priority of the SNP Scottish Government to increase women and girls’ participation in sport and improve awareness of its benefits, as is the commitment to double investment in sport and active living to £100 million by the end of this Parliament.

“As part of this week, women and girls can share and celebrate their achievements on social media by using #SheCanSheWill. I encourage all those who can to get involved!”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes almost £4million in Scottish Government support for Renfrewshire families.

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed new figures that reveal 9,835 children in Renfrewshire are being supported by the Best Start Foods and Best Start Grant payments from the Scottish Government.

Since the Scottish Government’s introduction of the Best Start Grant in 2018 and of Best Start Foods in 2019, £130 million has been paid in support for pregnancy and the early years of raising a family, equating to 1.7 million Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments.

These payments are part of the five key benefits that families may be entitled to from Social Security Scotland – the Best Start Grant is comprised of three one-off payments and Best Start Foods is a prepaid card which can be used to buy healthy foods.

Families who qualify for the Scottish Child Payment are now automatically awarded Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments when their child becomes eligible – from November 2022 until June 2023 14,825 Early Learning Payments and 23,810 School Age Payments were made.

In the first six months of this year, payments worth £3,888,870 have been made to Renfrewshire families.

Tackling Child Poverty

This is another demonstration of the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“The Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments provide crucial support to families at key stages of their children’s lives, and it is excellent to see thousands of families in Renfrewshire have benefitted.

“This is another demonstration of the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty, now automatically accompanying the Scottish Child Payment following last year’s increase to £25.

“However, the reality is that these families are simultaneously feeling the worst effects of the Tory-made cost of living crisis, and the SNP Scottish Government will do all it can to mitigate Westminster’s incompetence, even with one hand tied behind it’s back.

“This kind of vital support for families in Renfrewshire is another indication of what is possible with full social security powers – it’s time for Scotland to have the full powers of an independent nation so that we can build a fairer, more prosperous country.”

POVERTY EXPERTS: SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT IS ‘SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING CHILD POVERTY’

The SNP has welcomed poverty groups and experts highlighting the vital impact that the Scottish Child Payment is having on tackling child poverty.

Introduced by the SNP Government as part of Scotland's new social security system, the “game changing” child benefit payment provides families with £25 a week per eligible child. Recent figures have shown that over 300,000 children in Scotland are in receipt of the payment.

Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee, experts said:

Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation:

“The Scottish Child Payment is working. It is significantly reducing child poverty. Some people will give you various different numbers, but it is probably 4 or 5 per cent at the moment… it will significantly reduce child poverty. That is a really good thing.”

Bill Scott, Chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission:

“The Scottish Child Payment has made a significant difference, will continue to make a significant difference.”

The Committee evidence follows recent comments on the Scottish Child Payment by Professor Danny Dorling of Oxford University, who considered that Scottish Child Payment may have caused the largest fall in child poverty anywhere in Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall: “Two out of every seven children in Scotland, their families will get it, and that has an effect on changing the inequality level in Scotland which I don’t see in any country for which there has been data for the last 40 years.”

Senior civil servant, Liz Ditchburn, also recently wrote for the David Hume Institute to ask, ‘Why aren’t more people talking about the Scottish Child Payment?’

She said: “I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve mentioned the Scottish Child Payment to colleagues and friends based elsewhere in the UK (even some involved in public policy work) and been told they’ve never heard of it. The next reaction when I describe the level and scale of this initiative, is ‘Wow! That’s big!’. It is indeed.”

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

"The introduction of the Scottish Child Payment in 2021 was a transformational step from the Scottish Government in tackling child poverty. It has been one of the most important policies introduced since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and it is encouraging to learn from experts about the positive impact it is having.

"Westminster’s policies and economic mismanagement is causing so much damage and hardship, leaving devolved governments to pick up the pieces. Therefore, its welcoming that the SNP’s game-changing payment is benefitting so many children across Scotland during these times.

"Ultimately, there is only one way we can escape the harm of Westminster control and build a fairer, greener, wealthier Scotland - and that is by becoming an independent country.”

SNP GOVERNMENT UNLEASHING ENTERPRISE IN RENFREWSHIRE

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the direct action taken by the Scottish Government to help unleash enterprise and entrepreneurship across Renfrewshire North and West.

In the Programme for Government, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced a new £15 million support package that will unleash entrepreneurial talent, support enterprise and entrepreneurship, and create new opportunities to start, scale and sustain businesses.

A further £1.5 million will also be delivered through the Pathways Pre-Start fund to provide support, mentoring and advice to people considering creating a start-up business – this fund will have a particular focus on closing the gender gap and widening participation in entrepreneurship.

These funds will ensure that across Renfrewshire, more high-quality jobs are created, and a sustainable and growing economy is developed. It will also put Scotland on track to become a leading start-up nation.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“This commitment from the SNP Scottish Government will help support entrepreneurs to scale up and create high-quality jobs across the constituency.

“It is essential that we help businesses to develop a fair and growing economy, and I hope that this welcome investment will develop a thriving local economy whilst putting Scotland on track to becoming a leading start-up nation.

“While Scotland remains held back by a failing Westminster Government, the SNP Government is using the powers they have to build an economy that drives up living standards, reduces poverty, and sustains high quality public services.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes health measures in the First Minister’s Programme for Government

Natalie Don MSP has said the Scottish Government’s proposals will go a long way to improving the health of the community in Renfrewshire North & West.

The SNP Scottish Government announced plans to establish a Mental Health and Capacity Reform Programme as part of modernising mental health and capacity legislation, enhancing the protection of people’s rights.

The First Minister also committed to taking action to reduce vaping, tackling their environmental impact and consulting on the banning of disposable vapes.

Improving Health and Wellbeing

The First Minister’s Programme for Government demonstrates the SNP’s commitment to improving the lives and wellbeing of people across Renfrewshire North & West.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“The First Minister’s Programme for Government demonstrates the SNP’s commitment to improving the lives and wellbeing of people across Renfrewshire North & West.

“The SNP Scottish Government recognises that too many Scots are dealing with mental health challenges, which are only compounded by cost-of-living pressures, and is determined to take meaningful action to ensure people get the support they need.

“The SNP is also aware of concerns regarding the impact of vaping, both on the increasing number of young people using vapes and on the environment. I am very pleased to see steps being taken to address the impact of these devices.

“As Westminster continues in its intransigence, refusing to take meaningful action to support people during these difficult times, the SNP Scottish Government is determined to do all it can to support people with health issues and protect our environment.”

1,760 CHILDREN IN RENFREWSHIRE HIT BY CRUEL TWO CHILD LIMIT

SNP ONLY PARTY OFFERING REAL CHANGE WITH INDEPENDENCE

Natalie Don MSP has warned that damaging Tory and Labour policies are cutting the incomes of thousands of working families after new analysis revealed 1,760 children across Renfrewshire are impacted by the two-child benefit cap.

The analysis, conducted by the SNP using the latest available data from the UK Government Department for Work and Pensions, found that 1,760 children in Renfrewshire are missing out on receiving vital financial support due to the Westminster two child benefit cap.

These findings come on the back of the Labour Party admitting it would keep the Tory two child cap, a policy which has pushed more than 20,000 Scottish children into poverty. In sharp contrast the SNP Government has lifted 90,000 children out of absolute poverty thanks to policies such as the game changing Scottish Child Payment.

Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“Damaging Westminster policies are cutting the incomes of families across Renfrewshire who are struggling to make ends meet.

“The revelation that 1,760 children in Renfrewshire are being harmed by the Tory’s cruel two child limit policy is shameful – The SNP Government’s national mission to eradicate child poverty is being undermined by Westminster at every step.

“In the Scottish Parliament this week the SNP backed a motion calling out cruel Westminster welfare policies. All the while Labour MSPs sat on their hands and failed to oppose a policy harming 1,760 children in Renfrewshire.

“Families across Renfrewshire are suffering like never before – and while Labour under orders from their London bosses are happy to see this continue – the SNP will stand up against harmful Westminster policies at every opportunity.”

NEW SCOTTISH EDUCATION EXCHANGE PROGRAMME OPENS DOORS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN RENFREWSHIRE

SNP MSP Natalie Don has said the announcement of a new Scottish Education Exchange Programme in the First Minister’s Programme for Government will “open countless doors for young people across Renfrewshire”.

The SNP Scottish Government is to launch a new exchange programme which would prioritise placements for disadvantaged young people, following an initial test and learn project this year.

Principal of the University of Glasgow, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, has welcomed the programme, saying “the return on this investment could be immense” for young people across Scotland.

Welcoming the new Scottish Education Exchange Programme

This will open countless doors for young people across Renfrewshire North & West.

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

“I am very excited about the Scottish Government’s plans to build a new Scottish Education Exchange Programme, which will transform the life experience and open doors for young people across Renfrewshire.

“These plans will give pupils and students across Scotland, regardless of their background, equal opportunities to learn and thrive through EU and global partnerships with schools, colleges and universities.

“Ambitious commitments from the SNP Scottish Government, such as this, will not only enrich the lives of young people by offering them a chance to study abroad and broaden their horizons, they also improve communities like Renfrewshire.

“In the face of a Tory Government at Westminster which continues to deny young people participation in Erasmus+, and a Labour party which refuses to even acknowledge the damage caused by Brexit, the SNP is determined to support the youngest members of our society.”

Natalie Don MSP welcomes pay rise for Social Sector workers

“Increasing pay for those who care for the young and vulnerable is vitally important and will make a huge difference to social care workers across my constituency of Renfrewshire North & West”, said Natalie Don MSP.

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the First Minister’s Programme for Government as crucial to ensuring those who work in child and social care are paid a fair wage.

The First Minister’s announcement means that private and voluntary sector staff working in Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and funded Early Learning and Childcare will be paid at least £12 an hour from April 2024.

This is an increase of more than £2,000 a year for some, and of 10.1% from the minimum rate that was introduced in April 2023 for those eligible. It also represents a minimum increase in pay of 15.2% for workers in Children’s Services who previously received National Minimum Wage.

Increasing pay for those who care for the young and vulnerable is vitally important and will make a huge difference to social care workers across my constituency of Renfrewshire North & West.

Natalie Don added:

“While the minimum wage for adult social care staff is already around £900 a year higher in Scotland than it is in England, this uplift reflects the invaluable work done by those caring for the most vulnerable members of our society.

“The First Minister’s core missions of equality, opportunity and community are at the heart of this Programme for Government; with policies such as these benefitting up to 100,000 workers, of whom four out of five are female.

“The increase also reflects the SNP Scottish Government’s wider priorities on child poverty and fair work while recognising the critical role of these workers in our communities.

“I am very pleased to see the First Minister recognising the work of social sector workers in Renfrewshire North & West”

SNP GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING PARENTS AND CHILDREN ACROSS RENFREWSHIRE NORTH AND WEST

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed new funding from the Scottish Government to expand early years childcare and free school meals across Renfrewshire North & West.

The First Minister announced in the Programme for Government that in this parliamentary year the Scottish Government will significantly invest to expand free school meals and provisions for early year care.

The funding will ensure that all primary school pupils receive a free school lunch – a vital step to eradicating child poverty in Renfrewshire North & West.  This expands on existing measures that already see all Primary 1 to 5 pupils currently receive free school meals.  

There will also be an expansion of support available for early years childcare to support more young parents go back to work in Renfrewshire North & West. 

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Commenting, Natalie Don MSP said:

“This investment from the SNP Government will ensure that working families and struggling households across Renfrewshire North & West are supported through the Westminster cost-of-living crisis.

“Under the leadership of First Minister Humza Yousaf, the SNP Government has made it a national mission to eradicate child poverty. This move to expand free school meals to all primary school pupils during this parliament will go a long way to making sure this becomes a reality.

“Expanding free childcare will also be warmly welcomed by parents across Renfrewshire North & West. 

“Supporting families with affordable and accessible childcare strengthens both employment and the economy.

“Helping families get through the Westminster cost-of-living crisis is the SNP Government’s main priority and expanding childcare and free school meals will help deliver that.” 

NATALIE DON MSP WELCOMES POLICE PAY DEAL TO KEEP RENFREWSHIRE NORTH & WEST SAFE

SNP MSP Natalie Don has welcomed the news that a pay deal has been agreed for all police officers in Renfrewshire North & West.

A 7% increase to pay and allowances, which will be backdated to 1st April 2023, ensures a cumulative increase of 12.35% in police officer pay since April 2022.

The agreement was reached following extensive dialogue and negotiation through the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) – a body made up of representatives from the Scottish Police Authority, Police Scotland, the Scottish Government, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS), Scottish Police Federation (SPF) and the Scottish Chief Police Officers Staff Association (SCPOSA).  

Police officers in Renfrewshire North & West perform an essential role in keeping local communities safe and SNP MSP Natalie Don has said that this pay deal recognises the hard work and valuable contribution they make to daily life.

Commenting, SNP MSP Natalie Don said:

“Police officers perform an essential role in keeping communities across Renfrewshire North & West safe and this pay deal recognises their hard work and valuable contribution.

“Despite the difficult financial environment created by Westminster, I strongly welcome the direct action taken by the SNP Government to invest £11.6 billion in policing since 2013 to ensure that people in Renfrewshire North & West remain safe. 

“I would like to recognise and thank those on the Police Negotiating Board who worked in good faith to achieve an agreement that works for all parties involved.

“In Scotland we have an SNP Government that is committed to keeping communities in Renfrewshire North & West safe - whilst also working to support those responsible for doing so through the Westminster cost-of-living crisis.”