Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
TALKING POLITICS Work together and follow guidance to get through crisis
As I sit down to think of you and wish each of you well, the challenging Covid-19 global pandemic continues to evolve rapidly in the UK.
In my role as MSP for Central Scotland and as the newly appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Communities and Social Security, I know that your elected representatives are working diligently to keep people safe and to support our economy, businesses and workers’ multiple challenges.
These are extraordinary times and alongside our government, we each need to personally take extraordinary measures to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbours. Social distancing is vitally important; please play your part and stay at home.
Another measure we’re taking is supporting the scientific community and those who do the essential cuttingedge work to combat this virus.
I also want to recognise our NHS staff as the health heroes that they are. These hard-working men and women are putting their lives on the line to help the general public.
Our governments are also working hard to protect the lives of Brits through a number of measures. Whether it be the UK government stepping in to help pay people’s wages, mortgage lenders offering payment holidays of at least three months to anyone affected by the outbreak, or statutory sick pay payable from day one, our government is working around the clock to mitigate possible financial burdens to workers and small businesses.
The Scottish Government have also set out actions to help those in need. An additional £45 million has been allocated to the Scottish Welfare Fund, which provides crisis grants to those in financial emergency; an extra £50 million for the increased demand on social security benefits and the council tax reduction scheme; and £70 million for a “food fund” to help those who will struggle to put food on the table.
On the local side of things, I would also advise you to get in contact with your council to find out about accessing and applying for the Scottish Welfare Fund or the Council Tax Reduction scheme.
Further measures may be announced in the coming days and weeks and I hope to keep constituents updated as matter develop; information can be found on my website, which is updated daily, at www.grahamsimpson.org. uk/covid-19.
Everyone needs to work together to get through this, so it is vital people follow the latest official guidance.
I am committed to helping people and businesses through the difficult period ahead and will continue to urge both of Scotland’s governments to do all they can in that regard.