Campaign to back our local shops
With an enforced closure for many of more than three months, it’s been great to see many small businesses opening up again locally and starting to attract back customers.
The financial support provided by both the UK and Scottish Governments has been vital in helping keep hundreds of local businesses afloat who otherwise would not have survived, and protected thousands of local jobs, but the best thing possible for them now is to get shoppers and customers back through their doors.
So that’s why I hope as many people as possible can use our local shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses, and help get our local economy up and running again.
Do it safely, follow the rules, wear a face covering and observe a social distance, but our local shops need us, so let’s give them all the support we can.
Another group needing particular support at this time is working parents, many now getting back to their jobs, who rely on childcare cover.
Many will have been looking forward to the 1140 ‘funded’ nursery hours they had been expecting to start next month, but Covid-19 and the impact it has had on both government and Council plans has seen that delayed.
The Scottish Government has now said a revised date for implementing the policy will be jointly agreed by the government and councils.
I think most people will understand that the unforeseen consequences of the virus has meant some delay is inevitable, but it is essential they are given clarity as soon as possible on when 1140 ‘funded’ hours will be made available equally to all local children. I’m in touch with both the
Council and Scottish Government on this matter and will continue to press for answers on behalf of local parents.
Although I am not able to hold face to face meetings at present, I can be contacted on 01292 286251 or at: john. scott. msp@ parliament. scot