Cost-of-living support is at hand
BY RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH MSP TOM ARTHUR
As we go to press today, the Scottish Parliament is in the first stage of debating the Scottish Government’s proposals for the 2023/24 budget.
The funding package, put forward in December, is focused on decisive action to provide support to the people of Scotland.
It is not possible for the SNP/ Green government to go as far as we would like within the fiscal constraints, and so it has been necessary to prioritise three key areas; taking further steps to address inequality and eradicate child poverty, encouraging a just transition to net zero and making the reforms necessary to ensure public services in Scotland remain sustainable in the face of challenges to come.
In practice, this means a funding package of over £17billion for our National Health Service and social care and investment of over £425million to uprate all devolved benefits by 10.1 per cent.
This is in addition to November’s permanent extension of the unique Scottish Child Payment to under 16s and uplift to £25 per week, per child, set to keep around 90,000 children in Scotland out of poverty.
Also, the 2023/24 budget commits £20m to extend the Fuel Insecurity Fund, providing a lifeline for households, including the most vulnerable, against rising energy prices.
Plus many more policies and commitments to protect our communities at a national level from the worst effects of the financial challenges we all face right now.
Here in Renfrewshire South, I held my third cost-of-living advice event recently at Station 7 in Johnstone.
I reached out to the Wise Group a few months ago, following their successful cost-of-living advice events in nearby areas and we were able to work together to arrange a session in Johnstone town centre with representatives from Citizens Advice Scotland, Home Energy
Scotland, Social Security Scotland, and many others in attendance.
I am pleased to say the day was a huge success, and a great opportunity for local people to come along and get support and the most up-to-date advice from experts in a confidential and friendly environment.
Anyone who didn’t manage to make it along on the day can still contact my office on 01505 331 990 or at tom.arthur.msp@parliament. scot to be put in touch with the organisations involved with the event.
I have continued to engage with local businesses, groups and individuals and it is an honour to recognise their achievements and examples of community spirit.
Over the past few weeks, this has included Dunterlie Baby and Toddlers group who have secured funding to provide day trips and social activities.
I have also written to John Roach Funeral Directors in Johnstone following their fundraising efforts for Revive MS Support and to
Barrhead Bowling Club after they secured funds to provide a lunch club at the venue.
Finally, in what is getting to be a regular occurrence given their relentless drive for new projects in the village,
I contacted Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust to congratulate them on securing funds from the Scottish Government ‘Ideas into Action’ Fund.
The organisation will be utilising the cash to enhance their contributions to Renfrewshire’s Winter Connections programme, providing activities and support in a warm and safe space that is free to attend and available to everyone.