Author: fultonmacgregor

96,000 CARERS IN SCOTLAND TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS FROM TODAY
 
SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has highlighted that carers in Coatbridge & Chryston are set to get a welcome boost to their finances ahead of Christmas.

More than 96,000 carers across Scotland will receive the Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment with money being paid into accounts from today.
 
The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment of £293.50, currently made twice a year, for people in Scotland who get Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
 
The payment, which is only available in Scotland, was introduced by the SNP Scottish Government in 2018. Since then, over one million payments have been made and hundreds of millions of pounds delivered helping to ease some of the financial pressures on unpaid carers.  
 
Commenting SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:
 
“Unpaid carers make an invaluable contribution to our society and often face financial issues because of their caring responsibilities.
 
“The financial strain on budgets will have been felt even more than ever over the past year as the cost of essentials such as grocery bills and energy bills continue to rise under a Labour government.
 
“That’s why it is so welcome that payments such as the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, Carer Support Payment and the Young Carer Grant introduced by the SNP can help carers in Coatbridge & Chryston with the rising cost of living and recognise the contribution that carers make within our communities.
 
“This is what a Scottish social security system based on dignity, fairness and respect looks like. While successive Westminster governments have cut support for those who need it most, the SNP is putting money directly into the pockets of carers in Coatbridge & Chryston.”
 

The SNP government’s decision to scrap Labour’s two child cap will help 2260 families in North Lanarkshire, as new figures reveal the number of households impacted by the cap.

Across Scotland, the cap affects almost 30,000 households, with Keir Starmer’s previous promises to scrap it now falling on deaf ears. According to their own estimates, keeping the cap will push 250,000 people – including 50,000 children – into poverty. 

By ending it on 2nd March 2026, the SNP government is ensuring 20,000 fewer children will live in relative poverty next year.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Coatbridge & Chryston Fulton MacGregor said:

“Labour’s two child cap is now impacting 2260 households in North Lanarkshire.

“Next year that will end under this SNP government as we once again step in to mitigate the damage done by Westminster.

“This is undoubtedly the right thing to do, but should not be necessary. The nearly 30,000 families that are suffering right now across Scotland are suffering because of the Labour Party. 

“Unlike Starmer’s government, John Swinney is leading a Scottish Government whose top mission is the eradication of child poverty; a scourge on society made so much worse by the two child cap. 

“The Labour Party is devoid of values and has no ambition for Scotland, while the SNP is taking action to improve the lives of all Scots; making decisions in Scotland, for Scotland.”

2,000 TOTAL HOSPITAL FROM HOME BEDS BY THE END OF 2026 

Coatbridge & Chryston MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed new Scottish Government funding for Hospital at Home – with the scheme expected to be expanded to 2,000 total beds by the end of 2026. 

The scheme ensures patients can receive hospital treatment in their own homes, meaning they can stay in familiar surroundings rather than be separated from family, friends, and pets – reducing some risks associated with hospitalisation, and reducing the cost of keeping someone in hospital. 

 NHS boards are expected to receive their cut of the £85 million in front line NHS frailty services, including a major expansion of the successful Hospital at Home programme.

Commenting, local SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:  

“This is a hugely welcome investment that will directly benefit patients here in North Lanarkshire, especially older and more vulnerable members of our community. Expanding Hospital at Home not only delivers better outcomes for patients, it’s also a smart way to relieve pressure on our hospitals.

“Keeping people in their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones and receiving hospital-level care, is an innovation Scotland should be proud of. Our NHS staff are going above and beyond every day, and services like Hospital at Home are a clear example of how we can transform care delivery for the better.
  
 “This funding shows the SNP Government’s determination to improve health outcomes, tackle delayed discharge, and get patients the right care in the right place.”

LABOUR’S WELFARE BILL ‘A TOTAL JOKE’, SAYS LOCAL MSP FULTON MACGREGOR

After a long night of dither and delay in the House of Commons, Labour MPs have voted for Labour’s Welfare Bill – which pushes any proposed cut to PIP to the end of 2026, leaving disabled people in limbo.  

The bill had initially proposed to slash eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a move which the government’s own analysis showed would remove support from 800,000 people by the end of the decade – but now promises a ‘review’ of PIP at the end of 2026. 

In Scotland, the SNP Government had committed to protect disabled people from these cuts by protecting the Adult Disability Payment, Scotland’s equivalent of PIP, from any reductions – though Labour’s cut would have had a knock-on impact on Scotland’s budget.  

Local SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has said Labour must now apologise to disabled people for keeping them in limbo. SNP MPs voted against Labour’s austerity measures.

  
Commenting, local SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:   

“This Welfare Bill has been a disaster from the start – Labour have gone from ignoring disabled people to changing the Bill minutes before the vote – that is a total joke, and no way to run a country.  

“But by voting for this bill in its amended form, Labour are only making that uncertainty for disabled people worse, by delaying any clarity on PIP until the end of 2026.  

“Labour have shown their true colours here – any cut to PIP will be devastating for disabled people who rely on these payments to live and work – which is why the SNP pledged to protect these payments here in Scotland. 

“With the limited powers of the Scottish Parliament, we can step in to protect disabled people here in Coatbridge and Chryston, and across Scotland – just imagine what we could do with the full powers of independence.”   

LABOUR POLICY AFFECTS 2000 FAMILIES IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE

Fulton MacGregor MSP says SNP action will support a large number of families in Coatbridge & Chryston who are impacted by the two-child cap, as the Scottish Government confirms the Labour policy will be scrapped in Scotland from 2nd March 2026.

The two-child cap was introduced by the Tories as part of their programme of austerity and has subsequently become Labour Party policy, despite Keir Starmer’s previous promises to scrap it. By ending it the SNP government is ensuring 20,000 fewer children will live in relative poverty next year.

In contrast, Labour are not just keeping the two child cap, but will push 250,000 people – including 50,000 children – into poverty with their cuts to support for disabled people.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston Fulton MacGregor said:

“Labour’s two child cap has harmed 2000 households in North Lanarkshire, but from March next year that will end under this SNP government. 

“We cannot afford to wait any longer: 26,000 households across Scotland are impacted by this policy while the UK Labour government refuses to take action. 

“By stepping in to mitigate the harm caused by Westminster, John Swinney’s government will lift 20,000 children out of poverty, making progress on the key mission of this government: to eradicate child poverty.

“The Labour Party has made their choice to keep the cap, and the SNP has the made the choice to scrap it.  This shows what we can do when we take decisions here in Scotland and put Scotland first.”

LABOUR AND TORY INCOMPETENCE TO BLAME FOR COUNCIL TAX HIKES AS 18.8% OF COUNCIL TAX INTAKE SPENT ON PFI 

Labour and the Tories’ disastrous PFI (Private Finance Initiative) and PPP (Public Private Partnership) schemes are expected to cost North Lanarkshire residents £27.37m in 2025/26.  

PFI/PPP is a model of funding public projects where private businesses build public infrastructure like schools, hospitals and roads, and the public then pay a monthly charge to those businesses for the cost of the build and services. 

However – the scheme has caused significant problems in Scotland, as the public continue to pay for projects, as private businesses make substantial profit – in some cases paying above the odds for subpar infrastructure.  

The SNP scrapped the scheme after coming to power, replacing it with the Non-Profit Distribution model, which capped private profits at 5%. 

New analysis has shown that a shocking 18.8% of North Lanarkshire’s Council tax intake was spent on PFI/PPP in 2023/24. 

As Council’s across Scotland implement difficult decisions on Council Tax, local MSP Fulton MacGregor has highlighted the continued cost of the Labour and Tory PFI scheme to local taxpayers. 

Commenting, local MSP Fulton MacGregor said:  

“We’ve known for quite some time now that PFI/PPP is costing the public an unnecessary amount of money – £26.05M in 2023/24, a shocking 18.8% of the Council tax intake in the same year – and predicted to go up to £27.37 next year.  

“That is why the SNP scrapped it after coming to power – but these contracts are still in place – costing the Scottish public over half a billion pounds this year. 

“To make matters worse – rumours are circulating that UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be set to reintroduce PFI across the UK.  
 
“We know that public finances are stretched as it is, with Council Tax rates set to rise this year due to the scandal that is PFI – don’t let Labour make it even worse.” 

15,807,560 PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED BY NHS LANARKSHIRE LAST YEAR – SAVING HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF OVER £400

On the 14^th anniversary of prescription charges being scrapped by the SNP Scottish Government, Fulton MacGregor MSP has highlighted that the policy saves the average household in Scotland over £400 a year.

Latest figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that over 113 million prescriptions, including 15,807,560 by NHS Lanarkshire, were dispensed in Scotland in 2023/24 – meaning that on average people in Scotland received 20.8 prescriptions.

This means that based on the £9.90 charge currently in place in England, the average household in Scotland saved £436.72 in 2023/24 because of the policy.

In one of his first acts as Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay outlined his plans to re-introduce charges if he ever came to power – a move which would cost each person £206 per year on average. 

A report by Trussell Trust last year showed that in England, 68% of working households receiving Universal Credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication due to the costs involved. 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:

“The SNP is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Coatbridge & Chryston has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.

“The SNP believe that healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone. The prescription charges, which Russell Findlay plans to re-introduce, were nothing more than a tax on ill health.

“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite Labour’s promise to bring them down, people in Coatbridge & Chryston are still living through a cost-of-living crisis – making it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost.

”With Labour continuing to hint at an increased level of private healthcare involvement in the NHS, only the SNP can be trusted to put the people of Coatbridge & Chryston first and protect them from having to pay for their vital medication.” 

£77,873,729 PAID OUT TO NORTH LANARKSHIRE’S FAMILIES SINCE 2021

Fulton MacGregor MSP has welcomed a “momentous milestone” reached in Scottish Child Payments following today’s news that £1,022,600 has been paid out to recipients since the payment was launched in 2021.

In North Lanarkshire, £77,873,729 has been paid out over the last four years, with 24,890 of children benefitting as of December 2024. The median processing time for applications has also improved to nine days, reducing from 13 days the previous year.

Following the passing of the Scottish Budget – which Scottish Labour inexplicably refused to vote for – the Scottish Child Payment will increase again to £27.15 per week from 1^st April 2025. This comes alongside the beginning of work to scrap Labour’s two-child cap which is pushing 15,000 children into poverty.

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

“Today marks a momentous milestone and signifies the transformational impact of this policy in just four years – lifting 24,890 children out of poverty and supporting those in North Lanarkshire who need it most.

“The Scottish Child Payment is one of the SNP’s greatest and most transformative achievements in government, and I am pleased to see  children across Coatbridge & Chryston benefitting.

“Thanks to the SNP’s Scottish Budget, the payment will increase again from April in line with inflation to ensure its value and impact is maintained – with only Labour and Tory MSPs refusing to back it.

“That’s what you get under a Swinney government: delivery for people across Coatbridge & Chryston as we work to eradicate child poverty.”

  
LOCAL LABOUR MSPS FAIL TO BACK FUNDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN COATBRIDGE & CHRYSTON

The SNP Government’s Scottish Budget for 2025/26 has passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament – delivering real progress for residents in Coatbridge & Chryston, local MSP Fulton MacGregor has said.  

 
The Budget will deliver:  

· Record funding for the NHS of £21.7 billion. 

· The restoration of winter fuel payments for pensioners – after Labour scrapped them across the UK.

· The scrapping of the cruel two-child benefit cap – which Scottish Labour was critical of whilst in opposition.

· Additional investment for Grangemouth and its workforce to secure a just transition.

· Lower income tax for most Scots compared to the rest of the UK.

· The most generous rates relief programme anywhere in the UK.

· Increased £34 million investment in Scotland’s culture sector – exceeding Labour’s calls from before the budget.

However – despite the Labour Party in Scotland previously stating it supported many of the measures in the budget, local Labour MSPS failed to back the budget, instead choosing to abstain. 

Local MSP Fulton MacGregor has said voters will not forgive or forget Labour’s decision to abstain on Budget improvements being delivered in Coatbridge & Chryston.   

Commenting local MSP Fulton MacGregor said: 
 
“I am delighted that John Swinney’s first Budget as First Minister has been passed in the Scottish Parliament. It will deliver real progress on people in Coatbridge & Chryston’s priorities.

“The Budget delivers record investment in the NHS, the restoration of winter fuel payments for pensioners and scraps the cruel two-child benefit cap. All of this is being delivered with the fairest tax system in the UK which means that the majority of people pay less tax than in the rest of the UK.

“Whilst other parties worked constructively with the SNP to deliver this Budget, Anas Sarwar’s Labour Party – along with the Tories – showed that they are big on words but low in action when it comes to investing in the NHS, tackling child poverty and securing a future for Grangemouth.

“Whilst Anas Sarwar sits on his hands waiting for directions from his London bosses, under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP has listened to people’s concerns and is taking strong action to deliver on their priorities.”  

SNP GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING KIDS ACROSS NORTH LANARKSHIRE

Fulton MacGregor MSP has welcomed new figures which reveal £2.23M has been invested and over 13 play parks have been improved in North Lanarkshire, including those in Coatbridge & Chryston such as Scarhill Street in Kirksahws and Dunalastair Drive in Stepps.

The Scottish Government has provided £35 million to renew or improve play parks since May 2021 – £15 million in 2024/25 alone. A total of 887 play parks have been renewed, or were being renewed in Scotland, up to April 2024.

This investment is ensuring children across the country have safe places to play in their local community and is an important priority for First Minister John Swinney’s Government, supporting his mission to improve the lives of children across Scotland.

Commenting, SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:

“The SNP was right to commit to improving play parks for children across Scotland, and I’m pleased to see Coatbridge & Chryston reap the benefits of this investment.

“We know how important it is for children to have access to play areas – for development and for fun – and the investment will improve children’s wellbeing.

“That’s an SNP promise making a real difference in our community. That’s what you get with John Swinney’s SNP government.”