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SAFE RETURN PLANNED THROUGH MIX OF SCHOOL AND HOME LEARNING

Local MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed the Scottish Government announcement that pupils will return to schools in August, subject to scientific advice that it is safe to do so.

 

Schools in Coatbridge & Chryston will return on 11 August, while Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings will open over the summer.

 

An agreement reached between councils, professional associations and parent representatives means that physical distancing, staggered arrival and departure times, staggered break times, increased hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning regimes and a range of other measures must be implemented.

 

To maximise the time pupils can have in the classroom and support children in the new model of schooling, including digital home learning, the SNP Government is also investing £9 million for 25,000 laptops or tablets – with internet access provided – for disadvantaged children as part of the first phase of provision to support learning outside school.

 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:

 

“In reopening schools in Coatbridge & Chryston, we are ensuring the safety of children, young people and staff and giving parents the confidence that schools are safe is the overriding priority.

 

“To allow appropriate physical distancing, children in North Lanarkshire will return to a blended model of part time in-school and part time at-home learning from 11 August – subject to scientific advice that it is safe to do so.

 

“Of course, these arrangements will not represent a complete return to normality by August. We don’t know how long schools will have to work this way, just as we don’t know how long Coronavirus will be a threat.

 

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone in Coatbridge & Chryston when I share my gratitude towards parents, carers and teachers who are doing so much to ensure that children continue to learn during this lockdown period, and to those young people who have stayed at home in extremely challenging circumstances.

 

“By doing the right thing, all of us have helped to slow the spread of the virus, to protect our NHS from being overwhelmed, and to save lives.”

You can get more information on Education Recovery Group Strategic Framework by following this link:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/excellent-equity-during-covid-19-pandemic-strategic-framework-reopening-schools-early-learning-childcare-provision-scotland/

Today in Holyrood, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the nation to explain the Scottish Government’s routemap that will guide the country out of lockdown.

 

The routemap gives practical examples of what people, organisations and businesses can expect to see change over time.

 

If the evidence shows transmission of COVID-19 is under control and the number of infectious cases continue to decline the Scottish Government will consider moving to Phase 1 of the route map following the next end-of-cycle review date on 28 May.

 

The NHS Scotland test, trace, isolate and support system – known as Test and Protect – will be ready for expansion in all 14 health boards from 28 May.

 

A plan agreed between councils, professional associations and parent representatives to partially reopen schools from 11 August, subject to scientific advice that it is safe to do so, has also been published today.

 

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

 

“We all know that we can’t live this way forever and we all want to get back some sense of normality.

 

“While we need to move carefully and gradually, the route map laid out today by the First Minister clearly sets out the steps that will take us there.

 

“Too many people in Coatbridge & Chryston and across Scotland have lost their lives to this disease and we can’t risk another peak – so we must move in line with our own circumstances.

 

“We will get through this by working together by sticking to the advice to suppress the virus further and get back a way of life that is as close to normal as possible.”

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed an initial  £3.191 million funding to help the social care sector in North Lanarkshire deal with the financial implications of coronavirus.

The funding was confirmed by the Scottish Government as part of a £50 million package for the sector across the country. The funding will help address immediate challenges faced in the social care sector and support ongoing provision of social care.

Health and Social Care Partnerships across Scotland have all put in place mobilisation plans to ensure the health and social care system is as well placed as possible to address the Covid-19 pandemic.

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:

“The social care sector is at the frontline of the current pandemic and will inevitably face additional costs.

“This funding demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to social care – and will ensure that any increasing need for social care as a result of the pandemic is met.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone in North Lanarkshire when I share my gratitude towards those working in social care, and all of our frontline key workers, who are doing vital work in the most difficult of circumstances.”

SNP MSP FULTON MACGREGOR CALLS ON CONSTITUENTS TO PAY TRIBUTE DESPITE LOCKDOWN RESTRCTIONS

 

An online service of remembrance and a two-minute silence will lead Scotland’s commemorations this year to mark the 75^th anniversary of VE Day on 8^th May.

 

MSP for Coatbridge & Chryston, Fulton MacGregor, has urged his constituents to pay their respects with an online service.

 

The commemorations led by the Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, will include a message from children and families currently learning at home including a video message of thanks from the First Minister.

 

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

 

“The 75^th anniversary of VE Day is a hugely important moment in Scotland’s history.

 

“Despite the difficult situation we currently all find ourselves in, it is only right that we pay tribute to the determination and sacrifices made by the men and women in the Second World War.

 

“I hope as many people as possible in Coatbridge & Chryston, will join millions of others on 8^th May, to honour those who laid down their lives in a shared moment national commemoration.”

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES UPDATE ON “LIFE BEYOND LOCKDOWN”

 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor MSP has urged the public in Coatbridge & Chrystom to have their say as the Scottish Government publishes an update on what life might look like when coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are altered.

 

COVID-19: A Framework for Decision Making says the current lockdown is pushing the number of infectious cases down, but concludes that the virus continues to pose a serious threat to public health in Scotland.

 

Fulton MacGregor MSP has also encouraged constituents in Coatbridge & Chyston to read the Scottish Government’s “Test, Trace, Isolate, Support” paper, published yesterday, which will be a “key aspect” of the next phase of the battle against Coronavirus.

 

The testing and tracing strategy will work alongside other virus suppression measures, including physical distancing, hand washing and the use of face coverings. Thousands of contact tracing staff are also to be taken on, and new digital tools including an app are being developed.

 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:

 

“The decisions on how we come out of lockdown will affect all of us – and so it’s important that these decisions are made as openly and collaboratively as possible, with councils, businesses, unions, public services and community groups in Coatbridge & Chryston all forming part of the discussion.

 

“The Scottish Government has today launched an online forum that gives people the opportunity to offer their reflections on lockdown restrictions – and I’d urge everyone in Coatbridge & Chryston to share any ideas they have on how we should move forward.

 

“There are no easy answers – but it is right for the Scottish Government to keep people up-to-date and be clear about the factors that inform decision making, and I’d encourage everyone in Coatbridge & Chryston to continue reading the official guidance and information published.

 

“For now, the advice for people in Coatbridge & Chryston remains the same – staying at home and only making essential journeys is saving lives. Keeping physical distance in the limited circumstances when you have to be around people and continuing to regularly wash your hands are still the best way to reduce your risk of infection.

 

“Everyone in Coatbridge & Chryston has a part to play in combating this virus, and while I understand that these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.”

 

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR NEW SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT SCHEMES

A £100 million package of additional grant support for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and newly self-employed people in Coatbridge & Chryston is now open for applications.

 

The three Scottish Government funds will be administered by local authorities and Scotland’s enterprise agencies and will begin to pay out grants in early May.

 

They include a £34 million hardship fund for the newly self-employed, a £20 million fund for small and micro enterprises in the creative, tourism and hospitality sectors and £45 million for viable SMEs crucial to the Scottish economy.

 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:

 

“Local businesses and industries here in Coatbridge & Chryston will be understandably concerned about the impact that coronavirus will have on the local economy.

 

“These funds are intended to relieve the hardship of smaller firms in Coatbridge & Chryston that are ineligible for other forms of support – and is just one part of the support the Scottish Government is providing to individuals and businesses in Coatbridge & Chryston to protect jobs and incomes.”

 

“This package of support is welcome, and will help alleviate the hardship some individuals and companies may be facing.

 

“Applications are now open, and applicants can access these funds and more via the www.FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot website.”

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CONSTITUENTS 

A £100 million fund have been announced to support the self-employed and SMEs announced last week opened for applications yesterday (30 April).

It comprises three separate funds as follows:

– £34 million Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund to help newly self-employed facing hardship through £2,000 grants https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/coronavirus/newly-self-employed-hardship-fund

– £20 million Creative, Tourism & Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund, for firms in those sectors not in receipt of business rates relief see: https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/coronavirus/creative-or-tourism-and-hospitality-enterprises-hardship-fund

–  £45 million Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund for vulnerable SMEs who are vital to the local or national economic foundations of Scotland see: https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/coronavirus/pivotal-enterprise-resilience-fund

From Tuesday May 5th, a second phase of the Business Grants Funding Scheme will commence. This includes measures aimed at ratepayers with more than one property. In addition to a 100% grant on their first eligible property, ratepayers with additional qualifying properties will be eligible to apply for a 75% grant on each additional property. This means that Small Business Grants of £7,500 and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants of £18,750 will be available on any additional qualifying properties that a ratepayer may have, subject to compliance with EU State Aid Rules.

 

Further changes to the Small Business Support Grant of £10,000 extend eligibility to:

 

– Ratepayers that hold one or more properties within retail, hospitality or leisure, with individual rateable values not exceeding £18,000, and a cumulative rateable value between £35,001 and £51,000 will now be eligible for the Small Business Grant Scheme on each of their retail, hospitality or leisure properties

– Small sports clubs which are eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme but in receipt of discretionary sports relief

– Small properties in Enterprise Areas which are eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme but in receipt of Enterprise Areas relief

 

More information can be accessed via the website: www.findbusinesssupport.gov.scot or North Lanarkshire Council’s website; https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=34891

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has said that the public must prepare for restrictions on normal life to continue for some time.

The comments come as the Scottish Government published a new document outlining how decisions will be taken to control coronavirus (COVID-19) while restoring a degree of normality to everyday life.

 

The paper – COVID-19: A Framework for Decision-Making – sets out the position during this ongoing period of lockdown and outlines the factors that must be considered as we move gradually to ease restrictions.

 

It also recognises that new ways of living – effectively a “new normal” – may have to be in place for some time to come.

 

MacGregor said:

 

“It is welcome that the Scottish Government has published an outline of how and when the lockdown may be lifted and I urge everyone to take the time to read the document.

 

“It is vital that any decision to ease restrictions is based on the best scientific advice possible – but we are in uncharted territory and we must be prepared to adapt. That might mean having to reapply restrictions after they are lifted.

 

“It is only when we are sure the virus is under control that we can even start to ease any of the restrictions because the virus will not have gone away.

 

“There are no easy answers – but it is right for the Scottish Government to be clear about the factors that will inform decision making.

 

“In the coming days and weeks members of the public will be invited to contribute their thoughts and views on the next steps we must make together.

 

“Unfortunately, returning to what we regard as a normal life will not be possible in the near future so we need to prepare for a new normal until treatments and a vaccine offer different solutions.

 

“While these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.”

 

 

 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has called on residents to volunteer in their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

A new ‘Scotland Cares’ campaign has been launched to encourage people to volunteer.

While the most important ask for the public remains to stay at home and follow the essential public health guidance, people who are healthy and not at risk can volunteer to provide practical or emotional help to those most in need.

Those wanting to volunteer to support their communities have three options which are signposted from the Ready Scotland website:

• returning NHS workers will be directed to existing voluntary arrangements in NHS Scotland
• people wishing to offer their support to our public services, including the NHS and local authorities, will be directed to a site co-ordinated by the British Red Cross
• those looking for opportunities with other charities or community groups in their area will be directed to Volunteer Scotland for information

Commenting, SNP MSP Fulon MacGregor said:

“In these difficult times, people across Coatbridge & Chryston want to make a difference in their community.

“While not everyone will be able to volunteer, this new Scottish Government campaign will help people to make a real difference.

“The Scottish Government is working closely with local government and a range of partners to co-ordinate the volunteering effort across Scotland.

“Through the readyscotland.org website, we can connect people to where their contribution is most needed in their local community.

“For some, that may involve roles responding to specific needs in health and social care. For others, it may be that we draw on their skills, enthusiasm and energy in the weeks and months to come.

“It is important to remember that the most helpful thing many of us can continue to do to help the NHS is to stay at home and follow all COVID-19 guidance.”

 

COVID-19 Helpful links

Apprentices

Covid-19 FAQs for Apprentices

https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/pupils-learners-and-apprentices/

Businesses

Scot Gov Advice for Businesses

Business Gateway advice

Scottish Enterprise advice

Scottish Government Release on Business Helpline

£1bn Business Support Fund opens

£2.2bn for Business

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Help with non-domestic rates in Scotland during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Council Tax

Funding available for councils to meet increase in applications for the existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

CAS advice on Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Creative Sector

Creative Scotland advice

Dentistry

British Dental Association guidance

Domestic abuse

Scotland’s National Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline .

Rape Crisis Covid-19 textline and helpline

Scottish Women’s Rights Centre

Education

Guidance for parents and families

Childcare provision for key workers

Update on School Closures and Exams

Energy

Energy Saving Trust advice for home heating and energy use during COVID-19

Emergency Powers

Details of emergency powers

Health

NHS Inform

Advice for professionals and organisations

Housing and Homelessness

General advice

Shelter advice page Homelessness:

Cabinet Secretary Statement Response on Homelessness

Homeowners:

Money Advice Service on mortgage holidays

Tenants

SFHA: No social housing tenant evictions during Covid-19

Insurance

First Minster’s response to FMQ on Business Insurance, 19th March

Statement from Association of British Insurers on Covid-19 insurance

ABI Covid-19 Q+A

Justice

Statement from Chief Constable

Scottish Courts & Tribunals advice on business changes

COPFS advice to those due to attend court

Suspension on prison visiting

Key workers

Criteria provided to local authorities to determine local need

School and ELC closures – guidance for key workers

Local authorities

North Lanarkshire Council 

Nurses and Midwives

RCN guidance

Motorists

UK Government MOT advice

Older People

Age Scotland advice

PPE

First Minister’s FMQ Response on PPE, 19th March

Religious groups

Social distancing advice to “minimise social contact by avoiding crowded areas and large gatherings, including religious congregations”

Specific announcements :

Church of Scotland

Catholic church in Scotland

Scottish Episcopal Church

Muslim Council of Britain

 

Rural

NFUS advice to farmers

Seafood industry advice from Seafish

Self-employed

Scottish Government’s call for more action to help self-employed

HMRC Helpline for self-employed people and businesses

UK Government release on DWP support, including for the self-employed

Citizens Advice Scotland advice

Small Businesses

Details of support for businesses including “one-off £10,000 grant to ratepayers of small businesses”

FSB advice

Social Security

Universal Credit advice on social security for those with Covid-19

Entitled to Advice

Turn2us advice

Travel

Domestic: Transport Scotland

International: FCO

Testing

COVID-19 testing to get key workers back to work

First Minster’s FMQ response on testing, 25th March

Third Sector

SCVO advice

£20 million allocated to a Third Sector Resilience Fund, to help ensure the health and continued viability of the third sector organisations affected by cash flow and other problems, which have a key role to play in our national response Volunteers:

Volunteering

Health Sector

Information on Ready Scotland website

Third Sector

Chest Heart and Stroke

Workers

Protecting workers during coronavirus outbreak

UK Government Guidance for Employees

House of Commons blog on Employment Rights

 

Business Advice

Advice for employees who are being challenged:

https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

ACAS phone number is 0141 280 4626

Scottish Trades Union Congress – STUC

 

 

 

 

Business Rates Support

 

https://www.mygov.scot/non-domestic-rates-coronavirus/

 

Business Interruption Loan Scheme- British Business Bank

 

https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme-cbils/

 

Information on all business support

 

https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/?fbclid=IwAR0gIfqGM3p9VX9cCs97166NUxWlTDXpKOkTcyVYVxnhhMdxYRYkcIfi96g

 

MOT Exemption details

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vehicle-owners-to-be-granted-mot-exemption-in-battle-against-coronavirus

 

For the Self Employed, those with immediate cashflow problems

Universal Credit

 

https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

 

Crisis Grants from Local Authorities

 

North Lanarkshire: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=26378/

 

Council Tax Reduction

 

North Lanarkshire: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=7835

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed new figures that show 1232 of new build homes were completed in North Lanarkshire last year.

 

The latest statistics from the Scottish Government show that over 9,300 affordable homes were delivered in 2019 across the country, an increase of more than 25% since 2016

 

Meanwhile, the number of homes for social rent in North Lanarkshire hit 630 last year – of which 146 were new council homes and 484 were housing association properties.

 

Welcoming the news, SNP MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston Fulton MacGregor said:

 

“Having a home to call your own really matters – that’s why the SNP Government has made the delivery of thousands of new affordable homes a priority.

 

“Just last year alone, we’ve seen 1232 new homes completed in North Lanarkshire, 630 of which are for social rent.

 

“On top of our commitment to deliver 50,000 affordable homes, we’re helping first-time buyers here in Coatbridge & Chryston get on the property ladder by lending them a chunk of their deposit.

 

“I’m proud that this SNP Government is getting on with the day-job, and is quite literally, building for the future of Scotland.”