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POSITIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH AS SCOTLAND MOVES AHEAD OF UK

 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has praised new figures showing that Scotland’s economy has outperformed the UK’s in the second quarter of this year.

 

According to official figures, announced by Scotland’s Chief Statistician, the economy in Scotland grew by 0.5% in the second quarter of 2018 while growth in the UK was at 0.4%.

 

In the first half of this year, Scottish GDP grew by 0.8% – ahead of the UK at 0.6% over the same period, and already higher than the 0.7% growth forecast by the Scottish Fiscal Committee for 2018 as a whole.

 

The last year has seen the Scottish economy grow by a total of 1.7%, whilst the UK lags behind on 1.3%.

 

This growth in Scotland comes as concerns increase over the handling of Brexit negotiations, with Brexit potentially costing the Scottish economy £12.7billion a year – the equivalent of £2,300 for every person in the country.

 

Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

 

“It is extremely encouraging to see that economic growth in Scotland is exceeding expectations – benefitting people in Coatbridge & Chryston and across the country.

 

“These latest figures show the success of the Scottish Government’s approach, focused on building a strong economy, investing in business and enterprise and supporting the industries of the future.

 

“This success is welcome, but Brexit poses a real threat to Scottish jobs and household incomes – since the European single market is over eight times bigger than the UK market alone.

 

“Single market membership is absolutely crucial to protecting the jobs, incomes, and hard-won rights of millions of people across Scotland and the UK. The Tories must urgently commit to staying in the single market.”

Scotland’s new public service to make first social security payments.

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed the news that carers in North Lanarkshire will receive the first payments of the new Carer’s Allowance Supplement from mid-September, back-dated to April.

This new benefit will be paid twice a year by Social Security Scotland, the first major new public service to be created since devolution.

Eligible carers will get a supplementary payment of £221, equivalent of an extra £8.50 per week, an increase of 13% on Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is worth more than £30 million a year and will benefit 6308 carers in North Lanarkshire.

Carers will receive letters from Social Security Scotland from week beginning 10 September so that they know in advance to expect a payment.

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor said:

“This roll out of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement marks the beginning of a bright new chapter in Scottish public service.

“The SNP is committed to delivering a fairer system for social security:  one that affords carers the dignity and respect they are due as a result of their selfless dedication.

“We appreciate the contribution carers make to our society and we have always advocated that Carer’s Allowance should be the same rate as Jobseeker’s Allowance.

“It follows that the new powers over social security mean that we can make this a reality and put more money into the pockets of carers as a thank you for their tireless efforts.”

SNP KNIFE CRIME APPROACH WORKING IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE

Cases of handling of offensive weapons across North Lanarkshire have fallen sharply since the SNP came to power in 2007, latest figures have revealed – proving that the SNP’s approach to crime and justice in the community is working.

In 2007/08, there were 20 cases of handling offensive weapons per 10,000 of the population in North Lanarkshire – which has fallen sharply to 7 by 2016/17, a drop of 65%.

The latest figures back up Tory Justice Minister Rory Stewart’s comments that the rest of the UK “has a lot to learn from Scotland” – and are a further indication that SNP efforts to tackle issues such as knife crime have worked.

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

“This is welcome news – and proves that the SNP’s approach to issues such as knife crime is paying dividends for our communities across North Lanarkshire.

“Thanks to our approach to justice and well-supported police in our communities there has been a marked drop in the number of weapons offences across Coatbridge & Chryston – meaning everyone can enjoy living here more safely.

“Given this sharp drop in weapons offences – 65% since 2007, contrasting sharply with the trend south of the border – it is no wonder that the Tory UK government are looking to Scotland for answers on how to tackle crime, acknowledging that they have ‘a lot to learn from Scotland’.

“The SNP has made justice one of its top priorities since coming to power in 2007 – putting more police on the streets and taking decisive action to reduce reoffending, meaning crime is at its lowest level in over 40 years and our communities are as safe as ever before.”

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SNP MSP for Coatbridge & Chryston Fulton MacGregor has pledged his backing for Carers Week which begins next Monday, by committing to support local carers across Coatbridge & Chryston.

 

Fulton MacGregor has signed up to the Carers Week pledge to take carer friendly action – highlighting the tireless work of the 6.5 million unpaid carers across the UK and offering them any support they need. There are an estimated 788,000 unpaid carers across Scotland – with 44,000 of them under the age of 18.

 

The Scottish Government has taken decisive action to support unpaid carers – investing over £135 million in a range of programmes and initiatives to support carers and young carers, as well as passing a new Carers Act, which has come into force this year, which extends the rights of carers and ensures better support.

 

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

 

“I am always delighted to have the opportunity to support the wonderful work that carers do in our communities in Coatbridge & Chryston and across society.

 

“Across Scotland, there’s an estimated 788,000 unpaid carers, with tens of thousands of them being under the age of 18. It is our duty to support them in whatever way we can.

 

“The Scottish Government has been leading the way in providing this support for unpaid carers – investing over £135 million, as well as passing the new Carers Act in 2016, which came into force this year.

 

“And through the new Social Security Agency, the Scottish Government plans to increase Carers Allowance to the level of Job Seeker’s Allowance, giving carers that little bit extra support that can go a long way.

 

“Carers Week gives us all the chance to show our support and appreciation for the work carers do in our local communities – and I am committed to playing a positive role in this inspiring annual event.”

 

Fulton MacGregor, SNP MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, has criticised the UK government for “driving families to food banks” after new figures reveal the number of food parcels has increased over the past year.

 

The Trussell Trust’s annual foodbank statistics show that the number of food parcels distributed in Scotland surged by 17% in 2017-18 to record levels – with Tory welfare policy remaining the main driver.

 

Benefit delays and sanctions are the primary reason for referrals, with the roll-out of universal credit a factor in the rise.

 

The SNP have called on the UK government to reverse the benefits freeze and introduce a real living wage to help ensure families have enough money to live on.

 

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

 

“Millions of families across the UK are suffering from a Tory pay cut – as rising prices, stagnant wages, and cuts to social security continue to squeeze living standards and push households into poverty, debt and crisis.

 

“These figures from the Trussell Trust show that the problem is getting worse – with food bank usage rising year on year. Tory policies are making it harder for families to cover even the basic costs of food, housing, and bills.

 

“Families cannot afford another year of Tory cuts. It is vital that the UK government finally takes meaningful action to boost incomes. This must include delivering a real living wage and reverse the benefits freeze to help ensure families have enough money to live on.”

 

“In the last 12-month period Coatbridge Community Foodbank have distributed food to over 1400 adults and 1000 children living in crisis. Over 50% of referrals to the foodbank have been due to benefit related issues, these statistics are unlikely to change with the roll out of universal credit further punishing the already vulnerable within our communities.

 

Similarly, Drumpellier Christian Fellowship work locally to help those suffering as a result of Tory austerity cuts. Established in 2017, the fellowship distribute food donations received from the Tesco Fairshare Initiative and other agencies to families and individuals within the local area who need assistance with day to day living.

 

In addition, the ‘Cool School Uniform’ initiative was launched with the aim of providing school uniforms to families struggling to make ends meet.

 

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

 

“It’s a disgrace that families in my constituency and across Scotland are having to rely on emergency parcels just to get by. However, I must recognise the good work of organisations within the constituency who do provide for families in need.”

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed a range of Scottish Government proposals to tackle child poverty – including plans for a new income supplement, which will provide financial support to families who need it most.

Increasing family incomes and reducing living costs are prioritised in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which sets out how the Scottish Government will meet ambitious legal targets to tackle child poverty.

Actions include a new £12 million employment support fund will help parents in work progress their careers and support unemployed parents into work.

Other initiatives include a new national entitlement for the School Clothing Grant, to help with the costs of uniforms and sports kits, and new support for after-school and holiday childcare, helping parents work more flexibly and increase their incomes.

The report comes after independent analysis found that, if the Scottish Government did nothing, Tory welfare cuts would mean 38% of Scottish children would be in relative poverty by 2030/31.

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

“In a country as prosperous as Scotland no child should have their chances limited by poverty.

“I’m delighted that this ambitious plan includes a range of actions to support families in Coatbridge & Chryston with the cost of living and direct financial support.

“And the ambitious proposal for a new, targeted income supplement show that, when we have the power, the SNP will take action to make Scotland a fairer, stronger country.

“Under Tory cuts, money being is taken from the pockets of low income families, pushing them into crisis, debt, and poverty, with our public services and emergency aid responding as best they can.

“That is why the SNP in government will take action to increase household incomes and reduce costs, supporting children and families here and now.”

MORE YOUNG PEOPLE SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS AFTER SCHOOL

School leavers in North Lanarkshire continue to go on to positive destinations after finishing secondary school – with the latest figures showing 91.8% of youngsters in North Lanarkshire going into further or higher education, employment or training three months after leaving school.

The total across Scotland has risen from 93.3% last year to 93.7% this year – showing that even more young people are finding fulfilling opportunities after leaving school. In North Lanarkshire, the percentage of people going on to positive destinations has increased from 87.6% since 2011/12 to 91.8% this year.

Of those in positive destinations, 43% are at University and 25% are at college, while 21% are in employment and 2% are in training.

Commenting on the latest stats, SNP MSP for Coatbridge & Chryston Fulton MacGregor said:

“The Scottish Government continues to make education its priority this parliament – and these figures reflect just how important SNP action on education is for our young people.

“Being able to go on to a positive destination after leaving school – whether that is college, university, work or training – is a great boost for young people across North Lanarkshire, improving their self-confidence and setting them up to make positive contributions to our communities as adults.

“That more young people across North Lanarkshire are going on to positive destinations this year than previously – up from 87.6% to 91.8% over the last six years – is fantastic news for our local community.

“Our young people need fulfilling work, study or training after leaving school to help ensure they don’t get left behind – and these positive figures for North Lanarkshire and across Scotland show that they are benefitting from exactly that.”

COATBRIDGE & CHRYSTON PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO BE REMOVED FROM STRANGER SNAPCHAT SEARCH FOLLOWING SNP MSP PRESSURE

 

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has joined the campaign to boost internet safety for young people – after pressure from SNP MSPs Kevin Stewart and Gillian Martin led to Snapchat removing primary schools from their search function.

 

Marking Safer Internet Day, local MSP Fulton MacGregor backed this action and called on Snapchat to go further and also remove secondary schools from its search tool – which allows strangers to find and watch videos from these locations.

 

And Mr MacGregor is also encouraging pupils in Coatbridge & Chryston to take part in a nationwide film competition that aims to raise awareness of the dangers related to sending nude photos online.

 

The SNP MSP for Coatbridge & Chryston said:

 

“I appreciate the efforts made by my SNP MSP colleagues Gillian Martin and Kevin Stewart that have made Snapchat safer for children all over North Lanarkshire and Scotland – and I hope that Snapchat go even further and remove secondary schools as well.

 

“Parents should speak with their children to make sure they know how to stay safe online and understand the risks of posting certain information – and I am glad to be involved in the campaign to raise awareness of this serious issue.

 

“The upcoming nationwide film competition is a great initiative that gives children across North Lanarkshire the opportunity to engage with these dangers in a creative manner.

 

“And Tuesday’s Parliamentary debate brings this issue to the forefront and highlights the increasing risks when sharing personal information online.

 

“We must all do what we can to help protect our children when it comes to their online activity.”