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SNP GOVERNMENT PROVIDES ROBUST SUPPORT OF £26,728,800 FOR FAMILIES IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE

23,610 children in North Lanarkshire have benefitted from the Scottish Child Payment, according to the latest figures released by the Scottish Government – with £26,728,800 having been paid to families.

The payment of £25 per week, available to eligible children under the age of 16, is one of five family payments available from the Scottish Government which provide regular financial support to low income families.

The Scottish Child Payment is designed to combat child poverty and support families across Scotland, and these figures demonstrate the significant impact of this for 23,610 children in North Lanarkshire, and 316,190 across the whole of Scotland.

Following its introduction in February 2021, the payment is the most ambitious anti-poverty measure to be implemented in the UK. It has been hailed as a “game-changer” in tackling child poverty by the Child Poverty Action Group and described as a “lifesaver” by parents.

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

“The Scottish Child payment was designed to tackle child poverty head on, so it is great to see the SNP’s benefit providing real support to 23,610 children in North Lanarkshire – with £26,728,800 having been paid out to local families.

“I am conscious that, as we head into the winter months, and with the Tory-made cost of living crisis continuing to affect households across Coatbridge & Chryston, families will face even greater challenges, with many struggling to make ends meet. The Scottish Child Payment will therefore be even more vital.

“Having increased the Scottish Child Payment by 150% since its introduction and expanded eligibility to under 16s, it is clear the SNP Scottish Government is determined to use the powers it has to tackle child poverty and support Scotland’s most vulnerable families.

“The profound impact of the Scottish Child Payment, in the face of both Westminster parties’ pursuit of cruel policies and cuts, perfectly demonstrates the need for Scotland to have the full welfare and tax powers of an independent country. Only this way can we build a fairer and more prosperous country.”

VERITY HOUSE AGREEMENT SET TO DELIVER FOR COATBRIDGE & CHRYSTON

Fulton MacGregor MSP has welcomed the signing of a landmark agreement between local and national government, which will help to empower local communities, tackle poverty, transform the economy and provide high-quality public services in Coatbridge & Chryston.

The Verity House agreement, which was signed last week by First Minister Humza Yousaf and COSLA President Shona Morrison, will build a stronger relationship between the Scottish Government and local government; placing mutual trust and respect at its core.

Among other commitments, it will agree a new Fiscal Framework to control how local authorities’ funding is allocated; reducing ring-fencing and giving them greater control over their budgets to meet local needs. It will also regularly review councils’ powers and funding, incorporate the European Charter of Local Self-Government into Scots Law and reform public services, building on the partnership working established during the pandemic recovery.

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

“Building a new Scotland requires bold thinking and a robust relationship between local councils and government so that the needs of the people and communities across Scotland can be championed and addressed at all levels.

“As Coatbridge & Chryston continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic, and grapples with the on-going Tory cost of living crisis, it has never been more crucial to have joined up thinking and strategic planning when it comes to tackling issues that matter most to people.

“The Verity House agreement shows a real commitment from the Scottish Government to work alongside local councils, like North Lanarkshire Council to accelerate and achieve its ambitious goals when it comes to eliminating poverty and Scotland’s Net Zero targets – leaving no community behind.”

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed new figures that show 91% of school leavers from North Lanarkshire are in positive destinations nine months after finishing school.

Across Scotland, the proportion of school leavers in the 2021/22 cohort accessing further or higher education, employment, training or an apprenticeship nine months after leaving school is its highest since records began. The number of school leavers in work has also reached a record high of 31.8%.

This year has also seen a reduction in the poverty related attainment gap, with the gap between young people from the most and least deprived areas across Scotland in work, training or further study narrowing to a record low of seven percentage points – down from 18.7 percentage points in 2009-10.

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the impact of the ongoing Tory cost of living crisis, young people in Coatbridge & Chryston are continuing to achieve and excel, and I welcome that 3585 have went on to secure work, further education or a training post nine months after leaving schools.

“These encouraging numbers are testament to the hard work and commitment of our young people, teachers and parents – and show that this SNP Government is delivering on its education commitments and closing the attainment gap.

“Much progress has been made in Scotland to increase opportunities for young people, but the only way to properly tackle the poverty related attainment gap is to tackle poverty – which will always be impossible under this Tory UK government, and their punitive austerity measures.

“Scotland needs independence now, so that it can have the full powers at its disposal to properly address poverty, and continue to support young people in North Lanarkshire to thrive.”

Local MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed the publication of a new paper by the Scottish Government that outlines the opportunities of a written constitution for an independent Scotland.

The paper is the fourth in the Scottish Government’s Building a New Scotland, which aims to inform the Scottish independence debate.

Previous papers have compared other similar-sized neighbouring countries to Scotland which are all wealthier and more equal than the UK – posing the question: why not Scotland?

Launching the paper at a press conference in Glasgow today (Monday), First Minister Humza Yousaf said a written constitution can put “democracy, rights and equality at the heart of everything we do as an independent country”.

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

“I am delighted to see Humza Yousaf launch the latest in the series of independence papers, informing the debate on Scotland’s future and highlighting the opportunities of a written constitution for an independent Scotland. 

“The opportunity to enshrine the protection of our NHS in public hands, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right of workers to strike and ridding Scotland of immoral nuclear weapons are just a handful of examples of the opportunities the full powers of independence bring.

“I’m excited to explore these ideas with the people of Coatbridge & Chryston and speak to the opportunities that lie ahead for my constituency and Scotland more widely.

“Against the backdrop of a destructive Tory Brexit – which is supported by Labour –  a damaging mini-Budget that crashed the UK economy and Westminster’s inaction on the cost of living crisis, the case for independence has never been stronger – but it’s important that when the time comes to choose our future, people can make an informed choice.

“The time to engage in the substance of the debate on Scottish independence is now – and I’m delighted that the Scottish Government is delivering this work for the people in my constituency of Coatbridge & Chryston.”

The British Liver Trust and NHS Lanarkshire are encouraging members of the public in Coatbridge to get their liver checked for free outside St Patrick’s Church, Main Street, ML5 3HB on Friday 16th June – with the arrival of a mobile liver screening roadshow.

The roadshow offers a unique chance for individuals to prioritise their liver health by receiving free liver screenings and gaining valuable information about various types of liver disease. Visitors to the unit will have the opportunity to undergo a free FibroScan, a non-invasive liver scan, and a swab test for hepatitis C if they are identified as being at high risk. These screenings are crucial as liver diseases, including hepatitis C, can often develop silently and lead to severe complications if left undetected.

Nine in 10 cases of liver disease are preventable with the main causes being alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis, including hepatitis C.

Pamela Healy, chief executive of British Liver Trust, said, “One in three of us are at risk of liver disease and the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate.  Liver damage develops silently with no signs or symptoms and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible. 

Commenting, Local MSP Fulton MacGregor, said, “The Love Your Liver roadshow is a great opportunity for people to find out their risk of liver disease. Approximately 10% of the people that are scanned need to have further checks.” 

The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign focuses on three simple steps to Love Your Liver back to health: 

1.    Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week 

2.    Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and take more exercise 

3.    Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk 

3676 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM NORTH LANARKSHIRE HEADED TO WORK OR FURTHER EDUCATION

94.1% of school leavers from North Lanarkshire are in positive destinations, according to new statistics from the Scottish Government.

Last year saw the highest number of young people across Scotland in work, education or further training after leaving school since records began.

Of these school leavers, a record 25.1% had secured employment- the highest number since records began.

The statistics also show a further reduction in the overall attainment gap across Scotland, with the gap between school leavers from the most and least deprived areas progressing after school narrowing to a record low of 4.4 percentage points.

Commenting on the latest statistics, Coatbridge & Chryston MSP Fulton MacGregor said:

“These record-breaking figures show that the Scottish Government’s education recovery plan is working and young people in North Lanarkshire are continuing to succeed despite unprecedented challenges in recent years.

“Education is a clear priority for this SNP Scottish Government, and I am delighted that 3676 young people in North Lanarkshire have secured a place in further education or employment three months after leaving school.

“These figures also show good progress in closing the poverty-related gap – with those from the least and most deprived areas going onto a positive destination at a record-low.

“These encouraging numbers are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all North Lanarkshire’s teachers, parents and, of course, young people, and is something everyone in the community should be proud of. “Opposition parties want to downplay our young people’s achievements, but these numbers don’t lie. SNP action is delivering in Scottish Education, and it is right that all parties celebrate

‘GAME CHANGER’ ANTI-POVERTY TOOL VITAL IN TACKLING TORY COST OF LIVING CRISIS

16,635 children in North Lanarkshire have benefited from the Scottish Child Payment since it was introduced, according to new figures released by the Scottish Government.

Now available to all eligible children under 16,635 children in North Lanarkshire have received since the scheme’s inception in February 2021, totalling £12,149,865. The full roll-out has been described as a “watershed moment” in tackling poverty in Scotland.

The Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and is projected to lift around 50,000 children out of poverty in 2023/24.

It has been hailed as a “game-changer” by anti-poverty charities and is backed up with £442 million of funding from the Scottish Government in the next financial year.

Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:

“I am delighted that these new figures show a significant uptake in families being supported by the Scottish Child Payment in North Lanarkshire – with 16,635 children benefitting since its inception.

“The Scottish Child Payment, which is now £25 a week – a 150% increase – is a momentous achievement of this SNP Government and is the most ambitious poverty reduction measure in the UK.

“This flagship payment underlines the SNP Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to tackling child poverty, particularly as the Tory cost of living crisis deepens.

“While the Scottish Government continues to dig deep in its fight to end child poverty, its efforts are repeatedly curtailed by the UK Government’s reckless pursuit of ideologically-driven austerity.

“Only independence gives Scotland the full powers to tackle poverty at source and uphold the values of respect, dignity and compassion for all.”

MILESTONE QUARTER OF A MILLION BABY BOXES NOW DELIVERED ACROSS SCOTLAND

Coatbridge & Chryston SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor, has welcomed the news that 28,654 of Scotland’s Baby Box have been delivered across NHS Lanarkshire since the scheme’s inception – as more than a quarter of a million boxes have been delivered across Scotland.

The Scottish Government introduced the Baby Box in 2017, entitling every newborn in Scotland to a box containing essential items intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life.

In total, 250,560 boxes have now been distributed to parents across Scotland since the start of the project. The estimated cost of items provided in the Baby Box is approximately £429.

Commenting Futon MacGregor said:

“I am delighted that 28,654 baby boxes have been delivered across NHS Lanarkshire by the SNP in government since 2017.

“Providing essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life is a particularly important gift to new parents when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.

“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game-changing Scottish Child payment, which now totals £25 per week per child.

“While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”

26,898 BABY BOXES ALREADY DELIVERED IN LANARKSHIRE

Coatbridge and Chryston SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor has welcomed the news that Scotland’s Baby Box – 26,898 of which have already been delivered across Lanarkshire – is receiving a makeover for its fifth birthday.

The Scottish Government introduced the Baby Boxes scheme in 2017, entitling every newborn in Scotland to a box containing essential items intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life.

Based the latest figures for number of Baby Boxes given out by health boards, 235 622 boxes have been distributed to parents across Scotland since the start of the project.

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

“I am delighted that Scotland’s much cherished Baby Box is being given a makeover in time for its fifth anniversary. Already, 26,898 baby boxes have been delivered across NHS Lanarkshire by the SNP in government since 2017.

“With updated clothing designs, the refreshed baby box also now includes a baby toothbrush to promote oral health from the very beginning of a baby’s life.

“The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family in Coatbridge and Chryston but, as every new parent no doubt appreciates, the costs of welcoming a new addition to the family are significant – particularly when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.

“Regardless of the circumstances of new mums and dads, receiving a baby box as a celebration of their new arrivals – and the essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life – really is a welcome gift.

“And the addition of a toothbrush in the baby box for the first time will hopefully encourage good dental health from the beginning and all the way through life.

“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game changing Scottish Child payment, which will soon be £25 per week per child.

“While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”

11,055 CHILDREN IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE HAVE BENEFITTED FROM SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT

11,055 children have been supported by the Scottish Child Payment since its introduction in North Lanarkshire, according to figures released by the Scottish Government – with £6,670,130 having been paid to families.

The Scottish Child Payment of £20 per week per eligible child under 6 has been hailed ‘an absolute game changer in the fight to end child poverty’ by anti-poverty charities and described as a “lifesaver” by parents. 

The payment, unique to Scotland and in place since February 2021, provides regular financial support to parents and carers to help with the costs of caring for a child and latest research has also found that the payment is contributing to reducing child poverty in Scotland.

The Scottish Child Payment is set to increase to £25 per week and be rolled out to all children up to 16 years old by the end of the year.

Commenting SNP MSP for Coatbridge & Chryston Fulton MacGregor said:

“During a Tory-made cost of living crisis, it is great to see the progress being made with the SNP’s Scottish Child Payment – especially knowing the huge difference it has made to 11,055 children in North Lanarkshire since its introduction.

“I know the severe pressures facing household across Coatbridge & Chryston just now and that families are struggling to get by and the £6,670,130 support that the Scottish Child Payment is providing support for low income households is lifesaving. 

“Sadly, we know that the cost of living is only set to increase so I am glad that families will benefit even further from this payment increasing to £25 per week and being extended to under 16 year olds by the end of the year. 

“During these difficult times, the SNP Scottish Government is taking the bold action it can to support families with the powers at its disposal but sadly it is battling against a cruel Tory Westminster government refusing to take any meaningful action to help people.

“This level of negligence by Westminster is inexcusable and down right cruel. It illustrates exactly why we need to have the full welfare and tax powers of an independent country so we can build a fairer country.”