MY MONTHLY NEWSPAPER COLUMN - KIRKINTILLOCH HERALD AND MILNGAVIE & BEARSDEN HERALD
The Scottish Parliament summer recess is in full swing and it’s the perfect time for me to get out and about to meet constituents.
There have been some low points. It may be summer but many of my older constituents are already thinking of the long winter ahead. The news that the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners is to be scrapped has caused great anxiety to local people already struggling with the continuing cost of living crisis. It’s hard to believe this is a decision taken by a UK Labour Government.
I’m astonished too, at Scottish Labour MPs failing to reject the two-child benefit cap for the poorest in society. This draconian policy affects hundreds of families in my constituency.
While the SNP Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Child Payment to help children and families out of poverty, Labour voted to keep the Tory two-child benefit limit and the SNP will continue to campaign for it to be abolished.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is much to celebrate in Strathkelvin and Bearsden and I enjoy marking this success in the form of motions to the Scottish Parliament
Huge congratulations to Killermont Primary School in Bearsden who triumphed at the national Keep Scotland Beautiful Pocket Garden Design Competition. The talented local pupils’ environmental project to divert rainwater to their new wetland garden was judged top in the Wildlife Gardening theme.
I was also delighted to congratulate Hillhead Housing Association at Kirkintilloch on being awarded £20,000 through the National Lottery Community Fund. This much needed funding will help their tenants and residents in Strathkelvin and Bearsden who are struggling with the cost of living crisis through the housing association’s welfare rights service. What a brilliant initiative to help people in need.
Both motions are online at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions
The NHS is dear to our hearts and the SNP has made clear that improving public services is a key priority for this Scottish Government. Reducing NHS waiting lists is at the heart of this commitment.
It was brilliant to hear this week that £30 million in additional funding has been allocated by the Scottish Government to ensure people in Strathkelvin and Bearsden and beyond have greater access to appointments and procedures, continuing the work to reduce the number of people waiting too long for treatment.
If you need any assistance, please contact my team at 0141 776 1561 or email rona.mackay.msp@parliament.scot
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