SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS PEOPLE THROUGH WESTMINSTER INFLICTED COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Christmas is almost upon us - and the Westminster inflicted cost of living crisis shows no sign of abating.
Every penny counts for struggling families in my constituency as the festivities draw near.
The Scottish Government is doing everything possible to support households in Strathkelvin and Bearsden, and across the whole of Scotland.
New analysis has shown that under the SNP, Scotland has the lowest levels of council tax in the UK.
For 2023/24, the average household in Scotland will pay £1,301.89 in council tax – significantly less than the £1,854.05 in Wales and £1,579.32 in England.Â
In real terms, this is more than £100 less per year than when the SNP came to Government in 2007.
The Scottish Government’s £25 per week Scottish Child Payment is also providing a lifeline for vulnerable local families.
While Westminster economic chaos continues to harm Scotland’s interest – the SNP Government is taking direct action to support our constituents through the cost of living crisis.
Meanwhile, the local community as ever is rallying round those in need with toy appeals, fund-raising events and of course, the wonderful volunteers at East Dunbartonshire Foodbank packing Christmas donations for families in need.
Our social care and NHS staff continue to excel and I was delighted to put forward a motion at the Scottish Parliament congratulating Kirkintilloch nurse Dougie Bell for his success at the Scottish Health Awards 2023, winning the Innovation Award as part of East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSPC). Dougie’s practitioner-led project will improve the lives of older people needing medication administered at home.
It’s also great news that our fantastic business community in Kirkintilloch have voted to work collectively to enhance the town centre, with more than 81% voting in favour of creating a Business Improvement District, which will ensure the area flourishes and thrives.
My office will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period, but urgent emails to my address rona.mackay.msp@parliament.scot will always be picked up. My very best wishes to everyone for a happy and peaceful Christmas.