Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed plans from the Scottish Government to ban some of the most environmentally damaging single-use plastic items in Scotland, including plastic cutlery and plastic straws, which have been published for consultation. Views are being sought on the introduction of new legislation to restrict the sale or commercial supply of plastic plates,... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire Welcomes Funding Package for Free School Meals
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has welcomed the announcement of a £30 million package of funding being made available to local authorities to support people facing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), including money to provide free school meals over the school holidays. Local authorities will be given flexibility to use £20 million, previously... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire Welcomes Proposed Delay to Fire Alarm Regulations
Ruth Maguire MSP has today welcomed confirmation from the Scottish Government that they will ask the Scottish Parliament to delay new regulations on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by 12 months due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). Legislation which was due to come into effect in February 2021 meant that all homes in Scotland... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire Encourages Applications for Scotland Loves Local Fund
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has encouraged projects in North Ayrshire to apply for a new £1 million fund, which has been launched by the SNP government to help promote town centres and online businesses and encourage people to spend locally. Grants of between £500 and £5000 will be given out as part of the Scotland... Continue Reading →
New National Support Service to Support People with Autism Announced
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed a new national support service announced by the Scottish Government to help children and adults diagnosed with autism to understand and embrace their identity. Backed by £250,000 Scottish Government funding, the pilot National Post Diagnostic Support Programme will be led by Scottish Autism, in partnership with the National Autistic Society,... Continue Reading →
Standards in Secure Care Overhaul to Improve Children’s Rights
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the development of new national standards for secure care which sets out what support children should expect from professionals when in the community or secure care. The Secure Care Pathway and Standards Scotland ensure support is provided before, during and after care and that the rights of children and young... Continue Reading →
New Child Payment Benefit to Help Families as Bill Passes to Tackle Poverty
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the unanimous passing of legislation to improve the benefits system to help those who need it most by the Scottish Parliament. The Social Security Administration and Tribunal Membership (Scotland) Bill supports the delivery of the new Scottish Child Payment, to provide low-income families with an additional £10 per week, initially... Continue Reading →
Mental Health Support Plan to Be Central to Covid Recovery
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s confirmation of a new plan will help ensure mental health and wellbeing remains at the heart of the response to coronavirus (COVID-19). The plan will focus efforts on key groups affected by the pandemic, among them are young people, those facing redundancy, and people with long-term physical... Continue Reading →
Night Shelters to be Phased Out for Rehousing Centres
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government announcement that night shelters are being replaced with rapid rehousing welcome centres for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough this winter, in updated plans for tackling homelessness. Announced in an updated action plan for tackling homelessness, the centres are part of plans to phase out night... Continue Reading →
Additional Spending Powers and Funding for Local Government Recovery
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed a package of funding and financial flexibilities for Scottish councils which has been agreed between the Scottish Government and COSLA. To address the financial pressures caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic over the next two years, councils will be granted additional spending powers which could be worth around £600 million.... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 