New figures released this week reveal that 17,450 households across North Ayrshire were supported by the SNP Government’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme in June 2020. Across Scotland, almost 500,000 Scots received the support in June, with the number of local households in receipt of the Council Tax Reduction support rising by 630 since April 2020.... Continue Reading →
Transitional Support Fund Opens to Help Childcare Providers
Ruth Maguire MSP has today encouraged childcare providers to apply to a new fund now open to assist childcare providers meet the extra costs of complying with public health guidance. The Transitional Support Fund, part of £11.2 million support announced for the childcare sector, will help pay for things like increased cleaning, new or additional... Continue Reading →
Ambitious Covid Recovery Plan Aims to Invest in North Ayrshire Economy
The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has announced an ambitious Programme for Government aimed at ensuring a strong economic recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic. Under the commitments, all young people in Scotland aged 16 to 24 will be guaranteed a job, education, apprenticeship or formal training through a new £60 million government scheme. By this Autumn,... Continue Reading →
Criteria For Care Homes to Allow Visitors Outlined
Ruth Maguire MSP has asked for clarification on what criteria care homes must meet in order to allow additional visitors to meet with family members. Following a statement on Care Homes by Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman in the Scottish Parliament, the MSP for Cunninghame South noted worries of family members regarding being able to see... Continue Reading →
Expansion of Free Debt Advice to Support Households
Ruth Maguire MSP has today welcomed investment of £2.4 million by the Scottish Government to offer free debt advice to households across Scotland. The money will be distributed among a number of advice organisations to expand their services and invest in more effective methods to assist individuals with debt. This is also aimed at helping... Continue Reading →
Updated Guidance on Face Coverings in Schools
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the latest Scottish Government update in guidance on the wearing of face coverings inside schools. Following the latest scientific and public health advice, including World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, face coverings should now (unless exemptions apply) be worn: in secondary schools, by adults and all pupils moving around the school,... Continue Reading →
Hospitality Rules Tightened as More Indoor Public Places Mandate Face Coverings
Ruth Maguire MSP has urged local hospitality premises to adhere to the Scottish Government’s new rules before they come into law. From Friday (14 August) it will be mandatory for premises to record customer details in line with NHS Test and Protect guidelines. Ahead of the change in rules, the Scottish Government have noted that... Continue Reading →
2100 North Ayrshire Businesses Get £23 Million Cash Support Through Crisis
New figures show that 2,127 businesses in North Ayrshire have received support from the Scottish Government to support them through the coronavirus crisis. A total of £23 million has been awarded to businesses in North Ayrshire through a Scottish Government scheme designed to support small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. Across Scotland,... Continue Reading →
Hairdressers and Barbers to Re-Open
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed guidance from the Scottish Government which will allow barbers and hairdressers to reopen today (15 July). As part of Phase 3 of the Scotland’s exit from lockdown, guidance has been published to ensure that salons are able to safely reopen to customers. The guidance also covers services such as beauty... Continue Reading →
Changes to Shielding Advice for Children and Young People
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed new evidence which indicates that a large percentage of children and young people may no longer need to shield. A review by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health regarding Covid-19 states that the majority of children with conditions including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and kidney disease do not need... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 