Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the launch of an exemption card for face coverings from the Scottish Government. This is to support those who are unable to wear one to feel more confident and safe when accessing public spaces and using public services. The face covering exemption card is branded with the Healthier Scotland and... Continue Reading →
Scottish Government Publishes Winter Preparedness Plan
The Scottish Government have published an NHS Winter Preparedness Plan outlining steps to ensure a resilient and safe health care system. With coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continuing to rise, £1.1 billion has already been allocated to NHS Health Boards and Integration Authorities to meet the costs of responding to the pandemic. An additional £37 million has... Continue Reading →
North Ayrshire to be Placed into Level 3 Restrictions
The Scottish Government have today confirmed that North Ayrshire will be placed into Level 3 of the new five level framework of coronavirus. The five level framework comes into effect on Monday 2 November with Level 3 broadly resembling restrictions which were introduced to the Central Belt and West of Scotland earlier in the month.... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire Hits Out at UK Gov’s Decision to End VAT Suspension for PPE
SNP MSP for Cunninghame South, Ruth Maguire, has branded the UK Tory government’s decision to allow the temporary suspension of VAT on personal protective equipment (PPE) to expire as “shocking”. VAT on PPE was cut to 0% in May following a campaign from trade union groups and opposition parties, with the cut applying to items... 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Updated Guidance for Parent and Baby Groups
The Scottish Government have announced updated guidance for parent and baby groups which increases the number of adults who are allowed to attend, subject to certain conditions. Following the publication of updated public health advice, groups will now allow up to ten adults to attend groups where all children are under 12 months old. The... Continue Reading →
New Bill to Offer More Protection for Victims of Domestic Abuse
Ruth Maguire MSP has today welcomed the publication of a new bill which, if passed by Parliament, will give powers to police and courts to remove suspected abusers from victims ’homes and ban them from re‑entering. The Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Bill will also allow social landlords to end or transfer a tenancy of a... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 