Ruth Maguire MSP has encouraged parents to apply now for the new Scottish Child Payment which opens in February. Social Security Scotland is taking applications ahead of the new benefit’s introduction to help manage demand. 56,000 applications were received between Monday 9 November and Sunday 3 January. Those who apply before the start date will... Continue Reading →
Ban on Evictions Extended to Protect Tenants
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the extension of the Scottish Government’s temporary ban of eviction notices until the end of March. The extended ban – will apply to all evictions in areas subject to level 3 or 4 restrictions, except cases of serious anti-social behaviour, including domestic abuse. Subject to review every three weeks to... Continue Reading →
Self Isolating Guidance Update Won’t Affect Grant Payments
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government’s self-isolation payment will not be impacted, following an update that anyone required to self-isolate will need to do so for 10 days, rather than 14 days. The £500 grant - which will not be reduced as a result of the updated clinical guidance -... Continue Reading →
New Scottish Government Support to Target Sectors In Need
Businesses in North Ayrshire will receive their share of targeted Scottish Government coronavirus funding worth £185 million. The funding was announced by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and will benefit a wide range of sectors, such as taxi drivers, arts venues and the hospitality sector. The Scottish Government is developing grant schemes for hospitality, the events sector, live music,... Continue Reading →
Covid Restriction Levels Updated
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the updated coronavirus restriction levels which sees all three council areas in Ayrshire now sitting at Level 3. As of Friday 11th December, North Ayrshire will be joined by East and South Ayrshire which are among the 11 local authority areas which will move from Level 4 following improvement in... Continue Reading →
First Covid Vaccinations in Scotland Take Place
The first vaccinations against coronavirus (COVID-19) have been given in Scotland to those who will be carrying out the vaccination programme. Initial supplies of the Pfizer vaccine have been arriving at NHS Boards across Scotland since the weekend and are being stored at the required Ultra Low Temperature ahead of the start of the vaccination... Continue Reading →
Ban on Evictions Over Christmas Introduced
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the introduction of a six week temporary halt to enforcement of evictions from rented properties until mid-January. This move will give extra protection to tenants during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It will reduce the burden on local authorities, who have a duty to rehouse people made homeless through evictions, and... Continue Reading →
Financial Support for People who Have to Self-Isolate Expanded
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the expansion of the Scottish Government’s expansion of the £500 Self-Isolation Support Grant to help more people who are affected by Covid-19. The grant is being extended to include parents on low incomes whose children are asked to self-isolate as well as those who may be eligible for Universal Credit, but have not yet... Continue Reading →
Voluntary sector has shown how vital it is: it must now be valued accordingly
The Equalities and Human Rights Committee’s 2019 Valuing the Third Sector report and our most recent budget scrutiny work have highlighted the significant contribution of the third sector in providing support to the most vulnerable in society, while also demonstrating the need for a new approach to funding and collaborative working to ensure this vital... Continue Reading →
£100 Million Fund Announced to Support People In Need Through Winter
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has today unveil a £100 million winter fund for low income households - including a £100 direct payment for families of children in receipt of free school meals. The announcement was made as the First Minister addressed the SNP annual conference, warning that the COVID-19 crisis has laid down a challenge of... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 