Ruth Maguire MSP has today criticised the UK Government’s decision to abandon its Autumn budget which allows Scotland to set its own spending and taxation plans. The announcement was made in a statement by the UK Treasury which said: “Now is not the right time to outline long-term plans - people want to see us... Continue Reading →
Advance Loans Must Be Scrapped to Prevent Thousands Falling Into DWP Debt
Ruth Maguire MSP has added her voice to calls for the UK Government to convert Universal Credit advance payment loans into non-repayable grants. This comes after figures show 1.6 million people in receipt of the benefit suffered an average deduction of £60 in just one month at the height of lockdown. Two in five households... Continue Reading →
Domestic Violence Support Highlighted as Covid Restrictions Reintroduced to Slow Spread of Virus
Ruth Maguire MSP today welcomed comments from the First Minister which highlighted available support to women experiencing or at risk of domestic violence. The comments came after the MSP for Cunninghame South asked a question in response to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s statement detailing new Covid restrictions which take effect across Scotland this week. Under... Continue Reading →
Council Tax Reduction Scheme Supports Over 17,000 Local Households
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 →
Further Ease of Lockdown Restrictions Pushed Back as Covid Cases Rise
Ruth Maguire MSP has today urged local residents to adhere to the Scottish Government’s new Covid-19 public health guidelines following the latest review. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that from Monday 14 September, the number of people in Scotland permitted to meet will be cut to six people from two households, both indoors and... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire Urges People in North Ayrshire to Download ‘Protect Scotland’ App
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has urged people in North Ayrshire to download the new ‘Protect Scotland ’app - to help slow the spread of Coronavirus and support the easing of lockdown restrictions. The app can be downloaded onto phones and will let users know if they have come into close contact with someone who has... 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 →
New £10 Million Fund Will Support Renters in North Ayrshire
Ruth Maguire MSP has said a new £10 million fund announced by the SNP Government will support people struggling to pay their rent across North Ayrshire. Announced earlier last week, the Tenant Hardship Loan Fund will open later this Autumn and offer interest-free loans to those unable to access other forms of support for their... 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 →
Police Scotland Given Powers to Break Up House Parties
Ruth Maguire MSP has urged local residents to bear in mind new powers given to police which allow them to break up house parties to tackle community transmission of Covid-19. The update in regulations have been in effect from Friday 28 August and makes it an offence to breach guidelines by hosting a large house... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 