Local residents are being encouraged to support their high streets as retail businesses across Scotland are preparing to re-open today. As part of Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown, street-access retail can now re-open once guidance is implemented. Retail is an essential part of Scotland’s communities and is one of... Continue Reading →
Civil Partnership Bill Offers Equality of Opportunity for Couples
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the passing of legislation that will allow mixed-sex couples to enter a civil partnership in Scotland for the first time. The Scottish Parliament unanimously passed the Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill which now allows all couples to have the same choice when deciding to legally recognise their relationship. During the legislative... Continue Reading →
Vital Extension of Free School Meals Over Summer Announced
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement today that children eligible for free school meals will continue to be supported over the summer. The Scottish Government have announced additional funding of £27.6 million to ensure councils are able to continue the provision of free school meals during the summer holidays and other food... Continue Reading →
Local Groups Praised for Their Support as Covid-19 Next Steps Discussed
Ruth Maguire MSP has paid tribute to local volunteer groups and organisations for their role in providing support to their communities throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, the SNP MSP noted that many organisations made up of dedicated volunteers have been working constantly to provide food, shopping and prescription services for people... Continue Reading →
£300,000 Additional Support for Young Carers Announced
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the announcement that £300,000 from the £350 million communities funding to support people and communities affected by COVID-19, is being given to support young carers across Scotland. The additional funding comes as National Carers Week begins. Young Scot will receive £200,000 to provide online subscriptions and e-vouchers for young carers.... Continue Reading →
Flexibility in New Furlough Scheme Extension Needed to Protect Local Businesses
Ruth Maguire MSP has repeated calls from the Scottish Government for flexibility to be shown to employers as the furlough scheme has been extended until the end of October. Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the extension of the job retention scheme which will enable employees to receive 80% of their salary November. However, the requirement for... Continue Reading →
Further Government Support for North Ayrshire Businesses Requested
The Finance Secretary today confirmed that the Scottish Government is continuing to adapt to changing circumstances to try and offer small businesses financial support as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. This came after it was confirmed that the Scottish Government had provided funding support of around £35 million to businesses in North Ayrshire, including over £21... Continue Reading →
Parents in North Ayrshire Encouraged to Apply for Best Start Grant
Ruth Maguire MSP has encouraged parents of children aged four to five to apply for the SNP Government’s Best Start Grant. A one-off £250 payment is currently open to eligible families, with a child who was born between 1st March 2015 and 29th February 2016, who will be starting primary school later this year. ... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire Urges Caution as Scottish Government Moves to Phase 1 of Lockdown Exit
Ruth Maguire MSP today echoed the First Minister’s call to continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines as the Scottish Government relaxed some of its lockdown measures. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that following a “sustained and unmistakable” decrease in the spread of Covid-19, the Scottish Government has moved into the first phase of its... Continue Reading →
1,246 North Ayrshire Businesses Get Over £13m Cash Support Through Crisis
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has welcomed new figures showing that 1,246 businesses in North Ayrshire have received Scottish Government grants to support firms through the coronavirus crisis. A total of £13.87m has been awarded in North Ayrshire through a Scottish Government scheme to support small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. This grant... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 