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 →
Over 2000 Young Carers Receive Young Carers Grant
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed the news that £600,000 has been paid to eligible young carers by the Scottish Government. Over 2000 young carers received a payment between October 2019 and October 2020. The Young Carer Grant is a payment of £305.10 for young people, aged 16, 17 and 18, who spend an average of... 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 →
Action Needed to Improve Housing Outcomes for Domestic Violence Victims
Ruth Maguire MSP has today welcomed the findings of a new report which calls for social landlords to take a human rights approach to improve outcomes for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government proposes to change the way that councils and housing associations provide support to victims of... Continue Reading →
Unnecessary’ Human Rights Act Review Must Not Undermine Holyrood
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today noted that the Scottish Government had not been consulted by Westminster in its announced plans to review the Human Rights Act following Brexit. The UK Government announced earlier this week that it intended to review the 1998 Human Rights Act, which allows UK citizens to rely on the European Convention... 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 →
Tougher Penalties for Wildlife Crime as Act Comes into Force
New measures to increase the maximum available penalties for the worst cases of animal cruelty have come in to force. The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 increases the maximum penalty for the most serious animal welfare and wildlife crimes to five years imprisonment and unlimited fines. Under the act, tougher... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 