Today in Holyrood, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the nation to explain the Scottish Government’s routemap that will guide the country out of lockdown. The routemap gives practical examples of what people, organisations and businesses can expect to see change over time. If the evidence shows transmission of COVID-19 is under control and the number... Continue Reading →
“Stay At Home” Guidance Remains in Place
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has stressed the importance of the Scottish Government’s decision to retain its “Stay At Home” guidelines in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was outlined in a press briefing by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, clarifying the guidelines in Scotland on lockdown measures which remain largely unchanged. Speaking in Edinburgh, the First... Continue Reading →
Wider Availability of Naloxone to Save Lives
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has welcomed measures taken by the Scottish Government to protect the lives of people affected by drug use during the coronavirus outbreak. Distribution restrictions on the overdose reversing drug, naloxone, have also been relaxed by the Lord Advocate enabling wider availability and access for people at risk of suffering an opioid... Continue Reading →
Consumer Rights Organisation to be Established
Ruth Maguire MSP has welcomed legislation to establish a new consumer organisation which has been unanimously passed by the Scottish Parliament. Consumer Scotland – a new body dedicated to protecting the interests of consumers – is expected to be operational next year. It will focus on campaigning on issues that particularly affect people in Scotland... Continue Reading →
Over 2,700 Carers in North Ayrshire to Receive Top-Up Financial Support
More than 2,700 carers in North Ayrshire are due to benefit from a one-off payment during the coronavirus pandemic. The Scottish Government has revealed plans to invest £19.2million to provide further support to Scottish carers during the COVID-19 crisis. If approved by parliament, around 83,000 eligible carers across Scotland will get an extra £230.10 through... Continue Reading →
Public in North Ayrshire to Have Their Say on Lockdown Restrictions
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire has urged the public in North Ayrshire to have their say as the Scottish Government publishes an update on what life might look like when coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are altered. COVID-19: A Framework for Decision Making says the current lockdown is pushing the number of infectious cases down, but concludes that the virus continues to pose a... 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 →
Newly Self Employed People to Receive Vital Government Support
Ruth Maguire MSP today welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that a £34 million hardship fund will be made open to applications from newly self-employed people. The announcement is part of a £100 million package of additional grant support for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs). Grants will begin to be paid out in... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire: Face Coverings Recommended But Not a Substitute for Social Distancing
Ruth Maguire MSP today echoed advice from the Scottish Government regarding the use of face coverings in enclosed spaces in the fight against COVID-19. The Scottish Government has published new guidance on the wearing of face coverings which suggests there may be some benefit in using them when leaving the house and entering enclosed spaces.... Continue Reading →
Ruth Maguire Welcomes Additional Support for Businesses
Ruth Maguire MSP today welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of a second phase of funding to protect businesses against the economic impact of measures taken to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Around £220 million of further grants are being made available for businesses - including the recently self-employed - to help them deal with the... Continue Reading →