Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, has welcomed new figures for Scotland’s housing market which show that 1,921 homes were completed in East Lothian and Midlothian in 2022/23.
New analysis has shown that 2022/23 was a positive year for housing completions in Scotland with latest figures indicating that last year saw the highest number of completions since the housing crash in 2007/08. Figures from the Scottish Government show that the total supply of new houses in 2022/23 reached 24,368, up 10% (or 2,161 homes) on 2021/22 – of this 98% were completed new builds. 2022/23 also saw further strong housing figures with:
Colin Beattie MSP has said that with the ongoing shortages of housing in Scotland these figures show the SNP Government is serious about tackling this issue – with a further £556 million committed to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in 2024/25. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “Housing supply is a key issue in Midlothian North and Musselburgh and it is essential we continue to increase the number of good affordable homes available in the market. “Analysis shows that 24,368 homes were completed in 2022/23, including 1,921 in East Lothian and Midlothian, a welcome figure that continues to increase year on year. “The SNP Government will continue to take action, including committing over £550 million to the affordable housing supply programme this year, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe and comfortable home.” ENDS Notes to editors: Housing Statistics 2022 & 2023: Key Trends Summary - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
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MSP FOR MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH WELCOMES FUND TO MAKE COURT TRANSCRIPTS FREELY AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS
SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the Scottish Government pilot scheme to improve access to justice which will see victims of rape and serious sexual assault able to access transcripts from their court cases for free. From 1st March 2024 to 1st March 2025, £100,000 of funding will enable complainers who have had their cases heard in the High Court to apply for the transcripts of what was said in their court cases, free of charge. Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said: “For those in Midlothian North and Musselburgh who are victims of sexual assault or rape, this pilot will greatly improve transparency and fairness in the process of achieving retribution. “I pay tribute to those in my constituency and beyond who have campaigned for greater fairness and accountability in the process of achieving justice – something that can always be improved. “The scheme, along with the proposed Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill are designed to improve victims’ experience and increase confidence in the justice system. “I am pleased to see this SNP Government removing barriers to justice for victims of sexual assault, and I encourage all those in Midlothian North and Musselburgh who are able to do so to make full use of this pilot fund.” ENDS Notes More information can be found here. LOCAL SNP MSP FOR MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH WELCOMES SCOTTISH BUDGET
Colin Beattie MSP has welcomed yesterday’s Scottish Budget, which delivers an inflation-busting increase in NHS funding in Midlothian North and Musselburgh and fully funds the council tax freeze by increasing funding for East Lothian Council and Midlothian Council by 5%. In Holyrood the Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison set out the Scottish Government’s priorities for the coming year, including:
Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said: “This Scottish Budget prioritises our NHS, public services and support for the most vulnerable households in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. “Despite Westminster cuts, the SNP government is determined to properly fund our public services and remains committed to closing the attainment gap, alleviating poverty and meeting our ambitious net zero goals. “The SNP is committed to Scotland’s values of equality, opportunity and community, and in spite of extremely challenging financial circumstances the budget will support households and services in Midlothian North and Musselburgh that need it most. “The Scottish Government’s social contract with the people of Scotland is stronger than ever.” ENDS SOCIAL SECURITY IN AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE “ROOTED IN DIGNITY, FAIRNESS AND RESPECT”7/12/2023 COLIN BEATTIE SNP MSP: SOCIAL SECURITY IN AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND WOULD BE “ROOTED IN DIGNITY, FAIRNESS AND RESPECT”
Local MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh has said that the full powers of independence will allow Scotland to “end the cycle of poverty” and “guarantee financial support for all those in Midlothian North and Musselburgh who need it” following the publication of the Scottish Government’s latest independence paper, Social Security in an Independent Scotland. The ninth paper in a Building a New Scotland series outlines how an independent Scotland would take a radically different approach to social security from the UK government, rooting its approach in dignity, fairness and respect. The changes outlined include: · Removing the two-child limit and scrap the ‘rape clause’ · Removing the benefit cap and the bedroom tax · Replacing Universal Credit budgeting loans with grants · Ending the current benefit sanctions regime · Improving support for unpaid carers Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, said: “This latest paper from the SNP Scottish Government outlines how Scotland can, with the powers of an independent nation, build a social security system designed to meet people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh’s needs and end the vicious cycle of poverty. “A strong social security system is key to a thriving economy and a fair, more equal society. We would work towards a universal guarantee of financial security, and potentially even a universal basic income. “This would be radically different from Westminster’s woeful welfare regime which the UN has described as “grossly insufficient,” and that was before it was cut back even further to the tune of £4 billion in the Autumn Statement. “With the full powers of an independent country, we can ensure that everyone in Midlothian North and Musselburgh has the support they need to enjoy a decent quality of life. “Independent countries similar to Scotland are fairer, happier and healthier than we are under Westminster control. So why not Scotland?” ENDS Notes Social Security in an Independent Scotland can be read in full here. The SNP have called on Sarah Boyack, Foysol Choudhury and Daniel Johnson to clarify whether they agree with Sir Keir Starmer’s support for Margaret Thatcher.
In a recent article, Sir Keir Starmer praised Margaret Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister, stating she had enacted “meaningful change” that “sought to drag Britain out of its stupor”. In Scotland Thatcher’s time in charge caused devastation as she ruthlessly closed down industries, caused mass unemployment and experimented with the hated poll tax. Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, has directly challenged Labour MSPs in the Lothian region to clarify whether they also support Margaret Thatcher’s legacy of meaningful change in Scotland. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “The only meaningful change Thatcher enacted was to create utter devastation to working class communities in Midlothian North and Musselburgh – praising her is an absolute insult to those who suffered under her reign. “People in Midlothian North and Musselburgh deserve to know where they stand with their elected representatives – Labour MSP’s must urgently clarify whether they support Sir Keir Starmer and agree Margaret Thatcher’s legacy should be celebrated. “These comments follow on from Starmer committing to keeping cruel Tory austerity measures – showing his idolisation of Thatcher goes beyond just warm words. “Scotland is facing another austerity Westminster government led by someone desperate to recreate a legacy of failed Tory prime ministers – Independence offers us a different choice, one that will allow us to build a fairer, wealthier and happier nation free from Westminster for good.” ENDS 8,605 SCOTTISH WELFARE PAYMENTS MADE IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN
SNP GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING SCOTLAND THROUGH COST OF LIVING CRISIS Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, has welcomed new figures which show that 8,605 Welfare Fund Payments have been made to support residents of Midlothian and East Lothian between July 2022 and June 2023. The Scottish Welfare Fund, consisting of Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants, is a national scheme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by local authorities which provides support to those most in need. Latest figures have shown that in Midlothian and East Lothian, 1,170 Community Care Grants have been awarded in addition to 6,835 Crisis Grants. Since the SNP introduced the Scottish Welfare Fund in 2013, £410 million has been awarded to support 519,890 individual households. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “The Scottish Welfare Fund is a vital resource that is supporting the most vulnerable individuals across Midlothian North and Musselburgh. “The fact this support remains so vital to Midlothian North and Musselburgh is a damning inditement of the harm caused by over a decade of Westminster austerity. “As Labour fail to commit to reversing Tory austerity policies – the SNP Government continues to deliver the support required to tackle poverty and mitigate Westminster’s cruel welfare regime. “"Scotland's best future however is with independence. Independent countries like Scotland are wealthier and fairer than the UK - so the question is, why not Scotland?” ENDS NOTES The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes through Community Care Grants, which support people to start to live, or to carry on living, a settled life in the community and Crisis Grants, for disasters (like a fire or flood), or emergencies (like an unexpected expense). SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the announcement today that Boundaries Scotland are including Midlothian North and Musselburgh as one of the 6 proposed constituencies that will have a Local Inquiry into the provisional proposals for the Second Review of the Scottish Parliament constituency boundaries.
The Local Enquiry for Midlothian North and Musselburgh will take place on 7 December 2023 at Musselburgh Racecourse. Colin Beattie MSP has announced his intention to speak at the enquiry. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said, “I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Local Enquiry into the proposed boundaries of the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency. Whilst i understand the need for balancing numbers I believe that the proposed boundaries need reconsidered as to how it can link communities with common values and culture so that the constituency itself makes sense. This should be about the people and the communities; it should not be purely a numbers-based exercise.” During the initial consultation Colin Beattie MSP provided feedback to Boundaries Scotland regarding the Second Review of the Scottish Parliament Boundaries. I have read through the proposals to change the boundaries of my constituency of Midlothian North and Musselburgh and considered the impact of such changes carefully. I now feel I must raise my objections. I object on the following grounds:
If the Commission makes changes to its Initial Proposals, regardless of whether a Local Inquiry has been held, it will consult for a further period of one month in 2024. Anyone wishing to speak at an inquiry is invited to contact the Commission on 0131 244 2001 or email boundaries.scot@scottishboundaries.gov.uk ENDS Local MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh encourages young people and care leavers on benefits to check whether they are eligible for the support payment following recent changes to the application process.
The Job Start Payment was launched in 2020 and is a one-off cash payment, worth £294.70 or £471.50, from Social Security Scotland that is designed to help with the costs associated with starting work. The Scottish Government is encouraging people to check whether they are eligible as changes mean that income from trial shifts no longer rules out a young person from receiving the payment, while the deadline for applying has been extended from three months after a job offer to six months and more simplified support information about the job offer is required. Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, said: “Young people and care leavers across the constituency make an invaluable contribution to our community, and I welcome these changes which make it easier for them to access support in seeking employment. “In the last three years the Job Start Payment has made a huge difference to the lives of many young people, alleviating the pressure of starting a new job and helping to ease costs that can be extremely prohibitive. “As cost of living pressures persist – largely due to a hard Tory Brexit and the disastrous mini-budget – the SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can to support those who need it most, showing just what is possible with the full powers of independence. “The SNP are determined to ensure that people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh are getting the money that they are entitled to and I strongly encourage those who think they may be eligible to check and apply for this payment.” ENDS Colin Beattie MSP has welcomed the announcement that a one-off £2,000 payment from the SNP Scottish Government will be made available to young people who are leaving the care system in Midlothian North and Musselburgh.
First Minister Humza Yousaf announced the payment following the Independent Care Review’s findings that those with care experience have an increased risk of poor mental health, addiction, homelessness, and exploitation. The payment is co-designed with care experienced people to ensure that it meets their needs and helps to reduce some of the financial impediments in their way as they seek to live independently. Commenting, Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, said: “The SNP Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise by 2030 to all children and young people leaving care, and part of that is ensuring that they are supported on their journey into adulthood. “Living independently can be a huge adjustment and comes at a pivotal time for young people leaving care in Midlothian North and Musselburgh, especially if they don’t have family support. “The SNP Scottish Government is therefore providing support to care experienced young people across Scotland through the Care Leaver Payment, and this will make a real difference to the lives of young people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh.” ENDS Notes The Scottish Government’s Programmes for Government in 2021/22 and 2022/23 committed to developing a payment to provide young people moving on from care with additional financial security. The proposed Care Leaver Payment will form part of a broader package of support which includes access to Continuing Care and Aftercare support for care leavers, the Care Experience Bursary, and Council Tax Exemption for care leavers. A consultation seeking views on the proposed payment will launch on 3 November and end on 26 January 2024. The consultation paper will contain questions on a range of issues including the purpose of the payment, the eligibility criteria of the payment, and the support required to apply for and manage the payment. Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, has urged constituents to take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation on the introduction of the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
From winter 2024, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which will be an annual payment, will replace the UK government’s Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland. The Scottish Government are consulting people across Midlothian North and Musselburgh to understand who should be eligible for this payment, when and how it should be delivered, and what measures can be put in place to support those living off the gas grid. The consultation closes on January 15th 2024. Colin Beattie MSP is urging constituents in Midlothian North and Musselburgh to complete the consultation to ensure the payment is as effective as possible in helping pensioners with their winter heating costs. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “The new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment delivered by the SNP Government will help over a million pensioners in Scotland with their heating costs, including thousands in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. “The SNP Government is committed to helping the most vulnerable through the difficult winter period – but it is vital people make their views known of how this payment can best be delivered. “Since setting up a devolved social security system with compassion, fairness, and respect at its core – 13 benefits, of which 7 are unique to Scotland, have been established. "Social Security Scotland is set to deliver £5.3 billion in devolved benefits in 2023-24 alone, supporting over 1.2 million people as the SNP continues to deliver every day for the people of Scotland.” ENDS NOTES Consultation can be completed here: Pension Age Winter Heating Payment - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space |
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