MSP PRAISES VITAL WORK DONE BY CARERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Around 1350 carers in Midlothian, and 1240 in East Lothian, 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 a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June - with around 1350 in Midlothian and 1240 in East Lothian benefitting from this additional financial support. The extra payment will be paid automatically to people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “Carers in Midlothian and East Lothian make an absolutely vital contribution to our society, and it’s only appropriate that their hard work is valued and they are properly supported by the Scottish Government. “This one-off payment will benefit carers who are on low incomes and already have some of the most intense caring roles, providing at least 35 hours unpaid care weekly to a disabled child or adult in receipt of higher level disability benefits. “This additional payment will be an acknowledgement to carers that we know they are providing vital support to family, friends and neighbours, and playing an absolutely crucial role in our collective efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus. “I am delighted that carers in Midlothian and East Lothian are being recognised by the SNP Government for the important contribution they make to our communities in these extremely difficult circumstances.”
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SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES UPDATE ON "LIFE BEYOND LOCKDOWN"
SNP MSP Colin Beattie has urged the public in Midlothian and East Lothian 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 serious threat to public health in Scotland. Colin Beattie MSP has also encouraged constituents in Midlothian and East Lothian to read the Scottish Government's "Test, Trace, Isolate, Support" paper, published yesterday, which will be a "key aspect" of the next phase of the battle against Coronavirus. The testing and tracing strategy will work alongside other virus suppression measures, including physical distancing, hand washing and the use of face coverings. Thousands of contact tracing staff are also to be taken on, and new digital tools including an app are being developed. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: "The decisions on how we come out of lockdown will affect all of us - and so it's important that these decisions are made as openly and collaboratively as possible, with councils, businesses, unions, public services and community groups in Midlothian and East Lothian all forming part of the discussion. "The Scottish Government has today launched an online forum that gives people the opportunity to offer their reflections on lockdown restrictions - and I'd urge everyone in my constituency to share any ideas they have on how we should move forward. “There are no easy answers – but it is right for the Scottish Government to keep people up-to-date and be clear about the factors that inform decision making, and I'd encourage everyone in Midlothian and East Lothian to continue reading the official guidance and information published. "For now, the advice for people in Midlothian and East Lothian remains the same - staying at home and only making essential journeys is saving lives. Keeping physical distance in the limited circumstances when you have to be around people and continuing to regularly wash your hands are still the best way to reduce your risk of infection. “Everyone has a part to play in combatting this virus, and while I understand that these measures are difficult for all of us, they are saving lives and protecting our NHS.” APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR NEW SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT SCHEMES
A £100 million package of additional grant support for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and newly self-employed people in Midlothian and East Lothian is now open for applications. The three Scottish Government funds will be administered by local authorities and Scotland’s enterprise agencies and will begin to pay out grants in early May. They include a £34 million hardship fund for the newly self-employed, a £20 million fund for small and micro enterprises in the creative, tourism and hospitality sectors and £45 million for viable SMEs crucial to the Scottish economy. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “Local businesses and industries in Midlothian and East Lothian will be understandably concerned about the impact that coronavirus will have on the local economy. “These funds are intended to relieve the hardship of smaller firms in Midlothian and East Lothian that are ineligible for other forms of support - and is just one part of the support the Scottish Government is providing to individuals and businesses to protect jobs and incomes.” "This package of support is welcome, and will help alleviate the hardship some individuals and companies in Midlothian and East Lothian may be facing. "Applications are now open, and applicants can access these funds and more via the www.FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot website." SNP MSP COLIN BEATTIE CALLS ON CONSTITUENTS TO PAY TRIBUTE DESPITE LOCKDOWN RESTRCTIONS
An online service of remembrance and a two-minute silence will lead Scotland’s commemorations this year to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day on 8th May. While the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put an end to plans for a parade, public concert and official reception – MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie, has urged his constituents to pay their respects with an online service. The commemorations led by the Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, will include a message from children and families currently learning at home including a video message of thanks from the First Minister. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “The 75th anniversary of VE Day is a hugely important moment in Scotland’s history. “Despite the difficult situation we currently all find ourselves in, it is only right that we pay tribute to the determination and sacrifices made by the men and women in the Second World War. “I hope as many people as possible in Midlothian and East Lothian, will join millions of others on 8th May, to honour those who laid down their lives in a shared moment national commemoration.” |
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