COLIN BEATTIE MSP: NO CHILD SHOULD BE PENALISED FOR BEING UNABLE TO PAY
 
The SNP Scottish Government has announced £1.5 million funding to support Midlothian and East Lothian Council's to wipe out school debt for families in Midlothian North and Musselburgh, which has been welcomed by local SNP MSP Colin Beattie.
 
The funding will support local councils to remove the impact of debt; making sure that no child in Scotland is penalised for being unable to pay for school meals during the Tory cost of living crisis.
 
Announced by First Minister John Swinney on Thursday, the one-off funding pot will help to alleviate pressure on families in Midlothian North and Musselburgh who have been struggling with inflated food and energy bills.
 
Under the SNP Scottish Government’s free school meal expansion, primary school pupils in primary one to five in Scotland and across all special schools already receive free school meals – saving an average of £400 per child each year. 
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“We know that families in Midlothian North and Musselburgh have been paying the price of this Tory cost of living crisis, but no child in Scotland should ever be penalised for not being able to pay for a school meal, while Scottish households bear the brunt of inflated bills and spiralling costs.
 
“While school meal debt is a matter for local authorities, this important emergency funding pot will give much-needed support to empower councils to remove the debilitating impact of debt for families across Scotland
 
“First Minister John Swinney has been categorically clear that his ambition in Government is to eradicate child poverty – and has wasted no time in taking immediate action to deliver this.
 
“From the expansion of free school meals, to increasing the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP Scottish Government is cutting the cost to the school day, supporting families and giving every child the best start in life.”
 
ENDS

PRICES SLASHED ON PEAK FARES FOR FURTHER THREE MONTHS IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH.

The SNP has announced that peak fares on Scotrail trains will be scrapped over the Summer, with SNP Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh welcoming the announcement and encouraging constituents, especially commuters, to use the train to save money.
 
The pilot scheme, which came into effect in October last year, was originally due to end on 28 June, but will now continue for a further three months until the end of September.
 
Since the peak fares were abolished, passengers across Scotland have been saving as much as £26.20 per return journey on their journeys.
 
Colin Beattie MSP has said that SNP Scottish Government action is making travel more affordable and accessible for households in Midlothian North and Musselburgh, while helping to drive forward Scotland’s journey to Net Zero.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“It’s great that the SNP has said that peak fares will continue to be scrapped on Scotrail trains for a further three months – this is good news for commuters in Midlothian North and Musselburgh, who have benefited most from price cuts on rush hour journeys.
 
“Thanks to this continued funding, travellers local and new to Scotland will now be able to make the most of what our beautiful country has to offer this summer – and at an affordable price. This is sure to give an added boost to Scotland’s tourism sector, while putting money back into people’s pockets.
 
“Wherever it can, the SNP is supporting Scottish households through the Tory cost of living crisis, delivering on low-carbon travel and tackling the climate crisis.”
 
ENDS

Colin Beattie SNP MSP has welcomed the appointment of John Swinney as First Minister of Scotland, along with a new Scottish Cabinet, saying that this SNP government will prioritise eradicating child poverty and driving economic growth in Midlothian North and Musselburgh.

In his first speech as First Minister, John Swinney made clear that the central policy objective of his government would be eliminating child poverty. He also outlined the importance of funding public services, supporting Scottish businesses and taking action on climate.
The First Minister also highlighted his commitment to Scottish Independence, while emphasising that constitutional divides should not inhibit cross-party work on issues such as tackling the cost of living crisis.

Commenting, the SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said:
“Under new leadership and a refreshed cabinet team, the SNP government is ensuring that the priorities of the Scottish people are also the priorities of the Scottish Government.

“Child poverty and economic growth are top concerns for the people of Midlothian North and Musselburgh, and it is right that Scotland’s government is focused on addressing these issues.
“The SNP remain focused on building a brighter future for Scotland, and delivering for the Scottish people – and that is exactly what we will do.”

ENDS