MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH MSP WELCOMES PROGRESS FOR CREATING NATIONAL CARE SERVICE

SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the £500,000, announced in the Scottish Government’s budget, to lay the ground work for the establishment of a National Care Service.
 
The SNP Scottish Government’s budget announced record funding of £18 billion for Health and Social Care - the £500,000 was included by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes, as part of a total investment of over £718.9 million for social care.
 
The MSP has said that the investment, alongside announcing a £10.50 minimum wage for social care staff, is a clear indication of the SNP’s commitment to create of a National Care Service that looks after people across Midlothian and East Lothian.
 
Commenting Colin Beattie said:
 
“I am delighted to see the SNP’s commitment to establishing a National Care Service backed up in this budget with £500,000 investment as part of the £18 billion earmarked for Health and Social Care.
 
“Over the past two years, the importance of our social care services has never been clearer and people across Midlothian North and Musselburgh deserve a social care system that is consistent in the quality of service they receive.
 
“Creating a National Care Service means that each of us in Midlothian North and Musselburgh and our loved ones will receive the consistency, equity and fairness we deserve in the care we need.
 
“Getting this right is crucial to allowing everyone to take part in society and will have the ability to transform peoples' lives for the better. I am glad that the SNP Scottish Government are taking the steps needed to make this happen.”