SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed new measures from the Scottish Government to prevent litter and flytipping in Midlothian and East Lothian and support Scotland’s circular and zero waste economy.The new measures, which include more than doubling fines for flytipping to £500, have been brought in under a six-year National Litter and Flytipping Strategy, which sets out how national and local government, business, third sector, communities and individuals can work together to drive behaviour change, improve infrastructure and strengthen enforcement.
Other key measures include the introduction of new powers to impose a fine on the registered keeper of a vehicle from which a littering offence is committed and a new national online litter hub to provide information, advice and support to community groups and other relevant local organisations on tackling litter and littering behaviour. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “This SNP Government is working hard to support Scotland's transition to a zero waste and circular economy by tidying up Scotland’s streets and neighbourhoods; these strict new measures will help to keep communities in Midlothian and East Lothian clean and safe. “Midlothian and East Lothian are wonderful places to live, with a community to take pride in, but our neighbourhoods are so often besmirched by the selfish actions of a few, through reckless flytipping and littering, which impacts on everyone who lives here. “More than doubling the fines for flytipping to £500 will surely help incentivise litter bugs to think hard before they dump rubbish onto our streets.” ENDS
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A new report has found that over half of people living with epilepsy who took part in a national survey said it was ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ talking about their mental healthColin Beattie MSP is calling on the estimated 900 people living with epilepsy in Midlothian North and Musselburgh to open up about their mental health following concerns raised in a recent report published by a leading Scottish epilepsy charity.
718 people living with epilepsy responded to a survey by Epilepsy Scotland earlier this year which found that 33% said it was ‘difficult’ talking about their mental health and a further 18% said it was ‘very difficult’. The report, Epilepsy on the Mind revealed that in NHS Lothian, that 36% of people living with epilepsy in the health board who responded to the survey said they have depression and 41% have anxiety. While 41% of people in the health board said that their epilepsy has a “significant impact” on their mental health. Nationally, 1 in 3 people said they have depression and 46% said they have anxiety – 1 in 4 said they have both. The report was debated by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament this week after a motion lodged by Alasdair Allan MSP to highlight the findings received support from all five of Holyrood’s political parties. Colin Beattie MSP said: “There are estimated to be around 58,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy, including 900 here in Midlothian North and Musselburgh. “It is common for someone living with epilepsy to develop a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, as has been highlighted within the Epilepsy on the Mind report. “Epilepsy is a serious and very complex condition which can impact so many aspects of a person’s life from relationships and social life to employment and education. “Due to the link between epilepsy and mental health, I would encourage constituents living with epilepsy to seek support if they are struggling mentally. Epilepsy Scotland’s free and confidential helpline is an important source of information and their helpline officers can help you find the support you require.” Ross Cunningham, Policy & Communications Manager at Epilepsy Scotland added: “Epilepsy Scotland is delighted to have the support of [MSP name] in highlighting the findings of our Epilepsy on the Mind report and in encouraging more members of the public to open up about their mental health. “Many people living with epilepsy find it challenging to open up, which is why raising awareness of this report and the link between epilepsy and mental health is so important. It can help to reduce the stigma of an often misunderstood condition and highlight the support available, including Epilepsy Scotland’s national helpline. “It is extremely concerning that 1 in 3 people living with epilepsy in Scotland who took part in this survey said they have depression and almost half said they have anxiety. “Epilepsy Scotland looks forward to working closely with MSPs across Parliament on the report’s recommendations to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy throughout Scotland.” ENDS Notes; For more information on Epilepsy Scotland and the support services available please visit www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk or phone the free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 2200. To download the report please go to: https://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Epilepsy-on-the-Mind-final-report-16-June-2023.pdf SNP MSP Colin Beattie has condemned Westminster Tories for throwing thousands of households across Scotland on the mercy of foodbanks, as new research from the Trussell Trust reveals an estimated 1.2 million people experienced food insecurity last year in Scotland.
The Trussell Trust’s report, ‘Hunger in the UK’, found that one in seven people across the UK went hungry last year amidst rising food prices and soaring inflation. It also exposed that 7% of Scottish households receiving charitable food support in this same period. This is against a backdrop of an out of control Tory cost of living crisis, which saw the Tory UK government clawback winter heating support payments, cut benefits to thousands of families on Universal Credit, and preside over a soaring number of sanctions imposed on those claiming benefits. Disabled people, carers, parents, ethnic minority communities and LGBTQ+ people were cited among groups most disproportionately at risk, with the new findings also showing that Trussell Trusts’ food banks handed out a record of almost 3 million food parcels in the last year- more than double the amount provided five years ago. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “Behind these stark figures are families across Midlothian North and Musselburgh struggling to make ends meet as they grapple with the increasingly insurmountable implications of decades of Tory austerity, compounded by the additional squeeze of this Tory cost of living crisis and spiralling inflation driving wages down and the cost of living up. “The Tories have created a 21st century crisis that would rival even the bleakest of Dickensian novels – in a country as resource rich as Scotland, it is nothing short of scandalous that 17% of adults living here went hungry last year as a direct result of Tory greed and apathy. “It shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be like this – Scotland can choose a better path where no person in Midlothian North and Musselburgh has to pick between food for the freezer or money in the meter. With the full fiscal powers of independence, we could support households through tough times and build on our transformative welfare policies to create a fairer, wealthier society for all.” SUPPORTING PLANS TO ENSHRINE THE RIGHT TO STRIKE INTO THE CONSTITUTION OF AN INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed plans to enshrine the right to strike into the constitution of an independent Scotland, that would uphold the values of trade unionism and protect the rights of workers.
The plans to include workers’ rights into the constitution of an independent Scotland were included in the fourth Building A New Scotland paper from the Scottish Government, which outlines the opportunities of Scottish Independence. Writing workers’ rights, like the right to strike, into the constitution would ensure that the hard-won rights won through Scotland’s historic industrial action would be protected for future workforces in Midlothian North and Musselburgh Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “Scotland has a proud history of trade unionism – it is only appropriate that the rights won through industrial and collective action of the generations before us are enshrined in the constitution of an independent Scotland. “Make no mistake that workers’ rights are under threat from this Tory UK Government and their arsenal of provocative anti-strike measures, which seek to criminalise industrial action and leave workers vulnerable to bad bosses. “With the Kier Starmer himself notably absent from union rallies and his party abstaining on vital anti-protest votes, it’s never been clearer that the only way we can uphold the rights of Scotland’s workers is with the full powers of independence, to give workforces in Scotland the support and protections they deserve.” SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN THROUGH THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS
SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed new details of a major expansion of this year’s Fuel Insecurity Fund which will further support families in Midlothian and East Lothian with their energy bills. With the fund tripling to £30 million this year, households in Midlothian and East Lothian will also benefit through the SNP Scottish Government’s allocation of £9 million to enable Advice Direct Scotland to administer Home Heating Support Fund grants to those struggling with the rapid increase in energy prices. £8.5 million will also be allocated to the Fuel Bank Foundation to support over 85,000 households, including those with prepayment meters and at risk of imminent disconnection, and £7.25 million will be directed to enable the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations to provide more than 55,000 households across Scotland with advice, support with bills and energy-saving items. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “Families in Midlothian and East Lothian are still paying the price of this Tory cost of living crisis, and these new funding commitments show just how this SNP Government is stepping up for people living in Midlothian and East Lothian, who are tired of being ignored by Westminster parties. “Where Westminster is failing to deliver, the SNP is bending over backwards to mitigate their cruel austerity measures – but while the key policy levers remain in the hands of the Tories, the Scottish Government will always be taking action with one hand behind its back. “For as long as we’re tied to this broken union, people across Scotland will continue to suffer the consequences of Westminster control because the Scottish Government can only go so far in its support- but with the powers of independence we can take back the powers to deliver real, sustained change for Scotland’s communities.” Colin Beattie MSP has welcomed new funding from the Scottish Government to support the provision of after school and holiday clubs for Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities in Midlothian and East Lothian.
Midlothian Council and East Lothian Council will be able to apply for a share of £4.5 million to help support families in Midlothian and East Lothian through the Tory cost of living crisis by increasing access to affordable and quality childcare. First Minister Humza Yousaf announced details of the funding while convening a national anti-poverty summit in Edinburgh this week. The funding will help councils like Midlothian and East Lothian to improve indoor and outdoor areas with school estates in alignment with community needs. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: "This additional investment from the Scottish Government is sure to support many working parents in Midlothian and East Lothian during the summer holidays and term time - improving access to easily available childcare is key when it comes to tackling child poverty. “Under the leadership of First Minister Humza Yousaf, this SNP Government is delivering where it matters during this Tory cost of living crisis. From taking action on fuel poverty to increasing social security benefits, it’s clear for all to see that tackling poverty is a priority. “While the Tories in Westminster give with one hand and take away with the other, and Labour watch on idly by the side-lines, only the SNP has proved that it’s the party brave enough to take action against Westminster austerity and offer the people of Scotland a chance to get rid of the Tories for good by becoming an independent country." SNP: ONLY INDEPENDENCE CAN DELIVER IN HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN
Colin Beattie MSP has slammed the Tory Government for putting increased pressure on NHS Lothian after new research has revealed more than a quarter of Scots have sought NHS treatment due to the impact of the cost of living crisis on their health. The damning report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said the cost of living crisis had deepened a “cycle of health inequality” that was "failing our people and turning up the pressure on the NHS.” With food prices continuing to soar and rapidly inflating energy bills making it difficult for people to keep warm, more people in Midlothian and East Lothian are having to seek out either physical or acute mental health treatment for conditions. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “This corrupt Tory Government is failing the people of Midlothian and East Lothian; failing to deliver affordable food; failing to tackle rising energy costs and now failing them when it comes to their health. Midlothian and East Lothian deserves better. “Whether it’s from neglect or threat of privatisation, it’s no secret that our NHS is not safe in the hands of the Tories in Westminster, and this pressure should be seen as a foreshadowing of what’s to come under their control. “With the Tories and Labour providing no alternative to the brutal impact of Westminster control, the SNP Government is digging deep with what few powers it has to mitigate the Tories’ cruel cuts and claw backs. It's clear that only in an independent Scotland can we do more than just mitigate and build a robust healthcare system that looks after everyone.” SLASHING TRAIN FARES FOR PASSENGERS IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN
Colin Beattie MSP has welcomed news that peak-time rail fares will be scrapped on ScotRail services for six months from October. On Tuesday, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced the timescale for the pilot programme as he set out the priorities for his Government in Parliament. For train passages in Midlothian and East Lothian, this pilot will make travelling around Scotland more affordable and accessible. The Scottish Government’s commitment to active travel will also see increased investment to develop more places where people can walk, wheel and cycle safely for day-to-day journeys. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “People in Midlothian and East Lothian, will benefit directly from these significant price cuts to peak rail fares, which couldn’t have come at a more needed time. “From expanding free bus travel to under 22-year-olds, to putting money straight back into people’s pockets with reduced rail fares, the SNP is helping people where it matters and making real changes to support people financially. “While the Westminster government sits on its hands in the midst of a damaging Brexit and a cost of living crisis of their own making, First Minister Humza Yousaf has shown once again the SNP is the only party who puts the needs of Scottish households first.” Colin Beattie SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh has welcomed new research that shows Scotland is spending £1,300 more per pupil than anywhere else in the UK.
The research, from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, reports that spending per pupil in Scotland was already 6% higher than in England in 2010 – but the gap has widened further under the Tories. Higher pay offers for teachers in Scotland, and increased investment in education from the SNP Government, means spending per pupil is now over 18% higher than Tory-run England and Labour-run Wales, who spend around just £7,200 per pupil, compared to over £8,500 in Scotland. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said: “The SNP Government is delivering in education for Scotland’s children and teachers. This new research, from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, shows the SNP is determined to invest in Scotland’s young people and give every child the very best start in life. “And it’s not just pupil spending where the SNP is investing in future generations here in Midlothian and East Lothian; the rollout of the Baby Box and increasing the ‘game changing’ Scottish Child Payment are just another two policies demonstrating your Scottish Government’s commitment to get it right for every child. “Under the fresh leadership of Humza Yousaf, the SNP will continue to build on its progressive record in government and work hard to deliver on the real priorities for voters in Scotland.” SNP MSP PRAISING WORK TO IMPROVE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS
Colin Beattie MSP has welcomed Scottish Government reform plans to increase opportunities for outdoor play in Midlothian and East Lothian. This month the SNP Scottish Government announced £50m investment in play parks and facilities. New changes to planning rules also means councils will need to think more about providing outdoor play spaces, but also make sure new developments provide them too. This action will increase opportunities for outdoor activity and help implement a commitment to incorporate children and young people’s rights into Scots law and practice. Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie said: “Play is absolutely vital for children – and it is their right to have access to safe places and opportunities to play – this goes right the way up to teenagers, who need safe and healthy places to socialise. “These new reform plans are another example of where the SNP is taking action to make rights real for children in Midlothian and East Lothian, helping families across our communities, and making Scotland the best place to grow up. “Sometimes, it’s the simple things like providing more and improved spaces for children to play that can make a big difference.” |
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