Colin Beattie MSP | Midlothian North & Musselburgh
  • Home
  • About
  • Constituency News
  • Contact
  • Esk River Improvement Group
  • Annual Report
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • About
  • Constituency News
  • Contact
  • Esk River Improvement Group
  • Annual Report
  • Privacy Policy

​SNP BUDGET DELIVERS FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES AND CARERS ACROSS THE LOTHIAN’S

23/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh has called on local politicians from all parties to get behind historic funding for Scotland’s new social security agency – a move that will support carers and low income families across the country.
 
Outlining his draft budget proposals for 2019/20 last month, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay MSP announced £37 million to fund the Scottish Government’s Carers Allowance Supplement – in recognition of the important contribution carers have in our society.
 
2019/20 will be the second year the supplement will be paid and will see an inflationary rise in the benefit which will go to around 75,000 carers across Scotland.
 
The Finance Secretary also revealed plans to commit £12.4 million for the new Best Start Grants – providing financial support of up to £600 for low income families on the birth of a child, with two subsequent £250 payments given when a child begins nursery and school to start later this year.
 
A substantial £6.2 million of funding has also been allocated to kick start the Scottish Government’s new Funeral Expense Assistance – providing low income families with a contribution towards the cost of a loved one’s funeral - £2 million more than the UK Government previously spent.
 
The Young Carer Grant will also offer vital assistance to those aged 16 to 18 who do at least 16 hours of caring a week, but don’t qualify for the Carer’s Allowance – giving young carers the chance to explore employment, social or leisure opportunities outside away from their responsibilities.  
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie, said:
 
“The Finance Secretary’s plan to commit £37 million of support through the Carers Allowance Supplement will allow the Scottish Government to increase the financial support to carers, ensuring an additional £450 goes directly into the pockets of carers here in Midlothian North and Musselburgh.
 
“I recognise the invaluable contribution young carers make to society. Support through the new £300 Young Carers Grant will help ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
 
“Launched last year, the SNP’s Best Start Grant proved extremely popular with families the length and breadth of Scotland. This expanded and improved scheme has been welcome news for many of my constituents.
 
“These are just the first steps in the delivery of even more benefits to support people in our society, as the Scottish Government looks to tackle inequality and reduce poverty.
 
“MSPs across the Lothian’s should get behind Derek Mackay’s proposals and secure substantial funding support for carers and low income families across Scotland.”
 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Parliamentary Work

    Picture
    Click here to find out what I've been doing in Parliament!

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013


    Links

    Picture
    Picture

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.