Contribution Concerns Over UK Pension Proposals

Commenting on the UK Government’s revised proposals for public sector pensions, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Eilidh Whiteford MP urged the Treasury to re-consider its policy on increasing contribution rates in the manner proposed at a time when members of the public face real financial pressures.

Dr Whiteford said:

“The Treasury must think again over its policy on increasing contribution rates at a time when people face real financial pressures.

“My concern is that we will see workers withdraw from pension plans because they cannot afford the increase in contributions, and in the longer term leave many wondering if they can even afford retirement.

“Most recipients of pensions are receiving only a few thousand pounds per year, not the sort of gold-plated pensions highlighted in the media, and it is women who will be hardest hit by these changes.

“The issue of pension reform requires consent to be built but, with the UK Government making clear they will slash the Scottish Budget if the Scottish Government does not implement the short term increase in pension contributions, that consent is not being achieved.

“Public sector workers, are rightly concerned about the impact of changes to their pensions by the UK Government – and the UK Government must think again.”

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Local MP In Talks Over MIntlaw Post Office Service

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has received an assurance from Post Office bosses that a temporary service will be provided to customers in Mintlaw tomorrow (Thursday).

The MP contacted Royal Mail after the Post Office branch was closed pending an investigation into alleged irregularities. The move has left the largest village in Buchan without a Post Office for several days now.

Speaking after her discussions with Royal Mail, Dr Whiteford said:

“I have spoken to Royal Mail this morning to ask what steps they are taking to provide a temporary Post Office service while they continue their investigations.

“Royal Mail have given me an assurance that temporary arrangements have been put in place that will allow the Mintlaw Post Office to open on Thursday morning between 9.00am and 1.00pm.

“Should their investigations continue into next week, arrangements have also been made for a morning service on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday next week. However, Royal Mail hope to resume normal service as soon as possible.

“I welcome the steps taken by Royal Mail to minimise disruption to customers while their investigations continue, and hope the temporary arrangements will help mitigate the inconvenience to members of the community. Mintlaw is an important crossroads in the Buchan area and I hope a full, normal service will be restored as soon as possible.”

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Local MP Helps Out At Barnardo's For 'Make A Difference Day'

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford joined the staff at the Barnardo’s shop in Peterhead’s Erroll Street for an hour on Friday as part of Barnardo’s ‘Make a Difference Day 2011’.

Shop Manager Irene Pearson was on hand to show the MP the ropes, as Eilidh joined volunteers Sophie Grant and Carina Ventura on the shop floor as part of Barnardo’s campaign to attract more volunteers.

Shop manager Irene Pearson remarked:

“We are very grateful to Dr Whiteford for taking time out of her busy schedule to help our campaign.

“There are children in Scotland struggling to cope with their everyday lives, and people can help by becoming a volunteer. If you are interested in helping, then please call in and speak to the manager of any Barnardo’s shop, or go online at www.barnardos.org/volunteering.

“No experience is necessary for most volunteer roles – just enthusiasm and a warm friendly nature - Barnardo’s will supply all the support and training you will need.”

Talking of her visit, Eilidh said:

Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP,
volunteers Carina Ventura and Sophie Grant,
and shop manager Irene Pearson

“I was delighted to have the privilege of volunteering at Barnardo’s shop in Peterhead, and I enjoyed chatting to the volunteers and customers.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way of giving something back to the community and is also an opportunity for people to learn new skills or acquire work experience. I would encourage people in Aberdeenshire to consider volunteering at their local Barnardo’s shop, particularly over the busy Christmas period when they could really do with extra help - even for just a few hours a week."

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Whiteford Speaks Out In Support Of OXFAM Grow Campaign

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has given her backing to Oxfam Scotland’s ‘Grow’ Campaign.

The campaign is aimed at promoting sustainable food production, addressing inequalities which plague the food production system from farm to fork, and improving the protection of those in poverty from food price crises.

Speaking at an Oxfam meeting held at the SNP Conference, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

(l to r) Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs;
Naile Salima, Programme Development Officer, Oxfam Malawi:
Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland; & Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP

“I’m delighted to lend my backing to the Oxfam ‘Grow’ campaign.

“I’m particularly pleased to be joined at this meeting by the Scottish Government’s Culture and External Affairs Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, who has restated her support for the Scotland-Malawi Development Programme, which assists over 40 projects in Malawi.

“Today, in the 21st century, nearly one billion people worldwide don’t have enough to eat. Not because there isn’t enough food to go round –there is: the planet is more than capable of supporting all the people on it with sufficient food. Rather, it is the system of food production which is broken and needs to be fixed.

“In Scotland, Oxfam will be focussing on four major issues to help fix the broken food system. These are Climate Change, which affects crop yields as temperatures rise; Food Price Spikes, because when you spend 80% of your income on food as some poor families do, spikes in food prices are especially destructive; Land Grabs, which force poor farmers off the land; and Small-Scale Farming, because there is enormous potential in small-scale farming in developing countries.”

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