Local MP & MSP Welcome Bedroom Tax Mitigation

With a majority of the Scottish Parliament endorsing additional funds to help combat the bedroom tax, Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson and Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford have said it showed Scotland should have the powers to scrap the Bedroom Tax.

Alongside targeting Westminster welfare cuts, the budget will continue the small business bonus scheme, protect free education, entitle primary one to three pupils to free school meals - saving at least £330 per eligible child; extend childcare provision to 600 hours for three and four year olds and for vulnerable two year olds - saving around £700 a year; and continue the Council Tax freeze that will have saved households £1,200 on average by the end of this Parliament in 2016.

Investment in infrastructure in Scotland will be supported to the tune of over £8 billion over the next two years, creating over 50,000 full time equivalent jobs.

As well as targeting Westminster’s welfare cuts, the budget continues the small business bonus, entitles primary one to three pupils to free school meals, extends childcare provision to 600 hours for three and four year olds and for vulnerable two year olds, and continues the Council Tax freeze, saving households £1200 on average by the end of this parliament.

The passage of the SNP Government’s budget in the Scottish Parliament last week will boost Scotland’s economy, help with the cost of living and deliver vital action to mitigate Westminster’s iniquitous bedroom tax.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“The purpose of this week’s budget was to boost our economy and support households with the rising cost of living.

“The money has been put in place to mitigate the bedroom tax and the only thing standing in the way of immediate action is Westminster. Given that the Scottish Parliament has backed this budget with a large majority, Westminster must not ignore our desire to rid Scotland of this unfair and iniquitous tax on some of the poorest in society.

“The Scottish Parliament has voted to put in place sufficient funding to pay the additional cost for every family affected. Of course far better than having to mitigate the deeply unfair bedroom tax would simply be to abolish it altogether. Only a Yes vote in September will give the Scottish Parliament that right and ensure that Scotland’s welfare system reflects the priorities of people in Scotland rather than the Westminster Treasury, which seeks to only further widen the gap between the rich and the poor.”

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson, who backed the Scottish Government’s budget, said:

“Delivering free school meals, extending childcare and protecting the Council Tax freeze will save hundreds of pounds for households across the North-east.

“That is vital action to help people during difficult times and will be warmly welcomed by people right across the county and across the country. What is also particularly welcome is that even more action is being taken to help people affected by Westminster’s bedroom tax.”

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MP Gets a Taste of Fraserburgh at Broch Resource Centre

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has hailed the Robertson Road Resource Centre ‘Taster Session’ last Saturday as a tremendous success.

The event included a range of activities organised by ‘Celebrating the Difference’ and Home Start North-east Aberdeenshire. The taster session afforded the opportunity to try different cuisines from around the world, as well as entertainment and fun for local families.

Commenting after attending the Fraserburgh event, Eilidh said:

“I was very pleased to attend the taster session, and meeting local families on what proved to be a fun day out for everyone.

“There is a serious purpose, though – the event afforded an opportunity for local groups such as Home Start to reach out to families who may need help and support, as well as those seeking volunteering opportunities in the area.

“There was an excellent turnout on the day and I think the organisers were really pleased with that. Some good ideas came from the event and those attending seemed to enjoy the range of activities – and food from around the world – which was on offer.”

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SNP Debate to Focus on "Fairness and Inequality"

DECADES OF WESTMINSTER POLICIES HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR YES VOTE

Commenting in advance of a House of Commons debate today (Tuesday) held by the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and the Green party in which the motion for debate will be ‘Fairness and Inequality’, Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP, SNP Welfare and Pensions spokesperson, said:

"We are having this debate at Westminster because the Westminster system is driving so much of the inequality and unfairness blighting our society which has got us into this sorry state. In September this year people in Scotland have a choice of two futures, and today’s debate will focus on the dangers for Scotland of remaining in a system in which austerity, cuts and even greater inequality appear to be the only things on offer from a No vote. The Westminster system is letting Scotland down badly, and in the referendum we have an opportunity to change the future and create a fairer and more prosperous society.

"We live in a country brimming with resources and talent but also a country where in the last 40 years the gap between rich and poor has widened at alarming rates, and where men still make up the vast majority of top earners and women are still far more likely to work in low skilled, low paid jobs. Westminster governments, over many years, have allowed these inequalities to grow and show no signs of reversing the trend.

“The Scottish Government with the current powers available to it has taken a number of steps to boost jobs and fairness. These include the modern apprenticeship programme which is doing so much in terms of skilling young people. The fact that the Scottish Government, uniquely in these islands, has a minister dedicated to youth unemployment, that child poverty has fallen more rapidly in Scotland than any other part of the UK, and that a higher proportion of women are in employment in Scotland, are all part of - and results of - that different approach.

"The Scottish Government’s White Paper 'Scotland’s Future' outlines the step-change in childcare provision we can achieve with the full powers of an independent Scotland. It also commits to access to higher education based on ability – not wealth - with a guarantee of no tuition fees for young Scots. While Westminster debates inequality today, we can look towards a better future in an independent Scotland. The NO campaign has outlined nothing that would be a change for the better after a No – just more cuts, more austerity, and increasing inequality as the price of Westminster government in Scotland. That is why it is vital we achieve a Yes vote in September."

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Secure Future for New Pitsligo Bakery Welcomed by MP & MSP

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond have welcomed confirmation that a deal has been struck which will secure the future of a vital Central Buchan business.

Fraserburgh Development Trust have concluded arrangements to buy the long-established New Pitsligo bakery business John Smith & Sons. The family business was established in 1903 and employs 25 people locally.

The Trust has been working with John Smith, of John Smith & Sons, to conclude a deal that would mean the bakery would operate as a Social Firm, which means that any surplus generated will go towards building the business and developing future training and employment opportunities.

Commenting, Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford said:

“John Smith & Sons is a major employer in New Pitsligo and this announcement means that not only are the jobs there secure but the proud tradition of baking in New Pitsligo which has been on the go for over 100 years can continue.

“This will be an exciting venture for the firm, for Fraserburgh Development Trust and for the village as it will involve a move to new, purpose-built premises and a change in how the bakery operates, while maintaining employment and the products which have proved so popular for generations.”

Aberdeenshire East MSP Alex Salmond added:

“John Smith & Sons bakery is a pillar of the community in New Pitsligo. As the single largest employer in the village, and supplier to many rural shops in the North-east, it is vital to the local economy.”

“I am delighted that the brand will continue; that jobs will be maintained; and that a focus on tradition, training, and progress is being pursued. I hope that the Fraserburgh Development Trust will continue to be successful as it pursues further funding.”

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