Michelle Thomson for Falkirk East

SUPPORT AND STABILITY KEY FACTORS TO ECONOMIC UPTURN

The SNP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to place Covid recovery at the heart of Budget plans.

Scotland’s Finance Secretary Kate Forbes announced more than £200 million for the Scottish National Investment Bank, a non-domestic rates package saving businesses more than £800 million and the first part of a £500 million Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray.

This investment was announced in the context of a block grant from the UK government that falls far short in terms of economic support during a global health pandemic.

OVER 3,400 CHILDREN TO BENEFIT FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT POLICY

Over 3,400 children across Falkirk district will benefit from the doubling of the Scottish Child Payment from Spring 2022 as announced by the First Minister earlier this week.

The Scottish Child Payment has already been described as a “game-changer” in tackling child poverty by campaigners.

More than £950,000 has been paid out to families in Falkirk district since the launch of the payment in February this year. While more children in the area are expected to benefit from the payment next year when it is rolled out to children under the age of 16.

VOTE WILL ‘HAUNT LABOUR FOR YEARS’ AS THEY CONTINUE THEIR DEMISE IN SCOTLAND

The SNP has accused anti-independence politicians of supporting taking back control from the Scottish Parliament and handing it to Westminster after they failed to condemn UK Tory government power grabs.

In a sign of contempt for devolution, Tory MSP Donald Cameron claimed during a Holyrood debate that there should be ‘no limit’ on where Westminster decides to spend money in Scotland, even in the face of devolved responsibilities.

UPGRADES TO A9 AT CADGER’S BRAE DUE TO BEGIN IN 2022

Falkirk Council have confirmed to Falkirk East MSP, Michelle Thomson, that plans are in place to improve Grandsable junction on the A9. This follows recent concerns from residents over a series of incidents at the junction, including the recent fatal accident at East Beancross access which is still under investigation.

In a letter received by the local MSP, Falkirk Council advise that improvement of the junction of the A9 and Grandsable Road and Junction 5 Cadgers Brae roundabout has been included in Falkirk Council’s approved TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) submission.

LOCAL MSP ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES TO SIGN UP THIS CHALLENGE POVERTY WEEK

Falkirk East MSP Michelle Thomson has gained Living Wage and Carer Positive Employer accreditation and is encouraging other employers to sign up to both initiatives.

Living Wage accreditation formally recognises and celebrates employers who choose to go further than the government minimum, while Carer Positive accreditation aims to create a supportive working environment for carers in the workplace.

October 4-10 is Challenge Poverty week, focusing on how small changes can make a big difference.

Michelle Thomson MSP commented saying: “I am proud to be both a Living Wage and Carer Positive employer. Over 45,000 workers in over 2,100 businesses are paid the Real Living Wage of £9.50 per hour. Not only is this good for business, increasing morale and productivity, but it is also a boost in confidence to any employee that their employer values them to pay them a decent wage for the work they do.

“While being Carer Positive allows for flexibility for people who want to work but have caring responsibilities that often mean they have to give up work. Being both Carer Positive and Living Wage accredited provides an opportunity for a happier and, therefore, a more productive workforce.

“I would encourage any employer who is considering taking these steps to go for it – you will not regret making these decisions. We should all strive for a better environment for our employees and these are great steps in the right direction towards doing just that.”

Notes:

Information on the Scottish Living Wage can be found here: https://scottishlivingwage.org/

Information on Carer Positive can be found here: https://www.carerpositive.org/