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WELCOME BOOST FOR SOCIAL SECURITY SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
Bill has welcomed the news that the SNP Scottish Government will enshrine in law the requirement to increase social security payments each year in line with inflation.
In the last year the Scottish Government provided £370 million to uprate payments - £5 million above the amount required in statute – and by making this a legal duty it guarantees that support like the winter heating payments receive a financial boost – especially while the UK Labour government cuts winter fuel payments.
Commenting, SNP Bill Kidd MSP said:
“Scotland’s social security system – which is rooted in dignity, fairness and respect – has been truly transformational for so many families across Anniesland.
“As we build on this progress, it’s crucial we maintain the value of the fourteen payments which are estimated to be keeping 100,000 children out of poverty.
“This legal duty will bring us closer to achieving the First Minister’s goal of ending child poverty while ensuring we continue to do what we can to protect families in Anniesland from continued Westminster austerity.
BILL KIDD MSP WARNS OF LOOMING DEADLINE FOR WINTER FUEL PAYMENT
Bill Kidd SNP MSP has encouraged those across Glasgow Anniesland who have not already applied for pension credit to do so by 22nd September to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
Across the UK, 37% of those eligible do not claim pension credit, which is now a prerequisite for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment of £300 after the UK Labour government cut its universal provision as part of its austerity agenda.
16th – 22nd September 2024 is qualifying week for those who are eligible for the payment this year, however over 800,000 pensioners across Scotland are now set to lose out.
Commenting, Bill Kidd MSP said:
“The abhorrent decision by the Labour UK government to cut the Winter Fuel payment has put thousands of pensioners in an unimaginable situation.
“As a result, far too many will miss out on the payment altogether whilst some who are eligible are also in danger of missing out.
“The SNP are clear: this is a cruel and inexplicable decision by the Labour government that leaves pensioners across Glasgow Anniesland out in the cold.
“If you have not already done so, please, pleas check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter.”
Citizens Advice, Drumchapel Money Advice and Kingsway Community Connections amongst others will be happy to assist you confirm your eligibility and apply.
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-much-youll-get
Pension credit, a payment administered by the UK government, is available to all those over the age of 66 and tops up weekly income to £218.15, or £332.95 if you have a partner.
Anthony Nolan's 2023 Strategy
I'm pleased to share Anthony Nolan's new vision and strategy document. We hope this is helpful for those supporting Anthony Nolan's work, for those whose lives have been affected by bloodcancer, and, once again, encourage young people, especially from ethnic minorities, to sign up to the Stem Cell register to help save a life.
Great Daffodil Appeal
Bill Kidd MSP lent his support to Marie Curie’s largest fundraising appeal month, the iconic Great Daffodil Appeal, at an event in the Scottish Parliament.
Meeting with staff and volunteers from Marie Curie, Mr Kidd heard about the care and support that is provided to people living with terminal illness, their families and carers across Scotland.
The leading end of life charity supported over 8,600 terminally ill people across Scotland in their own homes and at its two Scottish hospices during 2021/22. In Glasgow, over 5,500 visits were made by the charity’s Community Nursing Service to support people in the comfort of their own homes.
Supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal, which started in 1986, by donating and wearing a daffodil pin in March helps Marie Curie to continue providing vital palliative and end of life care and support.
Welcome
Bill is MSP for Glasgow Anniesland.
His major political interests are the development of policies to eradicate poverty, job creation, housing policy and an end to the nuclear power and weapons programmes of successive British Governments.
