Scottish Conservative MSP for Lothian, Miles Briggs, has “warmly welcomed” the latest cost-of-living payments being paid by the UK Government to thousands of his constituents in Lothian.
The UK Government has confirmed that the latest £300 payments will be paid automatically into the bank accounts of those eligible in Lothian between 31 October and 19 November.
It comes as part of a package worth £900 in total to support those on means-tested benefits in Lothian with the effects of the global cost-of-living crisis.
Eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 later in the year, on top of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Those eligible in Lothian do not need to apply for the payment, as it will be paid directly into their bank account.
Statistics from the UK Government show that in Lothian, 90,800 households will receive the cost-of-living payment.
Mr. Briggs says the UK Government are continuing to “step up” to support the most vulnerable in his constituency during these tough economic times.
Scottish Conservative MP/MSP Miles Briggs said: “It is warmly welcomed that the UK Government are providing a further £300 in cost-of-living payments to the most vulnerable in Lothian and across the country.
“As the economic situation continues to constrain people in Lothian, this help from the UK Government comes at a perfect time, and the package – worth £900 in total – is going to help those who need it most.
“As we approach winter, this help will prove even more invaluable.
“With payments being made automatically, people who are eligible in Lothian don’t need to do anything to receive these payments into their bank accounts.
“Of course, if there are any issues, then myself and my team will always be on hand to ensure those who need these payments get them from the UK Government.”
One Scot will find a voucher for a year’s worth of books in one of this year’s free Book Week Scotland books, which feature four stories from Edinburgh writers
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives with reading and writing, has launched the line-up for Book Week Scotland 2023, which will be themed around ‘adventure’. Book Week Scotland, this year taking place on 13–19 November, is Scotland’s national annual celebration of books and reading, with events taking place in libraries and community venues across the country.
People picking up a copy of this year’s free Book Week Scotland book, Adventure, may be lucky enough to find one of seven special silver tickets, celebrating Scottish Book Trust’s 25th anniversary, tucked inside the pages.
The silver tickets are redeemable for book tokens, with six worth £100 and one valid for a year’s worth of books (to a value of £500). The tickets will be sent across Scotland, so readers far and wide are in with a chance of discovering one.
The book has been published by Scottish Book Trust, featuring true stories from people across Scotland, including four from local Edinburgh writers Hazel Knox, Joanne Deegan Kerr, Jo Higgs and Nicole Carter.
Adventure also features exclusive contributions from Len Pennie, Sumayya Usmani, current Scots Scriever Shane Strachan, Mae Diansangu, and Gaelic writers Alistair Paul and Seonaidh Charity.
70,000 copies of the book will be given out for free during Book Week Scotland through libraries and community spaces, and it is also available to order online alongside audio and ebook formats.
The Book Week Scotland festivities will kick off with an exclusive midnight launch of Jenny Colgan’s new book, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop, at John Kay’s Shop in Edinburgh. Tickets are available to win at bookweekscotland.com.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is one of the highlights of Scotland’s literary calendars, with events for all ages and interests taking place across the nation.
“Despite the fact that Book Week Scotland is now operating on a shoestring budget due to repeated funding cuts, working with and through our fantastic partners across the country we have been able, even so, to offer an exciting and accessible programme of events at a local and national level.
“We could not do this without the support of the Scottish Library and Information Council, library services and the many other community partners we collaborate with. And this is vital, because developing a love of reading is a lifelong adventure which brings much pleasure and many benefits to the individual and the communities they live in.’
Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of the Scottish Library & Information Council said: ‘Book Week Scotland is an important opportunity to bring communities together to celebrate the power of reading which is why SLIC is proud to be a partner.
“With a brilliant programme of events lined up in libraries across the country, there’s something for everyone. We hope people will take this opportunity to rediscover all that local libraries have to offer.’
Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, Alan Bett, said: ‘Book Week Scotland is a highlight in Scotland’s literary and cultural calendar which continues to provide joy by connecting the reading public with Scotland’s authors and their books.
“Featuring some of the biggest names in our literary scene, this year’s programme showcases homegrown talent and provides the space to empower writers and readers alike, across the country and within their own communities.’
Highlights from Book Week Scotland 2023 in Edinburgh will include:
· Sara Sheridan: The Fair Botanists at Juniper Green Bowling Club – Tuesday 14 November, 6.30–7.30pm (free ticketed event)
· The Pleasures of Reading with Val McDermid at Portobello Bookshop – Thursday 16 November, 7–8pm (free ticketed event)
· Football Journeys with a Bearded Genius: Nooruddean Choudry in conversation with Daniel Gray from Nutmeg Magazine at St John’s Scottish Episcopal Church – Saturday 18 November, 7–8.30pm (free ticketed event)
New bill will make system more efficient and effective
Improving the way the Scottish system of social security delivers for people in need of support is at the heart of new legislation.
The Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill enhances the rights of Social Security Scotland clients in a number of ways:
A right to late re-determinations and appeals in exceptional circumstances
The right to withdraw a request for redetermination
The right to challenge a decision that someone is liable in a situation where an overpayment has been made
The Bill will also continue to enhance the design of the system, maximising choice for those who use it while delivering good value for money.
It will also enable the Scottish Government to recover the cost of devolved social security benefits from compensation awards in situations where someone has had to claim payments as a result of a third party’s fault.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The changes proposed by this legislation are part of our commitment to continuously improve the Scottish social security system in ways which put the needs of those who require assistance first.
“They will help make the social security system more efficient and effective, contributing to our mission to tackle poverty and protect people from harm.
“The measures it contains advance equality and non-discrimination and ensure the system is efficient and delivers value for money.”
