SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed news that teachers across Edinburgh have accepted a two-year pay offer which ensures that Scotland’s classroom teachers will remain the best paid in the UK.
The Teachers’ Panel of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers has this week accepted the offer tabled by local authorities’ umbrella body Cosla. The terms include a 4% pay increase in 2025/26 followed by an additional 0.25% in April and 3.25% next August.
The SNP in government continues to prioritise investment in our children and young people’s education, investing £4.3 billion into Scotland’s education system in 2025-26.
Thanks to this investment, Scotland has a higher spending per pupil than any other devolved UK nation and has the lowest pupil to teacher ratios.
Local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “I am pleased that teachers across the city have accepted this pay offer, which will ensure that Scottish teachers on the main-grade scale will continue to be the best paid in the UK.
“By investing in children and young people’s education, the SNP is helping to break the poverty-related cycle.
“Under this SNP government, the poverty-related gap for young people leaving school and going on to a positive destination has reduced by 60 per cent since 2009 – narrowing at all three key qualification levels.
“I am delighted that our incredible teachers will continue to be well-paid for the fantastic job they do in improving the lives of young people both in Edinburgh Pentlands and the wider city.”
COSLA is pleased to note that the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) panel have accepted a two-year pay award.
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Katie Hagmann welcomed the news, commenting: “The award secures pay uplifts for Scottish Teachers and associated professionals for the period 1st August 2025 to 31st July 2027.”
The latest pay agreement means Scotland’s Teachers will receive:
A 4% increase from 1/8/25 rising to 4.25% on 1/4/26
A 3.25% increase on 1/8/26
Councillor Hagmann continued: “Councils will now work to implement the first uplift over the next weeks as payroll schedules allow.”
SNP GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS OVER 30,000 VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN EDINBURGH
The SNP Government is supporting 31,810 disabled people in Edinburgh through the Adult Disability Payment, according to new figures from Social Security Scotland.
As of July 2025, 17,865,375 Adult Disability Payments had been made across Scotland, including 1,122,265 in Edinburgh. A total of 484,055 people are receiving support this way.
The Payment, distributed by Social Security Scotland, goes to those with a long-term disability or health condition that impacts their everyday life. It can amount to up to £110 a week.
Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “In government, the SNP has built a social security system rooted in dignity, fairness and respect.
“This had made an enormous difference to people across Edinburgh, with 1,122,265 payments issued and 31,810 vulnerable adults supported to live fulfilled lives.
“Every person who needs support should be able to access it, and the SNP will keep delivering that.
“I encourage everyone in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency and the wider city who thinks they could be eligible to check and ensure they get the support they are entitled to.”
Gordon Macdonald MSP has welcomed new proposals laid before the Scottish Parliament which will see unpaid carers in Edinburgh receive greater financial support, including a brand-new annual payment worth up to £520 for those who care for more than one person.
The Carer Additional Person Payment is expected to benefit around 18,000 people across Scotland and will form part of the SNP Scottish Government’s new Carer Support benefit package. This marks another milestone in Scotland’s distinct approach to social security, built on the SNP’s principles of dignity, fairness and respect.
Other measures include extending the Young Carer Grant to 19 year olds, widening access to Carer Support following the death of the cared-for person, and easing rules around breaks in caring responsibilities.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said:
“Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution in communities across the city, supporting family, friends and neighbours with dedication and love. The SNP is once again showing it recognises that contribution by putting money directly into the pockets of those caring for more than one person.
“This new payment, alongside the existing Carer Support Payment and Carer Supplement, will provide vital help at a time when so many carers are juggling even more financial pressures with the demands of looking after loved ones because of Labour’s austerity measures and cost of living crisis.
“This is another clear example of the SNP doing everything we can with the powers we have to deliver a fairer social security system for Scotland – one rooted in compassion and respect, and that improves lives where Westminster has failed carers for far too long.”
GORDON MACDONALD HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES
As children across Edinburgh head back to school, local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has highlighted the wide range of support available to help families with the cost of learning, including almost 7720 Best Start Grant – School Age Payments worth a total of ££2,132,033 paid out to local families in the last year.
The Best Start Grant – School Age Payment is a one-off payment of £314.45 to eligible families when their child starts primary school, helping with essentials such as school uniforms, shoes, and bags. This is in addition to the Best Start Foods payment card, which supports families with the cost of healthy food throughout the year.
The SNP Government has also expanded free school meals to all pupils in primary 1-5, with plans to extend this to all primary pupils in the lifetime of this parliament. Free school meals save families hundreds of pounds each year while ensuring every child has access to a healthy, nutritious lunch.
To help with the cost of uniforms, the SNP has increased the national minimum School Clothing Grant to at least £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils, available through local councils to eligible families.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The start of the school year is an exciting time for children, but it can also be a financially challenging time for families. That’s why I’m proud that in the last year alone, 7720 payments worth ££2,132,033 have gone to families in Edinburgh through the Best Start Grant – School Age Payment.
“From the Best Start Grant and School Clothing Grants, to free school meals and the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP is taking real, practical action to support families and tackle child poverty.
“While Labour austerity continues to squeeze household incomes, the SNP is using the powers we have to put money in the pockets of families across the city ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.”
Local authority area
[NUMBER]Number of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments
[VALUE]Value of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments
PENTLANDS MSP CONGRATULATES STUDENTS RECEIVING EXAM RESULTS
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has congratulated pupils across Edinburgh as they received their exam results.
This year’s results show a strong rise in attainment across Scotland’s schools and colleges, including for young people in the city.
More than 147,000 learners across the country received their results, with rates increasing at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher levels compared to 2024 and pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The results also confirm that the poverty related attainment gap continues to narrow across all levels, demonstrating the SNP Government’s commitment to ensuring every young person can succeed, no matter their background.
Notably, a record 110,380 young people achieved vocational and technical awards in subjects such as construction, business, and hospitality, up over 22% on last year.
The SNP Government has committed to continuing its work to close the attainment gap and invest in a world-class education system that supports all learners, no matter their path.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Yesterday’s results are a huge achievement for the young people of Edinburgh and across Scotland, and a testament to the hard work of students, teachers, parents, and carers. Congratulations.
“I’m particularly encouraged to see the attainment gap continuing to close. It’s clear that SNP investment in education, from early years through to school and beyond, is delivering for our communities.
“The growth in vocational qualifications is especially welcome. It shows that our young people are gaining real skills for work and life, supported by a modern, inclusive curriculum that offers pathways for everyone, not just the traditional academic route.
“There’s more to do, but this year’s results prove that the SNP is making progress where it matters – in classrooms, colleges, and communities. I couldn’t be prouder of what our learners are achieving across the city.”
Householders across Edinburgh have been urged to replace older electricity meters which use the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), ahead of the national switch-off on the 30th June 2025.
New figures have revealed that 15326 RTS meters are still in operation across the city.
After the shut-off, these meters may experience issues with their electric heating and hot water – potentially leading to higher bills, or a disrupted service. The SNP has called for an immediate delay to the switch-off or the guarantee of full compensation to consumers.
Electricity suppliers are responsible for replacing RTS meters with smart meters at no additional cost – anyone who thinks they may have an RTS meter should contact their supplier now to book an upgrade, local MSP Gordon Macdonald has said.
Commenting, local MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The RTS switch-off takes place on the 30th of June – and it could have real consequences for households that haven’t made the switch.
“There are 15326 RTS meters still in use across the city – and no one should be left with an unreliable meter or unexpected bills. Replacing these old meters is free, people only need to contact their electricity supplier.
“I’m particularly concerned about vulnerable residents, including our older people who may not be aware of this change. I urge the UK Government and Ofgem to immediately delay or guarantee full compensation to consumers ahead of the planned switch off.
“I encourage everyone in Edinburgh to replace their RTS meter ahead of switch-off at the end of June – this is one of those simple changes that can save a lot of stress down the line.”
NEW PENSION AGE DISABILITY PAYMENT REPLACES ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
The SNP Scottish Government has introduced the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) in Edinburgh and across Scotland with the national rollout of a new, fairer replacement to Attendance Allowance.
The payment is for people of state pension age living with a disability or long-term health condition.
PADP takes a fairer, more dignified approach to supporting pensioners than Attendance Allowance. While Attendance Allowance only classes those with terminal illness as eligible to receive support if they are expected to live for 12 months or less, PADP classes terminally ill people as eligible regardless of how long they are expected to live.
The payment, which is not means-tested, is paid either at a higher rate of £441 a month, or a lower rate of £295 a month. Under PADP, terminally ill recipients are automatically entitled to the highest level of payment – which is not the case under Attendance Allowance.
Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “In light of the UK Labour government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment and slash PIP provision, the SNP Scottish Government is delivering the support that older disabled people across Edinburgh deserve.
“I welcome the rollout of the Pension Age Disability Payment as people living with terminal illness will automatically be entitled to the highest level of payment, regardless of life expectancy – a marked difference from Westminster’s Attendance Allowance.
“This new benefit is the 15th delivered by Social Security Scotland with the principle of dignity, fairness, and respect at its heart.
“I urge all those across the city who think they may be eligible to apply.”
The earnings limit to be eligible to claim Carer Support Payment will go up from £151 per week to £196 per week in April.
Carers Support Payment, which remains the lowest benefit of its kind, will also rise from £81.90 to £83.30 – less than the price of a first-class postage stamp.
Unpaid carers who are in employment will benefit from a rise in the earnings limit on Carer Support Payment, allowing them to earn up to £2,340 more per year.
From 7 April, unpaid carers in paid work will be able to earn up to £196 per week, after tax, National Insurance and certain expenses, and still be eligible to claim Carer Support Payment. This is an increase of £45 compared to the previous earnings threshold of £151 and allows carers to work the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage.
Carers Scotland welcomes this change, which is the largest increase in the earnings limit for the benefit since it was introduced in 1976. It will allow unpaid carers to take on more paid work while receiving Carer Support Payment, providing vital income for those juggling employment with care.
Carer Support Payment is the main carer benefit, replacing Carers Allowance in Scotland. It is available if you spend at least 35 hours a week providing care and support to someone who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, who needs extra help as they get older or is affected by addiction.
The earnings limit increase will help unpaid carers in paid employment to stay in work, increasing their earnings potential and providing more financial security. It will also allow many carers whose earnings are above the previous limit to access Carer Support Payment for the first time.
Carers Scotland continues to call for the earnings limit to be tied to the National Living Wage so that carers do not have to reduce their hours as the earnings limit fails to keep up with increases to the National Living Wage. The charity says regulations to formally tie Carer Support Payment to the National Living Wage are vital.
However, for those who are unable to combine paid work and care, the value of Carer Support Payment remains low, despite the additional support of the twice yearly Carer’s Allowance Supplement 1. From 7 April 2025, Carer Support Payment will rise by 1.7% from £81.90 to £83.30 per week, which is less than the price of a first-class postage stamp.
UK Government plans for welfare reform are likely to have a subsequent impact on the Scottish budget and on the already limited incomes of unpaid carers and disabled people in Scotland.
There are an estimated 100,000 unpaid carers living in poverty in Scotland, with carers 56% more likely to be in poverty, and 60% more likely to be in deep poverty, than those without caring responsibilities.
Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Carers Scotland, said:“Carers Scotland welcomes the increase in the earnings threshold to £196 which will support more unpaid carers to earn more from paid employment alongside their Carer Support Payment. This change will also enable more carers to claim Carer Support Payment.
“The new threshold amount applies once a carer has taken away deductions for tax, national insurance and half of any pension contribution. Carers may also be able to deduct some of the costs to provide care whilst working.
“We would encourage all carers in employment or who are thinking about returning to employment to find out more about Carer Support Payment and the earnings threshold from the Carers Scotland website or by contacting the Carers UK advice line.”
Local MSP Gordon Macdonald commented: “I welcome this improved support for unpaid carers across the city.
“The Scottish Government to raise the earnings limit for Carer Support Payment once fully launched, based off feedback from carers and support organisations – this is now coming into place and supporting carers throughout the city.
“These changes will increase the number of unpaid carers able to access financial support.
“This is just one of many examples of increased powers in Scotland being used to improve lives here in Edinburgh – we could go so much further with the full powers of independence.
Alternatively, you can access the Carers UK helpline from 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday by calling 0808 808 7777 or email advice@carersuk.org at any time.
14,520,670 PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED BY NHS LOTHIAN LAST YEAR – SAVING HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF OVER £400
On the 14th anniversary of prescription charges being scrapped by the SNP Scottish Government, Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted that the policy saves the average household in Scotland over £400 a year.
Latest figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that over 113 million prescriptions, including 14,520,670 by NHS Lothian, were dispensed in Scotland in 2023/24 – meaning that on average people in Scotland received 20.8 prescriptions.
This means that based on the £9.90 charge currently in place in England, the average household in Scotland saved £436.72 in 2023/24 thanks to the policy.
In one of his first acts as Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay outlined his plans to re-introduce charges if he ever came to power – a move which would cost each person £206 per year on average.
A report by Trussell Trust last year showed that in England, 68% of working households receiving Universal Credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication due to the costs involved.
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The SNP is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Edinburgh has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.
“The SNP believe that healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone. The prescription charges, which Russell Findlay plans to re-introduce, were nothing more than a tax on ill health.
“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite Labour’s promise to bring them down, people across the city are still living through a cost-of-living crisis – making it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost.
”With Labour continuing to hint at an increased level of private healthcare involvement in the NHS, only the SNP can be trusted to put the people of Edinburgh first and protect them from having to pay for their vital medication.”
Gordon Macdonald MSP has marked “the transformative impact of SNP policies” as new figures show 42,368,125 of bus journeys were made by under 22s in Edinburgh since the SNP Government introduced the policy three years ago.
Earlier this week it was revealed that over 200 million free bus journeys had been made by young people across Scotland. The scheme continues to help eradicate child poverty, tackle climate change and grow the economy by providing free access to education, employment and leisure.
Through the 2025-26 Budget, the Scottish Government will provide £409 million for concessionary bus travel, providing access to free bus travel for almost 2.3 million people.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Eradicating child poverty is the number one priority of this SNP Government, and by facilitating 42,368,125 journeys for under 22s across the city – , the highest recorded across all local authority areas – we are making progress towards this goal.
“With over 200 million journeys now made across Scotland, this SNP policy is saving young people and their families significant amounts of money while creating new opportunities.
“This policy has been one of the most instrumental in improving the lives of young people across Edinburgh, supporting our bus services, our community, and our climate.
“This is the SNP under John Swinney delivering on Scotland’s priorities and for the city’s young people.”
Journeys made for the Under 22’s Free Bus Scheme since its launch, broken down by local authority area (as at 1/3/25):
