Gordon Macdonald MSP – Page 2 – The NEN

94% of Edinburgh school leavers are in positive destinations

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed new figures that show 94% of school leavers across Edinburgh are in positive destinations nine months after finishing school.

Across Scotland, the proportion of school leavers in the 2021/22 cohort accessing further or higher education, employment, training or an apprenticeship nine months after leaving school is at its highest since records began. The number of school leavers in work has also reached a record high of 31.8%.

This year has also seen a reduction in the poverty related attainment gap, with the gap between young people from the most and least deprived areas across Scotland in work, training or further study narrowing to a record low of seven percentage points – down from 18.7 percentage points in 2009-10.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the impact of the ongoing Tory cost of living crisis, young people across Edinburgh are continuing to achieve and excel, and I welcome that 94% have went on to secure work, further education or a training post nine months after leaving schools.

“These encouraging numbers are testament to the hard work and commitment of our young people, teachers and parents – and show that this Scottish Government is delivering on its education commitments and closing the attainment gap.

“Much progress has been made in Scotland to increase opportunities for young people, but the only way to properly tackle the poverty related attainment gap is to tackle poverty – which will always be impossible under this Tory UK government, and their punitive austerity measures.

“Scotland needs independence now, so that it can have the full powers at its disposal to properly address poverty and continue to support young people across the city to thrive.”

Year	LA code	LA Name	Number of leavers	Positive Destination	Percentage %
2021/22	100	Aberdeen City	1,791	1,627	91%
2021/22	110	Aberdeenshire	2,803	2,630	94%
2021/22	120	Angus	1,310	1,214	93%
2021/22	130	Argyll & Bute	836	788	94%
2021/22	150	Clackmannanshire	542	476	88%
2021/22	170	Dumfries & Galloway	1,642	1,532	93%
2021/22	180	Dundee City	1,389	1,272	92%
2021/22	190	East Ayrshire	1,297	1,204	93%
2021/22	200	East Dunbartonshire	1,427	1,395	98%
2021/22	210	East Lothian	1,102	1,042	95%
2021/22	220	East Renfrewshire	1,428	1,392	97%
2021/22	230	Edinburgh, City of	3,587	3,379	94%
2021/22	235	Na h-Eileanan Siar	267	257	96%
2021/22	240	Falkirk	1,700	1,576	93%
2021/22	250	Fife	4,079	3,758	92%
2021/22	260	Glasgow City	4,976	4,716	95%
2021/22	270	Highland	2,554	2,384	93%
2021/22	280	Inverclyde	835	767	92%
2021/22	290	Midlothian	1,084	1,020	94%
2021/22	300	Moray	960	903	94%
2021/22	310	North Ayrshire	1,514	1,410	93%
2021/22	320	North Lanarkshire	3,903	3,585	92%
2021/22	330	Orkney Islands	213	[c]
2021/22	340	Perth & Kinross	1,460	1,384	95%
2021/22	350	Renfrewshire	1,907	1,751	92%
2021/22	355	Scottish Borders	1,246	1,187	95%
2021/22	360	Shetland Islands	259	246	95%
2021/22	370	South Ayrshire	1,176	1,140	97%
2021/22	380	South Lanarkshire	3,441	3,243	94%
2021/22	390	Stirling	1,140	1,069	94%
2021/22	395	West Dunbartonshire	980	877	89%
2021/22	400	West Lothian	2,182	2,011	92%

Record number of school leavers in work, training or study – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald welcomes £50 boost to around 27,500 households in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the news that around 27,500 households across Edinburgh will receive an automatic £50 from the Scottish Government’s new Winter Heating Payment in the coming few weeks regardless of the weather conditions.

The new payment replaces the Cold Weather Payment – a Westminster benefit administered by the DWP – that only paid out when the temperature in Edinburgh fell far enough for an extended period.

This meant many areas across Scotland missed out on any help at all from one year to the next because it was just not cold enough for long enough.

In contrast, the new £50 Scottish payment is guaranteed to be paid to every eligible household regardless of what the weather is like.

Earlier this week, the SNP Scottish Government received the data needed from the DWP to identify everyone in Scotland who is eligible. That data is now going through a quality assurance process to make sure all payments are paid safely and securely.

And the money will be delivered to eligible households later this month and next.

Commenting Mr Macdonald said: “This really is a massive improvement for around 27,500 hard-pressed households across Edinburgh.

“We have replaced the old Westminster payment – which only paid out when the temperature plunged for a sustained period – with a new Scottish payment that is reliable because it is guaranteed every year and does not depend on the temperature turning Baltic.

“It means those in need will get the much-needed extra cash this month or next without having to shiver away at home while hoping the weather stays cold long enough to trigger a payment.

“Last winter, no cold weather payments were made across whole swathes of the country. In total, only 11,000 people in the whole of the country received the cash from Westminster. This year, because of the SNP Scottish Government, around 27,500 households across Edinburgh alone will get an extra £50 to help with the Tory cost-of-living crisis.

“And the total amount paid out by Westminster also varied enormously from year to year. Between 2015 and 2022, an average of only £8.3million was given out in Scotland to an average of 185,000 households.

“The new Scottish benefit will see £20million put into the pockets of 415,000 households in the next few weeks.

“That means around 27,500 households in Edinburgh are guaranteed to receive £50 to help with their bills – regardless of how cold it is.”

SNP MSP leads debate on important role of the National Robotarium

Gordon Macdonald MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands led a members debate in Parliament yesterday, highlighting the benefits of robotics, AI and autonomous systems and the important work being developed at the National Robotarium located at Heriot Watt University campus in partnership with the University of Edinburgh.

The motion for debate focused on the National Robotarium’s unrivalled technology and facilities which is central to the development and testing of robotics and AI solutions across the three distinct areas of robotics and autonomous systems, human and robot interaction, and high-precision manufacturing.

Mr Macdonald highlighted the National Robotarium’s role in growing Scotland as a world leading international hub which will require sufficient support to ensure a trained, qualified workforce and the development of a manufacturing base.

Commenting Mr Macdonald said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to lead my members debate on the National Robotarium, the largest and most advanced applied research facility for robotics and artificial intelligence found anywhere in the UK and located here in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency.

“On a recent visit to the centre I saw first-hand the incredible work they are doing in their state of the art facility and heard about the aspirations of the centre and indeed the opportunities for Scotland.

“Scotland, unlike many areas of the UK, still has a manufacturing base and the National Robotarium is in a position to move innovative products and services rapidly from laboratory to market, to develop new prototypes, and support early-stage product development within an incubator environment that drives productivity.

“The National Robotarium will be central in creating opportunities for companies to establish, develop and scale up, as well as meeting the future challenges of growth and manufacturing but it is imperative we have a trained workforce so planning for skills is crucial if we are to realise this industry’s potential.”

National Robotarium CEO Stewart Miller, who attended the debate, commented: “I’m grateful to Mr Macdonald for raising this important debate in Parliament and highlighting the work we’re doing at the National Robotarium to build skills and increase the adoption of robotics and AI across all sectors.

“Many of the points raised during the debate clearly illustrate how the expansion of robotics capabilities can positively impact both the economy and society as a whole. The National Robotarium is an important milestone in this story, however, only with increased government support and investment can Scotland and the UK fully realise its potential to become a leading knowledge base and potential manufacturing hub for robotics.”

27,500 Edinburgh households set to receive new winter heating payment

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the announcement of a new Winter Heating Payment from the Scottish Government.

Around 27,500 households across the city are set to receive the new payment which replaces the old Cold Weather Payment from the UK government which relied on the temperature dropping to a certain level before payments were triggered.

The Scottish Government’s Winter Heating Payment will pay a flat-rate of £50 in February, no matter the temperature, to people on low-incomes who qualify.

Commenting, Gordon said: “The Winter Heating Payment will be the 13^th social security benefit set up by the Scottish Government and demonstrates what we can do with limited powers to build a fairer, more equal Scotland.

“It is a welcome step that the new payment will move away from the UK government’s system of issuing support when the temperature drops to a certain level. This will provide a reliable payment for households every winter.

“The new payment is another social security payment that is unique to Scotland and builds on support already available through game-changing benefits such as the Scottish Child Payment – the only payment of its kind in Britain.

“However, the Scottish Government continues to act with one hand tied behind its back. Only with the full powers of independence can we truly provide a system that works for the people of Scotland, not against them.”

Low income pensioners: Don’t miss out on £324 extra help

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR COST-OF-LIVING PAYMENT

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald and Age Scotland are urging low income pensioners in Edinburgh to act quickly to claim for Pension Credit before this Sunday’s deadline to avoid losing outon an extra £324 cost of living payment.

Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, can help identify if someone is eligible for Pension Credit and offer advice on applying by calling their helpline on 0800 12 44 222, where advisers can carry out a full benefits check, or check their eligibility online at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator

Pension Credit provides pensioners on a low income with extra money and other helpful support. It can top up their weekly income to £182.60 if they are single, and £278.70 if they are making a joint claim with a partner, as well as cutting council tax bills, help with energy costs and a free TV licence if they are over the age of 75.

Anyone who makes a successful Pension Credit application to the Department for Work and Pensions before 18 December, 2022 will also be entitled to a £324 lump sum financial support payment. This is because a claim for Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time.

Gordon Macdonald, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands said: “With growing numbers of older people struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, there has never been a more important time to make sure you are receiving everything to which you are entitled.

“Every year in Scotland, hundreds of millions of pounds in social security payments go unclaimed by older people due to lack of awareness, difficulty in accessing them, stigma surrounding benefits or just not knowing where to turn for help.

“I would encourage people to call Age Scotland’s helpline to find out if they are entitled to Pension Credit or make an application directly via the gov.uk website as soon as possible.”

Age Scotland interim chief executive Michelle Supple said: “Pension Credit is not only an essential benefit, but it opens the door to much more additional support including help with energy bills in the winter, a free TV licence for over-75s, help with rent and council tax reduction, free dental care and reduced water bills.

“We are urging all pensioners on a low income to act quickly and start the application process or call our helpline 0800 12 44 222 for advice. We don’t want to see anyone miss out on extra cost of living support, especially with Christmas around the corner.”

If you receive Pension Credit, there is a range of additional support and payments to help:

· A one-off payment of £150 (previously £140) through the Warm Home Discount Scheme to help with the cost of energy this winter

· A £50 payment in February to help with heating costs

· Help with Council Tax and rent

· Reduced water bills

· Free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital

· A free TV licence (if over-75)

· An extra amount of Pension Credit for some carers worth up to £38.85 a week

Applications for Pension Credit can be made by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 99 1234, or online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim

Brexit costs Edinburgh equivalent of £211.4 MILLION as exports plummet

SCOTTISH ECONOMY LOSES £2.2BN IN TRADE TO EU

Brexit has cost Edinburgh the equivalent of £211.4 million as Scottish exports have plummeted since the UK left the EU to the value of £2.2bn.

Figures from HMRC show that exports have dropped 13% in the past two years from £16.7bn to £14.5bn.

The £2.2bn loss is equivalent to Edinburgh losing £211.4 million.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Brexit has been an unmitigated disaster for every area of Scotland, including in Edinburgh. These latest figures show why it is essential for Scotland to become independent and re-join the European Union.

“Only with independence can we get back on the road towards prosperity as both Labour and the Tories offer no way back to the European Union, just continuing decline under Westminster control.

“Industries in Edinburgh and across Scotland are suffering as a result of the disastrous Brexit, the only way Scotland can flourish and realise our full potential is by becoming an independent country in the European Union.”

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/23091755.scots-exports-slump-13-per-cent-since-brexit/

Area Population Lost Export Value

Scotland 5,479,900 £2.2 billion

Aberdeen City 227,430 £91.3 million

Aberdeenshire 262,690 £105.5 million

Angus 116,120 £46.6 million

Argyll and Bute 86,220 £34.6 million

City of Edinburgh 526,470 £211.4 million

Clackmannanshire 51,540 £20.7 million

Dumfries and Galloway 148,790 £59.7 million

Dundee City 147,720 £59.3 million

East Ayrshire 122,020 £49 million

East Dunbartonshire 108,900 £43.7 million

East Lothian 109,580 £44 million

East Renfrewshire 96,580 £38.8 million

Falkirk 160,700 £64.5 million

Fife 374,730 £150.4 million

Glasgow City 635,130 £255 million

Highland 238,060 £95.6 million

Inverclyde 76,700 £30.8 million

Midlothian 94,680 £38 million

Moray 96,410 £38.7 million

Na h-Eileanan Siar 26,640 £10.7 million

North Ayrshire 134,220 £53.9 million

North Lanarkshire 341,400 £137.1 million

Orkney Islands 22,540 £9 million

Perth and Kinross 153,810 £61.7 million

Renfrewshire 179,940 £72.2 million

Scottish Borders 116,020 £46.6 million

Shetland Islands 22,940 £9.2 million

South Ayrshire 112,450 £45.1 million

South Lanarkshire 322,630 £129.5 million

Stirling 93,470 £37.5 million

West Dunbartonshire 87,790 £35.2 million

West Lothian 185,580 £74.5 million

MSP welcomes refreshed Baby Box to support Edinburgh families facing rising costs

41408 BABY BOXES ALREADY DELIVERED IN NHS LOTHIAN

Edinburgh Pentlands SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald, has welcomed the news that Scotland’s Baby Box – 41408 of which have already been delivered across NHS Lothian – is receiving a makeover for its fifth birthday.

The Scottish Government introduced the Baby Boxes scheme in 2017, entitling every newborn in Scotland to a box containing essential items intended to make sure that every child has the best possible start in life.

Based the latest figures for number of Baby Boxes given out by health boards, 235 622 boxes have been distributed to parents across Scotland since the start of the project.

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “I am delighted that Scotland’s much cherished Baby Box is being given a makeover in time for its fifth anniversary. Already, 41408 baby boxes have been delivered across NHS Lothian by the SNP in government since 2017.

“With updated clothing designs, the refreshed baby box also now includes a baby toothbrush to promote oral health from the very beginning of a baby’s life.

“The arrival of a new baby is a wonderful moment for every family across the city but, as every new parent no doubt appreciates, the costs of welcoming a new addition to the family are significant – particularly when household budgets are under increasing pressure with the cost-of-living crisis.

“Regardless of the circumstances of new mums and dads, receiving a baby box as a celebration of their new arrivals – and the essential items needed for the first six months of their child’s life – really is a welcome gift.

“And the addition of a toothbrush in the baby box for the first time will hopefully encourage good dental health from the beginning and all the way through life.

“The baby box is one of many transformative actions the SNP is taking to make a real difference to children and families on low incomes – like the game changing Scottish Child payment, which will soon be £25 per week per child.

“While the SNP government continues to deliver bold policies in government for a fairer Scotland, with the limited powers at its disposal, it is only with the full powers of independence that we can properly build a better future that works for everyone.”

Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald backs calls for Chancellor to go

INDEPENDENCE THE ONLY ROUTE TO ESCAPE TORY CUTS FOR GOOD

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has backed calls for Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng to resign or be sacked following his shambolic handling of the UK’s finances.

It comes as the independent Office for Budget Responsibility confirmed they offered to provide a forecast to the Chancellor to go alongside his fiscal statement, but that it was not commissioned by the UK Government.

This was despite the OBR confirming it WAS able to produce an updated forecast that satisfied the legal requirements of the Charter for Budget Responsibility.

And the calls to quit have intensified after Prime Minister Liz Truss refused to rule out her Government slashing benefits and cutting £18billion from public services – which threatens Scotland’s budget and our NHS – to pay for Kwarteng’s staggering incompetence in mishandling the economy.

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The fallout from the new Truss administration’s ‘mini-budget’ has been huge, taking a wrecking ball to the UK’s finances, endangering the pension funds of millions, causing banks to withdraw mortgages and leaving millions of families in Edinburgh deep distress.

“We now learn that despite the OBR publishing their forecast to the UK Government, the Treasury will delay the publication until November 23. This is simply unacceptable.

“It’s been a disastrous first few weeks of the Truss premiership but if the rhetoric from the Conservatives is to be believed, much worse is yet to come.

“Within days of taking office, we have once again seen the devastating consequences of Scotland being shackled to this outdated, corrupt Westminster system. Mortgages, pensions and savings of the people of Edinburgh are all being badly hit – and there is no plan to fix it.

“Instead of trying to dodge accountability or, as we now know, drinking champagne with hedge fund managers on the night of his budget, the Chancellor must do the honourable thing and resign or be sacked.

“And Truss’s plan to impose a new wave of Tory austerity cuts is utterly obscene. After 12 years of Tory mismanagement and Brexit damage, the UK already had the worst levels of poverty and inequality in north west Europe.

“The UK government should be reversing the damage it has caused, not doubling down on cuts and pushing more people into poverty.

“These actions underline the need for Scotland to become an independent country – so we can escape Westminster control and get rid of the Tories for good.”

MSP welcomes Scottish Government’s heating assistance payment

Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the planned introduction of the new Low Income Winter Heating Assistance benefit to help households both across the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency and the wider city pay their energy bills.

The support is being introduced by the SNP Scottish Government and will guarantee an annual payment of £50 to around 400,000 low income households from February 2023.

It replaces the UK government’s Cold Weather payments which were only triggered during a ‘cold spell’ of seven consecutive days below zero degrees, whilst the new payment from the Scottish Government will provide a reliable, stable guaranteed payment in winter, no matter the weather.

It will be the thirteenth social security payment introduced by the SNP Scottish Government and will be only available in Scotland.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald said: “The SNP Scottish Government is providing a guaranteed payment of £50 to low-income households across Edinburgh to help pay their energy bills every winter, starting in February 2023.

“Once again the SNP Scottish Government is stepping up to support households within its limited budget, and despite the majority of powers lying with the Tories at Westminster.

“The Scottish Government’s annual £20m investment will mean households will get an automatic payment. The UK Cold Weather payments only reached 11,000 households in 2021/22.

“As the Scottish Government continues to step up and provide support to households across Scotland, it does so with one hand tied behind its back by the UK Tory government.

“That is why it is only with the full powers of independence can we start to build a fairer, more equal country.”