In Parliament

Pakistan Flood Relief

This month the Scottish Government helped provide funds to support the relief efforts in Pakistan after devastating floods. These floods have left 7.9million people temporarily displaced, 33 million affected, and a third of their country is under water.

The funding of £500,000 was split between the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Pakistan Floods Appeal and members of the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund Panel, which will go directly towards supporting the humanitarian efforts to help all those affected.

I have donated to the cause myself and encourage those who can afford to offer support to donate through the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Pakistan Floods Appeal.

Smoking banned near hospital buildings

New legislation has come into force which will protect patients, healthcare staff and visitors from second-hand smoke at hospital doors.

A nationwide ban has come into place this month which prohibits people from smoking within 15 metres of a hospital building. Those found lighting up within this zone could face a fixed penalty notice of £50 or a fine of up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

This is the latest step in the Scottish Government’s plan to create a tobacco free Scotland by 2034 and supports the voluntary smoke-free hospital grounds policy introduced in 2015.

The new law applies to NHS hospital settings used for the treatment and care of patients and includes a ban on lighting up beneath overhanging structures.

National Mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II

This month, the nation came to a standstill to reflect on, respect and honour the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II following her passing. After a 70-year reign, the Queen passed away in her home in the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire.

Her Majesty the Queen was Scotland’s longest serving monarch, and I think we can all acknowledge and respect her lifelong commitment to public service.

The State Funeral for Her Majesty was one of the most momentous occasions in recent history, with people from all around the world watching and paying their respects. The ceremonial events in Edinburgh and across Scotland will live long in our national memory.

Money Advice Support

The Scottish Government has increased funding for advice services. This is so more people can make use of and benefit from their local money advice services to ensure they are accessing appropriate available support and maximising their funds. This will be essential for many as we face an increased cost of living and energy prices.

I have encouraged constituents to make use of local money advice services such as;

 

Adult Disability Payment (ADP)

ADP is now replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and it is coming under Scottish Government administration.

If you already get PIP from DWP then you do not need to apply for ADP as your payments will transfer automatically.

You can apply for ADP if you are between 16 years old and state pension age and need help with the extra costs of being disabled or having a long term health condition.

Find out more at or call 0800 182 2222

 

In the Constituency

  • Due to the Queen’s passing and respecting the national 10-day period of mourning, public engagements were cancelled during this time. Therefore, I have had to rearrange a lot of appointments and I appreciate everyone’s flexibility, patience and understanding.
  • At the start of the month, I was able to catch up with Govan Youth Information Project, TURF and Govan HELP. I’m grateful for the continued support and services they provide to the constituency, from the young to the old and everyone in-between!
  • If you have a prepayment meter, it is important to ensure that the account holder’s contact details are up to date. This is because account holders with traditional (non-smart) prepayment meters will receive the Energy Bill Support Scheme discount of £400 via Special Action Messages (SAM) or vouchers which will be sent via SMS text, email or post. People with smart prepayment meters will see the discount credited directly to their meter the first 11 days of each month. For support or information, or if you are worried about paying your energy bills or think you wonHumza Yousaf MSP and Chris Stephens MP hosting their own Macmillan Coffee Morning’t be able to afford them, please contact your energy supplier as soon as you can and ask for help.
  • I ended the month by hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning with Chris Stephens MP. We managed to raise over £600 for the charity and thanks to the generous donations of cakes we fed many visitors escaping the cold weather. A big thank you to Lourdes RC Church for providing their hall space, and also to Rawlings Love To Eat, McHargs, One o One, Morrison’s and Asda for their donations.