Being First Minister of Scotland is in my – admittedly biased – opinion the best job in the world. It is a privilege beyond measure – one that has sustained and inspired me, in good times and through the toughest hours of my toughest days.
This month, Holyrood will introduce our 13th new benefit – the Winter Heating Payment, which will deliver £50 to struggling households to help with heating costs. When you consider that we’ve introduced these 13 payments within five years, this is remarkable progress. We did not
Nicola Sturgeon has published her tax returns and put pressure on the Prime Minister to do the same Six years worth of filings were made public on the SNP website on Monday as a commitment to release the information continues. The First Minister’s returns cover
Almost 45 million free bus journeys have been made since the Scottish Government introduced free bus travel for under 22s a year ago. Scotland benefits from the most comprehensive concessionary travel schemes in the UK. More than a third of the population, over 2.3 million
Supporting Parent Mental Health Day with Local Organisations To mark Parent Mental Day, Graeme visited Mum & Me Angus in Arbroath and the High-5 Club in Monifieth Mum & Me is a long-term nurturing support group for mums in Angus. It is based in the
In the last year, the scheme has helped homes in all 32 of Scotland’s Local Authorities, with 5,311 households receiving support. Graeme has welcomed the impact of a scheme aimed at helping homes become warmer, more comfortable and more affordable to heat. Warmer Homes Scotland,
Rishi Sunak’s Tories must not slash support while bills are soaring A new report by the Resolution Foundation has revealed the average household will be £2,100 worse off by the end of next financial year, leaving households worse off than before the covid-19 pandemic until 2028
Whether it’s Brexit, City Deals, pensions or welfare, Tory governments at Westminster have a long record of short-changing Scotland Far from “levelling up” or a “Union dividend”, Scotland is repeatedly forced to pay the price for UK government cuts, damaging decisions, and the failure to
Tens of thousands more payments made The introduction of Adult Disability Payment, further automation and the increase and extension of Scottish Child Payment has seen more people apply for and get financial support they are entitled to. Thousands of people have also had their benefit
Shona Robison has said support is available for those facing financial hardship over the festive period. Cost of living rises are putting a huge strain on households and people may be particularly worried about debt and keeping up with outgoings after Christmas. Social Justice Secretary