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Fiona Hyslop, local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, has raised her serious concerns over the recent statement released by Unison stating that the Lothian’s Integrated Joint Board – who receive funding from West Lothian Council and the NHS  are proposing the ‘outsourcing’ of services to the voluntary and private sector impacting on residential care of older people and care at home for the older and disabled people. The proposed funding cuts could also mean job losses in Housing with Care and Admin support, a reduction in the number of Occupational Therapists and Social Workers and a reduction in the number of residential care placements for adults with a learning disability. Unison have also stated that the proposals will impact predominantly on approximately 500 low paid, mainly part-time female Council workers…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of £4.3 million for the Climate Action Hub Programme. This funding will bring the programme to 20 communities across the country and seeks to take a place-based approach to Scotland’s journey to Net Zero, putting local communities at the heart of the transition. Fiona welcomed this announcement while speaking in a Scottish Parliament debate on Tuesday 14th March. Fiona closed the debate on behalf of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee in her role as Deputy Convener. Speaking after the debate Fiona said: “Councils and communities can drive change in their local communities, and I welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement of £4.3 million for the Climate Action Hub programme. This funding will bring the programme…

The Scottish Government are now delivering 13 benefits through Social Security Scotland, 7 of which are only available in Scotland. Payments are now underway for the Winter Heating Payment which will provide around 400,000 low-income households with a reliable £50 payment to help with their heating costs. Commenting Fiona said: “I welcome the news that the Scottish Governments Winter Heating Payment will provide support for around 400,000 low-income households. “This payment will provide much needed support for households in my Constituency and across Scotland as we continue to deal with the energy price crisis. The Winter Heating Payment will provide guaranteed financial support no matter the weather and is a payment that people across Scotland can rely on. “The Scottish Government are also now providing 13 benefits through Social Security…

94.5% of West Lothian Young People Head to Work of Further Education Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has welcomed recent Scottish Government figures showing that last year 94.5% of all school leavers across West Lothian are able to go into work, training or further education. Last year saw the highest number of young people across Scotland in work, education or further training after leaving school since records began. Fiona commented, “These are very welcome, record-breaking figures and I am pleased that 2,067 young people across West Lothian are able to further their study, training or enter employment. “As well as showing a further reduction in overall attainment gap across Scotland, these figures are also testament to the dedication of local teachers, parents and of course, the young people…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, is the Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. During an evidence session with the Transport Minister, Jenny Gilruth MSP on Tuesday 28th February Ms Hyslop raised the issue of bus connectivity in West Lothian directly with the Minister. Speaking after the session, Fiona commented: “I welcome the Scottish Government’s Free Bus Pass for Under 22’s scheme and recognise the incredible benefits of this scheme for our young people but West Lothian has one of the lowest rates of uptake of the scheme. “This may be due to better promotion and simpler schemes to apply by other Councils elsewhere but as my Constituency in West Lothian has many semi-rural communities with poor bus links across the County…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has highlighted the various unique towns in her Constituency, highlighting the uniqueness of our local towns and communities and the importance of ensuring they can thrive. The debate was brought to Parliament by the Economy and Fair Work Committee, which Fiona is a member of, following their major Inquiry into Town Centres and Retail in Scotland. Fiona said, “We have unique and very distinct towns in West Lothian in my Constituency all of whom need their own Town Action Plan led by their local communities and I was pleased to highlight them in the Economy and Fair Work Committee’s debate on Wednesday (28th Feb) to highlight the importance of local towns across Scotland and those in my own Constituency. “My Constituency has…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has sponsored an event at the Scottish Parliament marking the 40th Anniversary of Business in the Community, the largest and longest established membership organisation dedicated to responsible business in the UK. The event also celebrated their work in creating fair, green and sustainable environments to work. The Reception at Holyrood included stalls with showcased the organisations Fair Work and Inclusivity programmes and there were around a hundred representatives from different businesses and communities from across the country in attendance. Following the event, Fiona commented, “Bringing together business and the communities in which they serve is key to building on our social and economic strengths. “As a member of the Economy and Fair Work Committee and the Deputy Convener of the Net Zero,…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, spoke in the Scottish Government’s Debate: Marking One Year of War Against Ukraine, on Thursday 23rd February. During the debate Ms Hyslop reflected on the war and echoed calls for a Special International Tribunal to prosecute Russian leadership for crimes committed since the Russian invasion began on 24th February 2022. Speaking after the debate Fiona said: “As we mark the first anniversary of the illegal Russian invasion of the internationally recognised sovereign territory of Ukraine, we must all take this opportunity to recommit our support to the people of Ukraine. “Russia’s war against Ukraine is an assault not only on the people of Ukraine but of their culture and history. As the war continues, we see more attacks on Ukrainian cultural objects…

Following the First Minister’s announcement, on 15th February, Fiona said: “I have known and worked with Nicola for many years having first met her when she was a politically talented 16 year old and have been proud to watch her lead Scotland as First Minister through the toughest of times. She had led our nation further down the path to Independence and her legacy is huge and one we will continue to build on, not least by securing Independence for Scotland. “Nicola Sturgeon has served the people of Scotland with distinction. As the first female First Minister, she has also been the longest incumbent in this office, both of which we must recognise as achievements in themselves. Her empathy, warmth, humility and sheer appetite for hard work and resilience has…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, sponsored a panel discussion with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 8th February. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland are an umbrella group who bring together many civic organisations in Scotland to mobilise action on climate change. The event focused on climate change policy and the opportunities for action in 2023. The issues covered included reflection on COP27 and its outcomes and the development of Scotland’s Climate Change Plan. The event, which was well attended by MSPs and industry stakeholders also featured speeches from Nafkote Dabi of Oxfam International and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland Chair, Mike Robinson. Commenting after the event Fiona said: “I was pleased to sponsor this event which provided an opportunity for MSPs and climate change organisations…