Category: News

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop MSP, is alerting Constituents who receive the Best Start Food Benefit to check their balance as it is revealed that many who have applied have not yet activated their card, meaning they have yet to access vital funds they are entitled to. Letters will be sent to eligible families in West Lothian from Social Security Scotland ahead of Christmas. The Best Start Food Grant is a Scottish Social Security Benefit for lower income families and is paid to pregnant women or their partners and families who have children aged up to 3 years old. It is part of a wider package of five family payments including: Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment and…

Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has met with the Scottish Government Minister for Public Health, Jenni Minto MSP, in relation to NHS Lothian’s 2021 Review of their Paediatric Audiology Service which identified that a number of children were not promptly diagnosed as deaf as babies. Fiona, along with other Lothian MSPs, met with the Minister to ensure that the late-diagnosed deaf children get the support that they need. Fiona also spoke in a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the issue earlier this year. Following the meeting Fiona commented, “I was pleased to meet with the Minister for Public Health, Jenni Minto, to relay the voices of parents and families of FLAAG (Families failed by Lothian Audiology Action Group) who have been impacted by this serious failing within…

Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop met with S4 and S5 pupils from Linlithgow Academy this week as part of the Scottish Parliament’s Education Outreach Programme. The pupils receive a tour of the building and the opportunity to meet with and ask questions to their local and regional MSPs. Fiona commented, “It was a pleasure to meet with young people from Linlithgow Academy at the Scottish Parliament this week (12th Dec). They were very engaged and passionate about politics both nationally and closer to home, asking interesting and inciteful questions. “The Scottish Parliament is proud to be a Parliament of its people and one that is open and accessible to all. I am always pleased to meet Constituents looking to find out more about their Parliament and the work…

Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop met with S4 pupils from St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn this week as part of the Scottish Parliament’s Education Outreach Programme. The pupils receive a tour of the building, tickets to see First Minister’s Questions and the opportunity to meet with and ask questions to their local and regional MSPs. Fiona commented, “It was a pleasure to meet with young people from St Kentigern’s Academy at the Scottish Parliament this week. They were very engaged with local and national politics and asked interesting relevant questions. “The Scottish Parliament is proud to be a Parliament of its people and one that is open and accessible to all. I am always pleased to meet your Constituents looking to find out more about their Parliament and…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights useful Cost of Living resource from the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government has a useful website to help people across Scotland with the Cost of Living - https://costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/ The website has a range of information available to users including information on support available to households’ facing energy, housing and other rising costs. Commenting Fiona said; “As we continue to deal with the impacts of the Cost of Living crisis, I would encourage all of my Constituents to use this resource from the Scottish Government to help deal with the Cost of Living Crisis. “The website provides information on energy bills, benefits, debt and money, health and wellbeing and support for older or disabled people. “I would urge my Constituents to visit…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed Scottish Government funding to expand the Youth Navigator programme in Scotland. Youth Navigator is a youth service run by Medics against Violence to support young people presenting to health care services. Recently announced Scottish Government funding of £64,000 will allow the expansion of the service to University Hospital Wishaw and a pilot of the Youth Navigator programme in schools. Commenting Fiona said: “Youth Navigator provides vital support for young people, aged 12-16, as they access health care services. Hospital presentation by vulnerable young people is often when other underlying and pressing needs are identified. “I welcome this announcement of funding from the Scottish Government to support the expansion of the Youth Navigator programme across Scotland. “Youth Navigator has supported over…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, is highlighting the campaign launched by ScotRail, The Scottish Government, British Transport Police and Trade Unions to tackle abuse experienced by transport staff as part of a £1.6m crackdown. Fiona helped to launch this campaign in her capacity has Transport Minister. Fiona commented, “I am aware of the reports of anti-social behaviour on trains and at the station in Linlithgow recently causing staff and passengers to become intimidated. “This nation-wide funding will allow for an increase in body worn cameras, hire more staff for night trains and introduce a team of revenue protection officers. Extra support will also be offered to affected staff. “It is vital that those working or using public transport can go about their business without fear of abuse…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights resources available to Constituents to support winter planning. Ready Scotland aims to make Scotland more resilient to emergencies as disruptions can happen at any time. They provide tips on how to ready your home or business for the unexpected and have advice on how best to respond to emergencies when they do occur. Commenting Fiona said: “During this winter season I would encourage all of my Constituents to familiarise themselves with the resources provided by Ready Scotland by visiting www.ready.scot “This is an excellent resource providing tips on how to prepare for the unexpected as well as information on where to find support should an emergency occur. “Over the festive period, when many organisations may close, it is important to know…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, welcomes the 2024-25 Scottish Budget which has prioritised our most vital services and will invest in NHS Scotland. The 2024-25 Scottish Budget was commended to the Scottish Parliament by Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison, in a statement to the Chamber on Tuesday 19th December 2023. Commenting Fiona said; “The UK Government delivered a 3% real terms cut to England’s NHS in their autumn statement, while the Scottish Government are increasing their frontline NHS budget in real terms. “Ensuring that the NHS has the protection it needs is a clear priority in this budget. The Scottish Government are mitigating UK austerity and will increase funding for frontline NHS Boards by £550 million. “This increase will take the total investment to £13.2 billion in…

Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the Scottish Child Payment which is supporting 12,485 children across West Lothian. The Scottish Child Payment, which provides £25 per week to every eligible child, is estimated to lift 50,000 children Scotland-wide out of relative poverty in 2023/24. In West Lothian 140,910 payments worth £17,502,730 have been paid out to families to help tackle child poverty. Fiona commented, “The Scottish Child Payment is a huge support to local families who are already facing great challenges. The Scottish Government is clear that tackling child poverty is a key propriety and I welcome the latest child poverty figures which are already showing a 5% reduction in 2023/24. “The £17,502,730 which is going out to 12,485 children across West Lothian will provide financial support…