Latest news with #Airdrie&Shotts
Daily Record
28-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray welcomes new Scottish Government funding for independent hospices
The Scottish Government has confirmed that £5 million is being distributed to ensure pay parity with NHS staff. Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray has welcomed new Scottish Government funding for independent hospices to ensure their "fantastic" clinical staff get pay parity with those in the NHS. The Scottish Government has recognised the 'enormous value' of clinical staff in independent hospices in North Lanarkshire - and confirmed that £5 million is being distributed to ensure pay parity with NHS staff. The funding was announced in the Scottish Budget, with hospices now having their funding allocations confirmed so that staff providing essential palliative and end-of-life care in independent hospices are fairly paid in line with NHS pay scales. This will help hospices like Airdrie's St Andrew's Hospice recruit and retain skilled healthcare professionals during a time of rising workforce pressures and increasing demand for palliative care services. Mr Gray MSP said: "The independent hospices like St Andrew's provide vital support to countless families at the most difficult times in their lives. "That's why this SNP Government is supporting hospices across North Lanarkshire in paying the staff who are so integral to providing this care. "Hospice staff deliver incredibly skilled, compassionate care every day, and now their pay will reflect the immense value of their work."
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray welcomes statistics showing 'success' of Scottish Government's Carer Support Payment
More than £89.5 million, including £8,206,100 in North Lanarkshire, has now been issued in vital financial support to carers throughout Scotland since it was piloted in November 2023. Airdrie & Shotts MSP Neil Gray has welcomed new statistics showing the "success" of the Scottish Government's Carer Support Payment. More than £89.5 million, including £8,206,100 in North Lanarkshire, has now been issued in vital financial support to carers throughout Scotland since it was piloted in November 2023. The Carer Support Payment replaces Carer's Allowance for new Scottish applicants and is a cornerstone of Scotland's distinct social security system. According to the latest figures, a total of 17,260 applications for the Carer Support Payment were received between November 2023 and the end of March 2025. Of the 10,375 applications processed, 73 per cent were approved, underlining the programme's strong uptake and success in reaching those in need. The data also reveals that carers from every local authority in Scotland have accessed the new payment since the national roll-out in November 2024. North Lanarkshire made up 11 per cent of applications. Mr Gray said: 'These numbers show the real impact of the SNP's commitment to supporting carers. "Carers make an immense contribution to our communities, and I am proud that Scotland is recognising their value through direct financial support. 'This investment of over £89 million across Scotland is not just a number, it represents a lifeline for thousands of people who care for loved ones every day, with £8,206,100 going directly to carers in North Lanarkshire. 'This is what a Scottish social security system based on dignity, fairness and respect looks like." *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
