Latest news with #ColletteStevenson
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
East Kilbride MSP welcomes Carer Support Payment stats for South Lanarkshire
Collette Stevenson said: 'These numbers show the real impact of the SNP's commitment to supporting carers." East Kilbride MSP Collette Stevenson MSP has welcomed new statistics relating to the SNP Scottish Government's Carer Support Payment. More than £89.5 million, including £6,501,420 across South 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. South Lanarkshire made up nine per cent of applications. Ms Stevenson 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 millions of pounds going to almost 1500 carers across South 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. And did yo
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Current East Kilbride MSP confirmed as SNP's candidate for 2026 Holyrood election
Collette Stevenson, who won the seat in 2021 with a majority of over 8,500, will be taking on current South Lanarkshire Council Leader Joe Fagan who is standing for Labour in the constituency. Current East Kilbride MSP Collette Stevenson has been confirmed as the SNP's candidate for the 2026 Holyrood election. Collette, who won the seat in 2021 with a majority of over 8,500, will be taking on current South Lanarkshire Council Leader Joe Fagan who is standing for Labour in the constituency. Collette said: 'It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent the constituency where I was born, and still live in, in our national Parliament. 'I am pleased to have the backing of local party members, and I will endeavour to continue working to help the people of East Kilbride, if re-elected next year. 'My office has helped thousands of constituents, but I am committed to continuing that hard work if re-elected next year. 'From Tory years of austerity, a global pandemic and now a Labour Government in Westminster committed to making people poorer, we've seen a lot of changes over the last few years. People need a representative on their side. 'Locally, I have welcomed the £140 million in improvements to our EK rail line, bringing with it two new stations, as well as additional parking spaces. I have made the case for peak rail fares to be scrapped – and I am glad to see that will become a reality in September. 'Elsewhere, I was the only elected representative to speak out against the FCDO's plans to move out of East Kilbride. I engaged with the PCS and local workers, listening to them and acting in their interests. 'Prescriptions, eye examinations and bus travel for over 2.3 million people will remain free. Students will pay no tuition fees, and families with young children will continue to receive a package of early learning and childcare support worth more than £6,000 for each eligible child each year. 'I am glad to see GPs and other community health services will receive a bigger share of new NHS funding which will build capacity. This will allow an additional 100,000 extra appointments in GP surgeries focused on addressing the root causes of ill health.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
