Delighted both RCN and RCM members have agreed to back our pay deal for NHS Agenda for Change staff for 23/24. This deal ensures they remain the best paid in the UK. Scotland is the only country in the UK that has not lost a single day this Winter to strike action in our NHS. https://twitter.com/scotgovhealth/status/1637896635970646026
Health Secretary @HumzaYousaf welcomes the news that @RCNScot and @ScotlandRCM members have accepted the Agenda for Change NHS pay offer for 2023/24.
📢 @NicolaSturgeon: "An IFS study found that the poorest families with children in Scotland are £2,000 better off per year as a result of Scottish Government policies."
🏴 Scotland's transformational approach to tackling poverty has been redistribution in action.
📢 Important update from Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Due to the Easter Bank Holiday, my next "Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries" will be on Monday 3 April. The regular surgeries will then resume on the first Friday in May which is Friday 5 May.
Please find the details for Monday 3 April below. #HereToHelp
10:00am - 11:00am at Fresh Start (28-30 Ferry Road Drive, EH4 4BR).
12:00noon - 1:00pm at Duncan Place Leith (4 Duncan Place, EH6 8HW).
5:00pm - 6:00pm at McDonald Road Library (2-8 McDonald Road, EH7 4LU).
If you can’t come, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
Great to be at the opening of Granton Station Square at the weekend - part funded by The Scottish Government. An excellent new facility, as part of the wider, sustainable development of North Edinburgh. 🎉
Can you encourage your colleagues to do the same for the Historic Station Hotel in Ayr, the county town of Ayrshire which is currently under threat of demolition by South Ayrshire Council. This historic building at the heart of Ayr deserves every chance, plus it would save on carbon emissions not to mention be a massive boost for our dying town xx
Hows about you get the roads sorted that would be a good picture for you.
My honest thoughts in full, in today’s ‘Scotland on Sunday’, on a constructive and realistic way forward - to responsibly progress constitutional change, achieve more independence and take steps to seek to de-polarise Scottish politics. I appreciate why many independence supporters want to see faster progress, especially after so much support has been gained in recent years. But it is the responsibility of those of us pushing for constitutional change to make sure an independent Scotland is in the best possible position to start successfully, with the means to do so.
Ben Macpherson: Better for SNP to go down a gear than crash on road to indy
www.scotsman.com
Choosing the next First Minister of Scotland begins a new chapter for our country. Whoever is chosen, our democracy should take the opportunity to reset collectively. Our shared challenges are too big...Great article. Keep up the good work.
Great article Ben
How about "best of three"?
You should be ashamed of yourself. We need independence more than ever right now with everything that is going on. For a so-called nationalist MSP to advocate AGAINST independence is astonishing. No wonder so many people like myself have joined Alba.
What have the SNP been doing for the last eight years? There should have been progress made surely
This NOW, to my mind, shows incredible naivety I would not have expected from you Ben. You were not elected on a neo-federalist-come-devo-plus playbook; and speaking as someone who voted and even advocated for you, I feel spectacularly let down by headlines like this one below, which your comments invited. Only you know what you were thinking, and what your intentions were, but I know I won’t be the only one wondering if I can really trust you with my vote come re-election time. ☹️ www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/scotland-not-able-to-be-successful-independent-state-in-short-to-me...
Many thanks to One Parent Families Scotland and LINKnet Mentoring for inviting me to speak to the UKRA group of Ukrainian mums. I really valued hearing them share their experiences and was grateful for the opportunity to answer any questions they had about living in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. 💙💛A big thank you to Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith for visiting our UKRA group for Ukrainian mums in Edinburgh today, and honouring the tradition of #InternationalWomensDay by presenting the women with flowers. 🌷
They really appreciated the opportunity to talk about how life is for them in Edinburgh and to ask questions relating to schooling, housing and social security. A special thanks also to Indre from LINKnet Mentoring, who co-runs the group with our colleague Kalina, for interpreting for the women.
Read more about the women in the group here:
opfs.org.uk/talk-to-us/single-parent-stories/the-stories-of-four-ukrainian-mothers-in-scotland/
Its good that you are taking the time to listen to the Ukrainian families concerns and hopefully acting upon them .
I doubt they'd ever invite Kate Forbes!
Just a pity you do not hear the voice of the locals this guy just poses in photos each week and really does zip all.
Happy International Women’s Day from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 💛
#IWD2023👩🦰 Happy International Women's Day from all of us at the SNP.
✊ Today and every day, let's fight for gender equality and end the prejudice, sexism and misogyny that women still face.
💛 Which woman inspired you into politics? Comment here and share your story.
Can Scottish Government Minister Ben MacPherson Council's Minister answer the question ?
I respect all three #snpleadership candidates as colleagues, in different ways, but for me the best all round candidate for FM is undoubtedly Humza Yousaf.
I am proud to be supporting #humzaforscotland, and his progressive approach, to keep taking our country forward. #imwithhumza
Bravo!
Not for me Ben, between Kate and Ash or, even better, a job share between the two!
No. Kate Forbes!
Oh dear Ben Macpherson 🙈
Ben MacPherson being SNP Scottish Government Councils MINISTER so you don't know either who are Scottish Councils Executive Directors are answerable / accountable to ? Hmm , so why does anyone listen to you ? One question and you can't answer
It was a privilege to visit Leith Victoria A.A.C last week - Scotland’s oldest boxing club. Fascinating to chat with Dougie, who’s been involved with the club since he was 8 years old. He’s had a remarkable career and his museum is really interesting. Great to meet Steve too and see a bit of the fitness class… Next time, I’ve been told to bring my tracksuit so I can have a go on the bags! 🥊💪
#Leith
Ben MacPherson someone is needing to box your ears . How about answering emails ? Or do you only do the jollies ? YOU have been asked as the Minister for Councils who are the Executive Directors and Chief Executive of Scottish Councils answerable/ accountable to ? Well ?
This Friday, 3 March, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are experiencing covid or flu symptoms. Please find the details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre (19 West Pilton Grove, Edinburgh, EH4 4BY).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
hello; could you clarify "unwell" (hopefully in relation just to Covid and flu) because many people with physical/mental chronic health issues feel unwell all the time and will understand your surgeries to be inaccessible to them if you do not.
Ben MacPherson being Scottish Government Councils Minister can you tell me who is the person or body that Local Authority Executive officers are answerable to if WRONGDOING has been done ? I have asked your office yet they say it is not you , though it must be someone or body so who is it ?
A busy morning in North Edinburgh to kickstart the week.
To start the day, I met with the headteacher of Granton Primary. Great to have a catch up and get a tour of the school to see the new early years building.
Then I popped into Royston Wardieburn Community Centre to say hello. They have such a wide range of activities and sessions on, more information can be found in the picture below or online at their Facebook page here: Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
Finally, I finished with a visit to St Columba's Hospice Care to meet the Chief Executive.
#heretohelp
Today marks one year since the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Putin. My thoughts continue to be with the people of Ukraine, as they fight for their land, freedom and democracy.
Today I’ve also been thinking of all the Ukrainian “New Scots” who are in Edinburgh Northern and Leith, as well as throughout Scotland. As Nicola Sturgeon has emphasised, this is your home for as long as you need it to be.
On Tuesday, 21 February, I attended the ‘Postcards from Ukraine’ event at the Scottish Parliament. The presentations and videos were powerful and moving. In particular, there was an uplifting performance by the Ukrainian choir, Oberig. The event was a sobering reminder of all that the people of Ukraine have gone through in the past year and that we must continue to support them as much as we can, when and where we can.
сла́ва Украї́ні! 🇺🇦 💙💛 🏴
You can read the First Minister’s open letter to Ukrainians in Scotland and across the world at bit.ly/OpenLetterToUkrainians.
#StandWithUkraine
💙💛 Thank you for all your support!
🇷🇺
I’ve been uplifted by all the people (within & outwith Scottish National Party (SNP)) who’ve been in touch in recent days encouraging me to stand in the leadership contest. I have also considered seriously if the situation would benefit from the inclusion of a 4th option/another progressive choice.
I believe I have more to contribute to our democracy & movement - having delivered effectively in 4 different Ministerial roles within 4 years.
I’m also a highly committed local MSP, & have worked in law, business, energy, hospitality & a school before politics.
However, FM & Leader are obviously very serious & demanding roles & commitments. For various reasons I don’t feel that now is the right time in my life & development to put myself forward for such a responsibility & challenge.
I’ll continue to work to progress positive change for Scotland & greater social justice.
This is an important juncture for the SNP & the independence movement. We need to have a respectful & honest debate about building on our strong record, how to realistically & effectively progress constitutional change, & bring people in Scotland together as we move forward.
Please reconsider, Ben. Betty and I remember Bellevue 2014 so well and really believe it IS your time. Andrew keeps us updated on things and it's all good!
Please reconsider. You would be an excellent candidate for the post.
Its a shame! One day!
Good reasons for that decision, Ben. You're doing a grand job.
I recall speaking with you some time ago about options, plans and hopes. You made exactly the right call then, and I'm sure you will have come to the correct conclusion this time too. Your time will come, and you will know best when that is.
Get your name forward mate
It's a pity really. I was hoping you would be nominated, pretty sure you would have been a great alternative for many voters who don't feel comfortable with the other candidates for various reasons. I will stay a party member but can't support the options floating around so far. Hoping to see you as a first minister in the future though! 😉✌️
I have said to people that you would be an excellent leader, but also that I wouldn't wish it on you 😅
Think you have made a wise choice Ben. Your time will come as you are more than capable of doing the job. Expect to see your name on the ballot next time round and confident you will be the victor.
Go for it Ben
Please reconsider...the 3 candidates are not up to the job ...you are young, dynamic and passionate about relevant issues
It takes a lot of humility to realise if you are not ready or don't want to take the reins, at least not yet. Hope to see you in the ministerial team though
No one was waiting for you bro
Today, alongside MSP colleagues, I voted for the Scottish Budget for 2023/34.
I am glad that The Scottish Government is prioritising tackling child poverty, transforming the economy towards net zero, and delivering sustainable public services.
Some highlights include:
£442 for the Scottish Child Payment;
£100million of additional funding announced today for Local Government;
£6.6 million uplift for Creative Scotland for 2023/24.
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Leith Theatre are partnering with Edinburgh Food Project to host a pop-up advice coffee morning on Wednesday 22nd of February at Leith Theatre, 28-30 Ferry Road, EH6 4AE.
The event will offer support, advice & signposting from many organisations such as Edinburgh Food Project, Changeworks, Places for People, VoiceAbility and many more.
You can drop in for a cup of tea/coffee and a chat anytime between 11am and 1pm.
#HereToHelp
Hello, if I want to send you this message, it is not by chance and I must admit that it is very important to me. I was born in Slovakia, but I lived in France for a long time. I have a serious illness called Parkinson and I lost my husband on a trip to Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic.I usually give a lot to talented organizations and NGOs.We don't know each other but the Spirit of God gave me drove to you and I checked your profile, I believe you because you are a good person and I want to give generously €780,000 because I don't want to let my money go to the bank after my death.If you want to take advantage of this prize , Do not hesitate to contact me via WhatsApp if you are interested in this offer. Here is my WhatsApp number: WhatsApp: +30 698 161 4260
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Around 1 in 5 households in Scotland use pre-payment meters for their gas and electricity, and around 1 in 5 of those have not redeemed their energy rebate vouchers. PayPoint sent out hundreds of thousands of vouchers in November under the UK Government's support scheme but the prepayment vouchers are only valid for 90 days - meaning those issued in November have now expired.
Advice Direct Scotland wants to make sure that households do not miss out and has urged Scots to:
• Check unopened mail, in case the vouchers have been missed.
• Check with energy suppliers, using contact details found on bills, statements, and official websites.
You can contact energyadvice.scot if there are any difficulties getting through to suppliers or resolving issues. The team can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or online through
Energy Advice | Energy Advice | energyadvice.scot
energyadvice.scot
Energy Advice. Free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters for the citizens of Scotland.Another busy week in the constituency comes to a close. Here’s an update on what I got up to, from meeting a range of schools, local organisations and businesses.
This week, I was grateful to meet with the headteacher from Trinity Academy, Nick Burge, and welcome the incoming Erasmus+ students who have arrived in Edinburgh.
I also attended Leith Primary and answered questions from Primary 5+6 about my role as an MSP and discussed any issues they wanted to raise with me.
It was also great to meet with Changeworks Recycling to hear about their work done in the constituency as well as nationwide.
Thank you to all of the above for their time this week.
As always, please do get in touch either by phone, 0131 600 0134, or email, Ben.Macpherson.msp@parliament.scot, if there’s anything you think I can help with.
#HereToHelp
Thanks Ben, it was great to have you down and see our operations!
Office treated me like crap.... AVOID LIKE A PLAGUE
🏴 Despite limited powers and resources, we launched a new social security system in Scotland - built on dignity and respect.
🤝 This month, we're rolling out the 13th benefit - the Winter Heating Payment.
📈 Last year, we raised our Scottish Child Payment by 150%.
it would help if ScotSocSec had forms you could complete online, not PDFs with more interface problems than anything the DWP produced
This week I updated The Scottish Parliament on the next phase of the The Scottish Government’s social security delivery programme - building on the 13 benefits (7 only available in Scotland) already delivered by Social Security Scotland, since 2018.
You can watch the whole debate here: m.youtube.com/watch?v=onTtoh-Ioqc.
😡😡😡😡😡😡😡 Thanks SNP for giving these perverts cart Blanche to abduct our kids! It dressed as a female, to ensure it was trusted, it lured a child into a car and and curd that child, held it against its will. Luckily the pervert fell asleep and the child found a phone to dial 999! I hope the Scottish National Paedo party are proud of themselves! Trans' butcher charged in connection with disappearance of Scots schoolgirl Andrew George Miller, 53, lives in the village of Gattonside in the Borders and also identifies as a woman called Amy George. The man charged over the disappearance of a schoolgirl who vanished for more than 27 hours in the Borders is understood to be a “transgender” butcher. Miller is a local butcher who also identifies as a woman called Amy George. Police confirmed on Wednesday morning that Miller has now been charged in connection with the incident. On their Facebook profile, Miller lists their gender as “female”. On another Facebook profile under the name Amy George, they describe themselves as a “single female interested in single females”.
A reminder that I have my monthly 'Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries' today, Friday 3 February.
From 9.30am-10.30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, then 11am-12pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre and then 3.30pm-4.30pm at Leith Community Centre. Please do not attend if you are unwell. #HereToHelpThis Friday, 3 February, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are unwell. Please find the details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre (19 West Pilton Grove, Edinburgh, EH4 4BY).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.
Great difficulty in contacting you . I have asked Jenni Minto MSP to contact you also . Do you have a problem ?
Nah thanks
This Friday, 3 February, I will be holding my regular ‘Drop-in Help & Advice Surgeries’ in Edinburgh Northern and Leith. Do not attend if you are unwell. Please find the details below. #HereToHelp
9:30am – 10:30am at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, EH5 1NF).
11:00am – 12:00noon at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre (19 West Pilton Grove, Edinburgh, EH4 4BY).
3:30pm – 4:30pm at Leith Community Centre (12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AD).
If you can’t come this Friday, and you need assistance from me as your local MSP, you can also contact my office via phone on 0131 600 0134 or email me at ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.
I contacted office multiple times about helping me with a problem I have with my housing officer and his office. Ellie informed me I've not to verbally or physically attack my housing officer in street (I've never even met him). I'm not happy with being basically accused of threatening behaviour towards people and my housing officer. I'm very dissapointed, and will definitely not recommend anyone ask for help or advice from yourself or staff
17 weeks waiting on claim for adult disability and can’t even speak to the guy who’s running it all 🙈 When do you answer phones
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Scran Academy will be bringing a 'Scran & Signposting' session to Duncan Place Leith, 4 Duncan Place, EH6 8HW, this Friday 3 February from 10am til 12 noon.
The Scran Van will be in the car park serving free breakfast rolls, and there will be free drop-in signposting sessions inside, providing help with utility top-ups, benefits & housing advice.
#HereToHelp
A reminder that this afternoon, Monday 30 January, from 4pm-5pm, I will be at Asda Leith, 2 Sandpiper Drive, EH6 6NX, for a pop-up “Help & Advice Surgery.”📢 Announcement from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Ben will be having a pop-up “Help & Advice Surgery” on Monday 30 January from 4pm-5pm, at Asda Leith, 2 Sandpiper Drive, EH6 6NX.
Councillor Stuart Dobbin will also be there for any City of Edinburgh Council queries about Forth Ward.
If you can’t make it and you need assistance from Ben as your local MSP, you can also contact the office by phone, 0131 600 0134, or by email, ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
#HereToHelp
Brilliant spirit, music, poetry and food at tonight’s Pilton Community Health Project Community Ceildh! Thank you for the invitation and congrats to all involved.🏴💙🎶
In partnership with North Edinburgh Community Festival, North Edinburgh Arts, and West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, the first event of North Edinburgh Film Festival takes place Saturday 28th January with an afternoon focused on documentary, experimental film, and Pilton Video archive films.
Nice to be invited to Holy Cross RC Primary School this morning to meet staff, parents and some of the young people, and talk about my role as the local MSP.
One of the things we discussed was how The Scottish Government is trying to assist people in these challenging times for many. Please do check online if you are entitled to any further support, more info here: www.gov.scot/news/people-urged-to-make-sure-they-are-not-missing-out-on-benefits/.
#heretohelp
Used to play football there as child. Hope you are well mate.
📢 Announcement from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Ben will be having a pop-up “Help & Advice Surgery” on Monday 30 January from 4pm-5pm, at Asda Leith, 2 Sandpiper Drive, EH6 6NX.
Councillor Stuart Dobbin will also be there for any City of Edinburgh Council queries about Forth Ward.
If you can’t make it and you need assistance from Ben as your local MSP, you can also contact the office by phone, 0131 600 0134, or by email, ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot.
#HereToHelp
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
👏 The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme provides a step-by-step service to identify where energy efficiency improvements can be made in the home and arranges for this work to be carried out.
🏠 The scheme offers new central heating systems, including renewable heating technologies such as air source heat pumps, in all property types and in all regions of Scotland.
📞 You can call Home Energy Scotland on 0800 808 2282 to find out if you are available for any of the support they offer.
👇 More information can be found online here:
Warmer Homes Scotland Funding & Support · Home Energy Scotland
www.homeenergyscotland.org
Reduce your energy bills with Scottish Government funded support through Warmer Homes Scotland. Call 0808 808 2282 or complete the form to find out more.Thanks very much for your support in promoting the scheme to your constituents, Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith
Emergency measures to protect tenants are to be extended. Subject to the approval of Parliament, private rents will be capped and enforcement of evictions will be paused in most cases.
Tenants Rights' Minister Patrick Harvie has confirmed the aim that from 1 April 2023:
🔵 If private landlords choose to increase rents, rises will be capped at 3%
🔵 Or they can apply to Rent Service Scotland to raise rents by up to 6% to help cover certain increased costs
🔵 Enforcement of evictions will continue to be prevented for all tenants except in a number of specified circumstances
🔵 Tenants who are unlawfully evicted will continue to be able to claim damages of up to 36 months' worth of rent
🔵 The rent cap for student accommodation will be suspended
These temporary measures are intended to be in place until 30 September 2023, with the option to extend for another 6 months if required.
Find out more at bit.ly/ProtectionsForTenantsExtended
It was good to catch up with Castle Community Bank on Great Junction Street today, and hear more about their work to aid financial inclusion.
Inclusion? You're having a laugh surely! I use to put money in there for to help the community and have no idea what they actually do?
emailed you to day about learning from the development of Social Security Scotland and the Experience Panels to help develop fully accessible digital health and address barriers to digital inclusion. hope to hear from you
Great to catch up with yourself Ben and to share how we are looking to broaden financial inlcusion.
Do you Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith support the SNP/Lib dem census by Aberdeen council that is asking all SEVEN year old children if they identify as non binary or transgender?
✴️ We're launching a run of weekday night drop ins under the banner of Warm Welcome at Leith Community Centre in our café area.✴️
We want to create family friendly evenings with complimentary hot drinks and biccies, with 30 minutes or so of open mic. We hope it'll be a space to chill and chat.
💃 We're looking to line up all sorts of entertainment - 10 minute slots for musicians, dancers, comedians, demos, performance poets, talks - anything really as long as you're reasonably family friendly. For performers, it's a chance to practice new material, promote yourself, or simply do your thing.🕺
If you're interested, or know someone who might be, then please email me, message me, or tag your friends!
We're also looking for folk to help set up and usher.
🙏🏾 Thank you 🙏🏾
nick.gardner@leithcommunitycentre.org.uk
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
🎉 Voting is now OPEN for £eith Chooses. If you live, work, study or volunteer in Leith, you can vote for various community projects.
👇 You can find out more and vote online at the link here: consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/cf/leith-chooses-2023/?fbclid=IwAR0QEbtiDCM-mx5OOKeZBpYkVXDOvNNr...
Leith Chooses 2022-2023 - City of Edinburgh Council - Citizen Space
consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk
Find and participate in consultations run by City of Edinburgh CouncilThe Scottish Government is encouraging people to check that they are not missing out on money they’re entitled to, and to find out if they could be eligible for any of the 12 benefits (soon to be 13) administered by Social Security Scotland - 7 of these benefits are only available in Scotland.
Read more: www.gov.scot/news/people-urged-to-make-sure-they-are-not-missing-out-on-benefits/.
"Industry has always been at the heart of Leith, but only recently has the film industry set up shop in the area.
The big blue shed by the entrance to the Edinburgh port has been home to an engineering company, and a wave energy plant.
Now it houses First Stage Studios, which won a contract to operate the space in 2020. It is the biggest in a network of Scottish studios established to meet a growing demand from film and television makers..."
The Rig: Inside the Scottish studio behind new Amazon Prime series
www.bbc.co.uk
The new Amazon Prime series, set on an oil rig in the North Sea, was filmed in a studio in Leith.Amazing how about you get the roads sorted in the area seen as Leith is such a hub of industry ......
Edele Anderson❤️
Hurray!!
Please be aware that there are no advice surgeries today, due to the festive parliamentary recess not concluding until Monday. My next surgeries day is on 3 February. Do call or email me today or next week if you need assistance, and my team and I will get back to you as soon as we can.
2022 has been a busy and eventful year, and recently I was grateful to have the chance to reflect on it, my journey and some thoughts on the future with Holyrood Magazine: www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,ben-macpherson-constitutional-change-is-coming-at-the-briti....
www.holyrood.com
The social security minister on taking pride in the job and how constitutional arguments are getting in the wayMy constituency office will be running in a limited capacity over the festive break period from today / Saturday 24 December 2022 to Sunday 8 January 2023.
Emails and voicemails will be checked periodically throughout the festive period and if your situation requires urgent attention then it is likely you will receive a reply before Monday 9 January 2023. All non-urgent enquiries will be responded to from Monday 9 January 2023. If you require immediate assistance over the holiday period then it is advised that you call the appropriate number below.
Emergency: 999
Police Scotland (non-emergency): 101
National non-emergency medical number/NHS24: 111
If you feel that your circumstances are overwhelming and you are in need of emotional support, you can contact Samaritans for free in confidence any time from any phone on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Samaritans’ service is provided by volunteers – they can’t take action or fix issues on your behalf, but they are there round the clock to listen to anyone dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings.
City of Edinburgh Council:
· Social Care Direct: 0131 200 2324
· Social Care Emergency, Out-of-hours: 0800 731 6969
· Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Payment: 0131 529 5299
· Council Home Repairs Direct: 0131 200 2345
· Waste & Environmental Services: 0131 608 1100
· Council Tax & Benefits: 0131 608 1111
· Edinburgh Advice Shop, Welfare & Debt Advice: 0131 200 2360
· All other council emergencies, including emergency repairs: 0131 200 2000
Other Useful Numbers:
· Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
· Scottish Women's Aid, Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0845 027 1234 or helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
· SEPA Flood Line: 0345 988 1188
· National Electricity Emergency Helpline: 0800 40 40 90
· National Gas Emergency Helpline: 0800 111 999
· Electricity Powercut Emergency Helpline: 105
· Scottish Water: 0800 0778 778
· Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 9177 650
· Citizens Advice Edinburgh: 0131 510 5510
· Scottish Power Energy Networks Emergency Customer Contact Number: 0800 092 9290
· Urgent Mental Health Assessment: 0131 537 6000
· Edinburgh Crisis Centre: phone - 0808 801 0414, text - 07974 429 075, email - crisis@edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk
· Social Security Scotland: 0800 182 2222
And to you and your team Ben.
And the same to you😁
And the same to you and your team Ben
Same to you and your team Ben
Happy New Year and all the very best for 2023 Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith
Yesterday I voted for the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. I did so for three main reasons: 1) social justice is one of the key reasons I got involved in politics and I believe that this Bill will make Scotland fairer for trans people; 2) I was elected on a manifesto that committed to reform; and, 3) the vast, vast majority of constituents who contacted me about the Bill were supportive of it.
Trans people are some of the most stigmatised and vulnerable in our society, and many trans people find the current system for obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) intrusive, invasive, overly complex and demeaning. I have heard this directly from trans constituents. The current process has been in place since 2004.
The Bill that the Scottish Parliament has passed will alter the following requirements under the Gender Recognition Act 2004 – it will:
• Remove the requirement for a medical diagnosis and evidence to obtain a GRC.
• Reduce the minimum age of applicants for a GRC from 18 to 16.
• Reduce the current 2 year ‘lived period’ in an acquired gender requirement to 3 months (6 months for 16 and 17 year olds).
• Mean that 16 and 17 year old applicants will need to confirm to the Registrar General that they have had a conversation with an adult that they know personally, or with a person with a role providing advice, support, or information to young people, about the consequences of getting a GRC.
• Remove the need for applications to be determined by the Gender Recognition Panel, and allow applicants to apply via the Registrar General of Scotland.
To reiterate, the above changes alter an existing process in law under the 2004 Act. The improvements set out in the GRR Bill follow examples of international best practice from countries that have implemented similar legislation. A close example would be of Ireland - the Irish Parliament passed their equivalent legislation in 2015.
I have listened carefully to constituents who have concerns about the proposed reforms, mostly regarding women’s rights. I respect that these concerns mostly come from a sense of care, and relate to worries whether the new GRC process could be vulnerable to being exploited by predatory men. In order to provide reassurance on this, I think it is important to clarify a number of points:
- The Bill also introduces a number of safeguards, in addition to the serious legal step of requiring a person to make a statutory declaration before they apply for a GRC.
- Under the Bill individuals can be barred by a court from applying for a GRC, as a condition of a sexual offence prevention order, sexual harm prevention order, or sexual risk order.
- The Bill does not give trans men and women in Scotland any new rights, or affect the rights of anyone else, but it simplifies the existing process by which trans men and women can obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC) to update the sex on their birth certificate. This is important as birth certificates are sometimes needed as forms of ID for things like determining right to work and marriage notices, but they are NOT used to access single sex spaces.
- Trans people with or without a GRC can already be excluded from single sex spaces if this is a proportionate means to meet a legitimate aim. This is covered by the Equality Act 2010. This will not be changed by the Bill.
- Where the Registrar General believes that an application has been made fraudulently, or that the person who has made the application lacks the capacity to do so, they can apply to the sheriff court to challenge the application, and not grant the GRC if the court agrees with the challenge.
- The Bill creates a criminal offence of making a false statutory declaration, or otherwise falsifying an application, in order to obtain a GRC.
The passing of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill is welcome progress in my view. Scotland is a leader in advancing equality and this Bill will contribute towards improving the lives of many trans people in our local communities and across Scotland.
📢 Reminder from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Fresh Start will be having another free 'Christmas Meat & Eat' tonight, Wednesday 21 December, from 5pm-6.30pm at their Fresh Start Kitchen, 28-30 Ferry Road Drive, EH4 4BR.
Head along for festive music and food. All are welcome! Please see poster below for details.
Winter Heating Payment will provide around 400,000 people in receipt of certain low income benefits with a reliable £50 annual payment to help with their heating expenses every winter – totalling around £20 million per year. These payments will be made from February 2023.
Winter Heating Payment will replace the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment scheme in Scotland and help more people with their bills. Cold Weather Payment is unpredictable and only triggers a £25 payment when temperatures fall below zero degrees Celsius on average for seven days in a row at certain weather stations.
Winter Heating Payment will replace Cold Weather Payments with a reliable annual payment of £50, which will be made automatically to around 400,000 eligible people in Scotland this winter. This will help more people than Cold Weather Payments of £25, which on average have supported around 185,000 people in recent years.
Cold Weather Payments have been unpredictable over the years because they are dependent on sustained cold weather to trigger a payment. Instead, the new Winter Heating Payment will break the link with weather dependency and help those in need wherever they live in Scotland and whatever the weather is like in their area.
People will be able to rely on getting Winter Heating Payment every year, rather than having to hope it gets cold enough for long enough before receiving a payment.
The Scottish Government will invest £20 million per year in Winter Heating Payment – which compares with an average of £8.3 million paid out annually in Scotland under the Cold Weather Payment scheme.
People on low incomes are struggling with rising energy bills and that is why The Scottish Government have also doubled the Fuel Insecurity Fund this winter and we are continuing to press the UK Government to use all of its powers to tackle the cost of living crisis.
I would encourage anyone looking for more information and help with their energy costs right now to visit mygov.scot/costoflivingsupport.Cold Weather Payment in Scotland is changing.
The Scottish Government is planning to introduce Winter Heating Payment to help eligible people in Scotland who might have extra heating costs during the Winter.
It will replace Cold Weather Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions. It will provide a reliable £50 payment each year, to around 400,000 people on low-incomes to help with their heating expenses. Payments will start to be paid automatically from February 2023 and not depend on how cold the temperature gets.
If you need advice and help with your energy right now please visit mygov.scot/cost-of-living-support
The trouble here is that people are going to have to wait till at least February to get this payment when they need it now to pay for extra fuel. February is going to be too late for some. Why can't it be paid sooner?
I'm a bit concerned that people who are counting on their £66 heating voucher for pre-payment meters will not receive them due to postal strikes.
It sounds like an improvement, and i appreciate that the scottish government have looked at this logically and realistically to see what would be of more benefit. But let's face it, with the astronomical increase in energy bills this is going to do next to nothing to really help those that need it most. I know in some ways it's unfair to criticise positive moves, but I do think it's important to relentlessly highlight just how dire the current situation is. Unfortunately until there is a radical change to how energy is being (mis) managed (BP et all dishing out record profits to their directors and share holders, whilst thousands literally freeze to death) these trifling changes just ain't gonna cut it 😒
📢 Message from the Office of Ben Macpherson MSP 📢
Did you know that Citizens Advice Scotland can help with advice on energy bills and the cost of living?
You can get in touch with Citizens Advice Scotland and get advice in a variety of ways, choosing a method that suits you best.
That could be one-to-one in a local CAB, through the Money Talk Team service, or using self-help tools like their Money Map and public advice site.
Find out more information here - www.cas.org.uk/BESW.Turning off your heating to save on rising bills? Talk to us to help stay warm this winter or search for advice online at 👉 www.cas.org.uk/BESW
#BESW