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Hyslop Welcomes Winchburgh Girls Group to Parliament Local MSP Fiona Hyslop welcomed members of the youth group Winchburgh Girls Allowed into Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 13th) and gave them a tour of the Holyrood building. Winchburgh Girls Allowed was developed in response to the needs and interests of young women who were attending other youth groups in the village approximately 5 years ago. Members range from age 11 – 15 years and they take part in organising different activities including outdoor and fitness challenges, STEM activities and baking. The girls are also keen to take an active part in influencing decision makers and are actively working towards the formation of a Youth Forum to ensure young people play an active part in influencing future developments in their fast growing village.…

       Hyslop Highlights Impact Arts at Holyrood Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, met with the Director of Impact Arts, Fiona Doring at Holyrood last week (thus 5th Dec) to highlight the forward thinking community arts organisation Impact Arts. Impact Arts uses the arts and creativity to enable and power social change, helping individuals and communities transform their lives through the arts. Fiona Hyslop commented, “It was a pleasure to meet Fiona Doring at Parliament on Thursday to learn more about her organisation and the people they work with. “I am acutely aware of the health, educational and social benefits to arts and creativity and to bring this to people of all ages across our communities can really build confidence, improve life quality all while learning new skills. “I…

Hyslop Condemns Labour and Tory Attempt to End Business Rates Relief Local Constituency MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop, has condemned opposition MSPs who voted to axe support for 2,770 businesses in West Lothian. Tory and Labour MSPs voted for an Andy Wightman amendment to the Non-Domestic Rates Bill that would remove the ability of Scottish Ministers to set the business rates poundage meaning business rates reliefs, like the Small Business Bonus and the Business Growth Accelerator, would automatically end. This would impact rates relief totalling up to £7,639,000 in West Lothian alone. Fiona Hyslop Commented; “It is hugely disappointing that some Labour and Conservative MSPs want to take away the rates of relief for our small businesses, this is the wrong message to send to the companies, cafes and shops…

  Hyslop Highlights Small Business Saturday Local Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop is highlighting the annual Small Business Saturday Campaign and encouraging constituents to shop local this Christmas. Small Business Saturday 2019 takes place on December 7th and is designed to support, inspire and promote small businesses during the busiest shopping period of the year. Fiona met with the Small Business Saturday Coach Tour Team in November to highlight the importance of shopping local and using our small businesses. Commenting, Fiona said, “I am always pleased to support Small Business Saturday, not only does it benefit our local businesses it also serves the community and local economy. “Throughout the year I enjoy visiting the local shops and cafes across West Lothian and it is never more important to use them over…

  Hyslop Stands up for over 75s in TV License Debate Local Linlithgow MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop spoke in a debate at Holyrood this week (Thursday, 21st Nov) urging the UK Government to take back responsibility for funding and providing free TV licences for the over 75s. Commenting, Fiona said; “I led the debate in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday encouraging the UK Government to take back responsibility for funding and providing free TV licences for the over 75s and was pleased to secure support from the Scottish Parliament. “This fee affects around 7,186 older people in West Lothian alone and it is estimated that 60% of our local older people will be expected to pay an extra £154.50 in household bills…

Hyslop Warns Tory Welfare Cuts are Driving West Lothian Foodbank Demand New figures from the Trussell Trust show that 3,109 of three day emergency food parcels were handed out in West Lothian this year, including 1,058 provided for children. The statistics released this week show April to September 2019 to be the busiest half-year period for food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network since the charity opened. The main reasons cited for people needing emergency food in Scotland are low benefit income (38%), and delays (19%) or changes (17%) to benefits being paid. Fiona commented; “These shocking figures follow a trend of increased food bank demand since the roll out of the UK Government’s Universal Credit policy. “This increased reliance on food banks across West Lothian is the most damning…

  Hyslop Criticises Boots Prescription Delivery Policies ‘Prescription Delivery only free for online sign ups’   Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has written again to Boots to criticise their decision to charge for prescription deliveries. Following the decision of Boots to begin charging for delivery of prescriptions, Fiona received a number of complaints from constituents, many of whom were from older people in West Lothian.  A response to Fiona’s initial letter to Boots explained that customers can still receive free delivery charges, providing that they sign up online. Fiona commented, “I whole heartedly disagree with this policy that Boots are imposing on the most vulnerable in our society, particularly when Boots will make significant profits from prescriptions already. “Whilst it is welcome that they are not charging…

1,590 of West Lothian Households Helped in time of Crisis Hyslop Highlights Need for Full Powers at Holyrood to Tackle Poverty   Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has highlighted the work of the Scottish Welfare Fund which made 1,590 payments to local people in West Lothian from April – June 2019, compared to 1,230 payments at the same time last year. These payments, made up of 350 Community Care Grants and 1,240 Crisis Grants are to help people with essentials such as food, heating costs, and household items. Fiona commented, “The Scottish Welfare Fund is a vital lifeline for many people facing poverty or personal crisis but the fact that so many households across West Lothian are in need of emergency financial help is unacceptable. “There are families and…

  Hyslop’s Message of Congratulations to College Graduates Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency Fiona Hyslop attended West Lothian College’s Graduation Ceremony on Saturday (26th Oct) to celebrate the hard work and dedication from this year’s graduates. Fiona commented: “We should all be very proud of West Lothian College and what it contributes to the local community and economy in West Lothian. “I am always pleased to attend West Lothian College’s Graduation day to celebrate the achievements of the students as they start a new chapter in their lives. I am always impressed with the efforts and enthusiasm of students some of whom have come straight from school and some are coming back into education and holding down other responsibilities as they complete their studies. “In 2017/18 over 93% of…