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Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the First Minister’s commitment to freeze Council Tax for all households from next April. Council Tax is already lower in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK, with the average Band D property in Scotland paying £1,417 annually, whereas in England average Band D properties pay £2,065. Fiona commented, “Freezing the Council Tax when so many of my Constituents are feeling the pressure from rising living costs, will be hugely welcome. "In the last year, West Lothian's Labour run, Conservative led Council increased Council Tax by £76.25, from £1,314.71 in 2022/23, for an average Brand D property, to £1,390.96 in 2023/24. “In West Lothian we have one of the fastest growing aging populations, this Council Tax Freeze will be a particular…

“Following McGill’s shock announcement that they will be ceasing all of their commercial bus services in West Lothian, I am pleased to see that Lothian Country have announced their intention to register two new routes in West Lothian and extend an existing route from Sunday 3rd December.  “These new and extended routes will ensure that many communities across West Lothian will continue to have access to essential bus services, providing transport across the county. “However, more needs to be done to replace the services that McGill’s have been servicing, and I would urge West Lothian Council with the powers they have to work with bus providers to provide alternatives for services yet to be replaced. “I understand that West Lothian Council’s Council Executive will be meeting next week to receive…

FIONA HYSLOP MEETS WITH MCGILL’S BUS COMPANY REGARDING WEST LOTHIAN SERVICES “In my role as local Constituency MSP, together with Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance, I recently had a constructive meeting with McGill's where I raised the serious concerns brought forward by my Constituents regarding the withdrawal of McGill's services in West Lothian. “Along with other elected members, I will continue to work closely with West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government as this issue is progressed throughout the coming months to ensure there are adequate and sustainable services in West Lothian.” ENDS

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has launched Scotland’s Peak Fares Removal Pilot, in her role as Transport Minister. The Pilot launched on 2nd October 2023 and will run for six months, ending on 29th March 2024. The Pilot, which local MSP Fiona Hyslop launched in her role as Transport Minister, will see the end of peak fares on all ScotRail services at all times until March 2024. This is being funded by the SNP Scottish Government, encouraging car users to choose a more sustainable transport option. The cost of peak time travel on some of Scotland’s busiest routes, such as Glasgow to Edinburgh, is expected to reduce by as much as 48%. Commenting Fiona said: “The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government makes a clear commitment to encouraging…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has sponsored an exhibition in Parliament marking Challenge Poverty Week (2-8th Oct) with the West Lothian Larder. The West Lothian Larder is a social enterprise and registered charity, operating mainly in West Lothian and Falkirk areas. They deliver a number of services including providing training on employability, life skills, health and wellbeing, all alongside learning to cook. Fiona commented: “I was very pleased to sponsor this exhibition and host The West Lothian Larder at Parliament. Their social food project, Catalyst Kitchen, provides dignified responses to food insecurity. They have delivered over 150,000 ready meals to those in need across West Lothian making sure no-one in West Lothian goes hungry. “I have visited the Charity in the past to see first-hand the work…

“As the local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, I was shocked to hear McGill’s announce that they will cease all bus services in West Lothian from 4th December. “I understand that this means that all their commercial bus routes will cease from this date and that McGill’s will not run any commercial bus services in West Lothian. “These bus services provide essential transport links for my Constituents across West Lothian, and I am very concerned by this announcement from McGill’s. “While I am aware that there are several historic issues with bus services in West Lothian including driver shortages and a gradual decline in passenger numbers. “However, when I met McGill’s after their takeover of services from First Bus in December 2022, they advised of their plans to stabilise bus…

“I was pleased to attend the African Scottish Expo 2023, held by West Lothian African Women’s Network in Bathgate on Saturday 23rd September. “The event was a great success and showcased African and Scottish food, art and culture with a variety of stalls at Bathgate Precinct. “This year’s theme was ‘Connecting Diverse Communities’ and the event provided an excellent opportunity for communities from across West Lothian to come together in celebration of African and Scottish culture. “I would like to congratulate the West Lothian African Women’s network, an excellent organisation, who did an incredible job of putting the Expo together. I hope to see another successful Expo in 2024.” ENDS Notes Attached pictures provided by West Lothian African Women’s Network

Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, has written to the Chair of the West Lothian Integration Joint Board following their decision in August to keep services at St Michael's Hospital closed. Fiona has asked for clarification on the Board's plans for the Hospital and urged them to ensure they keep their promise to connect with the community in any plans for the future. Fiona commented, "I have written to the Board asking for an update on their progress to create a 'sub group' of Integration Joint Board members, local elected representatives and local groups, as they indicated was their plans at the last IJB meeting in August. "There are a lot of concerned people in the community, not least the Friends of St Michael's who are eager to understand what…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s proposals for a Bill which will make misogynistic harassment a crime. The Bill will implement the recommendations of the Working Group chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC to create new offences related to misogynistic conduct, providing Police Scotland with new powers to hold to account perpetrators of misogynistic behaviours which can denigrate women and reinforce barriers to an equal society. Fiona commented, “As a backbench MSP I asked questions of the Scottish Government and its plans for a Misogyny Bill and how in particular the Government planned to tackle gender based harassment in schools. I am pleased to support the introduction of this Bill which will make misogynistic harassment a specific crime. “Women and girls are subjected…

Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency Fiona Hyslop recently visited Children 1st in Bathgate Children 1st work to ensure children feel safe, loved, and supported by working closely with them and their families. Children 1st provide emotional, practical, and financial support to help families to put children first and campaign to uphold the rights of every child. The Bathgate hub has been transformed into a warm and welcoming environment, helping children and their families to feel welcomed and safe. Following the visit Fiona commented: "I am pleased to have seen, first hand, the dedication from staff at Children 1st to creating a safe and comfortable environment for families and ensuring that their needs are listened to. "Children 1st also provide vital support and connections for kinship carers, so they know…