Earlier this year, the new UK Labour government pulled the rug from under pensioners. They ended the universal Winter Fuel Payment.
When doing this, they gave the SNP Scottish Government almost no notice of the change. Nor did they give any notice of the 80% cut in funding. This meant that in Scotland, we had no option than to do the same.
Today the SNP Scottish Government announced a new winter fuel payment, to be paid from next year. All pensioners will get a minimum payment of £100. Those in receipt of qualifying benefits – such as Pension Credit – will get up to £300.
Our SNP Government has improved the support for unpaid carers. I am urging unpaid carers across Maryhill and Springburn to check to see if they qualify. You can check your eligibility for financial support from Social Security Scotland at https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment
Scotland's Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Eligibility is now expanded those who are in full-time education, and introducing backdating for some applicants.
If you are eligible, it’s worth £81.90 a week.
In addition, here in Scotland people may also be able to apply for carer's allowance supplement. This uniquely Scottish benefit is worth £288.60 twice a year.
This joins a suite of support for carers only available in Scotland, like the Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
I’m proud that the SNP Government developed Social Security Scotland with the principles of dignity, fairness and respect at its heart. This new payment lives up to those aims.
I have been campaigning to ensure that at elections, votes count. This has included working closely with Councillor Allan Gow and Councillor Jacqueline McLaren (SNP Councillors for Canal Ward) to take steps to reduce the number of votes cast in error. This is particularly important as in their Council Ward, Canal, there is the highest ballot paper rejection rate in Scotland at Council elections.
I have amended the Elections Bill to ensure there is a strategic effort to tackle such issues.
I have also worked with Councillor Alex Kerr (SNP Councillor for Baillieston Ward) to increase voter registration. Consequently, I have now amended the Elections Bill to pave the way for automatic voter registration pilots
The nationwide rollout of the Carer Support Payment is a milestone moment. It is a payment of £81.90 per week paid by Social Security Scotland. It has been introduced in phases since November 2023 and as of today is now available to people living in every local authority in Scotland.
I welcome the news that almost 10 million free bus journeys have been made in Glasgow in the last year. This is thanks to the SNP protecting free bus passes for the over 60’s and those with disabilities, as well as introducing free bus travel for the under 22’s.
Read more: Over 178 Million Free Bus Journeys Made in Scotland in 2023/24
Earlier this week, I wrote to our local Labour MPs - Marueen Burke and Martin Rhodes. I urged them to reject the plans to remove Winter Fuel Payments from thousands of constituents here in Glasgow.
I wanted to work collaboratively with them, that's why I did not publicise my letter on social media. However, following the vote they have made their views public - see the Glasgow Times article
As such, I now wanted to express my view.
On Wednesday 14 August, the World Health Organisation declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern.
The Scottish Government, along with the other governments of the UK, have met to discuss what has happened, and what we need to do to be prepared.
I have been contacted by a number of constituents regarding the temporary timetable on the Maryhill railway line (between Glasgow Queen Street and Anniesland). I had a meeting with ScotRail in August to raise the concerns I have regarding the latest temporary timetable.
Network Rail have let me know they will be investing £1m to upgrade the bridge over the railway on Dalsholm Road near Kelvindale station. However, this will mean that to enable this work to be delivered safely, a single lane road closure with 4-way traffic light control will be in place for the entire three-month project.
The measures implemented by the SNP Scottish Government to support hard-working families are quite comprehensive and, in some cases, unique within the UK.
office@bob-doris.scot 
Bob Doris MSP, Maryhill Burgh Halls, 24 Gairbraid Avenue, Maryhill, Glasgow, G20 8YE