EARLIER this week, the Scottish Government announced it has helped over 100,000 households, including 32,000 families with children, to buy everyday essentials through the Scottish Welfare Fund.

The fund was set-up, by the SNP Government, against the backdrop of austerity measures being implemented by the UK Government, and their continued pursuit of cutting welfare.

These policies have hit the most vulnerable in our society the hardest and has led the Scottish Government to do all it can to mitigate the effects, within its current limited powers.

Within Inverclyde, this financial year, the Scottish Government has allocated a total Scottish Welfare budget of over £900,000.

The statistics seem to suggest the length of time taking for applicants to receive their community care grants and crisis grants in Inverclyde is low, only a matter of a few days, which is welcomed.

However, it’s unfortunate in a rich country like Scotland that so many people are continuing to rely on welfare support to make ends meet.

Therefore, I hope the commission looking at more powers for the Scottish Parliament will look favourably on devolving welfare policy to Scotland so we can address the problems people, and families are facing.

The Scottish Government has launched its ‘Ready for Winter’ campaign with the message that even though the last two winters have been relatively mild, its important people take the necessary steps to be prepared.

For more information please visit the website at www.readyscotland.org or contact my office on 720 930 for assistance.