As many will be aware, the DWP recently announced the closure of a number of back and front-facing offices throughout Scotland.
This includes the DWP back office in Coatbridge, which employs 250 people.
The closure itself does not involve any job losses; the DWP are moving these jobs to alternative locations in the city centre of Glasgow and Motherwell.
A number of constituents have been in touch raising their concerns about the closure, and in particular, the impact it will have on those who will be required to travel further for work. In addition, concerns have been raised about the impact of this closure on local businesses on the high street, several of whom cater to employees on their lunch breaks.
I have already been in contact with union representatives at the Public and Commercial Services Union to offer my full support to the union and the workers in Coatbridge who will be affected. I was particularly concerned when union representatives informed me that there was absolutely no consultation on the part of the DWP with either employees or union representatives prior to the announcement.
On a broader scale, SNP MPs from around Scotland who have DWP offices in their constituencies facing closure have launched a joint campaign opposing the closures.
I have also arranged further meetings with the PCS to ensure I do all I can to support the affected workers.
Monday, 6 February 2017
Thursday, 19 January 2017
Facebook Online Safety Event
It was great to meet with Facebook and Internet Matters this week to discuss how to protect children from harm online and cyber-bullying.
Internet safety is unfortunately a vastly increasing concern for parents and guardians due to the wider access young people now have to the internet and social media. It is vital to be aware of what resources are available to monitor and protect children against these threats.
I also consulted with Internet Matters General Manager Carolyn Bunting and anti-bullying ambassadors from the charity the Diana Awards about how to eliminate bullying and engage students within the constituency in social action online.
I am pleased that Facebook are working together with the non-profit organisation Internet Matters to ensure that children have a positive experience online.
Internet safety is unfortunately a vastly increasing concern for parents and guardians due to the wider access young people now have to the internet and social media. It is vital to be aware of what resources are available to monitor and protect children against these threats.
I also consulted with Internet Matters General Manager Carolyn Bunting and anti-bullying ambassadors from the charity the Diana Awards about how to eliminate bullying and engage students within the constituency in social action online.
I am pleased that Facebook are working together with the non-profit organisation Internet Matters to ensure that children have a positive experience online.
I would encourage everyone concerned about the online environment to use the tools provided by Facebook to monitor what children are accessing online.
The Facebook resources can be found on the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/safety
https://www.facebook.com/safety/bullying
https://www.facebook.com/safety/parents
The Facebook resources can be found on the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/safety
https://www.facebook.com/safety/bullying
https://www.facebook.com/safety/parents
Monday, 19 December 2016
Switching Energy Suppliers
Last week, Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, published their findings of an investigation into “standard variable tariffs”.
The report is rather timely, as winter is the time of the year when energy bills are most expensive.
Standard variable tariffs are often more expensive than fixed deals. Ofgem’s investigation looked at both the average cost of energy bills for households on standard variable tariffs, as well as the suppliers with the largest percentage of customers on this type of tariff.
The report found that 20 million households, which constitutes 66% of all households in the UK, were on a standard variable tariff. 91% of SSE and 74% of British Gas customers are on standard variable tariffs, while Scottish Power was amongst those providers with the highest average energy bills for their customers on standard variable tariffs.
Ofgem has calculated that customers on standard variable tariffs could save £174 a year by moving to another deal.
Price comparison websites are a great way to see if you’re paying the lowest rate for your energy, and to determine if you can save money by switching suppliers.
A list of Ofgem approved energy comparison websites can be found here: http://www.goenergyshopping.co.uk/energy-tariffs-and-deals/comparison-sites
While this winter has been mercifully mild so far, you never know when a cold snap will occur. And in these circumstances, there are a significant number of people who face the choice of heat, or food.
Unfortunately, it is frequently the elderly and most vulnerable in our community who end up paying the most for energy, as they often do not have access to these online resources. In this holiday season, I would encourage everyone to reach out to those vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family members, to help keep the heat on by ensuring that they are not overpaying for energy.
The report is rather timely, as winter is the time of the year when energy bills are most expensive.
Standard variable tariffs are often more expensive than fixed deals. Ofgem’s investigation looked at both the average cost of energy bills for households on standard variable tariffs, as well as the suppliers with the largest percentage of customers on this type of tariff.
The report found that 20 million households, which constitutes 66% of all households in the UK, were on a standard variable tariff. 91% of SSE and 74% of British Gas customers are on standard variable tariffs, while Scottish Power was amongst those providers with the highest average energy bills for their customers on standard variable tariffs.
Ofgem has calculated that customers on standard variable tariffs could save £174 a year by moving to another deal.
Price comparison websites are a great way to see if you’re paying the lowest rate for your energy, and to determine if you can save money by switching suppliers.
A list of Ofgem approved energy comparison websites can be found here: http://www.goenergyshopping.co.uk/energy-tariffs-and-deals/comparison-sites
While this winter has been mercifully mild so far, you never know when a cold snap will occur. And in these circumstances, there are a significant number of people who face the choice of heat, or food.
Unfortunately, it is frequently the elderly and most vulnerable in our community who end up paying the most for energy, as they often do not have access to these online resources. In this holiday season, I would encourage everyone to reach out to those vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family members, to help keep the heat on by ensuring that they are not overpaying for energy.
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Review of Standalone Landline Services
Last week, Ofcom announced that they will be conducting a review into price rises in standalone landline phone services.
This review is both welcome and significantly overdue. Elderly and vulnerable people make up a significant portion of standalone landline customers, and are most affected by these price rises.
Ofcom analysis has shown that every major landline company has increased their line rental charges significantly, despite decreases in the cost of providing the service. Since 2010, the cost of a standalone landline rental has increased between 28% and 41% in real terms, despite a 25% fall in the underlying wholesale cost of providing the service for landline companies.
While there is strong market competition for bundled packages for TV, telephone, and internet services, which helps to keep prices down, there is little competition amongst providers for standalone landline services.
Media reports state that BT and Virgin Media have the highest line-rental charges, with TalkTalk and Sky trailing closely beheld.
Ofcom believe that this disproportionate rise in the cost of standalone landline phone services may be reflective of the decline in revenue from landline calls. If this is the case, it would mean that older and more vulnerable people have to bear the brunt of the repercussions of changes in the telecoms market.
Older and vulnerable people are often very reliant on their landline services. I welcome the steps by Ofgem to investigate if, and how, these customers should be protected in the future.
This review is both welcome and significantly overdue. Elderly and vulnerable people make up a significant portion of standalone landline customers, and are most affected by these price rises.
Ofcom analysis has shown that every major landline company has increased their line rental charges significantly, despite decreases in the cost of providing the service. Since 2010, the cost of a standalone landline rental has increased between 28% and 41% in real terms, despite a 25% fall in the underlying wholesale cost of providing the service for landline companies.
While there is strong market competition for bundled packages for TV, telephone, and internet services, which helps to keep prices down, there is little competition amongst providers for standalone landline services.
Media reports state that BT and Virgin Media have the highest line-rental charges, with TalkTalk and Sky trailing closely beheld.
Ofcom believe that this disproportionate rise in the cost of standalone landline phone services may be reflective of the decline in revenue from landline calls. If this is the case, it would mean that older and more vulnerable people have to bear the brunt of the repercussions of changes in the telecoms market.
Older and vulnerable people are often very reliant on their landline services. I welcome the steps by Ofgem to investigate if, and how, these customers should be protected in the future.
Thursday, 24 November 2016
Autumn Statement
Yesterday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave the first Autumn Statement since the UK’s vote to leave the EU.
The Autumn statement has revealed the very beginnings of the devastating impact withdrawing from the EU single market will have on the economy. Economic growth will be slower, there will be higher inflation, higher borrowing, and higher debt.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has predicted that Brexit could hit public finances by £58.7 billion. The OBR has further forecast a fall in GDP growth by 2.4% due to the uncertainty created by Brexit. Inflation is predicted be 2.8% in 2018, which will cause the cost of basic goods to rise.
While the Chancellor made several positive announcements, including a rise in the National Living Wage to £7.50 per hour and a cancellation in the planned fuel duty rise, the measures introduced in the wake of Brexit are completely insufficient.
Years of Tory austerity since 2010 have decimated the UK economy- UK GDP is close to 20% lower than it would have been if the UK had achieved a paltry 2% growth rate since 2008. Wage growth has been weak due to low productivity, and the OBR has predicted that wages will not return to their 2009 level until 2021.
On top of the difficulties created by Tory austerity, the prospect of Scotland being forced out of the EU single market against its sovereign will has the potential to further harm the economy. Membership of the single market contributes £11.6 billion to the Scottish economy. The independent Fraser of Allander Institute has predicted that a hard Tory Brexit threatens to cost 80,000 Scottish jobs, and cost Scotland’s economy up to £11 billion a year by 2030.
These figures, however, are based upon what we currently know about Brexit, which is still very little. The Chancellor and the UK Government have failed to define exactly what Brexit means, more than 5 months after the referendum.
The Prime Minister, Theresa May, has stated that she will not provide a “running commentary” on the Brexit negotiations. However, the utter lack of information provided by the UK Government on what Brexit actually entails will only serve to create further uncertainty.
The Autumn statement has revealed the very beginnings of the devastating impact withdrawing from the EU single market will have on the economy. Economic growth will be slower, there will be higher inflation, higher borrowing, and higher debt.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has predicted that Brexit could hit public finances by £58.7 billion. The OBR has further forecast a fall in GDP growth by 2.4% due to the uncertainty created by Brexit. Inflation is predicted be 2.8% in 2018, which will cause the cost of basic goods to rise.
While the Chancellor made several positive announcements, including a rise in the National Living Wage to £7.50 per hour and a cancellation in the planned fuel duty rise, the measures introduced in the wake of Brexit are completely insufficient.
Years of Tory austerity since 2010 have decimated the UK economy- UK GDP is close to 20% lower than it would have been if the UK had achieved a paltry 2% growth rate since 2008. Wage growth has been weak due to low productivity, and the OBR has predicted that wages will not return to their 2009 level until 2021.
On top of the difficulties created by Tory austerity, the prospect of Scotland being forced out of the EU single market against its sovereign will has the potential to further harm the economy. Membership of the single market contributes £11.6 billion to the Scottish economy. The independent Fraser of Allander Institute has predicted that a hard Tory Brexit threatens to cost 80,000 Scottish jobs, and cost Scotland’s economy up to £11 billion a year by 2030.
These figures, however, are based upon what we currently know about Brexit, which is still very little. The Chancellor and the UK Government have failed to define exactly what Brexit means, more than 5 months after the referendum.
The Prime Minister, Theresa May, has stated that she will not provide a “running commentary” on the Brexit negotiations. However, the utter lack of information provided by the UK Government on what Brexit actually entails will only serve to create further uncertainty.
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
Potential Closure of Kwik-Fit Insurance in Tannochside
I am extremely disappointed and concerned by the announcement that over five hundred jobs in the Tannochside area of my constituency are under threat, as the insurance company Ageas who own Kwik Fit Insurance have revealed plans to axe their entire Scottish operation. The announcement has caused huge uncertainty for hundreds of workers in my constituency and left employees extremely worried for their future. Kwik-Fit are a large and well established employer in Tannochside and this could prove to be a devastating blow to the local community, just before Christmas.
During questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland today in the House of Commons, I spoke out on behalf of those constituents facing redundancy. I asked Margot James MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy what support the UK Government will offer to the affected employees and their families.
The UK Government stated they would offer assistance through the Job Centre Plus Rapid Reaction Service and will also work with North Lanarkshire Council to make sure employees are being supported through local government channels.
Belgian-based firm Ageas revealed yesterday that they are currently going through a statutory 45-day consultation process with their employees but plan to shut the branch down in March next year. I understand Ageas are working with the Scottish Government to explore possible options, and I expect that they will take every possible step to minimise job losses.
Thursday, 3 November 2016
Questioning the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Process
Given my role as a representative of the UK Government, I am
frequently approached by constituents who have experienced problems with the
PIP process. Their experiences raised questions about the efficiency and
transparency of the way these payments are being processed and distributed and
prompted me to investigate further.
Personal Independence Payment is a benefit that is intended
to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition of a
disability. It is non-means-tested, non-contributory and tax-free. Furthermore,
it is not linked to a person’s ability to work, it is based upon the practical
effects of a condition on a person’s life rather than the condition itself. The assessments carried out by PIP assessors are in place to record the impact a condition has on daily living for example, if an individual is able to prepare their own meals or manage their own medication. These assessments in theory, should be designed to gather as much accurate information as possible about the effects of a condition on a person’s life. The process should also take into account the varying degrees of conditions and wide variety of symptoms.
I have heard many detailed accounts from constituents who suffer from conditions where symptoms are difficult to assess due to their sporadic nature and varying degrees of severity. For example, an individual suffering from a neurological condition may be able to perform most regular daily activities on a good day however, on a bad day they may be unable to get out of bed. It is pertinent that these types of conditions are correctly recorded by PIP assessors. Unfortunately, many of my constituents have found that this is not the case. They are being told that they do not qualify for PIP or receive a reduced amount because their assessment has been on one of their ‘good days’ or the assessor has recorded that they can in fact perform tasks – not noting that they can’t when their symptoms flair up.
The Department of Work and Pensions have recently stated that all health professionals undertaking assessments on behalf of DWP must be registered practitioners for example, an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist. The Department also stated that all healthcare professionals receive training in disability analysis. Given that the number of appeals and Mandatory Reconsiderations is so high, I feel this calls in to question the accuracy of the information being recorded by assessors at the first point of contact thus suggesting failings in the training being given to assessors.
I believe the Department of Work and Pensions need to make significant improvements to the way the current system operates. They have a responsibility to protect the individuals who are going through the process of applying for PIP from ‘slipping through the cracks’ or from their needs being unfairly and inaccurately assessed. I have recently raised written questions to the Department of Work and Pensions about PIP processes in order to obtain more information about the current system. I plan to continue to hold the Department of Work and Pensions to account and highlight the issues I feel need addressed by the Department in order to hopefully evoke much needed improvement in the service received by constituents in Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill and throughout the rest of the UK.
You can read my written questions on this issue here: https://goo.gl/JiOm0x