Tribal politics put to one side as the Scottish Parliament came together along with Marie Curie to mark the National Day of Reflection on the third anniversary of Covid-19 lockdown
I was pleased to host MND Scotland’s Parliamentary reception on Wednesday 22 March.
I was blown away by the wonderful dancers, coaches, choreographers and of course supportive families at the Theatre Royal tonight showcasing the great talent of young people in our constituency with Achieve More Scotland who were part of the Go Dance opening night.
I have been working with local mum, Heather Sturdy, to improve the experience of wheelchair users on First Glasgow services. This follows the refusal of some drivers to permit Heather to use bus services along with her baby and pram. Her plight has previously been featured in the media. Following this I arranged for a site visit to Ruchill (where she stays) by senior First Glasgow officers to meet Heather and discuss this issue. They brought along a bus from their fleet and we had a very constructive discussion about the service Heather and her family should expect.
Privilege to host the annual Rare Disease Day event (online) and hear from lived experience of Emily and Kimberley- the challenges they have faced and the challenge to policy makers to improve the system.
Over 34,000 children in Glasgow have benefited from the Scottish Child Payment since it was introduced by the Scottish Government.
Now all eligible children under the age of 16 can get the payment. In total 34,520 children in Glasgow have received a payment since the scheme’s inception in February 2021, totalling £25,052,620. The full roll-out has been described as a “watershed moment” in tackling poverty in Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon has been an outstanding public servant for our nation. Her contribution to public life, as well as the cause of Scottish Independence, has been exceptional.
The actions taken by Nicola as First Minister has helped make our nation a fairer, more socially just and progressive country.
The dedication she has shown, not least of all during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been immense.
I am hugely disappointed that the First Minister has decided to stand down but we should thank her for all she has done for Scotland.
I have no doubt Nicola will continue to make a substantial contribution to our independence movement in the months and years ahead.
I have been contacted by a constituent concerned that a shop is expecting customers to buy something in-store before being allowed to use the PayPoint service. This is an essential service for many people every day to receive payments and pay bills such as electricity and gas.
Many people are struggling with the cost of living.
I am hosting a drop-in event with various organisations present offering advice and support. Help available will include advice on debt, benefits, income maximisation and energy costs.
Fewer people in work in Scotland are earning below the Real Living Wage than in the rest of the UK.
Figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) reveals that just 9% of people in work in Scotland are earning below £9.90 per hour. On average 12.2% of workers across the UK are earning below the Living Wage, with 11.8% in Wales, 12.5% in England and 14.6% in Northern Ireland.
I hope constituents had a very merry Christmas and that 2023 will be a happy and healthy one for all.
With the cost of living crisis still impacting significantly on many across the communities I am privileged to represent, I appreciate that the year ahead will have many challenges. Myself and my committed office team will do what we can to offer help and assistance to those that require it. Please do get in contact - www.bob-doris.scot/contact
Nationally, our Scottish Government will continue to use its budgets, despite the strain they are under, to help those suffering most under the current cost pressures; as well as investing in our public services as we do all we can to mitigate the unprecedented strains caused by Covid-19, Brexit and the UK Government’s botched handling of the economy.
The very best for 2023, Bob Doris MSP.
bob.doris.msp@parliament.scot 
Bob Doris MSP, Maryhill Burgh Halls, 24 Gairbraid Avenue, Maryhill, Glasgow, G20 8YE