SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed new figures showing that 3,784 businesses in the capital have received Scottish Government grants to support firms through the coronavirus crisis. A total of £49.45 million has been awarded in Edinburgh through a Scottish Government scheme to support small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. The small business grant is worth over £1 billion to business, and is part of the wider business support package worth £2.3 billion. In order that funding can be distributed as quickly as possible, eligibility for the grant scheme is linked to the non-domestic rates system. Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said, “This is a very difficult ti
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has said that the public must prepare for restrictions on normal life to continue for some time. The comments come as the Scottish Government published a new document outlining how decisions will be taken to control coronavirus (COVID-19) while restoring a degree of normality to everyday life. The paper - COVID-19: A Framework for Decision-Making - sets out the position during this ongoing period of lockdown and outlines the factors that must be considered as we move gradually to ease restrictions. It also recognises that new ways of living – effectively a “new normal” – may have to be in place for some time to come. SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pe
MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald has encouraged people in the capital to be aware of scams and fake news following an increase in reports across Scotland about scam emails, text messages, and doorstep callers. Across the UK there is evidence fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the public, as well as organisations of all sizes, with emails, texts, telephone calls, social media messages and online shopping scams relating to the outbreak. Police Scotland have now launched a new Shut Out Scammers resource to protect the public and businesses from COVID-19 related scams. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also launched an email reporting service, which th
Prospect Community Housing have released the latest of their fortnightly updates keeping tenants informed of their services during the Lockdown. Latest Updates We have been contacting tenants we think are in self isolating categories to make sure they have the support they need. It has been very encouraging to hear about many incidences of help from neighbours, and we wanted to thank tenants who are making a real difference right where they live. We have also been very pleased to be able to work with Wester Hailes Together to provide essential support, using our vans to deliver meals, food parcels and emergency packs. Many thanks to the staff who have made this possible, and to all our staf
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed confirmation Edinburgh families unable to access food due to coronavirus will get support from the Scottish Government. Local authorities are sharing £30 million of new investment from the Scottish Government Food fund to support those struggling. The City of Edinburgh Council have been allocated over £1.6 million from the fund. The funding is one part of the £350 million Communities Fund. The funding will support those most in need including families with children who are eligible for free school meals, older people, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women. Councils will have flexibility to use this additional resource in ways that bes
