The year of 2024 has undoubtedly been a memorable one. A change in First Minister in Holyrood and Prime Minister in Westminster has set the stage for a very different type of Politics in Scotland, than that which we ended 2023 on. 2024 also marked the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament – a quarter of a century of Devolution, which Scots overwhelmingly voted for, and which led to the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. But know that, for many of my constituents, irrespective of political events, this past year has been deeply challenging, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite – with mortgage rates remaining at high levels and the cost of fuel rising. Within this context, it is incumbent on all political parties to do what we can to help people most in need.
That’s why the draft Scottish Budget for next year will see record-high investment directed to public services and protecting the most vulnerable households. This includes a record increase in NHS spending, the expansion of free school meals for primary pupils, increased spending on affordable housing and investment to scrap the cruel two-child cap, lifting 15,000 children out of poverty. The Scottish Government will also reinstate a universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payment which will replace the Winter Fuel Payment; a benefit the Labour Party stripped away from around 900,000 pensioners as temperatures began to plumet. This is a budget has the people of Scotland at its heart.
Closer to home, in the constituency this year we have welcomed direct Scottish Government investment – most notably in the historic return of the Levenmouth Rail Line. The new transport link has been backed by over £116 million of SNP Scottish Government investment, and is already beginning to show a transformative impact for the Levenmouth community. Over in Glenrothes, I recently had the pleasure to launch the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Collydean, which will see children receive a free book every month up until their fifth birthday. This is welcome news for the children and parents of Collyden and I am grateful to the Community Centre and to local business, Leviton, for their support in hosting the library and providing the necessary funding to back the new library. From surgeries, to school visits, to backing local businesses, it has been another busy year across Mid Fife and Glenrothes. In the coming weeks you will receive a copy of my annual report for 2024, which will provide you with an update on my work on your behalf as the constituency MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, which I hope you find helpful. Most people imagine the life of a politician to be that which they see on the TV – but the bread and butter of any MSP, irrespective of party, is the work they do in our communities standing up for the people who elected them.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my constituents a Happy Hogmanay, and the very best for 2025. Please be assured that my team and I will continue to support you in the new year, and my office will be on hand following a short break from 6th of January. Do not hesitate to reach out on 01592 764815 or at jenny.gilruth.msp@parliament.scot should you need any assistance from me as your MSP. Lang may yer lum reek.
