Westminster Decisions Costing Scotland Recently released figures show an alarming fourfold increase in emergency housing help as a result of Westminster’s unfair welfare cuts that continue to hit the least well off the hardest. Almost £15.4m of emergency help was claimed by 45,722 households from April to November last year with £303,089 being claimed in Renfrewshire alone over that short period. These figures have not been a shock; we have almost become used to hearing of incredible amounts of money being spent to cover the cost of poor Westminster decisions. How much longer shall the people of Scotland have to pay for this?

Nevertheless, these figures do show that by working closely with our Local Authority partners we have been able to provide support for over 45,500 households in Scotland. However, only an independent Scottish Parliament with full powers over welfare will allow us to create a fairer welfare system that helps support the least well-off.

Renfrew Development Trust A group of local people have come together to form Renfrew Development Trust with the aim of developing new services and facilities that will make Renfrew a better place to live, work and visit.

Late last year the Trust commissioned an independent community consultation with a view to writing a plan for the area. The views of as many local people as possible were sought to make sure any future plans are rooted in what the people of Renfrew think.

Following, on from this consultation the Trust have now called a public meeting on the 13th of February at the Renfrew Town Hall between 7pm – 9pm, to discuss the results of this survey and how they have shaped the Renfrew Community Action Plan.

I would encourage everyone to go along and have your voice heard amongst the people who truly care for our community.

Unemployment rate at lowest in five years The number of people being employed in Scotland is on the rise.

Scotland is the best performing of the four nations of the UK in terms of unemployment and employment rates according to new labour market figures, which show for the period September to November 2013: • The unemployment rate of 6.4 per cent is the lowest since January-March 2009 • Over the year the number of women in employment has increased by 62,000 - the largest annual increase on record • The largest annual increase in the employment level since April to June 2007.

Scotland’s economic health is steadily improving, however, with the full levers independence Scotland really can become a nation with a strong enough economic platform to rival some of the biggest countries in the world.

Tesco, Wallneuk Site Last year they Tesco announced that they would not be proceeding with the planned store at the Wallneuk Site in Paisley. Their planning consent for this development is due to expire on 18th April this year. Tesco have informed me that they have submitted a Proposal of Application Notice for a renewal of their consent for a store at Renfrew Road, Paisley. They will be holding a consultation event on the scheme in late February 2014.

As soon as I have further information regarding the consultation and plans for the site I will provide a further update on this matter.