Shirley-Anne Somerville

We promised at the election that we would help with the energy costs of people who need lifesaving equipment and those who are terminally-ill.

The programme for government turns our election pledges into government action and will commit the SNP Government to delivering this support.

Pension age disability payment was an important milestone in the development of our social security system that treats everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.

I would encourage anyone who thinks they or someone they know might be eligible to apply.

I’m pleased the payment has supported so many older people across Scotland in its first year.

It is vital that older people with care needs get the money they need to stay safe and live with dignity.

There is a lot of misinformation about refugees in the media, and it is important to correct false narratives that suggest certain groups are treated preferentially over others.

There is a lot of misinformation about refugees in the media, and it is important to correct false narratives that suggest certain groups are treated preferentially over others.

There is a lot of misinformation about refugees in the media, and it is important to correct false narratives that suggest certain groups are treated preferentially over others.

Scotland is a welcoming nation and people seeking safety here are valued members of our communities.

These rights apply equally to all those who are homeless through no fault of their own.

Scotland is proud of its strong and well-established framework of rights for households experiencing homelessness.

Local authorities assess each case based on statutory duties and household need, ensuring fairness across the system.

The safety and wellbeing of children is our absolute priority.