Susan Murray Newsletter - WASPI Women and Resigning from East Dunbartonshire Council

A local update from your Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dunbartonshire, Susan Murray. On this week's update, the disappointing decision from the UK Government on WASPI compensation, standing down as a councillor and a number of weekly updates.

WASPI Women

I am very disappointed by the Government’s decision to deny the WASPI women the compensation they deserve and for which they have long campaigned.

My Lib Dem colleagues and I will continue to fight for the WASPI women, to make sure they get what they deserve.

Heat Pump Webinar

I'm holding a community webinar with helpful information on and debunking some myths around heat pumps on Thursday 16 January 5pm-6pm.

More information on attending the event is available at this Eventbrite link.

Resigning from East Dunbartonshire Council

After seven years, I’ve resigned as councillor for Kirkintilloch and Twechar. It’s been a privilege to represent my constituents in this role.

I’d like to thank all the people who supported me. I’ll be continuing to stand up for the people of Mid Dunbartonshire as your MP in the House of Commons.

Campaign for Milngavie Health and Care Centre

I've written to Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP, urging him to properly fund the new Milngavie Health and Care Centre.

By treating people in our community, we can prevent conditions from worsening, reduce the need for hospital and emergency care, and improve living standards.

Letter on parliamentary paper that reads "Good afternoon, Thank you for your response. I appreciate the challenges the Scottish Government faces in determining capital funding priorities within the current fiscal environment. That said, I would like to reiterate the urgent need for the Milngavie Health and Care Centre. A modern, well designed, energy efficient facility is desperately needed because of the increasing level of frailty in Mid Dunbartonshire's ageing population who requires accessible, high-quality local care. Ensuring that older residents can receive the right support close to home helps maintain their independence, reduces the likelihood of minor conditions escalating into more serious health issues, and ultimately lowers the demand for costly emergency or hospital-based services. By preventing unnecessary admissions and managing chronic conditions at an earlier stage, local care provision can deliver significant long-term cost savings to the healthcare system and relieve pressure on NHS resources. In addition, developing the Milngavie Health and Care Centre would bring East Dunbartonshire onto a comparable footing with areas that have already seen investment in integrated facilities such as Eastwood Health and Care Centre in East Renfrewshire, so often used as the comparator local authority for East Dunbartonshire. The centre would also align closely with the objectives of the Scottish Primary Care Improvement Plan by fostering a more integrated and preventative model of healthcare; through the provision of treatment rooms and improved coordination with allied health professionals to meet the changing needs of the community, to support local GPs, improve service delivery and reinforce the shift towards more effective, community-based case. East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership has made the business case previously and I trust that you will seriously consider including this project in the capital allocations as part of this Scottish Budget."

A Fair Deal for Private Pensions

Many pensioners in Mid Dunbartonshire are facing a harsh winter due to significant rises in food and energy costs. Even those who have saved for their retirement are finding it challenging.

At DWP questions, I asked the Government what they are doing to ensure people with private pensions get a fair deal.

Protecting our Health and Care from National Insurance Hike

I was proud to join my fellow Lib Dem MPs to secure a vote on protecting Mid Dunbartonshire's GPs and other health and social care providers from Labour's National Insurance tax hike.

You can read our amendment here.

Royal Mail

Despite the fantastic performance of our local posties, Royal Mail has failed to meet its delivery targets, and even more alarming, its future presence in the United Kingdom is uncertain.

The new owners must work day and night to turn things around for communities like ours in Mid Dunbartonshire, who rely on high-quality post services, especially at this time of year.

SSPCA Festive Pet Advice

In Mid Dunbartonshire, we love our pets and know they need to be looked out for at Christmas.

I’m grateful to the Scottish SPCA for publishing their excellent guidance on how to look after your furry companion this festive season.

Diary Dates for Festive Bin Collections

East Dunbartonshire Council’s waste service will not be operational on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 1 January 2025, and 2 January 2025.

A full breakdown of refuse collection is available here.

LOCAL PLANNING CONSULTATIONS

Views are being sought on a range of planning issues including the historic environment, housing and developer contributions for schools.

You can find all the information here.

LOCAL ROADS AND GRITTING

The weather is getting colder and measures are being taken in East Dunbartonshire to keep us all safe when the winter conditions arrive.

Crews from the local council are now on call 24/7 and you can get up-to-the-minute information on gritting at the link here. A form to report issues is also available there.

ROAD CLOSURES AND WORKS

Up-to-date information on the roads affected by closures and road works across the constituency is available here.

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

Whether you voted for me or not I am here to help you.

If you have any issues or concerns you think I might be able to help with please get in touch. You may have problems with your pension, benefits, housing, NHS, education or taxation. I may not be able to solve every problem but I will try.

My office is currently at Unit 44F, Huntershill Village, Bishopbriggs, G64 1RP. I have no parliamentary phone line at present. You can email me on Susan.Murray.MP@parliament.uk

You can receive updates of my work on my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/susanmurraymp/

P.S. Get updates

If you’ve enjoyed this, please spread the word and tell your friends by forwarding it to them. Anyone can sign up to get updates from Susan and the local Lib Dems via email here.