WASPI Campaign

After years of campaigning, the WASPI state pension report looks set to be published early this year.

Almost four million women up and down the country lost up to six years of their pension because of changes to their State Pension Age made by the Department of Work and Pension (DWP).

This is the final part of the independent investigation and will determine what compensation women will get from the DWP.

It’s worth a reminder of just what these changes mean in real terms. Within South Ayrshire alone, women have lost around £25m.

That’s money kept by Westminster instead of in the hands of those who deserve it. Money kept out of our local economy. And sadly, money that some women will never see, regardless of compensation, because they are no longer with us. This is one of the biggest injustices of our time.

I have long been a supporter of the WASPI campaign, in my constituency and beyond. I will continue to support them in whatever way I can until they get the justice they so rightly deserve. In an election year, I would certainly hope that the WASPI women feature in every party’s manifesto.

Get moving on the bus

One of my first tasks of the New Year is to arrange a meeting with Stagecoach to discuss how bus services across Ayr, Prestwick and Troon meet the needs of those using the service.

As we travel forward your feedback is always appreciated. It’s welcome news to hear about positive changes to timetables in the area including the number 14 service.

From January 14, this service will operate hourly and will now also extend to Ayr Hospital, offering direct connections to the hospital from Irvine, Troon, Monkton, and Prestwick and enhancing the options from Ayr.

In addition, from that date, Stagecoach will be introducing a service that will operate on a short loop from the town centre, along the seafront, past the Citadel and back to the town centre every 20 minutes.

This will provide greater connectivity for each of you who rely on the bus services. As we know though, these routes must be commercially viable, so please utilise the service when you can.

Beat the January Blues

January and February can be cold and bleak months. The Christmas holidays are over and it’s back to our old routine and starting the New Year diets. It’s also important to look after your mental health.

Asking for help can be a big step. There are many resources online and if you call the NHS on 111, their trained advisors can signpost you to where you can get help. Look out for each other.

Here's to 2024

A very Happy New Year to you all. 2023 seemed to fly by and I’m looking forward to a busy 2024. If you need my help, please call the team at 01292 810034 or email siobhian.brown.msp@parliament.scot