Moray SNP News

RICHARD LOCHHEAD MSP’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Last year was a tough year for many of my constituents in Moray and as we look to the coming year, we know that although many of the challenges remain by working together we can support each other through these tough times and look ahead to better days.

I want to pay tribute to everyone in Moray who goes out of their way to help others and improve lives in their communities. There are so many individuals, charities and organisations that go above and beyond to help those in need.

I also want to thank everyone in our NHS and across all health settings in Moray who do an amazing job despite growing pressures on our healthcare system. Our nurses, doctors and all health and social care workers are showing the utmost dedication and professionalism against a very challenging backdrop to provide the care people need.

In 2025 I am looking forward to the first big step forward in plans to restore consultant-led maternity services at Dr Gray’s, with the return of elective caesarean sections early this year.

Likewise, our teaching staff and school communities deserve enormous credit as they have been rallying round local families and helping our young people to thrive and meet their learning potential.

Households and businesses continue to feel financial pressure caused by high fuel bills and inflation. Despite promises by the new Labour UK Government to reduce our energy bills they not only continue to rise, but thousands of pensioners in Moray are feeling the impact of the Labour Chancellor’s decision to cut the winter fuel payment.

Meanwhile, businesses, charities and the public sector are set to be hit hard by the UK Government’s increase to employers national insurance contributions – a policy that will in no way help to deliver much needed economic growth.

In stark contrast, the Scottish Government is set to deliver a budget that will deliver record funding for our NHS, ensure every pensioner in Scotland receives a winter heating payment, invests over £760m to deliver 8000 new homes, and increases funding for Scotland’s local authorities by more than £1bn.

I look forward to the year ahead and continuing to work on behalf of everyone in Moray – I’ve no doubt I’ll meet many incredible people and businesses across our region in the months ahead.  

I wish all my constituents a prosperous 2025 and what I hope will be a more peaceful and kind world.