These are tough times right across the world including here in Glasgow.  The Government is committed to not repeating the mistakes of previous recessions where families and communities were left to cope on their own.

That's why the we are offering a lot of extra help at this time when people need it most. But for me, what is most important is making sure that people in Glasgow have access to the extra support for families, pensioners, people looking for jobs and homeowners.

Tax Down: Tax Credits Up

From April, child tax credits will rise by £150 a year and working tax credits by £90 a year.  Basic rate taxpayers will get a tax cut worth £145 a year each to over 2.2 million ordinary Scots.  And if you or someone in your family are expecting a child there is a new "Health in Pregnancy Grant" worth £190 for mums-to-be. This means extra support for over 57,000 women in Scotland.

The state pension is going up by £4.55 to £95.25 from April, helping around 9,000 in Glasgow North constituency and over 92,000 people across Glasgow. 

We have also increased the Pension Credit to £130 a week for single pensioners and £198 for couples helping 4,110 households in Glasgow North. This winter was one of the coldest I can remember in a long time.  So it was more important than ever that this year there was a Winter Fuel Payment of £250 for the over 60s and £400 for those over 80.

I am determined that families in my constituency and right across Glasgow will not be left to cope on their own. If you or a loved one loses their job, there will be support from day one.   People will not be left behind like they were in previous recessions.  There is now practical help if you lose your job with one to one support and advice and free new training courses available.

We are also working with mortgage lenders to stop repossessions in the current climate.   And there is a new Mortgage Protection scheme, so mortgage payments can be changed to make paying the bills easier.

I'm very proud that children and families are at the heart of Labour’s policies, but especially so during these tough times.  This cash boost will make a real difference to local families from Summerston to St Georges Cross.