I take the opportunity to congratulate Dumbarton Tennis Club (previously known as Kirktonhill Tennis Club) who relaunched their tennis courts last weekend. It was great to see the kids enjoy the launch and for Judy Murray to provide two training sessions for the kids.

Clearly, the kids gave Judy, Anna Brogan and Shona Ross a run for their money. There is no doubt there is talent within the club and coaches have been working tremendously to nurture this. I am glad the support provided by Cllr McBride and I, assisted with the much-needed funding.

READ MORE: Tennis star Judy Murray attends Dumbarton club re-opening

I was pleased to hear about the uptake in the free summer activities which was supported by the council, as funding had been set aside by the Labour Administration to support families during the summer breaks, I would like to thank all of the groups who made the programme successful and the council officers, as I know a lot of work goes into making these activities work. I was disappointed that funding was cut by the Scottish Government, however I’m pleased that we will continue to fund our SHINE Programme over the term of this administration.

In May 2024, I declared a housing emergency in West Dunbartonshire, shortly after the Scottish Government declared a housing emergency in Scotland, however, to date the housing minister has not been able to take control of the housing crisis. In August 2024, a housing emergency plan was passed by the committee in order to take control and cut down the housing crisis.

The investment secured from the rent increase in 2023 Budget allowed us to invest £10 million to buy back properties, which was matched by the Scottish Government. The council is actively looking to buy back and increase the size of our housing stock. We have also automatically added housing applicants to the HomeSwapper Service to give them more opportunities and control over moving home. The council is also looking to support tenants who wish to downsize, therefore if you wish to consider, please contact your housing officer who can assist you.

Changes made to the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment means a payment of up to £300 is available to those on pension credit.

More information is available from Working4U team through the online form at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working4u/how-do-you-access-our-service/ or by calling 01389 738296.

Official statistics suggest there are 1664 households with people over the state pension age on low incomes who are not currently claiming pension credit.

The benefit, which could be worth up to £3,900 each year, tops up the pension of people over the state pension age who have a low income, helping with rent and other housing costs. It can even be claimed if someone has other income, savings or owns their home. If you are eligible for pension credit then you would qualify for Winter Fuel Allowance as well.

On a personal note, next month marks my younger brother’s seventh year in arbitrary detention, and the battle continues. I am grateful for the support the wider community has provided and looking forward to hearing what the new government will be doing to bring my brother back home.