Alex Salmond used a visit to Ayrshire last night to unveil his ALBA party’s ‘key pensioner commitments’.
The former Prime Minister stopped at Ayr Town Hall and Kilmarnock Cross to campaign with party activists ahead of next week’s local elections.
While in Ayr, Mr. Salmond spoke at the latest ‘Wee ALBA Book’ roadshow.
He said: “Pensioners across Scotland, and particularly here in South Ayrshire with one of the highest proportions of the elderly population across the country, are facing the brunt of the cost of living crisis.
“They are facing a massive increase in their fuel bills, forcing many to choose between heating their homes or putting food on the table.
“ALBA offers three ways to put money in the pockets of retirees now and help offset the rising cost of fuel, food and transportation.
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“ALBA is proposing to double the winter fuel payment, currently worth £100 to £300 for one million eligible pensioners; a 25% council tax cut for those benefiting from a council tax cut; and calls on the Chancellor to cut fuel bills by a third, to be paid for by a windfall tax on the excess profits of the energy giants.
“These are credible, costed commitments which, if implemented, will make a real difference in the lives of our oldest citizens.
“A vote for ALBA will elect councilors who will demand immediate action to support retirees during the cost of living crisis.
“With no party likely to have an overall majority in East Ayrshire or South Ayrshire councils after May 5, it is crucial that ALBA councilors are elected who can be strong voices for their communities and push for the measures set out in ALBA’s plan to tackle pensioner poverty.”
Mr Salmond was joined in Ayr by the party’s candidates for South Ayrshire Council, Denise Sommerville (Ayr North), John Caddis (Prestwick), Geoff Bush (Kyle) and Eileen Spence (Girvan and South Carrick).
Denise said: “I was delighted to see so many people turn up tonight to hear our vision for the road to independence.
“People rightly want answers to their questions about pensions, currency and borders.
“The ‘Wee ALBA Book’ provides these elements and explains how Scotland will be a prosperous country trading and working with the rest of the UK and Europe after independence.
“With events such as tonight’s Q&A; with Alex Salmond, the ‘Wee ALBA Book’ can get people talking and debating the future of Scotland.”
Mr Salmond was also with candidates in Kilmarnock and joined Wendy MacDonald, Stewart McLintock and Guy Njali Bola in making their case in the election.
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