MARTIN Docherty-Hughes MP has welcomed new measures announced by the Scottish Government to tackle the problem of nuisance calls and scam sellers, with people across West Dunbartonshire set to benefit.

The national Nuisance Calls Action Plan unveiled by Scottish Government Economy Secretary Keith Brown MSP, will include a £50,000 fund to install call-blocking technology for those most at risk from nuisance calls.

The Scottish Government has also written to the UK Government urging greater action to reduce the volume of nuisance calls, as power over regulation remains at Westminster.

Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said: “Nuisance calls and scam sellers plague millions of people every year, and they disproportionately affect people in Scotland.

“With the elderly and the most vulnerable among those targeted, these calls are not just irritating; they can also cause real harm and blight people’s lives.

“I welcome the Scottish Government’s Nuisance Calls Action Plan, with a range of practical measures including a new £50,000 fund to install call-blocking technology, that will make it easier for people in West Dunbartonshire to identify these calls and protect themselves.

“As the power to regulate lies at Westminster, it is crucial that the UK Government takes greater action to reduce the volume of nuisance calls, including exploring a model of automatic opt-outs from unwanted calls.”