North Edinburgh News – Page 743 – The NEN

SEPA issues first water scarcity alert of 2022

The Firth of Tay area, covering north Fife and Dundee, has seen the risk of water scarcity increase to alert from early warning stage.
Businesses abstracting water in affected areas urged to be more water efficient to protect environment and business operations.
SEPA’s latest water situation report shows dry conditions impacting river flows and soil moisture.
Most of the south and east of Scotland remains at early warning.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published its first water scarcity alert of the year with business operators and farmers in the Firth of Tay area urged to efficiently manage their water use.

The risk of water scarcity in north Fife and Dundee has increased to alert from early warning and SEPA is monitoring the area closely, coordinating steps to manage water resources in line with Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan. Businesses which abstract water in affected areas are being urged to consider how they can be more efficient to protect both the environment and their own operations.

SEPA is responsible for the forecasting, monitoring, and reporting of the situation facing Scotland’s water resources and will produce weekly water scarcity reports from May to September.

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said: “It is vital that water abstractors in north Fife and Dundee, who are licensed by SEPA, have a plan to deal with water scarcity. We would encourage businesses to abstract at different times, reduce the volume/rate where possible and consider alternative sources of water.

“Climate change is already having an impact with a decrease in rainfall expected over the summer, and we have to be ready for more pressure on Scotland’s water resources, perhaps in places that have not had to deal with water scarcity before.

“SEPA aims to work with businesses to do the right thing and protect Scotland’s water environment. We can provide advice and guidance on ways to reduce pressure on rivers at risk of drought. Taking action now will reduce the likelihood of SEPA resorting to regulatory action.”

Businesses can find more information about water scarcity and ways to prepare on SEPA’s website.

Although Scotland is generally considered a wet country, we are continuing to see the effects of long periods of dry weather. The Scottish Government has this week highlighted the need to be prepared for the continued effects of climate change in Scotland, highlighting SEPA’s water scarcity reports.

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Reshaping unscheduled care services

People needing urgent and unplanned hospital care will benefit from a new national improvement programme aimed at reducing waiting times.

The Urgent and Unscheduled Care Collaborative will see health boards adopt a number of measures to reduce A&E waiting times and improve patient experience, including offering alternatives to hospital–based treatment.

People will also be offered scheduled urgent appointments to avoid long waits in A&E. The programme will also determine how the discharge process can be simplified to ensure patients don’t face unnecessary delays in leaving hospital. Health boards will share more than £50 million of funding this year (2022-23) to support this national integrated approach with work already underway in some areas.

Earlier this week the Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review was published, setting out priorities for the next five years, including investment and 2reform of health and social care services.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “It is absolutely crucial we ensure people are receiving the right care at the right time and in the right place. That’s why I’m pleased to confirm today’s £50 million investment to help achieve our national urgent and unscheduled care priorities.

“Our twin approach of investment and reform in urgent and unscheduled care will help boards see people who need urgent attention more quickly. For many, A&E may not be the best place for their healthcare needs and our £50 million improvement programme will offer patients alternative routes to urgent care.

“Last year 4,500 patients received care from a Hospital at Home service – without this these patients would have experienced an acute hospital stay, we are determined to build on this success.”

Witness appeal following serious assault by white van driver

Police are appealing for information following a serious assault in Princes Street that happened around 1pm on Friday, 20 May, 2022.

A 31-year-old man was on or near the pedestrian crossing when he was punched in the face by the driver of a van at the junction with Hanover Street.

He was treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for a serious facial injury.

The driver, who made off in a white van, is described as white, of stocky build, balding with a beard. He was wearing grey work trousers, a blue Nike top and boots.

Police Constable Mihaela Hristova said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or who may have made a note of the registration of the van which the suspect used.

“If you can help please contact us on 101, quoting incident number 1746 of Friday, 20 May, 2022, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Great British rip-off: don’t get caught out by UK seaside bank holiday parking charges

Tourists visiting UK seaside towns this Bank Holiday are being warned to do their research on parking charges – as research reveals the potential costs of leaving your vehicle when visiting the seaside.

As the cost-of-living crisis drives more of us towards Summer staycations, several popular private seaside car parks appear to be cashing in according to research by leading vehicle breakdown provider Start Rescue.

The worst offender was found in Newquay – a destination which welcomed over 5.9m tourists in 2021 – with one private parking location charging £35 for a stay of just eight hours.

Newquay, which has been described as Cornwall’s ‘favourite holiday destination’, is one of several popular seaside towns to scrap free parking facilities in favour of new pricey tariffs, removing its free facilities in June 2020.

Start Rescue has advised that it pays to shop around before ditching the car this Bank Holiday, warning visitors to vote with their feet when it comes to rip-off parking providers.

The great seaside spend: Rates to park your vehicle for eight hours:

Newquay – £35
Brighton – £31.50
Blackpool – £18
Bournemouth – £15.95
Weymouth – £15.50
Llandudno – £12
Durdle Door – £10
Polzeath – £10
Scarborough – £9.95
Southend on Sea – £9.30

Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue, said: “Parking our vehicle is something many of us take for granted and it’s the last thing we should be worrying about when taking a break at the seaside. We often find a parking space at the seaside, see the high cost to park, but are wary of moving in case we can’t find a cheaper space elsewhere.

“We recommend doing your research before your trip, because the cost of parking up by the beach can mount up, especially if you’re visiting for a few days, with prices varying greatly within one area.

“If you are able to walk a little further, first try the less expensive parking which is normally a little further away from the main beach area. Choose wisely and you’ll have more money to spend on the things that matter most.”

Meanwhile, in EDINBURGH – Please note, today and tomorrow (3 June) are NOT parking holidays. The usual parking charges will apply!

https://edinburgh.gov.uk/parking-spaces

Edinburgh Pets At Home store celebrates £300,000 pledge to Scottish Dementia Dog Charity

Visitors to the Pets at Home store at Fort Kinnaird last weekend joined the pet care specialist in celebrating its £300,000 pledge to Edinburgh-based Dementia Dog, an innovative project by Dogs for Good and Alzheimer Scotland that supports families across Scotland living with dementia, both at home and in the community.

The grant has been made through the Pets at Home Foundation, the charity founded by the Pets at Home Group – which includes Pets at Home, Vets4Pets and The Groom Room – as part of its mission to create a better world for pets and the people who love them.

The funds will be used to support the charity’s expansion across mainland Scotland, which includes training more full-time assistance dogs, providing animal assisted therapy, delivering training workshops and hosting events.

Over the weekend, visitors to the Fort Kinnaird store in Edinburgh, and others across Scotland, had the chance to speak to ambassadors from Dogs for Good about their work, enjoy cupcakes (or pupcakes) and more.

Amy Angus, Group Charity and Community Manager at the Pets at Home Foundation, said: “For families affected by dementia, a dog can provide great comfort and support through a very challenging time.

“We’re incredibly proud to be able to help such a fantastic initiative across Scotland, and it was great to celebrate with our colleagues and customers in our stores and veterinary practices over the weekend.

“It’s thanks to their great work and generous donations that we’re able to support so many important projects like Dementia Dog.”

Peter Gorbing, CEO of Dogs for Good, added: “For many people, their pets are not only their best friend, but can also be a real lifeline, helping to maintain a routine, retrieve medication and regulate sleeping patterns.

“We’re passionate about bringing people and dogs together and this funding will go a long way in helping us to support more families living with dementia.

“We’d like to send a big thank you to the Pets at Home Group and all the generous people who contributed to this pledge, which will mean so much to families across Scotland.”

The Dementia Dog project is one of hundreds of causes that the Pets at Home Foundation has supported, with more than £5 million donated to more than 750 organisations in the year to March 2022.

To find out more about the Pets at Home Foundation and the charities it supports, visit: https://www.petsathomefoundation.co.uk/

Musselburgh Racecourse and S.Luca partnership offers discount to local community

Two renowned East Lothian businesses are working together to offer more people in the local community who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis an opportunity to enjoy a fun day out.

Musselburgh Racecourse is partnering with S.Luca to offer racegoers a discounted meal when they purchase a concession ticket at the racecourse over the next three months.

Anyone who purchases a concession ticket will be able to present this at the Musselburgh branch of S. Luca to get a 10% off their meal. S. Luca is also offering a free ice cream for all kids who attend the races over this Jubilee weekend.

Concession tickets will be reduced to £15 over both days of the Jubilee weekend, saving £15 on Saturday and £10.00 on Sunday. This discount will continue over the next three months except for Ladies Day in August. All Saturday 4^th June concession racegoers will receive a complimentary concession ticket to Sunday 5^th June.

Bill Farnsworth, General Manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “In a bid to help the local community during this difficult period, we were keen to partner with our friends at S.Luca to provide an offer over the summer that would help as many people locally get access to a fun day out.

“We hope this offer over the next three months allows more people, particularly those who have been hit the hardest to come along and enjoy their day at the races with a delicious meal at the end of it.”

Jane McGhie at S.Luca, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Musselburgh Racecourse to offer discount to those who are going along to the races this summer. We want to do everything we can to keep costs down for people at a time when prices are high across the most basic amenities.”

The concession ticket (£15 on all days except for Ladies Day) offer will continue for three months (finish end of August) and can only be purchased at the gate on race day with a form of valid ID.

SNP announce record social security spending for Edinburgh

HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS EDINBURGH TO BE SUPPORTED BY £23 BILLION

As communities across Edinburgh recover from the pandemic and face a Tory made cost of living crisis, yesterday the SNP Government’s spending review outlined record social security spending to help households facing increasing pressures. The Scottish Government allocated around £23 billion for social security over the course of the parliament.

The focus on supporting households under increasing pressure reflects the SNP’s commitment to create a fairer Scotland by tackling child poverty, reducing inequalities and supporting financial wellbeing in Edinburgh, and builds on current efforts to help families and mitigate Westminster welfare cuts.

The Resource Spending Review outlined over £23 billion worth of payments, with a total of almost £1.8 billion for the ‘game changing’ Scottish Child Payment alone. By 2026-27 the budget for Social Security Assistance will have increased by £6.3 billion.

This is despite the Scottish Budget for this year being cut in real terms by 5.2 per cent by the Tory UK government and the SNP government already spending almost £770 million on cost of living support, including several measures for families in Edinburgh not available elsewhere in the UK, such as:

Doubling the ‘game changing’ Scottish Child Payment to £20 per child per week with plans to increase it to £25 and extend it to under 16s by the end of the year – reaching a possible 450,00 young people.
Investing £86m to mitigate the Tory Government bedroom tax and benefit cap and support 90,00 people in their tenancies
Uprating eight Scottish social security payments by 6 per cent
A brand new Low-Income Winter Heating benefit that guarantees a £50 annual payment to over 400,000 low income households in winter 22/23
The Carers Allowance Supplement which will support around 90,000 carers with an additional £450 a year
Providing everyone in primaries one to five and over 140,000 eligible children and young people access to a free school lunch
Making free bus travel available for nearly half of Scotland’s population through concessionary travel

Additionally, the Scottish Government is making investment in areas like energy efficiency to bring down costs and the spending review set out how the SNP will build on these over the coming years.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: ““I am very glad to see this record investment in social security by the SNP Government, putting such a strong focus on tackling child poverty and helping households both across the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency and the wider city who are facing severe pressures right now which seems likely to only increase for the next while.

“Many families across Edinburgh are already benefitting from support like the Scottish Child payment, a £150 council tax reduction, the Scottish Welfare Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments which mitigate Westminster’s cruel bedroom tax.

“These are policies that build on the SNP’s current efforts. They will make a real difference to people’s lives and build on long standing measures that we benefit from every day – such as free prescriptions, free university tuition, free personal care, and 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare which will continue to be maintained.

“When times are tough, Governments have to make tough decisions and I’m grateful the SNP government continue to focus on what matters most to people but, it is acting with one hand tied behind its back as Westminster continues to inflict its cruel austerity agenda at a time when people need support the most.

“Once again, it is clear that only with the full powers of independence, that we can stop spending a fixed budget on protecting households against Tory cuts and start to properly build a fairer, more equal Scotland.”

Cammo Meadows Jubilee Tree Planting

Staff from David Wilson Homes took part in a Jubilee Big Tree Plant at Cammo Meadows to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

To celebrate the 70^th anniversary of The Queen’s reign, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has planted over 1,500 trees in communities across Britain.

The Jubilee Big Tree Plant saw the country’s largest housebuilder plant trees to recognise the Queen’s wish to create a legacy for future generations.

Douglas McLeod, Regional Managing Director, Scotland said “We wanted to recognise Her Majesty the Queens incredible service to the country and her communities by fulfilling Her Majesty’s wish to plant trees that improve the sustainability of the local environment.

“It was wonderful to bring together residents, staff and local community groups to mark the Queen’s Jubilee celebration.”

Evictions response shows Scottish Government “asleep at the wheel”, says Choudhury

Last week I asked the Scottish Government about the rates of evictions after the COVID-19 pandemic, and if they would comment on evidence heard at the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee that sheriff officers are “making up for lost time” since the pandemic (writes FOYSUL CHOUDHURY MSP).

I was astonished by the answer. Green MSP Patrick Harvie, in his capacity as Minister for Tenants’ Rights, said that I was “overstating the case”.

But the words he dismissed were not my own. I was simply presenting the Minister with evidence heard at the committee, from a worker on the front line of dealing with Scotland’s increasing problems with debt and arrears.

Not only was Harvie’s response dismissive and insulting to those working to aid people with problem debt, it demonstrates a Scottish Government that is asleep at the wheel when it comes to the growing housing and homelessness crisis.

The scale of that crisis was reported recently: a 2,052 per cent spike in court proceedings initiated by local authorities since the eviction ban ended; 366 households facing eviction in just the first quarter of this year; a 16.5 per cent rise in homelessness applications from the last quarter.

Any analysis of this grave situation must also consider other evidence heard by the committee, that the cost to local authorities of evicting a social tenant and putting them into the homelessness system is exorbitant, at an estimated minimum of £24,000 for a relatively simple case without complex challenges.

As we all discovered afresh during the pandemic, prevention is better than cure. The Scottish Government had been repeatedly warned of the potential for spiralling evictions after the scrapping of the evictions ban.

Scottish Labour have been clear that Scotland badly needs targeted support for tenants in social housing to avoid this coming storm. Instead, we get denial of the scale of the problem as reported by those on its front lines. Scotland deserves better than a government that dismisses the concerns of its most vulnerable citizens.

I am unfortunately sure that this will not be the last the Social Justice and Social Security Committee hears on this matter in this Parliament.

I will continue to monitor the situation as it potentially affects many vulnerable people in the Lothian region I represent, and continue campaigning for better targeted support for vulnerable tenants who have been hit by the dual shocks of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

We must have a compassionate approach. Allowing cases like these to be pushed into the homelessness system has no moral or financial case, and the Scottish Government should explore every avenue to avoid it.

TUC demands assurances over Rees-Mogg’s “reckless” post-Brexit plans

The TUC has demanded that hard-won workers’ rights will be protected after reports emerged suggesting that Jacob Rees-Mogg is drawing up a list comprising over 1,000 EU-derived regulations to be ripped up.

The TUC says it received a letter from the business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng in February 2022 which promised “there is no government plan to reduce workers rights”, after the union body had called for guarantees following the start of a review into EU-retained law.

The union body is calling for fresh assurance in the wake of new reports.

The TUC previously commissioned the legal help of Michael Ford QC to examine the rights at risk post-Brexit, including those strengthened by EU law. The rights include, among others:

Holiday pay
Equal pay for men and women
Parental leave
Equal treatment for part-time workers

These rights provide an essential protection against the erosion of working conditions, which are already under threat. Women living in North East Somerset currently earn an average of just 56.6% of the earnings of their male counterparts; the TUC South West region warns that without essential EU legislation, conditions such as these could erode even further, becoming harder to rectify.

The reports suggest that the bill will “fast-track” repealing regulations. The TUC says this could see some essential rights removed or watered down without proper parliamentary scrutiny.

The prime minister has promised to protect and enhance workers’ rights post-Brexit on numerous occasions.

In addition to the threat to “essential” workplace rights, the TUC points to the EU Commission’s proposals to strengthen the rights of platform workers, which shows how the UK is already at risk of falling behind our European counterparts on workers’ rights a year into Brexit.

TUC South West Regional Secretary Nigel Costley said: “Workers in North East Somerset, as across the UK, will feel the hit if Mr. Rees-Mogg is allowed to treat essential workplace protections as so-called ‘burdens of regulation’.

“Protections such as holiday entitlement, parental leave, equal pay, and equal treatment for part-time workers are essential to our wellbeing and quality of life. These are the very rights which are protected by retained EU law.

“This reckless, sweeping proposal treats all EU legislation with one brush, and if allowed to go ahead without scrutiny would be a shameful dismissal of conditions that workers depend on. We would hope Rees-Mogg wouldn’t stoop to this level of contempt for working people, especially those in his own constituency.

“This government has promised to ‘protect and enhance’ workers’ rights after Brexit; it is time that they make good on those promises.”