MODERN ‘FIT FOR PUPOSE’ FACILITY AT VICTORIA QUAY?
EDINBURGH Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson is urging the Scottish Government to consider siting a new police station in Victoria Quay.
Writing to Justice Secretary Angela Constance yesterday, the local MSP said: “As you are aware, Leith Police Station in my constituency is one of those being considered for closure, as part of Police Scotland’s estate review.
“In terms of the current building in Leith, this is understandable as the current location is within the old Leith Chambers which, while being a remarkable historic building, is not optimal for twentieth century policing or meeting shared aspirations like net zero.
“However, there is a very strong case for retaining a police station in Leith – especially given recent and projected significant population growth in the locality and surrounding areas! This could be realised in the form of a new Leith Police Station within a colocation premises, which would enhance public service provision and make financial sense.
Therefore, I am writing to state that I think Victoria Quay could potentially provide an ideal location for a new Leith Police Station, collocated with other public services.
“The under-utilisation of Victoria Quay is well known and I have previously liaised with the Permanent Secretary about how it could be used going forward, to potentially provide more for Leith and the wider needs of the public and local economy.
“I would be grateful if the Scottish Government and Police Scotland could consider the creation of a new Leith Police Station to be established in Victoria Quay?
“I have copied the this correspondence to the Edinburgh Commander (Police Scotland) and the Permanent Secretary. “
The UK’s largest municipal bus company, Lothian Buses, has paired up with social enterprise Powering Futures to take eight of its apprentice engineers through the Challenge Programme – a pioneering workplace skills development programme focused on sustainability and future business prosperity.
Participants in the Challenge Programme will collaborate on a solution to a sustainability challenge set by Lothian Buses, and present that solution to a panel of industry-leading judges – developing their skills in innovation, networking and collaboration.
The challenge to be tackled by the Lothian Buses apprentice engineers is reduction in the use of energy, particularly gas, across the Lothian Buses estate – with company bosses undertaking to implement the creative solutions which Challenge Programme participants come up with at the end of the process.
Powering Futures was set up in 2020 to empower the young and future workforce with the skills, critical thinking, and enthusiasm to help their organisation transition to net zero.
Partnering with businesses to help them solve real-time climate change challenges, Powering Futures tasks teams of 16–25-year-olds with solving a sustainability problem set by industry or their employer and supports them in coming up with creative solutions through teamwork and climate skills.
Colin Barnes, Director of Engineering at Lothian Buses said:“As the main bus operator in Edinburgh, we are fully committed to ensuring we play our part in reducing emissions across Edinburgh and the Lothians, including within our premises and plan to become fully net zero by 2035.
“We are excited to be working with Powering Futures to encourage and empower our young workforce to come up with the solutions to the challenge of energy use.
“Our younger colleagues will look at these issues in a different way to those who have been in the business for a long time, and we are confident that their suggestions will inspire a step-change in how this sustainability challenge is approached. Nothing is off limits.”
The Lothian Buses Powering Futures Challenge got underway this week, with Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith where Lothian Buses is headquartered visiting the Lothian Buses Central Depot to meet the Challenge participants.
Ben Macpherson MSP said:“It’s great that Powering Futures and Lothian Buses are working together to help empower the young workforce.
“The Challenging Programme will equip participants with key skills for their career, and also bring forward innovative, new ideas for how Lothian Buses can continue to lead in decarbonising the transport sector.”
Since launching in 2020, the Powering Futures Challenge Programme has engaged over 3,000 young people across Scotland, including those working in well-known organisations such as Scottish Water, Forth Ports and Booth Welsh.
In October, Booth Welsh reported that the sustainability solution implemented after its young workforce took part in the Powering Futures Challenge Programme had cut gas usage by 80%, at a saving of £40,000 annually for the business.
Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures said:“We are delighted to be working with Lothian Buses to bring this pioneering initiative to their young workforce.
“The transport sector is understandably a major focus area in the transition towards net zero, but it’s also where we are seeing some of the most innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.
“Through the Powering Futures Challenge Programme, we are empowering tomorrow’s business leaders to solve real-time sustainability challenges and work towards future economic prosperity.
“We believe that economic prosperity and sustainability exist together – and the example set by previous Challenge participants proves that the model works for businesses, the young workforce, and the climate.
“We are excited to work with the team at Lothian Buses to empower the young workforce and bring their creative sustainability solutions to life.”
Deidre Brock MP and Ben Macpherson MSP are hosting a Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 29 September. The event will run from 10.30 am – 12 noon in the Anchor Room West at the Heart of Newhaven Community Centre.
All are welcome to come along and join them for a cup of coffee or tea, to help raise funds for a vital cause. Newhaven Connections Cafe will also be offering some delicious cakes, traybakes and other treats.
If you’d like and are able to contribute, you can make a donation via the event page, with all proceeds going directly to Macmillan Cancer Support through JustGiving – there will also be a donation box there on the day. Every penny will go towards helping people affected by cancer live their lives as fully as possible.
Deidre Brock MP said: “Many of us have personal experience with the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis, either first-hand or through our family and friends.
“I know the support offered by Macmillan has been an invaluable lifeline for lots of folk in the constituency during difficult times. So come along for a blether and a cuppa, and let’s raise some money for a fantastic charity.”
Ben Macpherson MSP said: “Along with my colleague, Deidre Brock MP, we are grateful to Macmillan for what they do to support people in the constituency, and across the country.
“Cancer can affect anyone at any time and the support that Macmillan provides can be life changing. Please do come along on Friday 29 September at 10.30am to the Heart of Newhaven to have a cuppa and a chat, and if you can, consider donating to this invaluable organisation.”
NORTHERN AND LEITH MSP URGES ADDITIONAL ACTION TO PROVIDE MORE SUITABLE TEMPORARY ACCOMODATION AND SOCIAL HOUSING IN EDINBURGH
Ben Macpherson, constituency MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, raised Edinburgh’s housing crisis during Question Time with government ministers at Holyrood today.
The local MSP welcomes actions in the Scottish Government’s newly published Programme for Government 2023/24, with a Housing Bill that will deliver a New Deal for Tenants, the introduction of a system of long term rent controls and new duties aimed at the prevention of homelessness.
However, the current pressures in the capital city are significant with around a 20% increase in homeless applications, growing waiting lists for social housing and high demand for private rented accommodation. The Council have also stated that there is a shortfall of approximately £480m in grant funding over the next five years, in their affordable housing supply programme.
The Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP asked the Scottish Government if more can be done to assist the City of Edinburgh Council with the delivery of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, and if more can be done to help secure the appropriate accommodation required to tackle homelessness, given the significant increase in those presenting as homeless and the continued population growth in Edinburgh.
Commenting, Ben Macpherson MSP said: “The affordability and availability of housing in Edinburgh is a very serious issue.
“The current situation is deeply worrying and I will continue to raise concerns with both the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council. Collaborative and urgent action is required to deliver more social housing, tackle homelessness and achieve new solutions.”
Question in the Scottish Parliament – General Questions, 7 September 2023:
Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan MSP: “We are investing £752 million this year through the Affordable Housing Supply programme to support the delivery of more social and affordable homes towards our 110,000 target affordable homes by 2032.
“Working with social landlords to make best use of existing homes and implementing targeted partnership plans with local authorities facing the greatest pressure. Since 2007, we have supported delivery of 6255 social homes in Edinburgh.
“I have met with Edinburgh’s Housing Convener several times to discuss the council’s proposals to improve temporary accommodation and increase housing supply, which will inform a partnership plan.”
Ben Macpherson MSP: “I am grateful for that answer and welcome all of it. However, the Minister will be aware of the severity of the situation here in Edinburgh. Shelter Scotland have called it an emergency and I am increasingly concerned about the correspondence I am receiving from constituents.
“Homelessness applications have increased by over 20%. Therefore, can the Scottish Government provide any additional help to City of Edinburgh Council and other relevant organisations to provide more suitable temporary accommodation?
“And can the Scottish Government do more to fund and prioritise building and delivering more social housing here in Edinburgh, Given the current pressures and projected population growth?”
Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan MSP: “Our aim is to prevent homelessness. However, when it does occur, we are taking housing led response to provide households with settled homes as quickly as possible.
“We provide local authorities with annual allocations of £8 million RRTP funding to support people into settled accommodation and with 30.5 million with their work to prevent homelessness with Edinburgh receiving over £3.8 million in 23-24 during this Parliament to maximise the delivery of social and affordable homes to support Strategic Housing Investment Plan priorities, we are making a record £230 million available to Edinburgh with an additional £10 million this year being allocated.”
Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith was welcomed by Barratt Developments to its Merchant Quay development on Friday (28 July) in celebration of its site manager’s Pride in the Job Quality Award win.
James O’Neill, site manager at Merchant Quay recently received the Pride in the Job Quality Award, known as the “Oscars of the housebuilding industry” from the National House Building Council (NHBC) setting them apart as one of the very best in the country.
This year, a total of 19 site managers from Barratt Developments Scotland, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, took home a top national award for the quality of the homes they are building – the most ever received by the housebuilder in Scotland.
Ben Macpherson MSP visited Merchant Quay and was given a tour of the development by award-winner James and Nick Wright, Development Director for Barratt Developments East Scotland.
Located in the bustling heart of Leith, Merchant Quay has an array of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Close to a range of cafes and shops, the development is a short distance to the city centre by bus or foot.
Nick Wright, Development Director for Barratt Developments East Scotland, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Ben Macpherson MSP to Merchant Quay and to demonstrate the quality which we are building across all tenures in his constituency.
“The Pride in the Job awards acknowledge the work we’re doing to showcase our commitment in building the highest standard of homes in Edinburgh and across Scotland, with our elite site managers demonstrating our award-winning customer care.”
Ben Macpherson said:“I was glad to visit the development at Merchant Quay and meet some of those involved in the project. As well as private housing, in partnership with local housing association Harbour, 53 high quality, warm affordable homes, of which 43 are for social rent, have been delivered.
“I was pleased to see that this affordable housing has been built as a priority and is already occupied and to learn that more affordable housing units will be delivered as part of the next phases of the development.
“It was interesting to learn how some of Leith’s industrial heritage has been preserved in the communal areas of the development, as many will know the area was previously a glassworks.
“It was also good to meet site manager James O’Neill, and personally congratulate him on his award, as well as hear directly from some apprentices who have been able to further develop their skills while working on the project.”
In addition to the recent Pride in the Job award wins, Barratt Developments has also been awarded 5 stars by its customers for satisfaction in the annual Home Builders Federation (HBF) new homes survey.
To be rated 5 star means that more than 90% of its customers would recommend one of its homes to a friend, with Barratt being the only major national housebuilder to be rated 5 star for 14 years in a row.
Find out more: If you would like to pay a visit to Merchant Quay and explore the Restalrig or Argyll show homes, find out more here.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has unveiled his Cabinet team with five members aged under 40 and, for the first time ever, a majority of women.
In a Cabinet of ten that sees the Economy established as a portfolio in its own right:
Shona Robison, the new Deputy First Minister, will take on the Finance portfolio, including responsibility for the Scottish Budget
Michael Matheson becomes the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care
Jenny Gilruth joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
Màiri McAllan joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition
Neil Gray joins Cabinet for the first time as Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy
Mairi Gougeon remains Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
Angus Robertson remains Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture
Shirley-Anne Somerville becomes Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
Angela Constance returns to Cabinet as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs
Parliament will be asked to approve the new Ministerial appointments today (Thursday). Junior ministerial appointments will also be announced.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The Cabinet team I have unveiled reflects the priorities that we will pursue as a government – including tackling child poverty, improving public services and building a fairer, greener economy.
“Ahead of my appointment as First Minister, I have committed myself to a radical, ambitious and progressive policy agenda for Scotland – and I know that this team is the right one to deliver it.
“I want to thank those Ministers departing government for their leadership over the last few years, through many storms not of our making – the economic damage caused by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, austerity and the cost of living crisis. Those Ministers – led so ably by Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney – leave a strong legacy for the new team to build on.
“I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent. As well as being the first ever First Minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members. That said, every single appointment has been made on merit.
“Every single person in this government is clear that it is for the people of Scotland to determine their constitutional future – no one else – and we will work to ensure that they are given that right. As we make the case for Scottish independence, we will continue to govern well and demonstrate to the people of Scotland the benefits of decisions about their lives being taken here in Scotland.
“Subject to Parliament’s approval, the new Ministerial team is ready to get to work delivering for the people of Scotland.”
One notable absence from the new Yousaf team is Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson, who declined to serve in the new government.
The local MSP explained in a short statement on Twitter yesterday: “After serving in 4 @scotgov Ministerial roles in 5 years, today I’ve respectfully declined a 5th.
“I believe I’ve served well & reliably, & I’m proud of all that I’ve helped to deliver through challenging times. I wish the new FM, DFM & colleagues success.
“It’s been an honour.”
Cabinet of 10 will be supported by 18 Junior Ministers
First Minister Humza Yousaf has completed the appointment of his ministerial team. Consisting of 10 Cabinet Secretaries, including the First Minister, the Scottish Cabinet will be supported by 18 Junior Ministers.
First Minister – Humza Yousaf
Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy – Elena Whitham
Minister for Independence – Jamie Hepburn
Minister for Cabinet and Parliamentary Business – George Adam
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance – Shona Robison
Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance – Tom Arthur
Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning – Joe FitzPatrick
Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care – Michael Matheson
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health – Jenny Minto
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills – Jenny Gilruth
Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise – Natalie Don
Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans – Graeme Dey
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition – Màiri McAllan
Minister for Transport – Kevin Stewart
Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy – Neil Gray
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade – Richard Lochhead
Minister for Energy – Gillian Martin
Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition) – Lorna Slater
Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights (who will also work alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice) – Patrick Harvie
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands – Mairi Gougeon
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture – Angus Robertson
Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development – Christina McKelvie
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice – Shirley-Anne Somerville
Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees – Emma Roddick
Minister for Housing Paul McLennan
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs – Angela Constance
Minister for Victims and Community Safety – Siobhian Brown
Parliament will be asked to approve the new Ministerial appointments today. A more detailed breakdown of ministerial responsibilities will be confirmed in due course.
Twelve Scottish Government benefits including Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Best Start Grants will be increased by 10.1% on 1 April, backed by investment of around £430 million.
The Scottish Child Payment was increased by 150% in 2022 to £25 per eligible child per week.
A total of 13 Scottish Government benefits are now being delivered through Social Security Scotland, seven of which are only available in Scotland.
Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “We are committing £5.2 billion for social security benefits in 2023-24, providing support to more than one million people in Scotland. This is £776 million above the level of funding we are forecast to receive from the UK Government for social security through Block Grant Adjustments.
“The choices we have taken in our Budget represent a significant investment in people and are key to our national mission to tackle child poverty. They will help low-income families with their living costs, support people to heat their homes in winter, and enable disabled people to live full and independent lives. This is money that will go directly to people who need it the most.”
12 Scottish Government benefits will be increased by 10.1% on 1 April 2023. These are:
Child Winter Hearing Assistance
Carer’s Allowance Supplement
Young Carer Grant
Job Start Payment
Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment
Best Start Grant School Age Payment
Adult Disability Payment
Child Disability Payment
Best Start Foods
Best Start Grant Pregnancy & Baby Payment
Funeral Support Payment
Winter Heating Payment
Scottish Child Payment was increased to £25 per eligible child per week in November 2022. This represented a 150% increase in eight months.
More than £130 million has been distributed to thousands of families with disabled children since the launch of a Scottish Government benefit.
The latest official figures show the families of over 54,000 children and young people were receiving Child Disability Payment in December last year.
Just over 13,000 of these are from new applications. More than 41,000 children and young people have had their award transferred from Disability Living Allowance for children from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Child Disability Payment.
Social Security Scotland are on course to have transferred the awards of almost everyone still receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children in Scotland by Spring.
Child Disability Payment helps cover the extra costs of caring for a disabled or terminally ill child or young person.
Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “Child Disability Payment helps parents to support their children and assists young people to live their lives to the fullest. Therefore, it is welcome news that so far more than £130 million in Child Disability Payments has been distributed to thousands of families with disabled children, to help cover extra costs.
“New applications are increasing, and Social Security Scotland is working to process these as quickly as they can, while seeking to ensure that right decisions are made first time. We are only being asked to look again at decisions in a very small proportion of cases.
“The process of transferring people’s awards from the DWP’s DLA for children to our Child Disability Payment is also continuing at pace, and on course to be almost entirely complete in the Spring.
“The Scottish social security system has been designed in partnership with those who have experience of applying for benefits previously. This has helped us to build a system that is easier to access, and where people are treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
“I urge anyone who thinks they, their child or someone they know may be eligible for Scottish Government benefits to check and apply.”
Jamee Killin, from Edinburgh, applied for Child Disability Payment for her daughter who has ADHD. She said: “The process of applying was straightforward and the staff were extremely helpful.
“I have already recommended it to people and would urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to apply.”
Timetable for introduction of future benefits confirmed
Plans for the introduction of further Scottish Government benefits have been published as part of an updated Social Security Programme Business Case.
This confirms that Carer Support Payment will be the next payment to be introduced. Social Security Scotland will begin a pilot by the end of this year followed by national launch in spring 2024.
A consultation on this new payment ran between February and May 2022 and the response to this is due to be published in the coming weeks.
Carer Support Payment will replace the Carer’s Allowance for new applications.
The Scottish Government is continuing to work with the Department for Work and Pensions to develop processes that will ensure those already in receipt of Carer’s Allowance will have their award transferred automatically to Social Security Scotland – so that people will not need to reapply.
Carer Support Payment will be the 14th benefit to be introduced since the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 was unanimously approved by the Scottish Parliament.
Ben Macpherson, Minister for Social Security said: ““Introducing 14 new payments in just over five years is no mean feat. We have built this social security system from scratch, working with the people who will use it to make sure that we provide an improved experience and one that treats people with dignity, fairness and respect.
“Our delivery progressed despite a global pandemic. This was recognised by Audit Scotland who commended us for continuing to ‘successfully deliver new and complex social security benefits in challenging circumstances’.
“We are already providing money that is making a real difference for families on low incomes, people who need help paying for a funeral, disabled people, carers, young people entering the workplace and to help people heat their homes. The people accessing this service are happy with it too – with 89% telling us their experience has been ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
“Our success to date has not made us complacent. Establishing new payments and transferring awards in a safe and secure way continues to be our priority. We have gained a significant amount of experience and knowledge through our delivery to date. This is all reflected in the timetable we have announced.
“I look forward to these payments being up and running and seeing the reach of our new social security system going even further – investing £7.3 billion by 2027-28 supporting 2 million people each year.”
Parents and guardians who get qualifying benefits or tax credits and who have a child born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018 are being urged to check whether they should apply for Best Start Grant School Age Payment as this year’s deadline approaches.
Applications for the one-off payment of £267.65 per child, which can be used for books, bags, clothes and equipment for school, have to be submitted by midnight on the 28 February closing date.
The Scottish Government introduced automatic payments for Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment in November 2022. Parents and guardians who get Scottish Child Payment will get School Age Payment automatically when their child reaches eligibility and within the School Age Payment window of 1 June to 28 February.
There are some people who don’t qualify for Scottish Child Payment that could be eligible for School Age Payment, including those who get housing benefit.
There may be others who choose not to apply for Scottish Child Payment who can still apply for School Age Payment. There are also parents and guardians who opted out of automatic payments so they could have more control around when they receive this money. All of these people are being urged to check if they could be due School Age Payment and to apply if they do.
Statistics last week revealed that more than £105.8 million has been paid by Social Security Scotland in the Best Start group of payments – which also includes Pregnancy and Baby Payment and Early Learning Payment.
Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “If you have a child in the family aged five, or who turns five this month, then you could be eligible for School Age Payment.
“We are making it easier than ever to apply but we still ask people to check and make sure they know what they are entitled to.
“The Best Start Grant payments, which include School Age Payment, were the first three of our five family payments to be introduced.
“To date we’ve provided more than £100 million across these three payments.
“Making these payments automatic, where we have the information to do so, will enable us to get this money to families at key stages in their child’s development and when they may face additional costs.”
