Nicolas helps the STV Appeal search for Ambassadors

Nicholas McDonald of The X Factor has teamed up with the STV Appeal and schools in Edinburgh to give pupils the opportunity to become an STV Appeal Ambassador.

The STV Appeal team and Nicholas McDonald are seeking pupils from across Scotland to champion fundraising and help join the fight against child poverty.

The STV Appeal is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and young people living in poverty in Scotland. Since launch in 2011, the STV Appeal has raised over £8.2 million with 297 big and small grants distributed to projects across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland, providing much needed support to over 37,000 children.

The STV Appeal Ambassadors will be at the forefront of fundraising activity in Edinburgh. The STV Appeal’s success depends on awareness and funding and a schools ambassador can make this happen by developing their own charitable initiatives.

There will be a chance to appear on the STV Appeal live show later in 2015 to present a fundraising cheque. Plus, every ambassador will receive a unique certificate of achievement from STV Appeal trustees Sir Tom Hunter and Rob Woodward, chief executive of STV, confirming involvement in the programme. STV Appeal Ambassadors will be invited to visit STV studios to meet the rest of the team and share experiences.

Elizabeth Partyka, of the STV Appeal, said: “Becoming an STV Appeal Ambassador is a great opportunity for school pupils who want to get involved in fundraising and help in the fight against child poverty. Nicholas McDonald is a fantastic ambassador for the Appeal and will work with schools to encourage young Scots from across the country to get involved in 2015 and play a vital role in the STV Appeal activity.”

Scottish singer Nicholas ‘Nicky’ McDonald was the runner-up of the tenth series of The X Factor in 2013. After the show, he signed with RCA Records and released his debut album In the Arms of an Angel, which peaked at number 6 in the UK Albums Chart.

Nicholas said: “I was very flattered to be asked to launch the STV Appeal schools ambassador programme. This is a fantastic chance for pupils and students to engage in organising, managing and even taking part in charitable events. This programme will encourage the pupils to be more aware of what is going on in their local community and now they have the opportunity to help.”

To get your school involved please contact:

Jules McKim

Telephone 0141 300 3982, Email: jules.mckim@stv.tv

Contact the STV Appeal team at:

www.stv.tv/appeal

www.facebook.com/STVAppeal

@stvappeal

Operation Quarterlight: Police target car criminals

Police Scotland launches Operation Quarterlight in Edinburgh

Police Scotland has launched Operation Quarterlight, a national campaign to tackle car crime and vehicle theft. The campaign will be implemented throughout Scotland to identify and target those responsible for vehicle break-ins and thefts.

Since November last year more than 70 vehicles have been stolen every week. In addition, each week, more than 230 vehicles have either been broken into or had items stolen from them having been left insecure.

Officers will focus on the prevention of vehicle crime by engaging with partners, key stakeholders and members of the public. By changing habits, and working in partnership, vehicle crime can be prevented.

Assistant Chief Constable Campbell Thomson said: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe. Local policing is at the heart of all we do, and officers right across Scotland will be targeting criminals who commit car crime.

“Operation Quarterlight is about preventing vehicle crime, and targeting those responsible. I would say this directly to those intent on committing vehicle crime in Scotland – if you engage in such activity, we will use every resource at our disposal to trace you, arrest you and bring you to justice.”

Chief Superintendent Mark Williams, Edinburgh Divisional Commander said: “Car crime is a blight on local communities and we won’t tolerate it. Officers in the capital will be targeting those responsible and today’s activities are evidence of our commitment to tackling local issues.

“I would appeal to the public to work with us. Don’t make your car a target for crime; remove all your valuables and don’t leave them in sight; always secure your vehicle, never leave it unattended or with the keys still in the ignition.

“Don’t leave your keys anywhere they can be easily stolen – leaving them by a house door or hallway is a gift to criminals. Take some simple steps to change your habits and together we can better prevent crime.”

Detective Superintendent Yvonne Scott, deputy for Operation Quarterlight said: “Vehicle crime is not a new phenomenon, the community has for years experienced this type of crime. It is important as police officers that we continue to recognise the impact it has on people’s perception and fear of crime.

“It is also important to recognise that organised crime groups often focus their activity around the theft of high value vehicles often involving housebreakings.

“It is crucial that all intelligence in relation to perpetrators of vehicle crime is submitted onto the Scottish Intelligence database in order that we can build up a better intelligence picture throughout Scotland.”

Car crime has become an increasing problem once again across North Edinburgh over recent months and residents and community organisations have welcomed news of the initiative. The local Quarterlight team is made up of Sergeant and four officers covering the Drylaw, Pilton and Muirhouse areas.

To report car crime or vehicle theft, contact Police Scotland on 101, or where a crime is ongoing, call 999.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have information regarding those involved in theft and vehicle crime.

In work and in poverty

Majority of children in poverty live in working households

More than half of children living in poverty in Scotland are growing up in households where at least one person is in employment – and that number is rising, according to new research published today.

Speaking in a debate in the Scottish Parliament later today, Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham will argue that it is unacceptable that work is no longer the straight forward route out of poverty and will reiterate the Scottish Government’s pledge to tackle inequality and build a fairer Scotland.

The Cabinet Secretary is speaking as research published today shows that the proportion of those in in-work poverty is gradually increasing and that for many, moving into work doesn’t necessarily mean moving out of poverty.

Ms Cunningham said: “It cannot be right that the majority of working age adults in poverty in Scotland are in ‘in-work’ poverty. Well-rewarded and sustained employment is the best route out of poverty, for those who are able to work, and one of the best ways to tackle inequality.

“This is why we are prioritising the promotion of the living wage and working closely with the Poverty Alliance to encourage more employers to sign up to the Living Wage accreditation scheme. Business productivity goes hand in hand with fair and equal pay. We must all be fully committed to fair work.”

The Scottish Government is developing a Scottish Business pledge to invite companies to commit to extending the living wage, involve their local communities and invest in youth training and employment. In return businesses will be offered a package of tailored support on skills, innovation and exports to help them grow and prosper.

New research looking at in-work poverty summaries the evidence about the extent and impact of in-work poverty in Scotland. It identifies three key factors that influence in-work poverty – hourly rate of play; number of hours worked by members of the household; income gained and lost through the welfare and tax systems.

The main findings of the research include:

• The majority of working age adults in poverty, 52 per cent, are in in-work poverty and that number is increasing

• For children in poverty, 59 per cent are living in households with someone in employment which can have a profound and lasting impact on children’s outcomes

• In work poverty is costly to society via payment of tax credits and other in work benefits which top up low income

• Having one earner in the household means families may be more at risk of poverty at a time when the average living standard, and hence the relative poverty threshold, is increasingly determined by the living standard of double-earner households

• Low-wage work is a ‘dead end’ for many. Workers who are low paid at any one time are more likely to remain in low pay later in life.

You can view the Summary of Evidence Report at :http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2015/01/3233

Letter: Putting Children First

Dear Sir/Madam

Sadly this time of year sees a rise in the number of people seeking help from family solicitors to divorce or separate. We want as many parents as possible to know about the help available from the Family Decision Making Service.

We know that children cope better with separation when their parents work together to reduce conflict. We also know that’s not easy and that’s why we are here to help.

Three well-respected children’s charities work together to deliver this one-stop-shop service covering legal advice, support to make parenting plans and emotional support. Our help is completely confidential and free of charge.

More information and help is available at ww.familydecisionmaking.org.uk or by calling 08000 28 22 33

Yours faithfully
Alan Forgie
Family Decision Making

February NEN deadline

A gentle reminder that February is fast approaching and it’s nearly time for another NEN newspaper. The deadline is THIS FRIDAY (23 January)!

So if you have any articles for the next edition – or you would like to advertise with us (see ad rate card below) – please get in touch: email

northedinnews@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

2pp A5 Rate Card NEN

100 up: a wage to live on

100 employers in Scotland now with Living Wage Accreditation

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday visited Scotland’s 100th Living Wage accredited company, McKean Developments Ltd, to welcome the rapid growth in Scottish organisations securing Living Wage Accreditation.

The Poverty Alliance, which runs the Living Wage Accreditation scheme in Scotland has indicated that more than 100,000 employees of accredited companies are now benefitting from the Living Wage.

Speaking during her visit to McKean Developments the First Minister welcomed the progress being made and urged other companies to sign up, She said: “It is great news that 100 companies are now accredited as Living Wage employers. The Scottish Government fully supports the Living Wage campaign and we recognise the real difference the Living Wage makes to the working people in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is not able to set pay levels in the private sector, or indeed the wider public sector in Scotland where employees are not covered by our pay policy, however we DO encourage all public, private and third sector organisations to ensure all staff on lower incomes receive a fair level of pay, and we are funding the Poverty Alliance to take forward the accreditation scheme.

“The list of 100 accredited companies clearly demonstrates it is not just big businesses who are providing a fairer deal for their staff but small companies like McKean Developments Ltd which is guaranteeing the living wage for their staff. I would encourage all employers across Scotland to take the lead from the these 100 organisations and give their workers a Living Wage.”

Colin McLean sales and technical manager at McKean Developments Ltd, said: “As a Living Wage Employer it is our belief that our workforce deserve to be paid an honest and decent wage in return for their services. It’s that simple. This, in turn, has helped increased both production capability and morale within our business, leading to increased customer satisfaction and a top quality finished product, not to mention a better quality of life for all of our employees.”

Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Congratulations to McKean’s on becoming Scotland’s 100th Accredited Living Wage Employer. This is an important milestone for the Living Wage in Scotland. We are delighted that more and more employers are joining the movement for fair pay.

“These employers recognise that paying the Living Wage has benefits for their organisations as well as their employees. We look forward to working with McKeans, and all Scotland’s accredited employers, to ensure that we all benefit from the Living Wage.”

Agreement to fast-track Holyrood votes for 16 & 17 year olds

Votes for 16 & 17 year olds: ‘I believe the case has become undeniable’ – Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael

The legislative power to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in future Scottish Parliament elections should be transferred from the UK Parliament to Holyrood in March, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael announced yesterday.

Mr Carmichael made the announcement during a visit to Edinburgh College, where he met 16 and 17 year old students and discussed the importance of having the right to vote.

The timetable for the Section 30 Order – which will devolve the power from the UK Parliament to Holyrood in March – has been agreed by both the UK and Scottish Government. It will be brought before both Houses of the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament today and then put forward for Privy Council approval in March.

This is the first stage in implementing the Smith Commission’s cross party agreement on devolution which will bring more powers and more financial responsibility to the Scottish Parliament.

Delivery of the Section 30 Order was brought forward as an exception from the rest of the Smith package so the power could be devolved in time for 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections – although they will not have a vote in May’s general election.

The Scottish Secretary also confirmed that the UK Government would publish draft legislation on the Smith Agreement later this week – ahead of the Burns Day deadline announced prior to the independence referendum.

During his college visit Mr Carmichael met with a group of BTEC first-year Art & Design students, who had already been discussing the issue as part of their communications class, as well as other 16-17 year students, to learn their views about lowering the voting age. He also met with representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association, as well as college Board vice chair Ian Young and deputy principal Craig Wilson.

Mr Carmichael said: “I’m delighted to confirm a timetable has been agreed for 16 and 17 year olds to vote in future Scottish Parliament elections. I’ve always been a firm believer in votes at 16, with the sheer number of young people participating and voting in last year’s referendum I believe the case has become undeniable.

“Today marks the next phase in our commitment to people in Scotland and the start of an landmark week for the future of our country. Later this week we will publish draft legislation ahead of Burns Night meeting our promise to bring new powers built to last for the Scottish Parliament.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that agreement has been reached with the UK Government on the terms of the transfer of powers to allow the Scottish Parliament to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in Scottish Parliament elections.

Once the Order has been passed, the Scottish Government will bring forward legislation to the Scottish Parliament which, subject to parliamentary agreement, will allow registration officers to complete their work to ensure 16 and 17 year olds are able to vote in the May 2016 Scottish election.

The deal comes after the First Minister met with Prime Minister David Cameron in London last month, where she stressed the need for swift action to transfer the powers. The First Minister and Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael have now confirmed that the necessary powers will be transferred by March.

Welcoming the move, the First Minister said yesterday: “It has long been this Government’s policy to reduce the voting age to 16. The Scottish Government’s decision to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds in the referendum legislation is widely seen as an outstanding success and contributed to the unprecedented level of democratic engagement we witnessed.

“I am delighted that there is now cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament for extending the franchise to include 16 and 17 year olds for Scottish Parliament and local government elections. I stressed the need for rapid action on this front when I met David Cameron in London before Christmas – and I am delighted we now have a deal. We now intend to bring forward legislation to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible after the Order is in force to lower the voting age to 16 for these elections. This will allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the 2016 elections to the Scottish Parliament.

“This deal, which is being delivered to a tight timetable, shows just what is possible when there is political will on both sides – and underlines the need for swift action on other elements of the Smith Commission proposals.”

Last week a Scottish Parliament committee survey reported that an overwhelming majority of 16 and 17-year-olds who were eligible to vote in last year’s historic referendum did so, with four out of five saying they want a vote in all future elections.

More than 1200 of the eligible first-time voters responded to the online survey run by the Devolution (Further Powers) Committee with more than one in three saying they had campaigned for either side and two in five saying they had attended a campaign event.

Welcoming the findings, Devolution (Further Powers) Committee Convener Bruce Crawford MSP said: “We saw an unprecedented level of interest and democratic engagement around the referendum and the results of this survey provide further evidence of the energy and enthusiasm generated.

“It is quite clear that 16 and 17 year olds welcomed the opportunity to have their say on their country’s constitutional future and now want a say in the elections that shape their lives and communities – it is now for politicians to respond positively to that democratic momentum.”

Survey findings include:

Over 84 per cent of respondees agreed with the decision to give 16 and 17 year olds the vote in the Referendum
Three-quarters of respondees felt “well informed” or “quite well informed” about the major issues;
Nearly 36 per cent of respondees campaigned for either side while one in four joined a political party;
Four-fifths believe they should be able to vote in other elections;
Nearly two-thirds accessed online or social media material from the official campaigns while broadcast media was the most popular source for information.

Mr Crawford said: “I am delighted that the UK Government has agreed to transfer responsibility for running elections in Scotland to the Scottish Parliament, paving the way for votes in future Scottish, UK and local elections.

“We will use the findings of this survey to ensure that future generations of voters are as well-equipped as possible to make decisions on the issues that affect them.”

Fracking calls from Greens ahead of budget debate

Scottish Green MSPs are calling on ministers to amend the proposed 2015-16 Scottish budget to create a new fund for local authorities facing a wave of controversial fracking developments.

MSPs vote tomorrow (21 January) on the principles of the draft budget and Green MSPs Patrick Harvie and Alison Johnstone have outlined their priorities.

The UK Government is considering awarding licenses to gas drilling firms for a huge swathe of Scotland, from Argyll and Ayrshire in the west to Aberdeenshire and East Lothian in the east. Planning authorities will face complex assessments yet many have no clear policy on the issue and could be open to challenge by developers.

Last week West Lothian Council agreed to write to the Scottish Government calling for a moratorium on unconventional gas, following a similar move by North Lanarkshire prompted by independent councillor Frances McGlinchey, who recently joined the Scottish Greens. Both are Labour-controlled councils.

Last year following a Green debate at Holyrood Labour MSPs voted against a ban on fracking, as did SNP, Conservative and Libdem members.

Scottish Green campaigners are urging communities concerned about fracking to lobby their MSPs to sign Alison Johnstone’s parliamentary motion, which calls for a ban.

Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said: “Local authorities are on the frontline of this potential new wave of destructive development. If the Scottish Government is serious about its position on fracking – that is to put faith in the planning framework – it needs to step up and support our completely unprepared planning authorities.

“Ministers have in the past provided local authorities with funding to deal with high levels of windfarm determinations. Why not support councils facing fracking applications?

“The Scottish Government has options including underspends and consequential funds, so let’s see if they take this opportunity to help shut the door to fracking. The sooner we shut down this dangerous distraction the better, and we can instead focus on investment in renewables, retrofit jobs and apprenticeships.”

Other budget priorities outlined by the Green MSPs ahead of Wednesday’s debate include:

-Making the repair and retrofit of poorly insulated and glazed homes a national infrastructure investment priority, creating thousands of jobs.

-Expansion of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme to include energy efficiency.

-Using the underspent Renewable Energy Investment Fund to support the huge potential in the wave industry.

-Improve air quality by investing in walking and cycling infrastructure and doubling the Scottish Green Bus Fund which provides low emissions vehicles.

-Exploring the creation of a Fans First Fund to provide loans to supporter groups seeking to purchase their local football club.

Citizens Advice Scotland calls for halt to benefit changes

Citizens Advice Scotland’s Chief Executive Margaret Lynch has written to the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Work and Pensions calling for a halt to the introduction of the new Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to claimants in Scotland, as PIP is a benefit that will be devolved to the Scottish Government.

Speaking days before the draft legislation based on Smith Commission is due to be published, Margaret Lynch said: “PIP is the replacement benefit for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and is an area that will be devolved to the Scottish Government following the Smith Commission recommendations. However it will take to October 2017 to be fully rolled out to all DLA claimants – and that is if there are no further delays to its introduction.

“As we know that the Scottish Government will be developing and introducing its own PIP equivalent, we don’t want to see disabled claimants having to go through changes in their payments, how they are paid, and how much they are paid, twice in a short period of time. I think this will be of major detriment to claimants and is unnecessary and possibly very distressing. In addition it seems a waste of resources to pay for the assessments of tens of thousands of disabled people to transfer them onto a system that they will not be staying on.

“Therefore I’m calling on the DWP to halt the migration of all existing DLA claimants to PIP and I hope this will be backed by the Scotland Office and the Scottish Government.

“CAS has already detailed the massive delays that new claimants are seeing in getting a PIP assessment and then having a decision made. Whilst these delays continue, sick and disabled clients are facing severe hardship, unable to meet the costs of living, and getting into debt.

“The DWP should concentrate on getting the process right for these new claimants and let current DLA claimants stay on their current award until such times as new Scottish system is in place.

“I had very much hoped that issues like these, and the halt to Universal Credit that has also been called for, could be raised and discussed with relevant stakeholders before draft legislation is published but it has been a disappointing process. The very short time scales we have been hampered by has led to a short sightedness of being able to look at all the complex and inter-related issues that need discussed and debated.

“This is not the first time I’ve pointed to process and timescales hampering the need for full and frank discussion and debate. This has to be taken seriously. All parties and stakeholders must have time and forums to bring out issues such as these and look for a way forward. The migration of DLA claimants to PIP is just one example of an area we would like to influence on behalf of the 330,000 clients we deal with every year.

“Whilst I recognise that the Scotland Office has tried to bring people together, it’s clear that we need to have all UK government departments playing their part in the processes that are required following the Smith Commission.”

However the Department for Work and Pensions says a delay in implementing PIP north of the border would ‘disadvantage’ disabled people in Scotland.

A DWP spokesman said: “Under the Personal Independence Payment, claimants receive a face-to-face assessment and regular reviews to ensure support is directed according to need.

“Latest figures show just that, with over 22% of people getting the highest level of support under PIP, compared to 16% under the outgoing DLA system. To halt this progress now would be to disadvantage disabled people across Scotland.”