Three Conversations: EVOC offers community support

Development Workshop – Community Led Support

Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership has recently begun work on the development of the Three Conversations model – which it is anticipated will reshape the way care and support are delivered across the city. Continue reading Three Conversations: EVOC offers community support

Food for Thought from Edinburgh’s Sustainabilty Champion

“Fresh thinking is turning Edinburgh into a Sustainable Food City”

A person carrying a box of fresh vegetables

Bustling, vibrant market gardens in all four corners of the Capital are helping fuel and nourish our population – especially our children and older people – with perfectly fresh, locally grown seasonal produce (writes the city council’s Sustainability Champion, Forth Cllr George Gordon). Continue reading Food for Thought from Edinburgh’s Sustainabilty Champion

Deposit Return Scheme will drive a circular economy

Scotland’s Deposit Return scheme will give industry, business and individuals the opportunity to drive sustainable economic growth while reducing their impact on the environment. according to a new report.

The wide-ranging social and economic benefits of the proposed scheme were published yesterday. Continue reading Deposit Return Scheme will drive a circular economy

It’s wet, wet, wet … but Happy Bee-Day for the Ross Fountain!

Rain forces switch to ‘Plan Bee’! 

It’s been a year since the magnificent Ross Fountain was restored and it is becoming a favourite meeting place for the public and the perfect photo opportunity, under the backdrop of Castle Rock. Continue reading It’s wet, wet, wet … but Happy Bee-Day for the Ross Fountain!

Over 100,000 children to be hit by Two-Child Cap in Edinburgh

TORY GOVERNMENT MUST SCRAP “HEARTLESS” POLICY – SNP

13.1% of the total number of children in Edinburgh could be affected by the two-child cap, according to new research – prompting more calls for the UK Government to scrap the “heartless” policy.

The “two-child policy” allows low-income families to claim child tax credits or universal credit for their first two children only.

New research from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) (see report, below)has revealed that 160,000 families have had their income slashed by the two-child limit to-date. The charity estimates that more than 3 million children across the UK could eventually be affected by the benefit cap.

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “Social security should be a safety net for all of us, but the two-child limit is having a devastating effect on families up and down the country, with 10,305 children in Edinburgh set to be affected by it. 

“All families are valuable and worthy of support, but this heartless policy turns people away when they most need support, and leaves children to grow up in hardship – which can have lifelong consequences for their health and wellbeing.

“The SNP government has been left to pick up the pieces, investing over £125 million to mitigate callous Tory welfare policies.

“In addition, the Scottish Government is introducing a Scottish Child Payment to tackle child poverty. Without the two-child cap, this payment could go so much further.

“We have an aging population and we will be relying on children and young people in the years to come.

 “The next Tory Prime Minister should make it a priority to tackle the unacceptable levels of poverty we are seeing as a direct result of the UK Government’s welfare policies, starting with reversing the two-child limit and horrendous ‘rape clause.”

All Kids Count report FINAL_0