Month: September 2020

‘Vast majority of respondents’ support council’s Mobility Plan

The city council’s draft ‘vision’ for accessible, affordable and sustainable travel in Edinburgh has found support from two-thirds of respondents to a citywide consultation.

Sixty-seven per cent of respondents to the Draft City Mobility Plan consultation backed the strategy to overhaul transport and mobility over the next decade, including proposals to create a largely car-free city centre, introduce mass bike commuting on arterial routes and for seamless ticketing between different forms of transport. Seventy per cent of participants also agreed with the council’s shorter-term 2022 vision.

Between January and April more than 1800 comments were made on the draft plan, which sets out an approach to transforming the way we move people, goods and services to and around the Capital.

Engagement was carried out alongside consultation on the Choices for City Plan 2030, which sets out council proposed options for changes to policies in Edinburgh’s next local development plan.

Feedback will be discussed by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (1 October).

The council received ‘overwhelmingly ‘positive responses’ to a range of policy measures proposed as part of the plan. Amongst these, 83% support the co-ordination of bus, tram and bike hire operations, 78% approved of introducing transport hubs in new developments while 72% agreed with reducing levels of on-street parking.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “As a city we are making real headway in tackling the manifold challenges posed by climate change, poor air quality and congestion, to name a few, but there is always more to be done.

“It is extremely encouraging that the vast majority of respondents to our Draft City Mobility Plan consultation support our vision for sustainable, affordable and joined-up transport in the Capital.

“We understand the impact Covid-19 will have on any plans but we’re also aware of the positive effect quieter streets have had on walking, cycling and wheeling, with numbers surging during lockdown.

“As we progress with our vision we want to maintain this enthusiasm by providing more, improved options for travel by foot, bike, wheelchair and public transport.”

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “We are working towards an exciting future for transport and mobility here, with City Centre Transformation, the implementation of a Low Emission Zones and carbon neutrality by 2030 amongst our ambitious goals.

“The City Mobility Plan is integral to these schemes and this feedback will help us to create a final strategy which will benefit people across Edinburgh.”

The Draft City Mobility Plan addresses key challenges facing Edinburgh including rising CO2 emissions, poor air quality, congestion and issues accessing public transport, in the context of an increasing population and the threat of a climate emergency.

Proposals are grouped around four themes: Enhancing Public Transport, People Friendly Streets, Planning New Developments and Managing Demand.

The latest report also addresses the significant impact of Covid-19 on the way people move around the city, and the need to review the steps to our 2030 vision in light of this.

While the council received positive responses across the themes, detailed comments highlighted concerns associated with specific measures.

Amongst these was a desire for public transport to be quicker, calls for safer, car-free cycle routes and the need to retain disabled parking should on-street parking be reduced. This feedback will help identify issues we can mitigate as we progress with the plan, as well as opportunities to maximise the positive impact of proposals.

If agreed by Transport and Environment Committee, a finalised City Mobility Plan will be brought back to committee early next year. This will be informed by the consultation response, as well as a survey of travel behaviour across the city, Phase Two of the Edinburgh Sustainable Transport Study and assessment of the impacts of Covid-19 on travel needs.

A delivery plan packaging and phasing the implementation of actions and policy measures will be developed to support the finalised plan.

Read the full report, City Mobility Plan – Public Consultation and Engagement Key Messages and Next Steps, on the Council website.

Consumers lack confidence in returning to local businesses

phs Index reveals one in 20 places still shutdown following COVID lockdown

  • New white paper reports extent of coronavirus impact on organisations
  • phs Index barometer shows 95% of premises now open after 43% closed during lockdown
  • Scotland hit hardest by closures with 51% closed during lockdown
  • New data indicates building usage halved over lockdown; they remain 17% quieter
  • Research reveals consumers in Scotland not confident to return to local businesses; 29% not confident in hygiene measures and 33% not confident in social distancing practices

New data released by facilities services provider phs Group reveals one in 20 UK premises remain closed after 43% were shut down during the coronavirus lockdown. In Scotland, the impact is even more pronounced with 51% of premises shut during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new phs Index, published six-months on from the onset of lockdown, reports that 95% of organisations (businesses, governmental and non-governmental organisations) across the UK are now open following widespread closures; translating to one in 20 which are still shut down. However, Central London is lagging behind the UK with just 90% of premises open; equating to one in 10 which is still closed.

  • Building occupancy has dropped

Nationally, the amount of washroom waste generated by UK organisations in the last four months dropped by 49% year on year. As a good proxy for building occupancy, this indicates the nation’s organisations saw staff, visitor and customer levels almost halve this summer as lockdown took hold. In London, the amount of waste collected over the same period was down 73%, indicating a significant drop in building usage that far exceeds the national average.

Despite the number of reopenings, premises are now still significantly quieter with phs data showing a reduction in usage of 17% in August 2020 compared to pre-COVID levels meaning staff, visitors and customers are not fully returning. London is feeling the pain more than most with buildings a substantial 38% quieter in August.

The findings are published today (Wednesday, 24 September) in the new phs Index white paper, based on phs’ analysis of more than 120,000 UK organisations across all sectors and nearly 300,000 visits to customer premises each month, delivering a range of facilities services, including washroom services. Using this data, phs is uniquely positioned to identify trends in how organisations are being impacted by COVID-19 including insights into building closures and reopenings, rates of building occupancy and the impact on different sectors and geographical regions.

  • Consumer confidence still struggles

To find out more about consumer confidence, phs commissioned new independent research, asking people how they felt about going into local businesses.

In Scotland, nearly a third (29%) admitted to not being very confident about social distancing practices in these premises and a third (33%) are not confident about hygiene measures.

This implies that concerns about not being able to adhere to COVID safety measures is holding people back from returning to the places they would normally work and visit. Interestingly, consumer opinion is split between Edinburgh and Glasgow with people from Edinburgh must more risk averse.

In Edinburgh, 40% and 35% admitted they were not confident in social distancing and hygiene measures respectively. In Glasgow, only 28% and 24% were not confident in social distancing and hygiene in local businesses.

  • Food and accommodation the hardest hit sector

The phs Index reveals that at some point during lockdown, 43% of total premises shut down. A total of 5% remain closed now. The accommodation and food sector was the hardest hit with 73% of sites shutdown at the peak of closures (reached at the end of May) and 8% remaining closed today.

The  arts, entertainment and recreation sector was the second most affected with 62% of sites shutdown at the peak of closures (reached in mid-June). Today, 11% remain closed – more than double the national average.

But it’s not just about public-facing building; 38% of financial and business services sector sites were shut at the peak of closures, reached at the end of May, with more than one in 10 (11%) remaining closed today.

With these sectors synonymous with London’s economy, the prolonged closures in these sectors tell the story of London’s struggle to bounce back. In addition, phs reports that while 43% of education sites shut down at the peak of closures (end of May), 99% opened their doors for the start of the new academic year.

  • Scotland experiences biggest closure rate

Across the UK, phs reports the distinct differences in the extent of the closure of organisations . As a result of lockdown, more organisations closed in Scotland than anywhere else with 51% of sites shutting down. By comparison, 32% shutdown in Northern Ireland, 42% shutdown in Wales and 43% shutdown in England – with the UK average shutdown rate also 43%.  

When it comes to reopenings, 92% of premises are open in Scotland, 95% in England, 96% in Wales and 97% in Northern Ireland.

  • Lag in re-openings following restriction easings

The phs Index reveals the lag between the announcements of lockdown restriction easings and reopenings, determining an average of two weeks before organisations responded and still 5% of sites remaining closed today. Analysing the response of the accommodation and food service sector (including cafes, pubs, restaurants and hotels), the phs Index reports:

  • End of May: peak of closures in England with 72% of sites shut – open rate of 28%
  • Between end of May and 4 July: closures reduce to 48% – open rate of 52%
  • 4 July: UK Government allows cafes, pubs, restaurants and hotels in England to reopen
  • 1 week later (11 July): closures reduce to 40% – open rate of 60%
  • 1 month later (4 August): closures reduce to 23% – open rate of 77%
  • Now, 2+ months later: closures reduced to 8% – open rate of 92%

Interestingly, 24% of sites reopened before the official date of 4 July, indicating businesses were reformatting themselves into takeaways, home delivery outlets or essential retail outlets.

However, the lag in reopenings tells us many organisations were simply not ready; either having not being given enough time to prepare or not having got to grips with new social distancing measures – or that it was perceived to be unsafe or not economically viable to reopen.

  • Risk organisations may struggle to reopen

The concern for the 5% of sites that have been closed for as much as six months is what happens next; phs analysis of 2008 recession data reveals it took nearly five years for the economy to fully recover to its pre-recession level.

Over this period, phs experienced a cancellation rate owing to permanent closure that was 65% higher than before the recession. The question now is whether the remaining one in 20 closed sites can weather the storm and be able to re-open.

David Taylor-Smith, CEO of phs Group, said: “The new phs Index gets to the heart of the impact of the coronavirus on organisations,  creating a barometer for closures and occupancy during a turbulent and unpredictable time when organisations across the country shut their doors overnight and people were told to stay home.

“While the strictest period of lockdown may be over, the phs Index demonstrates there is a long way to go until organisations fully recover. Even though we’re seeing reasonably high reopen rates for organisations, the real story is that people – staff, visitors and customers – have not yet returned with buildings being 17% quieter overall and 38% quieter in London.

“It remains to be seen how many more people will return in the coming months as the pandemic and risk of future local lockdown plays out. In the interim, the only solution for organisations is to instil indisputable staff and consumer confidence in their premises, reassuring people that everything is being done to ensure their premises is as safe as possible.”

For more information and to download the free phs Index white paper, visit the phs website.

You can also follow @phsGroup on Twitter and phs Group on LinkedIn

TRINITY INCIDENT UPDATE: INJURED WOMAN IDENTIFIED FOLLOWING APPEAL

Police Scotland is pleased to confirm that a woman found seriously injured in Laverockbank Road, Edinburgh, around 5.30pm on Sunday, 27 September, has now been identified.

Officers would like to thank everyone who got in touch as a result of our appeal to find out her identity.

Enquiries are continuing to find out what happened and anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3537 of Sunday, 27 September, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Yesterday’s Appeal:

Police are trying to identify a woman found seriously injured in Laverockbank Road in Trinity.

Around 5.30pm yesterday (Sunday 27 September), the woman was found injured by a member of the public lying on the pavement.

Emergency services were called and she was taken to hospital, where her condition has been described serious.

Detective Inspector Jon Pleasance, Edinburgh CID said : “We are trying to establish the identity of the woman and are needing the assistance of the public in doing so.

“The woman is described as being about late 60s, between 5’ 5” and 5’ 7” in height with short grey hair. She has a dental plate with four teeth.

“She was wearing navy coloured trousers, a white coloured vest top, a teal coloured cardigan all from Marks and Spencer.  She had a navy coloured raincoat and was wearing black shoes with a Velcro strap.

“She was wearing was a yellow and white metal ladies watch – Lorus brand. The only other possessions she had were four keys, two mortice and two padlock type keys on a brown leather fob with the word ‘Traidcraft’ written on it.

“At present we are trying to establish how this woman came about her injuries. We need to find out who she is so we can let any family  members know where she is and that she is very unwell. I would appeal to anyone who can assist in identifying her or was in the area of  Laverockbank Road area of Edinburgh yesterday afternoon to come forward.”

Information can be passed to Edinburgh CID via 101 quoting reference number 3537 of Sunday 27 September. If you wish to remain anonymous, then call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Protecting Scotland’s marine environment

New deep sea Marine Protected Area to be established

Europe’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been announced by Natural Environment Minister Mairi Gougeon.

The new MPA, off the West of Scotland, will give additional protections to some of the deepest parts of Scotland’s seas, protecting Scotland’s unique deep sea marine ecosystems.

The addition of the site will mean more than 30% of Scotland’s seas are now covered by MPAs, taking Scotland past the proposed new global target for 2030 currently being negotiated by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The designation of this site is part of a final package of MPAs that aim to reach the international target of 10% global MPA coverage by the end of 2020.

The West of Scotland MPA covers an area of over 100,000 square kilometres, making it the largest MPA located in national waters in the entire North-East Atlantic.

Featuring the deepest parts of Scotland’s seas at over 2,500 metres, the site will safeguard some of the most vulnerable habitats and species on the planet, including deep sea sharks, coral gardens and a diversity of other fauna.

Ms Gougeon said: “Scotland’s deep sea waters are home to a number of threatened species and habitats including coral gardens and deep sea sharks.

“The designation of this site will address one of the last gaps in our MPA network and will be key in achieving the international target of 10% of the world’s oceans covered by an MPA by the end of 2020.

“It also clear evidence of Scotland’s commitment to lead by example internationally on environmental protection. 

“Protecting Scotland’s marine environment is crucial for supporting the sustainable recovery of our marine industries. This designation will also form a key element of our Blue Economy Action Plan, which we committed to developing in our Programme for Government.”

You’re invited to our SCCR Virtual Conference

Cyrenians Scottish Centre for Conflict Resolution is holding a month-long, all-digital festival of FREE events in place of our annual conference.

This exciting programme includes several internationally-renowned special guests.

Please feel free to sign up to as many as you wish!

We are honoured that the digital festival will commence with a film screening of ‘Nae Pasaran’. This 2018 documentary is directed, written and produced by our dear friend Felipe Bustos Sierra. He is a BAFTA-winning filmmaker and creative director at Debasers, a production company based in Glasgow.

You may already know Felipe as the cinematic wizard behind the SCCR’s film ‘Phases of Transition’ which premiered at our 2019 Faces of Transition Annual Conference.

In his first cinema documentary, Felipe tells the powerful story of a long-forgotten solidarity action by factory workers in East Kilbride and ‘Nae Pasaran’ has gone on to receive the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Feature.

The stunning film will be screened on the 1st of October at 7pm via Zoom and followed by a Q&A with Felipe himself to launch SCCR’s International Conference: Connections & bridging the divide.

12A/12 – Suitable for 12 years and over. Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult.

This event will be delivered on the online platform Zoom. If you book on to the event you will be sent the details via email on how to join nearer the time to the event when bookings have closed.

Please note Zoom offers video capability so you can join with your webcam on, but this is entirely up to you and this option can be turned off. However we would love to see your faces and feel it is a more interactive experience with videos on.

We hope to see you online soon!

Rugby legend Gareth Thomas helps People’s Energy launch new campaign to end fuel poverty

An estimated four million UK homes are currently living in fuel poverty. With the full financial fallout of COVID-19 not yet known, this figure is undoubtably set to rise as households face soaring energy use and severe job losses.

It is this worrying outlook that has prompted People’s Energy, the UK’s first Community Interest Company (CIC) energy supplier, to launch its ‘end fuel poverty’ campaign starting with its first ever national TV advert, fronted by ex-rugby player Gareth Thomas.  

Eradicating fuel poverty is the powerful message at the forefront of the advert with Thomas urging audiences through the call to action: “let’s make it happen”.

It sees the inspirational former Wales and British Lions captain deliver a rousing speech to camera while walking through a field of lamps, representing households joining the movement.

The ad is part of People’s Energy’s ongoing commitment to ensure affordable energy is accessible to all. It follows the brand’s first council partnership last month which offers a discounted variable and fixed tariff to East Lothian residents. 

As the UK’s first energy supplier registered as a Community Interest Company, People’s Energy is committed to helping individuals, families and households on low incomes, especially those on pre-payment meters, access fairly priced energy. It has pledged to prioritise the welfare of its communities above profits, including a commitment to return 75% of its profits to its customers in the coming years. 

Karin Sode, co-founder of People’s Energy said: “The fallout from COVID-19 sees us all in unchartered territory.

“For those four million households already living in fuel poverty, the worry of a winter in lockdown is very real, with the need for greater energy use and the threat of looming job cuts and redundancies when the furlough scheme ends next month. Fuel is a basic human right and people should not have to choose between feeding their family or keeping the heating on.  

“Working with Gareth on this campaign has been wonderful and his passion and enthusiasm to help our mission has been inspiring. With his help, we hope to show that by choosing People’s Energy, members are joining an energy supplier that puts people before profits. An energy supplier that is committed to fighting to end fuel poverty.”

Talking about his involvement in the campaign, Gareth Thomas said: “When I was first approached by People’s Energy, I admit I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of the fuel poverty problem in the UK.

“Now that I know more, I can honestly say I’m horrified by the scale of the issue. More than 12% of all UK homes are in fuel poverty. That’s a shocking statistic and one we must all work together to reduce. Whether that’s by raising awareness or donating to a fuel poverty charity, we can make it happen.  

“I was honoured to be part of the new campaign and admire the work People’s Energy are doing to help end fuel poverty.” 

Watch the new 30” People’s Energy Field of Lamps advert here: 

http://bit.ly/fieldoflamps  

Almost £100m lost through unused shopping vouchers during lockdown, Which? reveals

An estimated £97.7 million was lost on shopping vouchers that went unused during lockdown, according to new Which? research.

The consumer champion found a quarter (25%) of UK adults had a shopping voucher – worth £45 on average – that expired during the period when many shops and businesses were forced to close their doors.

Almost half (49%) of those with an expiring voucher said it was automatically extended by the retailer, while one in seven (15%) said they had to request an extension.

However, just over a third (36%) – an estimated 3.1 million – did not receive an extension on their shopping vouchers worth £30 on average, automatically losing all the money they had left. This equates to an estimated £97.7 million across the whole of the UK.

Those from an older demographic were more likely to lose money, with almost half (46%) of those aged over 55 claiming they did not receive an extension for their shopping vouchers.

Around two in five (42%) of those aged 35-54 did not receive an extension either, however this figure dropped to just one in five (20%) of those aged 18-35.

According to the Gift Card and Voucher Association, the gift card industry is worth £6 billion every year.

Many retailers introduced new Covid-19 terms and conditions during lockdown and offered to extend vouchers. While some proactively reached out to customers, others were not so helpful.

One person told Which? they had emailed a retailer regarding vouchers that were due to expire during lockdown, and received a swift response extending the voucher, while another said they were left “disappointed” when they contacted the company who told them “hard luck, basically”.

Which? is advising anyone who had a voucher that expired during lockdown to contact the company to try and get an extension. All retailers should also be reasonable and extend vouchers that customers were not able to use during lockdown.

Anyone considering buying shopping vouchers should be wary, as coronavirus has had a severe financial impact on many retailers – with some big names disappearing from the high street altogether. The possibility of further coronavirus lockdown restrictions in the near future could also make it difficult to spend vouchers.

Adam French, Which? Consumer Rights Expert, said: “Our research suggests consumers may have lost tens of millions of pounds on expired vouchers during lockdown.

“Many retailers have extended shopping vouchers that expired during lockdown, so if you have a voucher you were unable to use it is worth contacting the company.

“Anyone considering buying a voucher should be aware of the risks, as some well-known retailers have collapsed in recent months and further coronavirus restrictions could make it difficult to spend vouchers and gift cards.”

Flu vaccine: who gets it?

Flu immunisation begins in autumn. This year, with coronavirus (COVID-19) circulating, the flu vaccine is being offered to more people than ever before in Scotland.

Please note that flu vaccinations are being offered differently in some areas of Scotland this year, and might not be at your GP practice as in previous years.

The following groups are eligible for the free flu vaccine this year:

A second phase is planned to begin in December, and will include those aged 55 to 64 (by 31 March 2021) who would not usually be eligible.

The vaccine is safe, effective and is the best protection against flu. It reduces your risk of getting flu and spreading it to others, especially those who are most at risk. 

You have to be immunised every year because the virus changes each year and your immunity reduces over time.  The vaccine takes around ten days to work so the sooner you get it the better.  Help our NHS avoid the pressure that a spike in seasonal flu would put on top of coronavirus.

Getting your flu vaccine is one of the most important reasons for leaving your home. Strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place during vaccination.

If you are eligible due to a health condition, the risk of getting seriously ill with the flu virus is greater than the risk of going to get your vaccine.

Find out if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine and get more information about this year’s vaccine. Or call 0800 22 44 88 (open 8 am – 10 pm, 7 days a week).

Usdaw welcomes Bill progress

Retail trade union Usdaw welcomes today’s Scottish Parliament stage one unanimous vote for a new law to protect shop workers from abuse, allowing the Bill to go to detailed scrutiny in committee.

The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Bill is promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP.

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, said: “We are delighted that MSPs have recognised that retail workers are subjected to unacceptable violence, threats and aggression every working day.

“We welcome the support of MSPs across the parties and of the Scottish Government. We congratulate Daniel Johnson MSP for the work he has done on behalf of our members and retail workers across Scotland by introducing this Bill and driving it forwards.

“Throughout the coronavirus emergency shop workers are ensuring that Scotland remains fed. Retail staff are at an increased risk of contracting Covid-19, yet they have continued to go to work and help respond to the crisis. Despite this, we have seen abuse, threats and violence against shop staff double this year.

“However abuse of shop workers is a problem in more normal times and, in our view, the current legal provisions do not sufficiently protect them. The Scottish Parliament’s support for the intentions of the Bill is welcome and we hope MSPs will continue to back it through the remaining stages.”

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary says: “The Scottish Parliament is leading the way on protection of shopworkers by passing this Bill onto the next stage.

“At a time when we should all be working together to get through this crisis, it is a disgrace that people working to keep food on the shelves are being abused and assaulted. Action is required. Our message is clear, abuse is not part of the job.

“Retail staff are key workers delivering essential services and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law. Shops are the cornerstone of our communities and we continue to work with the employers to improve health and safety for staff. We also call on customers to stay calm and respect shopworkers.”

Edinburgh Solar’s Phase 2 launches today

The installation of nearly 1MW of solar panels on at least six buildings in Edinburgh is planned by Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative (ECSC) as they return for Phase 2 in their quest to make Edinburgh a cleaner and greener city.

To do this ECSC has launched a share offer on 28 September 2020 to raise £660,000 by the issue of £1 shares.  The minimum investment is £100 and priority will be given to local residents who reside in the EH postcode districts.   

The six sites are:

Kirkliston Leisure Centre

Gracemount Leisure Centre

Craiglockhart Leisure Centre

Waverley Court

Edinburgh Road Services

Sighthill Recycling Centre    

In 2015 ECSC successfully launched their first share offer which resulted in over £1.4 million being raised that funded the installation of nearly 1.4MW of solar power on 24 buildings owned by City of Edinburgh Council. 

Today ECSC continues to generate solar power from these buildings and members receive share interest on their investment as projected with all surplus profits allocated to the Community Benefit Fund which came into operation in 2018.

Speaking of the launch of the share offer, Lesley Hinds, Chair of ECSC, said “ECSC is an ethical, community-based, social enterprise.  We came together with a plan to help reduce carbon emissions, address Fuel Poverty and make renewable energy more commonplace in our city. 

“We especially welcome smaller amounts, as we would like as many people to join ECSC as possible, which is why the minimum investment is as low as we can make it.

“Parents and grandparents can also apply for shares in ECSC for their children and grandchildren or can apply for shares on their behalf and leave them in their will”. 

Shares in ECSC are understood to be exempt from inheritance tax under present rules.

To find out more or to submit an application please visit https://www.edinburghsolar.coop/offer 

Share offer closing date is 30 October 2020.

ECSC is supported and assisted byEnergy4All, the leading social enterprise in the UK for delivering community owned renewable energy schemes.  Energy4All projects have raised over £80 million to build and operate community renewable energy generation all over the UK. 

For more information please visit www.energy4all.co.uk