Projects to tackle climate change and protect the world’s ocean have been given a major boost with the first £16.2 million of funding from the UK’s £500 million Blue Planet Fund announced this week.
The programmes, financed from the UK’s overseas aid budget, will increase marine protection, tackle plastic pollution and the decline of global coral reefs, as well as using the UK’s world-leading expertise to help respond to marine pollution disasters such as the Xpress Pearl in Sri Lanka.
The ocean is a critical carbon sink which every year absorbs almost a third of global CO2 emissions. Around the globe, the ocean supports the livelihoods of one in every ten people, including some of the poorest and most vulnerable.
In the run up to the UK hosting the COP26 climate talks in November, the government is working with developing countries to take action to protect and restore our oceans.
The projects receiving funding include the launch of a new UK-led programme which will help developing countries partner with the UK’s world-leading scientists to better manage marine protected areas, and improve our understanding of the impacts of climate change and contaminants in the ocean.
The Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) already has work underway with UK scientists at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) providing analysis of water samples from Sri Lanka to contribute to the ongoing response to the Xpress Pearl environmental disaster in June.
Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: The UK is a global leader in marine protection and will continue to advocate for ambitious climate and ocean action at COP26 this year.
“Our shared ocean is a vital resource and provides habitat to precious marine life, as well as supporting the livelihoods of one in every ten people worldwide.
“The Blue Planet Fund will support many developing countries on the front line of climate change to reduce poverty and improve the health of their seas.”
Coral reefs support 25% of marine life and provide benefits to thousands of species – qualities that make them one of the world’s most valuable ecosystems. However, they are also extremely vulnerable to climate change and pollution.
The government’s investment will support work by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Pacific and Southeast Asia by exploring techniques such as sewage treatment and the management of marine protected areas to help save these suffering ecosystems.
Marine pollution, including plastic pollution, is a significant pressure on the marine environment – not only does it threaten key species and ecosystems in the world’s ocean, it also affects the health and livelihoods of those living in coastal regions.
A share of the £16.2m will also go towards the expansion of the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)’s pioneering work in developing countries and facilitate a united effort against plastic waste globally.
Since its launch in 2018, GPAP secured a commitment by Indonesia to reduce 70% of mismanaged waste by 2025 and a commitment by Viet Nam to reduce marine plastic waste by 75% by 2030, among others.
The UK is also leading calls for a new global ‘30by30’ target to protect at least 30% of the land and at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Over eighty countries now support the marine protection target, and the Blue Planet Fund will help make sure that 30by30 becomes a reality.
TUC calls for permanent short-time working scheme to protect jobs in times of economic crisis and change
TUC says government must build on the success of furlough – and set up a permanent scheme to deal with big disruptions to jobs in the future, like the transition to net zero, future pandemics and technological change
Periods of industrial change have too often been mismanaged and led to increased inequality – a short-time working scheme would help prevent this, says TUC
Union body warns of job losses amid abrupt end to furlough scheme
The TUC is calling on the government to establish a permanent short-time working scheme as “a post pandemic legacy” to help protect working people through periods of future economic change.
The TUC says the furlough scheme, while far from perfect, is one of the major successes of government policy during the pandemic, protecting millions of jobs and livelihoods.
On the back of the success of the furlough scheme, the union body is urging government to build on furlough – “not throw away its good work” – with a permanent short-time working scheme to make the labour market more resilient in times of change and crisis.
The union body adds that because of the UK transition to net zero and the increased uptake of new technology, this is “hugely relevant”.
Case for a short-time working scheme
In a new report, Beyond furlough: why the UK needs a permanent short-time work scheme, the TUC says the case for a short-time working scheme is clear, citing significant benefits for workers, firms and government. The union body says for workers, a short-time working scheme would:
reduce the risk of workers losing their jobs in times of crisis
protect workers’ incomes – particularly as short-time working schemes are usually more generous than unemployment benefits.
prevent widening inequalities – protecting women, disabled workers and BME workers who tend to lose their jobs first in a recession due to structural discrimination
And for the government, it would:
protect against long-term unemployment, and the subsequent devastating impacts on communities
help stabilise the economy, and encourage a faster economic recovery as workers continue to spend their wages
save money, as the cost of furlough schemes is often below the cost of unemployment benefits, particularly where costs are shared with employers.
For employers, the TUC says that such a scheme would produce significant savings on redundancy, training and hiring costs, as they enable firms to keep skilled workers on their books.
The union body points out that the UK is an anomaly among developed nations in having no permanent short-time working scheme to deal with periods of industrial disruption and weak demand.
In the OECD, 23 countries had short-time working schemes in place before the coronavirus pandemic, including in Germany, Japan and many US states.
Turbulent times ahead
The TUC predicts that the UK economy is likely to face significant risks in the future – be it from climate change and the transition to net zero, new technologies such as AI, new variants or another pandemic. All could cause unpredictable and widespread disruption in the labour market – causing big spikes in unemployment and business failure.
The TUC cites failed attempts to manage industrial change in the past, which “left communities abandoned” and played a major role in the widespread regional inequality we see today.
The union body says that if the government is serious about levelling up, it will put in place a permanent short-time working scheme to prevent inequalities spiralling – adding that a short-time working scheme could play a vital role in achieving a ‘just transition’ to net zero.
Criteria for accessing scheme
The TUC says the scheme should be governed by a tripartite panel bringing together unions, business and government, which should be tasked with designing the criteria for the new scheme.
In designing the scheme, the TUC says the panel should take into account best practice from existing global schemes. The union body has set out the following conditions which it says must be in place for accessing a short-time working scheme:
Workers should continue to receive at least 80 per cent of their wages for any time on the scheme, with a guarantee that no-one will fall below the minimum wage for their normal working hours
Any worker working less than 90 per cent of their normal working hours must be offered funded training.
Firms must set out a plan for fair pay and decent jobs
Firms should put in place an agreement with their workers, either through a recognised union or through consultation mechanisms.
Firms must demonstrate a reduction in demand – which can include restructuring
Firms should commit to paying their corporation tax in the UK, and not pay out dividends while using the scheme.
The scheme should ensure full flexibility in working hours.
There should be time limits on the use of the scheme, with extension possible in limited circumstances.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Everyone deserves dignity and security at work. The pandemic shows how an unexpected economic shock can wreak havoc on jobs and livelihoods with little warning.
“In a changing and unpredictable world – as we battle climate change and new technologies emerge – a permanent short-time working scheme would help make our labour market more resilient and protect jobs and livelihoods.
“Too often in the past, periods of economic and industrial change have been badly mismanaged – increasing inequalities and leaving working people and whole communities abandoned.
“Setting up a ‘daughter of furlough’ to provide certainty to workers and firms through future industrial change would be a fitting pandemic legacy.
“Furlough has been a lifeline for millions of working people during the pandemic. Now is the time for the government to build on the success of furlough with a short-time working scheme – not throw away its good work.”
Furlough warning
The call for a permanent short-time working scheme comes exactly six weeks before the furlough scheme is set to end – the date at which employers are legally obliged to start consulting on planned redundancies with their staff.
The TUC is warning the abrupt end to the furlough scheme will cause unnecessary job losses and may harm the country’s economic recovery.
Recently, aviation unions have also been raising concerns about the sudden end to the furlough scheme and the loss of jobs in the sector.
On the ending of the furlough scheme, Frances said: “The jobs market is still fragile, with more than a million people still on furlough.
“An abrupt and premature end to the furlough scheme will needlessly cost jobs and harm our economic recovery.
“Instead of pulling the rug out from under the feet of businesses and workers, the chancellor must extend the furlough scheme for as long as is needed to protect jobs and livelihoods.”
Captain Martin Chalk, Acting General Secretary of BALPA said: “The UK aviation sector is the only industry to remain effectively in a lockdown.
“It employs about one million workers directly and ONS statistics show that 57% of remaining employees in air transport companies remain on furlough.
“The scale of jobs at risk of redundancy when the furlough scheme ends is self-evident, yet the footprint of aviation must not be missed – one in four constituencies has over 1,000 people employed directly by aviation companies.
“If the Chancellor chooses not to extend furlough, the effects will be felt by workers, communities and businesses right across the country.”
Diana Holland, Unite Assistant General Secretary, said: “Aviation is crucial to the UK’s economic recovery. It needs furlough support to continue while Covid restrictions apply.
“Airports and aviation support thousands of jobs. Without support all are at high risk.”
– The full report Beyond furlough: why the UK needs a permanent short-time work scheme is here:
‘Lucky 7’ is the world’s favourite number. There are seven days of the week, seven colours of the rainbow, seven notes on a musical scale, seven seas, seven continents and footballers Ronaldo and Messi favour the number seven shirt.
If you’ve been inspired by the last few weeks of the Olympics, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting lucky non-members to rediscover getting active, by offering a 7-days’ fitness pass for only £7, where you can enjoy all the benefits of their ‘Full Fitness’ membership.
With 12 gyms, 8 swimming pools, and over 800+ fitness classes per week, customers can take advantage of all the benefits of Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘Full Fitness membership at the biggest club in town.
Edinburgh Leisure’s gyms feature some of the latest equipment with on-hand instructors who are happy to show customers ‘the ropes’ and how to use the equipment and have a range of swimming pools from five historic Victorian ‘baths’ to the famous Olympic-sized Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Their range of fitness classes has something for everyone, no matter what your fitness level is, including gym, water-based and virtual sessions, meaning you can work out at a time that suits you.
The 7-days for £7 pass is available to buy online and on the Edinburgh Leisure tablets located in venues from Monday, 16th August until 31st August.
The pass is available for 7 days starting from the day of registration. Other terms and conditions apply.
Recommendations for the reform of Edinburgh’s Transport Arm’s Length External Organisations (ALEOs) would deliver a more efficient, better integrated public transport offering while retaining the identities of the Capital’s much-loved transport companies, according to a new report.
Reform of Transport Arm’s Length External Organisations, to be considered by the council’s Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (19 August), proposes reconstituting the Lothian Buses legal entity to allow the management of all Council-owned public transport modes in the city, while retaining the brands and operational services of each of the transport companies.
While the changes wouldn’t result in any immediate changes for passengers or front-line staff, they would lead to improvements through easier ticket purchasing, integrated routes and customer services plus better collaboration and less competition between companies, as well as efficiencies for the business.
Proposals have been informed by a working group formed of Council officers and Non-Executive Director representatives from each of the Transport ALEOs (Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams and Transport for Edinburgh).
They’ve been working to a set of guiding and transition principles, which include creating a customer focused unified public transport approach through service integration, route optimisation and fare ticketing optimisation.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The reform of our Transport ALEOs offers the chance to significantly enhance and streamline our public transport offering to the benefit of the public. These changes would result in integrated ticketing and routing and the opportunity to expand into new transport modes , amongst other improvements.
“Of course, we know how important the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams brands are to the people of Edinburgh, demonstrated by their consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, and we’ve no plans to change that. Any restructuring behind-the-scenes will only lead to a better experience when using the services we all know and love.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “The last year and a half has been extremely challenging for our public transport providers. Our plans for their future aim to support their continued recovery, delivering efficiency savings which can be reinvested in the services.
“We really value the public transport staff who’ve made every effort during this time to serve the city too, and we would be working closely with boards, management and trade unions to support a smooth transition to a new structure.”
A report to Policy and Sustainability Committee in July 2020 set out arrangements for the management of the Council’s Transport ALEOs, highlighting challenges and setting out objectives for future public transport provision.
As well as supporting public transport integration, a reformed structure could respond to new opportunities as they arise and facilitate mobility across the city and region. ALEO reform also aligns with Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan, which outlines greater integration in areas like pricing, ticketing and routing, as well as expansion of the rapid transit system and a bus network review.
In addition, the commercial sustainability of any new arrangement is considered crucial, particularly given the likely recovery period for public transport in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efficiency savings as a result of reform are particularly important.
If the proposed Transport ALEO is approved, the Council would maintain formal political oversight through the existing committee structure.
You can watch discussion of the report by Transport and Environment Committee live from 10am on Thursday, 19 August via webcast.
I remember there has been opposition to this in the past. Back in 2016 concerns were raised that Lothian Buses profits would be used to plug the black hole that was Edinburgh Trams finances, to the detriment of the popular and efficient bus company. Changed days? We’ll see how the Capital Coalition ‘fares’ next week – Ed.
New figures show average inheritance tax bill in Scotland for deaths in 2018/19 was £195,798, an 8.5% increase from the year before
This compares to the average bill in the UK of £209,502
Average bill in London was £271,820 and in Wales it was £155,963
Only 252 people paid IHT in Northern Ireland but forked out £40m between them
Although there were only 22,100 bills on UK deaths in 2018/19 – this number is expected to grow after Chancellor froze allowances for five years
The average inheritance tax bill in Scotland has climbed 8.5% towards £200,000 according to latest HMRC figures.
There were 1,190 deaths in Scotland in 2018/19 that resulted in an inheritance tax bill, and the average bill was £195,798. This was up from £180,469 the year before.
Only 3.7% of UK deaths resulted in an inheritance tax bill in 2018/19, but that percentage is expected to rise following Rishi Sunak’s decision to freeze the tax-free allowances for the next five years to help pay the Coronavirus bill.
And these latest figures show those families that do pay the 40% tax can end up forking out large sums of money.
Sean McCann, Chartered Financial Planner at NFU Mutual, said: “Inheritance tax is feared by many but paid by relatively few. But with the average bill in excess of £200,000, it can make a significant dent in a family’s wealth for those that do get caught in the net.
“With the tax-free allowances frozen for the next five years, rising asset prices and a heated housing market, a growing number of families will be impacted.
“It’s critical that families concerned about being caught by Inheritance tax seek advice as early as possible. The earlier you plan the more options you have to mitigate any potential bill.”
Ways to reduce your inheritance tax bill
With more and more families expected to pay inheritance tax over the next five years, for those with assets above the tax-free allowances, there are some simple ways to reduce your future bill:
Don’t touch your pension until you have to
Any money that is left in someone’s pension fund when they die is normally free of inheritance tax so make it the last thing you spend. Most other savings and investments are subject to inheritance tax but pensions are not.
Use business reliefs
If you leave a qualifying business behind then you may be able to pass it on tax free because of Business Property Relief.
Take out life insurance
Life insurance policies don’t reduce the bill itself but can provide a lump sum to your family to help them pay the bill. However, make sure that it is written in a trust so that the insurance policy itself is not included in the estate.
Make gifts
One great way to reduce the value of your estate is to give some of it away during your lifetime. Some gifts are immediately free of IHT. You can give up to £3,000 away each tax year, if you haven’t used the previous year’s allowance you can go back one year and get it.
You can also make gifts on marriage to your child (£5,000) a grandchild (£2,500) or anyone else (£1,000). You can also make unlimited gifts from your income, provided they are regular and don’t impact your normal standard of living. For most other gifts you need to survive for seven years or they will be clawed back into your estate.
Latest inheritance tax stats from HMRC available here:
Nominations now open for the 2021 LGIU Scotland & CCLA Councillor Awards
The only national awards ceremony celebrating the ‘vital’ work of individual councillors across Scotland opens its call for nominations.
Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA are proud to officially launch the 4th annual Cllr Awards, honouring the achievements of councillors that so often go unrecognised.
This year’s award categories celebrate the essential and varied work of councillors and include the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards, alongside a new Resilience and Recovery category for 2021.
Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community. They are open until Friday, 24 September with the shortlist unveiled at the end of October.
The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. They will be revealed at this year’s ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 24 November. Due to the ongoing Covid related restrictions, it will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link ups to a Glasgow venue.
This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partners, CCLA.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “Local government supports all of us, each and every day. On every street, in every town, up and down the country, it is the vital work of councillors that keeps things moving.
“Now is the time for us to support our local heroes by nominating those councillors who have stepped up to the plate during extraordinary circumstances to deliver for their communities.
“As we officially open nominations for Cllr Awards 2021, we welcome contributions from any member of the public as well as other councillors, officers and leaders. We look forward to once again receiving the highest calibre of nominations and showcasing the essential work of councillors in November.”
Over a third of Brits won’t tip via card due to lack of confidence it goes to the right person
A recent report from UK Finance has revealed the UK is another step closer towards becoming a cashless society as the number of payments made using notes and coins last year declined by more than a third.
As more businesses decide to go cashless, this new move towards a fast-tracked cashless society is having devasting effects on the nations tipping habits, according to a new report.
The 2021 Tipping Index commissioned by card payment specialist takepayments Limited, surveyed over 2,000 consumers to compare how tipping attitudes and behaviours have changed through the pandemic.
The findings reveal that pre-pandemic, cash was the most favoured payment method for tipping (91%) as almost two thirds (64%) of those that tip this way said they felt more confident the tip would go directly to the person who served them.
However as more businesses are no longer accepting cash, the research reveals less Brits are opting to carry cash as almost one in five (18%) said they no longer carry cash which they would usually leave as a tip.
This new cashless movement is impacting tipping habits as one in four (23%) said they would only leave a tip if they had spare cash on them and one in four (24%) said they would specifically bring cash especially to tip.
Coronavirus and hygiene fears play a part in people tipping less too, as almost one in six (14%) said they are now less likely to leave cash as a tip due to hygiene or health reasons.
While almost three in ten Brits recognise tips are a big part of peoples income, more than a quarter (27%) state that while places no longer accept cash and only accept card payments, tipping isn’t always possible as Brits lack confidence that tips made by card payments go directly to the person who served them (35%).
And for those Brits that do feel confident tipping on card, more than a third (35%) admit they leave a bigger tip when paying cash.
Sandra Rowley at takepayments Limited said: “While the sectors which commonly involve tipping can finally re-open, the professions who rely on tips to top up their income are unfortunately continuing to struggle due to the nation’s lack of knowledge around tips and card payments.
“There is a misconception around card payments and tipping which needs to be highlighted as businesses are able to separate tips from the cost of services when taking card payments.
“The government is set to announce a new proposal for a Tipping Bill next month which will hopefully give the public more knowledge around workers rights and tips, as well as instil confidence around tipping on card.”
The full findings of the takepayments 2021 Tipping Point Report are available to view here.
The Scottish Government are hosting a Public Health ‘Blether’, facilitated by Education Scotland, aimed at staff working in the Early Learning and Childcare sector to support the understanding of new public health guidelines for the sector.
During the session you will have an opportunity to hear from leading public health professionals, who will aim to provide reassurance and an opportunity for those participating to ask questions and share thoughts.
This event will be held on Microsoft Teams and as there are a limited number of spaces. If you are unable to attend the live event, a recording will be made available for you to watch.
When registering, there is an option to pose a question to the Public Health panel, these questions will then be collated and arranged by theme. A representative will present these questions on the audience’s behalf or we may ask you to unmute your mic and ask your question directly.
This is your chance to hear about updated guidance, connect with colleagues and ask public health officials questions
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It aims at celebrating and inspiring climate action. Featuring performances, stalls, kids’ and adults’ activities and more, this is not to be missed! 🌎 💚 ♻️ 🌳
Highlights of the ‘marketplace’ festival include:
• Family/Kids area 👪
• Market and stalls 🎪
• Background music, Live DJ 🎵♪
• Upcycling workshops ♻️
• Henna painting ✋
• Seed planting workshops 🌾🌱
• Storytelling and arts and craft 🎨
• Free clothes repairs 🧵 ♻️ 👚
• Free bike repairs 🚲 🔧
• Electric bike trials 🚴
• Free shop with clothes, books, shoes & more! 👚👠👗📚
• Free Yoga classes 🧘🏽♀️
Please join share the facebook event for more updates:
