Day: October 29, 2022

Fall Back: Top tips from Alpha Heating as daylight saving time ends

With daylight saving time due to end this Sunday 30 October and with the colder months edging closer, it is worthwhile for homeowners to carry out a few basic checks around their properties now and pre-empt any problems further into winter.

Darran Smith, technical manager for home heating expert Alpha, shares a simple checklist for homeowners to use and help keep their homes warm and cosy throughout the longer nights and winter season …

“Homeowners are advised to get their boilers serviced once every year, however latest research from the Gas Safe Register reveals that almost one third (31%) of UK homeowners skip their annual gas safety checks.

“Whilst it might be tempting to forgo this vital check when faced with the impulse to cut households costs, an annual boiler service can actually ensure that your home heating system is operating at its most efficient through the winter months. Just be sure that the inspection is carried out by a qualified gas safe registered engineer.

“Alongside this, homeowners can carry out a few simple checks in and around the home, especially in preparation for the upcoming longer nights. Worryingly, almost two thirds (63%) do not check and replace batteries in their home carbon monoxide detector.

“Carbon monoxide leaks have been known to cause 40 deaths a year in England and send an additional 4,000 to A&E annually.  This is just an example of how important regular safety checks are, not only regarding carbon monoxide detectors, but smoke alarms too.

“Inside the home, examine window and door frames to ensure they remain weathertight and use weather stripping or caulking to combat any draughts, cracks or leaks.

“Check the loft to make sure it is weathertight and top up the insulation where needed. Inspect your entire plumbing system for leaks and insulate any exposed pipes to reduce the risk of them bursting when temperatures dip below zero. Warm air can even escape through your chimney, installing a chimney draught-excluder could save you some extra money on the energy bill this year.

“Outside, visually inspect your roof for damage and clean gutters and downpipes to prevent the build-up of leaves.  Make sure windowsills are clear so water will drain away properly and check outside drains for pooling of water or blockages. Consider turning off exterior taps and draining/disconnecting hose pipes when the freezing temperatures set in. And with the nights now drawing in, it’s a good idea to inspect any outside lights to keep pathways safe and visible.

“Finally, there are additional routine tasks you can carry out beyond the boiler service to keep everything within your home heating system running smoothly and efficiently. Bleed radiators and review thermostat settings to save energy and money while keeping the temperature in your most frequently used rooms at a comfortable level.”

For more practical tips to reduce your heating bills, check out Alpha Heating Innovation’s handy online guide.

For further information, about Alpha Heating Innovation, visit www.alpha-innovation.co.uk.

FIREWORK SAFETY: Be Safe. Be Kind. Be Smart.

Fireworks and bonfires can be very distressing and dangerous for many people and animals across the country.

Please be aware that it is illegal for the general public to set fireworks off before 6pm and after 11pm in the evening. This extends to midnight on 5 November and 1am on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 includes the prohibition of supplying fireworks or pyrotechnic articles, such as flares, to anyone under the age of 18 and will take effect from this year.

💙Be Safe

– Follow the fireworks code here – https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/you…/fireworks-safety.aspx.

– You can enjoy fireworks safely by only attending organised public displays.

💙Be Kind

– Be mindful of the negative effect firework misuse can have on those around you, your neighbours, your community, animals in the area and the environment.

– Find advice specific to animals here – https://www.scottishspca.org/news/fireworks-advice.

– Respect and support those who are there to help you like the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and the NHS.

💙Be Smart

– If it feels wrong or dangerous, walk away.

– Know what to do if someone gets hurt or you see something that worries you.

– You can report fireworks misuse or deliberate fire raising to Police Scotland by calling 101 or if you’re 11+ you can #BeFearless in speaking up about WHO is responsible for crime 100% anonymously at Fearless.org.

In an emergency ALWAYS dial 999.

Not following our #FireworkSafety guidance could end in tragic consequences.

#BeSafeBeKindBeSmart

Scottish SPCA

sfrs-bonfires-v40-digital-1Download

Sarah Boyack calls on UK Government to deliver cost of living support

Scottish Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack, has called on the Tory UK Government to get on with delivering their cost of living support package as who do not have a domestic electricity contract are still waiting for details of the support they will receive, despite payments already being made to residents with a domestic energy contract.

People without domestic electricity contracts are still waiting for confirmation that they will receive the £400 Energy Bill Support and how this will be paid to them

In a policy paper, the UK Government confirmed that the support will be provided to those who do not have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier – however, there is still no clarity about the process.

Sarah Boyack, Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian, said: “While there is revolving door for Prime Ministers and Ministers, the Tories are failing to deliver for local residents here in Edinburgh.

“Local residents who do not have a direct relationship with their energy supplier are still waiting for the clarification on how and when they will receive the £400 Energy Bill Support, as the winter weather starts to come in. 

“The cost of living emergency is already starting to bite as more and more families are having to make the choice between heating and eating.

“I have written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to announce details as soon as possible which will provide certainty to families.”

Nursing graduate wins 2022 Simon Pullin Award

Siobhan Bridges praised for her compassionate care of patients

An Edinburgh Napier University nursing student has an extra reason to celebrate her graduation after being named the 2022 winner of the Simon Pullin Award.

Siobhan Bridges, who is from Portlethen in Aberdeenshire, was praised by the award’s panel for her ability to show empathy in pressured clinical situations.

As well as the accolade, the 21-year-old has picked up a Bachelor of Nursing with Distinction in Adult Nursing during Thursday’s graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall.

Siobhan said: “This is such a great honour and privilege. I got the news on my lunch break at work and I was delighted to find out.

“I had a look at Simon Pullin’s work when I applied, and I was inspired by what he did. He’s a great role model to anyone thinking of applying on the university’s nursing programme in the way he worked with empathy and respect.

“It’s been very challenging to complete a nursing degree through a pandemic, but I am proud of what I have achieved. I’ve been on several different placements, represented the university at a conference in Madrid and I’m now working in the cardiology unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

“If I can do all that during a pandemic, I think I can probably handle anything that gets thrown at me!”

Siobhan drew praise from the award’s review panel for her experience of working with a non-English speaking patient with severe autism and complex learning difficulties by using interactive posters on an iPad, allowing him to communicate. He has since been funded by his care and housing services to use this method going forward.

She also lived up to its spirit of recognising the human side to nursing by calming a patient due to undergo a coronary procedure by telling him about her experience of being diagnosed with a heart murmur as a teenager.

Dr Stephen Smith, from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Health & Social Care, who led the awarding panel, said: “Siobhan’s entry demonstrated her ability to provide compassionate care and work to a highly professional standard, regardless of the clinical situation and workload pressures.

“Her examples of learning from practice were powerful and touching to read. They showed a beautiful sensitivity and commitment to  compassionate care.”

Jacqueline Johnston, Siobhan’s Personal Development Tutor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Siobhan is one of the most professional students I have ever come across both in clinical and university settings.

“She is kind, caring, open, honest and puts her patients at the heart of everything she does.

“I am confident Siobhan will continue to demonstrate compassionate and caring behaviours in her future career.”

Familes can meet Santa at Dobbies

Dog-friendly grottos included in festive line-up in Edinburgh

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is welcoming families in Edinburgh to its unmissable, great-value Santa’s Grotto experience.

This year, kids are invited along to enjoy an immersive visit to the grotto where it will be love at frost sight with the elves taking visitors through a magical woodland, spotting reindeer, rabbits and forest creatures along the way. Children will become Santa’s little helpers, participating in various activities revealed during their visit. 

After lending a helping hand, children will then get to meet Santa himself and receive a special gift. Families can also opt in to purchase a picture of their child with Santa, creating memories to last forever. Santa’s Grotto will be available in Edinburgh from 24 November. 

Dobbies’ Quiet Grotto experience returns this year on 9 December to support children with special needs. Sound and visual elements are adapted to reduce anxiety and ensure every child has an opportunity to meet Santa and his elves.

If you’re looking to get the whole family involved, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store will also offer a Santa Paws grotto experience where dog lovers can bring their pups to see Santa, with a special doggie gift and photo opportunity available. Child tickets can be added to make it a full family experience.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “Meeting Santa is an important part of Christmas and we’re looking to make this inclusive for all, with quiet and dog-friendly events available in our Edinburgh store.

“We can’t wait to bring the magic of Christmas to life for our customers!”

Advance booking for Dobbies’ Edinburgh Christmas events are recommended to avoid disappointment. All grotto prices have been held, with no price increases.

Customers have the opportunity to make a donation to Dobbies’ national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, when booking online: 

https://www.dobbies.com/events

  • Santa’s Grotto starts on 24 November, prices from £11.99 per child
  • Santa’s Quiet Grotto is on 9 December, prices from £11.99 per child
  • Santa Paws starts on 3 December, priced at £6.99 per dog

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence. For more info: https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence

Tenant Protection Act becomes law

Rents frozen and most evictions prevented

Emergency legislation giving tenants increased protection from rent increases and evictions during the cost of living crisis has become law after receiving Royal Assent.

The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act gives Ministers temporary power to cap rent increases for private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation.

This applies to in-tenancy rent increases, with the cap set at 0% from 6 September 2022 until at least 31 March 2023, effectively freezing rents for most tenants during this period.

Enforcement of eviction actions resulting from the cost crisis are prevented over the same period except in a number of specified circumstances, and damages for unlawful evictions have been increased to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent.

Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie said: “Many people who rent their homes are facing real difficulties as a result of the cost of living crisis. While bills are rising for all of us, many tenants are more exposed as they are more likely to be on low incomes or living in poverty than other people.

“These measures aim to give tenants greater confidence about their housing costs and the security of a stable home.

“Some landlords may be feeling the effects of this crisis too. So while the primary purpose is to protect tenants, the emergency measures also include safeguards for those landlords who may be impacted. 

“For anyone struggling with their rent, I would urge you to contact your landlord, an advice organisation or a tenants’ union to get help as early as possible.”

Edinburgh Lettings Agent Clan Gordon has been looking at what this means for the landlords and tenants that they represent.

Clan Gordon Managing Director, Jonathan Gordon, was part of the Scottish Government’s working Group which consulted on and helped them develop the Private Residential Tenancy (PRT) regime in 2017 which transformed the sector, introducing far greater protection for tenants and simpler procedures for landlords.

He said: “It is reassuring to hear Ministers say the new Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Bill balances the protections that tenants need, with safeguards for those landlords who may also be impacted by the financial crisis.

“Under the new law, rents for existing private and social housing tenants cannot be increased until at least the end of March 2023 and can be extended for up to a further 12 months in two six-month blocks.” 

So, what does this mean for landlords? Although the rent cap can continue at the current 0% rate or can be varied at ministers’ discretion, there is no cap or limit on increasing the rent when advertising for new tenants.

Jonathan continued, “Despite the media attention when this was announced this is not a ban on landlords ending tenancies.  Landlords can still serve notice as normal if they wish to end a tenancy.

“Most tenants leave during the notice period when they find alternative accommodation so this restriction will have little effect here. If the tenant doesn’t leave during the notice period, the landlord can apply to the tribunal for an eviction order as normal.

“However, the legislation delays a landlord from enforcing an eviction order issued by the tribunal in some circumstances for up to six months.

“Tenants can still be evicted for anti-social behaviour, lender reposition,  abandonment, substantial rent arrears or if the landlords intend to sell or move back in to the property to alleviate financial hardship.

“We are also very pleased to see that as well as considering the tenants in this legislation, there are new safeguards for private landlords who find themselves impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

“In certain circumstances, Landlords will be able to apply to Rent Service Scotland to increase the rent on a property to cover up to 50% of a limited number of specific costs, including increased mortgage interest payments and increases in landlords insurance or service charges. 

“Interestingly the rent cap also applies to university halls of residence and other student accommodation where energy costs may be included in rent payments.

“There has been widespread concerns about increases to fuel prices, but the legislation prevents landlords passing on gas and electricity cost rises, in increased rents within the next six months unless the landlord can prove excessively high use of any utilities. 

“Students are also covered by the same eviction laws and can only be evicted in cases of anti-social or criminal behaviour. 

“Our approach has always been to encourage landlords to help us support any tenant who faces any difficulties including financial ones and in conjunction with  our landlords we worked to support a lot of tenants financially and otherwise during the Covid pandemic and lockdowns.

“This is going to be a difficult road ahead and we are pleased that the government has put some measures in place to support and protect landlords and tenants. 

The government  advice  website www.costofliving.campaign.gov.scot offers helpful tips, advice and guidance and our team will be very happy to offer advice about the new legislation to those affected by the current cost of living crisis.”

To schedule a call with a Clan Gordon  advisor, visit www.clangordon.co.uk

The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act was approved by the Scottish Parliament on 6 October. It delivers a Programme for Government commitment.

Further information about the Act is available on the Scottish Government website.

Ministers have the power to vary the rent cap while it is in force, and the measures could be extended over two further six-month periods.

Committee calls for clarity on Scottish Government Covid Recovery Funding

The Scottish Parliament’s COVID-19 Recovery Committee has called on the Scottish Government to clarify whether the cost crisis will affect the funding of Scotland’s Covid Recovery Strategy.

Following pre-budget scrutiny of how the Scottish Government plans to fund its Covid Recovery Strategy and the ongoing costs associated with the pandemic, the Committee have written to John Swinney MSP, Cabinet   Secretary for Covid Recovery, asking for the Committee’s views to be considered when preparing the budget.

The impact of the cost crisis was highlighted during the Committee’s evidence sessions, including concerns from witnesses over how this could affect the funding and delivery of the Covid Recovery Strategy, with some saying the crisis will pose more significant challenges for organisations, service providers and individuals than even those faced during the pandemic.

The Covid Recovery Strategy was published in October 2021, before the scale of the emerging cost-of-living crisis was apparent.

The Strategy sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for recovery, focusing on efforts to tackle inequality and disadvantage arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and states that progress towards public service reform and a well-being economy is necessary to tackle these inequalities.

Commenting, Siobhian Brown MSP, Convener of the COVID-19 Recovery Committee, said: “During our pre-budget scrutiny, we heard that the Scottish Government’s budget is approximately £1.7 billion less than it was worth in December 2021 due to inflationary pressures.

“The Committee, therefore, are seeking clarity on how this will impact the Scottish Government’s priorities and ability to deliver the outcomes as set out in the Covid Recovery Strategy and whether it intends to refresh the strategy to reflect any policy changes in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

“As the budget doesn’t commit to specific spending on COVID-19 or Covid Recovery, it’s important that there is greater clarity provided on how much funding the Scottish Government intends to commit to achieving the outcomes identified in its Covid Recovery Strategy within the upcoming budget.”

Read the Committee’s letter to @JohnSwinney from the Convener, @Siobhianayr

⤵️

http://ow.ly/jCAE50LnIfs

The Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny also set out the evidence gathered on costs associated with the Strategic Framework.

These included future pandemic preparedness, vaccinations, testing and surveillance, personal protective equipment, monitoring Covid-19 recovery and Scottish Government progress towards developing a well-being economy. 

Community Chest: regeneration specialist offers £3000 grant for Pennywell initiatives

A new fund, known as the ‘Creative Community Chest’ has launched which will support micro projects in Pennywell, Edinburgh and is established in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and the OneCity Trust. 

The initiative which has been established as part of the Pennywell Living development has been created by regeneration experts Urban Union with the City of Edinburgh Council. Scottish charities and community groups located in the North Edinburgh Arts membership area are being asked to apply for one of 10 grants of £300, that can be used to deliver creative and engaging content for the local community.  

The governance, monitoring and oversight of grant distribution will be undertaken by the office of the OneCity Trust.  The mission of the OneCity Trust is to fight inequality and exclusion in the City of Edinburgh.  

Neil McKay, Managing Director, Urban Union, said: “At Urban Union we specialise in delivering new homes equipped for modern community living, but investing in these communities is just as important.  

“We know that by working with residents, charities, and local groups we can help to create welcoming places to live and make a real difference to people’s lives.”  

Kate Wimpress, Director, North Edinburgh Arts, said: “North Edinburgh Arts has worked with Urban Union for almost a decade, delivering creativity in the community and enhancing the local area.

“With support from the OneCity Trust, these fantastic individual projects allow us to build community engagement, we look forward to seeing these creative ideas come to fruition.” 

Urban Union has developed 134 new homes and apartments as part of Phase 3 works at Pennywell Living and has been working in conjunction with the City of Edinburgh Council since 2014 to regenerate Pennywell, creating a vibrant residential area.  

Councillor Jane Meagher, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Our regeneration of North Edinburgh is a major project for the people of Pennywell and Muirhouse and a great success story.

“It’s all about working together to improve lives, tackle poverty and inequality in the area and create beautiful new homes and community spaces residents can be proud of.  

“It is great news, then, that our contractors are making this pot of money available through the OneCity Trust to local projects and charities which also promote social inclusion. The whole project provides a perfect example of community empowerment, showing how great value can be added to an area when involving those who know it best.” 

The application form to apply for a £300 grant is available to download here. 

Please complete the application form and send to elaine@onecitytrust.com along with the associated documentation noted on page 2 of the application form. If you have any questions, please contact Elaine McCafferty – OneCity Trust at elaine.mccafferty@onecitytrust.com or telephone (0131) 469 3856 

Green light expected for next stage of George Street ‘transformation’ plans

A project to transform the heart of Edinburgh’s First New Town has reached a milestone moment in its delivery.

Final developed design elements for the George Street and First New Town (GNT) project, as well as an updated operational plan, have been published as part of the latest phase in the design process – Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stage 3.

If recommendations are approved, the project will be able to move to RIBA Stage 4 and, subject to securing all necessary statutory consents, construction is targeted to start in 2024.

Developed design proposals, to be considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (3 November), have been built on concept design principles approved by the Committee in August 2021.

These aim to create more welcoming, people-friendly spaces, support accessibility, walking and cycling and celebrate Edinburgh’s unique heritage.

Amongst the ‘core elements’ of the Stage 3 Developed Design are: significantly widened pavements; the creation of a European style cycling street; removal of parking bays (while retaining blue badge and essential resident parking); ‘greening’ plans for planting and shrubbery along the length of the street; and the use of natural stone suitable for the World Heritage Site.

Updated principles for the First New Town operation plan, which will support the area’s transformation, include: proposed entry times for non-essential vehicles; access windows for taxis, recognising their role in the night-time economy and protecting public safety; the maintenance of bus services in the wider First New Town; and methods for enforcing the changes. Further engagement and analysis on the plan will be carried out during the next design stage in the process, RIBA Stage 4.

Recommendations for GNT follow years of development, consultation and engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders. The latest update has been commended by the Council’s Urban Design Panel for its continued positive collaborative approach, reinforced by several recent studies and assessments.

Amongst these are a women’s safety audit, a refreshed heritage impact assessment, a business and resident operations survey and an economic impact assessment – this estimated the improvements will generate a potential £95m Gross Value Added (GVA) benefit to the Edinburgh economy.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This is a major milestone for a flagship project to transform Edinburgh’s city centre, where people will be put first and the economy will be supported. We will transform George Street from a place which is dominated by cars to one which is dominated by people.

“The latest proposals build on years of public and business engagement, all of which has improved the design. As part of this stage of development the project team has carried out a significant package of in-depth assessments to address GNT’s impact on residents, businesses, public safety and the economy, amongst other factors, and to ensure final designs take varied needs into account.

“Once complete, GNT will deliver a world-class city centre worthy of a European capital, highlighting Edinburgh’s stunning architecture and creating a safe space for people to spend time in. By supporting sustainable travel by foot and bike, as well as retaining public transport links, it’s also key to the Council’s plans to reduce travel by car and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director, Sustrans, said: “Sustrans is proud to be a funding partner for the George Street and First New Town transformation. The design proposals are the result of extensive public engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.

“The project will facilitate walking, wheeling, cycling and sustainable transport in Scotland’s capital. But more importantly, it will create a greener, healthier place with people at its heart, where they can relax, socialise, shop, work and enjoy Edinburgh’s beautiful surroundings.”

If recommendations are approved by Transport and Environment Committee next week, the project will progress to Stage 4, which sets out key processes required for its delivery. This includes the promotion of all necessary statutory processes, such as Traffic Regulation and Redetermination Orders, which will allow construction to commence in 2024. This stage will also deliver the final Operational Plan.

GNT is one of the first projects to be delivered as part Edinburgh City Centre Transformation and intersects with other key schemes supporting travel by foot, wheel or bike in the city centre, including Meadows to George Street (MGS) and the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL).

Core Elements of GNT Stage 3 Developed Design

  • Wider pavements (approx four metres) on both sides of George Street along the entire street length, increasing accessibility for pedestrians
  • Landscaping confined to planters and low hedges, within sensitively balanced landscaped seating areas where people can relax
  • European cycling street within the central carriageway of the new street, interfacing with both CCWEL and MGS to create a network of strategic cycling routes 
  • Redesign of junctions to provide cycling and pedestrian priority while also improving the visual setting around the central statues
  • Integrated Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) allowing surface water to drain naturally via the creation of rainwater gardens
  • Material finishes of natural stone, developed in close partnership with Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland and the Cockburn Association
  • Designs and placemaking influenced by woman’s safety and Threat, Vulnerability and Risk assessments

Read the full report, George Street and First New Town – RIBA Stage 3 Design and Operational Plan update, online, and visit the dedicated website for more information. You can also watch a video illustrating the area’s transformation on our YouTube channel.

Watch the discussion of the recommendations at Transport and Environment committee live via webcast from 10am on Thursday (3 November).