Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is inviting customers and their dogs in Edinburgh for a Pawsome Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 14 December, in the dedicated dog-friendly area of the restaurant, to allow the whole family to join in on some festive fun.
Customers in Edinburgh are in for a treat with Dobbies’ great-value two-course menu for £14.95 per adult. For the main course, there is a traditional Christmas turkey roast dinner with pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, creamy mash, seasonal vegetables and gravy.
The vegetarian option includes Quorn sausages, served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, creamy mash, sage and onion stuffing and gravy.
Building on the festivities, Dobbies’ dessert options are guaranteed to get you feeling festive. Customers can enjoy Christmas pudding drizzled with a decadent and creamy brandy sauce or a mince pie cheesecake with pouring cream or the choice of vanilla ice cream. Diners hoping to make a celebration of it can enjoy a 200ml bottle of Prosecco for an additional charge of £6.35 per person.
Our canine best friends will be in for some Christmas cheer at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store. Each customer will receive a Barking Bakery Woofin doggy cupcake treat to take home as well as a money off voucher for Dobbies’ pet department. A maximum of two dogs per person attending are permitted and customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “We are very excited to welcome our customers and their dogs to our Edinburgh store for a very special Christmas lunch, the dedicated dog-friendly area in our restaurant.
“We pride ourselves on being dog-friendly and know how important pets are to the family. Everyone deserves to enjoy the festivities and we can’t wait to meet the dogs in Edinburgh. We hope they enjoy this event as much as our customers do and have a barking good time.”
Cash strapped parents struggling to find the extra cash for Christmas are being urged to clear out the cupboards and sell unwanted toys.
The penny pinching experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have pulled together their tips for families hoping to sell used toys, and buyers hoping to bag a bargain this Christmas.
With money being tight for many this festive season, the experts are expecting parents to find alternative ways to buy their kids the toys they’ve asked for without forking out for brand new items.
Buying second hand is a good option for securing a bargain for the buyer, and raising a little extra cash for the seller.
Rebecca Bebbington, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Christmas is an expensive time of year and with the ongoing cost of living crisis, it will put additional pressure on families.
“Selling unwanted toys is a good way for parents to get additional cash together – and is great for those hoping to buy a bargain bundle of second hand toys.
“It’s also better for the environment too. Rather than toys being put into landfill, they’re being cleaned down, repackaged and sold on for another little one to enjoy.
“We’ve put together some helpful tips for toy sellers and buyers to make sure everyone gets a good deal this Christmas.”
Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s top tips for buying and selling toys this Christmas:
For sellers:
Photos
Take plenty of pictures showing the toys at their very best. If they’ve been in the back of a cupboard to up the loft, give them a good wash down so they look as good as new. However, there’s no point trying to hide any imperfections. Ensure your images represent the item in the best way so a buyer knows exactly what they’re getting and the quality it will be in.
Description
Write a detailed description, describing the items as accurately as possible to avoid any confusion. Don’t be misleading. It’s always important to be honest in your description, even more so when the item is likely to be a special gift for Christmas.
Haggling
Be prepared for a haggle. Lots of buyers will offer you a price lower than you are selling for. Be aware of this and price accordingly.
Price comparisons
Have a look online to see what the same items are selling for, you don’t want to miss a sale because you’ve overpriced. Likewise, you don’t want to underprice and not get the amount the items deserve.
Delivery
Offer to deliver for a small fee. Sometimes this may make the difference in securing a sale.
Hold your nerve
Don’t settle on the first offer. It’s likely that you will receive a few offers after posting your item. Hold out a day or two to be sure you get the best price.
For buyers:
Haggle
Don’t be afraid to ask for a few pounds off. If someone really wants a sale they will be happy to negotiate a price.
Offer a swap
If you don’t want to pay the full price or can’t afford to, have you got something the seller might want? Ask if they’re happy to do a swap instead of a sale. You never know, you might just have something they’re looking for.
Buy local and collect
Try to buy items in your local area and collect them wherever possible. Often, sellers can create their own fees for delivery so it’s always worth saving yourself a few pounds by picking the items up yourself.
Photos
If you think the pictures don’t depict the item clearly, ask for more. You want to be sure that you get what you’re paying for and that it’s in the condition they have stated. Particularly important if you’re shopping for the item as a gift and you want it to look as good as new.
Ask questions
If you have any doubts about the quality or condition of an item, ask lots of questions. It may be that the seller wasn’t clear enough – it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
NHS Lothian is marking two years since Scotland’s roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine began on 8 December 2020.Since then, more than 14.5 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in Scotland with 2,451,177 of those being given across Lothian.
The initial effort to protect people from the deadly virus was the biggest logistical operation Scotland had seen since the Second World War.
Thousands of volunteers signed up to help NHS staff, mass vaccination centres were rapidly assembled in major cities and mobile units toured the country.
This rapid deployment meant a million Scots were jabbed within three months – averting 27,656 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation, which noted Scotland’s quick uptake.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf commented: “When marking this milestone we must first remember all those who have lost a loved one to this virus and reflect on what has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone.
“As a nation we can be incredibly proud of our world-leading vaccination programme.
“This could not have happened without the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers across the country. Unfortunately COVID-19 has not gone away and I continue to urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccination when they become eligible.”
Pat Wynne Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian said: “The past two years have been a hugely challenging time for everyone and we are hugely grateful to our team of vaccinators, support staff and to everyone who has come forward for vaccination as we mark the second anniversary of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out in Scotland.
“COVID-19 is still circulating and it can spread more easily during the winter months. So if you’re eligible and you’ve not had your vaccine yet please book an appointment online today for both your flu and COVID-19 vaccines, or attend one of our drop-in clinics. By getting vaccinated you can top up your protection and reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell from the virus.”
Those who are eligible can book an appointment online at nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines or attend a drop-in clinic.
You can find out if you are eligible at nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines. More information on Lothian’s drop-in clinics is available at:
Motorists have been warned not to leave Christmas presents on display in parked vehicles after almost a third admitted to being a victim of car crime.
Experts at Quotezone.co.uk have revealed that more than one in ten Brits leave their precious presents in the car during the festive season, presenting an ideal opportunity for heartless thieves to ruin Christmas.
New data from Quotezone.co.uk reveals that 11% of us admit to leaving gifts we have purchased for loved ones in our cars while we continue our Christmas shopping or enjoy a night out.
The car insurance comparison experts also asked 1,000 drivers if they had experienced a vehicle break-in, with almost one third, 31%, confirming they had.
Now they are warning car owners to be more careful this year and ensure presents are kept in the safety of the home, or at least well hidden from view in vehicles.
Better still, take presents straight home from the shops and get them wrapped and placed under the tree.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It must be a terrible feeling to have carefully chosen or sentimental Christmas presents stolen from a car just before the big day.
“Our data shows that almost one third of drivers have experienced a car break in, yet 11% of us still leave presents in a parked car. Christmas is a time of goodwill but sadly for some thieves it’s a time of opportunity.
“It’s also an incredibly busy time of year, drivers need to remember to be careful and always keep presents hidden out of sight under the boot cover or in the glove box, ideally parked next to a streetlight on a busy street. If the car is left unlocked or the stolen items are in full view, it may invalidate an insurance claim.
“Fully comprehensive car insurance usually includes cover for some possessions damaged or stolen from a car but there’s usually a cap on this amount. If drivers know they’ll be travelling to see family this Christmas and have a large sack of expensive gifts in the car, it would be worth informing their insurer to double check they’re covered and potentially increase the price cap temporarily. Also don’t forget to keep all receipts, they may be needed if they have to make a claim.”
To further prevent car break ins, drivers should park in a well-lit, populated area, ensure that all windows are rolled up, and consider installing a steering-wheel lock, car tracker and immobiliser – if the car doesn’t have one as standard.
Car security is really important any time of the year, but especially during the festive period with expensive and sentimental presents in danger of being stolen and ruining Christmas.
If cars are broken into, drivers should take photos, identify the damage and inform the police – obtaining a crime reference number, also inform the car insurance company as soon as possible.
Self-Isolation Support Grant scheme pays out £73 million over pandemic and will end next year
Low income workers who lost earnings when they self-isolated after contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19) have received awards totalling almost £73 million.
The temporary Self-Isolation Support Grant is the longest running scheme of its kind in the UK. It helps those earning less than the Real Living Wage, around £1,771.25 per month, if they cannot go to work following their positive PCR test or someone they care for has a positive PCR test.
From October 2020 until October 2022 the scheme made more than 150,000 awards but will close to new applicants on 5 January 2023 as most people now no longer need to take a COVID-19 test. To prevent the spread of infection, people should try to stay at home if they feel unwell.
Alternative financial support will continue to be available, depending on individual circumstances, through Crisis Grants through the Scottish Welfare Fund, alteration to Universal Credit rates and Statutory Sick Pay for absences lasting longer than three days.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The Self-Isolation Support Grant has provided vital help for those who would find it impossible due to their financial circumstances to follow the health guidance to stay at home if unwell.
“This emergency pandemic measure was introduced to support the important role of self-isolation in controlling transmission.
“The stay at home guidance has, since its launch, changed to reflect the prevalence of the virus and actions taken to combat it. We will continue to consider further measures to support those in high risk categories.
“Our COVID-19 vaccination programme has been hugely successful and has enabled us to ensure a safer and sustainable return to normality.”
MOVING AN ELDERLY RELATIVE INTO YOUR HOME? EASE THE TRANSITION WITH SIMPLE COST-EFFECTIVE TIPS
As the cost-of-living crisis looms over us this winter, many families will be facing the tough decision of whether it is financially sensible, and safer, to move an elderly relative into the family home. With this, comes a host of new challenges to navigate for both the welcoming family and the elderly relative who is being moved homes.
Renaissance Care is a national care home provider and is well-versed in providing housing transition support for elderly people moving into its facilities and can offer some practical tips on easing that adjustment for both parties.
Jozi Stables, care home manager at Edinburgh’s Glencairn Care Home said: “It can be a challenging time for families when they are transitioning a relative from independent living into an existing family home environment and something we are very aware of when residents come to stay with us at our care homes.
“It’s often a journey that all members of the family have to embark on and it’s very normal for there to be teething problems along the way. However, there are easy and effective ways that you can ease this transition to make the journey ultimately enjoyable for all involved.”
· Retain a sense of independence: Elderly relatives who have lived alone for many years have their own routine, their own social commitments and their own needs for personal space. So, it’s really important to make sure when moving a relative into the family home that these rights are respected. Relatives should be able to come and go to their existing commitments as they wish, freely and without judgement. It can be easy to become overprotective, but it is important to continue to promote and support your relative’s independence. . Set clear boundaries from the outset on what they would like your help with and what they can manage on their own and stick to these – there’s no harm in reviewing these often but it’s important not to fuss and overstep the mark.
· Routine is important: Moving an elderly person into a hustling, bustling family home can be overwhelming – the noise, the pace and the routine are all quite unfamiliar. Try and make sure the relatives routine is implemented and blended into the running of the family home, this might look like earlier dinner times, adapting meals to suit the palette of your relative, changing the TV schedule and quieter evenings if they are early to bed. It is important to ensure your relative still has choice and you support them with their choices and routine.
· Small adaptations are easily made: Making your home a safe environment that encourages independence can seem like a daunting task but actually there are so many products available on the high street and online that making small changes is very achievable. Ergonomically designed kettles that are suitable for elderly people, as well as specially designed crockery and cutlery, and apparatus that can assist with getting dressed, are all readily available and can make a huge difference to the enjoyment of someone elderly moving into the family home. At Renaissance Care – and across the care sector – we encourage risk enablement, meaning that if the benefit outweighs the risk then the behaviour or task isn’t modified, so encouraging elderly people to continue making their own cups of tea is just one example of this.
· Reassurance: Often elderly people feel that they have become a burden on their family, so providing consistent reassurance to the relative is very important. If it helps to take away the sense of being looked after, let your elderly relative contribute financially to the home, it might only be £20 but it will give them a sense of ‘paying their way’ – something heavily engrained in their generation.
· Health Monitoring: Often such a big upheaval can lead to elderly people experiencing depression and low moods, and so it is really important to keep an eye on your loved one and monitor behaviours and be aware of any changes in their baseline health. It’s normal to have the odd day here or there where you’re not feeling 100% but if it becomes a constant, it’s time to flag your concerns to your elderly relative and – if you can – the family GP.
· Create a quiet space: It might seem obvious but creating a small space with home comforts that the relative can escape to for some quiet time can be invaluable. This can simply be putting a TV in their bedroom so that they can watch their own programmes without the interruption of family life.
Jozi continued: “It’s really important to remember that your elderly relative is used to their independence, their home comforts and their own space – try and replicate those conditions in certain spaces within the home so that there is an escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy household. Most elderly people enjoy being around others but just like anyone else, they need time to recharge and unwind and we should be respectful of that.
“Sometimes it’s beneficial for both parties in the newly combined household to take a break, that’s where respite stays are an invaluable resource for families to call on – it can be a short weekend stay, a week or two.
“This is a big transition for everyone involved and it’s okay to take time, adjust and adapt – it might not happen overnight. There are also valuable resources available through Alzheimer’s Scotland, Health and Social Care Scotland and from your local GP practice.”
Renaissance Care Homes owns and operates sixteen homes located across Scotland and currently provides care provision for 700 residents throughout the UK.
Christmas cards designed by Edinburgh school pupils will brighten up Princes Street this festive season by being displayed on all digital bus shelter screens.
Pupils from across the city entered the competition to design the cards for the Education and Children’s Services of the City of Edinburgh Council and the Lord Provost.
In total 11 designs will be shown on the screens, with three of them – chosen by Education Convener Councillor Joan Griffiths, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Executive Director Amanda Hatton as their official Christmas cards – unveiled at a special event.
The winning designs were created by Lucas Virdee (Victoria Primary School), Aastha Arya (Tynecastle High School) and Flora Goater (Echline Primary School).
The Christmas card competition is an annual event but hasn’t taken place since 2019 due to the pandemic. This is now the sixth year that JCDecaux UK has offered lucky pupils the chance to have their designs shown on digital screens in Princes Street.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I’m sure all the pupils and their families will be really excited to see their designs on public display and everyone who took part in the contest deserves special mention.
“Our young people are showing real creativity and artistic talent with these cards and the Winter Windows display in Princes Street Gardens.
“It’s great to see the cards promoted on the digital bus shelters as it will definitely bring festive cheer to shoppers!”
Cllr Griffiths said: “This is my first year for choosing winners and it was really difficult due to the high quality of entries. I really want to thank JCDecaux for continuing to support this festive project after an enforced gap of two years as there’s no doubt the young people love taking part.
“Huge congratulations to Luca, Aastha and Flora whose designs will also feature on our Christmas cards.
Carolyn Howieson, Partnership Manager at JCDecaux UK, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, bringing these beautiful Season Greetings designs by local children to digital screens in Princes Street, showcasing the talented young artists in the city.”
The designs will be displayed on all the bus shelters in Princes Street.
Proposals that would see the powers of Scotland’s charity regulator strengthened are to be considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee.
Under the proposals in the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), would have wider powers to investigate charities and charity trustees. Rules around who can be a charity trustee or senior office-holder in a charity would also be tightened.
The proposed changes to the law were developed following suggestions from OSCR. Some of the changes are intended to ensure Scottish legislation is in line with updated legislation in England and Wales.
The Committee wants to understand what impact the changes in the Bill might have. To make this as easy as possible for all charities to respond, no matter their size, the Committee is inviting people to share their views either through a detailed consultation, or a short survey.
They hope to get an insight into how the charity sector has changed since the Charities Act was passed in 2005 and get a better idea of how the updated laws might impact the Scottish public.
Natalie Don, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee said: “Charities are a cornerstone of public life in Scotland, with millions of people across the country supporting, or benefitting from their work. It is important that the public can have faith in the often vital work that they do. We’re keen to understand the extent to which the Bill might strengthen that accountability and transparency.
“We also want to understand what administrative impact the Bill might place on charities and their trustees. We understand that many people volunteer for charities and we want to know how these changes might impact on the way that they are able to perform these roles.
“There are more than 25,000 charities in Scotland and we would like anybody who has a role working or volunteering for one to share their views on the Bill, either by completing the detailed call for views, or the shorter survey.”
The Committee’s survey and detailed consultations will both close on Friday 3 February 2023. Following the closure of the consultation, the Committee will undertake several public evidence sessions before producing a report commenting on the principles of the Bill in the spring.
More than 30 pubs, clubs, theatres and other venues at risk of closure have been saved and placed in the hands of local people thanks to £6.67 million of government levelling up funding
Funding will help community groups take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced second round allocations from £150 million Community Ownership Fund (COF)
Scheme will help restore Moor Pool Snooker Hall in Birmingham, refurbish changing pavilions in Falkirk and rescue an 180-year old village shop in Llandyrnog
More than 30 pubs, clubs, theatres and other venues at risk of closure have been saved and placed in the hands of local people thanks to £6.67 million of government levelling up funding.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has today announced allocations from the second round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund.
The funding will help community groups take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure and give them a new lease of life, ensuring they continue to provide vital services, create opportunities and boost local economies
Successful projects include the Margaret Haes riding centre in Bury, which supports people with disabilities, historic pubs in Warrington and Limpley Stoke and grass-roots sports clubs in Falkirk and Devon.
Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said: “We’re putting beloved pubs, clubs and heritage sites into the hands of local people to ensure these cherished institutions and the vital services they provide are guaranteed for future generations.
“With the government backing announced today, these places will continue to thrive, make a difference to people’s lives and be run by the local community for the local community.”
Combined with Round 1 projects, this additional funding takes the overall total to £16.74m for 70 projects, with £2.0m allocated to Scotland, £1.6m to Wales and £1.3m to Northern Ireland.
Successful projects include:
The Margaret Haes riding centre in Bury will be saved from closure so it can continue to provide vital services to people with disabilities and their carers.
Grass-roots sports clubs in Falkirk and Devon will more than £249,000 to transform dilapidated changing pavilions into modern, inclusive, multi-purpose facilities for everyone in the community.
The Kingswood community centre in Southwark will receive £180,000 in funding to reopen the library and community space for weddings, birthdays and art classes.
The historic Albert Park in Glasgow’s Southside will also benefit from £100,000 of levelling up cash to restore the clubhouse and pavilion
The ‘Haverhub’ in Pembrokeshire, a social enterprise nestled in the heart of the historic Quay Street and Riverside Quarter, will take ownership of their building so they can provide a variety of educational courses for local people.
A village pub in Kent, The Honest Miller, has been saved from closure so it can return and serve food and drinks to locals overlooking the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Aberystwyth and District Hospice provides vital support to people with chronic and life limiting conditions and their carers. The grant will give the local community the funds they need to buy their premisses outright and make the building more accessible for its users.
On the Isle of Arran, Scotland the doors of the Lochranza Hotel Bar will open again to welcome locals to enjoy their selection of malt whiskies.
The Zion Community Arts centre in Bristol will retain its place in the community and provide space for local history groups and businesses.
The “Heart of Newhaven” in Edinburgh will be reinvented into a vibrant space for theatre groups, choirs and local enterprise.
In Northern Ireland, the Glór Uachtar Tíre community centre will be transformed into a multi-generational bedrock providing a café and office space, Irish language preschool, a youth radio station and creche facilities.
Debra Batchelor, Trustee at the Margaret Haes Riding Centre said: “Thanks to this funding, the riding centre can secure the property for present and future generations to benefit from the experiences of being with horses – to empower children and adults with learning disabilities, physical and mental health disabilities, and emotional and social challenges, to lead active and fulfilling lives through equestrian activities.
“This would not have been possible without the award from the Community Ownership Fund . We can now unlock so many exciting opportunities to develop our facilities and experiences, and further benefit our community. Dreams can come true!”
Cllr Steve Roche, Horrabridge Parish Council said: ““Horrabridge’s King George V Memorial Sports Pavilion support’s the village’s 20 football teams, from age six to walking seniors, including four girls teams.
“This major grant is the key to providing a new pavilion, fit for purpose. The old pavilion has served us well, very basic, but in a bad state of repair and this grant will help us to save this valuable community asset.”
Further information:
The prospectus for the second round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund updated the fund to make it more clear and extend the eligibility requirements, following feedback from previous applicants.
Helping families and services through the cost of living crisis
Eradicating child poverty, transforming the economy to deliver net zero and creating sustainable public services will be the key aims of the Scottish Budget 2023-24.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney warned relentless prioritisation was needed to tackle the combined impact of high inflation, the ongoing economic consequences of Brexit and the UK Government’s plans to reduce expenditure in future years, which are projected to reduce the Scottish Government’s funding under the Barnett formula from 2025.
He said the Budget would channel support to where it was most needed while beginning a process of reform to help public services face the future with strength and resilience.
Mr Swinney said: “Families, businesses and our public finances are under sustained economic pressure and the Scottish Government has acted decisively to provide what support it can within its limited resources.
“We have allocated £3 billion in 2022-23 to mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis, including targeted help such as increasing the game changing Scottish Child Payment to £25 per eligible child per week – a 150% increase within eight months.
“However, given the fiscal constraints of devolution, it is not possible to go as far as we would like and so the Budget will prioritise three areas – eradicating child poverty, transforming the economy to deliver net zero and creating sustainable public services.
“Difficult decisions are required and resources will be targeted where they are most needed and can secure maximum value from every pound spent.
“The economic challenges we face also require a fundamental change in the way we manage public spending. The Bank of England is predicting the longest recession for a century so this Budget will set in motion reforms that will place our finances and public services on a more sustainable and resilient footing for the future.
“This is a time for firm leadership and bold decision making. Steps we take now will help ensure Scotland emerges from the current crisis a stronger, fairer, greener country.”
The Scottish Budget 2023-24 will be presented to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, 15 December.
COSLA launched its campaign last week in advance of the Scottish Budget on 15 December – an ‘SOS call’ to Save our Services.
It is a rallying call, telling communities everything they need to know about the impact of the Scottish Government’s forthcoming budget on our council services, and our communities in the coming year.
COSLA says the SOS call reflects the extremely precarious financial situation in which Councils in Scotland find themselves, during a particularly challenging period. This is as a consequence of real-term cuts to the core budgets of Scotland’s 32 Councils over recent years.
The call comes ahead of the Deputy First Minister outlining the Scottish Budget on December 15th but reflects the reality of what the government set out in its spending plans last May.
COSLA’s President Councillor Shona Morrison said: “There are many areas in which Local and Scottish Government work together for our communities and I fully appreciate that money is extremely tight – all Governments are having to cope with rising inflation and fuel costs
“However, with little room left to manoeuver, the Scottish Government’s spending plans as they stand will see Council services either significantly reduced, cut or stopped altogether. 70% of Local Government’s budget is spent on staffing, so it is inevitable that current spending plans will lead to job losses. The very serious impact of this scenario is that the critical work council staff do on prevention and early intervention will reduce significantly.
COSLA’s Vice President Councillor Steven Heddle said: “In May, the ‘flat cash’ plans looked difficult for us. Today, with prices increasing across the board, including energy costs, and inflation sitting at almost 10% and at risk of rising still further, Local Government is now on extremely dangerous ground.
“Make no mistake, what we will now face is Councils struggling to deliver even the basic, essential services that communities rely on. To put this into perspective, the estimated £1bn gap for councils in 23/24 is the equivalent of the entire budget for early learning and childcare across Scotland or 17,500 teachers. A funding gap of this magnitude will have an impact on all our communities, with the most vulnerable who rely on these services suffering the worst consequences.”
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann concluded: “We are at a crisis point like never before – the impact for communities is serious and needs to be reconsidered.
“The financial impacts for other parts of the public sector are also serious. When councils can’t focus spend on prevention, for example on preventing ill-health, services like the NHS will end up spending significantly more money when issues become more serious.
“Directors of Finance across Scotland’s Councils are sufficiently concerned about the financial sustainability of councils that they have written to the Deputy First Minister outlining their concerns.
“This really is an SOS call from Scotland’s Councils –people in communities across Scotland will be pulled into further poverty and uncertainty without adequate funding for the vital services that support them”.
