February 2023 – Page 5 – The NEN

Edinburgh approves Lib Dem budget

EDINBURGH councillors have passed a budget focused on ‘getting the basics right’ and making Edinburgh a ‘cleaner and greener city’. However that budget was not the one put forward by by the ruling Labour administration – council rejected that, and instead eventually backed a Liberal Democrat budget.

This means a Labour-led council will now be promoting and implementing a budget put forward by the Liberal Democrats, the council’s third biggest party.

Trade unions are concerned about elements within the budget passed by the council – particularly over compulsory redundancies and outsourcing- and some senior Labour figures believe Council Leader Cammy Day’s position is now untenable.

There are calls for him to resign: both from the SNP – the biggest group on the council – and, perhaps of more concern, from within the city’s own Labour group.

The humiliating budget defeat shows the fragility of Labour’s leadership position within the council.

With thirteen councillors Labour needs the support of other parties to run the city.

Labour chose to break their ‘Capital Coalition’ agreement with the SNP and instead joined forces with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats following last May’s local government elections, despite assurances from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar that there would be ‘no deals’.

With 18 councilllors the SNP is the biggest group on the city council by some way. Labour (13) is second followed by the Lib Dems (12), Greens (10) and Tories (9).

Lib Dems, doubtless boosted by their Budget coup, are bullish about their chances of increasing their representation in the City Chambers following a by-election in Corstorphine/Murrayfield on 9 March.

SNP Group leader (and leader of the former ruling ‘Capital Coalition’) said: “What Labour actually voted for: -£600k saving by ending no compulsory redundancy policy NOW. -£500k saving THIS YEAR by privatising waste & cleansing services.

“You can’t trust a word from Labour on this.”

He also tweeted: “Labour “administration” budget defeated – Labour instead backed the LibDem budget in full. If my budget had been voted down as Council Leader I’d have had the integrity to resign.”

Following a series of votes on Thursday (23 February), the Liberal Democrats’ spending proposals for 2023/24 were agreed, as was the Administration’s Housing Budget Strategy.

While rejecting a series of savings proposals in education and speech and language therapy, councillors agreed to allocate substantial additional money to improve roads, paths and pavements and carry out additional resurfacing works for the long term.

Additional funding will also be made available for the city’s parks and greenspaces, tackling fly tipping, graffiti removal and street sweeping, and additional resource for flood defences and gully cleaning in light of the increasing impacts of climate change.

The Climate and Sustainability Team will also be bolstered, enabling a greater focus on the city’s ambition of becoming net zero by 2030 and the King’s Theatre will also benefit from funding to secure its future, with £3m set aside – a move supported across the council.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Kevin Lang said: “I’m delighted that our budget got support from councillors – and that, in the midst of the cost of living crisis, we’ve been able to limit the rise in council tax to 5% for Edinburgh’s residents.

“This is a Council budget that delivers. A budget that stops £5 million of education cuts, injects £11 million extra to tackle our broken roads and pavements, more investment for parks and new money for climate change action.

“Despite continued funding cuts from the Scottish Government, residents still rightly expect high quality local services in return for the increasing amounts of council tax they pay each year, which requires a budget which focuses on essential core services, delivered well.”

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Despite the unique demands of a Capital city, Edinburgh continues to receive the worst grant funding of any local authority in Scotland. Years of local government cuts have now come to a head, forcing us to find close to £80m of savings this year – on top of the hundreds of millions we’ve made already.

“It’s a position none of us wanted to be in and our residents deserve better. Despite this, we presented a positive, fair and responsible set of proposals, aimed at protecting vital frontline services on which our communities and residents rightly depend.

“So, I was deeply disappointed we didn’t secure the backing from other groups, particularly in the manner in which it came about. But, for all that, I remain absolutely committed to leading this council and to working with all other groups to deliver the best for the people of Edinburgh.”

Council Tax Bands

A £965.13

B £1,125.98

C £1,286.84

D £1,447.69

E £1,902.10

F £2,352.50

G £2,835.06

H £3,546.84

Online banking: 12 ways to stay safe

Dodge online banking fraudsters with these 12 cybersecurity tips

A recent Which? study tested the security of 13 of the UK’s most popular online banking sites between September and November 2022. The study found that Virgin Money, TSB and Nationwide were the worst at protecting their customers from online scammers.

With so many well known banking sites falling short when it comes to blocking fraudsters, cybersecurity experts at VPNOverview have compiled a list of 12 safety tips to keep your money safe from malware and phishing scams.

What are the possible dangers of online banking?

Financially motivated cybercrime, using malware and phishing, is growing at a rapid pace. In fact, by 2023, the number of internet users is set to increase by 275%, creating more targets for online banking fraudsters. Banks worldwide are doing all they can to protect their customers from banking fraud by raising awareness and utilising new technology to make online banking safer.

Malware

Cybercriminals can use malware like spyware to break into your phone or computer and potentially steal your banking details. Cybercriminals can use a keylogger to track your keystrokes and steal your banking login details as you are typing them. In the worst-case scenario, a hacker can infect your computer with a virus, allowing them to gain total control of your computer and possibly transfer your money straight into their account.

Phishing

Phishing is where a cybercriminal attempts to obtain someone’s sensitive information by pretending to be a party this person trusts, such as a bank. This imposter would contact the victim via email or phone to trick them into surrendering login information. The scammer will often produce a plausible reason why they are asking for this sensitive information. It is essential to stay vigilant and remember: it is highly unlikely that your bank will ask you for login details, PIN codes or confidential information.

12 online banking safety tips

1. Be wary of transfers: Only transfer money to parties you trust. Money transfers cannot usually be reversed without the explicit permission of the receiving party.

2. Use a unique password and login details: Make sure your banking login details are different from your other online portals or services; it is much safer to have a different password for your bank if a hacker gains access to your device. The most secure password you can create will be at least ten characters long, containing a minimum of one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one symbol. It would be best if you considered changing your password to a new unique password every six months.

3. Keep login details safe: Do not give your online banking login details to anyone. If you receive a phone call or an email asking for you to enter your banking login details, sensitive information or PIN codes, this could be a phishing scam.

4. Use fingerprint and face ID: Make use of the newest technology when it comes to signing into your online banking apps. Using a fingerprint or Face ID login is much safer than the traditional username and password. Another security measure to consider is using two-factor authentication, essentially providing two methods of logging in to ensure that the right person is logging in.

5. Update apps: Ensure your device’s operating system is up-to-date. The same goes for your online banking app if you use one. The best practice is to configure your settings to update all updates automatically.

6. Never click on suspicious hyperlinks: If you receive an email or a text from a number or address you don’t recognise that contains a hyperlink, don’t click on it. Do not download any files they may contain.

7. Be wary of suspicious emails: Cybercriminals may send you a convincing-looking email with your bank’s logo and a professional-looking layout. If this email asks for sensitive information, including your password, login details or PIN code, delete this email.

8. Check HTTPS connection: Always ensure the website you visit has a secure HTTPS connection before you log in to your online banking account. Many browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer, show whether your connection to a certain website is secure. Some of these browsers may display a padlock symbol inside the address bar indicating the safety of a website’s connection. If not, you can check the URL:

If the URL you visit contains “https://”, this is secure as the ‘s’ stands for secure. If you see “http://” the connection isn’t secure. You may have to click on the URL in the search bar to see the “https://” appear. If the connection isn’t secure, do not share any personal details with that page.

9. Install antivirus software: Install antivirus software on your device to protect yourself from malware and viruses. The best antivirus programs will offer a built-in firewall, essentially a network security device that provides a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted network.

10. Be wary of phishing: If you suspect you have come across a potential phishing email or call that claims to have been sent by your bank, contact your bank immediately to notify them. If they do not know about this request, you were likely almost a victim of a phishing scam.

11. Check your banking app frequently: Frequently check your online bank for peculiar activities and alert your bank of any transactions that you don’t recognise.

12. Trust your gut: Ultimately, if something doesn’t feel quite right as you’re transferring a payment or entering sensitive details, trust your gut and don’t continue.

A spokesperson from VPNOverview commented: “Although banks around the world are working hard to make online banking as safe as possible, it is still a good idea to take some safety measures yourself when managing your finances.

“By taking charge of your own online safety, you can prove to your bank that you are not negligent and are more likely to be reimbursed by your bank if something bad happens. By following these tips to protect yourself while online banking, managing, paying and receiving money will become a lot safer.”

Boyack: Scottish Government must commit to new Eye Pavilion

Following reports on the projected cost of Edinburgh’s New Eye Pavilion, rising by more than £10m, Sarah Boyack, Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian, asked the First Minister “to reassure patients across the Lothians and South-East Scotland that Edinburgh’s Eye Pavilion will be priority for the Scottish Government.”

Sarah Boyack called on the Scottish Government to commit that Edinburgh’s Eye Pavilion will be delivered by 2027.

Nicola Sturgeon restated her government’s support for this project, she did not, however, confirm that the new Eye Pavilion will indeed be delivered by 2027, raising questions about the expected operational date.

Commenting Sarah Boyack MSP said: “ We’ve seen the impact of inflation and rising costs – it’s catastrophic for people, businesses and development projects.

“Although I welcome Nicola Sturgeon’s commitment to Edinburgh’s new Eye Pavilion, I find worrying that she was unable to confirm that the new eye hospital will indeed be delivered and ready for patients to use by 2027.

“We cannot afford to delay the construction of the new Eye Pavilion – delaying it is bad for people, staff and our NHS.

“We have yet to hear the answer to a simple question: will the Eye Pavilion will be open to the public by 2027?

“The FM and her Government must provide that commitment now.”

Community Heroes recognised by Fort Kinnaird

Liz Cann and Colin Arthur have been named as Fort Kinnaird’s Community Heroes after going the extra mile in supporting their communities over the past year.

Fort Kinnaird called for people to nominate their friends, family, and neighbours living and working in the local community who had gone above and beyond in 2022 to receive an extra gift to say thank you. The centre was inundated with entries, but two stories stood out.

Drumbrae resident Liz Cann was nominated by her friend and colleague at Social Bite for her dedication to voluntary work and fundraising. At the homeless charity, Liz supported with collecting and delivering presents to community groups in December, along with helping to host a Christmas Eve lunch at the charity’s main centre in Edinburgh.

Liz also played a vital role at another local charity, Fight Against Cancer Edinburgh (F.A.C.E). After fundraising for more than a year, Liz took a group of more than 40 children and family members affected by cancer to Lapland in December last year to meet Santa and enjoy the magic of Christmas together.

Musselburgh Rugby player Colin Arthur was nominated by the parent of a child who plays at the club.

Colin, who lives in Musselburgh, led the rugby club in supporting the nationwide Rainbow Laces campaign, a symbol of inclusion across sport, and proactively encouraged other local clubs to participate.

In doing so, he’s been instrumental in creating an inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQI+ community not just for people to play rugby, but also be open about struggles with mental health.

As a small way of saying thank you, Fort Kinnaird has given Liz and Colin £250 each to spend at the centre in recognition of all their work in the local community.

Liz Cann said: “It’s a huge surprise to win this award, no one who works with charities or volunteers in their communities ever think of themselves as heroes.

“We’re just doing our bit, but it’s quite moving to be recognised in this way.”

Colin Arthur said: “I’m really grateful to have even been nominated for this competition, let alone be one of those selected to win it.

“It’s brilliant to see what we’re working on at Musselburgh being recognised and promoted in this way, hopefully it will spark more important conversations at sports clubs across our region.”

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, added: “Giving back is so important and, now more than ever, we want to do our bit to recognise the people who are going above and beyond to help those most in need.

“We were so inspired by Liz and Colin’s stories, hearing about everything they do to help and support others. A huge thank you to them, and all the other heroes, charities, and organisations that continue to work tirelessly to support our community.”

An additional ten runners-up were also chosen and received a £50 voucher to spend at the centre.

Granton Youth: Community lunches at Royston Wardieburn

A super proud moment for Granton Youth – two members of our Families Together group are putting their incredible cooking skills to good use and are cooking a community lunch at every Monday at 12:30 – 13:00 at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

We would love it if you went along and supported them and we can guarantee a beautiful meal!

#grantonyouth

#FamiliesTogether

#youthworkchangeslives

#transferableskills

#communitylunch

#superproud

Online home energy calculator helps customers find the best energy efficient product solutions

Usage of the Heating and Cooling Knowhow Solutions (HACKS) tool has more than doubled since the introduction of the Energy Price Guarantee in October 2021.

An online calculator which reviews a home’s energy usage and provides tailored recommendations on the most cost effective and energy efficient product solutions, has been used by more than 20,000 UK consumers.

Launched in April 2021, the Heating and Cooling Knowhow Solutions (HACKS) calculator empowers consumers who have old, inefficient heating and cooling devices by providing information on more efficient alternatives.

Recent data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has shown that 25% of people in the UK are considering making changes to their home to improve energy efficiency*.

The HACKS tool provides advice on the energy savings possible through installing low carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps and insulation, showing how much a household could save annually on their energy bills and carbon emissions.

Once a person has entered their information into the calculator, they are recommended heating and cooling products from the Topten UK website. This includes information on a product’s energy efficiency ratings, the selection criteria used to determine their efficiency and a product guide that outlines the suitability of installation and use in the home.

The calculator has been built by the HACKS project, a consortium of seventeen partners across fifteen countries, with financial support of the European Horizon 2020 programme. Energy Saving Trust is the UK partner for the HACKS project.

Emilie Carmichael, Head of International at Energy Saving Trust, said: “We’re pleased that the HACKS calculator has provided expert advice to thousands of households across the UK, at a time when we know many people are looking more for solutions to improve the efficiency and reduce the running costs of their home.

“Having the right energy set up at home is key to ensuring energy usage is both efficient and cost effective”.

You can access the HACKS online calculator here. The calculator will be live until 31 August 2023.

* Data taken from ONS Survey: Attitudes towards improving energy efficiency of homes by housing tenure, Great Britain: 11 May to 5 June 2022

Scottish Parliament refuses consent for Retained EU Law Bill

Constitution Secretary said Bill threatens vital laws

The UK Government should withdraw the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill after MSPs voted to withhold the consent of the Scottish Parliament, according to the Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson.

Speaking during a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Robertson said the Bill, which is currently in the House of Lords, threatens vital regulations in the environment, food standards and employment sectors and must now be withdrawn.

With MSPs refusing to provide legislative consent, Mr Robertson said the reaction of UK Ministers would be a key test of whether or not it plans to continue to ignore or override the views of the Scottish Parliament.

If the Bill is not withdrawn, the Scottish Government has published updated amendments to lessen the impact of the Bill.

Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Scottish Government and a number of key organisations across a range of sectors have many concerns about the Bill and we have repeatedly called on the UK Government to withdraw it.

“Firstly, it risks deregulation and threatens the high standards the people of Scotland experienced and benefited from as an EU member state for over 47 years. Secondly, the Bill includes powers for UK Ministers to act in areas of devolved responsibility without the consent of Scottish Ministers or this Parliament.

“This is clearly unacceptable and how the UK Government reacts will be a key test of whether or not they intend to continue to ride roughshod over devolution. Thirdly, the Bill includes a ‘cliff-edge’ sunset provision, which could see thousands of laws wiped overnight.

“I am pleased colleagues across the Scottish Parliament have voted to withhold consent for the Bill and I urge the UK Government to scrap it entirely. If the UK Government are intent on a race to the bottom that will impact standards across the UK, we have published a series of updated amendments to the Bill to mitigate the worst of its impacts.”

One year on from the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine: support from Beirut

A statement by The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Japan

Today marks a year since the brutal, unjustified and unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. In that year, thousands of innocent Ukrainian people have been killed, and millions forced from their homes.

We, the Embassies of Australia, Denmark, Japan and the United Kingdom will tonight light up our shared Embassies’ Complex here in Beirut in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

We do so because our countries share not only a common building, but common values: respect for the principles of the UN charter, for territorial integrity and for human rights.

As such we stand, in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine.

The Ukrainians are defending their right, our right, and the right of everyone to live in freedom. We commend and support their bravery in the face of such aggression. Russia cannot and will not succeed.

Russia has consistently underestimated Ukraine. Russia planned to seize Ukraine in three days. 365 days later, Ukraine continues to liberate territory and push back Russian forces. This gives hope for Ukraine’s long-term ability to withstand Russia’s aggression.

It is imperative for a lasting peace that Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and the UN Charter must be respected.

Russia’s invasion has led to global suffering, with impacts felt here in Lebanon and across the world. Food insecurity has hit the poor the hardest. The Lebanese people should not have to bear further hardship because of Russian expansionist ambitions.

One year ago, Lebanon was the first country in the Middle East to speak unequivocally against Russia’s actions and in support of the UN Charter. In doing so Lebanon stood amongst friends, and with the majority of the international community.

We raise the Ukrainian flag today in support of the Ukrainian people and their brave fight against Russian aggression. We, good neighbours in Beirut from four countries and three continents, stand together in support of Ukraine and the values it is defending so bravely and which we, like Lebanon, share.

*The Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, and Japan.

Thousands of Ukranian refugees helped to access UK banking services

Government intervention sees tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees’ access banking services in the UK
Basic bank accounts offer fee-free accounts allowing users to send and receive money, helping people to build their lives here
News falls one-year since Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion of Ukraine as UK government confirms its support will not waiver

TENS OF THOUSANDS of Ukrainian refugees have been able to access banking services in the UK thanks to government action, data released today shows.

Basic bank accounts, which the nine largest UK lenders have been required to provide since 2014, allow people with a limited credit history to access and carry out everyday banking, widening people’s access to the financial system and the wider economy. The accounts do not offer overdrafts, ensuring people do not get into unaffordable debt.

A year on since Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine, the UK has granted more than 215,000 visas to refugees of the war, under our Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine Family Schemes

Following the invasion, the government brought together UK basic bank account providers, ensuring fast action was taken to remove the barriers to opening UK bank accounts faced by Ukrainian nationals, such as the lack of a conventional ID.

This has already helped more than 70,000 people to build their lives more easily in the UK by enabling them to receive their income, send money, and pay for goods.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith said: “We will continue to help as many Ukrainian refugees as possible access the banking services they need to build a life here – and I’d like to thank UK banks and building societies for their support to date.

“A year on from the invasion, Putin should be left in no doubt that the West will not waiver in its support for Ukraine and its people.”

The UK government has been working with its international allies to punish Putin and his cronies for their illegal invasion of Ukraine, while supporting the Ukrainian people and its government.

This includes sanctioning more than 1,200 individuals and 120 entities, including striking the heart of the Kremlin by sanctioning Putin himself, along with his closest associates.

The UK has also committed £4.6 billion of military support by the end of 2023, supplying 10,000 anti-tank missiles, almost 200 armoured vehicles, 2,600 anti-structure munitions, and almost 100,000 rounds of artillery.

And we are also a leading bilateral humanitarian donor, having committed £220 million in assistance.

Humanitarian funding support for Ukraine

Money to be split between three partner organisations

A further £1 million will be provided to organisations to help support people in Ukraine. The Scottish Government funding will enable the organisations to provide generators, heaters and blankets to families and essential facilities such as hospitals and shelters.

It will also support home repairs for households and communities in Ukraine which will help prevent homelessness.

The funding will be allocated between the British Red Cross, Christian Aid and Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF).

International Development Minister and Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray updated Parliament during a debate marking one year of the war in Ukraine.

Mr Gray said: “The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

“The organisations we have allocated this further funding to today are key in providing much needed humanitarian aid and support to the people of Ukraine. Over the last year, we have provided financial aid to help provide basic humanitarian assistance, including in health, water and sanitation, and shelter for those fleeing Ukraine, as well as medical supplies and funding to support the clear-up operation in Ukraine.

“It will also ensure that the most vulnerable people across Ukraine are living in warm and safe accommodation and that essential facilities will be able to continue working to protect the people they serve. it will also enable families to begin to restore their homes and livelihoods following a challenging winter – helping them to repair damage and improve the food and water supply.

“I’m proud that Scotland has been able to play its part in supporting Ukraine and I want to reiterate our continued support for Ukraine and those who have been displaced.”

Since February 2022, the Scottish Government has provided £4 million in financial aid to help provide basic humanitarian assistance which was allocated as below:

Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal	£2,000,000
UNICEF	£1,000,000
British Red Cross	£500,000
Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF)	£500,000

The Scottish Government has also sent five consignments of medical supplies to Poland for onward transport to Ukraine, totalling 156 pallets worth almost £3 million.

The Scottish Government has provided £300,000 to Dumfries based international NGO, The HALO Trust, to support their work in clearing unexploded ordnance in areas around Kyiv that were liberated from Russian control.

The further £1 million funding will be allocated as below:

British Red Cross	£375,000
Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF)	£375,000
Christian Aid	£250,000