Day: August 24, 2023

Five places to escape the crowds this Fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe is in full swing, bursting with shows, food and and flyers! While the buzzing atmosphere is a central part of the festival, sometimes you need a quiet spot to escape the long lines and busy streets.

Here we have some of the best festival quiet spots, all while staying in the heart of the action:

Library Bar – quiet during the mornings 11-2pm (Teviot Row House, Bristo Square) One of Edinburgh’s oldest bars, The Library Bar is situated in Teviot Row House and serves a varied menu both day and night. Teviot is also hosting one of Scotland’s leading festival companies, Gilded Balloon, making it the perfect place to grab refreshments between shows.

Garden at Teviot – quietest early morning or late afternoon (Bristo Square) This little gem sits just off one of the biggest Fringe venues in the city: Gilded Balloon at Teviot. It hosts Throat Punch (serving coffees and pastries) and sits next to Charles Street Lane which is packed with food stalls. With colourful beach huts and bench seating, take a breather rain or shine in this enchanted and colourful hideaway.

The Dome – quietest during weekdays, early morning or late afternoon (Potterrow, Bristo Square) In the heart of Bristo Square and shouldering the popular Potterrow Plaza (housing Fringe installations Séance and Euphoria), this humble Dome is often calm during the day, particularly on weekdays. Its spacious Dome has seating, full-services bars and food from Luxford Burgers. Its arcade roof mimics a botanical garden, perfect for a quiet pint while staying near the excitement.

Bedlam Theatre – very quiet between performances (Bristo Place) This refurbished church is Britain’s oldest student-run theatre. Despite this, not a lot of people know about the classic venue. A few minutes’ walk from Bristo Square, this modest refuge is a great place to find some peace and quiet. It hosts one show at a time so you can take advantage of the full-service bar between performances. The weekends do get quite busy 8pm-12am, so best to drop by during the week or in the day.

Pleasance – quietest 12-5pm (Pleasance Courtyard) The Pleasance Courtyard has a variety of bars, food outlets and performances. Though it is a very popular area, its size means there are always calmer pockets to relax in; for example, the Grand Bar gets busy just after shows but then quietens down. Pleasance is also full of food favourites such as Pizza Geeks, Harajuku Kitchen, Smash & Stack and Mimi’s Bakehouse. It is a great spot to enjoy the festival come rain or shine, sitting under a canopy of umbrellas and stretch tents in the traditional cobbled courtyards.

Food Vendors

If you’re wanting a quick bite but want to dodge the queues, here are the “off peak” hours at these beloved local food outlets:

· Mint (Potterrow Plaza) – Potterrow Plaza is usually a quieter area and a nice getaway from the busy Bristo Square next door. Mint offers its renowned Chicken and Halloumi Wrap and plenty of meat-eater and vegan options.

· Mac Love (Charles Street Lane) – quietest 11am-4pm and busiest 6pm-10pm. Their popular mac ‘n’ cheese is a Fringe food staple.

· Greek Street Food (Charles Street Lane) – quietest 11am – 4pm. Greek Street Food serve a variety of wraps, chips and bowls.

· Throat Punch (Garden at Teviot) – busy until 3pm. They mainly serve coffee and pastries, but also some gelato and affogato – perfect for when the sun is shining (or as a rainy day pick me up!).

· Pizza Geeks (Pleasance Courtyard) – quietest 12:30pm-4pm. You can try a slice of their delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, including the ever-popular Chorizard with a tomato base, mozzarella, chorizo, black Pudding, fresh chillies, and hot honey.

· Smash and Stack (Pleasance Courtyard) – quietest 12pm-1pm, 3-6pm and then 9:30pm-11pm. They serve a selection of burgers, fries and milkshakes.

· Harajuku Kitchen (Pleasance Courtyard) – quietest 11am-1pm then 3pm-5pm, and busiest 6pm-9pm, especially at weekends. This is a great spot to chill out under the canopy.

· Mimi’s Bakehouse (Pleasance Courtyard) – quietest 9am-11am and 6pm-8pm. They also have quiet spells when there is a show on at nearby venues. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, their new Iron Brew Cupcake is very popular, as well as their Scottish Hot Chocolate and hot brownies with whipped cream.

Diplomats condemn settler violence and school demolition in Palestine

Representatives from the United Kingdom, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Canada and Norway visited the Palestinian community of Burqa and the site of the recently displaced community of Ras at-Tin amid accelerating rates of settler violence and following the demolition by Israeli authorities of donor-funded humanitarian structures, including a school in the nearby community of Ein Samiya. Ireland and Denmark also support this statement.

In Burqa, diplomats learned how the community have endured harassment and intimidation from settlers. They also observed the aftermath of Ras at-Tin’s displacement due to settler attacks and how these attacks intensified after the establishment of an illegal outpost near the community.

The delegation was extremely alarmed by the growth of settler violence, which alongside demolitions has displaced over 400 Palestinians this year and resulted in several casualties across the West Bank, most recently the death of 19 year-old Qusai Maatan, who was killed in Burqa earlier this month.

The diplomats strongly condemned settler violence. While they noted some steps taken by the Israeli authorities, including arrests, they urged Israel, as the occupying power, to do more to hold to account and prevent those who have made the lives of Palestinians – such as in the communities of Al Qaboun and Al Mughayyir – intolerable.

They underlined the prohibition of forcible transfers in International Humanitarian Law, in particular article 49 of Geneva Convention IV. They reaffirmed their opposition to settlements, which are illegal under international law, result in increased settler violence, and undermine the two-state solution and prospects for a lasting peace.

Additionally, diplomats strongly condemned the recent demolition of Ein Samiya school, which was funded by donors as humanitarian relief, emphasizing Israel’s breach of international humanitarian law.

They called on Israel, as the occupying power, to halt all confiscations and demolitions and to give unimpeded access to humanitarian organisations in the occupied West Bank. They reaffirmed their commitment to Palestinian rights and assisting vulnerable populations in Area C. Through official channels, the consortium of donors have called on Israel to return or compensate for all humanitarian items which they have funded.

The abovementioned representatives condemned the killing of Palestinians and Israelis alike, while stressing the record high number of individuals killed this year in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

Regulator’s inquiry into Care4Calais finds serious historic misconduct and/or mismanagement

Charity Commission says governance has improved significantly under new leadership

In a report published today (24th August 2023), the Charity Commission concludes that the former trustees of Care4Calais are responsible for several instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement.

The regulator is critical of the former trustees, finding that, over a number of years, the charity lacked appropriate governance structures, had poor internal financial controls and that its approach to handling complaints was inadequate.

The inquiry, which opened in August 2020, concluded that the charity’s overall management and governance have now improved significantly as a result of the Commission’s intervention and efforts made by the current trustees, including those appointed during the inquiry.

The Commission appointed an interim manager, who undertook an independent review of the charity’s governance, administration and decision-making.

Poor internal financial controls

The inquiry is critical of the charity’s financial management, notably a lack of suitable internal financial controls. Between October 2017 and August 2020, payments of over £340,000 were made to the personal bank account of one of the charity’s now former trustees. Because of this, at the opening of the inquiry the Commission used its powers to restrict financial transactions between the charity and current or former trustees.

The inquiry found that these payments were reimbursements for charitable expenditure incurred by the trustee. The trustee in question explained that this arrangement saved the charity around £3,000 per year in foreign exchange fees. The inquiry concluded that while no funds were misused or misappropriated for private benefit, this arrangement was inappropriate, and put the charity’s funds at undue risk.

Governance failings, poor complaint handling and dispute

The regulator found that between 2020 and 2021, Care4Calais operated with two trustees, failing to maintain the minimum number of trustees stipulated in its governing document. A dispute between board members left them unwilling or unable to resolve their conflict. This was found to be misconduct and/or mismanagement and the regulator remedied this by appointing additional trustees during the inquiry.

The inquiry also concluded that the charity’s handling of complaints was inadequate. The charity failed to demonstrate that complaints were handled in an impartial, fair, open and transparent way and failed to maintain records of investigations.

On at least one occasion, and in breach of the charity’s own policy, one trustee handled a complaint about another trustee to whom they were related, failing to identify or manage the conflict of interest and/or loyalty which arose.

As part of an action plan issued in 2022, aimed at strengthening the charity’s overall management and governance, the Commission directed the charity to strengthen its existing policy and create a complaints log.

Charity structure and conflicts of interest

Two of the former trustees were siblings, and the inquiry found little evidence to demonstrate that any past conflicts of interest or loyalty which may have existed had been appropriately managed. This was worsened by poor minute-taking. This amounted to misconduct and/or mismanagement.

The founder of the charity was a trustee and also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The interim manager recommended, to ensure a more balanced distribution of decision-making power, that the charity should recruit an independent CEO.

As part of the 2022 action plan, trustees were directed to recruit a CEO to head up the charity’s operational activity. A new CEO joined the charity on 10 April 2023 and the charity continues to progress recommendations for improvement. During the inquiry, the founder stepped down.

Campaigning and political activity

As part of its inquiry, the Charity Commission reviewed the trustees’ decision to issue judicial review proceedings to challenge the UK government’s Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda.

It found the decision was properly made, adequately documented, and was within the range of reasonable decisions open to the trustees of this charity. The activity itself served to further the charity’s objects, and the inquiry determined it was in line with the Commission’s guidance on political campaigning.

Improved governance and management

The Commission’s inquiry report makes clear that the new trustee board, which includes trustees appointed by the regulator, has implemented the 2022 action plan and introduced significant improvements to the charity’s management, governance and operation. This includes improvements to its complaints handling process.

The regulator has communicated to the charity that it expects improvements to continue, through the implementation of the extensive advice and guidance given throughout the inquiry.

Orlando Fraser KC, Chair of the Charity Commission, said: “Our inquiry found that, over a significant period of time, and following a rapid expansion of its operations, Care4Calais was not managed well. Its funds were put at risk, and there was serious misconduct and/or mismanagement by the former trustees.

“I am pleased that the Commission’s intervention has led to significant improvements to the charity’s governance, not least thanks to the work of the interim manager and new leadership.

“The charity is now in a much better position to deliver on its purposes. We have issued the new trustees with advice and guidance, including in relation to its international activities, so the charity is managed in line with the law and our regulatory expectations into the future.

He added: “I am very aware that this charity’s work has generated attention and controversy. We will not shy away from examining concerns raised about any charity and will take strong action where necessary.

However, as a fair, balanced and independent regulator we will not be influenced by political debates, nor should we stop charities from furthering their purposes in line with the law set down by Parliament. It is for the Commission to assess whether trustees are meeting their responsibilities – and that is what we have done.

The full report detailing the findings of this inquiry can be found on gov.uk.

Understanding women’s experience of justice

‘Reducing re-traumatisation will promote equality’ – report

Work to reduce the re-traumatisation of victims and witnesses of crime will help promote equality in Scotland’s justice system, according to some of the most senior women leaders in the sector.

Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC, Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan from Police Scotland and Jen Ang of the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre are among eight co-authors of an independent report that aims to help give policy-makers and agencies a clearer understanding of how women’s experiences of justice differs from men and what can be done to improve those experiences.

Commissioned through the Women in Justice Leadership Panel, the report brings together evidence gathered from across Scotland’s justice system. Its findings conclude that supporting women in ways which met their individual needs could have a powerful impact of on their perception of justice – leading to greater trust in the system.  

The conclusions back Scottish Government-funded work already underway to embed trauma-informed practice across the justice system – a key aim of the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.

The report is being shared with the National Advisory Council on Women and Girls, which advises the First Minister on how to tackle gender inequality in Scotland.  

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said: “I am grateful to the senior female leaders in Scotland’s justice sector who have taken the time to examine the system in the round.

“Their report puts forward the case for policy-making within justice that reflects women’s various social identities, such as race, disability or religion, so that their experiences can be improved.

“I thank everyone who contributed to the report, since it is their specialist knowledge and testimonies which have provided a clear and unambiguous foundation to inform and influence key justice partners and beyond.

“The conclusions are owned by the Panel members, who will use their influence and positions to effect change. These findings will help the Scottish Government change and deliver a justice sector which is truly responsive to the needs of women and girls.”

Read ’The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice’ 

Tattoo: Final Inspection!

The King’s Colour Squadron carry out a final drill rehearsal ahead of the last weekend of this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

As the Tattoo approaches its final weekend, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF) line up against the picturesque backdrop of Edinburgh’s skyline for some final inspections.

Dressed in full military uniform, during the RAF lead service Show, the King’s Colour Squadron has been delighting audiences nightly with its precision drills and entertaining the crowds with popular gaming tunes from Battlefield and Final Fantasy.

Alongside the other 800 performers from across the globe, the 2023 international cast will take to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this weekend for the final time as they bring this year’s Show Stories to a conclusion.

With sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle, please find a selection of stunning Show images HERE, showcasing the unique and shared military and cultural celebrations of sagas, myths, and legends.

The Tattoo completes its run for 2023 on Saturday 26 August with a small selection of tickets still available.

Tickets for the 2024 Show Journeys are on sale from 28 August 2023, and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.

Existing short-term let hosts have less than two months to submit their application for a licence

Existing short-term let hosts across Edinburgh have less than two months to submit their application for a licence and new hosts need to obtain a licence before they can start accepting bookings or receiving guests.

•     The deadline for existing hosts, anyone who operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022 to apply for their short-term let licence is before 1 October 2023.

•     The licensing scheme aims to establish consistent standards of accommodation across Edinburgh benefiting visitors and local communities.

•     Existing hosts of short-term let accommodation can continue to let out their accommodation while the council makes a decision about their licence application.

•     The licence costs depend on the property location, size, and type of let.

Hosts of short-term let accommodation across Edinburgh are being urged to apply for a licence under Scotland’s short-term let licensing scheme. Edinburgh Council’s licensing scheme is currently in operation.

As well as establishing one consistent standard across Scotland for guests and hosts, the short-term let licensing scheme is being introduced to support the communities within which they operate.

It enables local authorities to effectively address local concerns such as increased congestion and investment in community infrastructure, whilst balancing the associated economic benefits of tourism in the area.  

Jordan Mitchell, Director, Short Stay St Andrews, said: “As the largest holiday letting agency in St Andrews and the East Neuk, the initial thought of an application process for short-term letting our 130+ managed properties was a daunting one. However, the application process has been plain sailing once we had all the required safety certifications in place.

“Fife Council has been extremely supportive in its quest to process the applications despite the extra pressure on its systems. I can only recommend applying as soon as possible to give your business plenty of time to adjust to the new Scottish Government requirements.” 

Paul & Julie Allan, Ayres Rock Hostel and Campsite, Sanday, said: “It was a huge relief to get things sorted.

“Orkney Island Council licensing team were supportive through the whole process and were a good contact point for information and checking the application was filled out correctly.” 

Housing Minister, Paul McLennan said: “Short-term let accommodation plays an important role in Scotland’s economy, supporting our tourism and hospitality sector and allowing tourists and holiday goers somewhere to take them closer to the best Scotland can offer. 

“I would like to thank those who have already signed up to the scheme across Edinburgh, bringing assurances to tourists that their safety is paramount and that they have met local guidelines. 

“There are less than two months to go until the 1 October deadline and so I would urge anyone who owns short-term let accommodation and has yet to apply to do so as soon as possible to ensure you can still take bookings and welcome guests from far and wide.” 

For more information about the licensing scheme, whether your accommodation requires a licence and how to apply visit gov.scot/shorttermlets.  

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023 draws to a close with the flame of independent cinema burning bright

  • This year’s Festival included 94 events in total
  • 75 cinema screenings, 10 outdoor screenings and 5 discussion events
  • 3 talent development events, 2 online film programmes and a film quiz
  • A total in-person attendance of 10,277
  • 71% of cinema screenings sold out with an overall cinema occupancy of 82%

Hosted by Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival returned this year as a six-day festival from 18 – 23 August with a bold and tightly curated programme of 24 new feature films, 5 retrospective titles, 5 short film programmes alongside an outdoor screening weekend at Old College Quad at The University of Edinburgh which included 7 further features.

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) set out this year to keep the flame of independent cinema burning bright in the city and audiences and filmmakers have responded with love, support and attendance.

With a total of 75 cinema screenings across partnering venues Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre and Everyman Edinburgh, 71% of cinema screenings sold out with an overall cinema occupancy of 82%.

While a weekend of outdoor screenings saw a variety of audiences attend the dreamy surroundings of the Old College Quad at The University of Edinburgh for a mix of new film previews, family-friendly titles, artists’ films and a live soundtracks to a classic.

With a compact programme of films, this EIFF edition concentrated on depth of engagement, with discussion events such as Encounters panels mixing guest filmmakers with writers, artists and performers, a Sunday Salon conversation between Ira Sachs and Brandon Taylor, and the launch of The Lynda Myles Project, providing audiences with space to be a part of an ongoing conversation that places dialogue at the centre of the Festival and positions cinema in conversation with other artforms.

Feedback from industry guests attending the Festival has involved praise for EIFF as a place to gather, share ideas and champion the spirit of independent cinema with well-attended events such as Talent Assemble, delivered in partnership with BBC Film, BBC Scotland and MG Alba, showing that EIFF continues to be a cherished place at the forefront of building filmmaking relationships.

While a collaboration with Curate-It and a series of Critical Writing Commissions have enabled the Festival to support two emerging film curators and nine writers based in Scotland, broadening the voices and perspectives engaging with the Festival.

The Festival kicked off on 18 August with Silent Roar, a film that places Scottish culture at the heart of a wave of new independent filmmaking whilst Closing Night film Fremont capped off an international selection that included work from celebrated arthouse directors Kelly Reichardt, Ira Sachs, Cauleen Smith, and Christian Petzold, and showcased work from Argentina, Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

Every film screening was introduced by a member of the programme team, and BSL interpretation was offered at all screenings that were presented with Descriptive Subtitles. The Festival welcomed over 75 guests to present their films.

Filmmakers and actors attending the festival included: Johnny Barrington, Theo Barrowclough, Louise Brealey, Hope Dickson Leach, Jeanie Finlay, Sam H. Freeman, Ella Glendining, Bette Gordon, Wendy Griffin, Rodger Griffiths, David Hayman, Mark Herbert, Paul Higgins, Ella Lily Hyland, Babak Jalali, Ian Jefferies, Fran Rubel Kuzui, Huw Lemmey, Karoline Lyngbye, Lorn Macdonald, Devashish Makhija, Louis McCartney, Shane Meadows, Kevin Pickering, Ng Choon Ping, Julia Parks, Henry Pettigrew, Daniel Portman, Janis Pugh, Charlotte Regan, Calum Ross, Ira Sachs, Annabel Scholey, Thomas Schubert, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Brian Vernel, Irvine Welsh, Chris Young, and Paris Zarcilla.

TONIGHT:

https://tickets.edfringe.com/wha…/nightpiece-film-festival

Kate Taylor, Programme Director for Edinburgh International Film Festival said:  “This year’s film festival has shown that there is an unquenchable appetite in this city for independent and international cinema.

“We have been so delighted and moved by the conversations that have taken place between filmmakers and audiences, and the warmth with which people have engaged with the programme.

“I am beyond proud to have worked alongside the EIFF team who, since March, have worked with great passion and speed to deliver something special, and we all hope that the event’s success offers a beacon for a brighter future for EIFF and film culture in the city.”

EIFF is supported by Screen Scotland, and enhanced engagement activities are supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund alongside the PLaCE Programme (a partnership between the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals).

#EdFilmFest

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Diversity and inclusion in schools

Scotland ‘leading the way’

Castleton Primary School in Glasgow has become the first in Scotland to fully embed lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusive education across their school curriculum.

In 2019 the Scottish Government launched a dedicated package of resources to help all schools build on existing good practice to promote equality, reduce bullying, and improve the educational experiences of LGBT children and young people.

This includes:

  • teaching resources to ensure subjects across age groups include LGBT identities, issues and history
  • training for teachers and school leaders to approach topics with knowledge and confidence, and to help effectively challenge homophobia, biphobia and/or transphobia in the school environment and wider community

A recent report on the approach by Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) found it improved the attitudes and experiences of pupils and staff, including LGBT young people.

Following a visit to Castleton Primary School on Tuesday August 22nd, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I was very pleased to visit Castleton Primary School which is the first in Scotland to fully embed LGBT inclusive education right across the curriculum.

“Many schools across the country already take positive steps to educate learners about LGBT identities and issues but this is an important milestone. We will continue to do all we can to help young people to reach their full potential in a diverse and inclusive society.

“We know that this approach has already improved experiences for many young people, with pupils reporting fewer instances of anti-LGBT behaviour, language, and bullying, both in school and the wider community.  It is clear that this inclusive approach to education is already delivering real results for young people.

“Scotland’s education system must support everyone, and it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools. The inspirational work being undertaken at Castleton and schools like it across the country highlight how inclusive education can help to stamp out prejudice and I look forward to seeing further progress on this work in the coming months and years.”

Jordan Daly, Co-Founder and Director of Time for Inclusive Education said: “LGBT Inclusive Education supports schools to proactively address homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic prejudice and bullying, and ensures that young people see themselves, their families and the world around them in what they learn.

“We have been privileged to work with Castleton Primary School to take this forward, and are encouraged by reports from pupils and teachers about the positive impact that this has had on their school experiences. 

“Schools in Scotland have free access to professional learning, teaching resources, and a structured implementation Toolkit, provided by the Scottish Government, and we would encourage all teachers to engage with these resources to begin improving outcomes for LGBT young people and families in their school community.”

Charities to launch new Sight Loss Councils in Scotland

Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland are delighted to announce that, in partnership with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, they are launching new Sight Loss Councils in Scotland. 

Sight Loss Councils (SLCs), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are led by blind and partially sighted people who use lived experience to tackle local and national issues to improve the accessibility of services. 

Each SLC is made up of a small group of blind and partially sighted volunteers who meet monthly to discuss accessibility issues and plan projects in their regions. These priorities include accessible transport and streets so everyone can travel independently and safely.

They also work to increase the accessibility of healthcare, shopping, museums and galleries, and sports and leisure facilities, depending on the needs of the local area. 

There are currently 20 SLCs across England, but this is the first time SLCs will exist in Scotland. The charities will begin recruiting volunteers, firstly across the Central Belt, in 2024.

Emma Hughes, Director of Services at Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “I’m delighted to announce that Thomas Pocklington Trust will be working with Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland to deliver Sight Loss Councils across Scotland.

“Our Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, are a tried and tested model designed to create positive change for others.

“This partnership builds on the success of Sight Loss Councils in England to amplify the voice of more blind and partially sighted people across Scotland. We look forward to Scottish Sight Loss Councils launching in the near future.”

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “I am delighted that Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, in partnership with Visibility Scotland and Thomas Pocklington Trust are bringing Sight Loss Councils to Scotland.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to amplify the voice of those with lived experience in Scotland, making vision loss the priority it needs to be in Scotland.”

Laura Walker, Visibility Scotland’s CEO: “Sight Loss Councils in Scotland is an exciting new opportunity to provide a safe platform for people’s voices to be shared, listened to and acted upon.

“Visibility Scotland is thrilled to be part of the consortium of organisations that will launch and deliver this new initiative.”

For more information please visit:

sightlosscouncils.org.uk

sightscotland.org.uk

sightscotlandveterans.org.uk 

visibilityscotland.org.uk

pocklington-trust.org.uk

BPS supports Essentials Guarantee

BPS SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN TO MAKE UNIVERSAL CREDIT ENOUGH FOR PEOPLE TO AFFORD TO COVER ESSENTIALS

The British Psychological Society has joined the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), the Trussell Trust, and other leading health and care organisations and charities to call for an “Essentials Guarantee”, a new law to make sure Universal Credit’s basic rate is always at least enough for people to afford the essentials. 

The organisations are warning that so many people are routinely going without the essentials it poses a serious risk to the UK’s health.

Together, they have written to the Prime Minister to express their worry that, as the high prices of everyday essentials like food and housing persist, too many people are expected to live with what can be devastating knock-on consequences. 

JRF’s own analysis shows the weekly Universal Credit standard allowance is £35 less than the cost of essential items for a single person, contributing to millions of people forced to use food banks because they can’t make ends meet.

Dr Roman Raczka, President-Elect of the British Psychological Society, and Chair of its Division for Clinical Psychology, said: “Nobody should be in a position of being unable to afford the essentials they and their families need to sustain their health and wellbeing, and it’s clear the current level of Universal Credit falls woefully short.  

“Poverty is one of the major risk factors for the development of physical and mental health problems, and we know that children growing up in poverty are three-to-four times more likely to develop mental health problems, which also leads to long-term impacts upon their education, life chances and quality of life.

“If the government is truly committed to preventing health inequalities from widening further, tackling poverty, and reducing pressure on our already stretched and underfunded public services, it must commit to the Essentials Guarantee to protect this generation, and generations to come.”

About the Essentials Guarantee

The Essentials Guarantee would embed in our social security system the widely supported principle that, at a minimum, Universal Credit should protect people from going without essentials.

Developed in line with public attitude insights and focus groups, this policy would enshrine in legislation:

  1. an independent process to regularly determine the Essentials Guarantee level, based on the cost of essentials (such as food, utilities and vital household items) for the adults in a household (excluding rent and council tax);
  2. that Universal Credit’s standard allowance must at least meet this level; and
  3. that deductions (such as debt repayments to government, or as a result of the benefit cap) can never pull support below this level.

The UK Government would be required to set the level of the Essentials Guarantee at least annually, based on the recommendation of the independent process. JRF analysis indicates that it would need to be at least around £120 a week for a single adult and £200 for a couple.