Police Scotland has outlined urgent action to maintain effective policing within the funding available to the organisation.
Policing’s funding allocation for 2023-24 represents a real terms reduction, meaning more than £50m of savings are required to ensure a balanced budget.
Police Scotland has been clear hard choices are necessary and we have been required to reduce our budgeted officer establishment from 17,234 to 16,600.
Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor QPM provided an overview of work to prioritise resources to keep people safe and protect the vulnerable and was clear our service to the public will be impacted.
DCCD Taylor said: “Our financial planning in March made it clear that our funding allocation for 2023-24 represents a real terms reduction, meaning we have been required to reduce the number of police officers we have from 17,234 to around 16,600.
“Of necessity, we will reduce police staff costs in proportion to the reduction in officer numbers and reduce overtime spending.
“Hard choices are being taken now to maintain effective policing within the funding available to us. Action is being taken to achieve savings and deliver a balanced budget for 2023-24. Areas which encounter the greatest demand and which carry the greatest risk are being prioritised to ensure we continue to effectively reduce harm and protect the vulnerable.
“As part of this urgent action we have paused police staff recruitment other than for reform or externally funded posts; for roles based in our Contact, Command and Control (C3) Division or Resource Deployment Unit; for Police Custody and Security Officers; and for Public Enquiry and Support Assistants.
“Recruitment of Probationary Constables will continue and our commitment to no compulsory redundancies for police staff remains.”
DCCD Taylor also said funding challenges underlined the need to accelerate changes which made savings or supported operational policing, including the successful transformation of the police estate.
DCC Taylor said: “This work will shape our Service and define core policing. It seeks to reduce demand and increase capacity, and accelerate those changes which save money and provide benefits to operational policing. This includes the ongoing transformation of our estate. We will also review support services and our command structures.
“Consequently, some of the things that we do may need to be done differently or take us longer. The level of service we provide in some areas will reduce.”
Police Scotland returns more than £200m to the public purse every year compared to legacy arrangements.
The Scottish Government’s budget for 2023/24 confirmed an £80m core funding uplift for policing, with £37m required to fund the ongoing cost of the 2022-23 pay award, leaving £43m to fund unavoidable pay and other inflationary costs for the current financial year.
Recommendations to improve audiology services have been made to the Scottish Government, Health Boards and third sector partners.
An Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland sets out 55 recommendations for improving governance and structure, education and leadership.
Professor Jacqueline Taylor MBE conducted the review for Ministers following failures identified in audiology treatment for children.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I would like to thank Professor Taylor and her team this thorough report that sets out clear options for improving audiology care across the country.
“We must recognise that many families were badly let down by these services in the past and this report’s recommendations will help ensure that is not allowed to happen again.
“The report is clear in its call for better leadership, structure and governance at all levels. Some of the recommendations are in areas where we are already taking action, such as increased funding for staff training.
“What is abundantly clear in their findings is that good audiology care can be life changing, and patients recognise and value the expertise and compassion of staff. We will fully consider the findings and set out the next steps to Parliament in the coming months.”
Professor Taylor said: “The wide-ranging recommendations in this report provide the foundation for improvements which will ensure high-quality, joined-up, patient-centred services.
“Audiology staff are working incredibly hard, often in challenging circumstances and during the course of the Review process we have seen many examples of good practice.
“We have also identified a range of issues which need to be resolved. I am extremely grateful to the patients, parents, audiology staff and stakeholders who helped to shape this Review. We have listened carefully, and I believe that by working together, we have a real opportunity to develop excellent services across Scotland.
“The Review Report is not an end in itself: it is the first step in a process of change which will require time, resources and national leadership to deliver. We hope that the Scottish Government will respond positively to the recommendations and will ensure that the words in this report, are turned into actions.”
Following the publication of the final report and recommendations of the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland, Mark Ballard, Head of Policy and Influencing for Scotland at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “This report paints a deeply concerning picture of the state of audiology in Scotland.
“Parents who rely on audiology services for their children will be shocked to learn there has been an absence of national leadership, strategic planning and workforce planning at audiology departments across Scotland and that there has been no quality assurance of services in recent years.”
The most urgent recommendations in the review are around the quality of auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, which is carried out to identify deafness in very young children.
Mr Ballard said: “It is alarming that issues were identified in the quality of ABR testing at every single health board across Scotland.
“We know deaf children can achieve anything that hearing children can when they get the right support, but for this to happen their deafness must be identified at the earliest opportunity. This is why it is vitally important that children always receive high quality and effective testing and long-term support.
“Parents need reassurance that issues with the quality of services will be swiftly addressed. This report was commissioned after significant failures were uncovered at NHS Lothian involving more than 150 children over nine years. Some of those children experienced life-changing consequences, because their deafness was identified too late for them to get the surgery or communication support they needed. There must be no more similar failures.”
The report also found there is a lack of consistent data collection, meaning it is difficult to monitor quality and compare how health boards in Scotland are performing. This makes it impossible to know if other deaf children are being failed in the same way as those in Lothian.
Mr Ballard continued: “Parents told the review about the difference a good audiologist can make and it is clear from this report we need to make sure they always have the resources, training and leadership required to deliver effective support.
“It is now crystal clear to the Scottish Government and NHS health boards what they must do to make sure every child gets the testing and support they need,” Mr Ballard added.
Up to £960,000 to support delivery of affordable homes
New funding will support more affordable homes and facilities in remote and rural areas.
Provided jointly by the Scottish Government and Nationwide Foundation, funding for Communities Housing Trust and South of Scotland Community Housing over three years will deliver affordable housing projects.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan made the announcement during a visit to Auchtercairn development in Gairloch, Wester Ross, where Communities Housing Trust, together with Albyn Housing Association and Highland Council, have delivered a mix of 25 affordable homes, shops, a café, tourism hub, and education, community and commercial facilities.
Community Housing Trusts are charitable organisations which engage with local communities to promote, support and develop community-led affordable homes.
The funding meets a commitment in the Bute House Agreement to ensure community housing trusts are adequately funded so they can support the delivery of rural homes.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Community housing trusts play an essential role in supporting the delivery of affordable homes in rural and island areas. This development is a great example of how community-led organisations can build homes that meet the needs of local people.
“That is why I am pleased the Scottish Government is providing new funding for these organisations, provided in partnership with the Nationwide Foundation.
“Good quality housing is essential to attract and retain people in remote, rural and island communities and the Scottish Government has committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 – with at least 10% in remote, rural and island areas.
“We are providing support of up to £30 million over this parliament through our Rural and Island Housing Fund. We are also developing a Remote, Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan, to be published in Autumn.”
Interim Chief Executive of Nationwide Foundation Sam Stewart said: “Community-led housing, if delivered at scale, offers a genuine alternative to mainstream forms of development and a strong mechanism for delivering affordable homes.
“The conditions for this to happen are strong in Scotland, and we believe that Communities Housing Trust and South of Scotland Community Housing’s work, which we have been funding for several years, will help to realise that aim.”
Co-Chief Executives of Communities Housing Trust Mike Staples and Ronnie MacRae said: “This funding package means our organisations can provide early-stage engagement and support to a greater number and range of rural communities facing extreme housing pressures.
“Enabling communities to increase knowledge and capacity to deliver projects, significantly increasing the pipeline of deliverable affordable homes that meet local needs.
“We are very grateful for the opportunities this will provide to raise awareness and grow the community-led housing model across Scotland.”
A civic reception to recognise the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (August 23) was held on Wednesday evening at the City Chambers.
The event, hosted by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Cammy Day, also officially launched the work of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group (ESCLRIG). The reception provided a space to remember the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, time to reflect on its legacy in our city, and honour those figures who fought for its abolition.
The reception opened with speeches from distinguished guests before the screening of ‘Sugar for Your Tea’, a short film from Edinburgh’s own Kayus Bankole from the Mercury Prize winning group Young Fathers. This was followed by moments for reflection and group discussions on key issues.
Back in 2020, Edinburgh agreed to address historic racial injustice and stem modern day discrimination by holding an independent review into the city’s historical links with slavery and colonialism.
Between December 2020 and July 2022, the independent Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Group, chaired by Sir Geoff Palmer, undertook a significant body of work investigating the city’s past and present relationship with slavery and colonialism.
In March 2023, Irene Mosota was nominated to chair the ESCLRIG which will take forward the remaining recommendations. In the last month the ESCLRIG has been recruiting for members of the core Implementation Group and also for a wider Supporters Network. The results of this recruitment drive have now been finalised and a full list of members is now available following the quotes below.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “It was an honour to host this first civic reception with the Council Leader to recognise the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. It is imperative that as a city we look to our past in order to better understand our present and look forward to a better future.
“Edinburgh, like many other cities in the UK, was enriched by its position in the British Empire and grew at the expense of people and communities around the world. In my position as Lord Provost, I reiterate this apology on behalf of the city of Edinburgh for our historical links to slavery and colonialism. I am clear that this apology will be the start of this collective journey forward for the city.
“We want this civic reception to be the start of an annual tradition of commemoration and learning here in Edinburgh for everyone who is associated with the Capital on this day. The work of the ESCLRIG will continue year-round to shape the modern, forward thinking, and diverse city that we all want to see.”
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The commemoration of the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition represents a key step in our work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism here in Edinburgh.
“We must be under no illusions that racism and the legacies of slavery and colonialism continue to impact the lives of Black and Minority Ethnic people who live in and visit Edinburgh. This is completely unacceptable, and I am committed to leading an anti-racist Council in our actions and unconditional support of the ESCLRIG.
I” am proud that we are having these difficult conversations and forging the foundations for a more tolerant, just, and equal Edinburgh. It is crucial that as a city and a society we come to terms with our past in order to create a better present and future.
“I look forward to working closely with the ESCLRIG going forward, and seeing their progress as they undertake this key work for our city.”
Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “Today, we have to face up to our past and look ahead to what’s next.
“Our history is complex, marked by the weight of slavery and colonialism, which has left behind a legacy of racism that we still see in our city and its institutions. On this UNESCO Day of Remembrance, let’s work together to make changes, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and sticking to our commitment for a better future.
“Part of this work is to ensure that we listen to the voices of communities which have long been marginalised, centring their lived experiences to inform how we move forward.
“Everyone must play their part and warm words alone are not enough. We need concrete action from business communities, educational authorities, and government to combat both structural and systemic inequalities.
“The excitement about our recruitment drive shows that Edinburgh really wants to change – it’s an opportunity to reconsider our history and traditions, heal old hurts, and create a future that’s fair and just for all.”
The names and bios of the members of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group are listed below:
Irene Mosota – Chairperson: Irene Mosota, MSc, FRSA, is a social enterprise practitioner and Deputy Chair for Social Enterprise Scotland with experience in delivering a variety of social and community projects. An advocate for Social Justice, Human Rights, and Dignity for all. She is fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). With a Master in Science in Intercultural Business Communications, Ms Mosota is the founder and managing director of Knowledge Bridge, which supports organisations in translating equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and sustainability strategies into meaningful action, change and impact.
Abimbola Adeola – Adeola obtained a first (Bachelors) degree in Political Science from the Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University and bagged his Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the prestigious University of Lagos. He is an associate member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. He is the MD, 27 July Ltd, a complete media/content production company.
Alex Stobart – Alex works for Mydex, a Community Interest Company (CIC), which provides identity and personal data services to citizens and organisations across the public, private and third sectors in the UK. Alex has worked in technology, food and drinks industries, in the third sector and the public sector in Scotland, UK and Europe. Alex is also a Board Member of Birthlink.
Anila Mirza – Anila Mirza works as the Equality Manager at Historic Environment Scotland. She has previously worked at Shakti Women`s Aid where she worked closely with women who have no recourse to public funds and campaigns to promote women’s rights, justice, and equality for all women. Anila has an in-depth knowledge of issues related to the migrant communities in Scotland. She is the co-editor of ‘Real Women: Unheard Stories-based on true stories of migrant women in Scotland and also a published poet for a poetry collection `Fire In Me`.
Asif Khan – Asif is the director of the Scottish Poetry Library (SPL). Based in Edinburgh, the SPL is home to the nation’s collection of modern Scottish poetry. Asif has worked on numerous projects engaging African diaspora communities and themes at home and abroad, including as a producer of the Jamaica Rising and Yardstick poetry festivals, and in his role as a senior cultural policy advisor for the UK’s Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade programme in 2007.
Christina Sinclair – Christina Sinclair, MSc MA BArch IHBC, is the Director of Edinburgh World Heritage – the independent charity dedicated to the proactive conservation of our beautiful city, for the benefit of all. From studying architecture on Edinburgh’s Chambers Street and a Masters in European Urban Conservation, through years dedicated to positively and proactively managing change in historic places across the sectors, she is a passionate ambassador for Edinburgh’s outstanding historic environment.
Grant Mackenzie – Grant is an experienced Strategic Leader, Project Manager and Consultant with over 20-years of experience in delivering cultural projects. He recently delivered the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum project, recontextualising the Museum exhibition’s interpretation. Also worked on the Kelpies/Helix project, National Museums Scotland and the British Museum. A long-standing Edinburgh resident, who is keen to ensure that our history tells the real story of the past. Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group Members
Harry Mould – Harry Mould (they/she) is a mixed-heritage and neurodiverse artist and Wellbeing Facilitator. They are currently the Federation of Scottish Theatre’s first Policy and Public Affairs Lead, focusing on advocacy and inclusion, and was a member of the HiPA working group, which produced two guides combatting harassment in the performing arts. Harry was the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh’s first EDI Associate, one of the founding team members of Bolton Pride festival and is a graduate of Stonewall’s Role Model programme.
Harry Ross – Harry is a teaching artist, producer, and librettist who has been commissioned globally – from Théâtre des Champs- Elysées to New National Theatre Tokyo. He was founding producer of Secret Cinema, and then worked to create art experiences that bring minoritised histories to life with The National Trust, The National Archives, and Kensington and Chelsea Culture. Currently he is creative director of Army at the Fringe; commissioning art and theatre that deals with the diversity, inclusivity, and utility of the armed forces in society, and a PhD candidate at Edinburgh Napier’s Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement.
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi – Kenneth joined the University of Edinburgh in 2010. He has an expert level knowledge of developing and emerging economies. He has an extensive network in Africa and is currently a Visiting Professor of Leadership and Financial Markets in Africa, London School of Economics, a Visiting Professor of Strategy at the Lagos Business School, Nigeria, and an Honorary Professor of Business in Africa at the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Kenneth Barker – Ken recently retired as a partner of Baillie Gifford & Co where he headed their fixed income client business. He also served as a director of Scottish Financial Enterprise from 2014 to 2018. Prior to his career in asset management, Ken worked in investment banking in London for JP Morgan and Banque Paribas. Ken is a graduate in Political Science of the University of Glasgow and a Charterholder of the CFA Institute. Ken is Chair of Trustees with The David Hume Institute.
Dr Melissa Moncrieffe – Dr. Melissa Moncrieffe is Jamaican-American and the Founder and Director of Valued Educational Services (VES), a global education company based in the UK and the USA. Dr. Moncrieffe has years of professional and academic experiences in the arts (visual and piano), international studies, languages, education, and history. Dr. Moncrieffe obtained her Masters in International Studies at The Graduate Institute in Geneva and her PhD in Education from The University of Edinburgh.
Nava Rizvi – Nava Rizvi is an art historian and artist whose practice and research interests revolve around cultural memory, (de)colonial theory and practices, themes of identity and belonging as well as language and third culture. She graduated in December 2022 with an MSc. in History of Art, Theory and Display from the University of Edinburgh and has been a Curatorial Fellow for the Future Flow project with Edinburgh Printmakers.
Professor Roger Jeffrey – Roger Jeffery was Professor of Sociology of South Asia at the University of Edinburgh from 1997 to 2020. Starting in 1970 he has been involved in many sociological research projects in different South Asian countries. He was a co-founder of the University’s Centre for South Asian Studies and is Associate Director of its Edinburgh India Institute; he is also a Trustee of the Edinburgh Indian Association.
Stephen Kelly – Stephen has lived in Edinburgh since 1989 having moved here the day after leaving school in North Lanarkshire. He studied in Edinburgh, qualified to teach Physics and Mathematics, and then began working in Edinburgh schools in 1995. He is currently on secondment to the post of Head of Education; his substantive post is Headteacher of Liberton High School where he has been in post since 2012.
Energy regulator Ofgem has today (Friday, 25 August, 2023) announced a further reduction in the energy price cap for the last quarter of 2023 (Oct to Dec).
The change will bring the average dual-fuel energy bill below £2,000 a year for the first time since April 2022, saving households an average of £151 on the previous quarter.
From 1 October – 31 December, the cap will be set at an annual level of £1,923 for a dual fuel household paying by direct debit based on the current typical domestic consumption values (TDCV) rate.
Direct Debit
Prepayment
Standard Credit
Economy 7 (electricity only Direct Debit)
July – Sept 2023 cap
£2,074
£2,077
£2,211
£1,400
Oct – Dec 2023 cap
£1,923
£1,949
£2,052
£1,298
The drop, the lowest level since October 2021, reflects further falls in wholesale energy prices, as the market stabilises and suppliers return to a healthier financial position after four years of loss making.
Ofgem is clear that it expects all suppliers to continue improving customer service, to support their most vulnerable customers and to shore up their financial resilience to prevent the kind of failures we saw two years ago. Ofgem recognises that there is some excellent best practice across the sector but expects this to be the norm with poor practice stamped out.
Alongside changes to the price cap, Ofgem has also introduced measures to reduce costs for prepayment meter customers and ensure extra support for those facing disconnection from the network.
The price cap savings – which can be passed on more quickly to customers thanks to the price cap updating quarterly – continues the downward trend since prices peaked at £4,279. However, it remains well above the average before the energy crisis took hold in 2021 and the market remains volatile.
Jonathan Brearley, Ofgem CEO, said: “It is welcome news that the price cap continues to fall, however, we know people are struggling with the wider cost of living challenges and I can’t offer any certainty that things will ease this winter.
“That’s why we’ve introduced new measures to support consumers including reducing costs for those on pre-payment meters, and introducing a PPM code of conduct that all suppliers need to meet before they restart installation of any mandatory PPMs.
“There are signs that the financial outlook for suppliers is stabilising and reasonable profits are returning. With the small additional allowance we’ve made to Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT), this means there should be no excuses for suppliers not to be doing all they can to support their customers this winter, and to reinforce this we’ll be introducing a consumer code of conduct which we will look to have in place by winter.
“This code will ensure there are clear expectations of supplier behaviours especially for their most vulnerable consumers with whom suppliers should be reaching out proactively, with compassion and understanding. There are great examples of suppliers already doing this but I want to see this become the norm in such an essential sector that has such a big impact on people’s lives.”
Ofgem understands that while suppliers cannot control wholesale prices or fix the wider cost of living pressures hitting their customers, now the market has stabilised, they must continue improving customer service and ensure that support across the board is accessible, responsive and understanding, including giving time to make pay arrangements and directing customers to further support and advice. They must also invest in strengthening their financial resilience to protect consumers against the cost of supplier failure.
Additionally, while still low by pre-crisis levels, we are starting to see more and more competitive fixed deals coming onto the market and levels of switching are slowly increasing.
With a lower price cap and reasonable profits starting to return, there is an opportunity for this to continue to grow. Anyone considering fixing should weigh up all the facts and consider what is most important to them, whether that’s the lowest price, or the certainty of knowing exactly what they will pay each month.
It’s important customers are comparing fixed deals with the new, lower price cap announced today. Suppliers are expected to ensure they are transparent in releasing all tariff information to enable consumers to make simple comparisons of the deals available to them across the market.
While the price cap has protected households from the full extent of volatility and surges in wholesale prices over the last two years, it was originally introduced by the Government to protect the minority of consumers who did not switch rather than to cover the vast majority of consumers, as it does now.
It is a blunt tool and in the current market it has costs and as well as benefit. It’s important to look at alternative models to examine whether they could work better with the current volatile market and the move to net zero.
Ofgem has also today published:
A Final Decision to raise the Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) allowance by £10 per customer per year. Most of this increase is to cover Renewable Obligations ringfencing so that customers’ money is protected in the event of a supplier failure.
Removal of the temporary RO ringfencing allowance, worth £8 per customer and covered by the additional EBIT costs above
A new sliding scale for EBIT meaning if prices surge, the EBIT allowance reduces as a percentage preventing suppliers from making excessive cash gains from a high price market
Final decision on the allowance for additional support credit (ASC) bad debt costs – a new allowance to help ensure some of the most vulnerable consumers remain on supply this winter
Implementation of UNC840 in the cap, reducing the PPM premium
Price Cap model technical changes Final Decision
Levelisation Policy Consultation
By raising the EBIT allowance, Ofgem is taking the next step in its drive to make the retail energy sector more resilient, as we move into another difficult winter when price volatility remains a risk.
At the height of the energy crisis around 30 suppliers failed because they did not have enough capital in the reserve to stay in business – and the cost was shared among all energy consumers, adding £83 to bills.
With suppliers only now starting to recoup a portion of their multi-billion pound losses over the past four years, a small increase in permitted profit margins will allow companies to better cover their costs, attract investment and retain financial stability protecting consumers into the future.
Raising the EBIT allowance from its current rate of 1.9% to 2.4% from 1 October will involve an average £10 increase in bills per year. £8 of this will cover costs to consumers incurred by an additional requirement of suppliers to ringfence enough funds to cover their Renewable Obligations, protecting consumers from additional costs should a supplier go bust.
The EBIT rate, which is well within international norms for energy retail profits and lower than most other business sectors in Britain, will also be altered from a ‘flat rate’ to a more flexible model that tracks the price cap level and tapers as low as 1.75% in the event of another price surge in the wholesale market. This would prevent suppliers from making excessive cash profits in a high-cost market.
Strengthening the commitment to supporting struggling and vulnerable consumers, Ofgem is also reducing the cap for prepayment meter (PPM) customers by £51 per year through an updated approach to calculating the costs of unidentified gas, approved in April this year.
Using some of the benefit from this change, the regulator is now able to introduce an initial 12-month allowance to cover increased debt costs associated with Additional Support Credit that is offered to PPM customers, often at the point of disconnection. This new allowance will help ensure some of the most vulnerable consumers remain on supply this winter.
Longer term, Ofgem seeks to permanently end the PPM premium, where prepayment customers are charged more than those who pay by direct debit to cover the additional costs and resources required by suppliers to provide energy via PPM. A consultation is underway with an aim to ‘levelise’ these standing charges by April 2024 to coincide with the end of government support currently in place via the Energy Price Guarantee.
Morgan Vine, Head of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age said: “Today’s Price Cap announcement offers little comfort to older people living on a low income and struggling to get by.
“Our helpline is continuing to hear from people in later life in financial hardship who have been forced to make sacrifices to pay their bills, including eating one meal a day, washing themselves in freezing cold water, and risking falls by not turning on the lights at night.
“Gas unit costs are still well over double what they were in winter 2020/21 and electricity unit costs are up by over half. The fixed incomes of older people in financial hardship simply cannot keep up with these increases. Long term solutions to protect the most financially vulnerable from high energy prices are desperately needed.
“We’re calling on the government to introduce an energy bills social tariff for those in greatest needed, including people over 65 on a low income and those who have high energy consumption due to illness.
“This long term and sustainable solution would offer some protection to people in later life living on low incomes, so they aren’t forced to make dangerous choices now, and as we approach the winter. “
The next quarterly price cap announcement will be in November 2023, covering January – March 2024.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.”
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.
