NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging the public to walk like penguins to help avoid slips and trips in the icy conditions this week.
Adopting a penguin walk is a safer way to get about in the cold weather as it could help keep you more stable and minimise the risk of losing balance or slipping on the ice.
Top tips to walk like a penguin:
· Bend slightly and keep your knees loose.
· Point your feet out slightly.
· Extend your arms at your sides.
· Walk flat-footed, taking short steps.
· Keep your centre of gravity over your feet.
In the event of a slip, trip or fall which requires medical attention, but is not very urgent or life-threatening, the health board is advising people not to go straight to A&E but instead to call NHS24 on 111.
Dr Emilia Crighton, director for public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:“At this time of year – and especially in icy spells like this one – slips, trips and falls are the most common accidents that result in injury.
“While it might seem silly to walk or waddle like a penguin, the alternative may be a nasty injury or even time in hospital. Remember, when it comes to getting around on ice, penguins know best, so when you’re out and about in the next few days, adopting the penguin stance is a really effective way to move without falling.
“During this time we should also make sure we’re supporting our elderly family members and neighbours by making journeys on their behalf to avoid them having to go out in icy conditions.”
Dr Crighton also reminded people that, in the majority of cases involving slips and trips, going to A&E may not be appropriate.
She said: “A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
“However, most falls and trips do not require treatment at A&E – and in fact you might be asked to seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately.
“If assessment is required, our Minor Injuries Units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111. They will be able to give you the advice you need, including directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit if required.”
This winter, NHSGGC has launched a campaign to help people know where to go to access the care they need.
Care for a wide range of injuries is available without going to A&E – often from the comfort of your own home or right on your doorstep – and the health board is encouraging everyone to familiarise themselves with these alternatives, just in case.
Accessing the right care is as easy as A,B,C:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. Pharmacies provide these services without the need for an appointment.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
Unless it’s an emergency,please think ABC before going to A&E.
For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website
Edinburgh Leisure responses to misleading media articles re venue closures
There have been several misleading media articles regarding venue closures at Edinburgh Leisure (NOT NEN – Ed.!) The charity is facing significant financial challenges next year (2024/25) due to several factors, including further increases in energy costs.
Information was prepared on venue closures to illustrate the scale of these challenges and the potential impact on services. Unfortunately, several media articles omitted to cover these all-important points in favour of reporting ‘venue closures’.
Work is ongoing with our funding partner, the City of Edinburgh Council, as to how we might address the financial challenges and ensure our work to support the citizens of Edinburgh to be active and well continues!
There are no venue closures planned for at this time and customers should feel confident that we are doing everything we can to maintain all our venues.
It is very much business as usual so please keep using and supporting us!
Labour Lothians MSP, Sarah Boyack highlighted deeply distressing figures about the fall in GP surgeries in Edinburgh.
The latest figures by Public Health Scotland show that from 2010-2022, the number of Edinburgh’s GP surgeries dropped from 75 to 72. However, over the same period Edinburgh’s population skyrocketed from an estimated 480,000 to 548,000.
Edinburgh recorded the third highest population growth in Scotland, according to the most recent statistics.
This all comes as it was revealed the city of Edinburgh’s average practice list size has jumped from 7,074 in 2012, to 8413 – the 5th highest in Scotland.
In May 2023, the BMA warned that there was a sustainability crisis in Scottish general practice, in part due to the closing of surgeries.
A fall in GP surgeries will leave more and more communities without the adequate facilities to cope with their population increase.
This follows on from the Scottish Government’s decision to freeze capital projects for health boards, as well as freezing the ability to hire new staff.
The Scottish Government also requires health boards to require savings of 6.8%.
These moves will only increase pressures on NHS Lothian to provide adequate healthcare services with diminishing resources.
Commenting on the findings, Sarah Boyack said: “These figures are deeply distressing but will come as no surprise to patients in Edinburgh.
“The Scottish Government’s underfunding has left Edinburgh’s GPs unable to keep up with the city’s population growth.
“If the Scottish Government goes ahead with its budget plans, this will only exacerbate the problem.
“GP surgery staff do amazing work, but they need the funding to fulfil their potential.
“Allowing GP surgeries to close merely aggravates the sustainability crisis we are facing in general practice.
“If we are to tackle this issue, we need investment and strategy from the Scottish Government, not freezes and delays.”
Health Secretary Michael Matheson met frontline A&E staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley today to see first-hand how services are coping with peak winter demand.
Mr Matheson thanked teams for their ongoing efforts and met RAH staff working to keep the flow of patients moving through the hospital to help reduce pressures building up in the emergency department, and avoid people being delayed in hospital longer than necessary.
With hospitals across the country remaining extremely busy, Mr Matheson thanked the public for continuing to do their part to help ease pressure on A&E by considering if their condition is an emergency before attending.
Mr Matheson said: “Our health and care services are now dealing with peak winter demand. There is no doubt the situation remains very challenging so I am extremely grateful to all our highly skilled and committed NHS and social care staff for their continued hard work and dedication.
“The public have really played their part so far, by considering whether their condition is an emergency before going to A&E. To help relieve pressure on services it’s vital everyone continues to do that. Local GPs and pharmacies can be contacted during the day for non-critical care, NHS 24 is also available on 111 for non-emergencies, and the NHS Inform website is an invaluable resource.
“However, let me be clear – urgent care will always be available for those who need it. If someone needs emergency care they should call 999 or go straight to A&E.
“The NHS 24 service dealt with significant demand over Christmas and New Year and, although very challenging, the system handled the large volume of calls very well, which was down to all those involved in the implementation of months of pre-winter planning, which started in spring, to ensure services were available to those in need.
“I am especially grateful to those across health and social care who sacrificed their time and worked over the bank holidays.”
Mr Matheson remains under investigation by the Scottish Parliament’s Corporate Body over his explanation of £11,000 data roaming costs on his parliamentary i-Pad incurred during a family holiday.
We’re limited to 250 people for this event due to building capacity, so make sure you get your tickets if you’d like to come. £3/person, includes food: haggis neeps and tatties. (veggie/vegan option available).
UK Government urged to reconsider position on parental leave rights
Scotland’s Minister for Keeping the Promise Natalie Don has written to the UK Government calling for statutory parental leave rights to be extended to kinship carers.
Kinship carers are people caring for a child on behalf of a friend or relative, full time. The latest statistics show there are currently 4,249 formally looked after children in kinship care across Scotland. It is estimated there are around a further 3,000 non-looked after children in kinship care who are supported by local authorities.
As it stands, UK Government guidance means these carers are reliant on the “good will” of their employers to secure paid time off to look after the children in their care.
The letter reads:
To: Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP From: Natalie Don MSP
Dear Gillian and Kemi,
I am writing to you both given your respective duties for kinship care and employment law. On 9 November 2023 I attended a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee to discuss the issue of kinship care. During the meeting, the lack of provision for family leave for kinship carers, which is reserved to the UK Government, was discussed. It was also previously discussed with the Committee in June 2022 when my predecessor, Clare Haughey, gave evidence regarding kinship care.
Since the meeting, the Department for Education published the new “Championing kinship care: national kinship care strategy”, as well as the accompanied “Kinship carers in the workplace: guidance for employers” material. I welcome the publication of this guidance and the clarity that it will provide kinship carers with regarding statutory leave entitlements they may be eligible to access, and the signposting of initiatives that employers could implement to support kinship carers in the workplace.
Nevertheless, I am disappointed that family leave for kinship carers remains entirely dependent on the good will of the employer to ensure kinship carers, whose circumstances often change without notice, are given paid time off work to help the children they care for adjust to their new environment.
Kinship carers have advised my officials that because there is no statutory leave, which is offered to other carers such as adoptive parents, some kinship carers have been forced to leave employment. Some, who were fortunate enough to own their homes, have also been forced to sell their house to make ends meet, forcing them into poverty. This is unacceptable.
The Scottish Government wants to ensure kinship carers are not penalised for taking in their kin. Given the vital role they play in providing a loving, safe and stable home, I believe it is imperative that kinship carers are treated on an equal par with all parents eligible for parental leave.
As you know, this issue was highlighted in the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, published in May 2022, which recommended that kinship carers receive paid employment leave on a par with statutory adoption leave. Kinship carers should not have to wait any longer as a result of delays from the UK Government. I would, therefore, ask for an urgent update on the implementation of the recommendation regarding statutory leave in relation to kinship carers, and call on you to make these changes immediately.
I am copying this letter to the Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee in the Scottish Parliament for information.
New measures could generate up to £100 million extra over 10 years to resurface roads across England
new proposals from the UK Government’s Plan for Drivers to cut traffic caused by street works
utility companies that allow works to overrun face increased fines, which could generate up to £100 million extra to improve local roads
launch of consultation follows record £8.3 billion increase to resurface roads across England as government continues to back drivers
A crackdown on disruptive roadworks could cut congestion for millions of drivers and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads, as the first key measures from the UK government’s Plan for Drivers are delivered today (15 January 2024).
Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, has launched a street works consultation on a series of measures to prevent utility companies from letting roadworks overrun and clogging up traffic as a result.
The consultation seeks to extend the current £10,000 per day fine for overrunning street works into weekends and bank holidays as a deterrent for working on the busiest days for road travel.
Currently, utility companies are only fined for disruption on working days. The measures could double fines from £500 up to a maximum of £1,000 for companies that breach conditions of the job, such as working without a permit.
The plans would also direct at least 50% of money from lane rental schemes to be used to improve roads and repair potholes. Lane rental schemes allow local highway authorities to charge companies for the time that street and road works occupy the road.
As a result, the measures could generate up to £100 million extra over 10 years to resurface roads while helping tackle congestion, cutting down journey times and helping drivers get from A to B more easily.
Launching on National Pothole Day, the consultation is part of a series of measures from the government’s Plan for Drivers, a 30-point plan to support people’s freedoms to use their cars, curb over-zealous enforcement measures and back drivers.
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “After investing an extra £8.3 billion to resurface roads across England, the largest ever increase in funding for local road improvements, this government continues to back drivers with these new measures from our Plan for Drivers.
“Our new proposals seek to free up our roads from overrunning street works, cut down traffic jams and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads up and down the country.”
Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said: “Being stuck in traffic is infuriating for drivers. Too often traffic jams are caused by overrunning street works.
“This government is backing drivers, with a robust approach to utility companies and others, who dig up our streets. We will seek to massively increase fines for companies that breach conditions and fine works that overrun into weekends and bank holidays while making the rental for such works help generate up to an extra £100 million to improve local roads.”
While it’s essential that gas, water and other utility companies carry out vital maintenance work to provide the services we all rely on, the 2 million street works carried out in England in 2022 to 2023 have cost the economy around £4 billion by causing severe road congestion and disrupting journeys.
The consultation comes after the Westminster government introduced a performance-based street works regime to ensure utility companies resurface roads to the best possible standard, and new lane rental schemes where utility companies can be charged up to £2,500 per day for street works.
The measures can also help boost active travel by preventing street works from disrupting walking, wheeling and cycling while also providing opportunities to improve pavements and pedestrian crossings and make repairs to pavements and cycle lanes.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “Overrunning roadworks and poorly reinstated roads from utility companies frustrate drivers and cause unnecessary congestion, and trench defects can damage vehicles and injure those on 2 wheels.
“We are pleased that the government is looking to extend the fines for over-running street works, invest more of the surplus fines in roads and ensure that those who dig up the roads repair them to a high and timely standard.”
In addition, the government plans to make all temporary, experimental or permanent restrictions on traffic digital. These so-called traffic regulation orders (TROs) include things like the location of parking spaces, road closures and speed limits.
Making these digital means they must now be added to satnav systems, ensuring drivers have the most up-to-date information, making journeys easier and paving the way for more reliable autonomous vehicles.
RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, said: “Drivers shouldn’t have to put up with temporary roadworks for any longer than is necessary, so we’re pleased to see the government is looking to do more to guarantee that utility companies minimise disruption by carrying out roadworks as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“They should also leave roads in better condition than they found them, which unfortunately is hardly ever the case at the moment.”
The measures follow the biggest ever funding uplift for local road improvements, with £8.3 billion of redirected High Speed 2 (HS2) funding – enough to resurface over 5,000 miles of roads across England – as the government continues to be on the side of drivers and improve journeys for more people, in more places, more quickly.
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, said: “I welcome the launch of the government’s street works consultation to consider measures aimed at preventing utility roadworks overrunning.
“We have already piloted a pioneering lane rental scheme on some of our roads, which encourages utility companies to work in the most efficient way to minimise disruption for the traveling public in Kent.
“I will continue to work with government, the Department for Transport and other stakeholders to find ways we can reduce congestion in order to keep Kent moving.”
Clive Bairsto, Chief Executive of Street Works UK, said: “Utilities perform a vital role in connecting households, working to the highest standards, while complying with rigorous inspections to ensure works are high quality and lasting.
“We look forward to engaging constructively with government throughout this consultation, representing our members and the wider industry, to ensure both utilities and local authorities can deliver infrastructure works while giving customers and road users the speed of delivery, lack of congestion and transparency they expect.”
A new partnership has been launched by road users and industry to help tackle the scourge of potholes.It comes as shock new figures have been released by the AA which show that pothole damage to vehicles has hit a five year high.
The research, released on National Pothole Day, reveals that the motoring organisation dealt with 631,852 pothole related incidents in 2023, the highest for five years.
Now the newly-formed Pothole Partnership has unveiled a five-point pledge to help tackle the issue, and they are using it to lobby local and national government.
The coalition, which represents the interests of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, and road repairers, has been formed by the AA, the National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling, IAM RoadSmart, the British Motorcyclists Federation and JCB, which manufacturers the award-winning Pothole Pro machine.
Last year pothole damage to vehicles cost a staggering £474,000,000, according to the new figures released by the Pothole Partnership.
Pothole related incidents are at a five-year high.
AA President Edmund King said: “Last year AA patrols dealt with more than 600,000 pothole-related incidents which on a national scale will have cost drivers almost half a billion pounds.
“Currently, we often have a vicious circle of: pothole formed; damage caused; pothole patched; pothole reappears with more damage caused – when what we need are more permanent repairs.
“Potholes are the number one concern for 96% of drivers and can be fatal for those on two wheels so hopefully pressure from the Pothole Partnership will lead to permanent repairs.”
JCB General Manager Ben Rawding said: “Tackling the national backlog of potholes properly will involve investment in innovation and new technologies to ensure permanent fixes, not temporary repairs. Britain’s motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists deserve nothing less.”
The AA dealt with 632,000 incidents in 2023 of tyre, wheel, steering, and suspension damaged by potholes which, if rounded up on a national scale, represents 2 million vehicles affected by poor road maintenance.
This is an increase of 16.39% when compared to 2022 (543,000). As most new cars don’t come with a spare tyre as standard, pothole punctures are costing drivers more time and money.
Last month’s figure of 62,000 was an increase of 15.2% when compared to December 2022 (54,000).
Winter can be a fun time for pets, but with forecasts of an ‘arctic blast’ on the way, PDSA experts are warning owners to keep our four-legged friends safe and warm in the wintry conditions. Pets can be at risk of hypothermia if they get too cold, but it’s also important to ensure they stay active during freezing temperatures.
PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, asked their Vet Nurse Nina Downing to put together her top tips on keeping our pets cosy and safe through the big freeze:
Dogs
Giving dogs their daily walks is important for their physical and mental health, even during the colder months. Try to do this during daylight hours if possible, and consider getting a good dog coat.
LED collars or high-vis leads are a good investment, to help keep both you and your pooch visible if you’re braving the dark nights and mornings.
If your dog gets wet while out, dry them off as soon as possible. If you drive your dogs to walks, then keeping a towel in the car is a good idea.
Check their paws after walks too, as snow can build up and form clumps on the fur between dogs’ toes, which can be painful. Salt and grit can also irritate their pads, so when they return from winter walks it’s a good idea to wash their paws in warm water. Keep the fur between their toes trimmed short, and you can even use some paw butter or pet-friendly skin cream which may prevent their pads becoming dry and sore.
Don’t leave dogs in cars – the inside temperature can quickly become as cold as the outside, even if you’ve just been driving with the heating on.
Never leave dogs locked outdoors, ensure they can always access shelter and warmth.
Watch out for ice, this can be slippery for them as well as us, and if it’s broken it can even cut their paws. Keep dogs off icy surfaces, and definitely keep them away from any frozen lakes and ponds.
If your dog is very young, elderly, skinny or poorly then they are at higher risk of hypothermia. They can’t control their body temperature well so need extra care to keep them warm. High risk pets should only go outside for short times in cold weather, and should be closely supervised. Give them extra bedding and consider getting a pet-safe heat mat.
Nina added: “It’s worth considering whether your dog would benefit from a good winter coat to keep them warm and dry.
“Pets that are young, old, unwell, or that have very thin fur, can all benefit from this extra protection. Make sure coats fit well and don’t restrict your dog’s movement.”
Cats
Make sure your cat has a warm, comfy bed, in a draught free area of the house. If possible, make sure this is raised off the floor – cats are often more comfortable when higher up and it will keep them out of the coldest draughts.
Never leave cats locked outdoors, ensure they can always access shelter and warmth.
If your cat prefers to stay indoors during very bad weather, help them stay active by providing toys and enrichment activities. This will ensure they don’t miss out on vital exercise. Also make sure they have a litter tray that’s kept clean, so they don’t have to go outside if they don’t want to.
If your cat prefers to spend time outside, make sure they can always come inside when they want to. Providing an alternative option, in case cat flaps get frozen shut or blocked by snow, is also a good idea.
Nina continued: “It’s really important that our pets stay active during the winter – don’t let them become a coach potato! This can be challenging when the weather is uninviting, but many dogs and cats still enjoy exploring the great outdoors even during the cold and the wet.”
She also has some advice for keeping smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets cosy in the cold weather:
Small pets
Bring hutches under shelter – a shed or car-free garage is ideal, to protect them from draughts, rain and snow. Pets that are used to living outdoors can find a centrally heated home a stark contrast, so a cooler room is better, if you bring them indoors. Make sure they have access to natural light and an exercise run.
Bulk up bedding – give small pets extra bedding during the winter, so they can snuggle right down to keep warm.
Provide protection – if there’s no option than to keep hutches outdoors, then drape a blanket or piece of carpet over the mesh door to keep out the worst of the weather. You could also use plastic sheeting, but make sure any covers don’t obstruct ventilation.
Don’t forget to check water bottles or bowls several times a day to make sure they’re not frozen.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued urgent guidance to those travelling in cold and snowy weather
Disruptive conditions are set to hit many areas of the UK
Road experts warn of increased chance of collisions
With icy temperatures and ‘disruptive’ snow hitting large parts of Britain, and parts of the UK still grappling with flooding, leading road experts The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued some vital road safety advice.
Advising on winter driving, Rebecca Guy, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager for England, said: “Snowy conditions can pose a real challenge for drivers so it’s worth knowing how to prepare yourself so your journey can be as smooth as possible.
“Before you set off, check the weather conditions to ensure you’re not caught out, and don’t forget to wipe off snow from the top and windows of your car. This will avoid snow falling onto your windscreen while driving and impacting your line of sight. In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely, unless you absolutely have to make the journey and driving is the only option.
“It’s also a good idea to leave more time than usual for your journey, and to check your tyres, fluid levels, lights and fuel or charge levels before you set off. If your journey is essential, packing some warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone, some food and a drink can help you to be prepared if you do break down – and even a pair of sunglasses can stand you in good stead in case the sun comes out and reflects on the road ahead.
“If you can, try and move off in second gear and change to a higher gear as soon as possible once the car is moving. Ensure you accelerate gently and smoothly, using low revs. Ideally, stay in a steady gear and leave as much room in front of you as possible so you can maintain a constant speed – and don’t forget that stopping distance can be increased up to 10 times in snowy weather.”
Other factors to consider if driving in snow or ice:
Slow down in plenty of time before bends and corners
Braking on an icy or snow-covered bend is extremely dangerous. The centrifugal force will continue to pull you outwards and the wheels will not grip very well. This could cause your vehicle to spin
Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. You may need up to 10 times the distance for braking in good conditions
Visibility will probably be reduced, so use dipped headlights
If you get stuck in snow:
If you get stuck in snow, revving your engine to try to power out of the rut will just make the rut worse. Instead, move your vehicle slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can
If this doesn’t work, you may have to ask a friendly passerby for a push or get your shovel out.
Rebecca went on to advise those encountering flood water: “The past few weeks have seen a concerning level of flooding in many areas of the UK. It is essential to have the latest information at hand to avoid roads or pathways that are submerged in water.
“Not only can a flooded car be costly, it can lead to drowning so it is important to never attempt to drive through a waterlogged area, especially If the road has been closed off.
“Before leaving the house, consider whether your vehicle really is in a roadworthy condition for extreme weather, and check its tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels.
“If your vehicle is not in tip-top condition, you are more likely to break down and get stranded. Therefore, keep an emergency kit in your car, especially if you’re going on a long journey. If this seems unnecessary, take a moment to imagine yourself stranded in your car overnight. ”
If you’re in a flooded area, it is also worth considering the following when nearing an affected road:
Avoid the deepest water – which is usually near the kerb
Don’t attempt to cross if the water seems too deep
If you are not sure of the water’s depth, look for an alternative route
If you decide to risk it, drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling
Be aware of the bow wave from approaching vehicles – operate an informal ‘give way’ with approaching vehicles.
For more information, please visit our Winter Driving Tips page here.
Following the release of the latest funeral cost figures, a Scottish charitable organisation is calling on the Scottish Government to re-visit their financial support.
The latest Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2024 has found that the average cost of a basic funeral in Scotland – which doesn’t even include a wake or other send-off costs like funeral cars or flowers – has risen to £4,030*.
As a result, Caledonia Funeral Aid – a charity-run social enterprise which supports those facing funeral poverty – has urged the Scottish Government to reconsider the average payout to those who are eligible.
Co-founder and chair John Halliday, explained: “The Scottish Government has made real gains in increasing the take-up of the Funeral Support Payment – which contributes somewhat towards the main basic funeral costs.
“However,the average payout to eligible residents in Scotland is £1,949,**. If someone is organising even a basic funeral, they are over £2,000 short. But then if you want flowers, sandwiches, a venue for a wake, transport, orders of service or a headstone that would all be additional costs.
“The report also finds that the average cost of dying (a funeral plus professional fees and send-off costs) has reached a record high of £9,658*. So, the Funeral Support Payment has become a drop in the ocean for people when presented with the final bill.
“We would ask the Government to consider that those who qualify for the payment are in receipt of benefits like Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support or Jobseekers’ Allowance.
“These people are also experiencing additional financial pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis. Indeed, nearly half of those surveyed in the report people say the cost-of-living crisis impacted on how they organised or paid for the funeral and worryingly 1 in 6 bereaved peoplesaid they had to cut back on essential items like food, bills or rent.
“Many of those in receipt of the Funeral Support Payment will still struggle to pay the final bill and may resort to desperate measures, like using a credit card, taking out a loan or even selling belongings.
“Our not-for-profit funeral director, Caledonia Cremation, does provide a direct cremation option which is fully covered by the benefit, with money left over for a follow-up event. However, that type of funeral isn’t what some people want, and we do our best to support everyone to make the choice that is right for them. It is becoming increasingly hard to do so when the cost keeps rising.”
One person who struggled despite receiving the payment is James, who lost his partner Rachelle in 2022.
James was in receipt of Universal Credit, so was eligible for the Funeral Support Payment. However, he was still left with a massive bill, as he explains:
“Rochelle had contributed to a plan, so as a result I only received 99p from Social Security Scotland. The plan and that payment didn’t come close to covering the full cost of the funeral, and as a result I had to find £2,500.
“The payment doesn’t consider the true cost of a typical funeral, which is high by anyone’s standards.
“I also feel that the Government should consider the situation of those who are in receipt of the benefit. When you are on Universal Credit, £2,500 is a huge amount of money.”
As part of their campaign, Caledonia Funeral Aid are hosting a free online summit at the end of the month.
John explained: “We are inviting those who work with recently bereaved people, or those who support people experiencing hardship, to an online discussion around the financial support available and what the long-term plan should be.
“We are hosting this event in partnership with The Poverty Alliance and Down to Earth. Those interested can sign up online at the funerals.scot website.”
