Month: February 2024

Only 10 days left to claim Pension Credit and secure £299 Cost of Living boost

  • DWP urges pensioners to act quickly and check if they are eligible for Pension Credit by 5 March 2024
  • Eligible people who claim by this date could secure additional £299 Cost of Living boost
  • Claiming the benefit could also open doors to additional help with housing costs, council tax, and heating bills

Hundreds of thousands of pensioners could pocket an extra £299 if they claim Pension Credit in the next 10 days.

Those who successfully apply for Pension Credit by 5 March could also secure a further £299 boost in the form of a Cost of Living payment thanks to backdating rules.

Pension Credit, which averages over £3,900 a year, is there to lend a hand with day-to-day expenses for those who have reached State Pension age and are on a low income.

Minister for Pensions Paul Maynard said: “We are committed to ensuring every pensioner receives the financial support available to them.

“Anyone who is unsure whether they or a loved one is entitled to Pension Credit should quickly check using our online Pension Credit calculator – it’s never been easier.

“Not only could this secure an extra £3,900 every year and unlock a whole host of other support, if successfully claimed by 5 March a further £299 Cost of Living boost is up for grabs.”

While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit, there are an estimated 880,000 households eligible for the support who are yet to claim it.

For single pensioners, Pension Credit guarantees a minimum weekly income of £201.05; for couples, it’s £306.85. Additional help is also available for those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

And even small amounts of Pension Credit could open doors to further financial assistance, covering things like housing costs, council tax, and heating bills, as well as potentially the £299 backdated Cost of Living payment.

You can apply for Pension Credit over the phone, online, or by post. And for anyone unsure about eligibility or how much they might get, the online Pension Credit calculator tool can help.

The State Pension is due to rise by 8.5% in April 2024 – meaning the new full State Pension will be worth £221.20 per week. 

Applications for Pension Credit can be made: 

Overwhelming majority of Edinburgh residents ‘exhibit high levels of satisfaction with city life’

Around 3,700 residents were interviewed face-to-face between July and September 2023, with 94% of the respondents saying they’re satisfied with life in Edinburgh.

The survey was commissioned by the Edinburgh Partnership to inform best practice, strategy development and outcome monitoring across the Partnership including informing the Local Outcome Improvement Plan, and will be noted by the Culture and Communities Committee in their meeting next Thursday (February 29).

Results also demonstrated that deprivation is the most significant factor impacting the experience of life, living in Edinburgh, and receiving services.

It shows that those in the 20% most deprived areas have an experience that is substantially worse than people who live in other areas of Edinburgh. Of those who took part in the survey, more than a quarter of residents had not paid a household bill, paid a bill using credit, or used a food bank in the past twelve months.

Most participants reported feeling very safe in general, but much less safe in their neighbourhood after dark. When asked what would make them feel safer, over half suggested additional police presence. The majority of people who took part said their satisfaction was lowest with the management of antisocial behaviour, road safety, and cleanliness of neighbourhoods.

The results of the survey, which were jointly funded by members of The Edinburgh Partnership, were designed to provide a proportionate sample of Edinburgh residents.

Read the full summary of results from the 2023 Edinburgh Partnership Survey on their website.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted that such a large majority of our residents are so satisfied with Edinburgh as a place to live. It’s also heartening to see that people have recognised the hard work our Council teams put in to supporting and delivering our services.

“Research like the Edinburgh Partnership Survey is incredibly insightful for our own future planning and the feedback will help us to keep improving the way we serve Edinburgh’s residents. 

“The rise in inflation and the continuing cost-of-living crisis mean that many residents are facing the most difficult financial circumstances ever, but we are working extremely hard to lessen the impacts.

“The reality is that we are Scotland’s lowest funded council and ending poverty is not something we can do alone. I remain committed to doing my utmost as Council Leader along with colleagues and our city’s partners to improving the situation here in Edinburgh as there’s still a lot more work to do.”

Thorntons’ charity wills campaign raises £43,500 for vulnerable families across Edinburgh and Forth areas

Children and families across Edinburgh and the wider Forth region are benefiting from Thorntons’ latest charity wills campaign, which raised £43,500 for Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids.

Every September Thorntons’ offices in Edinburgh, Bonnyrigg, Fife, Dundee, Perth and Angus waive their fees for those making wills, asking them to instead donate an equivalent sum to the charity.

The campaign has raised over £600,000 for Cash for Kids since it was established more than 27 years ago. 

The firm’s latest fundraising drive helped a diverse range of groups and individuals. Among the recipients was Capital Theatres which received funding to offer

relaxed pantomime performances suitable for those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory and communication disorders or a learning disability.

Up to 900 youngsters from 12 special education schools were able to attend the special pantomime sessions which featured an adapted production and auditorium conditions, allowing children and carers to feel relaxed and free to make noise. The funding also enabled the groups to benefit from free transport and snacks for the children. 

Emma Kemp, Regional Charity Manager at Cash for Kids, said: “I can’t begin to thank Thorntons, their employees and clients enough for their ongoing support to our charity.

“Every year this incredible donation makes a huge difference to Cash for Kids, supporting us to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in our local communities. This donation will enable us to continue supporting children and young people who are suffering from life limiting illness, poverty, neglect, and those who require additional support to reach their individual potential.  

“The kindness and generosity Thorntons have given to us over the years has reached the lives of so many deserving children and on behalf of them all I want to say thank you.”

Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons, said: “Contributing to the communities where we live and work is very important to everyone at Thorntons.

“Cash for Kids provides a helping hand to those who need it most and it’s an honour to support its very important work.”

For more information on Thorntons’ Charity Wills campaign visit:

 https://www.thorntons-law.co.uk/charitywills.  

Playing video games may improve attention and memory

A new study, published in the British Psychological Society’s British Journal of Psychology, found that regular gamers performed better on tasks measuring cognitive functions such as attention and memory.

The study, which took place at the Lero Esports Science Research Lab at University of Limerick, involved 88 young adults, half of whom regularly played more than seven hours of action-based video games each week.

Participants were tested with three tasks measuring different aspects of their cognitive performance – a simple reaction time test, a task which involved switching between responding to combinations of numbers and letters to evaluate executive function (including flexible thinking and self-control) and working memory, and a maze-based activity to assess visuospatial memory (the ability to retain and process an object’s identity and spatial location).

The researchers found that regular gamers were able to complete the number-letter task and the maze task 12.7 per cent and 17.4 per cent quicker respectively than the group of non-gamers.

Dr Adam Toth of University of Limerick and Lero, the SFI Research Centre for Software, and one of the authors of the research, said: “The regular playing of video games is often criticised and seen as unhealthy, but our research shows that gamers may enjoy some cognitive benefits over the wider population, particularly relating to attentiveness and memory“.

Dr Mark Campbell, added: “In line with previous work out of our lab, this research may have implications in sectors where cognitive performance is paramount, such as surgery, and air traffic control, where video game play could be encouraged to help develop the elite cognitive performance required.”

The research also investigated a further angle – whether gamers are less prone to suffering from cognitive fatigue than the wider population. Cognitive fatigue is defined as the decline in task performance that entails sustained mental activity. It can manifest in making mistakes and a difficulty staying focused.

Some participants were assigned an additional task, designed to require concentration for a long period of time and bring about cognitive fatigue, before being reevaluated on the initial cognitive tests.

The researchers found that gamers and non-gamers saw their performance decline at the same rate, with no significant difference found in the level of cognitive fatigue experienced. Suggesting that the common belief that playing games can lead to poorer concentration skills may be incorrect.

The research was published in the British Journal of Psychology, a flagship journal of the British Psychological Society.

Edinburgh based reserves put through paces ahead of NATO training

Two Aberdeenshire born reserve soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Scotland have just returned home after completing an intensive weekend training exercise in the wild terrain and harsh weather conditions of the Pentlands.

Private David Gray (25), whose civilian job is a butcher, and Private Cameron Gillies (26), who works in Public Affairs in Edinburgh, spent their weekend undertaking the highly challenging patrol exercise designed to test the physical fitness and robustness, mental resilience, navigation, and military knowledge.

The soldiers took part in the exercise alongside other troops and had to navigate between a series of checkpoints and conduct a military task at each stand. One stand included a test of how quickly they could treat a casualty and extract them to a safe area 1km away from the incident point.

Troops will progress onto more arduous training in the months ahead and are currently working towards being selected for the Cambrian Patrol in Wales in October this year – widely considered to be NATO’s toughest patrolling test.

Private David Gillies, a reservist in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “My civilian role is a different type of pressure, dealing with legislation and briefing politicians.

“The army reserve gives me the chance to do something completely different, to challenge myself and be surrounded with like-minded people who are committed to serving their country.

“Training weekends after a full working week is tough, but I love it – and it keeps me fit when I’m away from my desk”.

Edinburgh business club announces new 2024 Charity Partner

Scottish monthly business networking club, which has attracted over 185 guest speakers including rugby legend Scott Hastings and 5th generation owner of Bon Accord Soft Drinks, Karen Knowles and over 4000 attendees, announces its new charity partnership for 2024 as Carers of East Lothian, (CoEL).

Love Your Business was founded by Michelle Brown, of the eponymous PR agency which marks its 10thanniversary this year, to help start-ups and growth businesses to make connections, share contacts, exchange referrals and ideas, and also find new collaborative opportunities.

Speakers over the years who have shared their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, business insights and learnings also include Marie Owen, founder of LS Productions, Alice Thompson, co-founder of Social Bite and Chris van der Kuyl, the chairman and co-founder of games developer 4J Studios.

The aim of the networking club, which started in Black Ivy in Bruntsfield in January 2018, and ran online during the pandemic, is also to support various charities and social enterprises to help raise awareness and donate a percentage of funds from tickets sales from the events. Organisations also receive PR and marketing support for a year.

These include Make 2nds Count, Support in Mind Scotland, Epilepsy Scotland, Invisible Cities and Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh. This year Love Your Business is partnering with Carers of East Lothian, CoEL, which was founded 26 years ago to provide much-needed support for people who are caring for someone.

The charity was chosen to highlight the role of carers and the support they need, as figures show that three out of five people will become carers at some stage in their lives and 1 in 10 is already fulfilling some sort of caring role, (Carers Trust).

Many aspects of caring can be rewarding, but caring can also have an impact on the health and wellbeing of the person providing the care. The free services CoEL offer include information and advice for carers, as well as peer support groups, grants to support carers to take breaks from caring, counselling, workshops, training and events.

Michelle said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Carers of East Lothian this year, which is a cause very close to our hearts.

“The outstanding work they do to support people who are caring for loved ones including family members, friends and neighbours for over two decades is highly commendable.

“The charity is dedicated to making life a little bit easier for carers, whether it is supporting them to take a break or signposting them to grants and legal advice, which is why we are honoured to be helping them to raise even more awareness of the great work they are doing and raise funds too.”

Jessica Wade, Chief Executive Officer of Carers of East Lothian said: ‘’We are absolutely delighted to be chosen as the Love Your Business Charity Partner for 2024.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to raise much needed funds for our work with local carers, as well as benefitting from Michelle’s valuable expertise to help us reach every carer who needs our support across East Lothian.”

Tickets for the next networking event on Thursday, 29th February at Black Ivy in Bruntsfield are £20 with 10% of all tickets going to Carers of East Lothian.

Ticket link – https://bit.ly/42jaDmm

https://lybnetworking.com/

Love Your Business (lybnetworking.com)

‘Let’s increase language learning education’ – Foysol Choudhury

Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury has this week given a speech at an International Mother Language Day event in Edinburgh City Chambers, highlighting the importance of language learning education and calling for more investment and partnership work to deliver the Gaelic Language Plan.

International Mother Language Day, proposed by Bangladesh and memorialised by UNESCO on 21st February each year, focuses on promoting linguistic diversity and the importance of sharing our differences in culture and languages to foster tolerance and respect in our multi-cultural communities.

The initiative is significant in preserving heritage through language and maintaining multilingual education policies to promote lifelong learning of languages. 

This year, the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, Thistleshapla Cultural Group and Heriot-Watt University celebrated International Mother Language Day in the City Chambers in Edinburgh.

Foysol Choudhury MSP, Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson on Culture, attended this event and afterwards commented: “Language is important for culture, it is a medium though which culture is learned, appreciated, preserved and celebrated.

“It is important to celebrate this day to understand the significance of mother language which not only keeps us connected to our own culture but also allows sharing of knowledge and culture among different communities.

“This sharing of culture and language makes us more tolerant, understanding and helps us to build a more diverse and multicultural society.

“For the past few years the community has been asking for a permanent monument to commemorate International Mother Language Day and all those who have fought to preserve their right to speak their mother tongue-I’ll continue to support them in pursuing this.”

Mr Choudhury further highlighted the importance of language learning in Scotland: “It is important that children are given the opportunity to learn their mother languages at a young age, to allow them to connect to their roots and preserve their heritage, values and traditions throughout generations.

“In Scotland we are sadly seeing low numbers of Gaelic speakers-we must see more investment and partnership work between Bòrd na Gàidhlig and local authorities to revitalise the Gaelic language plan, support the learning of Gaelic and promote it as a living language to encourage the youth to stay connected to the language for generations to come.”

MSP Choudhury has lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament to celebrate International Mother Language Day 2024 and says he will continue to support the initiative, to encourage people to take pride in their mother language and learn other languages to support life-long learning and cohesion in our multi-cultural society.

Community invited to help redesign Pride Bridge

The Leith community is being called upon to help design a replacement for the Lindsay Road Bridge, also known as Pride Bridge.

The local landmark was a popular walking, wheeling, and cycling route over Hawthornvale Path and in 2021 was painted in rainbow colours, leading to it being named locally as the ‘Rainbow’ or ‘Pride’ Bridge.

the bridge, which is at the end of its lifespan, was closed due to concerns around health and safety, sparking a local ‘Save the Pride Bridge’ campaign. Council officers have since made a successful application for Transport Scotland funding through Sustrans for the design of a replacement bridge deck, with £232,700 awarded.

Now a designer, Mott McDonald, has been appointed and, along with the Council, they’re looking to work with the local community to develop proposed designs. Two information sessions and an online consultation will help the team to better understand everyone’s needs and gather feedback on proposed designs.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The Pride Bridge has been such a well-loved landmark and thoroughfare for the local community, it’s only right that we involve them to develop a replacement.

“I was delighted last year when we secured funding to design a new bridge deck, which would once again provide a safe and convenient walking and cycling route between North Fort Street and Newhaven area.

“The strength of feeling amongst local people for this bridge, and its celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride, has been inspiring. I’d like to thank those who campaigned to protect it.”

Kasper Schwartz, Grant Advisor for Sustrans, said: “We’re excited to see how designs for the new Pride Bridge come together over the next year, and are immensely grateful to the local community for their enthusiasm in seeing this vital active travel connection reinstated for North Edinburgh.

“The Pride Bridge is not only a key walking, wheeling and cycling link for communities surrounding the Hawthornvale Path, it is also as an iconic symbol of enduring support for LGBTQ+ people everywhere.”

Róisín Thérèse, who leads the Save the Pride Bridge campaign, said: “The Save The Pride Bridge campaign has worked closely with the Council and design team to communicate the wishes of the local residents in terms of preserving an accessible route, a community space, and an important LGBTQ+ landmark.

“We are excited to participate in the public consultations to reimagine this space and secure it as a valuable community asset for years to come.”

This process is expected to last a year and once it’s complete officers intend to apply to Transport Scotland for between 70 and 100% of the construction funding required to build the bridge.

The work will be delivered alongside the Leith Connections project which is making improvements to community spaces and providing better connections for anyone walking, wheeling or cycling through the streets of Leith.

Lindsay Road Bridge information sessions will take place at the following locations and times:

Thursday 7 March, 6pm – 8pm: Dreadnought Leith, 72 North Fort Street

Saturday 23 March, 11am – 1pm: The Heart of Newhaven Community, 4-6 Main Street

Take part in the online consultation, which will close on 4 April.

Pedestrian death: Police seek witnesses to Oxgangs accident

The pedestrian involved in a collision with a bus on Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh on Friday, 16 February, 2024 has died.

Officers were called to the crash, near the junction with Oxgangs Avenue, around 8.50pm.

The 74-year-old male pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries and died on Thursday, 22 February.

He’s been named as Andrew Grant from Edinburgh. Andrew’s family have released the following statement via Police Scotland:

“Devastatingly, and after a week of fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary, our Dad, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Papa, passed away at 7:03pm last night.

‘We, as a family, have had the most tragic and heartbreaking week, so please live today like it’s your last, because tomorrow may never come. We ask that our privacy is respected.”

Officers are continuing to appeal for information and are particularly keen to trace members of the public who provided assistance before emergency services arrived.

Road Policing Sergeant Louise Birrell said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Grant at this difficult time. We will continue to offer them support as our investigations progress.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information so far. There are a number of people we’re still keen to trace who witnessed what happened. Particularly those who provided first aid to Andrew at the scene. It’s believed they were wearing military uniforms. I’d urge them to get in touch with us.

“Anyone who saw what happened or has dashcam footage of the Oxgangs Road North area around the time is asked to contact police.”

Anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3657 of 16 February.

Council leaders urge Scottish Government to respect local democracy

Scotland’s Council Leaders today (Friday) said that any interference in the democratic decision making of Councils by Scottish Government Ministers is disrespectful.

Commenting following the meeting COSLA Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “Council Leaders were absolutely clear today that it is not appropriate for Scottish Government Ministers to interfere in the democratic decision making of Councils.

“Leaders also reaffirmed in the strongest possible terms the principle that it should be for individual Local Authorities to set their own level of Council Tax without sanction or financial detriment imposed by Scottish Government.

“Leaders were clear that given the financial situation in which councils find themselves as a result of the proposed Scottish Budget, recurring penalties in relation to setting council tax levels should not be applied.

“I have been asked to seek confirmation from Scottish Government that there will be no further Council Tax freezes for the remainder of this Parliament.”