Energy giant SSE faced protests outside its AGM in Perth today from people concerned about the company’s role in driving climate breakdown and fuel poverty.
The protests were prompted by SSE’s plans to build a new gas burning power station at Peterhead, despite the existing plant at that site already being Scotland’s biggest climate polluter. Friends of the Earth Scotland highlighted the fact that, despite the company’s marketing and green image, it owns 14 fossil fuel power stations and 60% of SSE’s energy generation capacity comes from burning fossil fuels.
Protesters spoke to shareholders attending the AGM urging them to challenge the company’s plans to build new fossil fuel power stations and force prepayment meters into homes.
Fuel Poverty Action, who also organised the demonstration, focused on the energy giant’s £2.4billion in profits last year whilst a third of households were forced into fuel poverty in Scotland. SSE continues to force-fit pre-payment meters on people in energy debt which ultimately causes people who use the least amount of energy to pay the most for it.
Other activists disrupted the AGM from the inside, interrupting the Board’s address and imploring SSE to drop their plans for more gas burning developments.
Over 40 climate groups recently wrote to the Scottish Government urging them to reject SSE’s planning application to build a new gas power station at Peterhead.
Friends of the Earth Scotland Oil and Gas Activism Organiser Freya Aitchison commented: “SSE are getting rich from burning gas to make electricity, and the company is plotting even more climate damage with its plans for a new gas power station at Peterhead. We’re at their AGM to tell the company’s shareholders that there is no future in fossil fuels.
“The Peterhead proposals would guarantee demand for gas, meaning that Scottish homes will spend the next 25 years paying sky high energy bills which are set by the international price of fossil fuels. Building new gas infrastructure would be a terrible deal for the Scottish public, lock in climate pollution and undermine the transition to renewable energy.
“SSE cannot continue to try and greenwash the fact that the majority of its energy generation capacity comes from fossil fuels. The climate movement has stopped big polluters in their tracks before – from the fracking industry, to the Cambo oil field and the Hunterston power station.”
Lucia Harrington, Organising Lead at Fuel Poverty Action, said: “SSE is a company that continues to profit from people’s poverty and continues to force-fit prepayment meters onto people in energy debt.
“This behaviour is what has led to hundreds of preventable deaths in Scotland and we are here to hold them to account.”
The DFN Charitable Foundation (DFN Foundation) is celebrating 10 years of tackling complex societal problems and delivering transformative outcomes for unheard voices in the UK and further afield.
The DFN Foundation was set up in 2014 by David Forbes-Nixon OBE with a focus on working across four key pillars: education, employability, healthcare and wildlife conservation.
Over the past decade, DFN Foundation has achieved incredible results in all these areas including setting up a school for pupils with special educational needs at Undershaw and establishing an employability charity, DFN Project SEARCH, which helps get young people with a learning disability and/or autism into jobs.
Further work across the pillars has seen the UK charity supporting a Myeloma Research Programme improving survival rates in myeloma patients with high-risk myeloma and ensuring the survival of the British butterfly, through its work with the Big Butterfly Count.
Founder and Chairman, David Forbes-Nixon said: “I was inspired to set up the DFN Foundation, to honour two of my personal heroes: my son Charlie who has learning and physical disabilities; and my mother who died of multiple myeloma. Over the past decade, our work has strived to create a better world in their legacy and for generations to come.”
The DFN Foundation has achieved a milestone of 10 years’ operating as an industry leading Strategic Commissioning Charity, partnering with the best-in-class charities or setting up its own to deliver the best results for some of the most pressing challenges facing society.
Founded in 2014, the DFN Foundation has strived to make a difference by bringing together the right talent, operating with a business mindset, and staying laser focused on specific goals.
The DFN Foundation was initially focused on improving Disability Employment, Special Needs Education and Healthcare, with these issues all affecting Founder and Chairman, David Forbes-Nixon on a personal level.
David said: “At the start, I wanted the DFN Foundation to focus on the two main causes that I was passionate about: supporting education and employment opportunities for young disabled people; and finding a cure for multiple myeloma.
“However, as we grew, we broadened our scope and we looked to take on some of the most pressing social challenges that often struggle to attract mainstream support because they are viewed as risky, difficult or simply impossible.
“In order to achieve this, I assembled a high-quality board of trustees for the DFN Foundation and we agreed to focus on education, employment, healthcare and wildlife conservation alongside establishing four main goals for the first 10 years. “
Highlights for the DFN Foundation over the past decade include establishing a world class special needs school at Undershaw, and positively influencing best practice around disability employment through a separate employability charity, DFN Project SEARCH.
DFN Project SEARCH was founded in 2018 by David Forbes-Nixon to ensure that young people with special educational needs and learning disabilities receive high quality work-related learning and improved access to long-term paid employment.
70% of DFN Project SEARCH graduates achieve jobs, and 60% achieve full-time permanent roles, compared to the national average of 4.8% of people with a learning disability who are known to local authorities. Moreover, DFN Project SEARCH has got 2,200 young adults with a learning disability and/or autism into jobs so far.
DFN Foundation’s work in healthcare has looked to improve survival rates of myeloma and advance cures through strategic funding of high-quality research which will benefit patients to live longer lives.
As part of this funding, clinical trials of Optimum MUK9 saw 75% of the sample group in the trials still in remission 36 months after starting treatment: this makes it the most successful privately funded UK myeloma clinical trials ever.
The DFN Foundation’s effort to improve wildlife conservation have seen it look to ensure the survival of the British butterfly, through increasing awareness and sponsoring the Big Butterfly Count, a UK-wide citizen science survey.
David said: “On our tenth anniversary year, I think it is important that we take stock and look back on all the incredible achievements that we have had as a Foundation but also look forward to the next stage in our growth.
“As part of this, we want to continue to support Undershaw so it becomes a world class special needs school rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted across all categories and commit additional financial support to DFN Project SEARCH to help get 20,000 young disabled people into jobs by 2034.
“We also want to support securing a route to market for OPTIMUM (MUKnine) clinical trials so that as many myeloma patients as possible can benefit from this pioneering set of drug therapies and share results globally through publications and presentations by Dr Kaiser.
“The DFN Foundation will continue our work in partnership with The Pangolin Project to ensure survival of the Giant Ground Pangolin in the Nyekweri Ecosystem in Kenya.
“Finally, we want to make sure that the DFN Foundation has a lasting impact and as part of our policy work we will launch the DFN Scholars programme and continue to work with Disability Employment Charter and the Centre of Social Justice and lobby policymakers in Parliament with a goal of reducing the disability employment gap.”
CHARITY PROJECT INVITES EDINBURGH LOCALS TO IMPROVE THEIR WELLBEING WITH FEEL GOOD PRIZES WHILE TACKLING LOCAL LONELINESS
Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes has launched its new Wellbeing Prize Draw, encouraging Edinburgh locals to donate and enter the draw to win fabulous prizes that support their wellbeing while helping the charity project to tackle the loneliness crisis among older people in the city.
The multi award-winning charitable partnership brings people together through friendship matches, groups, and events to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the over the 60s across Edinburgh – which has been named as one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people.
Prize draw tickets are now available online at Vintagevibes.org.uk, with local businesses going the extra mile to support the cause by donating a wide range of fabulous prizes to encourage wellbeing and fun.
From tickets to shows at The Edinburgh Playhouse and The Cameo Picturehouse, to feel good treatments for your hair, body, mind and soul, a family photography session, and experiences such as a family day out at Edinburgh Zoo, or a meal at The Port of Leith Distillery Bar!
Gemma Wright, Fundraising and Communications lead at Vintage Vibes, said:“All proceeds from the prize draw go to supporting lonely and isolated older people in Edinburgh, which is one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people.
“By supporting our new Wellbeing Prize Draw you could not only win a fabulous prize to improve your own happiness and wellbeing but know that you are in turn helping to improve the life of a lonely local older person too.”
Now in its 9th year, Vintage Vibes has helped over 1000 older people in the city to establish one-to-one friendships based on mutually shared interests from singing and musical theatre to gaming, and even, like VIP Shelia and volunteer, Nicky, Love Island! Events, and groups are also available from theatre to cinema, and singing to bring people together for fun and friendship.
Vintage Vibes VIP, Sheila said:“I was pretty depressed before I joined Vintage Vibes. I didn’t really know what to do with myself and had lost myself a bit. Then I met my volunteer, Nicky and it’s really lifted my spirits.
“We just talk and talk, and I love going out for a coffee or a trip out with her. When you get that low, you don’t know how to fix it but having a good friend in your life makes all the difference. Joining Vintage Vibes has been amazing for me”.
Vintage Vibes’ 2024 annual survey showed that 75% of their VIPs felt that being involved in the project had improved their mental health and 95% reported feeling happier and having a better quality of life. Vintage Vibes is now seeking amazing new Edinburgh-based volunteers to expand the project and offer support to even more older people across the city.
“It has been a privilege to work in partnership with, and fundraise for, Vintage Vibes since October 2023. We are proud to support their Wellbeing Prize Draw and the work they are continuously doing to help tackle loneliness in the over-60s right here in Edinburgh.” – Gordon Millar, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre Director.
For a full details, list of prizes and to get your ticket for the Vintage Vibes Wellbeing Prize Draw, visit vintagevibes.org.uk.
The University of Edinburgh has welcomed its first commercial tenant to the new Edinburgh Futures Institute in the capital’s historic Old Royal Infirmary in Lauriston Place.
Smart Data Foundry has moved from the nearby Bayes Centre to a state-of-the-art workspace in one of the converted Nightingale wards in the A-listed building, which dates back to 1879.
SDF’s move follows a period of sustained growth for the organisation which was founded in 2022 to unlock the power of financial data to tackle the major issues facing society. Over the past two years it has seen its workforce grow and mature and forged partnerships with clients like Sage, NatWest Group and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The data pioneer has moved into a purpose-built ward on the 2nd floor of the historic building which housed the city’s main hospital until 2003. The Institute officially opened to the public on 3rd of June, following a multi-million-pound, seven-year refurbishment programme.
Professor Kev Dhaliwal, Interim Director of Edinburgh Futures Institute said: “Edinburgh Futures Institute is delighted to welcome Smart Data Foundry. As one of the region’s Data Driven Innovation Hubs, we bring together staff, students and partners into an inspiring, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.
“Co-location with our financial and public services sector hubs, alongside numerous industrial partners, researchers, and talented students, will accelerate data innovation and insights to help solve national and global challenges. We share the ambition to deliver positive social impact and build a better world using the power of data.”
The building includes teaching facilities, rooms for co-working with industry partners, business incubation areas, labs for innovation and prototyping, a public square, café, and exhibition and performance spaces.
Dame Julia Unwin, Chair of Smart Data Foundry, said: “Edinburgh Futures Institute has an unrivalled range of facilities in the heart of Edinburgh, and this strategic relocation underscores our commitment to fostering greater collaboration, innovation and productivity in our mission to unlock the power of data for good.
“It’s our aim to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem where data scientists, researchers, and industry partners can collaborate seamlessly to unlock new insights and drive forward our purpose of creating positive impact across society, the economy and the environment. Our new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute is the perfect base for this ecosystem to flourish.”
Dougie Robb, Chief Financial Officer at Smart Data Foundry, added: “The combination of modern design, restored historic architecture and beautiful grounds at Edinburgh Futures Institute will help us to showcase our services to clients and attract the best talent to the Smart Data Foundry team.
“It’s not just a new office; it’s a place where ideas will flourish and groundbreaking work will be done.”
Smart Data Foundry currently delivers pioneering projects including a Cost-of-Living Dashboard for East Renfrewshire Council. Utilising near real-time de-identified data from NatWest Group, this dashboard integrates financial well-being indicators with contextual information, helping the council to understand better the challenges citizens face and therefore how this might impact on future policy interventions.
Other projects include the launch of the groundbreaking Income Volatility Dashboard with Joseph Rowntree Foundation. This innovative platform provides a comprehensive and unique view of income volatility and insecurity on consumers throughout the United Kingdom as a research and policy platform.
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is set to carry out vital research with members of the public to test how drones can be used in response to cardiac arrests.
Project CAELUS, funded by Innovate UK, are a group of organisations aiming to develop the UK’s first drone enabled medical logistics network. SAS, a key partner in the project, is aiming to carry out a simulation study later in the month to better understand the feasibility of delivering an Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) via drone technology.
Every year over 8000 people in Scotland have an Out of Hospital Cardiac (OHCA) arrest. This simulation study will investigate bystander interaction with the drone and also explore the protocols required to support SAS call handlers in navigating bystanders to a drone during simulated scenarios of OHCAs.
During each simulated OHCA scenario, a group of participants will be given instructions through a telephone compared to another group of participants who will be given video assisted guidance to retrieve a nearby drone-delivered AED. This study is building on existing research domestically and internationally, to better understand how drones could be used by an ambulance service in the future.
SAS chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “The entire health service, including here at SAS, is always looking at ways to innovate and find new ways of providing life-saving care. Drone delivery of AEDs to Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA) is being investigated in several parts of the world, especially looking at how this could be used at remote and rural areas or areas of extreme urban congestion.
“This study will provide us with additional evidence to assess if drones could provide value to the Scottish Ambulance Service in the future. This innovative scheme has the potential to benefit communities across Scotland, including those in remote and rural areas. We look forward to working with our partners at AGS and the CAELUS project on developing it further.”
A number of live flight trials are planned across the country later this year as part of CAELUS.
Fiona Smith, Project CAELUS director said: “We have been delighted to work with SAS on this study. Project CAELUS is looking forward to continuing the great work with a several key partners to showcase the potential to benefit communities across Scotland and provide equity of care to remote and rural areas.”
Karen Bell, National Innovation Programme Lead, CAELUS – NHS Grampian, said: “This is exciting work being delivered by SAS to explore how this technology could change the response to an emergency call to an out of hospital cardiac arrest in the future.
“Working in the NHS Innovation Space, NHS Grampian as the Lead NHS Board in the CAELUS consortia have welcomed the opportunity to work with SAS on this novel approach to delivering care.”
THURSDAY 18th – SATURDAY 20th JULY at GRANTON STATION
A piece of public art will be commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council as part of the development of Granton gasholder park.
In February the Council invited locally-based artists and creative practitioners to develop ideas for the new artwork to be co-created with the local community.
Locals and visitors to Granton Waterfront will be given a sneak peek of six shortlisted designs for the new piece being exhibited at Granton Station from Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 July.
Ideas for the selected pieces have been taken from community interests and themes connected to Granton and all of the artists have provided opportunities for the local community to participate in the design process.
One artist will be chosen by a panel of experts from the City of Edinburgh and West Lothian Councils as well as creative and cultural charitable organisations.
The winner will be announced later this month and when it is open, the artwork will be one of the focal points in the new iconic Granton gasholder park.
The space within the restored gasholder is to have multi-sensory play zones, a dedicated area for permanent and temporary public art and one for relaxation, outdoor trails, and tracks for exercise as well as a large outdoor space for sports, markets, seasonal events, community use, festivals, performance arts, exhibitions, and play. Work will also be carried out to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers improving biodiversity and local habitat in the area.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The gasholder plays such an important role in the £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.
“The structure itself is currently being refurbished allowing it to become a place where the local community and other visitors will come together to enjoy outdoor space as well as other cultural activities.
“It is really important that they are involved in this project which is why local people have been working with all of the artists to help to produce each final design.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the exhibition and very excited to see which design is taken forward to be an engaging artwork in the new park.”
Designs by
Natalie Taylor
The concept for flutterby garden is to represent some of the species currently surrounding the Gas Tower and the wider Scottish environment in nectar rich borders. The proposal features a biodiverse garden with Scottish wildflowers and plants, selected to attract and sustain pollinators. It will also provide a beautiful area to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Design elements will honour the gas tower’s industrial history, including a laser-cut steel trellis featuring artwork by local people. The garden will form a bridge between the human and non-human world, pointing out the relationship between our food system and pollinating insects.
Kevin Dagg
The Mossy Bothy, a 9metre by 4metre building, aims to create a living monument that honours the legacy of factory workers and their families while capturing a snapshot of the natural regeneration in North Edinburgh. With sustainability at its core, the Bothy is designed to grow with the community, evolving with the passage of time and changing seasons. The building will be constructed from recycled brick with horizontal surfaces to harbour sedums. Gradually over time as the sedum secures a footing it will start to colonise the structure, which has the potential to harbour 120sqm of biodiversity.
Bespoke Atelier/Iglu Studios
The proposal is for a playful composition of forms which inspire users to interact, perch, play and sit. The proposed artwork is inspired by the vessels of the Scottish Marine Station in Granton and wave sculptures surrounding the boat signify the coast and water. The surfaces will be tactile, inviting people to touch the patterns and feel the connection to their natural environment. The low carbon approach to materials will be complemented by a series of planting areas around the edge of the art space.
Maja Quille/Julian Stocks
The artwork will be ia geometric steel sculpture, utilising squares, circles and triangles, inspired by the historic links to lighthouses in the area and the gasholder itself. A steel cube balanced on its point, the shape references the trestle-like frame of the Granton lighthouse windows as well as the gasholder cross-beams, creating interesting sight-lines through the structure, which will frame the work when seen from different angles. Each side will be covered in a unique pattern, developed in collaboration with different community groups and abstracted through a kaleidoscope.
Aeneas Wilder
Aeneas is proposing a monumental structure made from the stacked assembly of granite stone blocks, which is an abstract geometric structure echoing the construction and engineering of the Gasholder frame itself. The design also has within it a number of symbolic references and indicators of the culture, heritage and history of the Gasholder site, the greater Granton area and the communities that live there.
The proposed structure has seven peaks, which roots the design in Edinburgh, with its reference to the seven hills on which the city is built. These peaks could also be viewed as chimney stacks setting off a chain of reference, including coal, heating, energy sources and sustainability.
Svetlana Kondakova Muir
This design celebrates the local natural environment by portraying one of the Firth of Forth’s most special visitors. A copper and bronze life-sized head of a humpback whale will appear to be emerging from underwater vertically, an awe-inspiring shape, allowing visitors to experience the full might of this incredible creature.
It will be made in a contemporary polygonal style which will complement the gasholder structure, the faceted form relating to the idea that the humpback whale is the ‘jewel’ of local wildlife. . It will incorporate bronze artworks created by local school children and college students, including an oyster reef, barnacles and other wildlife as well as tactile panels created by pupils of Oaklands School with complex support needs.
Exhibition opening times:
Thursday, 18 July, 9am-5pm
Friday, 19 July, 9am – 5pm
Saturday, 20 July, 10am – 3pm
Location: Granton Station, 1 Granton Station Square, EH5 1FU
Speaking after the King’s Speech, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This is a King’s Speech which will deliver the change our country needs. It will deliver for all four nations of the UK and all four corners of Scotland.
“We have a bold and ambitious legislative programme which will ensure we deliver on our mandate.
“Our plans will deliver growth and jobs for our economy. It will establish GB Energy, a publicly owned energy generation company which will create jobs and cut bills for good, and establish a National Wealth Fund to invest in the industries and jobs of the future.
“The King’s Speech also delivers the biggest transfer of power towards working people in a generation, with new rights on sick pay and redundancy, and better pay. It will ban exploitative zero hour contracts and increase the minimum wage to a real living wage. A better deal for working people, with less insecurity and more money in their pockets, is the first step towards reducing poverty in Scotland and across the UK.
“We have been clear that we want to reset our relationship with the Scottish Government, and to work together to deliver better outcomes for people.
“Our rail ownership bill will ensure that ScotRail is kept in public hands, and we want to work with the Scottish Government to pass laws that will reduce the availability of addictive vapes to young people.
“We promised change. This King’s speech demonstrates we are rolling up our sleeves and delivering that change.”
Bills which will apply in Scotland:
Renters Rights Bill [only in respect of discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children]
National Wealth Fund Bill
Pensions Schemes Bill
Planning and Infrastructure Bill [some measures]
Employment Rights Bill
Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill
Railways Bill
Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Bill
Product Safety and Metrology Bill
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
Armed Forces Commissioner Bill
Digital Information and Smart Data Bill
Draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill
Great British Energy Bill
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue support Mechanism) Bill
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill [Reintroduced]
Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill
Tobacco and Vapes Bill [Reintroduced]
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill
Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill
Budget Responsibility Bill
Hillsborough Law [Public Candour] Bill [TBC – territorial extent to be determined]
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has reiterated the Scottish Government’s intention to work collaboratively with the UK Government to deliver on shared ambitions for Scotland.
Ms Forbes commented on the King’s Speech: ““The Prime Minister has said he wants to reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, respect the devolution settlement and work constructively together.
“I am pleased to see this approach reflected in the King’s Speech, and we will support the opportunities it presents to improve the lives of people in Scotland.
“I look forward to early and meaningful engagement on UK Bills, including the New Deal for Working People. We have been clear in our opposition to the inappropriate use of zero hours contracts and other types of employment that offer workers minimal job or financial security.
“We also welcome the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being taken forward. This is an important step forward in public health, and a four-nations approach will offer more certainty for businesses and consistency for consumers.
“The priorities of the Scottish Government for the year ahead will be announced in the First Minister’s Programme for Government, when he will set out how we will deliver for communities right across the country.”
Commenting on the King’s Speech, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer:“Pomp and pageantry aside, this is a more progressive programme for government than we’ve seen after 14 years of Tory mismanagement.
“The New Deal for Working People can be the start of a new chapter for workers. If enacted fully, the New Deal gives rights, security and respect to working people throughout the UK. It must now be delivered in full without delay. It is right this is accompanied by a new industrial strategy council.
“We look forward to working with the UK Government to ensure this body is representative and impactful, creating a minimum floor of working rights across every nation of the UK. It’s further welcome that the UK Government finally seeks to legislate further to end the scourge of race-based pay discrimination – working people of all nationalities deserve nothing less.
“This will, undoubtedly, be aided if the Labour Government sticks true to its pledge and seeks to revitalise the devolution settlement through the Council of the Nations and Regions.
As part of this, we must see further powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament, including powers over employment, migration and more.
The siting of GB Energy in Scotland is very positive. We hope it will become more than an inward investment tool and will develop a strategy for direct public ownership to deliver the infrastructure and supply chain jobs we so desperately need.
“The commitment to bring railways back into public ownership is a long-standing demand of trade unions who have fought against the carnage brought by privatisation.
“Economic growth is a welcome, central tenant of this government’s mission. But that cannot be done through the exploitation of working people. The Prime Minister has a job on his hands to restore standards and investment to public life and public services. With the Scottish Parliament elections just around the corner, we look forward to him delivering on his pledges for workers in Scotland.
Commenting on today’s King’s Speech Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Agesaid: “Today’s King’s Speech outlined the UK Government’s focus on national renewal and it’s important that this renewal reaches the two million older people currently living in poverty across the UK.
“We are pleased to see the UK Government commit to improving private pensions for future older people who are able to save, including better access to small pension pots, but we also need action for the 150,000 pensioners currently living in poverty in Scotland. Ensuring people have enough money to live with dignity in later life is fundamental in a compassionate society and an essential part of social renewal.
“Right now, we need to see action to increase uptake of social security support for older people on a low income. Currently Pension Credit isn’t received by around a third of older people who should be getting it. In the longer term the UK Government should lead a cross-party review to establish what level of income is needed to avoid poverty in later life and ensure everyone is able to reach it. We are also calling on the UK Government to establish a consistent national social tariff for energy.
“The Scottish Government can also act to reduce poverty in later life, a key first step would be announcing a plan to reduce pensioner poverty in the Programme for Government – expected in September.
“Going forward, in both Westminster and Holyrood, it’s essential parliamentarians work towards the aim of making poverty in later life a thing of the past.”
More than 60 leading local government figures and influential academics came together today for the Saving Local Government Finance Summit to reflect on the legislative commitments in the King’s Speech and to deliberate on how the Government plans to carry out its promises for local government, including devolution and planning reform.
Despite optimism in the air, the consensus at the summit was clear: without significant reforms in funding, particularly for social care, local councils cannot maximise their role in delivering the government’s Five Missions. While not in the King’s Speech for immediate legislative attention, reforming local government funding was considered most pressing, particularly to stem the flow of bankruptcies.
Reflecting on the King’s Speech, Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “The Government’s early local government commitments are positive, and the sector welcomes multi-year funding settlements, the conclusion of competitive bid funding and a more collaborative approach from the new government.
“However, the elephant in the room is what’s not being said: local government funding reform. WIth half of all councils at risk of going bust in the next parliament, now is the time to provide sustainable funding and stem the flow of bankrupt boroughs.”
In reaction to the devolution commitments, Dr Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “The regions must have a say in how devolution is rolled out with bespoke solutions available: what works for Cumbria may not for Chingford.
“And while much attention has been on the role of metro mayors, especially with the introduction of the new council of nations and regions, it is essential that central government listens to other democratically elected local leaders.
“Underpinning any devolution roll-out is trust. Central government needs to trust its local counterpart to do its job. Devolution should also help councils win back the trust of the people they serve so that they can build consensus for difficult and contentious decisions that are increasingly necessary.”
On planning reform, Dr Carr-West said:“The briefings before today have pulled in different directions.
“On the one hand, there were those saying the government will liberate councils, by streamlining the planning process, empowering and working together with local leaders to build new homes where local communities want them.
“On the other hand, there were those who claimed the government aimed to bind councils to unachievable targets imposed by the centre.
“As it is, the details we have now are still limited and we’ll need to see – and contribute to – how the plans develop. There is a huge opportunity here to open up planning and expand local growth.”
Specifically on social care, Dr Carr-West said:“The funding of social care is a perennial thorn in the side for every government, central and local.
“This is an issue that demands a solution, and although there was no mention of legislative reform in the King’s Speech, the proposed Royal Commission leaves a vital opportunity to reconsider how social care is funded with local government, service providers, and service users as central to the consultation.”
STARMER LAYS OUT HIS PLANS TO DELIVER CHANGE FOR THE COUNTRY
This government has been elected to deliver nothing less than national renewal, to stop the chaos of the past fourteen years, to turn the page on the era of politics as performance, to return it to public service and start the work of rebuilding our country.
Because people are crying out for change, and that’s what this government of service will deliver through actions, not words.
That is why today I am setting out our plan for change, to turn the page and rebuild our country so that it’s back in the service of working people. That is what our mission-driven government will be about, focused on ambitious goals bringing together the best of our country.
We’re getting on with the job right away. Today we’re setting out new laws that will put manifesto commitments into action – improving living standards for working people and fixing the foundations of the country so that every part of the UK is supported to drive economic growth.
Growth starts with economic stability, which is why we are introducing a budget responsibility bill which will make sure that taxpayers’ money is respected.
From that solid foundation we can release the brakes on growth and wealth creation.
We will reform the planning laws, a choice ignored for fourteen years, to build the homes and infrastructure Britain needs. I know how important this is.
Our pebble-dashed semi provided a secure foundation that my parents were able to build their life on. I want everyone to have that security, including those renting, which is why we are also bringing forward tough new protections for renters.
It’s not just security at home that matters, but security at work. That’s why we will level-up rights at work to deliver security and dignity for working people. It’s what they deserve.
Alongside that, we’ll push forward devolution to the cities, regions and councils of England to deliver quality jobs and opportunities in every corner of this country. We’ll do that by putting local decision-makers in charge, moving power away from Westminster and back to those with skin in the game, who know their communities best.
We’ll also ensure people in those communities feel safe and secure. That means strengthening community policing by giving the police greater powers to deal with antisocial behaviour, strengthen support for victims, and bring forward plans to halve violence against women and girls.
We won’t stop there. I was the first in my family to go to university, and I remember the pride on my mum and dad’s faces when I graduated. I want every child to have the opportunity I had to succeed.
And no child should feel that they have less of a chance to fulfil their potential because of the circumstances they were born into.
That’s why we will break down the barriers to opportunity that hold so many young people back from living the life they deserve. We’ll also raise standards in schools, with one of our first steps recruiting 6,500 new teachers by ending unfair tax breaks for private schools.
We will also get our health service back on its feet by reducing waiting times, and bring the Mental Health Act into the twenty first century to tackle the mental health crisis.
This is a programme that will deliver the change that so many across the country are crying out for, one that is driven forward by this government of service.
Through this work, we will stop the chaos, fix our foundations, and take the brakes off Britain by returning politics to serious government.
That is the path to national renewal and rebuilding our country, and we take another step forward today.
This government has been elected to deliver nothing less than national renewal, to stop the chaos of the past fourteen years, to turn the page on the era of politics as performance, to return it to public service and start the work of rebuilding our country.
Because people are crying out for change, and that’s what this government of service will deliver through actions, not words.
That is why today I am setting out our plan for change, to turn the page and rebuild our country so that it’s back in the service of working people. That is what our mission-driven government will be about, focused on ambitious goals bringing together the best of our country.
We’re getting on with the job right away. Today we’re setting out new laws that will put manifesto commitments into action – improving living standards for working people and fixing the foundations of the country so that every part of the UK is supported to drive economic growth.
Growth starts with economic stability, which is why we are introducing a budget responsibility bill which will make sure that taxpayers’ money is respected.
From that solid foundation we can release the brakes on growth and wealth creation.
We will reform the planning laws, a choice ignored for fourteen years, to build the homes and infrastructure Britain needs. I know how important this is.
Our pebble-dashed semi provided a secure foundation that my parents were able to build their life on. I want everyone to have that security, including those renting, which is why we are also bringing forward tough new protections for renters.
It’s not just security at home that matters, but security at work. That’s why we will level-up rights at work to deliver security and dignity for working people. It’s what they deserve.
Alongside that, we’ll push forward devolution to the cities, regions and councils of England to deliver quality jobs and opportunities in every corner of this country. We’ll do that by putting local decision-makers in charge, moving power away from Westminster and back to those with skin in the game, who know their communities best.
We’ll also ensure people in those communities feel safe and secure. That means strengthening community policing by giving the police greater powers to deal with antisocial behaviour, strengthen support for victims, and bring forward plans to halve violence against women and girls.
We won’t stop there. I was the first in my family to go to university, and I remember the pride on my mum and dad’s faces when I graduated. I want every child to have the opportunity I had to succeed.
And no child should feel that they have less of a chance to fulfil their potential because of the circumstances they were born into.
That’s why we will break down the barriers to opportunity that hold so many young people back from living the life they deserve. We’ll also raise standards in schools, with one of our first steps recruiting 6,500 new teachers by ending unfair tax breaks for private schools.
We will also get our health service back on its feet by reducing waiting times, and bring the Mental Health Act into the twenty first century to tackle the mental health crisis.
This is a programme that will deliver the change that so many across the country are crying out for, one that is driven forward by this government of service.
Through this work, we will stop the chaos, fix our foundations, and take the brakes off Britain by returning politics to serious government.
That is the path to national renewal and rebuilding our country, and we take another step forward today.
Do you often find yourself reading the graffiti on bathroom walls?
Do you smile at the witty bon mots that adorn the stalls of the public toilets?
Well now is your chance to become part of an artistic project by comedian and songwriter Caitlin Cook!
Comedy infiltrates every corner of the city during the Fringe Festival – and bathroom walls are no exception!
Caitlin’s show The Writing on the Stall explores the humour, beauty and human nature behind the often ignored scrawls of strangers on the inside of the cubicle.
The Writing on the Stall sold out its 2023 Off-Broadway debut and was a New York Times Critic’s Pick – the accompanying studio album has over 25M+ streams.
The Writing on the Stall is coming to the Edinburgh Festival in August and Caitlin is calling on anyone with a keen eye for comedy, pathos, or witticisms to snap the best, funniest and most thought-provoking restroom scriptures they can find in public bathrooms across Edinburgh.
Those who think they’ve snapped a winning image should email the submissions to Caitlin at thewritingonthestallshow@gmail.com, or DM her at @TheCaitlinCook on instagram.
The best of the images will then be brought to life as Caitlin creates an original song exclusively using the images collated from the bathrooms of Edinburgh, and records and releases it on social media ahead of the show.
Those who contribute images which are chosen to be used in the song will also be offered free tickets to Caitlin’s show.
The Writing on the Stall will be on at Pleasance Dome, August 14th – 25th at 21:50
InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel has unveiled a commissioned artwork in celebration of one of the city’s great literary figures, Susan Ferrier, on the bicentenary of her novel The Inheritance.
The initiative, in collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), the University of Edinburgh has culminated in a beautiful piece that will be permanently displayed in the new Ferrier Suite at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel.““
Following a competitive selection process involving numerous talented students from ECA, Ella Williams’ standout piece entitled ‘Studies from Ferrier’s The Inheritance’ was chosen as the winning entry. The piece stood out for its creativity, depth and heartfelt homage to Susan Ferrier’s ‘The Inheritance’ and its contribution to Scottish literature, 200 years after being first published.
The work by Ella Williams, a third-year Fine Art student, features a collection of smaller narrative paintings that portray key elements and scenes from the novel, focusing on Ferrier’s critique of marriage in the novel.
Her work laid bare the realities of the marriage market or the alternative of being an unwed women in 1824, the year of its publication.
The paintings also reference Ferrier’s connection to Edinburgh, specifically the InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel townhouse itself, where she once lived. The collected images seek to imply a narrative while remaining ambiguous to inspire curiosity amongst its audience about Ferrier’s work.
Williams’ intention was to illustrate the novel’s protagonist, Getrude St. Clair, and her journey largely through symbolism, representing the strong female character navigating the constraints of the period setting. Leaning into aspects of romantic imagery, Williams was intrigued by Ferrier’s use of the romance genre as a subversive means to comment on the position of women in society.
Williams explained: “Several of the paintings illustrate key settings within the novel, while others represent Gertrude’s journey of self-discovery in pursuit of a suitor that is her equal, symbolised by the clasping of hands and elements of romantic imagery such as roses.”
The figurative paintings are framed to exclude the faces of each subject, avoiding too literal an interpretation of the characters and allowing the viewers imagination to take precedence, deciding if Ferrier or Gertrude in the subject.
Williams continued: “I sought to nod to Ferrier’s residency in the building portraying elements of the hotel that would be recognisable to guests such as Ferrier looking out the window of the suite and a tea set that matches those available to guests.
“I’m delighted to have won this art project and can’t wait to see my piece displayed within the hotel and being enjoyed by visitors to the city.”
Jonathan Dawson, General Manager at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel, said: “We are thrilled to showcase Ella Williams’ stunning piece within the hotel.
“Her work not only honours Susan Ferrier’s literary achievements but adds another piece to our already rich cultural heritage. This partnership with Edinburgh College of Art has been incredibly rewarding, and we looking forward to seeing how Ella’s work will inspire our guests.”
Susan Mowatt, Head of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, said: “Ella Williams’ artwork is a testament to the talent and creativity nurtured at our institution. We are proud to support initiatives that connect our students with the community and celebrate our city’s historical figures.”
As well as becoming part of the hotel’s heritage, Williams also received a purchase price of £3,500 for her artwork, an overnight stay in the Ferrier Suite and dinner in the hotel’s restaurant Le Petit Beefbar.
Artistic runners up from ECA include Chengyi Xu Xu and Amy Sema who each won an overnight stay and dinner in Le Petit Beefbar.
‘Studies from Ferrier’s The Inheritance’ will be displayed in InterContinental Edinburgh The George’s Club InterContinental lounge over the summer, before being put on permanent display in the hotel’s Ferrier Suite in celebration of the author’s unique connection to the hotel.
