Letter from the Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP to the Prime Minister announcing her resignation last night, and Keir Starmer’s response:
Louise Haigh’s resignation letter and the Prime Minister’s response
Month: November 2024
EIJB funding crisis: Edinburgh Third Sector Interface update
Dear colleagues
I am writing to you to provide an update on Edinburgh TSI* activity since the EIJB Board meeting on November 1 and to invite your collaboration on the next steps.
Though it was welcome that the IJB agreed not to proceed with an in-year cut to the Third Sector Grants Programme, the process leading to that decision, and risks flowing from the meeting on November 1 remain very challenging.
Resolving the funding position for the Third Sector Grant recipients, and all third sector funding from the IJB for 2025/6 alongside co-designing the conditions of success for any future model of working in partnership is a key priority for the Sector, and as a consequence, for the Edinburgh TSI.
We believe the IJB proposals need to be part of a wider strategic conversation in the city about how we invest in the Third Sector, ensuring we have the right investment in the right places with the right capacity to deliver the most impact.
Edinburgh TSI letter following November 1
In the lead-up to the November 1 IJB meeting, we worked collaboratively with the Edinburgh Community Health Forum, and others across our sector to draw out information for briefings from affected TSOs through phone calls, questionnaires and meetings. This concluded with a detailed rebuttal of arguments in Paper 7.2, as presented to the IJB as well as a TSI deputation. The deputation sought to build on the arguments put forward by organisations for time to plan better and work differently.
Following that meeting, I wrote on behalf of the TSI to the Chair of the EIJB, the leader of the Council, the CEC Chief Executive and the NHS Lothian Chief Executive. I emphasised the need for:
- Resetting investment: there is a need for a whole city conversation on a sustainable financial settlement for the Third Sector
- Reforming ways of working: there needs to be a better approach to commissioning, valuing and supporting The Third Sector through change
- Repairing relationships: recognising and valuing the value of the Third Sector contribution to communities is an important part of relationship development
Edinburgh IJB engagement on Third Sector Grants and contracts
Agreeing on a funding settlement for 2025/6 is a key objective for the Third Sector, both for the Third Sector Grants Programme and for the larger contracted services with Third Sector Organisations.
There are different possible scenarios. A best-case scenario might be a one-year continuation of the grants programme while time is dedicated to coherently and collaboratively designing a sustainable “replacement” which enables the IJB to purchase what they need and want from the Third Sector while providing foundational funding for the wider sector.
This will require a series of conversations, some sense of prioritisation and scoping of how to manage change. The big challenge is time. Initial discussions are progressing between Edinburgh TSI and the IJB on immediate priorities, and a meeting has been invited with CEC.
To inform the discussions on funding, the Edinburgh TSI met with a group of Third Sector partners to scope priorities. This includes articulating the real consequences of making any cuts on the Sector and its ability to deliver outcomes with communities; seeking confirmation on the priority focus for the IJB in 2025/6, and inviting discussion on options around the best use of our joint resources through a process of co-design. These conversations will need to be ongoing. We welcome your views as to how best to shape them.
Edinburgh IJB engagement on Public Social Partnership
Any change to a way of working to a Public Social Partnership or some other commissioning model by the IJB demands an investment of time up front.
This time is needed to confirm commitment to co-design to ensure that any partnership is a partnership, and any working relationship is founded on clear conditions for success.
This needs an investment in learning from other PSP’s in the city, what worked, and what didn’t, and it needs clarity on roles and responsibilities. In the meantime, a clear transition arrangement needs to be set out, describing how current commitments and contracts are to be managed.
Following the November 1 meeting, the IJB have been reviewing budget and partnership proposals. They have invited a group of Third Sector representatives to discuss how to progress partnership working together on shared issues and challenges.
The purpose of the meeting is to start a conversation about how best to work together, who to engage and what success looks like. The next steps will need wider conversations within the sector and between the sector and the IJB, and we invite your views as to how best to shape this.
Reference Group Proposal
The Third Sector has important Board roles on the EIJB and other city institutions. However, at the EIJB meeting, Cllr Pogson asked if there was enough Third Sector representation on the Board.
A reformed Board may be a future possibility, but meanwhile, it is critical to be able to support the people who occupy these Board seats so the voices of the sector feed into them, support and challenge them.
This is particularly the case in the next year or so where there will be very challenging issues and decisions to consider, with significant impact for the Sector.
To try and make sense of where to best put attention around these issues, we have convened a small, embryonic group of sector people. We aim to build this into a Reference Group with representation from across the Sector to distil and amplify the voices of the sector around priority issues. This will evolve over the next few months, and we invite your collaboration.
Our initial sense is that the areas of focus are about:
- Asserting value: articulating the impact of the sector with fair methods of measurement
- Supporting resilience: co-designing ways of working for sector sustainability
- Shaping investment: making the case for ongoing investment around sector need
- Informing governance: supporting Third Sector Board seats on city partnerships
We have developed Draft Terms of Reference for this Group, which builds on the current issues around the IJB but also focuses on the Third Sector as a whole.
Next steps
In sharing this context and background, it is my intention to work collaboratively to find a solution to the real risks we are facing as a sector.
In this context, I invite you to get in touch with initial feedback on the role of the TSI in shaping the Reference Group. In the meantime, Edinburgh TSI colleagues will continue to convene the sector through forums, networks and meetings, alongside the Edinburgh Community Health Forum.
Together, we can also continue to highlight the risks and impact of this loss of investment in the third sector, both individually and collectively.
Please get in touch and get involved. We recognise that our strength is in working together and supporting each other across our rich, diverse and talented Third Sector. I look forward to working with you.
DIARMAID LAWLOR,
Chair of the Edinburgh TSI
* The Edinburgh Interface is a collaboration between Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC), Volunteer Edinburgh (VE), and Edinburgh Social Enterprise (ESE).
Avoiding scams on Black Friday
A LEADING consumer expert has shared her top tips for avoiding being scammed or having your bank account emptied by cyber criminals when shopping for Christmas on Black Friday this week.
Jane Hawkes warned that consumers have to be on high alert for online scammers who try to cash in on one of the busiest days in the year for retailers.
She said cyber-crooks are bombarding consumers with emails that are designed to trick them into revealing sensitive information like banking and credit card details.
In the past few days, banks, building societies and online retailers have issued warnings as the nation gets ready to spend.
Data released by Action Fraud revealed that there were more than 16,000 reports of online shopping fraud during last year’s festive season.
Many fraudsters rely on text and email messages that appear to be from legitimate businesses but contain links to fake websites that are designed to harvest bank logins and credit card details.
The process is known as phishing and the mobile phone firm Three said it received over 3,500 complaints about fraudsters over the last holiday period.
The cyber security firm Bitdefender estimates that 77% of Black Friday-themed spam emails are scams, while Barclays says the average loss on a shopping scam is £700.
And consumer expert Jane said attackers are becoming more creative: “They are now tailoring their tactics and messaging for greater appeal to different groups of shoppers in specific demographics and regions.
“These are organised cyber criminals sending billions of messages using tactics that include phishing emails, sophisticated malware attacks, and the impersonation of popular brands.
“Beware, for example, of ‘dear customer’ emails and messages warning that a package has been delayed and asking you to click on a link to confirm your details.
“There are even kits that can be bought on the Dark Web that allow criminals to set up very convincing but fake online banking portals, so the stakes can be very high.”
Her advice to shoppers is:
- Do your research with due diligence- the devil is in the detail, make sure you check it. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Trust your gut feeling.
- Check reviews before purchase – watch out for any which are overly complimentary and with similar wording. This could be a sign of a scam outfit as opposed to a genuine endorsement.
- Be wary of any red flags – super cheap pricing, urgency to make time pressured decisions, unknown companies, lack of contact details on websites and websites which don’t function correctly, misspelling of website urls or item descriptions.
- Check unfamiliar domain names on Who is? https://who.is/
- Pay for purchases via credit card for maximum consumer protection.
- Set up alerts with banks and providers so you are alerted if there is any activity on your account or your card is being used.
- Have different passwords for your online accounts. Once a scammer works out a password they can easily try it on all of your accounts.
55% of Accidental Deaths Happen at Home: Black Friday Warning to Avoid Unsafe Products
With 55% of accidental deaths occurring in the home, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging shoppers to prioritise safety this Black Friday. Unsafe products, counterfeit goods, and poor-quality items can turn your home into a danger zone.
Adding to the concern, threats to breathing—such as choking and suffocation—have increased by 17% in the last decade, highlighting the critical importance of buying safe, reliable products, especially for children and vulnerable family members.
Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “Your home should be a safe place, not a hazard. Unsafe products bought during sales can lead to serious risks like choking, fire, or poisoning.
“This Black Friday, prioritise safety over savings to ensure you protect your loved ones and create a safer environment at home.”
RoSPA’s Top Tips for Staying Safe While Shopping Online
To help shoppers avoid dangerous deals and make informed choices, RoSPA provides the following guidance:
- Prioritise Safety Over Savings
While discounts may tempt you, ensure products meet UK safety standards. Research thoroughly, particularly when buying toys, electronics, and household items.
- Be Wary of Counterfeit Goods and Check for Safety Markings
Counterfeit products often fail to meet safety regulations. Always purchase from trusted retailers and ensure that toys, electronics, and other high-risk items display the CE or UKCA mark.
- Stay Informed About Product Recalls
Check the UK Government’s product recall website before buying to ensure the product hasn’t been flagged as unsafe.
- Be Extra Vigilant with Children’s Products
For items aimed at babies or children, buy from reputable retailers and check authenticity and safety labels. Make sure that the product contains instructions.
- Report Unsafe Products
If you receive a product that appears unsafe, report it to the retailer and Trading Standards (contactable through Citizens Advice). Reporting helps prevent others from being harmed.
The Dangers of Unsafe Products at Home
With more than half of accidental deaths happening in the home, shoppers must make safety a top priority. Poorly made products can lead to preventable accidents, including:
- Choking hazards from toys with small parts.
- Fire risks from uncertified electrical devices.
- Poisoning incidents from unlabelled or improperly sealed household items.
Victory for campaigners as Housing (Scotland) Bill passes stage 1
Strengthening tenants’ rights and preventing homelessness
Legislation to strengthen tenants’ rights and prevent homelessness has passed stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.
The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to tackle poverty across Scotland by improving the renting experience for tenants, through a range of new rights and a system of rent controls, in a way that maintains investment.
The Bill will also place a stronger emphasis on homelessness prevention based on better coordination across services and providing support earlier.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The Housing (Scotland) Bill will play an important role in helping to tackle poverty by keeping rents affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes.
“Ensuring everyone has the right to a safe and stable home is essential to the Scottish Government’s priority of ending child poverty and the Bill will play a role in reaching that goal.
“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for homeless people. The Housing (Scotland) Bill aims to create a rental system that improves the rights of tenants while maintaining investment and provides greater support for people threatened with homelessness.
“I am pleased Parliament has supported the general principles of the legislation, especially on our proposals for a system of rent controls that keep costs lower for tenants.”
Living Rent campaigners said: “Make no mistake this would not have happened without the work of Scotland’s tenants union.
“Right now we need to celebrate the vote bringing rent controls one step closer. But landlords are fighting hard and it’s clear there is a lot of work to be done.”
Scottish Government announces energy cost support for pensioners
Universal payments to be reinstated from next year
The Scottish Government will provide universal support through the introduction of Pension Age Winter Heating Payments next year ensuring a payment for every pensioner household in winter 2025-26.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed that on the roll-out of the new benefit next winter, pensioners in receipt of a relevant qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit will be receiving Pension Age Winter Heating Payments of £300 or £200, depending on their age. Meanwhile all other pensioner households will receive £100 from next winter, providing them with support not available anywhere else in the UK.
Ms Somerville also announced a £41 million package of support for people struggling with energy costs this winter. These measures include an additional £20 million which will be provided for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to enable councils to provide more vital support to people in crisis this winter.
An additional £20 million will be invested into the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme, the national fuel poverty scheme which helps people install energy efficiency measures and more efficient heating systems, saving on average around £300 per year in household energy bills.
Meanwhile grant-funding of £1 million will be made available to registered social landlords and third sector partners to fund work to help sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness. This is in response to calls from a coalition of housing and anti-poverty organisations for a shift in spending from crisis intervention to prevention.
Ms Somerville said: “The measures I have announced today will go some way to allay the fears of pensioners in Scotland ahead of next winter, but the Scottish Government recognises that more must be done.
“Ahead of next winter I will bring forward regulations to introduce universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payments in winter 2025-26 for Scottish pensioners.
“This universal benefit – providing much needed support not available anywhere else in the UK – will deliver support for all pensioner households as we had always intended to do before the UK Government decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments cut the funding available to support our new benefit in Scotland this winter by £147 million.
“We will not abandon older people this winter or any winter. We will do our best to make sure no-one has to make a decision between heating and eating, and we will continue to protect pensioners”.
Reacting to yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “The reintroduction of winter heating support for all pensioners in Scotland from next winter is welcome and will offer some comfort to the 900,000 pensioners who were set to completely lose the previous Winter Fuel Payment.
“Since the decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only older people on Pension Credit, we’ve seen a surge in the number of older people getting in touch with Independent Age who are worried about heating their homes, and making ends meet, through the winter. Many have told us they are heating only one room, staying in bed all day with a blanket, and cutting back on food to avoid the energy costs associated with cooking.
“With energy prices set to rise again in January, and a staggering 330,000 older households living in fuel poverty in Scotland, it is clear that changing the eligibility of the payment in this way was the wrong decision. It is positive that this has been recognised in Scotland, with the Scottish Government making a payment available to all older people next year, and we hope the UK Government will also reconsider their decision.
“In a compassionate and socially just society, no one should face fuel poverty. We are pleased the Scottish Government has listened to older people, and taken this action today. However, we remain concerned about older people who face this winter without this much needed financial support.
“Going forward, the Scottish Government should continue to monitor the situation and be open to taking further action in future.”
A spokesperson for AGE SCOTLAND said: “Bringing back an energy support payment for all pensioners is very good news and will be a huge relief. It shows the power of this campaign and the relentless efforts from all quarters.
“The decision to remove the universal winter fuel payment by the UK Government, and its impact on pensioners this winter is nothing short of disastrous.
“Over the last few months we have been urging the Scottish Government to bring this back and we are delighted that they have listened to the strong arguments and have taken action.
“It also demonstrates the power of devolution and what Scotland can do when we put our minds to it.”
Tackling the nature emergency
Ambition to halt Scotland’s nature loss by 2030
Enhancing water and air quality, protecting and restoring vulnerable marine and coastal ecosystems, and establishing a programme of species recovery are all part of a new plan to make significant progress in restoring nature by 2045.
A new Biodiversity Delivery Plan for 2024-2030 contains over 100 actions to accelerate the pace and scale of efforts to address the biodiversity crisis.
It supports the Biodiversity Strategy, which sets out a strategic vision for a nature positive, net zero future where natural environment loss is halted and restored. Statutory targets for nature will be included in a new Natural Environment Bill to be introduced this Parliamentary year.
Delivery plan actions include:
- substantially reducing deer densities, protecting 30% of land for nature and developing a nature positive agriculture programme
- investing in nature restoration – through the Nature Restoration Fund, more than £65 million over this parliament and investing in woodland creation and peatland restoration
- tackling the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, particularly engaging and strengthening the connection between people and nature
Launching the plan at Bawsinch and Duddingston Reserve, Acting Climate Minister Dr Alasdair Allan said: “The Global Climate Emergency and the Nature Emergency are twin reinforcing crises: the actions we take to address each are fundamental to our wellbeing and survival as a species. We need a partnership approach to delivery – government cannot do it alone.
“This new Biodiversity Delivery Plan sets out clear actions that government, businesses and individuals can take to protect and restore our precious natural environment for future generations to come.
“The whole of society has a role to play but especially the stewards of our land, rivers, lochs and seas such as farmers, gamekeepers and fishers who have the knowledge and skills to drive the transformation that is needed.
“Biodiversity supports these essential industries – food production needs pollinators and healthy soils whilst, fish and fish farming depend on healthy, thriving seas.”
NatureScot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said: “We all rely on nature for our survival, and it is everyone’s responsibility to care for it. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is Scotland’s response to the nature crisis, and it sets out a clear and comprehensive plan, supported by a series of actions that will help restore nature back to a healthy, thriving state.
“To restore nature across Scotland will take a sustained national effort, but in doing so, we will increase our resilience to climate change and reaffirm our connection with the natural world. This will bring many benefits for the people of Scotland, and we urge everyone to stand up and play their part in creating a net-zero and nature positive future for all.”
Jo Pike, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “We are pleased to see the launch of the long-awaited and much-needed Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and Delivery Plans.
“The Scottish Wildlife Trust believes that a huge effort is needed across the whole of society if we are to realistically tackle the climate and nature emergencies. Alongside the strategy, we welcome the Government’s commitment to develop statutory targets for nature’s recovery in the forthcoming Natural Environment Bill.
“Together, they can help us move closer to realising the ambitions of the many people who have fed into this strategy. However, this will require leadership at all levels, increased resources and a recognition that nature is vital to our economy, our wellbeing and our future.”
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan 2024–2030 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) | NatureScot
Help stop young people being exploited by criminal gangs
Help stop young people in Scotland being exploited by criminal gangs.
County Line gangs are using violence and intimidation to recruit young people into drug networks.
Know the signs of exploitation:
• Change in behaviour
• Signs of assault and/or malnutrition
• Access to numerous phones
• Use of unusual terms e.g. ‘going country’
• Associating with gangs
• Unexplained bus or train tickets
• School truancy or going missing
• Unexplained gifts e.g. clothing, trainers, cash
Asylum seekers: Minister calls for right to work pilot in Scotland
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart has called for the UK Government to consider a pilot proposal in Scotland which would give people seeking asylum the right to work in some parts of Scotland.
The Scottish Right to Work Pilot Proposal proposes a number of changes to current UK policy, including enabling the right to work from six months instead of twelve months, and removing restrictions on the types of work they can undertake. Additionally, those on the pilot would have access to support around key topics such as employability and language learning.
A report from the Scottish Government’s independent Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population, published in December 2023, shows that granting people who are seeking asylum the right to work at an earlier stage could improve their wellbeing and integration, reduce their risk of exploitation, and have longer-term benefits to our economy and public service delivery.
Ms Stewart said: “Scotland has a long history of welcoming refugees and people seeking asylum. We believe that giving people seeking asylum the right to work from an earlier point can have a positive impact on them, their families and our communities.
“This means that following a positive decision they will be better equipped to support themselves and their families.
“These measures would also enable asylum seekers to integrate more quickly, making a positive contribution to our workforce and economy by reducing the cost and demand on our public services.
“We ask that the Home Office engages with us to take forward this pilot proposal, in collaboration with our partners.”
Scottish Asylum Right to Work Proposal – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Asylum seeker rights: Letter to UK Government – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
In December 2023, the Scottish Government’s independent Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population published the report Asylum Seekers – extending the right to work: evaluation, analysis, and policy options.
Edinburgh College: Performing Arts Open Days
Whether you’re looking to develop your skills and shape your future on the stage or behind the scenes, come along to our Performing Arts Open Days to find out more about courses starting in August 2025! 
– Friday 29 November
– Friday 13 December
– Thursday 19 December
Find out more 
https://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/…/events/pass-open-days
Ferryhill Christmas Fair
Ferryhill Primary School Christmas Fair
Thursday 5th December 6 – 8PM 
We are looking for external stall holders if you are interested please contact the school A.S.P
We are also looking for raffle prizes and bottles for our stall if you can help please hand them in to our school 