davepickering – Page 259 – The NEN

Prime Minister to hold talks with EU leaders in Brussels

The Prime Minister will travel to Brussels today to continue his efforts to improve the UK’s relationship with the European Union to bolster the security, safety and prosperity of the British people.

Building on the ‘extensive and positive engagement’ which has taken place already, he will discuss his ambitions for the next few months with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

The Prime Minister has set out his determination to move beyond Brexit and make the UK’s relationship with the EU work for the British people, and he remains focused on delivering a broad-based security pact, securing our borders and tackling barriers to trade.

He will say that at a time of growing instability in the world – with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the rise of vile smuggling gangs trafficking people across Europe – it is increasingly important that like-minded countries co-operate more closely on areas of shared interest.

While he wants talks to deliver ambitious and improved co-operation with EU leaders, he has been clear there will be no return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners. This has never been more important – with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.

“We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.

“Better co-operation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve – securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.”

Scottish housing charity helps tenants save over £1.8m

A LEADING Scottish provider of housing and care services for older people has helped its tenants save more than £1.8 million.

Through the work of its dedicated Income Advice Officers, Bield Housing and Care has achieved remarkable results, providing crucial support to vulnerable tenants navigating complex benefits systems and pension claims.

First established at the end of 2022, the Income Advice team has achieved significant results over the past 18 months, saving tenants a total of £1,847,740.

Led by experienced advisors, Rebecca Summers and Scott Alexander, the team work with tenants and support staff to offer expert guidance on various financial matters, including pension awareness and claims, Housing Benefit applications, Universal Credit support and grant applications.

Rebecca highlighted a recent significant case: “We assisted a gentleman on Universal Credit who was initially told his benefits would only cover rent.

“After extensive work with the DWP, we secured a £12,500 back payment for him, covering essential costs like service charges and communal heating costs.”

The organisation has noticed a shift towards online services by local councils, which has created challenges for many older individuals, however it has helped process 1,034 referrals since March 2023.

Rebecca continues: “Having application processes exclusively online can be challenging for elderly people particularly if they are dealing with these processes and benefits for the first time.

“We work to offer support and guide tenants through the process, ensuring they receive their maximum entitlement, as well as educating our development staff.”

By raising pension awareness and providing comprehensive financial advice, Bield continues its mission to improve the lives of older people across Scotland, one tenant at a time.

Tracey Howatt, Director of Customer Experience at Bield said: “At Bield, our mission is to help older people in Scotland live independent and fulfilled lives.

“The remarkable achievement of our Income Advice Officers, saving our tenants over £1.8 million, perfectly embodies this commitment. By providing expert guidance on complex financial matters, we’re not just helping with immediate financial needs, but also empowering our tenants to maintain their independence and quality of life.

“We’re constantly innovating and improving our services to meet the evolving needs of older people across Scotland and we’re proud of the tangible difference our dedicated team is making in the lives of our tenants.”

The Income Advice Officers offer guidance on charity applications, grant applications (including Community Care Grants and Discretionary Housing Payments) and facilitate access to food banks throughout Scotland, as well as identifying further benefits tenants may be eligible for.

These additional benefits, ranging from £5 to £182 per week, empower tenants to address their individual needs and improve their quality of life.

Founded in 1971, Bield has grown from a single housing development to become a leading housing charity in Scotland.

Today, it provides support for over 5,000 tenants across more than 170 developments, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for older people through innovative care and housing solutions.

For more about Bield visit https://www.bield.co.uk/ or follow them on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland

City Council: Firework Control Zones

Following a decision at the Special meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee on Friday 23 August 2024, elected members approved to implement Firework Control Zones (FCZ’s) in Edinburgh.

The areas are as follows: Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield and the Firework Control Zones will be for a set period between Friday 1 of November to Sunday 10 November 2024 only.

You can download the decision report which is being published as required by Section 29 Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.

On 23 August 2024 Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Today the Culture and Communities Committee endorsed the recommended actions, which allows us to implement the Firework Control Zones in the four areas from 1 – 10 November, following the 60-day lay period.

“This is just the first year, and will provide us with tangible evidence of its effectiveness and help guide implementation in years to come, along with extensive community consultation in 2025.

“Community safety, the protection of our emergency services personnel and animal welfare are among our top priorities when it comes to this decision.

“Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together, and we hope that these zones will allow the community to celebrate safely.”

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 gives councils power to introduce Firework Control Zones (FCZ). We will use FCZs along with other measures to support the safe use of fireworks.

Currently the city council tackles issues involving fireworks by

raise awareness within local communities by carrying out effective early intervention and prevention with families.
engaging with young people in schools, through our local partnership approach with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Police Scotland.
engaging with young people using diversionary activities
working with Police Scotland who carry out enforcement activities.

Before a FCZ can be agreed or if a FCZ needs to be amended or revoked we must consult with

those who live or work in the proposed zone.
other members of the local community in or near the proposed zone.
other persons or bodies of interest that the local authority considers having a connection with the proposed zone.

Exemptions within a FCZ include

public firework displays, subject to certain requirements
the use of certain fireworks designated as being grade F1.

For more information, visit UK Firework Review (UKFR)

An FCZ can be considered for the following reasons:

misuse of fireworks/injuries
impact on vulnerable groups
environmental protection
animal welfare

Once an FCZ has been agreed, Police Scotland will look to enforce any offences under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. More information is available at legislation.gov.uk.

In the future we will create a process for community requests. This will give communities a way to ask us to consider whether a zone should be agreed, amended, or revoked.

A community is any group of people who feel they have something in common such as community councils, resident groups, and stakeholders within the local community. In many cases they may live in the same area. Questions can be sent to fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk. A community request cannot be made by one person.

To make an application please contact fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk and we’ll send you an application pack.

We will be accepting applications from the 6th of May until the 30th of June. This will then rigorously be assessed and evaluated by the council, fire, and police services before a FCZ will be considered.

Complaints

Call Police Scotland on 101 to make a complaint about antisocial behavioru related to fireworks. They will use this information to identify what needs to be looked into. They will also link in with our Family and Household Support Teams with regards to any antisocial behaviour.

South West Team
0131 469 5150
southwestFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

South East Team
0131 529 5123
southeastFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

North West Team
0131 529 5014
northwestFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

North East Team
0131 529 7168
northeastFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

If you have concerns about someone selling fireworks, then please contact Trading Standards at 0131 608 1100 or email trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Increasing funding for affordable housing

New bonds issued to support delivery of homes

A £22 million investment has been made into a scheme to increase investment in affordable homes and deliver more housing.

As part of Scotland’s Charitable Bond Programme, the Scottish Government has provided funding to issue two new bonds via finance intermediary Allia to housing providers Link and Cairn Housing Association to provide support for more than 150 new homes.

The programme, which has been running since 2014, provides loans to social landlords to construct new affordable homes, with the interest being reinvested by the Scottish Government into the affordable housing budget to support more homes for social rent.

This latest extension will see the total number of bonds issued increased to 40 and a total investment of more than £482 million.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Tackling the housing emergency requires bold thinking and investment in Charitable Bonds is another tool we can use to increase investment in our affordable housing budget while also allowing social landlords to access vital funding to build new homes.

“This has been a successful model in the past but is reliant on Financial Transaction funding from the UK Government. This funding, which is vital in housebuilding, has been cut by 62% since 2022.

“While we are demonstrating what we can do with the devolved powers and levers we have, it is vital that the UK Government reverses that cut so we can increase investment in the affordable housebuilding sector.

“We have a strong track record in affordable housing with 133,000 homes delivered since 2007, 93,000 of which are for social rent. However, tackling the housing emergency requires joint working from the Scottish and UK Governments and local authorities.”

Peter Freer Director of Debt Capital Markets and Head of Allia C&C’s Scottish Office said: “These two bond issues demonstrate the ongoing success of the Charitable Bond programme.

“With the Scottish Government’s investment in the bonds, Allia has been able to provide Link with additional funding to support its significant development programme and make our first loan to Cairn Housing Association.

“Both organisations are providing much-needed new affordable homes, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Scottish Government to create more positive impact across Scotland.”

The charitable bonds programme was created in response to demand from housing associations for better access to appropriate finance. It provides unsecured loans for up to 15 years. Charitable bonds are an ethical investment product where the margin usually paid as interest to the bond holder, tax, or profit to shareholders, is released as grant funding.

Link – bond value of £16,006,385
Cairn Housing Association – bond value of £6,019,085

NHS Scotland: Diabetic Retinopathy

Around 1 in 50 people who have diabetic eye screening will be referred for investigation or treatment.

It’s important to go for regular screening if you’re diabetic, as it can help reduce or prevent sight loss.

Find out more at http://nhsinform.scot/des #DESScot

Fire-raising incident in Edinburgh: CCTV image released

POLICE have released an image of a male they believe may be able to assist their enquiries into a fire-raising incident which occurred at Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh on the evening of 19 September 2024 at around 8:45pm.

Officers believe that the male shown in the image may have information that could assist them and would ask him or any members of the public who recognise him to contact police.

Detective Constable Russell Muir said “I would urge the male pictured or anyone who has information relating to him to contact police”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 3795 of 19 September 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be passed anonymously.

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse partners with Edinburgh Trams to bring a taste of Brazil to the capital

Brazilian entertainment, spin-to-win prizes, and a year’s worth of premium steak up for grabs

Edinburgh residents and visitors alike can get ready to experience the flavours of Brazil right in the heart of the capital as Rio Brazilian Steakhouse launches an exciting pop-up in partnership with Edinburgh Trams.

On Friday 4 October, the St Andrews Square tram stop will transform into the ultimate party destination, as Rio takes over the platform.

The team will be offering spin-to-win prizes including free dinners for two, complimentary cocktails, and 50% off for diners who visit on the same day, ensuring the party doesn’t stop on the platform.

Commuters and tram goers can also enjoy live performances from samba dancers and vibrant Brazilian music, transporting them straight to the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

The fun continues as the restaurant is running an exciting city-wide competition for a chance to win the ultimate prize – the Rio Black Card. This exclusive card offers one lucky winner free dining at Rio Brazilian Steakhouse for a year.

To enter, participants are asked to snap a photo of the Rio-branded tram making its way through the city, share the image on social media using the hashtag #TramToRio and tag both @rioedinburgh and @edinburghtrams to be entered into the prize draw. The winner will be announced on 31^st October.

The popular steak restaurant located in the city’s iconic Assembly Rooms opened in the capital earlier this year, serving unlimited cuts of exquisite meats and a salad bar of authentic Brazilian food in a traditional Rodizio style.

Rodrigo Grassi Duarte, Co-founder and Managing Director of Rio Brazilian Steakhouse said: “Since opening our doors in February, the city of Edinburgh has given us such a warm and enthusiastic welcome, and we wanted to find a way to give back to this incredible community.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Edinburgh Trams for this special pop-up event to bring the vibrant spirit of Brazil to the heart of the city with entertainment and the chance to win amazing prizes.

“This event is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to Edinburgh for embracing us and making Rio Brazilian Steakhouse a part of their dining experience.”

Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Poverty in Scotland 2024 launch event

MONDAY 7 OCTOBER 11am – 12.30pm

On 7 October, we’ll be launching our Poverty in Scotland 2024 report.

A key event in annual Challenge Poverty Week, this year’s report looks in detail at how the social security system is impacting on households in Scotland, as well as offering an overview of poverty rates in Scotland for different demographic groups.

Social security is an area where both the UK and Scottish Governments can have a huge positive impact on people’s lives. But how can policymakers in Holyrood and Westminster make the necessary changes to reduce the hardship faced in Scotland?

Find out at our launch event, available to join in person and online!

Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George St, Glasgow, G1 1RD

11am-12:30pm, 7 October

The Barlinnie Special Unit: new book marks 50 year milestone

New book edited by ENU criminology lecturer Kirstin Anderson examines the legacy of the BSU

The Barlinnie Special Unit (BSU), which polarised opinions for its therapeutic approach and shared decision making between prisoners and staff, is the subject of a comprehensive new book published today.

The small unit at the Glasgow prison opened in 1973 and operated for almost 22 years, allowing greater family contact and enabling prisoners to explore creative activities. Through the support of visiting artists, and the voices of the prisoners themselves, it challenged prevailing, disciplinarian prison culture.

The Barlinnie Special Unit: Art, Innovation and Punishment is edited by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) criminology lecturer Kirstin Anderson. It brings together recollections from those who experienced the BSU first-hand, including former prison officers and prisoners, artists who worked in the unit, the unit’s psychologist, and current scholars in criminology.

The text contains, for the first time, reflections from people involved in the unit across the entire period it operated through essays, interviews and photographs – and is set to ignite new questions and conversations around the legacy of the BSU.

Editor Kirstin Anderson said: “When the Barlinnie Special Unit opened in 1973, the small unit’s therapeutic approach led to a major polarisation of opinion and debate that still resonates.

“This book considers how lessons learned from the BSU impact our thinking on punishment and imprisonment in Scotland today.

“The publication is timely as plans move forward to replace HMP Barlinnie with HMP Glasgow.

“It’s not too late to consider the significance of the Barlinnie Special Unit in Scottish penal history and how it might encourage us to think more critically.”

Contributors to The Barlinnie Special Unit include former BSU prisoner Johnny Steele. He writes: “My life had been restored to me in instalments whereas in other parts of the system our lives were taken away from us in one go.

“For me, the BSU was the only port in the storm.”

While prison studies expert Professor Andrew Coyle highlights that, due to the lack of small units in the Scottish Prison System, “prisoners who cannot be held in general accommodation for whatever reason have been held for extended periods in what amounts to solitary confinement”, a practice criticised by the UK Supreme Court.

The Barlinnie Special Unit: Art, Innovation and Punishment is published by Waterside Press and available to buy from 1 October 2024.

More than 300 affordable homes come to Granton

Harbour Homes has worked in partnership with Cairn Housing Association to create 306 new affordable homes at Granton Harbour on Chestnut Street, Chestnut Wynd, Hesperus Crossway, Hesperus Terrace and West Harbour Road.

This includes 96 homes for social rent by Harbour Homes and 130 properties for mid market rent by Harbour Lettings. The remaining 80 properties are social rent homes provided by Cairn Housing Association.

A seven-bedroom independent living home and office space with an adjoining one-bedroom flat has also been opened by Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust to support people in the care system.

Dean and Cauvin provide accommodation for young people (from ages 15-21) as well as supporting their transition to living independently.

Following an event for new tenants to meet each other and find out more about what’s happening in the community, Heather Kiteley, Chief Executive of Harbour Homes, said: “Everyone at Harbour is very proud of the many years of hard work and dedication which has gone into creating these fantastic new homes.

“With brilliant communal gardens and courtyards, breath-taking views over the Firth of Forth and great public transport links to the city, I know our tenants will be happy in their new homes and will play a part in the new communities which are flourishing along Granton’s waterfront.

“It was a joy to work with Cairn and other partners to make this ambitious project a reality.”

Audrey Simpson, Cairn’s Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Harbour Homes and other key stakeholders to bring much-needed affordable housing to Granton.

“These new homes are a testament to what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared vision. Thanks to Harbour Homes and to everyone involved for their dedication and hard work. We are confident that our new tenants will thrive in this vibrant community.”

Councillor Jane Meagher, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Edinburgh’s council housing stock was devastated by the Right to Buy policy meaning only 14% of homes in our city today are social housing, compared to a Scottish average of 23%.

“We desperately need to work on reversing this trend as we work with developers and social landlords to tackle our city’s Housing Emergency.

“At Granton Harbour, there has been an impressive effort to create over 300 new affordable homes in total, almost 60% of which will be for social rent. Hundreds of people are now moving into good quality and genuinely affordable housing as a result, which is well worth celebrating”