The Lord Provost pays tribute to former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Edinburgh MP, and Councillor, Alistair Darling who passed away yesterday (November 30):
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “Alistair Darling’s life was one marked by a deep devotion to public service, proudly representing our city for well over 30 years on the local, national and international stage.
“From 1982-1987 he served on the then Lothian Regional Council before going on to represent Edinburgh as an MP until 2015. Following his illustrious political career, he continued to play an active part in city life and remained a respected member of his local community in Morningside.
“From the council chamber to the highest offices in the land as Chancellor of the Exchequer, alongside many other Ministerial appointments, he typified calm professionalism and pride in serving his constituents and the country.
“My thoughts and condolences are with his wife Margaret and their children, alongside his many friends and former colleagues.”
Fellow Edinburgh Labour MP tweeted: ‘Can’t remember politician receiving such glowing tributes from such a wide range of people richly deserved first knew Alistair Darling in Broughton Inverleith Labour Party 1981 and as fellow Edinburgh MP from 1992. Always outstanding, witty and kind – condolences to Maggie and family.
An initial draft of an action plan has been published by the City of Edinburgh Council as it works towards tackling growing homelessness in the Capital.
After officially declaring a housing emergency earlier this month – in recognition of close to 5,000 households now facing homelessness against a shortage of affordable housing – the beginnings of a 25-point Housing Emergency Action Plan will be considered by the council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on Tuesday (5 December).
The plan proposes the council turns void homes around more quickly and spot purchases ‘off the shelf’ homes, to increase affordable housing supply at pace at a time when construction costs have risen exponentially. If agreed, a more detailed strategy featuring costings and specific targets will be created and brought to a full council meeting in February, with input from industry and voluntary organisations from across the city.
It comes as Glasgow City Council follows suit and formally declared a Housing Emergency yesterday (Thursday 30 November).
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “We’re truly at a point where urgent, united action must be taken to do right by the most vulnerable in our city.
“Thousands of people in Edinburgh are finding themselves with their lives on hold as they live through the hugely stressful reality of losing their home.
“Every night, close to 5,000 households are now sleeping in temporary accommodation in this city, wondering when and indeed if they will receive the security of a permanent place to live.
“Having a home is a basic human right and by highlighting the issue we’re determined to do everything within our means to address it.
“We’ve seen an outpouring of support from the third sector and industry which gives me great confidence that we can work together to improve the situation and clearly Glasgow is in a similar position. We need to address this issue as a city and nationally at all levels of council and government.
“Despite our success with our partners building close to 7,000 new affordable homes since 2017/18 and having almost 2,000 under construction right now, plus very positive work with the third sector in preventing homelessness, the cost of living crisis means that demand for affordable housing is far outstripping supply.
“The added pressure of rising construction costs and reduced budgets mean we need to think differently. I hope this action plan forms the basis of what will become a wider city plan.”
The Homeless Action Plan will be considered by Committee alongside a series of housing reports which draw attention to the scale of Edinburgh’s housing challenges and opportunities to create more housing, if the funding required to achieve significant change is found.
The Strategy for Purchasing Land and Homes to Meet Affordable Housing Need demonstrates the success the Council has had delivering new homes despite challenging market conditions, which includes the delivery of 1,425 new Council homes and a further 508 currently under construction.
This has been possible through creative working, including for example the council purchasing the old Liberton Hospital site directly from NHS Lothian.
The annual Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) reveals a pipeline of over 11,000 new affordable and social homes could be possible through partnership working in Edinburgh over the next five years, but that would require Scottish Government grant funding of almost £900 million (based on current market costs), or almost four times Edinburgh’s current grant funding allocation for affordable housebuilding.
Further work will take place with Registered Social Landlord partners to understand the impact of the housing emergency to them and tenants, to work together to achieve next steps.
Almost half of drivers drug tested at the roadside were arrested for drug-driving1
The Scottish Government and Police Scotland launch drug-driving campaign
The Scottish Government and Police Scotland have launched an enforcement campaign to tackle drug-driving, highlighting the criminal and personal consequences of being found guilty of driving with drugs in your system.
With latest Police Scotland data revealing almost half of drivers drug tested at the roadside were arrested for drug-driving1, the hard-hitting campaign reminds drivers that drug-driving is not worth the risk.
During the festive period Police Scotland will be ready to catch drug-drivers with roadside tests using drug wipes for any motorist they suspect of drug-driving. If the test is positive, drivers will be arrested.
Driving under the influence of drugs, or any other substance such as alcohol, can destroy lives. Drugs can slow down your responses, making a collision more likely. This can lead to severe injuries and even death.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance said: “The consequences of drug-driving can be devastating and those found guilty of breaking the law face a criminal record, a large fine, and up to six months in prison.
“Driving with drugs in your system puts the driver, passengers and other road users at risk of serious injury, or death. The message is clear, don’t take drugs and drive.”
Police Scotland’s enforcement campaign will see an even stronger focus on drug-driving on Scotland’s roads from 1st December, so the chances of being caught are higher than ever.
On average, police encounter 40-50 motorists a week who provide a positive drug wipe. Drivers who provide a positive roadside drug test are arrested and taken to a police station where a blood sample is obtained and sent for further analysis.
A drug-drive conviction is not only a driving offence, it is also a criminal offence. On conviction, drivers could receive a minimum 12-month driving ban; 3-11 penalty points on their licence; a criminal record; up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to a £5,000.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing said: “We continue to see motorists put others at risk by driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, despite repeated warnings about the dangers of drink and drug-driving.
“It doesn’t matter how good a driver you think you are, alcohol and drugs will affect your reactions and your judgement.
“Don’t put yourself or others at risk. You could lose your job, end up in prison or suffer life changing injuries. Think of the impact it could have on your loved ones. You could kill someone.
“If anyone is concerned about a driver’s behaviour, let us know. Help us keep Scotland’s roads safe.”
The new drug-driving advertising campaign highlights how easy it is to catch drug-drivers and features cars being stopped by police with very telling number plates spelling out ‘H1GH’, ‘W1R3D’ and ‘ST0N3D’.
It will run during the festive period on VOD, radio, digital and outdoor channels supported by a PR and social media campaign.
For more information go to roadsafety.scot or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
A partnership between Scottish Building Society and Edinburgh Rugby to help school children learn maths and get active outdoors has hit a landmark target.
175 school kids have now gone through the ‘Tackle Maths’ programme.
It helps school pupils aged between 8-12 years-old gain practical maths skills by using rugby and real-life examples to show just how important maths is in everyday life.
From measuring the length and breadth of the pitch, working out the capacity of the stadium and estimating the height of the posts, all mathematical challenges have been designed to encourage pupils to think about maths lessons in a different way.
Launched by Scottish World Cup hero Blair Kinghorn, the programme helps to show children that maths skills can be learned and utilised in many different ways.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive, Scottish Building Society said:“When we started this programme our aim was also to help at least 175 children to see maths can actually be fun.
“We are delighted to have achieved this ahead of schedule and look forward to getting even more kids involved.
“Having a practical learning environment coupled with a rugby professional showing pupils how they use maths and why it is important gives them a different perspective of learning and inspires.
“As the main club partner of Edinburgh Rugby, we want to utilise our position to give back to communities and Tackle Maths has proven to be one of the most impactful programmes we have ever run.
“This is a fantastic achievement and I hope it will continue to inspire kids to think differently about learning, both in and out of the classroom
Douglas Struth, Managing Director, Edinburgh Rugby said: “Edinburgh Rugby is at its heart a community rugby club – working in partnership with Scottish Building Society to deliver this programme to over 175 school kids is a fantastic achievement for both organisations.
“This programme is all about getting kids out of the classroom and learning in a practical manner. Inspiring and promoting learning is values both organisations share so it is very encouraging to see it take off so successful in its first full year.”
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: A Low Alcohol Christmas
December is the time of year for gathering with family and friends, and these social occasions often revolve around alcohol.
Consuming too much alcohol can have a negative impact on your heart, and even if you don’t drink often, a few drinks can cause you to sleep poorly and be tired the next day making you reach for unhealthy foods for a quick energy fix.
In this week’s healthy tip, we share some ideas for how you can reduce your alcohol consumption this festive season and enter the new year feeling full of energy.
Alcohol-free drinks
Many of the big-name brands now offer alcohol-free versions of their popular drinks. If you haven’t found a good alternative to your regular drink, keep trying until you find one that you like.
There are some great options available that taste very similar to their alcohol counterpart. Even if you don’t quit drinking entirely, you can reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by alternating your regular drink with an alcohol-free version.
Mocktails
Cocktails without alcohol are a great way to enjoy a tasty drink this festive season. Most bars and restaurants will have a selection of mocktails for you to choose from and they’re usually cheaper too.
Just be mindful of choosing ones that are low in sugar, try to avoid those containing sugar syrups and fruit juices and opt for the ones using ingredients like mint, lime juice and soda water.
A fancy glass makes all the difference, so why not buy some decorative cocktail vessels, and make some indulgent mocktails at home.
Enjoy alcohol in moderation
We don’t have to stop drinking completely to look after our heart, the key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits in conjunction with limiting our alcohol consumption.
The NHS recommends drinking no more than 12 units of alcohol a week, spread across three or more days, so just make sure you don’t exceed this.
This looks like six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.
Business confidence in Scotland rose 15 points during November to 41%
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up seven points at 51%
Overall UK business confidence increased three points in November to 42% with firms’ outlook on the economy also up by four points at 38%
Business confidence in Scotland rose 15 points during November to 41%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking – conducted between 1st-15th November, before the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announcement on Wednesday 22nd November.
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up seven points at 51%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 22 points to 32%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 41%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (37%), investing in sustainability (30%), and introducing new technology (29%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 25% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down eight points on last month.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence rose three points in November from 39% to 42%, the third consecutive monthly increase, while firms’ outlook on the overall UK economy increased four points to 38%.
Businesses’ optimism in their own trading prospects also continued the upward trend for the second consecutive month, rising three points to 48%.
Companies’ hiring intentions reached their highest level since May 2022, with 35% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, up three points month-on-month.
Firms in London reported the highest level of business confidence, jumping nine points to 56% followed by the North West (54%), Yorkshire and the Humber (50%) and the North East (48%). Companies in the North West reported the biggest uptick in business confidence, increasing 20 points month-on-month to 54%.
Firms in the services industry reported an increase in confidence to 46% (up three points), the highest level for over two years (since September 2021), reflecting broad-based optimism in the sector. Retail confidence also rose for a second month to 42% (up five points), while sentiment among manufacturing firms reached a five-month high of 45% (up nine points) in contrast with recent shortfalls.
Construction firms’ confidence improved for the first time in three months to 35% (up four points), but this still lags other sectors.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:“After a dip in October, it’s good to see businesses feeling more confident in their prospects for the coming months.
“With the festive season almost here and Christmas markets in cities including Edinburgh and Aberdeen now in full swing, those in the hospitality and leisure industries will be preparing for an influx of trade.
“For many firms this means taking on more staff to manage the increase in demand. They also need to ensure their working capital is in healthy shape, so they are ready to capitalise on the opportunities ahead. We’ll be by the side of businesses to support them through the festive period and beyond.”
Paul Gordon, managing director for SME and Mid Corporates at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:“Last month showed strong performance across a number of sectors, with the services industry showing material gains as confidence reached the highest level since September 2021.
“We’ve also seen a real turnaround in sentiment for manufacturers, with business confidence at a five-month high, reflecting the expectation among many firms that interest rates have now peaked and may begin to fall next year.
“Retail confidence continued to climb, up five points to 42% and with consumer confidence showing a sharp rise in a recent key tracker, businesses are certainly hopeful for the future.
“However, recent increases in energy costs and rising oil prices will undoubtedly have an impact on consumers and businesses alike. If businesses can look to their future financial stability now and ensure cash-flow remains a priority, that should put them in good stead for the months ahead.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence rising to a 21-month high shows the resilience of UK companies, as both trading prospects and economic optimism continue to rise.
“It’s encouraging to see signs that wage expectations may be stabilising, even against the backdrop of hiring intentions increasing to an 18-month high. Price indicators in the survey are similarly up, with our data continuing to show that firms are still safeguarding their profit margins in response to past rises in interest rates, wage increase pressures, and the prospect of higher energy prices again this winter.
“Our next survey in December will reveal how firms are digesting the measures announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last week as they navigate the busy festive season and make plans for 2024.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has announced £900,000 in new funding for staff to tackle poor behaviour and attendance in schools.
The funding will be provided directly to local authorities to train support staff to respond to new challenges and develop behaviour management strategies in schools post COVID.
It comes as part of a multi-year plan that is being developed in conjunction with key stakeholders and will set out actions at national, local and school level to improve behaviour and support better relationships.
Actions include:
the new Interim Chief Inspector being tasked with ensuring HMI inspections are accurately recording behaviour to ensure any issues are tackled as soon as possible
a call for more accurate and robust recording of any incidents of poor behaviour in schools
a dedicated approach to responding to issues regarding misogyny
Ms Gilruth said: “It is important we keep the big picture in mind, with research published yesterday showing staff reporting generally good behaviour amongst pupils. However, the status quo is not an option and the plan I am setting out today will provide the support necessary to help tackle these problems at the root.
“I am absolutely clear that our schools should be safe and consistent learning environments for all. No teacher, or support assistant should face violence or abusive behaviour at work. We cannot suggest that the pandemic has not exacerbated inequity and nor must we blame it for these challenges.
“Schools, equally, can’t do this all alone; they need help. We have to enact a national plan which better supports our teachers and support staff in the workplace; recognising the role of Local Government as employer.
“And that plan has to better protect the learning outcomes for our young people – the vast majority of whom are well behaved. That is the prize that better behaviour in our schools can deliver – and I look forward to working with our partners to deliver just that.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has set out a multi-year plan to address instances of poor behaviour and relationships in schools during a statement in @ScotParl.
Headteachers, teaching unions, local authorities, parents, carers and children and young people will help inform the national action plan to improve behaviour and support better relationships in schools.
The plan will be developed in the coming weeks and published in the new year.
RNIB guide shows how football clubs can make simple easy adaptions so match days are enjoyable and welcoming for fans with sight loss
To tie in with International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, the Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) has published new research which highlights how blind and partially sighted fans want to attend football matches and identifies some of the challenges that they face when attending live matches.
Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of all blind and partially sighted people said they couldn’t experience or access a sporting event properly because a venue doesn’t accommodate for people with sight loss
41 per cent of blind and partially sighted fans say lack of accessible communication like audio-described commentary during a match, accessible event day programme in large print and braille puts them off attending a live sporting event
However, the research showed some positives with nearly two fifths (38 per cent) of blind and partially sighted people saying that their football stadiums had made a lot of adaptions to make the live viewing experience more accessible.
Tied in with this research, RNIB has created a new guide, See Sport Differently Guidance, showing how sports venues can make the match day experience accessible for fans with sight loss, having worked closely with Arsenal, Everton, Plymouth Argyle, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wrexham to develop best practice, as well as holding focus groups with blind and partially sighted people to better understand the issues they face when attending live football matches.
RNIB has showed the clubs how best to welcome blind and partially sighted fans into their stadiums to ensure they are able enjoy football matches without feeling excluded. RNIB is now proactively sharing the guide with all English Football League (EFL) and Premier League clubs to make their stadiums more accessible to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 on 3 December.
Matt Stringer, RNIB’s Chief Executivecommented on the launch of the RNIB’s See Sport Differently Guidance: ‘Working with clubs across the football pyramid to create a guide that will enhance the match day experience for people with sight loss has been a fantastic experience for us.
“I’m also thankful to the EFL for sharing the guidance with all its 72 member clubs. It contains some handy checklists and quick wins that clubs can implement to help make stadiums easier for blind and partially sighted fans to navigate.
“Live sporting events need to be easier for blind and partially sighted fans to enjoy. Our new research shows that getting to and from a stadium can be a difficult task for people with sight loss, coupled with when at the stadium, the facilities on offer are not accessible. I enjoy the match-day experience at Watford and blind and partially sighted fans should be able to do so as I do.
“It would make a big difference if match day stewards and all fan-facing staff are trained to be sight loss aware. Making stadiums physical environment easy to navigate through clear signage, marked steps and marked handrails make a big difference in making blind and partially sighted people feel welcome.
“Also, technology such as audio description and quality match day commentary really helps brings the game to life and should be available at every fixture so that blind and partially sighted fans can fully enjoy the beautiful game.”
Charlotte Jones, partially sighted Wolverhampton Wanderers FC season ticket holder and from Wolverhampton, said: ““We need everyone to join in to help create a more inclusive match day for fans with sight loss.
“On match days, my Dad assists me with the challenges I face when attending matches, such as accessing the stadium and navigating through crowds and steps to get to our seats.
“We’ve received great support from the club who have helped us to select seats so that I can have the best spectator experience possible like sighted fans do. They’ve helped to locate seats where the sun wouldn’t be in my eyes during a game, which is very important as glare can affect my vision, and seats near to the halfway line so I can follow the game more easily.”
RNIB See Sport Differently Guidance
RNIB’sSee Sport Differently Guidance on making the match day experience accessible for spectators with sight loss is available to download here and can be shared with your football club to show how they can make their stadium more accessible for fans with sight loss.
The launch of the guidance is part of the See Sport Differently campaign, a campaign partnership between RNIB and British Blind Sport.
Official road signs are being installed on the boundary of Edinburgh’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ), with six months until enforcement begins.
The signs, which are being used in the four Scottish cities with city centre LEZs, inform drivers they are driving within the zone. In Edinburgh, additional warning signs will tell drivers that Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) will not be issued until 1 June 2024 and only to the most polluting vehicles.
On Wednesday, Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Scott Arthur met contractors installing some of the first signs and urged drivers to prepare for the changes coming into force from 1 June 2024.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “While enforcement against non-compliant vehicles won’t begin until 1 June 2024, these signs are a reminder that the changes will soon come into force.
“By allowing a two-year grace period we wanted to give people plenty of time to prepare for the LEZ. However, with six months to go there’s still time, and I’d urge anyone who’s eligible to apply for the support funds on offer.
“Essentially, reducing the most polluting vehicles from the city will benefit everyone. Air pollution harms both our physical and mental health, so the LEZ we will help create a healthier place for everyone, reducing inequalities and making the city centre a more welcoming place.”
Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, added: “Reducing air pollution has clear long and short-term health benefits for everyone.
“Our hope is that improved air quality will also encourage people to take advantage of more sustainable and active ways of travel, such as walking, cycling and public transport, which is beneficial for individuals and communities alike.
Some households and small businesses may be eligible for the Low Emission Zone Support Fund, funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Energy Saving Trust. This offers successful applicants grants to dispose of non-compliant vehicles and to help households invest in more sustainable forms of transport, including public transport or bike hire schemes.
Heather Quin, Senior Programme Manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “We’re pleased to support the introduction of Scotland’s low emission zones (LEZ) through our delivery of the LEZ support funds on behalf of the Scottish Government.
“With the need to improve air quality in our cities, it’s important that lower-income households and small businesses get the support they need to adapt and make the switch to low carbon transport.
“This funding has already helped hundreds of individuals, families and businesses in and around Edinburgh adopt more sustainable travel options. With the introduction of Edinburgh’s LEZ just six months away, we hope to enable even more people to enjoy the many benefits that improved air quality and access to active and sustainable transport can bring.”
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which support enforcement, will be installed in late 2023/early 2024 and a mobile enforcement vehicle will be active from June 2024 onwards.
In early 2024 there will also be changes made to some street layouts and signals around the LEZ boundary to cut congestion and improve safety for everyone. Full details of the changes can be found on the Council website.
Independent market research carried out in June indicates that a majority of drivers in Edinburgh continue to support the LEZ and think protecting public health is important. Data analysed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) earlier this year also revealed that overall compliance with Edinburgh’s LEZ emissions standards had increased from 48% to 78% over the last six years.
A city centre LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles only and benefiting everyone’s health. In Edinburgh, a two-year grace period is in place, meaning no PCN charges will be issued during this time.
LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.
Edinburgh’s LEZ will issue PCNs, or fines, in line with Scottish regulations, from 1 June 2024. Full details on LEZ penalties are available online.
