davepickering

Drivers frustrated at five-year wait for parking code of practice

Only 2% feel private parking companies enforce rules fairly

Two-thirds of drivers believe private parking ‘fines’ are excessive

Nine-in-10 don’t believe the private parking industry’s own code is fair to drivers

Drivers are frustrated that the Private Parking Code of Practice is still not in force five years after an act of parliament was passed to clamp down on rogue operators.

Eight-in-10 drivers (84%) questioned by the RAC* say it’s not right that, due to legal challenges from private parking operators and debt recovery companies, the official code still hasn’t been introduced.

Asked if private parking firms treat those who contravene parking rules fairly, only 2% of respondents agreed. Similarly, just 3% agreed with the statement ‘private parking companies charge a fair price and operate reasonably’.

More than half (55%) of those surveyed felt private parking companies’ enforcement policies were too heavy-handed, with 40% saying there is no justification whatsoever for the way they enforce their rules. This is undoubtedly why almost eight-in-10 (78%) believe private parking companies are only interested in making money from drivers. A fifth (18%), however, felt private parking operators were necessary to stop a parking free-for-all.

When questioned about the costs of parking charge notices issued by operators, nearly two-thirds (65%) say they understand fines were necessary but that they are excessive or disproportionate to the parking contraventions.

While the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government is working to finally introduce the government-backed Private Parking Code of Practice, the two major private parking trade bodies – the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community – launched their own code on 1 October.

Not backed by law, the private parking industry’s own code differs substantially from the proposed official government code. In its survey of 1,847 drivers, the RAC discovered that nine-in-10 (87%) don’t trust the private parking industry’s code to be fair to drivers.

When introduced, the official Private Parking Code of Practice should put a cap on parking charge notice ‘fine’ amounts, a cap on debt recovery fees and provide a single independent appeals service for drivers to use should they feel a private parking company has wrongly rejected an appeal.

It will also force operators to follow a code of conduct, with those that don’t potentially losing the right to operate. The rules firms will have to follow include a robust appeals process, a means of identifying vulnerable customers, issuing parking charge notices lawfully and not misleading drivers, providing photographic evidence of contraventions, not engaging debt recovery companies too soon, providing clear signage and terms and conditions that are easy to understand.

When asked about the visibility of private parking signage – that which explains the charges drivers must pay when parking on private land, along with terms and conditions – a quarter (27%) of those surveyed by the RAC said they didn’t see the signage indicating charges. Just over a third (35%) said they saw and read it while almost four-in-10 (38%) admitted they saw it but didn’t read it.

Among those who read the signs, nearly eight-in-10 (76%) had issues with seeing or understanding it, with only a fifth (20%) saying the terms and conditions were both clear to see and easy to understand.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s blatantly apparent from our research that drivers continue to have severe misgivings about the way private parking companies operate and are therefore very frustrated that the official government-backed code of practice has still not been introduced more than five years after it became law.

“While this lack of trust may be partly addressed by the launch of the industry’s own code of practice, we suspect it’s unlikely to be enough as it’s not worded to be in the interest of drivers and, crucially, isn’t backed by law.

“We feel only the introduction of the real, government-backed code will bring much-needed fairness to the entire private parking sector. We badly need an acceptable cap on parking charge notices, along with a cap on debt recovery fees as, in our opinion, both are disproportionate to most parking contraventions.

“Finally, a truly independent single appeals system is needed for those who feel their initial appeal to the company concerned has not been listened to.”

State schools to receive boost as ending VAT break for private schools raises £1.7bn

Thousands of state schools to receive boost as the VAT break for private schools ends, raising £1.7 billion a year by 2029/30
Next year there will be an additional £2.3 billion to help deliver the government’s education priorities, such as bolstering student skills, improving Special Education system and hiring 6,500 new teachers
VAT change marks next step to help achieve Prime Minister’s Plan for Change by giving every child the best start in life.

Thousands of state schools are set to receive a funding boost next year as the VAT break historically enjoyed by private schools ends on New Year’s day (1 January 2025).

The core schools Budget will increase by £2.3 billion next year and the VAT change will raise £1.5 billion next year, rising to £1.7 billion a year by 2029/30.

The Prime Minister’s Plan for Change has set out the priorities for government funding which includes giving children the best start in life, as a key milestone within the Opportunity Mission. As part of this Mission, the government is committed to hiring 6,500 new teachers, driving up standards and improving the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities system.

Through the introduction of 20% VAT to all education services, vocational training and boarding services provided by UK private schools, the government is raising revenue which can help the 94% of school children who attend state schools and deliver on its mission to break down barriers to opportunity.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “It’s time things are done differently. Ending the VAT break for private schools means an additional £1.7 billion a year that can go towards our state schools where 94% of this country’s children are educated.

“That means more teachers. Higher standards. And the best chance in life for all our children as we deliver on our Plan for Change.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “High and rising standards cannot just be for families who can afford them, and we must build an education system where every child can achieve and thrive.

“Our ambitious Plan for Change sets out our clear mission to break the link between background and success and ending the VAT break enjoyed by private schools will provide much needed investment in our state schools, to help recruit and retain expert teachers.”

The policy sets out that any fees paid from 29 July 2024 – when the policy was first announced by the government – relating to the term starting in January 2025 onwards will be subject to VAT. This is expected to raise £1.5 billion in 2025-26, rising to £1.7 billion by 2029-30.

Where a private school in England has charitable status, the government will also remove their eligibility to business rates charitable rate relief from April 2025. The business rates change will raise around £140 million per year, bringing the total raised by these policies to £1.8 billion a year by 2029/30.

With the change coming in on New Year’s Day, the Chancellor visited the Harris Academy state school in London alongside Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to talk to students and teachers about the government’s education priorities, including £1 billion for the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities system, increasing per pupil funding in real terms and taking core schools funding to £63.9 billion in 2025-26.

Countdown to Capital’s Hogmanay

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returns from 29 December 2024 into New Year’s Day, welcoming the world to party into 2025 at the ‘Home of Hogmanay!’

Launching the Edinburgh Hogmanay festival and signalling the start of global New Year celebrations, the Torchlight Procession will take place on 29th December from 18:30 hours from the Meadows.

If you have plans to attend any of the Hogmanay events please make sure to plan ahead , being mindful of weather forecast and travel arrangements.

For all the latest updates and FAQ’s regarding Edinburgh’s Hogmanay please visit:

Hogmanay | https://orlo.uk/EBQPM

We hope everyone who joins the celebrations from near and far has a wonderful time!

POLICE SCOTLAND

Wednesday afternoon Painting Class at Granton:hub

Afternoon Painting: All Levels

10 weeks, 22nd Jan to 26th Mar 2025 from 3pm – 5pm.

Unleash your creativity and take your painting skills to the next level in this engaging and supportive class!

Price: £96.60 for 10 sessions (two hours each)

Course Overview:

This Painting class is open to anyone aged 16 and above who wishes to explore or deepen their painting skills, regardless of experience level. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or refining your techniques, this class provides a supportive and inspiring environment to develop your artistic voice.

Participants will learn foundational techniques, experiment with various mediums, and explore the interplay of colour, light, and composition.

Afternoon Painting Registration: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/afternoon-painting-all…

Economic growth and jobs for Bradford as 2025 UK City of Culture receives major boost

Bradford to deliver a spectacular year of events in 2025, supporting a legacy of cultural regeneration and economic growth

2025 UK City of Culture expected to create 6,500 jobs across the district
Government provides £5 million cash boost taking total government support for Bradford to £15 million

Bradford is set for a major boost to economic growth including thousands of new jobs as final preparations are made for its year as UK City of Culture 2025, Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant has announced.

An additional £5 million in funding takes the amount of economic support for Bradford’s year to £15 million, helping the Bradford Culture Company deliver a programme of events and support a legacy of cultural regeneration.

It will also encourage the next generation of creatives with 6,000 training opportunities expected across the district and Bradford expecting to create 6,500 new jobs as a result of being UK City of Culture.

This includes opportunities to work in the Bradford Culture Company itself with more than 20 positions dedicated to people under 25 through apprenticeships and a Young Creatives scheme, which will help local young people gain valuable experience working on a national event of this scale.

This Government says it is breaking down barriers to opportunity through its Plan for Change with investment and reform to deliver growth, creating more jobs, and rebuilding Britain in a decade of national renewal.

Today’s additional investment is helping to kickstart economic growth, investment and reform and the extra funding will go towards the development of key venues that will host next year’s events, such as Bradford’s touring venue – The Beacon.

It will provide key equipment for Bradford Theatres, who run one of the UK’s oldest concert halls, St George’s Hall, as well as Alhambra Theatre, The Studio, Kings Hall & Winter Garden and will support the development of new spaces for the National Science and Media Museum.

Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “I cannot wait to experience the spectacular programme of cultural delights next year that will tell Bradford’s story to the world, showing off the district’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic talent, from the Brontë sisters and David Hockney to artist Deepa Mann-Kler’s interactive cookbook celebrating Bradford’s best recipes.

“I am delighted to be able to announce this funding to help make Bradford’s dream a reality and ensure that everyone across the district has the opportunity to get involved in next year’s events, whatever their interests.”

Approximately 1,000 events will take place in 2025, developed alongside and in collaboration with local artists and creatives. They are expected to attract an additional 3.3 million visitors and bring in a visitor spend of nearly £140 million into the local economy over the course of the year.

It is also estimated that the increased cultural and economic activity as a result of being UK City of Culture 2025 could leverage and accelerate an extra £700 million of growth for the Bradford district by 2030, whilst helping to get more people involved in cultural events across the city.

More than 3,000 volunteers are being recruited to ensure that events run smoothly. This will boost civic pride as part of Bradford’s year in the spotlight by engaging communities right across the district and upskilling people wanting to get involved in events happening throughout the year.

Bradford’s programme of events will be a celebration of Bradford-born artists, writers, musicians, performers and local cultural organisations, many of which will be free to attend.

Highlights include an opening event curated by magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo), a year-long celebration of drawing supported by David Hockney, the annual Turner Prize being hosted at Cartwright Hall, the immersive Marshmallow Laser Feast (experiential artist collective discovering our connection to the universe) at the newly reopened National Science and Media Museum.

There will also be a re-imagining of the Jungle Book by the Akram Khan company, a celebration of the sounds, stories and voices of the South Asian creative underground – Dialled In, visual artworks on display in the moorland that inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and a residency with Opera North.

Dan Bates Executive Director at Bradford 2025 said: “By working together with DCMS we are not only creating new opportunities, but also equipping local people with the skills needed to thrive.

“This commitment to Bradford to enhance and develop its infrastructure, and ensuring our creative venues are accessible for all, will leave a lasting impact on generations to come. This investment is helping to shape a brighter, more dynamic future for Bradford and beyond.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council said: “It’s great to see more funding coming from Government to support UK City of Culture. We know the programme of events is going to be amazing and residents and visitors alike will have a great experience throughout the year.

“This latest funding will help to ensure that beyond the great events, our UK City of Culture designation leads to more jobs and economic benefits which will be felt positively for our residents for years after 2025.”

Tour of the Trees

Welcome to the first Lauriston Farm Tour of 2025!

If you’re curious to learn more about Lauriston Agroecology Farm – and especially about why we planted so many trees – come along to our farm tour on Saturday 1st February 11:30am (finishing 1:15pm with soup and bread).

Farming with trees (‘agroforestry’) was once commonplace, and nearly got swept away by large scale industrial agriculture and monocrop growing. We will share how we are reviving it here at Lauriston Farm, with all the hope and excitement this brings.

The farm tour will take in the:

– Community Orchard

– Woodland restoration area

– Agroforestry alleys (lines of trees that create sheltered and stable space to grow other crops, as well as bringing crops of fruits and nuts themselves)

You’ll hear from the folk who look after the trees on the farm – sharing what we’ve done, why we’ve done it, and what we’ve learned so far

+ then all return to the Community Kitchen for soup and chat.

Who is this For?

We welcome all curious visitors, including total newcomers, as well as farmers and growers and anyone interested in a career or volunteering in this type of work. This tour is aimed at adults or interested young people (the free community event in the afternoon is more suited to children).

Accessibility

This is a walking tour across the farm, lasting around 1.5hrs, potentially also suitable for all terrain/off road wheelchairs or mobility scooters, but not standard wheelchairs. The ground is rough, and will be wet and muddy in parts.

Tickets

Book on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/…/farm-tour-of-the-trees…

The standard rate ticket helps us cover our costs. We also offer solidarity options, so you can contribute more if you are able to, and take a discount if you need to:

Standard rate: £6

Solidarity +50% £9

Solidarity -50% £3

+ if the ticket cost is a barrier please get in touch with info@lauristonfarm.org as we have some limited free places available.

#Edinburgh #Agroforestry #Agroecology #UrbanFarm #RegenerativeAgriculture #CommunityOrchard #NorthEdinburgh #RegenAg

Missing woman: Body found

Around 11.55am on Friday, 27 December, 2024, police were made aware of a body found in the water near to Newbridge.

Formal identification has still to take place however the family of Santra Saju, 22, has been informed.

The death is not believed to be suspicious.

A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

UK’s Brexit decision means higher costs and more paperwork for British citizens visiting EU countries

“Brexit a national tragedy that can be reversed,”says Scotland’s leading pro-EU group

2025 will see new Brexit barriers to British passport holders travelling for leisure or business. Exact dates for the start of new procedures are yet to be announced, but travellers need to be aware and have up to date passports if planning an EU trip.

First to arrive will be the EU Entry/Exit System, known as EES. A few months later sees the introduction of The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Citizens of 60 nations, including the UK, will be subject to these new procedures. EU citizens and citizens of Schengen countries are exempt.

Because the UK chose to leave the EU and the European Single Market, Britain became a “third country.”

This means it is no longer in the EU, so British citizens don’t get the benefits EU citizens enjoy. Citizens of EU countries, including those resident in the UK, will not need an ETIAS certificate. Nor will they need to go through EES.

The dates for introducing the new procedures have yet to be announced. However, it is thought EES will begin operations during the first six months of 2025 and the ETIAS scheme will go live during the following six months. Best advice is to check with your travel provider.

David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland says the new rules and procedures show how badly misled voters were about leaving the EU. “People like Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage said there would be no downsides to leaving the EU. What we got was a smaller economy, less trade, less choice, dearer food and clothing and more complex and more expensive travel.

“Brexit is a national tragedy, but it can be reversed. We need to rejoin the single European market, as the first step to getting back what the Brexit side duped people into giving up.”

The ETIAS procedure will require all UK citizens (including children) to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions and pay a €7 fee. This authorisation will be linked to the traveller’s passport and be valid for three years, or until the passport expires. The maximum permitted length of stay in any of the 30 countries operating the scheme is 90 days.

Known as a ‘short stay’ visa, ETIAS covers visits, holidays or business trips with a duration of up to 90 days and taken within a 180-day period.

People under 18 and over 70 are exempt from paying the €7 fee.

Those without an ETIAS will not be allowed entry into any one of the thirty European countries adopting ETIAS.

The EU Entry/Exit system is an electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control when arriving at and leaving a destination. It will register all entries and exits, so it will register your movements every time you cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area.

The system will read traveller’s passports, take a picture and read a fingerprint (children under 12 are exempt from giving a fingerprint).

Which countries will the new rules apply to?

When EES comes in, these are the countries that will be using it:

Nationals of these countries/territories need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation:

Sight Scotland launches new strategy to transform lives of people with sight loss

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have unveiled an ambitious new three-year strategy, aiming to transform the lives of people with sight loss across Scotland. The strategy focuses on building an inclusive future where people of all visual abilities can thrive.

With over 180,000 people in Scotland impacted by vision impairment, the charities are determined to extend their reach, support, and influence to ensure no one faces sight loss alone.

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We’ve been supporting people affected by visual impairment for over two centuries, but we know we can do more.

“Our new strategy is about building on our proud history to make sure we are ready for the future. Our vision is an inclusive Scotland where everyone, regardless of their sight, has the opportunity to thrive.

“By focusing on prevention, support, research, and campaigning, we will deliver real change for people impacted by sight loss, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.”

Over the next three years, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans will focus on five key areas:

Investing in impactful support that will prioritise initiatives that make the biggest difference to people living with vision impairment while securing the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
Putting its community at the heart of what it does by listening to and empowering people with lived experience of sight loss.
Campaigning for positive change. The charity will raise awareness of sight loss at both political and local levels, pushing for meaningful societal change.
Accelerating prevention and treatment by advocating for more investment to prevent avoidable sight loss and improve treatments.
Fostering a collaborative culture of innovation by investing in its workforce and fostering collaboration, the organisation will drive innovation and maximise its impact.

Craig Spalding continued: “We owe it to future generations to continue evolving. We want to reach more people, champion their needs, and invest in research that can transform lives.

“This strategy is our commitment to doing just that.”

For more information visit: sightscotland.org.uk

Edinburgh Is Changing—What’s Your Story?

Bradford to deliver a spectacular year of events in 2025, supporting a legacy of cultural regeneration and economic growth

“Brexit a national tragedy that can be reversed,”says Scotland’s leading pro-EU group