Funding to help practices retain and recruit key staff
An additional £13.6 million will be invested in General Practice this financial year to support GPs to retain and recruit key staff, Health Secretary Neil Gray has announced.
Speaking at the annual conference of BMA Scotland’s Local Medical Committees, Mr Gray confirmed the immediate funding for 2024-25 will address known financial pressures, support staff costs and enable GPs to take on partners and salaried GP staff.
Mr Gray said: “I recognise the significant financial and workload challenges facing both the NHS as a whole and General Practice, especially during this period of high demand, and understand the significant strain this places on GPs.
“My focus remains firmly on finding ways to recruit more GPs, even within the constraints of the current financial climate, and that is why I am allocating an additional £13.6 million for General Practice this financial year to support staff costs. This additional funding will help GPs to underpin business decisions and provide high-quality patient care.
“Sustainable reform of the NHS means we must look to shift more care to primary and community care with a relentless focus on better outcomes for people.
The Scottish Government reform programme will develop the means to credibly restore, and further increase GP and wider primary care spend, within the overall health budget.
“This will be a long-term endeavour but this strategic shift is crucial. Our reform plans over the next period will look to explore this in partnership with key stakeholders including the GP profession.”
Addressing the separate issue of next year’s UK National Insurance contribution increases, Mr Gray added: “The UK Government’s decision to increase national insurance contributions will have a major financial impact on GPs.
“I have been very clear that this is completely unacceptable and the UK Government must fully cover the costs. Scotland’s GPs should not be paying the price for UK Government decisions.”
The Scottish Budget for 2025-26 will be published on 4 December.
According to the Scottish Third Sector Tracker, the percentage of organisations identifying financial challenges as one of their top three concerns has risen dramatically, from 47% in August 2021 to 77% in Spring 2024 [1]. Add to this rising service demands and escalating operating costs, and Edinburgh charities are likely to experience significant strain.
Ansvar Insurance, the expert provider of insurance for the charity, not-for-profit, faith and care sectors, has identified the five risks charities are expected to face in 2025, and is providing expert advice on how organisations can protect themselves.
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “In 2025, charities will have to deal with rising operational costs, growing service demand, and monetary donations continuing to be affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
The impact on the sector has been significant, particularly for smaller, local charities, where resources are already stretched.”
1. Financial instability
Charities are struggling with declining donations and rising costs, including increased utility bills and the upcoming living wage increase to £12.21 per hour. To maintain financial sustainability, charities must prioritise financial planning and seek alternative funding sources like corporate partnerships and grants.
2. Increased demand for services
Whether it’s foodbanks, hospices or mental health support, charities across Edinburgh are on the front line. While government funding for social care and healthcare is expected to help, local impact will take time. Strategic partnerships with local authorities and other charities are key to managing demand effectively.
3. Declining income from donations
Changes in Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax in the recent budget may encourage legacy giving. Therefore, charities should invest in donor engagement strategies to address any ongoing decline in donations.
4. Cybersecurity threats
Cybercrime is on the rise in the charity sector, with a third of charities that responded to the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 [2] reporting they have fallen victim to an attack. Charities need to implement strong cybersecurity measures, educate staff on safe online practices and ensure they have insurance coverage specific to the charity sector that addresses cyber threats.
5. Regulatory and compliance risks
The government has announced that new charity tax regulations will come into effect in April 2026, which is in addition to the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI) which may impact data protection, fundraising, and safeguarding. Ansvar urges charities to regularly review compliance strategies to avoid financial and reputational risks from regulatory breaches.
(Charities also face a hike in employers’ National Insurance contributions – Ed.)
Adam Tier added: “It’s vital that charities take proactive steps to ensure their resilience, from reviewing their financial strategies to securing adequate insurance cover to protect against emerging risks.
We’re committed to helping charities understand the hazards they face and take the proactive steps needed to protect themselves, so they can continue making a difference in their communities.”
Ansvar is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned specialist financial services organisation. The Benefact Group is the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, underscoring Ansvar’s dedication to supporting the wider charitable community.
Is your cupboard full of “one-day-I’ll-use-this” gifts? This Christmas, why not turn them into joy for someone else?
We’re collecting new, unopened items for our Christmas Tombola—a festive fundraiser to support our community. It’s the perfect chance to donate those unused presents and spread holiday cheer!
What we need:
– Toys, games, and puzzles
– Beauty sets or toiletries
– Kitchen gadgets, candles, and home goods
– Anything unopened and giftable!
Drop-offs welcome until: Thursday 19th December
Bring your donations to: Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
Your generosity helps us make this season brighter for everyone!
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has formally opened the new Wallyford Learning Campus in East Lothian, marking completion of another high school to be funded through the £2 billion Scottish Government Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP).
The Wallyford Learning Campus features the new state of the art Rosehill High School, in addition to:
facilities for pupils with additional support needs (ASN), including a hydrotherapy pool and a specialist provision hub for adults with complex needs
Wallyford Community Centre, Margaret Oliphant Community Library and a grab and go coffee shop
community sports facilities including a fitness suite and sports pitches
The £47.2 million campus is a joint initiative between the Scottish Government and East Lothian Council, with Scottish Government investment totalling around £22.1 million. The high school was a ‘population growth’ priority project for the Council, and will help respond to significant new house building in East Lothian.
The completion of the high school comes as figures show the proportion of schools in “good” or “satisfactory” condition across Scotland has increased from 62.7% in April 2007 to 91.7 % in April 2024.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “The Wallyford Learning Campus is a prime example of the Scottish Government delivering for communities through our £2 billion Learning Estate Investment Programme. It is fantastic to see the Campus come to life, and I am very pleased to officially open the facilities today.
“The new campus was needed as a result of significant population growth in this area, and through our investment 91% of schools in Scotland are in ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ condition, a marked increase from 62.7% in 2007.”
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “We are delighted to welcome Ms Gilruth to Wallyford Learning Campus today along with so many people involved in the development and running of this fantastic building.
“This has been an ambitious project bringing together a range of facilities under one roof, improving connections and offering a range of opportunities to the widest community.
“It is a testament to partnership working using Scottish Government funding, East Lothian Council investment and officers’ skills, our construction partners’ expertise, and community involvement. The results of this careful collaboration are evident in the quality of the spaces and the benefits that are already being successfully delivered.”
Rosehill High School Headteacher Gail Preston said: “After an incredible year one as Headteacher of Rosehill High School on the Wallyford Learning Campus, we are delighted to have been able to hold our Official Opening Ceremony and to have the Cabinet Secretary join us in our growing, thriving local community.
“Projects like this are a huge learning curve for everyone involved, and relentless hard work, but seeing the positive impact that the learning spaces have on the young people makes it all worthwhile. We are very proud of all that has been achieved so far and excited about the future of both the school and the campus as whole.”
Later this week the Prime Minister will set out ambitious milestones for change that will deliver ‘real, tangible improvement to the lives of working people across the country’
PM to galvanise action across government and beyond with radical next phase of Mission delivery
Measurable milestones will be set out in new Plan for Change, that will put working people’s priorities first
Relentless prioritisation will ensure that the government delivers for working people this Parliament
The Prime Minister will set out ambitious milestones for change that will deliver real, tangible improvement to the lives of working people across the country in this Parliament, later this week.
The Plan for Change will mark the next phase of Mission-led government, as the PM continues to take an unrelenting approach to delivering on the priorities of working people.
The Missions – growing the economy, an NHS fit for the future, safer streets, secure power through clean energy and opportunity for all – are part of a decade of national renewal, built on the foundations of a stable economy, national security and secure borders.
The government has already made significant progress on its Missions since July; fixing the foundations of the country and kicking off the first steps to deliver real change. This has included stabilising the economy, establishing a new Border Security Command that will smash the gangs and tackle small boat crossings, and investing an extra £22bn building an NHS fit for the future including an extra 40,000 appointments.
This action has all taken place having inherited the unprecedented twin challenges of crumbling public services and crippled public finances. The government has had to make difficult decisions, including reforming agricultural property relief and targeting the winter fuel allowance.
Having taken action to fix the foundations and kick off the First Steps, the Plan for Change will set out ambitious but achievable milestones on the Missions that will be reached by the end of the Parliament, driving real improvements in the lives of working people.
Achieving them will demand that the attention and resources of government are relentlessly focused on making sure the Missions are delivering on what matters most to working people in every corner of the UK.
The milestones are part of the Prime Minister’s drive to do government radically differently, and will reflect the priorities of working people, allowing them to hold government to account on its progress.
Work to deliver them will be underpinned by innovation and reform, alongside close working with partners across business, civil society, and local government.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This Plan for Change is the most ambitious yet honest programme for government in a generation.
“Mission-led government does not mean picking milestones because they are easy or will happen anyway. It means relentlessly driving real improvements in the lives of working people.
“We are already fixing the foundations and have kicked-started our first steps for change, stabilising the economy, setting up a new Border Security Command, and investing £22bn in an NHS that is fit for the future.
“Our Plan for Change is the next phase of delivering this government’s mission. Some may oppose what we are doing and no doubt there will be obstacles along the way, but this government was elected on mandate of change and our plan reflects the priorities of working people.
“Given the unprecedented challenges we have inherited we will not achieved this by simply doing more of the same which is why investment comes alongside a programme of innovation and reform.”
The relentless prioritisation will be at the heart of the choices made in the next Spending Review – which will look at every pound the government spends, line by line, taking a zero-based approach to how departments are funded.
The milestones will be underpinned by an ‘ambitious programme of public sector reform’, building on the reform work already started on planning, national infrastructure, pensions, industrial strategy, and the labour market.
As part of this work, the Prime Minister will also charge the new Cabinet Secretary and all Cabinet Ministers to reform Whitehall so that it is geared to Mission delivery rather than working in the traditional silos that focus on fiefdoms not outcomes.
Motorists are being warned about winter driving hazards they need to be aware of as temperatures start to drop.
Experts from car insurance firm Quotezone.co.uk have revealed ways motorists can avoid penalty points, fines, higher insurance premiums and help keep themselves and other road users safe.
Winter is a dangerous time of year to be driving, with darker nights, awkward sunshine and icy road surfaces.
When asked about their biggest fear when driving in the winter, a recent Quotezone survey found 48% said driving in snow and icy conditions is their biggest worry.
To try to alleviate these fears, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for the winter weather, be extra cautious and adjust their driving to meet the conditions.
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Winter is probably the most challenging time of the year for drivers, as part of Road Safety Week we wanted to raise awareness of the difficulties many drivers face every day and encourage everyone to get prepared for winter.
“The Quotezone survey showed nearly half are worried about driving in snowy and icy conditions, but there are steps drivers can take to help keep them safe. It’s important to make sure the vehicle is road worthy – especially tyres, it’s vital they are fit for purpose, fully inflated and pass the 20p tread depth test to ensure they have enough grip in treacherous conditions.
“It’s sensible to give your vehicle some TLC before setting off, especially on longer road trips over the festive season to visit friends and family, ensuring all lights are working and fluid levels are all topped up. It can also be helpful to pack the boot with a winter survival kit, with essentials in case of an accident or breakdown.
“Road safety is paramount and something all drivers need to take seriously. We’re proud to support road safety charity Brake and the vital work they do supporting communities throughout Great Britain – their vision is a world where we can all move in a safe and healthy way, working to stop crashes on our roads, reduce harm when a crash happens, and help every road victim get the support they need, for as long as they need it.”
Quotezone.co.ukhas put together a list of five things to look out for when driving this winter:
1.Check tyres
Motorists can be fined a hefty £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points, resulting in the loss of a driving licence. Bare and worn tyres will have less grip and be treacherous in icy conditions, when you insert a 20p into the gap in the tyre tread, the rubber needs to cover the bottom line of the 20p, to ensure the tyres have enough grip.
2.Clear your windscreen before you set off
Windscreens with inhibited views can land drivers with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before you start driving – not having a full view of the road is incredibly dangerous.
3.Defrosting
It’s tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if the vehicle is stolen in the meantime, many insurance companies will not cover the loss. Leaving engines running, also known as ‘idling’ is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This is because it’s bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust. It’s also incredibly dangerous if done near a school so best to switch the engine off completely if waiting on the school pick-up.
4.Clean the number plate
Excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the number plate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000. The police need visible access to your number plate at all times, for the safety of all road users.
5.Driving in a flood
Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice. It’s also extremely dangerous as the engine can stall and the vehicle can be left stranded.
It’s also sensible to pack the car with winter essentials before setting off, such as a torch, a blanket, a shovel, water and rations, a first aid kit, de-icer and a spare phone charger – to help cope with the unexpected.
Quotezone.co.uk helps drivers compare and save on all sorts of motoring products such as breakdown cover, car, motorbike and van insurance.
The Edinburgh Festival of Kindness campaign kicks off on Castle Street
The charity is calling for locals to rally to help hit target of providing 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to homeless and vulnerable people this Christmas
Leading homelessness charity, Social Bite, is calling on kind-hearted Edinburgh locals of all ages to help raise 300,000 gifts, meals and essential items to donate to people experiencing homelessness this Christmas season as part of its Festival of Kindness (from Monday 25th November).
The charity’s annual campaign is returning to the city for its fifth year, as it continues its mission to help end homelessness and spread some much-needed festive joy throughout November and December. This year donations can be made to the city’s Tree of Kindness on Castle Street.
Since 2019, Edinburgh locals have contributed generously towards Social Bite’s yearly target of 300,000 gifts, essentials and Christmas meals, which went towards providing vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness with a loving Christmas.
Homelessness has been declared as a national emergency, and food poverty is on the rise, so more people are facing a desperate winter than ever before, including families with children. This is why each year Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness aims to bring joy and comfort to those who are facing a difficult Christmas, and this year that may be needed more than ever.
As well as gifts hand delivered to the Social Bite Tree of Kindness, those looking to take part can also donate virtually. Donations of just £28 could provide someone with a hot Christmas meal, a gift, a bundle of essential items and a bed for the night.
Supporters can also choose to donate items including a pack of warm gloves for £10, or even 10 winter essential items and backpack for £250: there are so many ways to get involved and help support people who need it most at this time of year.
“The people of Edinburgh have generously supported Festival of Kindness for the past four years. This year, we’re asking them to once again demonstrate that warm-heartedness they’re famous for and donate at our Tree of Kindness or online.”
Over and above the tree located on Edinburgh’s Castle Street, four other Trees of Kindness have been installed across the UK. Donors can bring physical gifts to the trees which will be distributed to homeless and vulnerable people in time for Christmas, including:
Glasgow – Vinicombe Street
Dundee – Union Street
London – the Strand, outside Charing Cross station
Aberdeen – outside the Bon Accord Centre
For anyone who can’t make it along to the Festival of Kindness donation points, contributions can also be made online at social-bite.co.uk/festival-of-kindness/.
The charity, in collaboration with people they support, has created a wish list of items and gifts that vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness want most at this time of year.
These include a warm pair of gloves, a hot water bottle and a torch, good quality socks, and toys and warm clothing for children living in temporary accommodation to open on Christmas morning.
Donors can also buy a Christmas dinner, a gift, a pack of essential items and overnight emergency accommodation for £28.
Residents and guests at Strachan House care home in Edinburgh enjoyed a visit from the wonderful local Fire Service.
Residents enjoyed a talk with the local firefighters and a look round the engine. Modern fire brigades around the world were created after Edinburgh led the way 200 years ago. City authorities set up the Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment in 1824, following a several fires – the largest of which raged for five days, killing 13 people and making hundreds homeless.
General Manager, Francis Fisher said, “Our residents had a wonderful day. We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was one of our favourites!”
One resident said “We all enjoyed a chat with the firemen and a look around the engine, it was very interesting.”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House Care Home provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for residents from respite care to long term stays.
Local charity, LifeCare Edinburgh, is marking St Andrew’s Day by announcing first family friendly ceilidh.
This Burn’s Day, join LifeCare Edinburgh for dancing and delicious food at our Community Ceilidh. Enjoy music from the Gallivanters Ceilidh Band and traditional Scottish stovies.
Everyone is welcome at this fully accessible, family friendly event at the LifeCare Centre on Cheyne Street in the heart of Stockbridge.
Date: Saturday 25th January
Time: 2-4pm
Family ticket £28 (2 adults & 2 kids)
Adult ticket £10
Child ticket £5 (under 3’s go free)
Booking is open now via eventbrite or by calling 0131 343 0940
Clear Out and Give Back! 
What we need:
Drop-offs welcome until: Thursday 19th December
Bring your donations to: Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
