Scottish Government identifies half a billion savings to tackle cost crisis
Around £500 million in savings have been found as resources are focused on tackling the “harsh reality” of the cost of living crisis, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said yesterday.
He updated the Scottish Parliament on steps being taken to meet the increased costs of public sector pay and to provide support to those who need it most, while balancing public finances.
Soaring inflation means the Scottish Government’s budget is now worth £1.7 billion less in real terms than it was last December. Since then inflation has risen from around 4% to more than 10% – with possible further increases when figures come out next week.
Mr Swinney set out to Parliament where savings have so far been made to help pay for initiatives such as fair public sector pay settlements and doubling the Fuel Insecurity Fund. He has also written to the Finance and Public Administration Committee outlining the details of reductions in planned spending made in recent weeks.
The Deputy First Minister has committed to setting out the Emergency Budget Review within two weeks of the UK Government budget update expected later this month. He warned further intervention will represent a significant challenge given the largely fixed Scottish Government budget and limited fiscal powers.
Mr Swinney said: “Our budget was based on a UK Spending Review that simply did not foresee the levels of inflation that are now a reality.
“That alone would require the budget to be revisited. But in times of crisis the job of the finance secretary is not simply to balance the books. It is to find the money to help families, to back business and to fund the priority projects that improve lives for the long term. And so, the Emergency Budget Review must both identify funding to cope with inflation-driven cost increases and aim to support those who most need our help during this crisis.
“This is the harsh reality of a fixed budget and limited powers. The Scottish Government simply does not have access to many of the levers which would provide the greatest support in this crisis. We will do everything we can. We will make the hard choices. But only the UK Government can act to end this crisis. They should do so – and I encourage them to do so now.”
Last year saw nearly 450,000 complaints made to councils about noisy neighbours, averaging one every 70 seconds
However, only a third (32 per cent) of Brits are taking action to try to stop the noise
London has the most noise complaints; Yorkshire leading in tackling antisocial noise
Tolerance for noisy neighbours has fallen across the UK in the last two years, suggests new research from Churchill Home Insurance.
The last financial year saw nearly 450,000 noise complaints to councils across the UK, which equates to 1,229 every day, or one every 70 seconds. This is 10 per cent higher than pre pandemic (2019/20), an increase of nearly 70,000 complaints in two years.
The real number of noisy neighbours may be even higher than official figures, as just a third (31 per cent) of Brits have acted in response to a noise dispute with their neighbour.
The most common causes of excessive noise are playing loud music (19 per cent), hosting parties (16 per cent), animals (13 per cent), children and arguments (both 12 per cent).
Councils appear to be taking noise complaints increasingly seriously, as 4,015 noise abatement notices were issued last year, a rise of 15 per cent on the year before when only 3,487 were issued.
However, this still means fewer than one per cent of complaints end up with a notice issued. An abatement notice from a local authority may require that the noise be stopped altogether or limited to certain times of day. People served with a notice have 21 days to appeal.
The Noise Act 1996 specifies that night-time lasts from 11pm to 7am for noise purposes3 and any excessive noise within that time is considered anti-social behaviour. Over half (52 per cent) of Brits have been affected by excessive noise from neighbours between these times within the last 12 months.
Although a third (33 per cent) of Brits believe excessive noise should not be permitted past 9pm. One in seven Brits (13 per cent) think there is never an appropriate time to make excessive noise.
When it comes to resolving noise disputes, almost two thirds (65 per cent) of victims tried to tackle the matter by speaking to their neighbour. However, in only half (53 per cent) of these cases did it lead to the issue being resolved. Other common actions taken were reporting them to the council (28 per cent), speaking to their landlord (20 per cent), reporting them to the police (16 per cent).
Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill home insurance, said: “Noise can be extremely disruptive to our lives, especially if we feel it is excessive and during antisocial hours when we’re trying to rest or sleep.
“As a nation it seems we have become less tolerant to noise over the last few years, but we are also home a lot more now as so many of us work from home or have a hybrid working patterns.
“There are rules governing noise so if you are affected then try speaking to your neighbours and explaining the problem and impact. If that doesn’t work, then keep a record of the type of noise and time of day it happens and speak to your local council about raising a noise complaint.
“You should also check your home insurance policy as you may find you have Legal Protection cover to pay for potential legal costs if you had to take legal action to get a resolution.”
Regional findings
London receives the most noise complaints in the UK, recording nearly 152,000 complaints last year and accounting for a third (34 per cent) of the total. This amounts to one complaint per 46 households, which is nearly four times the average outside of London (one per 12 households).
Six of the top 10 local authorities for noise complaints last year were in London, with Islington leading the way at over 14,000, a 41 per cent increase compared to two years ago. North Lanarkshire was the only council in the top 10 to see a reduction (-13 per cent) in the volume of complaints compared to two years ago.
At the other end of the scale, Argyll and Bute in Scotland received just one complaint for noisy neighbours, Runnymede in Surrey received just nine and Melton in Leicestershire just 59.
Table one: Councils which received the most noise complaints in 2021/22
Local council
Noise complaints, 2021/22
Percentage increase vs 2019/20
London Borough of Islington
14,224
41 per cent
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
12,945
One per cent
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
12,785
25 per cent
City of Westminster
10,803
22 per cent
Birmingham
9,328
45 per cent
London Borough of Newham
9,074
16 per cent
North Lanarkshire
6,199
-13 per cent
London Borough of Wandsworth
6,158
73 per cent
Manchester
5,450
34 per cent
Belfast
5,396
Five per cent
UK total
448,524
10 per cent
Source: Churchill Home Insurance 2022
Table two: Regional noise complaints
Region
Noise complaints, 2021/22
Percentage increase vs 2019/20
Share of all complaints 2021/22
London
151,814
22 per cent
34 per cent
South East
47,896
19 per cent
11 per cent
Scotland
38,976
-4 per cent
9 per cent
North West
32,897
21 per cent
7 per cent
Yorkshire and the Humber
29,582
10 per cent
7 per cent
West Midlands
28,362
32 per cent
6 per cent
East of England
27,547
36 per cent
6 per cent
South West
27,540
22 per cent
6 per cent
East Midlands
20,621
14 per cent
5 per cent
Wales
17,524
3 per cent
4 per cent
Northern Ireland
12,988
11 per cent
3 per cent
North East
12,778
25 per cent
3 per cent
Total
448,524
10 per cent
100 per cent
Source: Churchill Home Insurance 2022
Yorkshire has the highest rate of penalties to noise complaints, issuing more than 2,000 over the past three years, the equivalent to one for every 10 complaints.
While London leads the way in complaints, it has the second-lowest rate of issuing penalties for noise disturbances, issuing one order for every 79 complaints. This is second only to Northern Ireland, with one in every 88 complaints.
On a council level, Rotherham in South Yorkshire issued the greatest number of penalties for noise disturbances, with 527 last year, followed by Manchester (147) and Fife (146). Bradford (137), Kensington and Chelsea (106), Westminster (96), North West Leicestershire (85), Leicester (62), Bristol (58) and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (55) complete the top 10.
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is holding three virtual meetings this month for the public to provide feedback on its Air Ambulance Service prior to its re-procurement.
The meetings will take place via Zoom on 22, 26 and 29 September at 7pm- 8pm and will build on questionnaire feedback from the first phase of the Air Ambulance re-procurement consultation and engagement programme which ran earlier this year.
The Air Ambulance Service, which is funded in its entirety by the Scottish Government, transfers patients living in remote, rural and island communities to and from hospital. It also provides air ambulance support to the ScotSTAR retrieval teams and responds to 999 calls in a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) role.
Currently, the service is delivered through a managed contract of two helicopters; one based in Glasgow and one in Inverness and two fixed wing aircraft; one at Aberdeen Airport and one at Glasgow Airport. In addition to the four government funded aircraft, the service is supplemented by two helicopters provided by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.
A national multi-disciplinary team of paramedics, nurses, advanced practitioners, and doctors, work together to provide a flexible and responsive service that offers timely, safe and effective care for patients.
Paul Bassett, Chief Operating Officer at the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “These online meetings are a key part of our consultation and engagement work and their output will inform the re-procurement of our Air Ambulance Service prior to its renewal.
“It’s vital we collate as many views as possible, so I’d encourage people to join the meetings and share their opinions with us.”
To register your interest for an online meeting and to receive joining instructions, please contact sas.airamb@nhs.scot with your preferred date.
For those who cannot attend these sessions, please also contact the above email address and a consultation form will be sent to you week commencing 19 September.
Running a successful electrical business is a full-time job, but two remarkable sporting sparks have proved that they have what it takes to stand out against aggressive competition in totally different fields.
Michael McKenna and Chris Liddell, both members of electrical trade association SELECT, are making the most of the time when they’re not working to excel in the tough and challenging worlds of professional football and boxing respectively.
Electrician Chris is getting ready to light up the ring again this week after making his comeback as a professional boxer following eight years out of the ring.
The 29-year-old bantamweight won his first bout on the comeback trail in June and now faces his second fight at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza on Friday 9 September.
Chris, who runs 2 Core Electrics in Lanarkshire, said: “I stopped boxing because I was starting my own business and couldn’t commit enough time to it, but things have calmed down a bit since then so I thought I’d give it another go before it’s too late.
“Juggling work and training is hard, but I’m a bit more mature now so I know what’s involved. It’s gruelling but it’s worth it – it’s been absolutely brilliant to get back out there and I was buzzing to win my first comeback fight.”
Chris, who is managed by Kynoch Boxing Promotions, added: “I don’t want to look too far ahead but I’m setting my sights on a Scottish title. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when, so if you’re a bantamweight, watch out because I’m coming.”
Meanwhile, fellow SELECT member Michael has kicked off a new season with Arbroath FC, hoping to go one better than last season, when he helped them to within a whisker of being the first part-time club to be promoted to Scotland’s top league.
The midfielder, from Edinburgh, scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 2021-22, becoming the Championship’s top goal scorer and scooping Player of the Year awards from both the Professional Footballers’ Association and the SPFL.
Michael – whose day job is running Musselburgh-based McKenna Electrical Solutions – said: “I loved football as a boy but, when I failed to win a contract at 16, I became an electrician. Since then I’ve worked with some great companies at the same time as playing football and now run my own business.
“I’ve got three main clients and get involved in all sorts of projects from full house renovations to new builds, kitchens, bathrooms, attic conversions and so on.”
Michael – who previously played for Livingston and Berwick Rangers – said: “It’s a good balance of work and I’m quite happy with how things are. I enjoy my job and playing part-time for Arbroath and wouldn’t endanger that for a few years of full-time football.”
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We can only take our hats off to these two sporting heroes who are demonstrating in a very tangible way that there is nothing you can’t achieve if you put your mind to it.
“For most people, running a company would be enough of a challenge – especially an electrical business, which is at the forefront of technological development as the country transitions to net zero.
“Michael and Chris are showing exceptional dedication, determination and skill and we wish them every success as they push themselves towards sporting glory.”
More details about the sporting sparks can be found in the August-September issue of cabletalk, the magazine which represents the Scottish electrotechnical industry.
Charity will receive £300,000 from Foundation Scotland
North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) has secured vital funding from Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, to develop and grow it’s popular community spaces.
This investment will support the charity to refurbish, redesign and extend its existing arts centre on MacMillan Square to create a high-quality culture, arts and meeting space for current and future generations to enjoy for years to come.
North Edinburgh Arts is a purpose built creative and community venue in Muirhouse, that has served the whole of North Edinburgh, for over 20 years.
The existing 2-storey hub incorporates two studios, a 96-seat theatre, recording studios, offices and a café with children’s play area and large garden. This current centre is a well-loved and well-used venue, but the charity seeks to expand facilities to meet growing needs in the area.
Muirhouse, one of the most deprived wards in Scotland, is currently the focus of targeted regeneration, building 700 new homes, a health facility, a new nursery and creating a new town centre around MacMillan Square. The new ‘MacMillan Hub’, developed through a dynamic partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, will become an anchor building creating and enhancing community life, offering services for everyone, whilst focusing on the most disadvantaged.
The £300,000 from Foundation Scotland’s Investing in Enterprise Fund has enabled the charity to move its ambitious build plans forward. Half of this funding is a non-repayable grant, with the remainder through a low interest loan. The Foundation Scotland team prides itself on working together with applicants to offer more than just the traditional funding offer, also providing unique insight, planning support and advice to help attract further investment.
Maria Law, Social Investment Executive at Foundation Scotland, said:“The MacMillan Hub will be an important and inspiring place for everyone in the local community and we are extremely proud to be supporting its development.
“It was clear from our first meeting with the North Edinburgh Arts team that they had both the vision and the determination to turn their plans into reality and we are delighted to be here with them today to see the action on site.
“The £300,000 investment from Foundation Scotland will support the charity to increase its footprint by a third so that they can provide more local people of all ages and all abilities with creative classes and community activities at a time when it’s never been needed more.
“Thanks to these new facilities, families will have an affordable safe and welcoming place to come to and enjoy, young people will be given more opportunities to develop skills, confidence and self-esteem, and older people will feel part of a connected community.
“We know there are other groups that urgently need this support to get started or grow, and this is even more challenging in the current climate. We are encouraging all interested groups to visit our website or contact our team directly to discuss their eligibility.”
Lesley Hinds, Chair of North Edinburgh Arts, said: ”This new capital project will allow North Edinburgh Arts to flourish and bring a first-class facility to Macmillan Square. NEA is a special place for the community of North Edinburgh and is a trusted anchor organisation now fully in community ownership thanks to our recent Community Asset Transfer.
“The development of NEA and the MacMillan Hub has cross-party support, locally and nationally, with this enthusiasm matched by that of our community. This enthusiasm has kept us going through some difficult times and now, with thanks to Foundation Scotland’s funding and capacity-building support, we are looking forward to bringing a truly inspirational place to the heart of Muirhouse.”
The City of Edinburgh Council and North Edinburgh Arts expect the MacMillan Hub build to be completed by the end of 2023.
Foundation Scotland’s ‘Investing in Enterprise Fund’ offers up to a quarter of a million pounds in blended finance to eligible social enterprises, community organisations and charities operating in 18 local authority areas.
Guidance relaxed in line with latest clinical advice
Social care staff and visitors are no longer being advised to wear facemasks at all times under new guidance published today (7 September).
The recommendation has been lifted due to a sharp drop in coronavirus infections and a reduction in severity of illness, which has been driven by Scotland’s successful vaccination programme which has so far seen more than 12 million Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in Scotland.
Care home residents and their loved ones will benefit from these more relaxed visiting arrangements. Masks and face coverings in social care may still be worn if recommended in certain situations, such as a local outbreak of COVID, or if staff deem it necessary. Staff and visitors remain free to wear one if they choose.
This guidance balances the risk of harm from COVID-19 with the impact masks can have on communication, mental wellbeing and rights and choices of those working in and using social care services.
Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Our phenomenally successful vaccination programme has driven down infections and saved the NHS from untold pressures.
“Removing the need for facemasks in social care settings including care homes is the latest step in our path to recovering from the pandemic.
“This will make communication and relationships easier in care settings, benefiting mental health and promoting the rights and choices of those working in and using social care.”
Luxury restaurant chain Haute Dolci will be opening its doors to diners in Edinburgh on the 9th of September, creating 30 local jobs and introducing its famous dessert and brunch menu to its first-ever Scottish store.
The flagship store is located in the vibrant St James Quarter and will form part of the cosmopolitan landscape of the city, offering shoppers a chance to enjoy the best in decadent sweet treats and mouth-watering savoury dishes.
The grand opening will start at 7pm and will include a variety of entertainment throughout the day, so diners are urged to get there early to make the most of a DJ, magician and other exciting acts.
Daniel Gillett, the restaurant manager for Haute Dolci in Edinburgh, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open our first ever Scottish store, bringing Haute Dolci’s stylish and friendly atmosphere to the people of Edinburgh.
“The team has worked incredibly hard to ensure we’re ready to welcome guests to the grand opening and we are so excited to see lots of faces over the course of the day!”
The grand opening follows the famous key hunt, which offers lucky dessert-lovers access to loyalty club benefits and discounts. Clues are still being shared via the restaurant chain’s social media channels — Facebook and Instagram in the run-up to the opening.
For more information on the Haute Dolci brand or to make a reservation at the new Edinburgh restaurant, please visit hautedolci.co.uk.
Haute Dolci franchise opportunities are available across the UK; please contact Franchise@hauteworld.co.uk for more information.
After traveling the world with Scotland’s most famous military band, a West Lothian musician is returning to Livingston to pay tribute to local heroes.
Warrant Officer John Govan, who lives in Bathgate, will perform with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland at their “Celebrating our Heroes” concert to support Poppyscotland.
John, who plays the clarinet, flute, and saxophone, has been an Army musician for 22 years, performing all over Europe, and in the Middle East, Hong Kong, and America. The band has recently played at Edinburgh’s Royal Military Tattoo, following the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Holyrood Place.
Now they will be coming to Howden Park Centre on Friday 30th September, as part of the band’s tour around Scotland. All proceeds will go to help Poppyscotland deliver its life-changing support for members of the Armed Forces community across Scotland.
John said: “This is the first time the Band has played in Livingston, and I’m really looking forward to playing close to home. We’re excited to be supporting a great cause, as well as paying tribute to local heroes, from the Armed Forces to key workers during a pandemic.
“We’ve got a fantastic programme this year, ranging from traditional Scottish tunes to modern classics, while the Band Scots Ceilidh group is sure to get feet tapping! We’ve been especially pleased to work with Scottish folk musician and composer Alan Brydon, who has written a new song, Land of Heroes, for the finale.
“These concerts are always very enjoyable events, and it’s great to get out and meet local audiences.”
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and are very grateful for their continuing support. This is a fantastic chance to hear one of Scotland’s best-known bands here in Livingston.
“These concerts are always a great night out, with an uplifting and eclectic programme showcasing the band’s versatility. All funds raised will support our life-changing work with the Armed Forces community, providing practical help and support whenever they need us.”
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, based at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh, is one of the 22 Regular Army bands, and is made up of musicians who are also serving soldiers.
Tickets cost £15 (£12 concessions) and are available via:
TODAY (7th September 2022), suicide prevention charity Samaritans and Network Rail have joined forces with mental health charities to hold a wellbeing event to raise awareness of support available to commuters, rail staff and the community, aiming to reduce stigma around suicide by encouraging life-saving conversations.
The event will also mark and take place ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10th September. The event aims to remind the public that it’s OK to ask someone about suicidal thoughts and feelings if they are worried about someone. It could save a life.
With the cost of living rising, following an incredibly challenging few years, the charity is urging people to look out for each other.
Samaritans will be joined by representatives from Network Rail, Railway Mission, Breathing Space and United to Prevent Suicide at Edinburgh Waverley railway station from 9am to 6pm to speak to commuters, staff and any member of the public who would like a chat or information.
The public will find the stand in the Marketplace, beside Platform 2.
Arlene Dickson, Samaritans’ Rail Regional Development Lead for Scotland, said:“We are all really looking forward to connecting with people within the railway station. We know how challenging these last few years have been for people and support is needed now more than ever.
“We know if someone is feeling suicidal it may be hard to get through to them, as they might be distant or distracted and not respond right away. Asking someone if they’re suicidal won’t make things worse.
“Evidence shows it could help them and give them permission to open up. So, we’re here to remind the public that they’re not alone, showing them the power of listening and starting a conversation. If you’re worried about someone, just let them know there is always someone they can turn to, whether that’s family, friends or a 24/7 helpline like Samaritans.”
Allan Brooking, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail Scotland, said: “Scotland’s Railway plays a vital role in supporting WSPD as it helps to break the stigma associated with suicide and helps us to understand how the rail industry can help to prevent suicide.
“Thanks to the work of the wider rail industry and our partners like Samaritans, we have made significant strides helping vulnerable people on and around the railways.
“However, we appreciate there are many people struggling in these exceptionally difficult times and we support this campaign which encourages the public to have lifesaving conversations if they are worried about a friend, colleague or loved one.”
Throughout World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans will be sharing useful content on its Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages, including information on myths about suicide and how to help look out for each other.
To find out more about Samaritans, or to make a donation and find out other ways you can support Samaritans, visit www.samaritans.org or go to our social media sites as above.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, 365 days a year and if you’re going through a tough time, you don’t have to face it alone.
A pedestrian who died following a collision involving a car on the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass can be named as Michael Greens.
The incident happened around 5.10am on Saturday, 3 September, 2022, eastbound near the Straiton junction. Mr Greens, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family have issued the following statement through Police Scotland:
“Michael was an extremely sharp and intelligent man, who would astound and entertain us with his wit and knowledge.
“He was a student of science and history, with a passion for fitness and historical re-enactment.
“A joy to be around, he touched the hearts of those who knew him.
“He will be sorely missed by parents, Billy and Sadie, and brother, Daniel.”
The 39-year-old male driver of the BMW 3 Series car involved was uninjured.
The road was closed until around 12.40pm to allow for an investigation at the scene.
Sergeant Barry Sommerville of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts are with the Michael’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Our enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances and I would ask anyone with information which could help to get in touch.
“We would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage which could help our investigation.
“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting reference 0714 of Saturday, 3 September, 2022.”
