Category: North Edinburgh News

UK government unveils new “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” for businesses, charities, and the public sector

  • Scheme will provide a discount on high energy costs to give businesses certainty while limiting taxpayers’ exposure to volatile energy markets
  • Businesses in sectors with particularly high levels of energy use and trade intensity will receive a higher level of support.

A new energy scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector was confirmed yesterday (9th January), ahead of the current scheme ending in March. The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024.

This will help businesses locked into contracts signed before recent substantial falls in the wholesale price manage their costs and provide others with reassurance against the risk of prices rising again.

The government provided an unprecedented package of support for non-domestic users through this winter, worth £18 billion per the figures certified by the OBR at the Autumn Statement. This is equivalent to the cost of an increase of around three pence on people’s income tax.

The government has been clear that such levels of this support, unprecedented in its nature and huge scale, were time-limited and intended as a bridge to allow businesses to adapt. The latest data shows wholesale gas prices have now fallen to levels just before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and have almost halved since the current scheme was announced.

The new scheme therefore strikes a balance between supporting businesses over the next 12 months and limiting taxpayer’s exposure to volatile energy markets, with a cap set at £5.5 billion. This provides long term certainty for businesses and reflects how the scale of the challenge has changed since September last year.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: “My top priority is tackling the rising cost of living – something that both families and businesses are struggling with. That means taking difficult decisions to bring down inflation while giving as much support to families and business as we are able.

“Wholesale energy prices are falling and have now gone back to levels just before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. But to provide reassurance against the risk of prices rising again we are launching the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, giving businesses the certainty they need to plan ahead.

“Even though prices are falling, I am concerned this is not being passed on to businesses, so I’ve written to Ofgem asking for an update on whether further action is action is needed to make sure the market is working for businesses.”

From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/MWh automatically applied to their gas bill and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh applied to their electricity bill, except for those benefitting from lower energy prices.

A substantially higher level of support will be provided to businesses in sectors identified as being the most energy and trade intensive – predominately manufacturing industries.

A long standing category associated with higher energy usage; these firms are often less able to pass through cost to their customers due to international competition. Businesses in scope will receive a gas and electricity bill discount based on a supported price which will be capped by a maximum unit discount of £40.0/MWh for gas and £89.1/MWh for electricity.

Energy Bill Discount Scheme summary

For eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier, the government is announcing the following support:

  • From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, all eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/MWh automatically applied to their gas bill and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh applied to their electricity bill.
  • This will be subject to a wholesale price threshold, set with reference to the support provided for domestic consumers, of £107/MWh for gas and £302/MWh for electricity. This means that businesses experiencing energy costs below this level will not receive support.
  • Customers do not need to apply for their discount. As with the current scheme, suppliers will automatically apply reductions to the bills of all eligible non-domestic customers.

For eligible Energy and Trade Intensive Industries, the government is announcing:

  • These businesses will receive a discount reflecting the difference between a price threshold and the relevant wholesale price.
  • The price threshold for the scheme will be £99/MWh for gas and £185/MWh for electricity.
  • This discount will only apply to 70% of energy volumes and will be subject to a ‘maximum discount’ of £40.0/MWh for gas and £89.1/MWh for electricity.

The Chancellor has also written to OFGEM, asking for an update in time for the Budget on the progress of their review into the non-domestic market. He has asked for their assessment of whether further action is action is needed to secure a well-functioning market for non-domestic customers following reports of challenges certain customers are facing, including in relation to the pricing and availability of tariffs, standing charges and renewal terms, and the ability of certain sectors to secure contracts.

Businesses in England will also benefit from support with their business rates bills worth £13.6 billion over the next five years, a UK-wide £2.4 billion fuel duty cut, a six month extension to the alcohol duty freeze and businesses with profits below £250,000 will be protected from the full corporation rate rise, with those making less than £50,000 – the vast majority of UK companies – not facing any corporation tax increase at all.

Friends of the Earth: Energy strategy must set end date for oil and gas

Ahead of the publication today of the Scottish Government’s Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, environmental campaigners have called for Ministers to set an end date for fossil fuels and chart a just and clear path to a renewable powered future.

The plans will be revealed as continued burning of fossil fuels worsens the climate emergency and 2022 was officially declared Scotland’s hottest ever year. The United Nations warned in October that the world was on course for a catastrophic 2.8C of climate warming by the end of this century.

Oil companies declared tens of billions in profits in 2022 as millions of households struggled to pay their energy bills. Campaigners say that the Scottish Government must reduce overall energy demand through mass home insulation and public transport investment and ensure that our remaining energy needs are met with reliable, affordable renewables instead.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Mary Church said: “The new Energy Strategy must chart a just and clear path away from our broken fossil fuel energy system that is hurting people and the planet, and transition Scotland to a climate-safe future with clean, affordable renewable energy for all.

“This is a crucial decade for action on the climate crisis so Ministers must ensure that the plan sets an end date for fossil fuels and commits to phasing out oil and gas.

“Through a mass rollout of  home insulation and boosting public transport we can reduce our overall demand for energy, improve people’s lives and help tackle the cost of living crisis.

“The Scottish Government must reject the dodgy technology of carbon capture and storage and fossil hydrogen which is being pushed by the profiteering oil and gas industry who want to keep us locked into this harmful system. By putting workers and communities at the heart of planning the transition to renewables we can ensure that we create a fairer, healthier Scotland that can meet its climate commitments.”

Energy strategy to shape next 25 years of energy production

There is a clear imperative to accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said ahead of the publication of a new strategy for the energy sector.

The draft Energy Strategy, being published for consultation on Tuesday 10 January, will set out the Scottish Government’s policies on domestic production of energy, alongside a plan to reduce demand and build a resilient and secure future net zero energy system.

Also published will be the first Just Transition Plan to ensure that, as the energy sector grows and changes, it benefits citizens, workers and communities.

It provides a route map of actions, with a particular focus out to 2030, for the Scottish and UK Governments and is central to meeting Scotland’s climate change targets, as well as boosting jobs and improving wellbeing.

Speaking ahead of a visit to energy technology research and test site, PNDC, in Cumbernauld, the First Minister said: “The imperative is clear. In this decade we must set Scotland on the path to an energy system that meets the challenge of becoming a net zero nation by 2045, that supplies safe, secure and affordable energy for all and that generates economic opportunity through a just transition.

“The current energy crisis has demonstrated how vulnerable our energy system is to international price shocks, while laying bare the need for structural reform to ensure affordability for consumers.

“This strategy will shape the next 25 years of energy production in Scotland. It provides an independent assessment of the future of the North Sea and shows that as we reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas – as both generators and consumers – there is a huge environmental and economic opportunity to be seized.

“Scotland is already at the forefront of the clean energy transition and our green jobs revolution is underway. By continuing to make the most of our vast renewable energy resource, we can deliver a net zero energy system that also delivers a net gain in jobs within Scotland’s energy production sector.”

Police appeal following targeted attack in Gilmerton

Detectives are appealing for information following an assault in Edinburgh on Saturday (7 January 2023).

Around 8.35pm, a 36-year-old man was approached by a man, who attempted to strike him with a weapon. The attack took place in Cumnor Crescent.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to help trace the man responsible.

The suspect is described as white, in his mid to late teens, around 5ft 6in tall and of skinny build. He was wearing a tracksuit, with a black balaclava, black gloves, and possibly a black body warmer.

Following the assault the suspect was seen entering a brown Mitsubishi Outlander which drove off towards Glenvarloch Crescent.

Enquiries have revealed the vehicle was stolen from Brighouse Park Close in the early hours of Saturday, 7 January, 2023.

A brown Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered on fire in Foxglove Close, Edinburgh, at around 12.10am on Monday, 9 January, 2023.

The vehicle is quite distinctive with roof bars and a tow bar at the rear.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who might have information to help trace those responsible.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, from Edinburgh CID, said: “Thankfully the man was not injured but it is vital we trace those responsible.

“This appears to have been a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.

“A brown Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered on fire in Foxglove Close, Edinburgh, and we believe it may be linked to the incident.

“I would like to hear from anyone who recognises the vehicle and may have information about its movements over the past few days.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV, as it could prove vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 3142 of 7 January, 2023.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Most popular workout tracks for January gym return revealed 

  • A new analysis of monthly Spotify playlists reveals the most popular songs for a January workout, as Brits head back to the gym
  • ACRAZE’s Do It To It proved best for getting hyped back up after Christmas, as well as Eminem’s Till I Collapse and The Chainsmokers’ Closer
  • Google searches for new gym memberships have increased by 111% since the end of December – perhaps due to New Year’s resolutions

A new analysis of user’s monthly Spotify playlists has revealed which tracks are best for getting hyped for the gym again in January – with ACRAZE’S Do It To It on top. 

The research, conducted by fitness experts Fitness Volt, analysed over 9,353 tracks from Spotify’s most popular January gym and January workout playlists to determine which songs feature most – creating the ultimate back-to-gym playlist for the new year. 

ACRAZE’s Do It To It – featuring girl group Cherish – is the best-suited track, appearing in seven of the playlists analysed. With a tempo of 125 BPM, the song is ideal for cardio.

Next up was Eminem’s Till I Collapse, also appearing on seven playlists, which would work well for a high-intensity workout thanks to its higher BPM of 171. The third-most popular track was The Chainsmoker’s Closer, which appeared in six workout playlists. 

It makes sense that high-tempo songs appear frequently in January playlists, given many people are now getting back to their usual workout routines and will be trying to hype themselves up again after the festive break.

Some artists also appear more frequently in gym playlists than others; Lizzo is amongst the most popular, with featured tracks including Fitness, Water Me, Grrls and Truth Hurts.

Other artists that appear numerous times across the analysed playlists were Kanye West, Big Sean, Flo Rida, Rihanna and Tiesto. 

Top 20 tracks for January workouts

  1. Do It To It, ACRAZE
  2. Till i Collapse, Eminem
  3. Closer, The Chainsmokers
  4. The Motto, Tiesto
  5. Elated, January’s Blessing
  6. Where Are You Now, Lost Frequencies
  7. INDUSTRY BABY, Lil Nas X
  8. POWER, Kanye West
  9. Shivers, Ed Sheeran,
  10. The Box, Roddy Rich 
  11. Can’t Hold Us, Macklemore
  12. Stronger, Kanye West
  13. Numb/Encore, Jay-Z
  14. Acapulo, Jason Derulo
  15. Abcdefu, GAYLE
  16. Levitating, Dua Lipa
  17. We Own It, 2 Chainz
  18. Boom Boom Pow, Zafrir
  19. HERO A, Yuki Hayashi
  20. Feels Like Summer, Weezer

There’ll also be an influx of new gym-goers who have dedicated themselves to pursue working out as their New Year’s resolution, and who’ll be listening to more motivating music. 

It seems that Brits are already keen to get themselves back to working out, with Google Trends data showing that searches for ‘gym memberships’ are 111% higher now than they were at the end of December. 

A spokesperson at Fitness Volt commented on the findings, saying: “Many gym-goers will find it hard to motivate themselves to get back to working out after some time away from the gym – and one of the best ways to amp ourselves up is to listen to high-tempo music.

“For those who are looking to create dedicated gym playlists, it’s recommended to include some slower tracks that will work for warming up and cooling down after your workout. You may also want to consider noise-cancelling headphones to enhance the experience.”

Opposition should be targeting Government not GPs, says BMA

Responding to shadow health secretary Wes Streeting’s comments on reform of the existing GP system, Dr Kieran Sharrock, BMA England GP committee acting chair said: “There’s no doubt that the situation in general practice – for both patients and staff alike – has never been under more pressure. GPs share the frustration of patients as demand outstrips capacity, and worry that they’re unable to provide the safe high-quality care that they want to.

“But as Mr Streeting himself alludes to, when supported properly, general practice is value for money and improves health outcomes, meaning people don’t need to go on to receive expensive hospital care. We agree with Mr Streeting that the GP contract needs to be revamped, to enable the most efficient, cost-effective part of the NHS to thrive.

“This shouldn’t be about reinventing the wheel though, when we know people value the continuity of care that their GP practice should be able to provide through the partnership model. We’re not at all averse to change and, in England, the BMA’s GP committee is already looking ahead to what contract will replace the current five-year framework that ends in 2024.

“We’ve already seen changes in recent years with a wider variety of health professionals working with GP practices and more direct referrals to people like physiotherapists that both benefits patients and reduces the burden on GPs. 

“But what cannot be escaped is the spiralling workforce shortage that we have, which has been made worse by a lack of political support and continuous attacks on the profession. Instead of blaming family doctors and their representatives for problems with the health service – the opposition should clearly be setting its sights on the Government that has overseen a haemorrhaging of GPs over the last decade.

“This is not about ‘vested interests’. We represent our members and also want the best for patients. The two co-exist.

“We have offered to sit down and discuss this with Mr Streeting, to ensure that he understands the pressures on the frontline and how these can realistically be alleviated for the benefit of both staff and patients.”

Police appeal following serious assault and robbery on Ferry Road

Police in Edinburgh have released images of a man that they wish to speak to as they believe he may have information that can assist with an investigation into a serious assault and robbery.

The incident took place around 10.15 pm on Thursday 10th November 2022, on Ferry Road. The victim, a 46-year-old man, was assaulted and robbed, resulting in serious injuries.

The male shown in the images is described as being a white male, in his late teens to early 20’s, around 5ft 8 to 5ft 10 inches in height, slim build, shaved dark hair and was wearing a black t-shirt, light grey jogging bottoms and light coloured trainers.

Detective Constable Chris Docherty, from Edinburgh CID, said: “This incident was highly distressing for the victim and we’re eager to trace the man pictured. The male victim in this incident sustained a serious injury and was treated at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

“I am asking that the male pictured in the images to make contact with police in order that further enquiries can be conducted. I am also asking members of the public that if they recognise this individual to contact police.”

“Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3719 of 10 November 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Ferry Road
Ferry Road
Ferry Road

Views sought on proposals to modernise trusts and succession law

Scots are being invited to share their views on the Scottish Government’s Trusts and Succession (Scotland) Bill. The Scottish Parliament’s Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee has launched a consultation on the proposed changes, which would modernise the operations of trusts and rules around succession.

The Bill aims to change the law in two areas. It would alter how trusts are administrated and managed and would also change the order of who has a right to inherit when someone dies without a will.

Trusts are used for a wide range of legal purposes that impact on families, businesses, charities and financial institutions. A trust enables assets to be legally owned by one person or entity while a different individual, entity or group of people can benefit from the asset.

The Scottish Law Commission has recommended that both trust law and succession law be updated. Currently Scots law around trusts is largely based on an Act passed in 1921. It is now believed that there are £500 billion worth of assets held in trusts in Scotland today.

The Commission completed a comprehensive review of trust law in 2014, which identified a number of outdated areas of law in need of modernisation. Furthermore, changes to succession law were recommended by the Commission following extensive reform work and public consultations over many years. The Scottish Government is now seeking to change the law around both trusts and succession with this Bill.

The Committee’s scrutiny of this Bill follows its recent work on the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1. In that case, the Committee welcomed the general principles of the Bill, but did raise concerns with the Government about the impact it might have on consumers.

Stuart McMillan MSP, Convener of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee, said:

“Trusts are long established in Scotland. It is thought that assets in trust may hold a combined value of £500 billion in Scotland, yet their significance is not recognised in wider society.

“We would like to understand more about how trusts are used in Scotland and what impact the changes in this Bill might have on Scottish individuals, businesses, charities and institutions.

“We’re particularly keen to hear from professional trustees, whose commercial business includes handling trusts for other people, and lay trustees, who are not acting in a professional capacity in their role.”

In addition to its consultation, the Committee will hold a series of public evidence sessions on the Bill in the spring.

‘Robotic Surgery saved my life’

A patient at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary has praised NHS staff after undergoing robotic surgery that she claims saved her life.

Deborah Speirs, 46, from the Tollcross area of Glasgow was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in March 2021 and, thanks to the innovative surgery and a dose of chemotherapy, she has now been given the all-clear.

Following a consultation with Professor Campbell Roxburgh, a surgeon at the GRI, Deborah decided to opt for the innovative surgery over the conventional method. 

Deborah is grateful for all the care she received at the GRI, but she is convinced that the robotic surgery saved her life. She said: “I cannot thank the staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde enough for all the help, care and treatment they provided for me.

“When you are told you are diagnosed with cancer, it takes a while for this to really sink in as you never think it is going to happen to you.

“I had never heard about it this type of procedure before. An operation is a scary word in itself and I never thought anything about a robot being directed by a surgeon.

“I met with Prof Roxburgh and he explained everything in detail and I was happy to go ahead with it.

“The technology is amazing and I was up and walking around in a matter of days after my surgery. I wanted to start hoovering when I got home from hospital but my daughter made sure I rested up. It just shows you how great this is for recovery.

“In what was a very traumatic and difficult time for me and my family, I genuinely think that robotic surgery has saved my life.”

L-R Deborah’s daughter Antonia, dad Thomas, Deborah, Deborah’s partner Paul.

More than 60 doctors are trained in the use of robotic surgery systems across NHS Scotland, with 15 machines in operation. NHSGGC offers robotic surgery across multiple specialities including colorectal, urology, gynaecology and head and neck surgery, at both the GRI and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The robotic systems have four arms that hold a camera and the surgical tools. A surgeon controls the robotic system from the surgeon console, which is in the operating theatre.

The systems allow doctors to use tiny wristed instruments that move like a human hand, but with a greater range of motion. The precision of the surgery can reduce the amount of time patients are required to stay in hospital post-surgery.

Prof Roxburgh said: “Robotic surgery has already shown huge improvements in patient care and recovery times. It is not complete devolution of the surgery to a robot and the surgeon still has absolute control of everything that is going on. What we are adding, is that we are using a console that controls instruments and these go in through robotic ports.

“We have seen a halving in the length of time patients are required to stay in hospital in comparison to conventional key hole surgery as it is less invasive.

“In addition to this, it helps have reduce complications, imaging assessments, blood transfusions readmission rates and infections.

“Deborah is just one example of a number of successful surgeries using this type of equipment.” 

Neil McCallum, director for NHSGGC’s North Sector, said: “This innovative technology allows us to reduce the amount of time a patient has to stay in hospital following their surgery.



“At a time when we are facing increased pressures, it is great to highlight the extraordinary work our teams are undertaking and this procedure will enable us to treat more patients more quickly, and with better outcomes.

“I would like to thank our teams who are continuously going over and above to provide the best possible treatment and care for our patients.”

David Marante, Regional Director at Intuitive, the maker of the da Vinci surgical systems used by surgeons and their teams at NHSGGC, said: “The progress that has been made at NHSGGC over the past 18 months is a huge accomplishment and is testament to the commitment of the team to expand robotic-assisted surgery so that more patients will have access to minimally invasive care with our technology.

“Our continued focus is to provide technology training to more surgeons, trainees and care teams across Scotland as they grow their da Vinci robotic programmes with the aim of further reducing rates of open surgery to improve patient outcomes and lower the total cost of care.”

Use It Or Lose It!

FISHERIES MINISTER’ SOS: ENSURE YOU DON’T LOSE YOUR LOCAL CHIPPY

A TORY Minister has issued a rallying call to arms to Brits to save their local chippy. Mark Spencer,  a Minister in the Department Fisheries, Food and Agriculture, made the plea amid growing concern about the future of many takeaways.

The cost-of-living crisis, coupled with a rise in the price of fish is leading to many struggling to stay afloat.

Speaking to GB News, Mr Spencer said chippies were facing the same pressures as other shops on the High Street.

He told Gloria De Piero: “You can make the same argument about the High Street as well. You know it’s not just fish and chip shops, there are lots of those shops that are under pressure. 

“Now the fundamental answer, the direct answer is you’ve got to use them otherwise you’ll lose them. If you don’t use your fish and chip shop it will disappear because it won’t have the trade to be able to continue. You know, I would say to people, ‘Use your fish and chip shop because it’s a great British tradition. And just take a few mushy peas on the side as well’.”

His comments come months after a report claimed half of Britain’s 10,500 fish and chip shops could close due to rocketing costs. As many as 5,000 face being battered by crippling tariffs and the soaring prices of ingredients, government figures reveal.

The combination means the price of a fish and chip supper could rise from an average £8.50 to £11.50.

And hake and other types of white fish could replace traditional cod and haddock shipped in from overseas.

The latest blow came last week when ministers pressed ahead with a 35 per cent tariff on all seafood imported from Russia in a bid to hammer President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine.

Around a third of all UK-imported white fish comes from Russia which controls up to 45 per cent of the global supply.

Lancashire chip shop owner Andrew Crook, of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said his cod supplies have already risen from £8 to £14 a kilo. He warned: “These extra tariffs will push thousands of shops over the edge.”

Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said: “Costs will go up — but there is a big opportunity to increase North Sea catches such as haddock and whiting.”