Category: North Edinburgh News

Has Holyrood become Scotland’s biggest council?

THINK TANK AND FORMER COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVES JOIN FORCES

  • Reform Scotland and the Mercat Group collaborate on ideas for local decentralisation
  • Former local authority chiefs ask: “Has Holyrood become Scotland’s biggest Council?”

Reform Scotland, the non-partisan think tank, and The Mercat Group, an informal network of former chief executives of Scottish local authorities with over 220 years of public service between them, including 70 years as chief executives, are today announcing a collaboration.

Jointly, Reform Scotland and The Mercat Group will advocate for decentralisation of power from the Scottish Parliament to local authorities, along the lines originally envisaged by the architects of the devolution project.

The collaboration begins today with an article – Parliament or Council?: 25 years of evidence – written on behalf of the Mercat Group by Bill Howat, former Chief Executive of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, in which he states that “any reasonable, rational review of that evidence could only conclude that it has not been a success in terms of devolving power beyond Edinburgh”.

Bill Howat, former Chief Executive of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar said: “Any reasonable, rational review of that evidence could only conclude that it has not been a success in terms of devolving power beyond Edinburgh. In fact, all the evidence points to growing centralisation of power in Holyrood. That is not good for local democracy, nor does it seem like good governance.

“There is now a need to revisit and reset the way all public services in Scotland are organised, delivered and financed. We should create a Scottish Civic Convention to take forward the public conversation necessary to conduct such a review.

“There may be other options but the central aim should be to develop a transition plan to ensure decisions on the delivery of all public services are taken at the lowest local level consistent with democratic and financial accountability.

“Scottish local government is in danger of becoming the delivery arm of the Scottish Government; indeed some would argue we have already reached that position. We might fairly ask: has Holyrood become Scotland’s biggest council?”

Chris Deerin, Director of Reform Scotland, said: “At a quarter-century old, now is the time to re-examine those areas of devolution which have not delivered as we all hoped they would. Local government is one of these. 

“Other countries enjoy the benefits of properly empowered local government, fulfilling most of the day-to-day operational roles upon which people depend, with central government adopting a more strategic outlook.

“In Scotland, we are failing to realise the potential of local freedom and diversity. Decentralisation is long overdue, and we are delighted to be teaming up with the Mercat Group to generate the ideas needed to make it happen.”

Bill Howat’s blog – Parliament or Council?: 25 years of evidence – can be read here

LNER partners with Children’s Charity to create magical memories as it marks it’s Big Wheel Launch

LNER has welcomed some very special passengers to help officially launch the new LNER Big Wheel at Edinburgh’s Christmas this festive period.

The train operator teamed up with charity Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University and 25 children from Hall Road Primary School who enjoyed a very special ride on the 46m tall Ferris wheel as part of their visit. The popular wheel is at the heart of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations.

For some of the children, it is the first time they have travelled away from home. The group enjoyed spectacular views of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, its famous Castle and Arthur’s Seat, and saw the city’s sparkling Christmas attractions from a unique vantage. Father Christmas also took time out of his very busy schedule to wish the group a happy Christmas.

The children were joined at the launch by Brian Quinn from LNER’s team at Edinburgh Waverley, Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron from Edinburgh City Council, and Richard Ellis from Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

LNER is at the heart of the communities it serves and regularly supports Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University through its Charity Group Travel discount.

The charity aims to broaden horizons of children living in Hull and East Yorkshire by giving them experiences that they otherwise may not have. They deliver 400 experiences a year to more than 13,000 children, ranging from local trips to experiences as far as Scotland.

David Flesher, LNER’s Commercial Director, said: “The LNER Big Wheel has proved incredibly popular since its opening in November. We are delighted to mark the official launch in such a special way, providing schoolchildren with an experience that will have hopefully created magical, long-lasting memories.

“At LNER, we offer discounted travel to support hundreds of charities and organisations all year round, including Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University. We also provide grants through our Customer and Community Investment Fund which, in the last year, has received a record-number of applications.

“It is truly heartwarming to hear of and see the difference that the fund and our wider charitable support is making in people’s lives across our route.”

Rose James, Chief Executive Officer at Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University said: “Our Edinburgh experiences are incredibly exciting as they often contain many “firsts” for the children: the first time they have been on a train, the first time they have ever visited a new city, the first time sleeping away from home and the first time visiting a new country.

“We are so grateful to LNER for adding another to the list by gifting the children a ride on the LNER Big Wheel. Visiting Edinburgh is magical at this time of year and when Santa made an appearance it was the cherry on the cake.”

Unique Assembly, producers of Edinburgh’s Christmas, said: “We are so pleased to be working with LNER and its charities. The LNER Big Wheel lights up not only Edinburgh’s Christmas and the city centre but also the faces of the many thousands of visitors who enjoy a magical time aboard the attraction.

“Along with over 7,500 free tickets distributed to local charities and community groups, we were thrilled to welcome children from Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University and Santa Claus himself to share the magical experience of Christmas in Edinburgh, spreading festive cheer to all.”

LNER, which connects millions of customers to the Scottish capital with ease every year, will sponsor the Big Wheel at Edinburgh’s Christmas for the next three years.

The LNER Big Wheel is open from 10am – 10pm every day until Saturday 4 January 2025 with EH postcode residents able to enjoy a 20% discount. Details can be found at Edinburgh-christmas.com.

Four NHS Lothian Nurses honoured with prestigious Queen’s Nurse Awards

Four community nurses from across Lothian have received the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.

Fab Four Laura Miller, Mags Morrow, Ryan Bell and Louise Healey successfully completed the intensive programme to be awarded the Queen’s Nurse title at a special ceremony at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh.

They were chosen to participate in an intensive nine-month development programme, organised by the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS).

The programme included residential workshops, online sessions, and one-on-one coaching to enhance their skills and expertise. Laura, works as the Clinical Team Lead for District Nursing and Mags is the Clinical Nurse Manager, Lead Advanced Nurse Practitioner, and CWIC Service Operational Lead in East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

Ryan is the Team Lead at Midlothian Older Adults Mental Health and Dementia Team, while Louise is the Team Manager of the Midlothian Community Adult Mental Health Team and Intensive Home Treatment Team; in Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

Alison Macdonald, Executive Director for Nursing at NHS Lothian, said: “Our nurses across Lothian consistently deliver outstanding care, and it’s wonderful to see their efforts celebrated through the prestigious Queen’s Nurse Awards.

“We are especially proud to have not one, but four exceptional individuals receive this esteemed recognition this year. Congratulations to each of them on this incredible achievement.”

The legacy of Queen’s Nursing in Scotland dates back to the late 19th century, when nurses underwent specialised training to serve as district nurses, providing essential care to the ‘sick poor’ in Scotland’s communities.

Until the late 1960s, the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) oversaw the training of District Nurses, who became known as Queen’s Nurses. These nurses played a vital role in delivering healthcare and health education directly to people in their homes, earning respect and trust within their communities.

The original Queen’s Nurse title was awarded until 1969, when the introduction of a national certificate for district nursing marked the end of QNIS’s training programs.

In 2017, the Queen’s Nurse title was reintroduced in Scotland. Each year, around 20 community nurses and midwives are selected to participate in the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme (QNDP). Upon completion of this rigorous program, they are awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse. Today, there are more than 170 contemporary Queen’s Nurses serving communities across Scotland.

Every year, the programme requires participants to choose an issue for development which will have a significant impact on those they care for, so that the learning during the nine months is applied in practice. There is an expectation that this work will have a focus on promoting equity and inclusion.

Community nurses and midwives play a crucial role in supporting their communities by delivering a broad range of services. Their work includes providing complex care for older adults, offering support for individuals struggling with substance misuse, and advocating for people with learning disabilities.

This dedicated group also encompasses professionals in community mental health, district nursing, school nursing, care home nursing, and health visiting, all of whom are essential to the health and well-being of the populations they serve.

Dr Sarah Doyle, QNIS Chief Executive and Nurse Director, said: “QNIS is delighted to award the Queen’s Nurse title to these fantastic nurses.

“Community nurses and midwives occupy a unique position in Scotland’s health service, working as they do in the heart of communities, championing the cause of those who are not heard, helping those facing real adversity.

“They do extraordinary work, every day. The Queen’s Nurse Development Programme supports participants to build their confidence, inspiring them to find and lead creative responses to the challenges faced by their colleagues and the communities they serve.”

Funding for NHS Lothian candidates to undertake the development programme was provided by NHS Lothian Charity.

For more information on QNIS visit:  https://www.qnis.org.uk/

Photo by Lesley Martin.

New Waterfront website launched

A NEW website has been launched for those interested in living, working in or visiting the ‘new sustainable’coastal town’ being created at Granton Waterfront.

The £1.3bn regeneration project is the biggest of its kind in Scotland. As well as many early stage projects being complete or well underway, the first phase planning application for a new neighbourhood was given the green light to go ahead last month.

It includes plans for 847 ‘net zero ready’ homes (with 45% being affordable) and capacity for a new primary school and a low carbon heat network. There will also be commercial units, active travel routes and other sustainable transport infrastructure as well as attractive public and open space all being delivered from 2025 to 2032.

The website (grantonwaterfront.com) guides you around the new neighbourhood with information on the partners we are working with to deliver new homes to rent or buy, parks and green spaces, things to do, where to visit, cultural activities, learning and commercial opportunities as well as providing all the latest news about the area.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’re starting to see many early projects on the ground making great progress in Granton Waterfront now. The first tenants have moved into the 75 affordable homes we’ve built at Granton Station View, with hundreds more in the pipeline at nearby Western Villages and Silverlea.

“The gasholder restoration is almost complete and we’re lighting it up after dark as a permanent feature later this month. The new park at ‘Gas Holder 1’-  new name for the gasholder – will open at the same time.  Across the road, the former Granton Station building, with its new public square, has been beautifully restored.

“It’s important we bring all of this activity to life for those interested in the area and I hope the new website acts as a helpful guide.

“You will see from the website we have ambitious plans to create a new neighbourhood, well connected to existing communities there, and I’m really excited about seeing all of these communities grow, thrive and welcome visitors to the area in the years to come.”

Social Security Bill passed

Legislation will protect people claiming benefits against inflation

Payments to people in receipt of benefits will be protected from inflation after the Scottish Parliament passed the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill yesterday.

The new Act places a legal obligation on Scottish Ministers to annually increase all benefits delivered under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 in line with inflation. This action will help to protect the real terms value of payments such as the Best Start Grants and winter heating payments as prices rise in the economy.

The legislation will also enhance the rights of Social Security Scotland clients in a number of ways:

  • A right to late re-determinations and appeals in exceptional circumstances
  • The right to withdraw a request for redetermination
  • The right to challenge a decision that someone is liable in a situation where an overpayment has been made

It  will also continue to enhance the design of the system, maximising choice for those who use it while delivering good value for money.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This legislation will protect people in receipt of benefits at a time when many are feeling additional pressures due to the cost of living crisis.

“It is part of our commitment to continually improve the Scottish social security system in ways which put the needs of those who require assistance first.

“The law will help make the social security system more efficient and effective, contributing to our mission to tackle poverty and protect people from harm.

“The measures it contains advance equality and non-discrimination and ensure the system is efficient and delivers value for money.”

The Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill

Action to combat funeral poverty during National Grief Awareness Week

Social Security Scotland highlights Funeral Support Payment  

Social Security Scotland is helping to combat funeral poverty by raising awareness about Funeral Support Payment during National Grief Awareness Week (2 – 8 Dec). 

It is providing funeral directors, faith groups and registrars with access to a range of downloadable resources about the payment. The resources include posters, leaflets, social media posts and video content. 

Funeral Support Payment is available to people in Scotland who need help towards the cost of a funeral and get Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits. It can be used towards funeral costs for a baby, a child or an adult. This includes stillborn babies. 

Legislation is also coming into effect on 2 December which will improve the way the benefit is delivered and provide further support to people who are struggling to pay funeral costs. The changes are based on feedback from past recipients and stakeholders, including the funeral industry, charities and bereavement support groups.   

Funeral-Support-Payment-factsheet-easy-read-Mar-24Download

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said: “We are all familiar with terms like child poverty and fuel poverty but funeral poverty is affecting more and more people. The average cost of a funeral in the UK is now £4,000, well beyond the means of many families. 

“It is hugely important for us to mark the passing of our loved ones. Sadly, people experiencing the immediate shock and grief of a significant death often make arrangements for funerals with little understanding of the financial implications and with limited resources to pay big bills. 

“Since Funeral Support Payment was launched in 2019, the Scottish Government has provided over £54.2 million in support to more than 28,000 bereaved people to help pay for funeral costs when they need it most.” 

Gordon Black, Director with Alex Black Funeral Care Glasgow, said: “Funeral Support Payment is definitely important. Some 70% of our funerals are covered by Funeral Support Payment. We work in a lot of deprived areas and the payment is a real help to the people we serve. 

“We have Funeral Support Payment leaflets and posters in all our offices and arrangement rooms and we mention it if a family says to us they are going to struggle with paying for the funeral.” 

National Grief Awareness Week takes place from 2 December to 8 December. It provides a dedicated period for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together to acknowledge and address the various aspects of grief. 

The payment isn’t a loan and doesn’t need to be paid back although Social Security Scotland will recover the payment from the estate of the person who died if they leave any financial assets. 

The payment can cover burial and cremation costs. There is also a flat rate for any other expenses. This is £1,257.75 for most applications or £153.50 if the person who died had a funeral plan in place. It can also cover other costs such as travel expenses, documents and medical expenses. 

People may be eligible for Funeral Support Payment if they meet all of the criteria below: 

  • they live in Scotland 
  • they or their partner are getting certain benefits or tax credits* 
  • the person who died lived in the UK 
  • the funeral is being held in the UK or in some circumstances in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland 
  • they are applying after the person has died, until 6 months after the date of their funeral 
  • they or their partner are responsible for the funeral costs 
  • it is reasonable for them or their partner to accept responsibility for the funeral costs. 

* Universal Credit (UC), Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit (CTC) and disability or severe disability element of Working Tax Credit. 

People can find out more and apply online at mygov.scot/funeralsupport. People can also apply in person, over the phone or ask for a paper application form by post by calling us free on 0800 182 2222. 

Before applying for Funeral Support Payment, people should register the death or stillbirth and give their funeral director (if they have one) consent to speak with Social Security Scotland about their application. This will minimise the time taken to process the application.

EDF announces Torness extension

French state-owned energy company EDF has announced it will keep four ageing nuclear power stations in Britain open for longer than planned.

EDF said two stations currently due to close in March 2026 — Hartlepool and Heysham 1 — will now remain online until March 2027, while Heysham 2 and Torness – scheduled to close in March 2028 – will now stay open until March 2030.

Responding to EDF’s announcement that they plan to extend the life of Torness nuclear power station Sam Richards, CEO of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, said: “The news that EDF is moving ahead with extending the life of Torness nuclear power station is hugely welcome news.

“If the government and industry is to deliver a clean energy grid by 2030 it is essential that we keep as much nuclear capacity as possible on the grid. If we fail to do this the result will be the burning of more natural gas and more emissions released into the atmosphere. 

“EDF’s intentions are now clear. Ministers and the Office for Nuclear Regulation now need to urgently back their plans to extend the life of existing reactors where it is safe to do so. We have done it before, and we can do it again. 

“With this announcement ministers must not take their eyes off the ball and continue to push for the rapid development of Small Modular Reactors to run alongside their bigger cousins.

“They must also increase grid capacity and slash the time it takes for clean energy projects to get connected to the grid. Extending our existing reactors is a big step, but it’s not job done.”  

Holyrood Budget: STUC calls on Finance Secretary to ‘invest in Scotland’

‘INVEST IN SCOTLAND: INVEST IN SCOTLAND’s WORKERS‘

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has called on the Finance Secretary to “invest in Scotland” as the Scottish Government unveil their Budget for 2025/26 today.

Ahead of the Budget, the STUC has called upon Shona Robison to deliver a “budget for communities” by scrapping the council tax, increasing pay for social care workers, improving public transport and keeping the promise to Scotland’s school pupils on free school meals.

Evidence cited by the STUC shows local authorities in Scotland are facing a £780 million funding black hole due to successive council tax freezes. The union body are further calling for the Small Business Bonus Scheme to be scrapped with the Scottish Government making business support conditional on organisations adhering to Fair Work practices.

Despite Scottish Government commissioned research showing no evidence the policy delivers positive economic outcomes, more than £3 billion has been squandered on the scheme since it was introduced in 2008.  

The call comes after the STUC lobby of the Scottish Parliament last week whereby STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer implored government ministers to “keep their promises” following the UK Chancellor’s statement and the almost £5 billion of extra resource spend allocated to the Scottish Government.

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Within this budget, the Scottish Government can choose to invest in Scotland. For too long, our public services have struggled under the weight of austerity, compounded by ill-judged decisions from the Scottish Government on council tax freezes and a refusal to properly use the revenue raising powers of the Parliament.

“There is no doubt the Finance Secretary is facing tough choices as a result of 14 years of Tory austerity. However, with almost £5 billion of extra resource funding being allocated to the Scottish Government, her budget could signal a clear break from the past.

“We can build a sustainable nation where public services are well resourced and public sector workers are paid fairly. We are committed to this vision and would ask the Scottish Government to join us on that journey.

“This can be a budget for the future. The Scottish Government can begin a process to scrap the council tax and replace with it a proportionate property tax to give councils a fighting chance of fair funding. They can make their commitment to end child poverty a reality by ensuring every pupil gets a free school meal and low paid social care workers, mostly women, get the pay increase they deserve.  

“They can deliver on a Just Transition for Scotland’s energy workforce whilst ensuring a more sustainable, greener future for workers through better, more affordable public transport.

“These decisions rest with the Finance Secretary. We know there is a strain on government finances but that is no excuse for poor choices. Workers are desperate for investment in their futures, their public services and their communities.

“The Finance Secretary can deliver that and more within her budget and the trade union movement will be watching on with interest.”

a-budget-for-communities-stuc-briefing-on-budget-november-2024Download

Pedestrian who died following fatal crash in Dundee Street named

A pedestrian who died following a fatal road crash on Dundee Street has been named as local 20-year-old Henry Farron.

The incident took place around 5.30pm on Sunday, 1 December, 2024, and involved a grey Volvo XC60. Emergency serviced attended, but Henry was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have released the following statement: “We are heartbroken by the death of our beloved son and brother Henry. He will be so very much missed by all who knew and loved him.”

The driver of the Volvo car, a 51-year-old man, was arrested and has been released pending further enquiries, which remain ongoing.

Sergeant Dave Waddell said: “Our thoughts remain with Henry’s family and friends, as they come to terms with their tragic loss.

“An investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains ongoing and we continue to ask for any witnesses, or anyone with information, to please come forward.”

Anyone with information should call officers on 101, quoting incident 2556 of 1 December, 2024.