North Edinburgh News – Page 2134 – The NEN

Cost of car insurance in Scotland falls by £65 in the steepest annual price drop in two years

Scottish drivers can now expect to pay £610 for their car insurance, as prices for new policies drop by 10% in 12 months, according to Confused.com’s car insurance price index

Drivers in Central Scotland benefited from biggest savings, as car insurance drops by £72 (10%) in the region last 12 months
But despite significant savings, Central Scotland is still most expensive region in Scotland, with average premium costing drivers £643
Motorists in the UK can now expect to pay £52 (6%) less for their car insurance when buying a new policy, on average – a welcome saving as the coronavirus crisis extends into 2021
However, further research by Confused.com found that two in five (42%) UK drivers who received their renewal in the past quarter saw their price increase by £49, on average

There’s good news for drivers in Scotland, as the average cost of car insurance has dropped by £65 over 12 months, in the steepest price drop seen in two years.

Scottish drivers can now expect to pay £610 for their car insurance, on average, as prices for new policies drop by 10% in the last 12 months. That’s according to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com (Q4 2020), powered by Willis Towers Watson. Based on more than six million quotes per quarter, it’s the most comprehensive new business price index in the UK.

But motorists in some Scottish regions are seeing even greater savings. Drivers in Central Scotland have seen their car insurance premiums decrease by £72 (10%), on average, in the last 12 months. This brings the average car insurance cost in the region to £643, making it the most expensive of the four Scottish regions.

It’s a similar picture across the other Scottish regions, with all areas seeing steep decreases year-on-year. Motorists in East and North East Scotland have seen their car insurance prices fall by £66 (11%), taking the average premium in the region to £560, on average.

Meanwhile drivers in the Highlands and Islands can expect to make savings of £51 (8%) year-on-year, with the average car insurance cost standing at £601. Motorists in the Scottish Borders have seen prices drop by £46 (8%), with the average premium ringing in at £569.

These savings are reflected across the rest of the UK, with the overall cost of insurance falling by £52 (6%) on average – the biggest drop in two years. This brings the average price of car insurance to £763 – the cheapest price since early 2019. These decreases will no doubt be welcomed by drivers across the UK, as the coronavirus pandemic has forced a lot of financial uncertainty on many households.

However, further research by Confused.com suggests that motorists who choose to renew with the same insurer may not see the same savings. In a survey of 2,000 UK drivers, more than two fifths (42%) of those who were due to renew over the past quarter (Q4 2020) said their renewal price was more expensive than the previous year, with insurers adding an extra £49 to their price, on average. Worryingly, nearly a quarter (24%) chose to stay with the same insurer, despite their price being more expensive. But two in five (40%) shopped around and saved £60, on average.

Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, explains that this proves that it doesn’t pay to stay loyal. And new rules set out by the Financial Conduct Authority will make it even easier for consumers to cancel their existing policies and switch to a better deal(2).

Currently, customers who don’t actively seek out a new price will be automatically renewed on their existing policy, at the price which is set out by the insurer. And it’s clear from Confused.com’s research that many motorists are seeing their price increase year-on-year, meaning they’ll be paying out more money when there is likely to be a better price for them on the market. But the FCA’s proposal will not just make it easier to cancel auto-renewals, it is also set to prohibit insurers from calculating a price based on whether the customer is a new customer or a renewing customer. However, this does not mean that renewal prices will stay the same or decrease, they could still increase year-on-year. The FCA have been clear that shopping around will still give customers opportunities to save.

As the country has lived in lockdown for the majority of the past 12 months, people are driving significantly less and the data suggests prices may have dropped to reflect this. According to further research by Confused.com, UK motorists expect to be driving 2,000 fewer miles this year, compared with last year, which can have a significant impact on the price they pay for their insurance.

Typically, having a lower mileage could mean drivers pay more for their insurance. For example, a driver with an annual mileage of between 3,000 and 4,000 miles per year would pay £126 more than if they were to drive between 8,000 and 9,000 miles.

This because a motorist who drivers fewer miles could be deemed to be less experienced and therefore a higher risk. However, in the current climate, two in three (61%) UK drivers claim they have been using their car less since being in lockdown, meaning the risk on roads has decreased overall.

While all drivers in Scotland have saved money on their car insurance in the last 12 months, some have benefitted from greater price decreases. In particular, drivers in Glasgow, Central Scotland, have seen car insurance prices fall by £104 (13%), on average, since the last quarter of 2019 with the average premium now costing £688. This is the biggest price drop in the region. Meanwhile, in the East and North East of Scotland, it’s motorists from Aberdeen that have seen the biggest savings. Drivers here can expect to save £79 (12%) year-on-year, paying out £567 for their car insurance, on average.

The price drops are boding well for both genders also. Male motorists in Central Scotland are making the biggest savings, as they can expect to save £74 (10%) on their car insurance compared to this time last year, taking the average premium to £667.

Similarly, male drivers in the East and North East of Scotland are also seeing a big different in prices, as they can expect to pay £70 (11%) less for their insurance compared with 12 months ago . The average premium for male motorists in the region stands at £581, on average. It’s a similar story in the Highlands and Islands and Scottish Borders, where male motorists can make savings of £53 (8%) and £48 (8%), respectively, on average.

Meanwhile, female drivers across the regions are also face similar decreases. Motorists in Central Scotland are able to save £70 (10%) on the car insurance premium since 12 months ago, with the average car insurance premium standing at £613 Female drivers in the East and North East of Scotland have seen car insurance premiums fall by £62 (11%) on average, since the same time last year, taking the average premium to £531. While, female motorists in the Highlands and Scottish borders are able to save £47 (8%) and £44 (7%) respectively, on average.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, even younger drivers are making savings in all four Scottish regions. Male drivers aged 17-20 are making the biggest savings, as prices have dropped by £125 (6%) in the East and North East Scotland, as well as in Central Scotland, on average. The average premiums cost £1,823 and £2,038, respectively, on average.

Female motorists aged 17-20 are also paying less for car insurance. Those in the East and North East are benefitting from the biggest savings, with car insurance prices having dropped by £90 (7%) since 12 months ago, taking the average premium to £1,288. While, in Central Scotland, female drivers in this age group are seeing savings of £88 (6%), with the average car insurance premium costing £1,480.

While the cost of car insurance is cheaper now for most drivers, it’s clear not everyone is off the hook, which proves the importance of shopping around to find the best deal.

Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com comments: “We’re seeing some of the biggest car insurance savings across Scotland in a long time and it couldn’t come at a better time.

“It’s been nearly 12 months since we first went into lockdown and this put so many people in a difficult situation, so I have no doubt this news will be welcomed by so many. We’re at home and driving a lot less, it’s only right our car insurance prices should reflect that.

“That said, it’s important to remember that these savings are only being seen by those shopping around. We know from our research that insurers are still putting up renewal prices.

“Even if the increase is small, please don’t settle for this as there will be an insurer out there willing to offer a better price. At Confused.com we’re so certain of this that we’re offering to beat their renewal quote or give them the difference, plus £20⁽⁴⁾.”

Are you interested in a career in the fire service?

Scotland’s national fire service is reaching out to members of the LGBT+ community to encourage them to consider a career in the fire service.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is inviting underrepresented groups to a dedicated online information session about operational and non-operational roles.

This month, an exclusive session is being held for members of the LGBT+ community.

Liz Barnes, Director of People and Organisational Development for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As an equal opportunities employer, we strive to ensure our workforce represents the communities we work in.

“We want to reach out to diverse groups. This can help increase the number of applicants, which means that we will get the best candidates applying for the right job.”

In October 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions the information sessions moved online for the first time.

This month, online sessions continue with a dedcated LGBT+ event on Wednesday, January 20 between 6pm and 8pm.

Liz continued: “During the sessions, we’ll aim to answer questions about the range of careers available in the service and how you can apply for these roles.

“It’s also important for us discuss any challenges you feel there are and how we may assist in overcoming these.”

Anyone who wishes to attend can sign up via Eventbrite – places are limited however, there will be a holding list for future events.

More online information sessions are planned for other underrepresented groups who are interested in learning more about careers in the fire service.

DigitalBoost launches £10 million grant scheme to help Scottish businesses rebuild with digital

Businesses across Scotland are set to benefit from vital support, following the launch of a new £10 million DigitalBoost Development Grant by Business Gateway and The Scottish Government.

The fund, which is available through DigitalBoost, Business Gateway’s national digital training programme for businesses, is funded by The Scottish Government and will help businesses upskill and invest in their digital capabilities as they work to overcome the challenges they face now and build for Scotland’s economic recovery. VAT registered businesses will be able to access up to £25,000 while non-VAT registered business can benefit from up to £5,000 of funding.

This launch follows a successful pilot grant scheme in the Autumn 2020 for DigitalBoost 1:1 clients.

The fund is now open and accepting applications.

Launching the scheme, Cabinet Secretary for Finance Kate Forbes said: “The firms that have coped best during the pandemic are invariably those that have been able to adapt with the help of digital tools.

“This funding will provide an immediate boost and will support businesses to adopt digital technologies to improve productivity, increase resilience and drive growth. It will also help to improve their digital capability and the skills of their workforce so they can keep pace with future technological progress.

“Supporting SMEs on their digital journey is key to Scotland’s economic recovery, our future prosperity and our net-zero ambitions and I encourage business owners to take up this valuable opportunity.”

Business Gateway is delivered by local authorities throughout Scotland and works in collaboration with a wide variety of organisations to help deliver the best advice and support to Scottish businesses.

Welcoming the scheme, COSLA spokesperson Cllr Steven Heddle said: “The last ten months have shown how critical strong and robust online platforms are for businesses, if they are to successfully adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“Given the ongoing nature of the crisis, this scheme will be a critical lifeline for those businesses that want to digitally upskill and invest in their platforms so that they can survive, increase their resilience to current and future challenges, and find new opportunities and markets to grow.

“Alongside this grant fund, the DigitalBoost programme will continue to provide other free support to businesses, helping them take advantage of technology so that they can adapt and thrive.”

Liz McCutcheon, CEO, Lanarkshire Enterprise Services (LESL), said: “LESL are delighted to be administering the DigitalBoost Development Grant, on behalf of the Scottish Government and Business Gateway’s DigitalBoost Programme.

“LESL has long been an advocate of digital adoption and are committed to supporting SMEs across Scotland leverage the grant to allow them to transform their businesses digitally.”

DigitalBoost provides webinars, a free healthcheck, 1:1 support from a digital expert, online tutorials, and practical guides on topics including social media, cyber resilience, data analytics, digital marketing strategy and e-commerce.

For more information on the DigitalBoost Development Grant, please visit https://www.digitalboostdevelopmentgrant.co.uk/

Green space a ‘soaring priority’ at Leith waterfront development

CALA Homes has released visuals showing plans for a series of raised gardens that will offer residents at a thriving Leith development a rare urban feature.

The new communal gardens at Waterfront Plaza by CALA Homes (East) will span approximately 2500 square metres and serve to deliver attractive and sought-after green spaces for residents, something not often offered by urban developments.

Carefully designed and created, these raised gardens total an area of 10 tennis courts, feature generous amounts of seating and a bright southerly aspect and will be finished with artificial grass, paving and attractive planters above, while shielding parking for up to 74 cars below.

Created for recreational use by all residents of the development, the innovative design is the work of Edinburgh-based landscape architecture firm OPEN.

Work is already well underway on the gardens, as well as on an open landscaped walkway connecting directly to key walking and cycling routes. The first section of the gardens is scheduled to open to residents from spring this year.

Alastair Haigh, Associate with OPEN, said: “These gardens are a special element within this site – located above street level they will provide unique spaces for those that are lucky enough to live here.

“Green space is really coveted at the moment, so to be able to provide landscaped gardens that provide this and enhance the views from apartments by covering parking is a fantastic use of the space.”

Designed with contemporary urban living in mind, the gardens will mirror the raised terraces of the development’s townhouses and provide ample green space – unusual for a city development of its kind. The expanse of breathable, outdoor space corresponds with apartment interiors which offer uncluttered, open plan living.

Further landscaped walkways and private gardens serve to create a green, accessible and attractive site, connecting key parts of Leith while transforming formerly disused industrial land.

Phillip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes East said: “This new green space was designed with buyers at all stages of life in mind. Our Waterfront Plaza properties cater to a range of potential buyers, so we felt our outdoor space should too, while allowing them to connect easily with the wider area, whether walking or cycling.

“With the large increase in people working from home over the last year, we’re delighted to be able to offer apartments with views and an accessible green space, perfect for short lunch breaks. The secure keypad entry system also makes it an ideal area for relaxing or play.”

As well as cycle and walking routes, the development also benefits excellent transport connections to the surrounding area and city of Edinburgh itself – and is even directly adjacent to the route of the tram extension.

The 2.9-mile tram extension will be in place by 2023, offering effortless journeys across the city (if all goes to plan – Ed.). The extended line will travel from the airport, through Edinburgh down to Leith and Newhaven.

Launched in summer 2019, Waterfront Plaza is CALA’s latest brownfield regeneration project. After the sell-out success of the first release colony apartments, Waterfront Plaza currently features 2 & 3 bedroom apartments & 4 bedroom townhouses ranging from £295,000 to £520,000.

For more information please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/scotland/edinburgh/waterfront-plaza-leith or call 0131 516 6832.

Citizens’ Panel convened to discuss Scotland’s Covid strategy

A citizens’ panel met online for the first time on Saturday to discuss how Scotland is and should continue to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. The panel will meet for the next four weekends before reporting its conclusions to the Scottish Parliament’s Covid-19 Committee.

Participants in the 20-member panel, who have been chosen to broadly reflect the demographics of Scotland, and includes residents from all eight Parliamentary regions, will be asked to respond to the question ‘What priorities should shape the Scottish Government’s approach to COVID-19 restrictions and strategy in 2021?’.

To help in forming a response to this question, a range of experts will give presentations on issues including public health, medical and behavioural science, epidemiology and virology, and the social, legal and economic aspects of the pandemic.

It is expected that the panel’s findings will help the Committee scrutinise the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to the pandemic, including what priorities should inform any future restrictions in 2021.

The Committee will also reflect on the panel’s findings to inform its recommendations for how Covid scrutiny should continue after the election.

Speaking ahead of the first meeting, the Covid-19 Committee Convener, Donald Cameron MSP, said: “In spite of the hope provided by vaccines, we find ourselves at a worrying juncture in this pandemic. Unfortunately, there is a going to be a need for restrictions for months to come, and the way we respond in 2021 is likely to shape our economy and society for many years to come.

“Therefore, it is critical that we have public support for Government plans to respond to Covid-19, and that we ensure areas important to the public are prioritised. While the Covid-19 Committee is able to provide robust scrutiny and recommendations, it will be immensely helpful to this work to have the informed opinion of a representative group of citizens.

“We are very grateful to the panel members and experts assisting them for giving up their time, and look forward to receiving the final report next month.”

The Citizens’ Panel will meet online on Saturdays 16, 23, 30 January and 6 February. A report will be produced thereafter.

‘Significant additional support’ for taxi and private hire drivers

A new fund to support taxi and private hire drivers affected by the pandemic will launch this week.

Local authorities will directly approach an estimated 38,000 private hire and taxi drivers inviting them to claim a £1,500 grant to assist with fixed costs, boosting the support from other funding for loss of income available through the Scottish and UK Governments.

A new total of £57 million has been allocated by the Scottish Government – three times more than the allocation announced in December.

Councils will start contacting eligible drivers this week to brief them on their potential entitlement and ask them to provide supporting information and bank account details. They do not need to apply, or contact the local authority.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “We know how difficult this pandemic has been for taxi drivers and their families. They’ve truly gone the extra mile, continuing to provide a vital service for key workers and vulnerable individuals throughout the lockdown and beyond.

“Following the introduction of tighter regulations at Christmas I have trebled the budget originally announced for this fund to £57 million, enough to provide grants of £1,500 to all of Scotland’s 38,000 taxi and private hire drivers.

“It will help to support the taxi trade by augmenting existing support and assisting drivers in meeting fixed costs including licence plate fees, rental fees and insurance payments for taxis not on the road.”

To be eligible for this financial assistance taxi or private hire drivers must be licensed for the period 9 October 2020 to at least 31 January 2021. Applicants can choose whether the payment is made to a business or personal bank account.

More details and full eligibility criteria available here.

Other schemes open to taxi drivers include the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Public Transport Mitigation Fund and the UK Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

The Scottish Government has allocated £3 billion in business support since the start of the pandemic on top of support available through the UK Government.

Charles RennIce MackinSlush: first new gritter name unveiled

SCOTTISH PUBLIC SUBMIT 1,200 NAMES FOR WINTER GRITTING VEHICLES

An appeal to name the 50-strong fleet of gritters covering 400 miles of Scotland’s trunk roads from Glasgow to Dumfries and through to Ayr and Stranraer, has received over 1,200 online entries; with the first of the successful nominations being revealed today.

“Charles RennIce MackinSlush”, in reference to the iconic Glaswegian artist and architect, is the first of the new gritter names to be announced.

This gritter will join existing gritters on the network including “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, “Buzz IceClear”, and IRN-BRU®’s “Grits You Thru”.

Other successful entrants will be posted on the @SWTrunkRoads Twitter account each day, in the coming weeks. The naming appeal, which is normally run in conjunction with local schools, was moved online this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and opened to the wider Scottish public.

Many of the names submitted paid tribute to the recent passing of James Bond actor and Scottish icon Sir Sean Connery; and as a result five of the newly named vehicles will be badged in tribute to Sir Sean, and will reference several of the Bond movies. These are “Dr Snow”, “Coldfinger”, “You Only Grit Ice”, “On Her Majesty’s Slippery Surface” and “TroonRaker”!

The newly named gritters will be operated by Amey the company responsible for maintaining the Scottish South-West trunk road network on behalf of Transport Scotland. The appeal ran from 23^rd December 2020 until 15^th January 2021 attracting a record number of submissions.

To support the travelling public, a free Winter Road Alerts service is available, providing real-time updates on weather-related incidents on the network.

An email address is all that is required to sign up for this service: https://swtrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/

More details of NMC SW Winter Services can be found here: https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/48662/winter-service-plan-2020-2021-sw-unit.pdf

Our full NMC SW Winter Plan can be found on the Transport Scotland website: https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/48662/winter-service-plan-2020-2021-sw-unit.pdf

To report a problem on the network please visit: https://swtrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/

Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland

Surviving lockdown II

As the reality of the next few months sinks in, more parents once again face the hardships of home schooling and home working, we explore how parents can cope with the pressures of working from home with kids (again) …

“Our hearts literally sank when the Prime Minister said those words “schools are to close” because we remember what is was like last time – seriously tough times. Entertaining the kids whilst trying our best to keep working and the money coming in. Plus, last time the weather was nice, now it is awful”, explains Jonathan Ratcliffe from Office Provider Offices.co.uk

Working from home is tough. Home schooling is very tough. So, if you must combine the two for a long period of time, how are you going to cope?

“Home schooling is one of the hardest things we have done as parents. The expectation and the stress, and at the same time we are trying to hold down jobs – it’s a nightmare scenario”, explains Ratcliffe

You are going to have to plan well, get organised and work to a strict timetable if you want to get everything done. Equally, you will need to have a proper split between work, school, fun and rest.

“You firstly need to take some time to come to terms with the change in lifestyle – and lower your expectations, because the minute you try and do too much, is when the stress will hit you like a brick wall – life has changed for a few months and you need to accept that”, Ratcliffe adds.

Lower your expectations of what you will achieve with work
Communicate with your boss daily
Simplify your day into a set routine
Do not try and achieve too much
Pause and try and appreciate moments with your kids (if you can!)

Our 10 tips on how to survive lockdown with your kids

START EARLY AT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY: Routine is important for good sleep and mental health, for both you and your kids. School starts at a set time, so make sure you are ready and stick to the timetable.

GET DRESSED PROPERLY LIKE TEACHER AND STUDENT: Getting showered and dressed is important to divide sleep and school.

CREATE SPACES FOR DIFFERENT ACTVITIES: You might set up a teaching room (kitchen), quiet room (spare bedroom) and a play area (living room)

STRUCTURE YOUR DAY LIKE A SCHOOL DAY: Teaching time, activity time, play time and lunch time – just like their normal school routine

MAKE A PLAN WITH YOUR KIDS: At the start of the day ask them what they want to do (within reason) so they feel involved

TURN OFF YOUR PHONE: How are your kids meant to feel involved if you are checking emails?

SET ASIDE BREAKS FOR TV, IPAD AND EXERCISE: Use these times to schedule work emails or calls

TAKE EXERCISE: Depending on where you live, if you have a garden or not – try and get some fresh air, this also allows you some headspace

FINISH AT A SET TIME, BEDTIME AT A SET TIME: By getting a routine drilled in early on, you can try and get the kids to sleep at a sensible time, thereby giving yourself some space to work if you need to

DON’T BE TEMPTED TO HIT THE BOOZE TOO MUCH: If you can, evening time will be the only real time you can realistically work. If you drink your concentration will be poor, sleep poor and you will wake in a grumpy mood. Try and keep drinking to a minimum.

“The only positive is that you’ve done this before, and you can do it again – but life has changed and coming to terms with that is a good start. It is not an easy time for anyone, and especially the kids who will also be finding the change hard to cope with, more so if you are stressed! Good luck to everyone”, concludes Ratcliffe from Offices.co.uk

Join Samaritans for Brew Monday

Brew Monday kicks off on 18 January, the third Monday of the month, which is usually known as ‘Blue Monday.’ We’ll be turning Blue Monday on its head and into something positive by encouraging people to reach out and catch up over a virtual cuppa because now, more than ever, it’s important we stay connected.

Reach out to a friend, colleague, or family member for a cuppa and a chat. It doesn’t have to be on a Monday or a cup of tea, just taking time to really listen to another person could help them work through what’s on their mind.

PS: Don’t forget to join us on Twitter and Instagram on the 18th. Our plans are top-secret for now, but we’ll be joined by some special celebri-tea guests and sharing tips to make your virtual gathering brew-lliant!

Have a virtual Brew Monday