Category: North Edinburgh News

Real Living Wage increases to £9.50 per hour

Over 250,000 people working for almost 7,000 real Living Wage Employers throughout the country are set for a vital pay boost as the new Living Wage rates rise to £9.50 across the UK (20p increase), and £10.85 in London (10p increase), supporting workers and families through the pandemic. 

The Living Wage rates are the only rates independently calculated based on what people need to live on. 

Over 800 more employers have accredited with the Living Wage Foundation since the start of the pandemic, with major new names including Tate and Lyle Sugars, Network Rail, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (The Championships, Wimbledon) and Capital One.  

These organisations join a network of almost 7,000 employers across the UK, including two-fifths of the FTSE 100 companies, household names including Aviva, Nationwide, Everton FC, and Brewdog, as well as thousands of small businesses, who are choosing to pay the real Living Wage to ensure all staff earn a wage that meets the real cost of living, and covers everyday needs.   

Research conducted by Cardiff Business School has demonstrated the significant impact of the Living Wage campaign since the start of the pandemic.

Over 250,000 workers have benefitted from an additional £200 million since the start of lockdown, including 130,000 key workers. Since 2011 over £1.3bn in extra wages has gone to workers and families through the Living Wage.  

The UK rate is 78p per hour more than the government minimum wage (for over 25s) and the London Living Wage is £2.13 per hour higher. 

A full-time worker paid the new £9.50 real Living Wage will receive over £1,500 in additional wages annually compared to the current Government minimum. For a full-time worker in London this figure rises to over £4,000.
 
The announcement comes as new research by the Living Wage Foundation has demonstrated the scale of low pay during the pandemic, with 5.5 milion jobs (20.3% of employee jobs) still paying less than the real Living Wage. 

Northern Ireland had the highest proportion of jobs paying below the Living Wage (25.3%) and Scotland the lowest (15.2%). 


 Laura Gardiner, Living Wage Foundation Director, said: “It’s an incredibly challenging time for us all, but today’s new Living Wage rates will give a boost to hundreds of thousands of UK workers, including thousands of key and essential workers like cleaners, care workers, and delivery drivers who have kept our economy going.  

“Since the start of the pandemic employers have continued to sign up to a real Living Wage. During Living Wage Week it’s right that we celebrate those employers that have done right by workers and families, providing them with much needed security and stability even when times are hard. These are the employers that will allow us to recover and rebuild from this crisis.”  

The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, said: “As our leaders continue to grapple with managing this pandemic, it is critical that all of our workers are kept in the heart of all quarantine management and recovery plans.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have depended on those of us who have selflessly put their work ahead of their own health and wellbeing for the continued functioning of our society.

“Over the past few months, we have recognised and applauded their fantastic work; now, this Living Wage Week, it is time we do the morally right thing and follow this recognition with well-deserved reward, paying them what they need to live. It is right to be paid a fair day’s wage.” 

Gerald Mason, Senior Vice President of Tate and Lyle Sugars, said: “Tate & Lyle Sugars is proud to have been formally accredited as a Living Wage employer.

“It has been the cleaners, security guards and catering staff who have kept our factories clean, safe and well-fed over the last 6 difficult months. We’re pleased to recognise their value and role in helping us feed the nation.” 

Loraine Martins, Network Rail’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, said: “I am delighted that Network Rail has been accredited as a Real Living Wage employer. While we already pay our 41,000 employees the Real Living Wage, official accreditation by the Living Wage Foundation means that thousands of rail workers in our supply chain will also benefit. 

“The varied work that rail staff carry out on our trains, in our stations and on our tracks has never been more important than in recent months, where they have helped to keep Britain connected in challenging times by running a safe and reliable service for key workers and others relying on the railway.

“Our work with contractors and the Living Wage Foundation will ensure that railway staff are paid appropriately for their vital work.” 

Owen, Team Member of TTK Confectionary Nottingham, said: “The Real Living Wage has allowed me to pay my bills and save for the first time.

“I am saving for driving lessons and a car. I feel valued and appreciated and that my hard work and dedication has been recognised through the introduction of the Living Wage.” 

Oliver, a delivery rider at e-cargobikes.com, said: “Earning a Living Wage means I am able to support a household, including my partner, and takes a huge load from my shoulders.

“To be employed by an organisation that not only treats people with respect but backs that up with decent pay means that I feel valued in a way that no other flexible work has provided.

“The psychological benefit of this will extend further than me and reminds me that I work for a company that sees further than the person as an employee, but also sees their capacity to contribute to wider society when treated fairly.” 

Scotland’s Greatest Songs Top 10 revealed

The debate over which song should take the title of ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ is set to begin as the shortlist of ten is unveiled.

The ten songs were selected by four judges including Jackie Bird, singer and actress, Clare Grogan as well as journalist and presenter, Gordon Smart and Aarti Joshi of DF Concerts after many hours of debate and discussion.

The top ten songs have been named as:

  1. Dignity: Deacon Blue
  1. Whole of The Moon: The Waterboys
  1. Loaded: Primal Scream  
  1. Tinseltown in the Rain: The Blue Nile
  1. Baker Street: Gerry Rafferty
  1. Sunshine on Leith: The Proclaimers
  1. In a Big Country: Big Country
  1. This is the Life: Amy MacDonald
  1. Black Eyed Boy: Texas
  1. Somewhere in My Heart: Aztec Camera

The shortlist was announced by Ewen Cameron who was joined by the judges on his breakfast show, ‘Ewen Cameron In The Morning’ across the Greatest Hits Network including Forth 2, Clyde 2 and Tay 2.

A podcast has also just been launched where the judges talk about their struggle to narrow the list down to just ten.

On Sunday 15th November from 4pm to 7pm the judges will also come together for a special one-off show across the Greatest Hits stations in Scotland. Hosted by head judge, Jackie Bird, she will be joined by her three fellow judges to discuss their shortlist, how they came to their decisions and to play the final ten.

One of the judges joining Jackie will be Gordon Smart, who said: “It was a such a pleasure to debate ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’ with two women I love and respect, Clare Grogan and Aarti Joshi. If it wasn’t for Jackie Bird, we’d still be arguing about our top 10 now!

“It was a reminder of how incredible the canon of work Scotland has produced really is. I’ve not slept well since for excluding some brilliant stuff from bands and artists I love. If you like our final choice, I was Gordon Smart. If you don’t, I’m Ewen Cameron.”

Aarti Joshi, of DF Concerts also commented: “I was honoured to be helping to decide ‘Scotland’s Greatest Song’. We were feeling the pressure as judges to choose the final ten songs, especially when this country has produced so many absolute bangers.

“The rest of the panel are really excellent people so locking horns with them was fun with lots of discussion, swearing and laughter – I can’t wait to hear what the public have got to say!”

Voting will open on Sunday 15th November and the winner will be announced by Ewen Cameron on ‘Ewen Cameron in the Morning’ on St. Andrew’s Day.

You will be able to listen on AM*, online, on DAB radio, via the station app or on your Smart Speaker.

*West Sound Dumfries is on FM (and not available on DAB). Northsound 2 is a digital station and not available on AM.

Foundation Scotland’s crisis support surpasses £6 Million

Over 1.3 million people reached to date and essential ‘winter-ready’ funding available

Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, has announced the total amount distributed through their dedicated crisis fund now exceeds £6 million to date. 

This significant level of funding breaks all its previous records and illustrates the continued and growing needs coming from groups supporting those most vulnerable throughout the country.

The community foundation is today stressing that the Response, Recovery and Resilience fund remains open. 

Foundation Scotland is now particularly eager to support groups to get ‘winter-ready’, so they’re better equipped to deliver essential services through the darker, colder, winter months ahead.

For example, to enable groups to extend counselling and wellbeing services remotely, to purchase all-weather protective clothing, to create virtual energising activities through the cold dark months or to offer phone-based companionship for the isolated.

Helen Wray, Head of Programmes at Foundation Scotland, said: “It’s been a long seven months since the crisis began, we hoped we’d be able to get back to a little more normality by now.  However, it looks unlikely that restrictions will ease any time soon and we’re painfully aware the next few months will bring even more significant challenges as the nights get longer, darker and colder.

“The emotional, physical and financial impacts of lockdown are becoming increasingly problematic, lives have been turned upside down.  Sadly, there are even more people in Scotland experiencing extreme hardship, isolation, loneliness and fear.  

“However, we’re always encouraged by the resilience and strength we see in our communities.  Groups across the country are coming together to urgently deliver essential and critical services to those most in need.  

“We understand our support is needed more than ever. Crisis grants enable dedicated groups to offer vital services in protecting the most vulnerable from long-term impacts.  Therefore, our fund will remain open to applications for support where it is needed most.   

“For example, wellbeing services like virtual counselling and befriending will be even more important. Volunteers might need all-weather protective clothing to support those in need safely and awnings and heaters to provide services outside.  We are, however encouraging groups to apply as soon as they can.” 

The community foundation’s Response, Recovery and Resilience fund, delivered in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, has to date supported over 1.3 million people across Scotland. 

A total of £4.6 million in small grants have been distributed to 1,188 dedicated organisations delivering vital support to some of the most isolated and vulnerable people across the country.  A further £1.4 Million has been invested in strategic grants to national charities such as Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland, Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to deliver higher-level strategic support throughout the pandemic.

With the pandemic likely to impact on services well into 2021, the Foundation is now preparing to enter the Resilience phase of the fund. 

From 1st December the fund’s renewed focus will be on providing support to organisations to look even further ahead, to future proof their services more long term.

The continued restrictions will undoubtedly increase demand for many services delivered by small organisations, so it’s vital they’re equipped to continue meeting the needs of their local communities. More details on the Resilience phase will be available on the Foundation’s website in the coming weeks.

Since launching the dedicated Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund in March, the Foundation Scotland team have worked hard to assess an overwhelming level of applications ensuring vital support reaches those most in need as quickly as possible. 

Recent figures revealed that since the start of the crisis the Scottish funder has received almost the same number of applications in the last six months as it received in the whole of the previous financial year.

The Foundation Scotland Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund continues to welcome applications between £1,000-£5,000 from constituted community groups and registered charities. 

The funder is eager to distribute funds quickly and is appealing to eligible groups to apply as soon as they can.  Unlikely many other funding streams previous applicants are eligible to reapply to access further support needed. 

For more details, eligibility criteria and to apply online visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/

Council to push ahead with Spaces for People programme

NINE additional schemes set to get the green light

Councillors are set to consider the next steps for the city’s ambitious Spaces for People programme, as well as reviewing the success of some of the schemes already delivered.

On Thursday (12 November), members of the Transport and Environment Committee will discuss an update on the initiative, which aims to create safer, more welcoming conditions for walking, cycling and wheeling while physical distancing guidance is in place.

The update includes changes to improve some of the measures as part of the council’s ‘try then modify’ approach, based on feedback from residents and stakeholders, officers’ own findings and Road Safety Audits.

Alongside this, the report seeks approval for several more complex schemes, such as proposals for cycle segregation on Lanark Road, Longstone Road and Inglis Green Road and options for enhancing connectivity between Greenbank and the Meadows.

It also covers analysis of feedback received via the online Commonplace tool in May and June, which gathered more than 4100 public suggestions for improving streets. Analysis has been used to identify nine additional schemes for implementation, to be put to committee for approval.

A separate report on proposals for a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in East Craigs as part of Spaces for People, following consideration by full Council in October and subsequent legal advice, puts forward recommendations for committee decision.

These include a recommendation to approve a further change in design which centres on measures on Craigs Road and which would benefit movement around Craigmount High School.

Transport and Environment Committee Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “Since May we’ve made real progress to create safer, more welcoming spaces for walking, cycling and wheeling while we continue to deal with the ongoing pandemic.

“There’s no sign of the current conditions changing anytime soon and it’s paramount that we continue to provide protected routes for the many people who don’t own cars and while public transport is at a lower capacity.

“The advantage of introducing these measures on a temporary basis is that we’re able to tweak and improve on schemes based on feedback and monitoring and this update demonstrates that we are doing that.

“Thanks to the thousands of comments received through our Commonplace tool we’re also going to be able to introduce changes that further meet the needs of pedestrians and cyclists across the city.”

Transport and Environment Committee Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: We know how much these changes mean to residents, local businesses and community groups.

“We’ve had lots of fantastic feedback from those benefiting from improvements but we’re also aware of some of the concerns people have had, which is why we’re carrying out these regular reviews, and holding a full discussion on some of the more complex schemes coming forward.”

In August Policy and Sustainability Committee agreed to receive updates on the Spaces for People programme every two months, including reviews of delivered schemes. Following the latest reviews, it is recommended that 18 of the interventions continue as usual, or with minor revisions.

Amongst four measures highlighted for more significant amendments are the closure of Warriston Road, which is no longer considered necessary due to decreased pressure on the North Edinburgh Path Network.

On Victoria Street, it is proposed to allow limited servicing access to allow delivery and servicing access were required.

And Silverknowes Road (north section), which is currently closed, would be reopened to public transport, along with a segregated cycle lane, if approved.

Four broader schemes will be considered by councillors on Thursday, rather than agreed under delegated authority, due to their complexity.

On South Bridge, it is proposed to introduce a bus gate, footpath widening and segregated cycleways, while cycle segregation and revised parking arrangements on Lanark Road, Longstone Road and Inglis Green Road will go before councillors.

Committee will also be asked to approve one of two options for the route between Greenbank and the Meadows, building upon the strategic context of the existing three interventions in the area (Braid Road, Braidburn Terrace and Comiston Road).

Analysis of Commonplace feedback identified clusters of comments, areas where particular issues affect pedestrians and cyclists and ‘agreements’ with comments. This has led to recommendations for nine additional schemes, as well as contributing to a project with Living Streets to define and schedule the removal of non-essential street furniture to improve walking conditions.

The report also outlines other activities to create better spaces for walking and cycling, amongst which are measures to improve access to schools, a review of winter maintenance plans and the potential introduction of planters, benches or parklets on Victoria Street and Cockburn Street.

Read the full report, Spaces for People Update – November 2020, online and watch the Transport and Environment Committee live via webcast.

Renewable heat scheme for homeowners

Support to reduce energy usage

A new £4.5 million cashback incentive to help people install renewable and energy efficiency measures in their homes has been announced by the Scottish Government.

Homeowners will be able to apply for 75% cashback up to the value of £7,500 towards the cost of a renewable heating system and a further 40% cashback up to £6,000 for energy efficiency measures.

This is in addition to the £4 million renewable heat cashback scheme for SMEs which opened for applications last week.

Scotland’s Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “This new scheme is part of our ongoing work to support people to install renewable heat measures and the improve energy efficiency in homes across Scotland while we also seek to stimulate development of local supply chains. 

“The Scottish Government already provides a substantial free advice and support service to Scottish households to support them to make the transition to renewable heat and improve energy efficiency in their homes.

“Through this new cashback incentive homeowners could receive up to £13,500 of Scottish Government support, helping them to improve energy efficiency in their homes, reduce energy usage and save money on their bills.

“This new scheme is part of our action to reduce emissions from heating our buildings and to support a green economic recovery from COVID-19 and I hope suitably qualified businesses are able to also pick up some valuable local work. Our wider package of work to support the recovery includes a £4 million renewable heat cashback scheme which opened to SMEs last week.”

The cashback offering for owners of domestic premises is an extension of the Home Energy Scotland loan scheme which offers interest free loans for those wishing to install renewable and energy efficiency measures in their homes.

Through the new offering, £4.5 million will be allocated across the new incentive to offer homeowners a 75% cash back up to £7,500 for renewable heat measures and an enhanced 40% cashback for energy efficiency measures up to £6,000. Both incentives operate on a first-come-first-served basis until the end of financial year 2020/21.

More information about the cashback grant scheme to encourage homeowners can be found on the Home Energy Scotland website.

More information about the SME loan scheme cashback, which launched last week, including how to apply, is available on the Zero Waste Scotland website.

Menopause Mystery

MENOPAUSE: Your guestions ansered by a gynaecologist

 

Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process, something that happens to everyone who menstruates. Most of us will know someone experiencing symptoms of the menopause, but despite this, for many, menopause still means mystery.

To help people better understand what the menopause is and how it affects us, intimate healthcare brand INTIMINA UK asked resident Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Dr Shree Datta to answer the top 10 of the most common in clinic questions about the menopause.

So for anyone struggling to get an appointment with a GP or Gynaecologist during lockdown, or even those with a keen interest in knowing more about their body, then check out Dr Shree’s menopause fact file below.

1. What is menopause?

Menopause is a stage of life which every woman experiences. It’s the time when you stop having periods and usually occurs between the age of 45 to 55. This occurs as your hormone levels drop and means that you no longer release eggs to fall pregnant naturally. The average age for women to experience menopause in the UK is 51 years. 

2. Why does the menopause happen?

Women go through menopause because their hormone levels change, specifically there is a fall in oestrogen and progesterone level as you age and your ovaries “retire”. This affects periods and the ability to conceive naturally as well as resulting in the symptoms above. You may notice a change in your periods – for example, their frequency or regularity – in the time leading up to the menopause, but sometimes they may stop suddenly. In some women, menopause may be induced by treatment such as chemotherapy. 

3. What are the symptoms of menopause?

Most women experience at least one symptom around the time of menopause. Symptoms really vary from woman to woman, as does how severe they are and how long they last. Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes (such as feeling anxious or depressed), fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headaches, a drop in libido and joint or muscle pain.  You may also notice a change in your periods – for example, their frequency or regularity – in the time leading upto the menopause.

4. How long does the menopause last?

Medically, menopause is defined as 12 months’ since your last period. However, the symptoms of menopause can continue, although they may become much more manageable. You may notice a transition period where you start to experience symptoms of menopause before your periods stop completely and this may last several years. 

5. Is there a way to test whether I am going through the menopause?

Yes, you may be referred by your doctor for blood tests. These will look at your hormone levels such as FSH and LH, along with your oestrogen count. 

6. What causes hot flushes?

Hot flushes are one of the most commonly experienced symptoms for women going through menopause. They are the sudden feeling of heat, sweating, palpitations and blushing that spreads from the face through the body and lasts for several minutes. Some people only experience a few hot flushes, where others experience many a day and you may experience blushing and sweating with them. They are caused by hormone changes in the body, but may be triggered by stress, alcohol or coffee, spicy food and smoking.

7. How can you treat the menopause?

In the first instance we will go through a range of measures, including reviewing your diet and lifestyle prior to considering prescribing HRT. Treatment will depend on your symptoms – for example, if you experience vaginal dryness, we will consider whether an oestrogen-based cream may help your symptoms. If you experience hot flushes, we’ll review your diet and caffeine and alcohol intake and consider oestrogen and progesterone therapy. Thin cotton clothing may also help. HRT comes in various different forms such as skin patches, gels and implants and we will discuss what best suits you. We will also check your blood pressure before prescribing medication and consider your family history and medical risk factors. 

8. Are there risks to taking HRT?

HRT use in the long-term can increase your risk of stroke, blood clots and breast cancer, but this depends on your age, family history and medical history. Your Gynaecologist will review these before prescribing HRT and you will be reviewed regularly. Usually, women can take HRT for up to five years safely. We will always start on the lowest effective dose of medication and would advise stopping HRT (or reducing the dose) once symptoms are manageable. 

9. What other treatments are there for the menopause?Acupuncture or black cohosh may help reduce hot flushes and night sweats, but you may experience side effects such as stomach upsets or rashes when taking black cohosh. You might also benefit from strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel and affect sexual function, by regularly doing kegel exercises. Intimina has even developed the KegelSmart™ – a revolutionary new way to do your Kegels. It’s a personal pelvic floor trainer which sets a routine that is simple to follow, safe to use, and completely tailored to your individual needs.

10. Does the menopause affect my health in the long term?Once you have gone through the menopause you are more at risk of osteoporosis as bone loss is affected by oestrogen levels. Vaginal dryness may also lead to pain during sex, so lubricants may also be helpful.  

11. When can I stop contraception?

It’s still possible to fall pregnant as you approach the menopause, so make sure you continue contraception until you have fully gone through the menopause – so until you have stopped having periods for 12 months. 

Grab some art and help some hearts

Heart Research UK launch art inspired fundraising campaign where YOU can bag a piece of original world-class art

National charity Heart Research UK have launched the ‘anonymous heART project’ 2020. The online fundraising campaign will see hundreds of anonymous one-of-a-kind masterpieces created by huge names from the worlds of art and entertainment, go under eBay’s virtual hammer to raise money for life-saving research.

Robert Smith (The Cure), Ralph Steadman, Joe Lycett, and Ashley Jackson are just a few of the hundreds of international stars and artists who have created stunning original A5 pieces.

Their pieces will be auctioned alongside over 450 others, created by a host celebrities and international artists on eBay from the 6th – 15th November 2020.

You can bid on your favourite piece here – 

https://heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/

The twist? Though the list of artists will be available to all bidders, the artist of each individual piece will be kept anonymous, only being revealed once the auction is over. Could you bag yourself an original masterpiece for a bargain price?

All the money raised will fund Heart Research UK’s vital medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “The anonymous heART project is one of the most exciting projects Heart Research UK has ever run. The quantity and quality of the artwork that we have received from artists, designers and celebrities all over the world has been astounding.

“At Heart Research UK, we’re always looking for fun and interesting ways to raise money. The anonymous heART project allows people to support ground-breaking medical research but also get a little something back, owning their own mini-masterpiece created by an artist or celeb.

“What makes this project so special is that everyone has the chance to own a piece of iconic art; it really is making high class art available to all.

“All of the money we raise will help us continue our pioneering medical research, helping us benefit patients as soon as possible.”

Games for Christmas

Games have been on the rise this year, since families are spending more time at home. So what better gift to give this Christmas than games that can be enjoyed by everyone, of all ages?

Here are some favourites …

PASS THE PUGS

The infamous game ‘Pass the Pigs’ launches PUGS! Who will be first to 100 points?

The infamous game Pass the Pigs has launched their first ever variation (that isn’t a pig), PUGS! Be the first to get to 100 points by throwing the pugs in the air and seeing how they land.

Will your pugs ‘play dead’, ‘faceplant’ or will it be ‘puppy love’?

  • LAUNCHING NOVEMBER 2020
  • Pass the Pigs has been an iconic brand for over 50 years
  • Includes pencil and score pad, that all pack into a plastic carry case, great for on-the-go!
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 8+ / RRP £9.99

Lex-GO! Word Game

The Super-Fast Word Game from Waddingtons No1. of London

Race against other players to get rid of your word tiles by swapping letters and even stealing your opponents’ tiles. There are two versions; Harry Potter and Disney (launches November) and both include special tiles that help you win the game

  • Harry Potter version has 4 special spell tiles incl. Revelio and Depulso that help you win the game
  • Disney Classic (LAUNCHING NOVEMBER 2020) version has 4 magic tiles incl. Genie and Wreck it Ralph, that help you win the game
  • Waddingtons No1 has been an iconic British Heritage Brand over 130 years
  • Game for all ages, but helps children with spelling and vocabulary
  • All tiles pack into a neat canvas pouch, great for storing and on-the-go.
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 8+ / RRP £14.99

TOP TRUMPS

The UK’s favourite card game for over 40 years

  • Top Trumps is the game packed full of stats and facts on all your favourite topics including films, TV shows, animals and more! With hundreds of topics to chose from, there is a Top Trumps pack for everyone, no matter your age.

Titles include: Marvel, Harry Potter, Road Dahl, World Football Stars, Frozen II, Baby Animals, Dogs, Bugs, Trolls, DC Comics, Cats, Volcanoes, Snakes, Friends, Cars, Creatures of the Deep and MANY MORE!

  • Top Trumps is the UK’s #1 card game (iGen research)
  • Over 100m packs sold across the world
  • Fun, but educational (camouflaged learning)
  • Includes 30 cards
  • Plastic case is great for storing and on-the-go
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 6+ / RRP £4.99

TOP TRUMPS QUIZ

500 quiz questions on hot topics

Top Trumps Quiz with a twist! 500 questions on loads of different topics, films and TV shows.

  • 500 questions on 100 cards
  • Plastic case opens on both sides, ready for battle and also great for storing and on-the-go
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 8+ / RRP £9.99

TOP TRUMPS MATCH

The crazy cube game

Be the first to match 5 of your favourite characters in a row by pushing the through cubes

  • 15 characters to chose from
  • No set-up required, the game is ready to play!
  • Introduction to strategy for kids
  • All cubes pack into a neat plastic tablet, so no need to keep the box – great for storing and on-the-go
  • Available on Amazon.co.uk / Age 4+ / RRP £15.99

A comprehensive route-map on Green Recovery is essential for Scotland, says Holyrood’s Environment Committee

The creation of a comprehensive route-map to a green recovery from Covid-19, with policy and budgetary coherence at its heart, must be a key priority for the Scottish Government, according to Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.

In its Green Recovery report published today, alongside its pre-Budget Scrutiny 2021/22 report, the Committee states that we need an integrated, bold approach to recovery that is based on community cohesion, wellbeing and equality and transcends sectoral boundaries.

The Committee recommends a green recovery route-map is needed to signpost the way: with clear timelines, clear responsibilities for delivery across all parts of the public sector and clear delivery plans for each sector.

Budgetary alignment with the responsibilities is vital, as is regular reporting (to the Parliament, and to the people) and the route-map should enable a shared understanding of where we want to be – the vision.

Importantly, the reports also call for an increased commitment and front-loaded financial resourcing of efforts aimed at the recovery from Covid-19.

The Committee goes further to recommend that new policies, proposals and public spend must meet certain tests to ensure that they are aligned to the delivery of strategic goals. It says that to date there has been a lack of policy coherence, which has undermined objectives and the delivery of outcomes.

To this end, the reports lay out substantive recommendations for action which are “often interlinked and overlapping – and to maximise their benefits, need to be delivered together, and with urgency”.

Speaking as the reports were launched, Committee Convener, Gillian Martin MSP, said: “The cross-cutting nature of the challenges presented by Covid-19 and the climate and ecological crisis represents a whole system challenge never witnessed before.

“Yet through Covid, Scotland has seen first-hand how a coherent route-map approach, combined with strong leadership, can affect the necessary change in our policies and behaviour and with the urgency needed.

“Scotland must use this impetus, and the opportunities presented in both the Budget 2021-22 and the Climate Change Plan update, to create a net-zero emissions economy.

“So much needs to be done and done now. We need to capture and lock in positive behaviours, front-load investment in low-carbon solutions and build resilience through valuing nature more.

“We need to tackle the implementation gap, where solutions have already been identified but not applied, and deal with policy incoherence, where parts of Government, and the wider public sector, are not working collaboratively.

“Underpinning this, we must focus on people, innovation, skills and jobs. Financial support for a green recovery must also be significantly increased, front loaded and be conditional on delivering national outcomes around the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

“Our Committee took onboard extensive evidence during the inquiry and our recommendations should provide a solid springboard for the swift action needed to deliver a truly green recovery for Scotland – a recovery where no-one is left behind.”

Amongst its key recommendations, the Committee has called on the Scottish Government to:

  • Repurpose the Inter-Ministerial Group on Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development and the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Climate Change, as a green recovery group to drive the Green Recovery across the public and private sector – to be chaired by the First Minister.
  • Implement a communication and reporting plan to include regular addresses on roles, expectations, progress and next steps (to Parliament and the Nation) by the First Minister, Cabinet colleagues and those providing the evidence and advice.
  • Review the founding legislation for all public bodies to ensure that responding to the climate and ecological crises is at the centre of statutory requirements placed on all those receiving public sector funding.
  • Carry out a skills audit and produce a skills action plan which offers upskilling and reskilling to those who need it, so people transition into low carbon, green jobs with no gap in employment.
  • Work with the UK Government to co-ordinate and finance a sufficiently large investment stimulus.
  • Ensure low carbon capital investments are delivered through green jobs to support recovery – by front-loading spend in the Budget 2021-22 and through multi-year spending plans such as the Infrastructure Investment Plan and Capital Spending Review.
  • Bring forward a Natural Capital Plan for Scotland, establish a natural capital baseline with monitoring reports to check progress and align plans for job creation with the need for nature-based solutions/natural capital enhancement.
  • Set out a green investment strategy and increase the level of assets available to the Scottish National Investment Bank for lending.
  • Establish an enterprise fund to provide financial support including grants and low-cost loans, to support business models that have emerged as a result of innovation during lock-down.
  • Support capacity building in communities and prioritise and fund the creation of community work hubs attached to childcare facilities and community spaces.

The Scottish Parliament has released a podcast which provides detail about the Green Recovery & Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2021/22 inquiry process along with commentary from Committee Convener, Gillian Martin MSP on the specific recommendations being made in the reports (15m/55 secs into podcast) –  https://scottishparliament.podbean.com/