Scotland’s fastest growing retailer is gearing up to fuel over 5,000 walkers at the biggest ever Edinburgh Kiltwalk event, taking place this Sunday (15th September). Continue reading Aldi gearing up to fuel 5000 Kiltwalkers at biggest Edinburgh charity event
This summer, Starbucks stores in Edinburgh and Livingston have chosen local charities to receive a donation of £1,000 each, as part of Starbucks Summer of Giving campaign. Continue reading Starbucks stores in Edinburgh donate total of £2000 to local charities
An inquiry has been launched by Holyrood’s Social Security Committee as estimates suggest a huge number of benefits remain unclaimed by those eligible for them. The inquiry aims to explore the extent of the issue and what can be done to tackle it.
Statistics from HMRC and DWP estimated that in 2016/17 only 31% of families without children eligible for Working Tax Credit claimed, while only 60% of those eligible for Pension Credit claimed.
However, the full extent of benefit non-take-up in the UK is unknown because of difficulties in estimating eligibility.
The Committee is now looking for information on issues related to benefit uptake including why estimates of take-up are available for some benefits but not for others, and the impact of awareness raising campaigns in improving benefit uptake.
The Committee is also investigating how technology could help automate some benefits to improve take-up and how take-up rates for the new Scottish social security benefits will be impacted by their link to the take-up rates for UK benefits.
Bob Doris MSP, Convener of the Social Security Committee, (above) , said: “There can be any number of reasons for low benefit uptake rates, but it is absolutely essential that we learn the scale of this challenge and take every possible action to improve uptake.
“There is no doubt the stigma of claiming benefits hinders uptake while too often people are simply not aware of the benefits they are entitled to. Administration processes are also often too complex, and our inquiry is determined to identify any barriers to benefit uptake and how we can remove these.
“The Committee will consider the Scottish Government strategy on benefit uptake which will be published in October, but what is clear is that everything possible must be done to ensure those in need receive the full benefits they are entitled to.”
Other issues the Committee is keen to explore include if different approaches are required for different benefits, and the impact of various eligibility criteria upon take-up rates.
The call for views is open until Monday 21 October.
You can let the Committee know your views here:
Edinburgh’s new Sick Kids hospital won’t be open for at least another year, and fixing the latest blunders will cost the taxpayer an extra £16 million.
On top of the additional £16 million costs, NHS Lothian will continue to pay £1.35 million a month to the site owners at Little France, which will total a further £16 million by the time the hospital finally opens. Continue reading “They should hang their heads in shame”: New Sick Kids won’t fully open for a year
Police investigating the disappearance of Renee MacRae and her son Andrew in 1976 have today arrested and charged a 77-year-old man in connection with their deaths. Continue reading Renee MacRae mystery: man charged
Police have confirmed that a person has died following a fire at a tenement flat in Fountainbridge.
Officers and emergency services were called following a report of an explosion and fire within a four-story tenement building on Fountainbridge at around 5pm yesterday.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service worked to extinguish the blaze and conduct a search of the building. During this time, a person was found dead within the second floor of the building.
No further information is available on this person until officers have worked to ensure all relatives are aware.
Due to the structural damage caused, emergency services have had to retreat from the scene whilst a thorough buildings assessment is carried out, which remains ongoing.
Local road closures are currently in place and Fountainbridge will remain closed until the building assessment has been completed.
Chief Inspector Scott Richardson said: “Our thoughts at this time remain with the relatives of the person who has sadly passed away. Officers and firefighters remain at the scene whilst the building is assessed for structural damage.
“The explosion and fire has caused significant damage to the building and Fountainbridge will remain closed for the foreseeable. I would ask that members of the public avoid the area, where possible.
“A joint investigation will be carried out in due course by police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the fire, which is not currently thought to be suspicious.”
The road remains closed from Gardner’s Crescent to Ponton Street, and the public should avoid the area, where possible.
YOUTH VOLUNTEERING OPEN DAY
Thursday 19th September from 4 – 6pm
at FetLor Youth Club, Crewe Road South
hosted by Granton Youth Centre
Granton Youth and Fet Lor Youth Club Need You!
Are you aged 14-17 years old and able to donate a few hours a week?
We are having a drop-in that you can come and get some information on volunteering opportunities! This is for young people or parents/guardians to get to ask some questions! There will be interest forms to be completed by everyone who wants to take part as a volunteer – with forms ready to be completed on the night.
Please message us if you have any questions.
Our first night with volunteers will be on the 26th September
Edinburgh Rugby can confirm that The City of Edinburgh Council has now granted a Building Warrant to enable the club to begin construction on a purpose-built 7,800 capacity stadium on the back pitches of BT Murrayfield.
Edinburgh has worked closely with both Scottish Rugby and The City of Edinburgh Council over recent months on the detail of the plans. This outcome allows construction on the stadium to start in Autumn this year, with a view to it being ready for the club play in its new home from the beginning of the 2020/21 season.
Until then, the club will continue to play home fixtures on the main international pitch at BT Murrayfield for the entirety of the 2019/20 season whilst the stadium is constructed.
This is underpinned by the coming season’s Season Ticket Membership sales having already reached record levels, as supporters continue to back Richard Cockerill and his squad ahead of the new campaign in growing numbers.
Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “While this has clearly been a difficult process and more drawn-out than we had envisaged, we are delighted to have now been granted a Building Warrant by The City of Edinburgh Council.
“This now allows us to move forward with what is clearly a pivotal and game-changing project for the club.
“I’d like to thank all those who continue to work proactively within the project as we now move into a build-phase, as well as The City of Edinburgh Council for concluding the Building Warrant process with us.
“I’d also like to thank the club’s supporters for their continued patience throughout this period and for buying Season Ticket Memberships in such numbers.
“With Season Ticket Memberships having already hit a record high ahead of the 2019/20 season, coupled with today’s hugely positive news regarding the stadium, I believe this is a really exciting time to be an Edinburgh Rugby supporter and I would urge our fans to get behind the team over the coming season as we prepare to move into our new home.”
A new benefit providing help for people on low incomes to meet the costs of a funeral will be available from 16 September 2019. Continue reading New funeral benefit to launch next week
