Category: North Edinburgh News

Council takes steps to tackle empty homes

The City of Edinburgh Council is set to introduce changes to council tax to tackle the issue of empty homes in the Capital. The Council’s Finance and Budget Committee agreed last week to reduce the council tax discount rate for empty and unfurnished homes from 50% to 10% after 6 months. After 12 months council tax will be charged in full with a 100% surcharge.

The planned changes come following new Scottish Government arrangements enabling councils, in certain circumstances, to use council tax as an incentive for encouraging owners of empty homes to bring them back into use and increase the available property stock. This is specifically to tackle empty and unfurnished homes that have been lying unused for extended periods of time. Council tax would continue to be waived for the first six months of a property being empty and generous discounts would be applied if the property is actively being marketed.

Councillor Alasdair Rankin (pictured below), the city’s Finance and Budget Convener, said: “Even though Edinburgh has a relatively low level of empty homes in both the social and private sectors, the Council has a duty to look at all the options open to us to deliver more homes. “It is of utmost importance that we bring more empty homes back into use and council tax is just one of the avenues that the Council is looking to use. This report is undoubtedly a major step forward in tackling this pressing issue.”

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The work forms part of the city’s Empty Homes Task Force, which was established by the Council with the objective of bringing empty homes back into use. The Task Force has representatives from all political groups, Shelter/Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, Orchard and Shipman and Link Housing Association.

Councillor Cammy Day, the city’s Housing Leader, said: “The Capital Coalition has set up an Empty Homes Task Force to examine ways of bringing empty homes back into use. Link Housing Association – one of the task force members – has secured funding from the Scottish Government’s Empty Homes Fund. The Council also support a number of letting schemes to help owners of empty homes bring them back into use.”

Council records indicate that there are over 1700 properties classed as long term empty and approximately 5800 properties attracting second home discounts. The Council will review all classification to ensure accuracy on an ongoing basis. It is planned that the policy will be implemented in the second half of 2013/14 supported by an information campaign to raise awareness.

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Welfare cuts ‘intolerable’ – Sturgeon

The true impact of the UK Government’s benefit reforms have been revealed by a new Scottish Government analysis that shows people in Scotland could be hit with a cut of £4.5 billion in the five years to 2014-15 – £2 billion more than the UK Government originally claimed.

The report also estimates that £1 billion of the welfare cuts will have a direct impact on children living in Scotland – a situation Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today described as “intolerable”.

Ms Sturgeon (pictured below)  said: “The Scottish Government’s analysis we are publishing today suggests that the true scale of the cuts on Scottish households as part of the UK Government’s welfare reforms could be much greater than previously anticipated. In 2011, the Department for Work and Pensions claimed Scotland’s benefits bill would be reduced by £2.5 billion by 2014-15. We believe that today’s new analysis shows this to be a huge underestimation, with hard working families and children among those being hit with a reduction in benefits that may will actually reach over £4.5 billion. The UK Government must urgently clarify the true scale of the impact in Scotland.

“These unfair cuts to the welfare system have been imposed on Scotland and will hit a million working age households in Scotland, weakening consumer demand and damaging economic growth. The fact that around £1 billion of the welfare cuts will directly impact on children in Scotland is particularly worrying – it is an intolerable situation that represents a devastating blow to the hard working people of Scotland.

“Our vision of an independent Scotland, is one where the welfare system will reflect our nation’s values and provide fair and decent support for those who need it most. It will encourage those people who can – and should work – into work. But it will also support people who are unable to work, allowing them to play a full and active part in society, and it will tackle poverty where this exists. It is clear that the UK Government’s agenda is completely at odds with the aspirations we have for our country. With every day the case for independence becomes even more compelling.”

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Hospitals to become smoke-free

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NHS grounds to be completely smoke-free by 2015 under new Scottish Government plans

In a move to promote smoke-free environments and healthier lifestyles, patients, visitors and staff will no longer be able to smoke on NHS sites. Under the plans, people who smoke will be offered advice and support to help them not to smoke during hospital visits as well as access to specialist smoking cessation services for those wanting to quit. NHS Boards will be required to implement and enforce smoke-free policies across their grounds by March 2015.

Health Secretary Mr Alex Neil (pictured below) said: “This Government has ambitious plans to reduce the number of people choosing to smoke. To this end, we want to build on the ban on smoking in public places, which was introduced seven years ago this week, by ensuring that our hospital grounds become smoke-free.

“We know that smoking is extremely harmful to health and causes in excess of 13,000 deaths per year in Scotland. The toll of smoking on our nation’s health cannot be underestimated. Creating smoke-free hospital grounds sends out a powerful message that every visit to our health service is an opportunity to promote and improve people’s health.

“We all know how unpleasant it can be to walk through a cloud of smoke in order to enter or leave a building. These measures will help to ensure that we create a healthier environment for people who use, visit and work in our health service. That is why we believe staff, patients and visitors will support and respect this decision and refrain from smoking until off-site.”

In 2005 the Scottish Government issued guidance on smoking policies for the NHS, local authorities and care providers which gave NHS boards the power to ban smoking on their premises. The new measures will not apply to mental health facilities, which have an exemption to allow the provision of designated smoking rooms under the original smoke-free legislation.

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Letter: Unite against the Bedroom Tax

Dear Editor

The ‘Bedroom Tax’ is an immoral tax, hitting people who are already on low incomes. The consequences can be devastating for a family, even being forced to move out of their home: to where, and how?

If the impacts of this benefit cut are known to most people, then it is also known to Tory/Lib government. Do they not care, but are quite prepared to break up families and destroy their home life, all this in pursuit of breaking up our hard-won welfare system? If so, what a bunch of bullies and cowards they are!

They also know that local councils are forced by law to implement the Bedroom Tax, the tragedy of which is the potential division between local communities ans their councils – but councils should make every effort to help people affected, and operate a No Eviction policy.

We see in this again the Tory principle of divide the people and rule them being put into practice. This must be resisted by a united pressure from people, their local councillors, their MPs, MSPs and all community organisations. It Can Be Done.

A. Delahoy
Silverknowes Gardens

Easter hols: lots to do despite the weather!

DSCF6554The school holidays are upon us, the weather is still wintry and parents across Edinburgh are frantically planning how best to fill their children’s fortnight. Help is at hand, however, in the shape of the City of Edinburgh Council, which offers a wide variety of entertaining and educational activities for children and young people.

Cllr Richard Lewis, Culture & Sport Convener, said: “The challenge of filling a child’s holidays, particularly at this time of year, is not to be underestimated, which is why I would encourage parents to try something different during the Easter break.

“Between the Council and our partners, we can offer children of all ages and interests a wealth of exciting and rewarding activities, many of which are free.”

The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane. Admission is free.

Meanwhile, just down the hill is the Museum of Edinburgh. Housed in the beautifully restored 16th Century buildings on the Canongate, it is the city’s principle museum of local history. Again, admission is free.

The museum’s newest attraction is Foundation Edinburgh. Watch the City’s dramatic history unfold in only 17 minutes – from the volcanic creation of Arthur’s Seat in prehistoric times to events today. Ticket prices are £4 (adults), £3 (concessions) and £2 (children).

The City’s 28 community libraries are, of course, open for borrowing – and much more besides. Visit the libraries’ website for further details or contact your local library for details of special holiday events.

But what if spring finally arrives? Where better to enjoy the breathtaking views of Edinburgh than from atop the tallest tribute to a writer in the world, the Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens? And at 287 steps high, it’s not bad for the calves either. Equally impressive is the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill. Admission for both is £3.

Edinburgh has another 140 parks aside from Princes Street Gardens and the new digital service Edinburgh Outdoors provides a unique way of exploring each and every one of them. The beautiful grounds of Lauriston Castle, laid out by William Henry Playfair in the 1840s, are also well worth a wander – especially this Saturday and Sunday (from 10am) when the cheery Castle staff host their annual Easter egg hunt. Further details of this and other Family Workshop Programmes are available from the website.

In case you haven’t noticed, the terrific Britain from the Air exhibition (picture below) is now taking pride of place in our streets and parks – where it will remain until 20 May. Featuring 111 breathtaking aerial photographs, including 11 of the capital, the exhibition is situated across 15 sites on a three-mile long and winding trail through Edinburgh’s historic city centre.

Finally, Edinburgh Leisure has a range of dedicated holiday activities for ages 3-13 years running throughout next fortnight at venues across the city including Ainslie Park, Craiglockhart, Drumbrae, EICA Ratho, Gracemount and the Royal Commonwealth Pool. Visit their website for further details.

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Scottish BAFTA for Muirhouse filmmaker

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Congratulations to Muirhouse filmmaker Garry Fraser on winning a BAFTA Scotland New Talent Factual category for his autobiographical film ‘Everybody’s Child’ last night.

The acclaimed documentary – filmed mainly in Muirhouse and Pennywell – tells the story of Gary’s childhood and his later battles with heroin addiction. Remarkably ‘Everybody’s Child’ was a first documentary for Garry, who studied film making at Telford College.

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Scotland will decide on 18 September 2014

Should Scotland be an independent country?

Scotland’s referendum will be held on 18 September next year, First Minister Alex Salmond announced in the Scottish Parliament today. The date is contained in the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill, introduced to the Parliament and published today, which also confirms that voters will be asked the question: Should Scotland be an independent country?.

The legislation provides that the referendum will be:

  • preceded by a 16-week formal campaign period, during which limits will apply to the amount of money any registered participant may spend on campaigning, aimed at ensuring a level playing field for both sides of the debate
  • overseen by the independent Electoral Commission, responsible for regulating the campaign rules, informing the public about the referendum and reporting to the Scottish Parliament on the conduct and administration of the referendum
  •  conducted under the direction of a Chief Counting Officer responsible for appointing local Counting Officers to run the poll in local areas

Mr Salmond said: “On 18th September 2014 people across Scotland will vote to determine their country’s future. It will be a historic day, and one on which this ancient nation decides its place in the world. People will be able to choose if they want a Scotland that is independent and able to make her own decisions – with a Scottish Parliament that is responsible for making the most of Scotland’s rich resources to benefit its communities and safeguard the welfare of our most vulnerable citizens and accountable for how we engage other nations around the world.

“Devolution has shown how we can use Holyrood’s powers to improve lives in the policy areas where we are already effectively independent. Scotland has made great strides since our national Parliament was reconvened in 1999 after almost 300 years. We are a more confident country, secure in the knowledge that when we take decisions for ourselves we can help make this a better place to live for all our citizens.

“Landmark policies introduced since devolution have made Scotland a safer, healthier and fairer country. Throughout the Parliament’s history, we have used our powers for progressive purposes – such as free personal care, pioneering homelessness legislation, an end to tuition fees, and protecting the National Health Service.

“But we can and must do more – and only the powers of an independent Parliament with control of the economy, of international representation and of security will allow us to make the most of our huge national potential. Scotland now faces two futures: continuing with an outdated political entity that ill-serves the interests of the people of Scotland – a system that will continue to give us governments we didn’t vote for. Or independence, where Scotland will get a Parliament that is both fully empowered and fully accountable to those whose lives are affected by its actions.

“With full economic levers and access to our huge natural resources, we can not only defend the progress made with devolution but we can become a fairer, more prosperous society. And one where a new, 21st Century relationship is forged between the nations of these islands and with the wider community of nations. 18 September 2014 can be a date which becomes etched in our nation’s story as the day Scotland took a decisive step forward to a better, fairer future.”

Opposition parties who support the Union – including Labour, Conservatives and the Lib Dems – argue Scotland is better off as part of the wider UK. Scottish Labour Johann Lamont responded to news of the referendum date by accusing the government of ‘putting Scotland on pause’.

She said: “If the hand of history is on the First Minister’s shoulder I wish it would give him a shove and he’d get on with it. This is the man who got into power by playing down his belief in independence. And there will be many people who voted SNP but don’t believe in independence who will breathe a sigh of relief, like me, that the date when we can finish this constitutional debate once and for all and get on with dealing with the real issues and priorities of Scotland is now in sight. Until then Scotland remains on pause.

“What I do not understand is that why if leaving the United Kingdom is the key to Scotland’s prosperity, why he wants Scotland to languish for another year and a half before we get the chance to vote on it. The truth behind the delay is not that he is holding to a promise made to the electorate in a tv debate. The truth is Alex Salmond knows if he held the referendum now he wouldn’t just lose it he would be routed. All the self-aggrandizement of today isn’t just a sign of the First Minister’s usual pomposity. Making an occasion out of a delayed announcements, is an attempt to con the people into believing that we have moved a step towards independence when we haven’t.

“The truth is, I believe, we have moved a step down the road of cementing Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom. If today is the day when the debate starts in earnest then it should also be the day when the First Minister breaks the habit of a lifetime and starts answering questions. What controls would the Bank of England, by then a foreign bank, have over the policies of the government of a separate Scotland? What would the deal be if Scotland became a new member of the European Union?

“Alex Salmond has avoided giving detailed answers to these questions and many more in the years past, in the months ahead the people of Scotland will hold him to account. He plans to hold the referendum in the autumn of next year and to publish his white paper in the autumn of this. Why the delay? If we are to have the transparent debate the First Minister says he wants, why does he not publish his full independence plans now. If he wants a proper debate then he must disclose that white paper today. If not the whole country will be asking: What’s the plan, Alex?”

Who do you believe? Whatever your current opinion, both sides of the argument now have eighteen long months to persuade and convince voters.

And they say a week is a long time in politics … !

ScParl

Full agenda for community council meeting

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Drylaw Telford Community Council members will have plenty to discuss at next week’s regular monthly meeting. The possible introduction of new priority parking regulations in Maidencraig and Telford, the 21st Century Homes planning application for the vacant site off Ferry Road, the community council’s website and The Thomas Tierney Award recipient for 2013 – carried over from last month – are all on the agenda for discussion. There may also be time to discuss this year’s community council elections and there’s likely to be an update on the De Vere planning application for Helix House at Crewe Toll.

The meeting wll be held on Wednesday 27 March at 7pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, and, as always, members of the public are most welcome to attend. Hope to see you there!

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