The big economic news this week was undoubtedly the 12th consecutive rate rise from the Bank of England (writes Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE). The Bank have done this to continue to bear down on stubbornly high inflation, which is still in double figures at 10.1% (latest data for March).
The Bank’s outlook for the UK economy has improved considerably since their last set of forecasts were published in February. Broadly in line with the Office for Budget Responsibility, they now think that the UK economy will overall be flat in the first half of 2023 before returning to growth in the second half of the year.
The Bank are forecasting 0.7% growth in 2023, followed by 0.8% growth in 2024. It is worth highlighting though that this figure for 2024 is pretty anaemic, and below the current forecast from the OBR for the same period.
The Bank’s expectations are still for inflation to fall sharply from April, in part as the high price levels from a year ago come into the comparison. The next data are out on 24th May: let’s see if the economists are correct this time, as to be fair we’ve all been expecting the rate to fall below 10% for some months now.UK
Economy grows in Q1
Today, we got data from the ONS that confirms that the UK economy grew during the first quarter of the year, albeit by only 0.1%. That is balanced out with the news from the monthly data that there was a contraction during March, with wholesale and retail contributing the most to this contraction. This could suggest that the wider economic conditions are starting to bite on consumers, so it will be interesting to see how this is reflected in next month’s data.
Reports about talks about talks
Officials from the Scottish Government and HMRC were at the Public Audit Committee this week to give evidence about the administration of Scottish Income Tax. This session, as one may expect from the Public Audit Committee, was on the technical details of the collection of the tax (which, while partially devolved, is collected by HMRC rather than Revenue Scotland) and also the audit arrangements for the tax collection.
There were some interesting nuggets in there from a tax policy perspective. There was the view of the Scottish Government on the reasons for Scottish Income tax lagging behind the rest of the UK: mainly laid at the feet of the decline in oil and gas jobs: but there didn’t seem to be much clarity on whether we would ever be able to analyse whether this was actually the case.
We also heard that the fiscal framework review has moved “back into an active space”. For those who are after a recap of what on earth this is all about, see our blog in late 2021.
Slightly depressingly, as the PAC Convener Richard Leonard characterised it, this review is currently in the status of “talks about talks”. It is still very unclear when this may be concluded (or even start). Hopefully, we’ll see some news about this from both Governments soon.
Celebrities and medical experts including comedian Tom Davis, Dr Ranj Singh and Dr Linda Papadopoulos support new UK government campaign to boost mental health
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (15 – 22 May), Better Health – Every Mind Matters from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities is launching a new campaign backed by BAFTA award-winning comedian, Tom Davis, TV and NHS doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, and leading psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, to encourage the nation to make the first move for their mental health and get active.
New research released today has revealed that three quarters (75%) of adults surveyed report feeling anxious, but less than half (45%) are aware that physical activity is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
The campaign is the latest action taken by government to improve people’s mental health. The government is already increasing investment in mental health services by at least £2.3 billion a year by March 2024 so that an additional two million people can get the support they need.
Last year, the draft Mental Health Bill was published, intended to modernise the Mental Health Act so that it’s fit for the 21st century and better supports people with serious mental illness, and the government has committed to publishing a Major Conditions Strategy to tackle conditions that contribute most to morbidity and mortality across the population in England, including mental ill health.
For Mental Health Awareness Week, BAFTA award-winning comedian and actor, Tom Davis, has opened up about his own mental health alongside NHS and TV doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, in support of the Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign. In a new film released today, the pair discuss how they deal with anxious thoughts and call on the nation to make the first move for their mental health by getting active.
https://youtu.be/yV-ZUPgt9Kc
Comedian and Actor, Tom Davis, comments: “Anxiety is no laughing matter. I’ve had a colourful career, from working on building sites, to the shop floor, to being a comedian in front of thousands, and I’ve struggled with anxiety in every role.
“There’s a big difference, though, to being outside your comfort zone versus feeling overwhelmed by it and letting your anxious thoughts hold you back. And being active for just a few minutes each day can make a huge difference.
“It’s important to find something that you enjoy and do it regularly. I love boxing and try to go often, but even taking my daughter to the park can really clear my head and help to keep those anxious jitters at bay.
NHS and TV doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, has also shared his tips on how to ease anxiety (see NTEs) and advice on how the public can start getting active for their mental health: “Anxiety is part of everyday life, and it can help us focus or take extra care when needed, but when it gets too much, it can have a really big impact on how we want to live our lives.
“Physical activity is one of the simplest, but most effective, things we can do to help alleviate anxious feelings, calm racing thoughts, and give us something to distract from negative thinking.
“Regular physical activity is best, but even a few minutes each day can help. I personally love dancing because some good music instantly lifts my mood!”
New research among 2,000 adults in England has revealed around four in 10 report having trouble sleeping (38%), feeling less confident (37%) and having less energy due to anxiety (35%).
For just under a quarter (24%), anxiety has stopped them from attending social events and almost one in 10 admit it’s even impacted their relationship, as they spend less time with their partner (8%).
Physical activity releases feel good hormones and improves mental health but, according to the new research, less than half of adults are aware that it’s proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety (45%), reduce stress (45%) and distract from negative thoughts (42%). Four in 10 adults are not doing the NHS recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
The research revealed that over a third (35%) of adults tend to use distraction techniques to relieve feelings of anxiety, including watching TV (47%), browsing the internet (36%) or even isolating themselves from others (33%). However, those who do regular physical activity report that it helps to boost their mood (68%), confidence (61%) and relieve anxious feelings (61%).
With almost one in five not doing any form of physical activity (19%), the research also revealed that not feeling motivated (41%), not enjoying physical activity (25%), and not having enough free time (19%) were the top barriers to getting active. Only 13% of us are aware of the NHS recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
Leading psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos commented: “People are often surprised to know the benefits that just a few minutes of movement can have on our mind; you don’t need to do a full body workout to reap the rewards.
“Being active increases feel good hormones, like endorphins, and can boost confidence. I always recommend getting outside for a brisk walk or gentle jog because being in nature can help us feel happier and more relaxed. And the best bit is it’s free!
Minister for Mental Health, Maria Caulfield, said: “We know poor mental health can significantly impact our quality of life, so I’m pleased to see this campaign highlighting the simple steps we can all take to reduce its impact – such as spotting and addressing the signs of anxiety early on.
“But we know sometimes more support is needed, and that’s why we’re currently investing £2.3 billion every year to expand and transform mental health services in England so that two million more people will be able to get the mental health support they need.”
Delivered by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, the Better Health–Every Mind Matters campaign offers NHS-approved tips and advice to help people manage their anxiety, including links to free NHS apps, such as Couch to 5K and Active 10, that will help them make the first move.
The Better Health – Every Mind Matters website also gives people the opportunity to sign up to anxiety-easing emails, offering expert advice to help them stay on top of their mental wellbeing and show them how to make these new steps part of their routine.
Social media:
#everymindmatters
#moveforyourmentalhealth
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
#MHAW / @NHS
Scots looking after their mental health can also find support at NHS inform’s Mind to Mind | NHS inform
Residents and visitors to Craigmillar and Niddrie are being invited to share their views on improving the look and feel of Niddrie Mains Road and its ‘high street’.
This is the latest project within Edinburgh’s 20-Minute Neighbourhood strategy, which seeks to deliver better community-focussed places where everyone can meet most of their daily needs within a short walk, wheel or cycle from their home.
A community coffee morning with play activities available for younger children, was held yesterday (Saturday 13th May) at Greengables Family Centre, where people had have the opportunity to discuss the projects in more detail, share feedback and ask questions.
People can also share their thoughts either online or in person at Craigmillar Library. The online survey is available until 7th July. Paper copies of the survey and feedback cards are available to fill in and submit by the community board at Craigmillar Library.
Plans for the local area also include proposals for a new primary school in Greendykes. This project brings exciting opportunities to explore ways the new school can provide extra use and community benefits for the local area. A specific survey for the proposed new Greendykes Primary School is also open, where people can give views on the location of the new school and potential for the wider community.
Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, said:“Our 20-minute neighbourhood strategy is about working together to make the local area better at serving the daily needs of the local community and businesses.
“Schools are a key part of this and we want them to be at heart of their local communities. Projects like the proposed new primary school in Greendykes provide the opportunity to rethink how community facilities can provide wider use and benefits for everyone to live well locally.
“Our high streets and local centres are also places that bring people together and provide excellent opportunities to live, work and spend time. Craigmillar has benefitted from some fantastic regeneration in recent years, but the High Street still has a lot of potential to become a more vibrant, attractive and inclusive space for everyone.
“We are calling for local people and businesses to share their views so we can develop a plan for school provision in the area, improved public spaces and to encourage people to access the high street, local facilities and greenspaces by active and sustainable travel.”
Michael Melton, Grant Manager for Sustrans, said:“Creating safe and accessible routes to schools and businesses is a core part of what we do, and is at the heart of the plans to further regenerate the Craigmillar area.
This exciting project will not only tailor convenient walking, wheeling and cycling options to the needs of the local area, but will also help develop the Niddrie High Street into a more relaxed and attractive setting for residents to socialise and spend time in.
“We strongly encourage everyone living and working in the area to share their views on the plans for the area to help ensure the project is as successful as possible.
The surveys are an initial opportunity for people to give their views. It will inform the development of an initial plan for school provision in the local area, and for encouraging people to access an improved high street, local facilities and greenspaces by active and sustainable travel. The Council will continue to work with the local community and businesses as this develops.
The 20-Minute Neighbourhood strategy was launched in June 2021. Its vision is to enable a net zero Edinburgh where everyone can live well locally.
The city needs this level of ambition to achieve a significant shift towards sustainable transport. Increased walking, wheeling cycling and using public transport can all help to cut congestion and reduce emissions. It will help to create more social, inclusive and accessible places. This will also support physical and mental wellbeing and help to end poverty in Edinburgh.
The City of Edinburgh Council has been awarded Places for Everyone funding to develop a concept design for an improved high street in Craigmillar. Places for Everyone is an active travel infrastructure fund backed by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans. The Places for Everyone programme provides support and expertise to help deliver walking, wheeling, and cycling improvements across the country.
The Eurovision Grand Final saw a 5 min peak of 11 million, average of 9.9 million and share of 63%
BBC Director of Unscripted Kate Phillips says: “What an incredible Contest! It was unforgettable, unmissable event television on a scale never seen before delivered by the BBC to viewers across the UK and millions more watching around the world.
“Sweden took home the trophy in spectacular style and 2022 winners Ukraine were at the heart of the show.
“Liverpool welcomed the world’s biggest singing competition with open arms and embraced it beyond all of our expectations.
The fact that so many millions of people tuned in reflects just how significant Eurovision has become and truly underlines the theme behind this year’s contest, United by Music. We really hope we did Ukraine proud.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service Air Ambulance is celebrating 90 years of providing vital life-saving services to some of Scotland’s most remote and rural locations.
The first air ambulance mission was on May 14 1933 when a fisherman was evacuated to Glasgow from the Isle of Islay. There were several other flights that year, and in the years that followed.
Now 90 years later and fully funded in its entirety by the Scottish Government, the Service provides air ambulance support to both urban and rural communities across Scotland, as well as supporting the ScotSTAR retrieval teams – such as SAS’s neonatal, EMRS and Paediatric Teams – and responding to 999 calls in a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) role.
A national multi-disciplinary team of paramedics, nurses, advanced practitioners, and doctors work together to provide health care to all areas of Scotland.
For the year 2022/23, air ambulance crews attended 4185 incidents – an increase compared to the previous year (2021/22) of 3,924 incidents and 3076 the year before.
Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Pauline Howie said: “The Air Ambulance Service is a vital lifeline for communities across Scotland and 90s years of caring for patients across Scotland is an amazing milestone.
“I’d like to thank all those Air Ambulance staff who have served patients over these years, and all those current staff who continue to provide the very best care to patients, often in the most challenging of circumstances.
“The air ambulance network ensures the very best health care to remote and rural communities, carrying our routine transfers, attending emergencies, and assisting with paediatrics and neonates and their families.”
The service is delivered through a managed contract of two helicopters; one based in Glasgow and one in Inverness and two fixed wing aircraft; one at Aberdeen Airport and one at Glasgow Airport. In addition to the four government funded aircraft, the service is supplemented by two helicopters provided by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
While the first flight took place on 14 May 1933, the Scottish Air Ambulance Service only became recognised as a public service in 1948 following the creation of the UK National Health Service. Until then, the hire of an ambulance aircraft was a private arrangement between patient and airline.
Recently, the Air Ambulance launched a re-procurement consultation, providing an opportunity for the public to help shape the future of the Air Ambulance Service. The consultation has welcomed responses from more than 1,500 patients, members of the public, healthcare professionals and stakeholders groups.
Staff profile – Stephen Lee
Stephen Lee joined the Scottish Ambulance Service in September 2004 as an Ambulance Care Assistant. He became a Paramedic in 2008, based at Paisley Ambulance Station.
He initially started at the Air Ambulance Service in 2009 before he joined the training department. Now he works as an Air Crew Paramedic on the Fixed Wing Aircraft based at Glasgow Airport, where he has been in the role for five years.
He described the air ambulance network as a “vital part” of the NHS network, and added: “Without this service remote and rural communities would not have access to the full range of hospital services.
“Myself and my colleagues provide that vital link in the service chain to ensure the health of the nation. Without this link, some remote and rural communities might not be able to continue, as the specialist care is centralised it’s important that we move people to the centres for this care to enable remote and rural communities to grow and continue to function.”
He said he attends routine transfers for patients attending clinics and planned hospital admissions, emergencies where the patient has been stabilised but require specialist care in another hospital, critical care retrievals with the adult, paediatric and neonatal teams.
He added: “My duties are to ensure the equipment in the aircraft is serviceable, to liaise with the pilots regarding any aviation problems. I also ensure the safe loading of patients, equipment and the general safety of the cabin when in flight.”
The things he enjoys most about this role are the variety from day to day, saying “hour to hour I do not know what is coming next.”
Stephen explained: “It could be a maternity job from the Islands or a repatriation to Northern Ireland the work is challenging but very rewarding – I think it’s the best job in the Service. I also enjoy meeting the rural and remote crews who do a difficult job in challenging circumstances.
“I’m also flying across some of the most beautiful countryside every day while going to work, and I do enjoy working with the pilots, who are dedicated to what we do as a team. The highlights working as an aircrew Paramedic are many, some to do with things I have seen while flying such as flying into Edinburgh and seeing the Three Bridges across the Forth or flying up the Tay to land in Perth.”
He said logistics play a large part in his role where he has to ensure the patient has a seamless journey from hospital to hospital.
He added: “We live and work in Scotland and the weather presents some challenges. We are bound by the legal limits set by the CAA, and while we can ask for some exemptions we cannot break the law.”
Following performance improvements in relation to the delivery of Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Psychological Therapies, NHS Lothian Health Board has been de-escalated to Stage 2 of NHS Board performance escalation framework.
Robust measures will remain in place to ensure NHS Lothian continues to receive support to help maintain improvements.
NHS Lothian was originally escalated to Stage 3 for mental health performance in July 2019.
The improvements to CAMHS and Psychological Therapies has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of children, young people and adults waiting to start treatment compared to the period prior to escalation.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Escalating a health board is never done lightly and, following progress to improve the provision of mental health services, care and support, I am pleased that we are now able to de-escalate NHS Lothian. This is a positive step forward.
“Staff have worked hard to support the improvement work while delivering high quality patient care. It has been a challenging time for them, as well as patients and families, and support for the Board will continue to improve services even further for patients.”
UPDATE: POLICE HAVE REPORTED THAT JAMIE HAS BEEN TRACED
MISSING Child – Jamie McEwan
POLICE are appealing for the public’s help as part of our efforts to trace a child reported missing in Edinburgh.
There are growing concerns for the 12-year-old, who lives in the Howden Hall area. .
Jamie is described as, 5 ft 5 inches tall, slim build, short fair blonde hair, Navy tracksuit, white Adidas trainers and trainers.
Jamie has been missing for some time, and concerns are growing for his welfare.
Jamie McEwan has links to the Drylaw area where he may have travelled by bus.
Anyone who may have seen Jamie or who has any information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 3323 of 11/05/20223
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Walking for Heart Health
May is National Walking Month, which encourages us to leave the car at home and find ways to incorporate more walking into our days. Walking a little each day can offer a great benefit to our overall health and wellbeing, including our heart. It is a low-impact form of exercise so most people can give it a go.
Right now is also the perfect time of year to get outside as the evenings lighten and temperatures start to warm up. Here are some ideas to help you clock up more steps this May and beyond.
Set a goal
Setting a goal and planning can really help you make walking a daily habit. A good example would be aiming to walk for twenty minutes a day, five days a week.
Plan your week every Sunday evening and schedule in your walking times to make sure they happen.
Walk with a friend
Finding a walking partner can really help you stay motivated and committed to your scheduled walks.
Another benefit of walking with a friend is you are more likely to try harder, so if you are heading out on a longer walk, walking with someone else will push you to try as hard as you can. It is also a great opportunity for catching up and checking in with a friend.
Make it fun
Get the kids involved by going on a scavenger hunt or wildlife spotting walk.
You could simply head out with the family and look out for certain colour cars, anything to add an element of fun.
Plans for how over £500,000 for park and open space lighting improvements across the city have been approved by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Committee.
A prioritisation framework has been developed to identify where lighting improvements could benefit the city’s parks and open spaces for further assessment. The ranking comprises 58 sites across the city with Hailes Quarry Park considered first for developing a detailed lighting design.
In recent years, requests for park lighting have increased. This is in part due to increased numbers of people having enjoyed opportunities for exploring local parks and open spaces during the pandemic, as well as improving safety within and through parks, particularly for women and young girls who often feel most at risk at night when walking alone in or near open spaces.
The proposed framework follows an audit of the formal paths used for walking, wheeling, and cycling across city greenspaces. The endorsed priority listing will determine the order in which lighting projects in parks and open spaces will be further developed.
Through the councillors’ agreement to allocate this funding, it is hoped the new lighting in these popular areas can help reassure park users and encourage people to visit or travel through parks and open spaces.
However, there are additional considerations to be taken in parks compared to streets and roads as lighting outdoor space has to combine technical solutions with the unique features of green space environments. This can include supporting valuable habitats for wildlife, trees, historic buildings and monuments, as well as spaces for events, sport, active travel routes and traffic-free places.
Each of the proposed lighting designs must also consider improving lines of sight, proximity of entrances and exits, vegetation overgrowth, use of the space, and the importance of routes to local communities.
In order to meet the full plans, match funding will be sought to supplement the Council’s allocation.
The first 10 sites identified for improvements are:
Hailes Quarry Park (Sighthill/Gorgie)
Gyle Park (Drum Brae/Gyle)
Hunter’s Hall Park (Portobello/Craigmillar)
Ferniehill Community Park (Liberton/Gilmerton)
Roseburn Park (Corstorphine/Murrayfield)
Calton Hill (City Centre)
Princes Street Gardens (City Centre)
Harrison Park (Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart)
Leith Links (Leith
Pilrig Park (Leith Walk).
Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Val Walker, said: “In Edinburgh we’re extremely fortunate to have nearly 200 parks and open spaces to visit across the city and we want to make sure that they all remain accessible, safe, sustainable and of course open to the public for generations to come.
“Post-pandemic our parks and open spaces throughout the city have increased even further in popularity and continue be essential to modern life in the capital. They also provide havens for wildlife as well as important routes for people to move around the city by cycle and on foot.
“However, for many, these can be unwelcoming places, especially after dark, when fear of crime and concerns for personal safety are heightened. We of course recognise the community’s concerns and the need for these spaces to be safe and accessible for all users so I’m delighted that we are able to progress with illuminating existing paths in many of our parks and open spaces. We know where the first changes will be made but I hope through match funding we can roll these improvements out further across the city.
“We must also of course consider getting the right balance for needs of people and wildlife and steps will be taken to ensure the new lighting is not at the expense of biodiversity.”
Following Thursday’s approval, work will commence on the design of the first scheme for Hailes Quarry Park. Each lighting project in turn will include public engagement in the design process.
An estimated 20,000 additional people will become eligible for additional help to buy healthy foods when income thresholds are removed for Best Start Foods payments.
The Scottish Government benefit provides help to pregnant women or their partners as well as families with children aged up to three years old, so they can buy healthy food, milk or baby formula.
It is currently paid to people who receive qualifying benefits, so long as their incomes are not above set thresholds. The Scottish Government will introduce regulations that remove those thresholds increasing eligibility for Best Start Foods to around an additional 20,000 people from February 2024.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of the Scottish Government’s three critical missions.
“Rising food prices disproportionately hurt those on the lowest incomes, so removing the threshold for qualifying benefits means around 20,000 people will now get vital help to buy healthy foods.
“Best Start Foods is one of our five family payments, including the Scottish Child Payment, which together could be worth more than £10,000 by the time a first child turns six and more than £20,000 by the time an eligible child is 16.
“As set out in our tackling child poverty plan, we will use all the resources available to provide immediate support to families, while seeking more powers to enable us to truly tackle poverty.”
