Humza Yousaf will appoint a senior figure to head up Scottish Government strategy for re-joining the EU and is planning to stage a European summit in Scotland if he is elected SNP leader and First Minister.
In a letter to David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland, Mr Yousaf says: “If elected as First Minister I would seek to rebuild closer relationships with the EU as a matter of priority, bringing Scotland back to Europe, where we belong. I would envision having someone in place to lead this strategy.”
He adds: ” We want to re-join Europe because we want to re-join the scientific research community as well as build transparent trading standards and regulations that sit within the EU. It is also, vitally, about working on issues of climate change and biodiversity on land and sea at a European level to ensure best practice and shared responsibilities.”
Mr Yousaf tells Scotland’s leading pro-European campaign that the person leading the strategy of re-joining “as a small independent country” would be tasked with rebuilding the infrastructure “to help us transition back into Europe.” He does not rule out making this a cabinet-level role, he adds.
“I am confident we will return to Europe. We must. I must be very clear regarding my unwavering commitment to Europe, however. If elected as First Minister, I would work firmly with the belief that the only way Scotland can return to Europe is as an independent country. I will re-affirm the case to the people of Scotland, then, that our place in Europe is as a small independent country.”
The current health secretary says he intends hosting a European summit in Scotland is he wins the three-cornered contest.
“We would intend to engage in honest dialogue with not only our fellow EU partners the Greens/ European Free Alliance, but other EU groups that are open to democracy and furthering social justice across Europe,” he explains.
He also confirms that the SNP will set up its own permanent office in Brussels as a way of “establishing our presence as a small European nation at the heart of Europe and ensuring Scotland’s case for returning to Europe be heard by our European neighbours.”
David Clarke, chair of the European Movement in Scotland commented: “Europe should be centre stage of any political discussion in this country.
“Brexit has been the disaster we always knew it would be. There is but one way to overcome the chaos and economic deprivation of the last few years and that is to re-join the European Union as soon as possible. We applaud any politician from any party willing to tell this truth and to take steps to put this into action.”
As the ‘continuity candidate’, Yousaf has the backing of a raft of senior SNP politicians in his bid to become party leader and First Minister, but whether he will have the support of rank and file members who are looking for a radical change in direction in the fight for independence is another matter.
SNP members will have the opportunity to have their say when voting opens tomorrow.
Opposition parties have already made up their minds:
Plan expected to remove barriers to people getting into work and tackle Britain’s economic inactivity problem.
Support will focus on disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, over 50s, and low-earners and parents on Universal Credit.
Changes are expected to encourage benefit claimants to move into work or increase their hours with more Work Coach support, and childcare costs on Universal Credit to be paid up front.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to set out the ambition to get hundreds of thousands more people into work in his Budget next week.
Benefit claimants are expected to be encouraged to move into work or increase their hours, through changes to the Universal Credit system and increased job support programmes. As a result of measures set to be announced at Budget, hundreds of thousands of claimants will be asked to attend more regular meetings with work coaches, skills bootcamps will be expanded and the Work Capability Assessment will be scrapped.
The government will also start paying childcare costs on Universal Credit up front, rather than in arrears. Currently many low-income working parents are unable to afford the up-front cost of childcare, making it harder for them to get into work. The maximum amount people can claim for childcare on Universal Credit will also be increased by several hundred pounds, making childcare more affordable for thousands of working parents.
These measures will help people get jobs, increase their hours and extend their working lives – all contributing to the government’s priority to grow the economy.
The Chancellor’s plans are expected to benefit disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, people on benefits and the over 50s. Currently there are more than a million vacancies in the economy, and one fifth of the working population is economically inactive – out of work and not looking for work.
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:“Those who can work, should work because independence is always better than dependence.
“Already we’re seeing near record levels of employment in Britain, but we need to go further to build a country that rewards work and gives everyone the chance of a better future.
“But for many people, there are barriers preventing them from moving into work – lack of skills, a disability or health condition, or having been out of the jobs market for an extended period of time. I want this back-to-work Budget to break down these barriers and help people find jobs that are right for them.
“We need to plug the skills gaps and give people the qualifications, support and incentives they need to get into work. Through this plan, we can address labour shortages, bring down inflation, and put Britain back on a path to growth.”
Changes to the Universal Credit system are anticipated to encourage claimants to move into work or increase their hours with additional support from their Work Coaches.
Changes to Universal Credit will include:
Paying parents on Universal Credit childcare support up-front when they are moving into work or increasing their hours, rather than in arrears meaning low-income families will find it easier to afford and it will help remove a barrier that many face when thinking about going back to work.
Increasing the maximum amount parents on Universal Credit can receive in childcare support by several hundred pounds, making childcare more affordable for thousands of parents.
Alongside these changes, strengthened work search requirements are expected to encourage over 700,000 lead carers of children on Universal Credit to look for work or increase their hours and will receive additional Work Coach support to do so. Previously they would have had only limited requirements, or no requirements at all.
The Administrative Earnings Threshold (AET), the minimum amount a person can earn without being asked to meet regularly with their Work Coach, will be increased from the equivalent of 15 to 18 hours of earnings at the National Living Wage for an individual claimant. The couples AET, where a second member of a household may not be asked to look for work if their partner is working, will be removed entirely. This is expected to ask over 100,000 additional claimants to meet more regularly with a Work Coach and take active steps to move into work or increase their earnings.
Strengthening the application of the Universal Credit sanctions regime. This includes additional training for Jobcentre Work Coaches to ensure they are applying sanctions effectively, including for claimants who do not look for or take up employment, and automating administrative elements of the sanctions process, including sending automated messages to claimants who fail to meet with their Work Coach, to reduce error rates and free up Work Coach time.
For disabled people and long-term sick:
A Health and Disability White Paper will be published on the day of the Budget outlining our plans to scrap the Work Capability Assessment. Under the current system disabled people need to have a health assessment and be found incapable of work to receive additional income support through the benefits system. Scrapping the Work Capability Assessment is the biggest reform to the welfare system in a decade, meaning that disabled people can try work without fear of losing their benefits, and reducing the number of assessments needed to qualify for health-related benefits.
For the over 50s:
Returnerships will offer skills training that focuses on flexibility and takes previous experience into account, shortening the length of time they have to be in training.
Skills bootcamps will be expanded by 8,000 places per year in 2024-25, up from 56,000 currently, reskilling people in important sectors such as construction and technology.
Latest figures show that employment is at 75.6% and unemployment is close to a record low of 3.7%.
Charities and business groups react to the Chancellor’s expected Budget announcement of getting hundreds of thousands more people into work.
Plan expected to remove barriers to people getting into work and tackle Britain’s economic inactivity problem.
Support will focus on disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, over 50s, and low-earners and parents on Universal Credit.
Changes are expected to encourage benefit claimants to move into work or increase their hours with more Work Coach support, and childcare costs on Universal Credit to be paid up front.
STAKEHOLDER REACTION: CHARITIES
Victoria Benson, Chief Executive, Gingerbread said:“Single parents are all too often locked out of work because they can’t afford the upfront childcare costs.
“We welcome this change and the increase in childcare support available to low income single parents. We know that single parents want to work and that those who are working want to work more hours and these changes will help many to do just this.”
Dan Paskins, Director of UK Impact, Save the Children said:“The UK Government has made the right decision in deciding to pay childcare fees for those on Universal Credit upfront rather than in arrears. This system was stopping people getting into work and putting people into debt.
“We’re delighted also for Save the Children’s parent campaigners who have spent years trying to get this system changed and given evidence many times in person about how this system has been negatively impacting their lives.
“This is good for families, good for our economy and most of all, good news for children. It is a simple and effective change which will help put money in families’ pockets and make life easier for parents juggling work and childcare.”
Laura Davis, Chief Executive, The British Association for Supported Employment said:“The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) welcomes the Government’s announcements, which focus on empowering more disabled people to feel confident in entering or re-entering the labour market.
“We’re particularly pleased to hear about the plans to scrap the work capability assessment which will be a great step towards ensuring people can try employment without fear.
“We believe everyone who wants to work, can, with the right job and the right support, and should be provided every opportunity to dream big, without fear of being financially worse off.
“We look forward to hearing the detail in the Back to Work Budget on the 15th March and would welcome the opportunity to work with the government over the upcoming months to ensure that the right support into employment is available to all disabled people across the country.
“BASE is proud to represent the amazing Supported Employment Services and Employer-Partners, who are committed to embedding inclusive recruitment, using the evidenced-based model that works. Our place, train and maintain model supports Disabled, Neurodivergent and disadvantaged people across the UK, into well matched sustainable careers that meets their needs and those of the labour market.”
STAKEHOLDER REACTION: BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS & TRADE BODIES
Syma Cullasy-Aldridge, Chief Campaigns Director, CBI said:“As firms struggle to fill more than one million job vacancies in the economy, it’s good to see the Government finding ways to support people back into the workplace.
“Childcare costs are a barrier to many parents returning to work, especially those on lower incomes. It’s absolutely right that Government childcare support for those on Universal Credit is now paid upfront. The Government needs to announce the launch of a review into childcare to ensure it works for everyone.
“Helping the over 50s return to work requires flexible skills support from firms, so the Government should be listening to business-wide calls for a reform of the Apprenticeship Levy.
“Business will hope to hear more on how the Government can help support people back into the workplace at next week’s Budget – big gaps in our workforce require big solutions.”
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive, UKHospitality said:“Despite having record numbers of people working in hospitality, labour shortages continue to hold back our sectors growth potential.
“The 150,000 vacancies in hospitality are forcing venues to reduce trading hours and days, significantly impacting businesses to the tune of £25 billion in lost sales and £7 billion in lost tax to the Treasury, which hamstrings our very real capability to deliver record sales when firing on all cylinders.
“The measures announced by the Government are positive and will help get more people into work. In particular, the introduction of more flexible, shortened skills training and breaking down some of the barriers to work that exists within Universal Credit will be beneficial.
“With hospitality so central to the everyday economy and a proven driver of economic growth, investment and jobs, it’s absolutely right that addressing these shortages are a priority for the Chancellor. Making this work for such a strategically important sector will allow hospitality to help the Government deliver its twin objectives of getting the economy growing and bringing down inflation.
“Through our work with Ministers on the over 50s working group and as a Disability Ambassador for the Cabinet Office, I look forward to continuing to work with the Government on labour, skills and training.”
Neil Carberry, Chief Executive, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, said:“Our analysis shows that labour & skills shortages could cost the UK economy up to £39billion per year from 2024 – around the same as two Elizabeth lines.
“So it is important that action is taken, particularly in childcare which can be a significant barrier to work for many families. Helping those furthest away from the labour market into work is vital – and has been our focus through the Restart programme. Schemes like Restart prove the job is not one for government alone, businesses and recruitment experts can also play their part to great effect.”
Elizabeth Taylor, Chief Executive, Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) said:“At the Employment Related Services Association, we welcome the announcement that barriers to employment will be removed for some economically inactive groups.
“The employment support sector has the experience and knowledge to deliver this, and we know what works, so we sincerely hope that we will have a part to play. We know the differences between those who are voluntarily and involuntarily not currently seeking work, we recognise that employment support needs to be tailored to the individual, these are not homogenous groups.
“Providers in the sector will be required to work with those who will not engage with Jobcentre Plus. The employment support sector has a proven track record of community-based engagement, of delivering advice and support, and expertise in matching people with the right job that can be sustained. Returning to work must be an attractive proposition – let’s make it one.”
Whitney Houston’s biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” takes first place with over 2,5 billion streams
“Top Gun: Maverick” comes in second, while “Elvis” is third
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” has the most popular soundtrack of 2022, a new study has revealed.
The study conducted by CasinoBonusCA analyzed 50 of the most popular movies of 2022 and compared their official soundtrack albums on Spotify, summing the streams for each song, to determine which soundtrack is the most popular of last year.
Whitney Houston’s biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is first, as the album got a total of 2.5 billion streams. The soundtrack is composed of 35 songs, including some of Houston’s most famous hits, such as “How Will I Know”, “Saving All My Love for You” and the song which gave the movie its name, which also has the most streams in the whole album – almost one billion.
Second on the list is “Top Gun: Maverick” with 1.4 billion streams overall. The highly anticipated sequel of the 1986 hit movie was released on May 27th, 2022, in North America, with its soundtrack dropping on Spotify in the same week.
The album includes original songs which quickly became popular, such as “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic, which has 733 million streams alone.
Another biopic, “Elvis” comes in third place with 508 million streams. The album comprises 36 songs, among which there are covers of Presley’s songs, remixes and some original scores.
Further down on the list, “Don’t Worry Darling”, starring Harry Styles and Florence Pugh, is fourth with 407 million streams. The album contains only 13 songs but managed to be among the most listened of the year.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” closes the top five with 382 million streams. The soundtrack comprises original songs by Ludwig Goransson, Rihanna, Burna Boy and more.
Top 10 most popular soundtracks 2022
Rank
Movie/Tv Show
Spotify album play count
1
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
2,530,000,000
2
Top Gun: Maverick
1,400,000,000
3
Elvis
508,000,000
4
Don’t Worry Darling
407,000,000
5
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
382,000,000
6
Turning Red
184,000,000
7
Purple Hearts
179,000,000
8
Marry Me
147,000,000
9
Nope
67,794,980
10
Bullet Train
67,404,044
A spokesperson for CasinoBonusCA commented on the findings: “It is interesting to see the biopics of Whitney Houston and Elvis where the soundtrack is a foundational part of the movie, are next to “regular” movies, which had an original and fairly new soundtrack that was created and curated specifically for it.
“An example of this is Top Gun: Maverick, which includes original songs by OneRepublic and Lady Gaga, as well as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with features by Rihanna and Burna Boy”.
A cross-border trial has improved care for patients prescribed multiple medicines.
The iSIMPATHY project, funded by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, worked with professionals in Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to comprehensively review patient medication.
Taking multiple medicines can be problematic if the increased risk of harm from interactions between drugs, or between drugs and diseases, outweighs the intended benefits.
Interim findings showed these interventions potentially prevented major organ failure, adverse drug reactions, avoided hospital admissions and saw patients moved to more appropriate medication.
Project funding, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), was match funded by the Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish Government and the Scottish Government.
Scotland’s Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “This project looked at some of our most vulnerable patients taking more than five medications. The reviews have avoided adverse combinations of drugs and hospitalisations while also reducing prescriptions and drugs costs.
“We will know more when the full evaluation is published in June, we will work with partners to see how we can these improvements can be applied more widely, potentially saving lives and money.”
Ireland’s Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said: “Medicines are the most common healthcare intervention used within the health system, and the use of the right medicine for the right patient at the right time is central to this.
“In the delivery of this project, pharmacists were strategically and ideally placed as medicines experts within a multidisciplinary team framework working to maximise therapeutic outcomes for optimal patient benefit.
“I’d like to thank all the partners involved in the iSIMPATHY project for their work to achieve this.”
Northern Ireland Department of Health Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Mrs Cathy Harrison said: “I’m pleased to see the impact on patients and service users who have taken part in iSIMPATHY who are at the heart of the project’s aim to ensure the best and most sustainable use of medicines.
“iSIMPATHY has achieved this through training pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to deliver medicine reviews and embed a shared approach to managing multiple medicines. Northern Ireland has been delighted to collaborate with our partner regions to build on the success of previous projects dedicated to improving medicine safety.”
Gina McIntyre, SEUPB CEO said: “Thanks to projects such as iSIMPATHY, we can understand the importance of cross-border cooperation, and how they are playing a major role in the efficient delivery of health services, in the border regions, alongside addressing challenges brought about by rising demand within a constrained budget environment.
“Health is an important precondition for economic growth, while also fostering social cohesion. I am delighted to see just how effective this project has been in improving the lives of people in the region.”
Wildscreen has announced the full programme for their upcoming two-day natural world storytelling film screening showcase, with tickets available for as little as £12.
Four-time Panda Award winning film, ‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, and an impressive list of Scottish artists and filmmakers complete the line up.
Additional networking opportunities will give delegates, both professionals and enthusiasts, a chance to connect with key players in the Scottish natural history TV and film industry.
Wildscreen, the leading conservation charity, has revealed the full line up for their two-day natural world storytelling film showcase, taking place at the Glasgow Science Centre on 18th-19th March, 2023, with tickets available for as little as £12.
‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, winner of the coveted Golden Panda Award at the 2022 Festival and Royal Television Society Programme Award 2023 nominee, joins the jam-packed agenda alongside other film screenings exploring the lives of some of nature’s most underrepresented and enduring stories.
The showcase will also feature talks and Q&A sessions from global filmmakers and conservationists, with a celebration of renowned and emerging Scottish talent speaking at the event.
New to the Glasgow Roadshow is ‘My Garden of a Thousand Bees’, winner of four Panda Awards AKA the Green Oscars and it has been recently nominated in the Science & The Natural World category at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards 2023.
Directed by acclaimed Bristol-based wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn, it explores the fascinating lives of bees living in his urban garden during lockdown. Following the screening, a Q&A, featuring two of the team who worked on the film – Glasgow-based music composer Fraser Purdie and Olivia Massey, will take place providing a chance to uncover the secrets behind this inspiring nature documentary.
The panel will also feature Jasmine Isa Qureshi, ambassador for the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust and will be chaired by Jackie Savery, Director and Founder of Glasgow production company Maramedia.
Other screening highlights, including ‘Panteras, Living Among Wild Cats’ and ‘Wild Romania’, allow attendees to experience the lives of the last wild cats on earth and the best-kept secrets in Europe’s wilderness. The Young Programmers Selection sees a carefully selected series of short films curated by local creative talent.
There will also be a collection of films exploring the latest efforts in ocean conservation featuring an expert panel, including Save our Seas’ Science Communicator, Dr. Isla Hodgson and Scottish Artivist, Rachel Brooks.
Lucie Muir, CEO of Wildscreen, said: “Glasgow has a long history as a hub for natural world storytelling and environmental action, as a previous European City of Culture and home to the recent COP26 conference.
“This Roadshow allows us to bring our selection of acclaimed films to Scotland, whilst giving a platform to local filmmaking talent. Delegates will get a chance to understand some of nature’s most fascinating stories at a time when climate action and conservation are most needed. If you have an interest in natural history, this is not one to miss.”
A separate networking drinks reception, at the Saramago Terrace Bar, CCA on Friday 17th March, will take place before the showcase, with opportunities to catch up with existing colleagues and make new connections in the natural world filmmaking industry. The Glasgow Roadshow is supported by the National Lottery through Screen Scotland, and it is sponsored by the Save our Seas Foundation.
Tickets are still available from as little as £12 with a variety of passes and concessions available to those seeking employment, in full-time education, registered disabled or over the age of 65. Free tickets and attendance support are available to local community groups working with underrepresented young people. Please do reach out to find out more.
People who refuse to stop promoting tax avoidance in the UK could serve time in prison. the Chancellor is expected to announce at next week’s Spring Budget.
Fewer non-compliant tax avoidance schemes operating in the market cuts the likelihood of people getting involved with them and facing thousands of pounds in unexpected future tax bills and penalties as a result
Part of Chancellor’s commitment to help protect taxpayers and public services.
People who refuse to stop promoting tax avoidance in the UK could serve time in prison, the Chancellor is expected to announce at next week’s Spring Budget.
The UK loses around £400 million per year to marketed tax avoidance, money which could be going towards public services, and it is the users of schemes, including agency workers, contractors and freelancers, who can end up with big tax bills, rather than the promoters who sold it to them.
Wednesday’s expected announcement is part of the Chancellor’s commitment to continue cracking down on those selling tax avoidance schemes to help protect taxpayers and public services.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “It is everyday people who lose out from tax avoidance, whether it’s individuals facing big bills after getting involved with harmful schemes or funding being taken away from public services.
“That is why I am determined for promoters to face the music for the damage they cause and the lives they harm by stopping them in their tracks.”
Marketed tax avoidance schemes tempt people into avoidance landing them with unexpected tax bills. Promoters of schemes are behind the schemes, and they often use a network of sellers to help them. Over the last 18 years, they have shifted focus away from wealthy clients towards people on middle incomes. Today the market is dominated by umbrella companies that choose to target contractors and agency workers.
To help everyday taxpayers, HMRC are laser-focused on driving promoters out of business. 31 tax avoidance schemes and 27 of their promoters had been named by HMRC to warn thousands of taxpayers to not to get involved.
There are also already financial penalties in place for promoters who ignore “Stop Notices” and don’t stop promoting.
But the Chancellor is expected to go one step further at the Budget by announcing a consultation that could result with promoters serving time in UK prisons when found guilty in a court of law.
While individuals are ultimately accountable for their own tax affairs, this action will also help up to 2.4 million contractors, including hospital workers, who can become involved in tax avoidance through the agencies they trust to handle their tax affairs. According to HMRC, hospital workers, including those working part-time, are the highest users of tax avoidance schemes in the UK out of any sector.
Fewer non-compliant tax avoidance schemes operating in the market cuts the likelihood of people getting involved with them in the first place, and facing thousands of pounds in unexpected future tax bills and penalties as a result.
Case Study – Tanya, nurse
Tanya got caught up in a tax avoidance scheme and has shared her story as a warning to others.
Tanya is a single parent. She works as a critical care nurse at her local hospital. She found her job through an agency, and they recommended an umbrella company that provided payroll services. Tanya chose an umbrella company that gave her the highest take-home pay. This turned out to be a tax avoidance scheme which she joined. This left her with an unexpected tax bill, on top of the high fees she had paid to the umbrella company for using the scheme.
“I was sold on the benefits of higher pay.”
Tanya explains: “As a nurse I trust my patients and they trust me, that is the relationship of care. I trusted my agency and umbrella company and I feel like they lied to me and scammed me, I thought my umbrella company would care but they didn’t.
“My agency and umbrella company sold me the benefits of higher pay through what they described as their Tax Plan model. This has now left me owing HMRC money and my umbrella company has washed their hands of me, they just disappeared and left me with the tax bills.”
It is unlikely that Tanya will be able to recover the high fees charged by her umbrella company, as they are now seeking voluntary liquidation. She must also pay tax of nearly £7,500 and some interest.
Tanya contacted HMRC and wanted to sort everything out. If she can’t settle her taxes and pay what she owes in one go, she will be offered time to pay her tax bill by instalments.
As well as criminalising promoters of such schemes, the Chancellor is also expected to announce that their directors could be quickly disqualified from directing companies. This builds on the government’s existing work to deter promoters from promoting schemes.
Private rent increases will be capped at 3% and restrictions will remain on enforcement of evictions under measures approved today by MSPs.
The changes to the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act will mean that from 1 April 2023:
If a private landlord chooses to increase a tenant’s rent mid-tenancy, the increase will be capped at 3%
Private landlords will alternatively be able to apply for a rent increase of up to 6% to help cover certain increases in costs in defined and limited circumstances
Enforcement of evictions will continue to be paused for up to six months except in a number of specified circumstances
Increased damages for unlawful evictions of up to 36 months’ worth of rent will continue to apply
These measures will be extended to 30 September, provided they remain necessary, with the option to extend for another six-month period if required.
As previously announced, the social sector rent freeze has been replaced with agreements from landlords to keep any rent increase for 2023-24 well below inflation. The rent cap for student accommodation is to be suspended, recognising its limited impact on annual rents set on the basis of an academic year.
Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie said: “Our emergency legislation has given tenants across the rented sector additional protection as we continue to live through these challenging and uncertain economic times.
“It is clear that many households in the private rented sector in particular continue to struggle, which is why we are capping in-tenancy rent increases in the private sector at 3% from next month, with safeguards in place recognising the effects the cost of living crisis may have on some landlords. Our restrictions on evictions will continue across all sectors, with the social sector rent cap having been replaced with voluntary agreements from landlords to keep rents affordable.
“We will continue to keep these measures under review, ensuring they remain necessary and proportionate to the challenges at hand.”
The evictions moratorium pauses enforcement of eviction actions resulting from the cost of living crisis except in a number of specified circumstances. Evictions can be delayed for a maximum of 6 months while the measures are in force.
Landlords can apply to Rent Service Scotland (RSS) to increase rent to partially cover specific costs including increased mortgage interest payments on the property they are letting, an increase in landlords’ insurance or increases in service charges paid as part of a tenancy, subject to an overall limit. This limit is currently set at 3% of total rent. From 1 April the limit will be increased to 6%. In effect this retains the ability for landlords to raise rents at a level of 3% above the cap.
Under the agreement on social rents for 2023-24, COSLA has committed to keeping local authority rent increases to an average of no more than £5 a week. Members of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Glasgow West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations have reported planned increases averaging 6.1%.
Members of the EIS have voted overwhelmingly to accept the current pay offer proposed by local authority employers and the Scottish Government.
In an online ballot that closed today, 90% of those voting opted to accept the pay offer. Turnout in the ballot was 82% . The EIS represents over 80% of Scotland’s teachers at all grades and in all sectors of education.
Speaking after the ballot result was announced at a meeting of the EIS national Council in Edinburgh yesterday, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said: “EIS members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the current pay offer, with 90% of those voting opting to accept in an online ballot.
“Turnout in the ballot was also high, confirming that Scotland’s teachers believe that it is now time to accept the offer and bring an end to the programme of industrial action in our schools.”
Ms Bradley added, “The acceptance of this offer will mean that, for most teachers, their pay will increase by 12.3% by next month in comparison to current pay levels. This includes a backdated 7% increase from April 2022, and a 5% increase from this April.
“Teachers will also receive a further 2% increase in pay from January next year, with the next pay settlement then scheduled to be negotiated and payable from August 2024 onwards. The total current package will amount to a 14.6% increase in pay for most teachers by January 2024.”
Ms Bradley continued, “EIS members have taken a pragmatic decision in voting to accept the current pay offer. While it does not meet our aspirations in respect of a restorative pay settlement for Scotland’s teachers, it is the best deal that can realistically be achieved in the current political and financial climate without further prolonged industrial action.
“It compares favourably with recent pay settlements across the public sector, and does provide pay certainty for Scotland’s teachers for the next 16 months until the next pay settlement is scheduled to be delivered in August 2024.”
Ms Bradley concluded, “It is deeply regrettable that it took a sustained industrial dispute, and the first programme of national strike action on pay by teachers in forty years, for the Scottish Government and COSLA to finally come up with an acceptable pay offer for Scotland’s hard-working teaching professionals.
“Scotland’s pupils, parents and teachers deserve better, and the Scottish Government and Scotland’s local authorities must commit to ensuring that education is properly funded, and that teachers are fairly paid, in all future years in order that Scottish Education can provide as it should for our young people and for the good of our whole society.”
POLICE in Edinburgh have issued images of a woman they believe may be able to assist with their investigation into a serious assault that took place in Leith on Monday, 5 December, 2022.
The serious assault took place around 1.25am within the Spey Lounge on Leith Walk.
The woman is described as white, 40-50 years-old, around 5 ft 6ins in height and of slim build with long, dark-coloured hair that was tied in a ponytail. She was wearing a black padded coat and white trousers.
Detective Constable Lyndsey Singer of Gayfield Police Station said: “We are keen to talk to the woman in these images in connection with this incident and would urge anyone who may recognise her to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Any witnesses to the incident can contact officers via 101. Please quote incident number 0143 of 5 December 2022. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a reception at the City Chambers yesterday to recognise and celebrate the city of Edinburgh’s work in supporting Ukrainians.
Their Royal Highnesses Edward and Sophie were also attending to thank the diverse range of volunteers who are supporting them across the Capital.
During the reception Their Royal Highnesses met the Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Council Leader Cammy Day, Consul of Ukraine Andrii Kuslii, Hannah Beaton Hawryluk, Chair of the AUGB (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain) Edinburgh Branch, Paul Wilson, Chief Officer for Volunteer Edinburgh, alongside senior Council officers involved in the Ukraine effort.
Friday marked exactly one year to the day since the City of Edinburgh’s formal response to the war against Ukraine began.
In that time over 10,000 Ukrainians have passed through our Welcome Hub as the primary entry point to Scotland, with over 3000 Ukrainians making their new lives here in the Capital. Over 500 Ukrainian children are in education across the city and receiving the full support of our services.
The Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “I am hugely proud of the efforts by colleagues, partners, residents, and businesses in welcoming Ukrainians making their new home here in Edinburgh over the past year. Whilst this past year has brought significant challenges, the city of Edinburgh has shown its resilience, compassion, and character.
“On this momentous day when the Dukedom of Edinburgh has been conferred on Their Royal Highnesses, it is fantastic to have The Duke and Duchess in attendance to meet some of these individuals and groups. This visit is testament to the selfless and dedicated work that has gone on across the city since the start of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.
“We must continue to recognise the extraordinary sacrifice made by the Ukrainian people over the past year and reiterate our continuing solidarity with all Ukrainians.
“I would also like to make it clear to the Ukrainians who are building their new lives in Edinburgh that this is your home, and we are incredibly proud to support you.
“We are grateful for the enormous contribution our new Ukrainian community to making Edinburgh the modern, diverse and vibrant capital city it is today.”
Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, Branch Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh, said: “It was a privilege to meet with the newly titled Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and on the occasion of the Duke’s 59th birthday, today to showcase the contribution of AUGB Edinburgh and the wider partnership to Edinburgh’s response to supporting newly arrived Ukrainians in the city.
“The city’s response has only been possible by partners working together and supporting each other, thank you in particular to the City of Edinburgh Council and third sector partners who we have worked closely with over the last year. We hope the Duke and Duchesses visit today has demonstrated the continuing work across the city and the work of the Association here in Edinburgh.”
Paul Wilson, Chief Officer at Volunteer Edinburgh said: “Since the start of the war against Ukraine, volunteers in Edinburgh have been giving their time to help. Edinburgh has been at the forefront of Scotland’s response to the Ukraine crisis and volunteers too have been there from the start.
“Whether it be collecting, sorting and dispatching much needed aid, supporting the community activities of the AUGB, providing cultural and welcome activities, supporting English’s language learning or the nearly 7000 hours of volunteering done by Welcome Volunteers at the Airport, it is these volunteers that have enabled our city to give such an amazing welcome and their kindness and generosity has shown the very best of Edinburgh.”
