Category: North Edinburgh News

Committee calls for development of bacteria-killing viruses

In a major report today Westminster’s Science, Innovation & Technology Committee calls for steps to develop the potential of bacteria-killing viruses – called bacteriophages or phages for short – that can provide an alternative to antibiotics that are attracting growing resistance.

Phages have been used as therapy for over a hundred years, but interest has increased in recent years as the widespread use of antibiotics is leading to alarming antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to even the most effective treatments. But they have never been licensed for therapeutic use in the UK. They have only been used as “compassionate” treatments of last resort in isolated cases of otherwise intractable infections.

One of the problems has been an impasse: in order to be deployed in clinical trials phages must be manufactured to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standard – but investment in compliant manufacturing plants will only be justified following successful clinical trials.

Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Chair of the Committee, said:  “Phages offer a possible response to the increasing worldwide concerns about antimicrobial resistance.

“But the development of phage therapies is at an impasse, in which clinical trials need new advanced manufacturing plants, but investment requires clinical trails to have demonstrated efficacy.

“The Committee is asking the Government to consider whether the mothballed Rosalind Franklin Laboratory in the West Midlands could provide a suitable facility.

“The Laboratory, which has already received over £1 billion of public funding, was established by the Government to bring to an end the inadequacy of testing capacity that so hampered the national response to Covid.

“It consists of modern, secure laboratory facilities and was meant to be an important source of national resilience against future pandemics. But the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory has suddenly appeared for sale on the property website Rightmove, to the astonishment of the science and health communities.

“Our Committee’s report on phages asks for the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory to be considered for this purpose, rather than be lost to the nation and to science in a firesale.”

The Committee recommends that the Government should consider establishing a small GMP facility on the lines of the Catapult network which provides shared facilities for companies who cannot afford to make the level of investment on their own.

The Committee also calls on the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and phage researchers to work together to make for a more promising route for phage research to be funded and its products licensed for use. 

The Committee calls for:

  • Awareness-raising for healthcare students and professionals of the antimicrobial potential of phages where antibiotics have failed or are failing
  • Government and its agencies to make a definitive and positive statement on the role of phages in the national approach to anti-microbial resistance (AMR), which is important in research funding decisions and for private investment in commercial phages
  • The MHRA to consider allowing the compassionate use of non-GMP phages produced in the UK for last resort medical cases where other medical approaches have failed or are failing
  • The MHRA to review how current regulations would govern liability for clinicians and hospitals who used UK non-GMP phages,

Granton murder: Online portal set up

DID YOU SEE RED HYUNDAI TUCSON IN THE AREA ON NIGHT OF SHOOTING?

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information following the murder of a man during a firearms incident in Granton on Hogmanay.

Police were called to Granton Crescent around 11.50pm after a firearm was discharged, seriously injuring two men. Emergency services attended and the two men were taken to hospital, where a 38-year-old man was pronounced dead a short time later.

A 39-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The dead man has been named locally as Marc Webley.

From enquiries carried out so far, it is understood a red Hyundai Tucson pulled up beside the men in West Granton Road.

The driver exited the vehicle and discharged the firearm before returning to the vehicle and making off travelling eastwards towards Leith.

Detectives believe there was at least one other person within the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Road closures remain in place on West Granton Road and Granton Crescent while police enquiries continue. 

Detective Superintendent Graham Grant said: “An extensive police investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and we are doing everything we possibly can to identify and trace whoever is responsible.

“We would like to thank members of the public who have assisted our enquiries so far and would continue to ask anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken to us to please come forward.

“In particular, we are appealing for any information or footage of the suspect vehicle and it’s movements before and after the incident happened. If you saw this vehicle in the surrounding area late on Sunday evening, we would like to hear from you.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with the family and friends of both men involved.”

Superintendent Sam Ainslie said: “We completely understand local community concern following this shocking incident and would like to reassure members of the public that this is believed to have been an isolated targeted attack.

“Police Scotland takes incidents of this nature extremely seriously, this type of reckless criminality will not be tolerated, and we will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Officers continue to carry out extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance and we would urge anyone with concerns or information to contact us via 101 quoting reference 3819 of 31 December. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111”. 

An online portal has been set up to allow members of the public to send information directly to the police.

This can be accessed here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

Seven Steps to help get you through Dry January

TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH IN 2024

PEOPLE embarking on Dry January need to wait at least 10 days before they see the full impact of ditching the booze, a top expert has explained. 

Counsellor and author Lynn Crilly said removing alcohol from your life for a month can bring “huge health benefits” that can set you on a path to a healthier and happier 2024.

Lynn said: “For moderate drinkers going alcohol free for a month can be challenging, but it is achievable and healthy. The same may not be the case for daily drinkers or those more dependent on alcohol and these people should seek professional advice and support before they do so.

“The first few days are likely to be the hardest as there may be some withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty in sleeping, and you are likely to also experience some hangover-like symptoms such as cloudy head, agitation, tiredness potentially this is due to lack of hydration. 

“By day five you may be craving sugar that the alcohol is no longer giving you, but on the plus side you should feel sharper and notice an improvement in your concentration. By day seven it gets even better because your sleep should improve significantly. By day ten you should be feeling less sluggish, more energised, and raring to go. The full benefits will kick in.

” In the long run it reduces the risk of diabetes, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and reduces levels of cancer related proteins in the blood.”

Outlining the main benefits of Dry January, Lynn says: 

Detox:

Taking a rest from drinking alcohol can give your liver a much-needed break and time to re heal itself from the festive overindulging.

Alcohol is known as diuretic, which means it causes you to wee more than if you just drink water, this makes it harder for the body to hydrate itself which leads to dry skin. Reducing the level of alcohol will give your skin a more refreshed look and make your eyes brighter.

Often more calories are consumed by food rather than drink, meaning a potentially higher vitamin intake, leading to your skin looking healthy and glowing.

Improved Sleep:

One of the first things that people notice when doing dry January is that their sleeping pattern improves drastically and they experience an increase in their energy levels. While alcohol can help people to fall asleep faster, the quality of the sleep is less restful and you spend less time in ‘real ‘sleep. On the other hand, days when you do not drink can lead to a much better sleep, making it far easier to wake up in the mornings.

Feeling less bloated or even drop a few pounds: Depending on how much you were drinking before you may find you shed a few pounds over the course of the month as alcohol is liquid calories which many do not replace with food, also the craved junky food at the end of a boozy evening will also be of the menu!

Save money:

If you have been regularly spending money on alcohol it can really add up and put a dent in your budget, so by not shelling out for it you could put that money by and give yourself a treat at the end of the month such as a massage or a new outfit!

TIPS ON HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Begin writing a journal:

At the beginning of the month write down the reasons you wanted to take a break from the drink, and the positive changes that are being made. Then if sometime during the month you are facing a particularly challenging time refer back to the journal to remember why you started. 

Start a new workout regime:

Since drinking can leave you feeling slow and sluggish, January may be the perfect time to start a new fitness regime. Having the new surge of energy will benefit you when exercising and release those positive endorphins.

Look at new ways to cope:

If a glass of wine was your way of winding down at the end of a day, it may be worth looking at other options such as yoga, reading, meditating, going for a walk or even a hot bath with lots of bubble bath can all help you to wind down.

Look for a replacement:

If drinking has become a habit, then it is a good idea to find a replacement to sip, sparkling water with lemon juice, or pour a can of flavoured tonic water into a wine glass and sip slowly, it is surprising how quickly one habit can be replaced with another especially when it makes you feel better. 

Team Up with a friend:

It is always easier to keep motivated if you are doing Dry January with a friend. Encourage friends and family to get involved, so that you are accountable and support each other or even raise some money for charity.

Keep Busy:

The first few days will be the hardest, so it is always a good idea to have things planned to keep you busy, do things that are fun and will help to take your mind off drinking, because the less time you must think about it the easier it will become. 

Be Kind to yourself:

Drinking has become so ingrained in our culture and everyday life, whether you’re celebrating a wedding or mourning the loss of a friend, it can be difficult to abstain from alcohol for a whole month.

People are often their own worst critic and can get down on themselves – and give up on their dry month if they have one drink, but please remember the whole point of attempting a month without alcohol is not to feel bad about yourself.

The goal is to become more mindful of the role it plays in your life, if it leads to you drinking less than you normally would, then that must be a win even if you still enjoyed the odd glass of wine. 

The Name Game

Major Blockbusters and Reality TV Stars set to have the biggest influence on Baby Names in 2024

Big-budget films and famous faces from the nation’s most loved reality shows are most likely to influence baby names in 2024, following a year of record-breaking movies and unique celebrity name choices dominating Google searches as expectant parents look for inspiration.

2023 was huge for Hollywood, with the release of Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day causing the ‘Barbenheimer’ cultural phenomenon to take social media by storm. Barbie, which became the highest-grossing Warner Brothers movie of all time, is set to inspire some of the biggest baby name trends this year, including the comeback of Ken.

Whilst just three babies were named Ken in 2022, experts are predicting a sharp rise in popularity following Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of the character in 2024.

Other Barbie-related names are also expected to spike in popularity. Whilst Margot has become increasingly fashionable in recent years, climbing 23 places last year alone, it is expected to reach the top 10 in 2024 in tribute to the Stereotypical Barbie actress, Margot Robbie. Sasha, after the character played by Ariana Greenblatt, is also expected to rise in the name rankings after placing only 594th last year.

The second most popular film of the year, Oppenheimer, is also pipped to provide name inspiration in 2024.

The name Cillian, after the leading Irish actor Cillian Murphy, has been growing in popularity since the star’s most well-known TV show, Peaky Blinders, first debuted in 2012. Google searches around the name peaked again during the press tour for Oppenheimer last summer and have remained high ever since.  

According to British name label manufacturer mynametags.com, it isn’t just big screen characters that will impact the names of newborns in 2024. Since the launch of Netflix’s Sex Education TV series in 2019, the name Maeve has increased in popularity, ranking in the top 5 consistently since January 2020.

After the highly anticipated final series of the show, the name is likely to remain a firm favourite in 2024. The popularity of the name Otis, after the show’s main character, has tripled since the show first aired and is set to climb even further up the charts this year.

The Netflix documentary, Beckham, is anticipated to spark a new generation of David’s, after the football legend.

The name David climbed the charts in 2006 after Beckham’s headline making run in the FIFA World Cup. The release of Beckham’s tell-all show where his sporting achievements were revisited at the end of 2023 sparked a second wave of ‘Beckham fever’, causing David to be back in the minds of expectant parents in 2024.

It’s not just stars of the big screen that are set to inspire namesakes for children in 2024. Reality TV stars’ have had a significant impact on baby name trends over the years. For example, the name Saint rose in popularity following the birth of Kim Kardashian’s son in 2015. 2024 is no exception. With the Kardashian family announcing several new additions to the family last year, Aire, Tatum and Rocky are all likely to inspire parents looking for non-traditional names.

Meanwhile, Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury were at the centre of a media storm last January after welcoming their daughter, Bambi. The name divided opinion, receiving thousands of comments online. But with Google searches for Disney-inspired baby names increasing by 50% last year, the Fury’s may have inspired a generation of unusual baby names.

Lars B Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com, comments: “Naming a child can be an agonising decision to make as a parent.

“With thousands of beautiful and unique names, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. So, it’s no surprise that Brits are taking inspiration from their favourite films, TV series, and reality shows.

“With Barbie and Oppenheimer being the talk of the summer, names relating to the movies will be at the front of expecting parents’ minds. What’s interesting this year is the breadth of inspiration parents are pulling ideas from.

“From ultra-traditional names, such as Ken, to unique, almost unheard of names like Bambi, parents are finding inspiration in all streams of popular culture.”

Countdown for 5.7 million customers to file their tax return

With less than a month to go to the Self Assessment deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging nearly 5.7 million customers to file their tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year. 

HMRC data shows almost 6.5 million customers have already beaten the Self Assessment clock by filing their tax return, including 49,317 customers who used the New Year holiday to get a head start on their tax obligations: 

  • 25,593 customers filed their tax return on New Years Eve, with the most popular time being between 12:00 and 12:59, when 2,677 customers filed 
  • 127 customers saw in the New Year by filing their tax return between 00:00 and 00:59 on 1 January  
  • 23,724 customers filed on New Year’s Day, with the most filing between 15:00 and 15:59, when 2,354 customers filed

The deadline to file a tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2024. Customers can submit their tax returns and pay any tax owed online at GOV.UK. 

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “The clock is ticking for those customers yet to file their tax return. Don’t put it off, kick start the new year by sorting your Self Assessment. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’ to get started start today,” 

HMRC has a wide range of resources online including a series of video tutorials on YouTube, help and support on GOV.UK, to support customers in completing their tax return. 

The quickest and easiest way customers can pay their tax bill is via HMRC’s app which is free and secure. Information about the different ways to pay, can be found on GOV.UK.

Customers who are unable to pay in full can access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan, known as Time to Pay for those who owe less than £30,000. Customers can arrange this themselves online. Go to GOV.UK and search “HMRC payment plan” for more information. 

HMRC will consider a customer’s reasons for not being able to meet the deadline.Those who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty.  The penalties for late tax returns are: 

  • an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time 
  • after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900 
  • after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater 
  • after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater 

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. Interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.  

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK. 

Edinburgh Leisure Recruitment Open Day at Royal Commonwealth Pool

Lifeguard/Leisure Attendant Recruitment Open Day

On 16th January, we’re hosting a recruitment open day at the Royal Commonwealth Pool and we’re inviting you to apply! No experience required, we’ll support you through your qualifications.

Find out more https://tinyurl.com/37j4wtdp

Charities, community projects and customers benefit from £72 million thanks to Ofgem enforcement action

Millions of pounds recovered from firms by Ofgem have been used to help communities across the country in 2023. 

Ofgem steps in when energy companies breach their licence conditions or are found to be failing customers. 

In 2023, the regulator recovered a total of £77.2 million in fines, customer refunds, compensation and alternative action payments – up by £50.5 million compared to 2022’s total of £27.3 million. This includes £5 million worth of fines. 

Examples of breaches include three electricity generators that unfairly raised consumer bills, poor customer service including unacceptable call waiting times and failure to automatically provide compensation for delays in final billing when switching. 

As well as fines and alternative action payments, Ofgem also made energy firms pay £13 million to customers in 2023 – over a million pounds a month – for poor service. 

The vast majority of money recovered from energy companies this year – set to reach over £57 million – was paid into Ofgem’s Energy Redress Fund, which benefits charities and community projects that help vulnerable customers with energy-related support.  

Cathryn Scott, Director for Enforcement and Emerging Issues at Ofgem, said:  “Protecting customers and ensuring that they are treated fairly is at the heart of Ofgem’s mission. 

“That’s why we make suppliers pay when they break the rules or fall short of the high standards we set – and when they do, it’s only right that customers should be the ones who benefit. 

“Every year, the Energy Redress Fund makes a positive difference to the lives of customers across Great Britain, particularly people who are struggling and vulnerable, so to see the fund pass the £100 million mark is a significant milestone. 

“This could not have happened without the thorough investigative work of our compliance and enforcement teams to identify licence breaches or poor behaviour by energy companies, or the Energy Saving Trust who ensure the money is targeted to reach those in need.” 

Since it was set up in 2018, the fund, managed by the Energy Saving Trust, has received more than £137 million and handed out £102 million in grants to 538 projects across England, Wales and Scotland. A further £35 million in funding will be available to be distributed to new and existing projects, and a new round of grant applications is due to open in the new year. 

The nature of support provided varies widely but includes:  

  • £20 million in fuel vouchers issued to charities to identify and provide help to vulnerable customers at risk of disconnection from their energy supply 
  • providing energy advice to more than 500,000 households and installing energy saving methods for more than 150,000 homes to help reduce bills 
  • working to ensure that future home heating controls and new energy technologies work for everyone including people living with disabilities 

This is in keeping with Ofgem’s mission to protect consumers from unfair costs and to drive up standards throughout the energy industry. The significant rise in fines reflects Ofgem’s proactive work to identify issues via a range of methods. 

Among the 538 projects supported by the energy redress fund is the Warm Hubs centre in the coastal village of Seahouses, Northumberland. 

Redress funding has helped to drive the development of this vital community resource, established by the Community Action Northumberland charity, and a lifeline service last winter at the height of the energy crisis. 

Created as a response to tackling fuel poverty, Warm Hubs offer a safe, warm and friendly environment where people can get information, advice, access to services as well as refreshments and the company of other people.  

Energy saving advice and guidance on home insulation is also provided by onsite Community Energy Agents to help people take positive action in their own homes to cut bills.  

These Warm Hubs became an integral part of communities across Northumberland during Storm Arwen in November 2021, when widespread damage to the network left 4,000 homes without power for more than a week.  

With emergency generators set up at the Warm Hubs, people had a place where they could come for a hot meal and a warm shower. 

Christine Nicholls of Community Action Northumberland (CAN) said:  “Without the support of Redress and Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funding we would not have been able to support the huge number of rural households through the recent energy crisis.

“We are very proud of our Warm Hub scheme.” 

Laura McGadie, Head of Energy at Energy Saving Trust, said: “We are pleased to have managed the distribution of more than £100 million in much-needed funds from the Redress scheme to frontline charities and social enterprises since 2018. 

“The projects funded by the scheme are helping customers in the most vulnerable situations through the cost of living crisis, but they also look to the future. 

“Charities and social enterprises have a crucial role to play in ensuring no one is left behind as we transition to net zero and that we all have a voice and a role in the changes that are coming to our energy system.”  

One in five UK adults say they’ll be saving less in 2024

  • Majority of those that will be saving less blame the increased cost of consumer staples and rising energy prices
  • Young adults aged 34 and under are four times more likely to be saving more in 2024, compared to over 55s

One in five (19%) adults in the UK say they’ll be saving less money in 2024, new independent research* carried out on behalf of Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management shows.

For those planning to save less next year, almost two thirds (64%) said this was down to increased energy prices while the same proportion (63%) blamed the increased costs of consumer staples, such as food and other household goods. Over half (57%) agreed that high inflation was a factor too, according to the study.

This is further supported by recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)**, which found that around 4 in 10 (41%) of energy bill payers are struggling to afford payments, and revealed that just under half (48%) of adults in Great Britain are using less fuel, such as gas or electricity, in their homes because of the rising cost of living.  

While 30% of British adults say their intentions are to save more next year, many are doing so to prepare for tough times in the future. More than a quarter (28%) believe they’ll need a savings ‘safety net’ due to the rising cost of living, for instance – with more women planning for this than men (32% vs. 24%). This is unsurprising, with ONS data revealing that around three in 10 (30%) were already having to dip into existing savings to meet rising costs.

The Handelsbanken data shows it is younger people who are most likely to be saving next year, with those aged 18-34 four times more likely (57%) to in 2024, compared with those over 55, at just 14%. Of those that are planning to save more, around one in five said this is because they’ll be starting a job which pays more.

PK Patel, Head of Wealth Management at Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management said: “With many feeling the strain after months of increased prices and increased outgoings, it’s no surprise that people are less than optimistic when it comes to augmenting their savings or maintaining their existing pots.

“But while dipping into your nest egg or saving less than usual is sometimes unavoidable, it can have lasting consequences on your long-term financial planning goals.

“It is therefore more important than ever to seek financial advice to ensure you’re putting the best plan for yourself in place, and keeping an eye on key upcoming personal finance dates, such as the ISA deadline on the 5th April.

“This is the final date you must pay into your ISA to take advantage of that financial year’s tax benefits, for instance, and a significant event in the savings calendar.”

Energy price cap rise will “hammer households even harder” in 2024

  • The energy price cap has increased to £1,928 raising the average bill by £94
  • Union body says UK is “feeding foreign firms’ profits” while British households struggle 

Commenting on Monday’s energy price cap announcement, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “No one should struggle to get by in one of the richest countries in the world. 

“But 13 years of wage stagnation and cuts to social security have left millions badly exposed to sky-high bills this winter. 

“Energy bills are already 50% higher than two years ago, so today’s rise will just hammer households even harder in the coming year. “ 

“It doesn’t have to be this way.  

“Other governments are investing in publicly owned clean power and insulating homes.” 

“The UK is feeding foreign firms’ profits and subsidising cheaper bills abroad, while British households struggle to heat their homes and pay their bills.” 

Start 2024 in the best way with Dry January

Dear Editor,

The festive season brings excitement for many, but it can also be a time of indulgence, and perhaps drinking more alcohol than we would like. As we head into a new year, many people will be wanting to feel a little fitter and healthier.

In fact, our research shows that one in four of us would like to drink less alcohol in 2024, and one in six UK adults (16%) plan to take a break from alcohol this January.

Dry January® is the perfect place to start! It shows us that we don’t need alcohol to have fun, relax, celebrate, unwind or anything else.

What’s more, so many people tell us they have an even better time when not drinking alcohol, as they feel more present, can remember the evening more, and enjoy waking up hangover-free, feeling fresh and energetic.

We know that taking that first step to change habits can be hard, but research shows that those who take part in Dry January® from Alcohol Change UK double their chances of success, through access to our free Try Dry app, daily emails and a supportive online community.

A month off alcohol won’t just mean short-term boosts to your wellbeing, but has been proven to lead to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk, as well as lower cancer-related proteins in the blood.

So if you’re looking to make long-term changes for the better, take a look at dryjanuary.org.uk for more.