Uncategorized – Page 12 – The NEN

Burnham puts public control, community regeneration and cost-of-living at the heart of plans to ‘rewire Britain’

Action to be taken on cost of living, local regeneration and essential services to drive down costs and support families.
Taskforces will tackle the immediate priorities of the public, building on action already taken including cutting bus fares and cracking down on subscription traps.
First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh to drive forward work across government to develop local solutions for local communities.

Three new cross-government taskforces are being launched in the new Office for the Prime Minister & Cabinet, tackling systemic issues like the cost of living and public control of essentials and supporting local communities.

The three taskforces will coordinate departments and ministers, focusing on the priorities set out by the Prime Minister to Cabinet yesterday.

The priorities will be driven forward by First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh, who will work across central and local government – including with regional Mayors as the government continues to pass powers from Westminster.

Immediate action will focus on challenging everyday rip-offs, the visible decline of local town centres and the failure of many privatised utilities to deliver basic services at a fair price.

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that the government’s priorities are the public’s priorities.

“This is about putting people back in control of the things that matter most to them and ensuring that the everyday essentials are more affordable and more accountable.”

Based in the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the taskforces will be fully integrated with No10 and across government to deliver the change the public rightly expect to see.

Details on the three priorities and taskforces:

Cost of Living

On the cost of living, earning back public trust begins with understanding the pressures facing families at the kitchen table. Action has already been taken in this area, including cuts to bus fares, support with energy bills and cracking down on subscription traps, but we must go further.

The taskforce will look to address the long term issues facing families, many of which have too often fallen through the cracks.

Public Control

For decades, the essential services that underpin daily life – housing, water, energy and transport – have suffered from over-privatisation, leading to high costs for the public. The Government is clear that the public has a right to expect these services to be affordable and accountable.

The public control taskforce will rewire the state, examining how public control across those four sectors can be utilised to return them to public service, and bring down costs for families. Looking at areas including market reform that could support these aims.

Community Renewal

Our communities have been left behind, high streets falling into disrepair, rubbish piling up at the sides of our streets – we will reverse that, improving people’s everyday experience of where they live.

Working with local leaders, we will create a genuine plan to rebuild Britain, not just replicating high street strategies that have gone before, ensuring communities are supported to drive through solutions, and deliver growth in every postcode.

‘Excellence for every child’

Cutting costs and supporting teachers while delivering on reforms

Every young person will have the same opportunity to succeed, no matter their background or where they live in Scotland, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan has pledged, as she set out her priorities for education.

In a statement to Parliament, Ms McAllan confirmed councils would receive up to £2.8 million to help address school meal debt, to ease the cost of living for families that need it most, while work continues to expand Free School Meals.

A new £1 million pilot fund will support teachers taking up posts in rural and island communities with relocation and housing costs, to help attract teachers to hard-to-fill posts and encourage them to remain long-term. This is alongside wider ongoing national work to deliver a teacher job guarantee for a minimum of three years for newly-qualified teachers, and reduce class contact time.

Further plans will be brought forward shortly to help newly-qualified primary teachers gain additional registration, helping them transition into new roles, and to strengthen career opportunities for pupil support assistants.

Ms McAllan also set out plans to improve attainment, attendance, behaviour and curriculum, including streamlining guidance so that councils and schools can deliver more consistently on national policies.

Curriculum reforms, developed following the OECD’s Review of Scotland’s Curriculum, will be delivered in partnership with teachers, to ensure learners fully benefit from ongoing work to improve the curriculum.

Public Service Reform will be central to tackling inconsistencies in how national education policy is applied across the country, with work underway alongside councils to streamline data use, cut unnecessary bureaucracy and free up schools to focus on what matters most to pupils.

Ms McAllan added: “There is already so much to celebrate in our education system – record levels of literacy and numeracy in our schools, increases in exam passes across the board this year and more Scots gaining places at university.

“But I am clear we must raise standards and deliver excellence across Scotland by focusing on the ABCs in our schools – attainment, attendance, behaviour and curriculum. We must ensure every child regardless of where they live or whether they have an additional support need, are supported to learn and thrive at school.

“We must seize the opportunity of Public Service Reform to truly achieve this, by addressing the variability in education outcomes across the country, improving data collection, enhancing performance and accountability and empowering schools to invest and take the decisions they need to support pupils.

“As a Government we must also continue our work to cut the costs of the school day for families – that means more breakfast clubs, expanding free school meals and clearing school meal debt.

“The leadership I will offer as Education Secretary will always be guided by the pursuit of excellence and equity. I commit to working hand in hand with young people, their families, the workforce, trade unions and local government to ensure every child receives the highest standard of education.”

Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 – gov.scot

Bringing healthcare closer to home

Deputy First Minister visits Hospital at Home hub

Providing more healthcare services at home for people across Scotland is central to the Scottish Government’s ambition to fundamentally reform the NHS in the year ahead, the Deputy First Minister has said.

Jenny Gilruth visited the Hospital at Home hub for Central and West Fife in Kirkcaldy today to meet staff and hear about the recent redesign of the service.

It followed publication of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026-2031 this week which set out major changes for the NHS, ensuring services fit more effectively around people’s lives.

The Deputy First Minister said: “People having access to the care they need in their own home is fundamental to NHS reform and improving services.

“The expansion of Hospital at Home in NHS Fife and across the country will be a key part of this, improving access to safe and effective care at home. Building on progress made already, we will increase capacity so that more than 10,000 people can benefit from Hospital at Home services this winter.

“Removing geographical barriers to care and simplifying the structure of our NHS will give us a platform to allow people to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. It will reduce unnecessary duplication and remove artificial boundaries to care.

“We will undertake this alongside continued investment in local community services like GP walk-in centres, digital transformation led by our MyCare app, and by working jointly with our workforce and trade unions.”

Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 – gov.scot

The Health and Care Improving Flow Plan 2026-2031

Local Growth Fund: £52 million released to Scotland’s regional leaders to drive jobs and growth

As part of the UK Government’s commitment to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country, the UK Government has released £52.1 million from the £140 million Local Growth Fund.
Through Local Growth Funds, funding is being handed straight to local decision-makers. Regional leaders have been empowered to design tailored plans that build infrastructure communities need most, delivering skilled jobs, and boosting living standards.
Our Local Growth fund will drive economic prosperity for communities that need it most in Edinburgh and South East Scotland, Glasgow and Tay City regions, Ayrshire and Forth Valley.

Workers, apprentices, businesses and communities across Scotland are to benefit as the UK Government releases the first £52.1 million from the Local Growth Fund after green-lighting five regions’ three-year investment plans for the £140 million initiative.

The locally delivered fund targets Scotland’s Regional Partnerships that contain the areas with the lowest Gross Disposable Household Income (GDHI) per capita.

By trusting local knowledge over top-down directives, regional leaders have been empowered to design tailored plans that build physical infrastructure, establish high-growth commercial spaces, and close vital skills gaps.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country. These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets.

“After months of close working directly with regional partners across Scotland, the UK Government is now releasing £52.1 million directly to regional leaders who know their communities best so delivery can begin.”

https://twitter.com/UKGovScotland/status/2009317430498349180/video/1

Targeted regional investment

This funding targets the Scottish Regional Partnerships that contain the communities that need it most – areas like West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, Dundee, Clackmannanshire and Fife – which have lower GDHI than other parts of Scotland.

The £140 million package is allocated proportionally by population across five Scottish regions.

Year 1 allocations, released now to enable delivery to begin, are as follows:

Glasgow City Region: total 3 year allocation of £60.9 million, with £22,684,596 now released.

The region will deliver business support, skills and employability programmes, and capital investment supporting the creation of high-growth commercial business space, as well as regional infrastructure projects for housing supply, land use, and town centre regeneration.

Edinburgh & South East Scotland: total allocation of £37.8 million, with £14,095,909 now released.

The region will deliver regional skills and employability programmes and capital investment in establishing flagship Housing and Net Zero Accelerator Hubs (HaNZAH) to train workers in green construction and retrofit technology, alongside a new Regional Intelligence Hub to inform regional economic planning, following the model of the Glasgow City Region.

Tay Cities Region: total allocation of £19.5 million, with £7,256,931 now released.

The region will deliver skills and workforce development programmes in priority sectors such as tourism, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, and agriculture and food, alongside capital investment in new industrial infrastructure, including new small-scale innovation spaces, and business grants.

Ayrshire: total allocation of £11.8 million, with £4,400,298 now released.

The region will launch a new Shared Economic Development Service and Regional Intelligence Hub, following the model of the Glasgow City Region, alongside regional recruitment incentives, employability hubs, business start-up support structures, and accelerator grants.

Forth Valley: total allocation of £9.8 million, with £3,665,499 now released.

The region will deliver skills and employability services and specialist support for growth businesses, establish new Regional Partnership and Programme Management functions, and unlock vacant or stalled housing sites through the Forth Valley Housing Enablement Fund.

Funding is being delivered directly to Regional Partnerships to enable strategic decision-making and maximum growth impact. Regional Partnerships are collaborations between local government, the private sector, education and skills providers, enterprise and skills agencies and the third sector to deliver economic prosperity across Scotland’s regions.

Wider UK Government investment in Scotland

The UK Government is investing more than £2.3 billion over 10 years in dozens of important local and regional projects the length and breadth of Scotland, bringing much-needed economic and community renewal. These include:

· £140m Local Growth Fund

· £280m Pride in Place Programme (Phase 2)

· £12m Pride in Place Impact Fund

· £43m Growth Mission Fund

· £200m support for ten Scottish towns (Pride in Place Phase 1)

· £320m for the Glasgow City Region and North East Scotland Investment Zones

· £52m for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth, and Forth Green Freeports

· £81m for Community Regeneration Partnerships in Dundee, Scottish Borders, Argyll & Bute, and Na h-Eileanan Siar

· £188m to complete Levelling Up Fund projects

· £76m in UK Shared Prosperity Fund transition funding for 2025/26

· £60m innovation funding for Glasgow City Region (across the Innovation Accelerator 2025/26 and new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund)

· £20m Local Innovation Partnerships Fund for Tay Cities creative tech sector.

· £17.3m for Energy Transition Zone

· £5m for Community Ownership Fund projects

· £16m for Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities over 2025 and 2026.

· £50m Defence Growth Deal

· £2.6m for V&A in Dundee

· £752m to deliver Scotland’s 12 City Region and Growth Deals over 2025/26 – 2034/35

Alyn Smith joins Government

Alyn Smith has been announced as the new Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education.

Subject to parliamentary agreement and the approval of His Majesty the King, Mr Smith will succeed Ben Macpherson, who stepped down last week.

The First Minister made the appointment via video call as Mr Smith is currently suffering a minor illness.

The First Minister said: “I am very pleased to appoint Alyn Smith as Minister-designate for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education.

“Alyn is one of the most experienced parliamentarians in the UK, having served in both the European and UK Parliaments before being elected as an MSP. He has broad international experience and has shown long-term interest in skills, universities and colleges.

“Scotland’s future prosperity will be built on the talent of our people, the strength of our universities and colleges, and our ability to turn world-class ideas into jobs, investment and opportunity.

“My new Programme for Government sets out an ambitious agenda for post-school learning and development – from protecting free university tuition, expanding apprenticeships and delivering a new national skills plan, to supporting university research and spin-outs, and connecting business with academic institutions to drive innovation and growth.

“Alyn will work closely with Màiri McAllan to drive that agenda, working across government with other ministers and in partnership with industry and the education and skills sectors to deliver for Scotland’s people, communities and businesses.”

Mr Smith studied Law and European Law at the University of Leeds and completed a Masters degree in European Studies at the College of Europe in Warsaw. After teaching English in India and working with Scotland Europa in Brussels, he qualified as a lawyer and practised commercial law in London and Edinburgh.

In 2002, Mr Smith joined the office of Richard Lochhead MSP before becoming an adviser to the SNP Group in the Scottish Parliament on European, justice and business policy. He was elected as a Member of the European Parliament for Scotland in 2004 and was re-elected in 2009, 2014 and 2019.

Mr Smith served as Member of Parliament for Stirling from 2019 to 2024 before being elected as the MSP for Stirling in May 2026.

Edinburgh Zoo to unveil spectacular 40ft planet as Giant Lanterns trail prepares for lift-off

Giant Lanterns reaches new heights as Edinburgh Zoo’s popular winter trail returns

The countdown is on for the return of Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns trail with just a few months to go until the popular after-dark experience returns for the winter with an out- of-this-world space safari.

Following its hugely successful return in 2025 after a six year hiatus, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) welcomed more than 96,000 visitors to experience the Giant Lanterns trail with guests describing it as “the most beautiful event they have ever seen”.

Running throughout the whole of winter across 60 nights from Friday 13 November until Sunday 21 February 2027, the display will transform the zoo into a glowing universe filled with spectacular illuminated displays, towering cosmic creatures and dazzling interstellar scenes.

Visitors can wander through glowing galaxies and immerse themselves in a luminous adventure brought to life by more than 1000 handcrafted lanterns and 15,000 LED lights.

Each lantern is carefully crafted and painted by hand, with some of the trail’s more spectacular creations taking 220 hours to complete resulting in a dazzling collection of illuminated wildlife, cosmic creatures and larger than life displays, offering countless photo opportunities and interactive moments along the route.

New for this year, visitors will also be able to glide through the galaxy with walk-through planets spanning 12 metres and stand amongst animal giants such as an owl with a 7 metre wingspan, all of which are set to be one of the standout sights of the winter experience.

Lindsay Ross, events and experiences manager at RZSS, said: “We were blown away by the response to Giant Lanterns returning. This year we are taking the experience to a whole new universe.

“This is our biggest lantern trail yet with glowing planets and sparkling constellations to incredible galactic beasts, every turn offers something unexpected. Whether you are visiting with family, friends or simply looking for a magical winter evening out there is something to inspire visitors of every age.

“From the species represented in the lanterns to the conservation work they support, we hope the trail will not only create a magical winter experience but also inspire visitors to learn more about the wildlife around us and the work being done to protect it. Every ticket sold helps support RZSS’s vital wildlife conservation work in Scotland and around the world making every visit even more meaningful.”

Tickets for Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns are on sale now at edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns.

Ticket prices vary for off-peak and standard nights. Entry is open from 4:45pm with the last entry at 8pm.

Happy Birthday, LifeCare!

STOCKBRIDGE COMMUNITY ORGANISATION TURNS 85!

September officially marks 85 years of LifeCare

Originally founded in 1941 as the ‘Edinburgh Old People’s Welfare Council’ by three local women, LifeCare was a trailblazer, being one of the first such organisations to be created in Scotland. Adopting our current name in 2005, LifeCare has seen lots of growth and innovation; however, tackling loneliness has remained at the heart of everything we do since day one.

Today, LifeCare has 2 day clubs, its Outreach and Help at Home services, Meals on Wheels, a thriving community centre with free carers’ classes, and community events and activities, and last year alone supported 1,140 people to live well and stay independent. LifeCare is needed now more than ever, with 3 in 5 people over 50 experiencing loneliness in Scotland, and isolation increasing the risk of dementia by 60%. People are at the heart of everything we do. Help us be here for the next 85 years and continue to fight against loneliness.

Read more about what we do and how you can get involved on our website https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/

Edinburgh Financial Advisors step up to celebrate 25th Anniversary and raise vital funds for House of Hope

A dedicated, all-female team of Edinburgh-based Financial Advisers from PW & Partners, took on a challenging 25k sponsored walk from Prestonpans to Gorgie Road, to raise funds for the House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated wellbeing centre for people impacted by breast cancer and their families.

A cause close to their hearts, the 16 strong team went the extra mile to mark PW & Partners 25th Anniversary, by giving back to the local charity that supported staff member Leigh Philp’s Mum, during her breast cancer journey.

The House of Hope offers a sanctuary where those impacted by breast cancer and their families can access support services, holistic treatments, exercise classes and wellbeing sessions.

Leigh Philp, Paraplanner at PW & Partners said: “My mum was unfortunately diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2024, five years after her primary diagnosis.

“Other than online forums and groups, she was not sure where else she could turn to for support other than family and friends.

“When The House of Hope opened in 2025, we went along to have a look, and she was so glad that we did. The house is so beautiful, very homely, and welcoming.

“They offer different sessions, support groups, treatments, holistic therapies, exercise classes and 1:1 support, with a weekly timetable, and a fabulous kitchen seating area, where you can just pop in at your leisure for a cuppa and a chat.

“The team are so friendly and make you so welcome.”

Established in 2001, PW & Partners continues to go from strength the strength as it celebrates its Silver Anniversary. Directors Shonagh Livingstone, Fellow and Chartered Financial Planner and Martha Martindale, Financial Adviser, lead the award-winning team of expert financial specialists, who genuinely care about their clients and their families.

Shonagh Livingstone said: “We’re delighted to support the House of Hope during our 25th anniversary year.

“As an all-female business, raising awareness of breast cancer is so important. We know how The House of Hope has helped Leigh’s family and some of our clients too. Giving back to a local charity that we feel close to is a fantastic way to mark our 25th year.”

To build on their 25th Anniversary celebrations, PW & Partners has also been announced as the silver sponsor for the House of Hope’s Strictly for Hope Gala Ball, taking place at Prestonfield House on 4th September.

Martha Martindale said: “After our challenging 25k walk we’re all really looking forward to the Strictly for Hope Gala Ball to help raise funds for the House of Hope.

“It’s an honour to be this year’s silver sponsor and we’re sure it will be a fantastic evening of entertainment, inspiring stories and fundraising.”

The glittering Strictly themed gala ball is the House of Hope’s biggest fundraising event of the year and will include showcase performances from Strictly legends Pasha Kovalev and Kristina Rihanoff, to raise vital funds for the wellbeing services provided by The House of Hope.

Centre Manager at The House of Hope, Hazel McLinden said: “The support and enthusiasm received from the team at PW & Partners has been outstanding and we’re thrilled to be part of the firm’s 25th anniversary celebrations and extremely grateful for the generosity of the donations and support shown during their 25k walk. Well done and thank you to everyone involved.”

Visit houseofhope.org.uk to find out more about The House of Hope and fundraising events.

Adult Education: Outdoor Classes

SKETCHING LANDSCAPES

Develop skills in making quick sketches to capture moments, buildings, scenes and events at beautiful landmarks around the city.

Wednesday mornings or afternoons for a 5 week term

Book your place online or ringing 0131 556 7978

https://adulteducationedinburgh.spydus.co.uk/ Great rates Standard Fee: £84.70 Concession Fee £42.85 Reduced Fee £21.00

SKETCHING QUEENSFERRY

Enrol on this course to unwind and enjoy sketching quick images of the iconic landmarks. One day course.

Thursday 17^th September – 11am-4pm

Book your place online or ringing 0131 556 7978

https://adulteducationedinburgh.spydus.co.uk

Great rates Standard Fee: £26.50 Concession Fee/Reduced Fee £21.00

SUBURBAN STROLLS

There is just time to enrol on a gentle weekly walking tour, filled with fascinating facts about the city of Edinburgh – learn about the local history, interesting people and buildings. 

Excellent all over well being. Starts 8^th September

Tuesday afternoons for 10 weeks

Book your place online or ringing 0131 556 7978

https://adulteducationedinburgh.spydus.co.uk

Great rates Standard Fee: £105.85 Concession Fee: £53.55 Reduced Fee £21.00

Cineworld celebrates National Cinema Weekend with £4 tickets this weekend

Plus, spend £15 at the snacks counter and receive a FREE scratchcard with a guaranteed reward on National Cinema Weekend

Cineworld is celebrating National Cinema Weekend on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, giving film fans the chance to experience the biggest movies on the biggest screens for just £4. For the first time ever, Cars and Obsession are both playing in 4DX for only £4!

All weekend long, guests can watch any film, at any time, in any format for just £4 at Cineworld cinemas nationwide. That includes premium experiences 4DX, ScreenX and Superscreen, as well as recliner seating. IMAX tickets will be available for just £6 – only £2 more.

And there’s more. This National Cinema Weekend, guests who spend £15 or more at the snacks counter will receive a FREE scratchcard with a guaranteed reward, only at Cineworld. Every card is a winner, giving moviegoers another reason to make a weekend of it. We are also running a Merchandise sale, with merch pieces from favourite films at £1, with the option to buy 3 for £2.50!

The National Cinema Weekend line-up includes some of the year’s biggest releases, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, Insidious: Out of the Further, The Dog Stars, Rise of the Footsoldier: Retribution and The Death of Robin Hood. Families can also enjoy Minions & Monsters, Toy Story 5, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, Moana (Live Action) and more – all for just £4.

Film fans can experience The Odyssey the way it was meant to be seen – in IMAX at Cineworld. With IMAX available across 25 Cineworld locations nationwide, audiences can see the epic on the biggest possible canvas for just £6, including at Cineworld Leicester Square’s IMAX with Laser – the only IMAX in London’s West End.

And Spider-Man: Brand New Day is swinging back into 4DX for National Cinema Weekend. Following its record-breaking release, which became the biggest film ever in 4DX, fans have another chance to experience every swing, hit and turn with 4DX’s moving seats and environmental effects – this time for just £4.

Also included in the £4 ticket: ScreenX extends the action across three walls for an immersive 270-degree viewing experience, while Superscreen pairs a huge screen with powerful Dolby Atmos sound.

This coming weekend the perfect chance to catch the films you missed the first time around, or experience your favourite releases of the summer all over again – for just £4.

National Cinema Weekend takes place at Cineworld cinemas nationwide on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026. Tickets are £4 for all films and formats, with IMAX available for £6.