Category: Uncategorized

City Council: Firework Control Zones

Following a decision at the Special meeting of the Culture and Communities Committee on Friday 23 August 2024, elected members approved to implement Firework Control Zones (FCZ’s) in Edinburgh.

The areas are as follows: Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield and the Firework Control Zones will be for a set period between Friday 1 of November to Sunday 10 November 2024 only. 

You can download the decision report which is being published as required by Section 29 Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.

On 23 August 2024 Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “Today the Culture and Communities Committee endorsed the recommended actions, which allows us to implement the Firework Control Zones in the four areas from 1 – 10 November, following the 60-day lay period.

“This is just the first year, and will provide us with tangible evidence of its effectiveness and help guide implementation in years to come, along with extensive community consultation in 2025.

“Community safety, the protection of our emergency services personnel and animal welfare are among our top priorities when it comes to this decision.

“Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use in the city can be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together, and we hope that these zones will allow the community to celebrate safely.”

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 gives councils power to introduce Firework Control Zones (FCZ). We will use FCZs along with other measures to support the safe use of fireworks.

Currently the city council tackles issues involving fireworks by

  • raise awareness within local communities by carrying out effective early intervention and prevention with families.
  • engaging with young people in schools, through our local partnership approach with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Police Scotland.
  • engaging with young people using diversionary activities
  • working with Police Scotland who carry out enforcement activities.

Before a FCZ can be agreed or if a FCZ needs to be amended or revoked we must consult with

  • those who live or work in the proposed zone.
  • other members of the local community in or near the proposed zone.
  • other persons or bodies of interest that the local authority considers having a connection with the proposed zone.

Exemptions within a FCZ include

  • public firework displays, subject to certain requirements
  • the use of certain fireworks designated as being grade F1.

For more information, visit UK Firework Review (UKFR)

An FCZ can be considered for the following reasons:

  • misuse of fireworks/injuries
  • impact on vulnerable groups
  • environmental protection
  • animal welfare

Once an FCZ has been agreed, Police Scotland will look to enforce any offences under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. More information is available at legislation.gov.uk.

In the future we will create a process for community requests. This will give communities a way to ask us to consider whether a zone should be agreed, amended, or revoked.

A community is any group of people who feel they have something in common such as community councils, resident groups, and stakeholders within the local community. In many cases they may live in the same area. Questions can be sent to fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk. A community request cannot be made by one person.

To make an application please contact fireworkscontrolzone@edinburgh.gov.uk and we’ll send you an application pack.

We will be accepting applications from the 6th of May until the 30th of June. This will then rigorously be assessed and evaluated by the council, fire, and police services before a FCZ will be considered.

Complaints

Call Police Scotland on 101 to make a complaint about antisocial behavioru related to fireworks. They will use this information to identify what needs to be looked into. They will also link in with our Family and Household Support Teams with regards to any antisocial behaviour.

South West Team
0131 469 5150
southwestFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

South East Team
0131 529 5123
southeastFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

North West Team
0131 529 5014
northwestFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

North East Team
0131 529 7168
northeastFHS@edinburgh.gov.uk

If you have concerns about someone selling fireworks, then please contact Trading Standards at 0131 608 1100 or email trading.standards@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Notice of Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election published

Nominationshave opened for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election. The by-election is being held following the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur. 

On Thursday 14 November, Colinton/Fairmilehead residents will go to the polls to select a new councillor to represent the ward which also includes Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston and has a current electorate of 19,226.

A Formal Notice of Election was published on Friday explaining how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are on the Electoral Register. 

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Monday 14 October.

Chris Highcock, Depute Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period for Colinton / Fairmilehead. I would urge all citizens in the ward to make sure they are registered and have their details or preference of how they would like to vote up to date in plenty of time.

“Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 14 November. Details of where these are will be announced shortly.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.

Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 29 October 2024, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is Wednesday 30 October 2024, and for a proxy vote the deadline is Wednesday 6 November 2024.

An update from EVOC

‘I hope that you will be with us as we begin drafting the pages of a new chapter‘

Edinburgh’s Third Sector is vital to the wellbeing of our city and communities. However, sustainability is significantly challenged by funding cuts, rising demands and increasing operating costs.

Across the Sector, organisations and groups are making painful choices to survive and thrive. As a partner in Edinburgh’s Third Sector Interface, EVOC is here to help you manage these challenges.

Since we announced that EVOC was undertaking a strategic review in June 2024, we have been working hard to secure the long-term future of the organisation. Like other groups and organisations in our sector, we’ve had to make some really difficult decisions to rapidly reduce EVOC’s running costs. We’ve also recognised the need to adapt our strategic approach in response to the needs of the sector in Edinburgh.

We’ve taken the time to get this right. Our focus has been to ensure EVOC can remain relevant and resilient to meet Sector needs. It has been a complicated and humbling process. We have found it difficult. We have also learned a lot about managing challenging change. We are happy to learn more from you and share learning as we take our next steps.

Managing our recent change has also meant that we have not been as active as usual over the summer and we are sorry for this. Thank you for your support, understanding and constructive challenge. I would like to pay particular tribute to the professionalism shown by the EVOC team. Unfortunately, the change means that some valued friends and colleagues have left or will be leaving EVOC.

Looking Ahead

Our enthusiastic and talented team are already hard at work delivering on our current commitments and looking forward to continuing to work with you our members, partners and colleagues. In the coming days, we will be reaching out to reconnect with those of you whom we work with directly.

Sustaining a strong sector for a strong city is vital. We recognise the challenges being experienced by members and partners now, but also the need to shape the future collaboratively to better support the sector. So, across the autumn and winter, we will be progressing engagement with the sector on your needs, on a vision for our shared future, and on the role EVOC and the TSI can play to make this happen.

This engagement will shape the new EVOC Strategy, which we aim to launch in early 2025. We will also begin recruitment for a new Chief Executive to help guide the future of the organisation, working in partnership with our members, the sector and city partners. We have already started the search for new Trustees to strengthen our Board and will continue that into the autumn.

We are excited to announce some immediate priorities to support you. Expressions of Interest are already open for the Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

Our annual Meet the Funders event will be back in November. Plans are in place for a follow-up to last year’s New Scots Gathering in December. Registrations will be open in October for both events.

We also continue to deliver a year-round programme of training and development opportunities. Our team is here to offer support on a range of issues from governance advice to fundraising, and really look forward to continuing working with you.

As we embark on a real period of change for EVOC, we are ambitious in our role as a strong and resilient advocate for our sector. I hope that you will be with us as we begin drafting the pages of a new chapter.

Best wishes

Claire

Claire Ritchie (Interim Chief Executive)

Be quick off the mark to experience Edinburgh’s newest hybrid gym and Hyrox training club

Edinburgh Leisure, the biggest sports and leisure provider across the city, is revolutionising the fitness arena with the opening of a new hybrid gym and official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club in Edinburgh.

The global phenomenon of Hyrox, the fitness competition that’s sweeping the globe, has played a part in the increasing popularity of hybrid training, and Edinburgh Leisure will be the first leisure trust affiliated with Hyrox and will have classes for those new to Hyrox as well as for experienced Hyroxers and fitness enthusiasts.

Set to open at Meadowbank Sports Centre on 14th October, Evolve Meadowbank will feature all the equipment, training and classes required to train towards hybrid competitions such as Hyrox and Deadly Dozen, and to reach your fitness goals.

This new gym area will be a fully timetabled space with two different training methods. It will include coach-led, class-based sessions including Hyrox and Strength & Conditioning style classes or open gym sessions for following one’s own workout plan which is not coach-led. The timetable will be available on the app and online and bookings are made via the Edinburgh Leisure website or app.

Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “This is an exciting development in Edinburgh Leisure’s fitness offering. We will be one of the first leisure trust in the UK to offer such an experience.

“Our new Evolve Meadowbank will be the ultimate destination for fitness enthusiasts seeking a dynamic and inclusive environment whether it’s to improve their overall fitness, prepare for a competition, or simply try something new.

“We’ll be offering a unique blend of traditional hybrid gym equipment, and specialised Hyrox training programmes designed to elevate the workout experience.

“To celebrate the opening of our hybrid gym, we are offering free trial classes from 7th-13th October to members and non-members, available to book from TODAY Friday, 27th September.

“The trial classes are the perfect opportunity to explore our facility, meet our coaches, and experience the unique benefits of hybrid training at no cost.

“Spaces are limited and booking is advisable. Head to the Edinburgh Leisure website or app to book. Look for the Evolve Gym Bookings tile on the Meadowbank venue page.”

The classes on offer will include Hyrox Training classes and Beginner Hyrox sessions for those looking to learn more about the fitness craze that has gripped the nation.

The Evolve Meadowbank membership is separate from Edinburgh Leisure’s current fitness offering. For new members, the Evolve Membership, will cost £59.99 per month, It gives unlimited access to Edinburgh Leisure’s new state of the art hybrid gym facilities at Meadowbank Sports Centre; full access to all the official Hyrox training equipment including Sled Track, Concept 2 Ski and Row Ergs, Wall Balls and a bespoke rig; new and exclusive Evolve Cardio and Hybrid fitness classes; specialised Hyrox training classes; and access to Meadowbank’s leading indoor and outdoor athletics tracks for further training, subject to availability.

For current members of Edinburgh Leisure, a bolt-on is available to buy for an additional £39.99 per month to their existing membership.

Limited memberships will be available to ensure a personalised and high-quality experience for all members.  Memberships are available to be bought from Friday, 27th September. 

Evolve Meadowbank officially opens on Monday, 14th October with session and class bookings going live from Saturday, 4th October at 9 pm.

All sessions and classes are bookable, with the Evolve gym open every day at varying times to accommodate different schedules.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Ready Scotland: Scotland’s Climate Week top tips

Around the world we are seeing changes to weather as a result of climate change.

Severe weather events, like storms and heavy rain, are becoming more frequent.

There are steps we can all take to stay prepared. Read our top tips :

http://netzeronation.scot/…/simple-no-cost-steps…

#ScotClimateWeek

Flooding is a regular occurrence in Scotland and can happen at any time of the year. Areas at higher risk are normally in closer proximity to rivers, the sea, or prone to surface water build-up.

Preparing for flooding

It is your responsibility to manage your own flood risk and protect yourself, your family, property or business. There are steps you can take to be prepared and to help reduce the damage and disruption it can have on your home, travel and work. 

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has free tools and advice available on its website to help you stay informed. You can:

  • check your flood risk to find out if your area is affected by river, coastal or surface water flooding
  • check the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast for the earliest available information of where and when flooding is expected across the country
  • sign up to Floodline and follow @SEPAFlood for flooding updates and information to receive messages when flooding is forecast in your area

Visit SEPA’s website to access the flooding resources. You can also contact SEPA by phone on 0300 099 6699. 

Ready Scotland has further guidance to help you access the most up-to-date information when disruption is forecast, including official weather and travel warnings. Find out how you can stay informed.

Steps to help prepare

  • prepare a flood plan and a family emergency flood kit with essential items so that everyone in your household is equipped if flooding happens
  • if you or a family member might need additional support in an emergency, talk to your friends, family, carers, neighbours and support network so that you can get the help you might need if flooding happens  
  • register for extra support from your utility companies, if you are eligible
  • find out how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies
  • keep an easily accessible list of useful contact numbers including your insurance company and utility providers
  • consider flood protection products for your property and ensure your insurance provides adequate cover for flood damage
  • join or start a local community flood group – working together to prepare your community for the impacts of flooding will help everyone to cope better.

What to do if flooding is forecast

  • charge your mobile phone
  • move vehicles out of the flood risk area
  • move important documents and valuable items to a higher place
  • shut off gas, electricity and water supplies and fit any flood protection products to your property
  • check on vulnerable and elderly neighbours
  • check official weather and travel warnings ahead of any journeys – Traffic Scotland also provides real-time traffic and travel information, as well as advice on driving in wet weather  

What to do during a flood to stay safe

  • follow the advice from official weather and travel warnings and plan ahead for any journeys  
  • avoid walking or driving through flood water – six inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet of water can move a car
  • in a storm, stay away from the shoreline to reduce the chances of being swept away 
  • avoid any form of direct contact with flood water as it could be contaminated
  • do not use any electrical appliances
  • move to upper floors or higher ground if possible and wait for the emergency services
  • evacuate if told to do so

Recovery from flooding

  • find out from the emergency services if it is safe to re-enter your property
  • don’t turn on your electricity until it has been checked
  • wear appropriate clothing and protection as flood water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria 
  • be mindful of how the stress and traumatic feelings of loss can have an impact on your own and the mental wellbeing of others
  • contact your insurance company and, if it is safe to do so, take photographs of the damage caused to your home and valuables
  • make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs
  • if your property has been flooded and you are re-insuring, you can ask if your property is eligible for cover through the Flood Re initiative

More information

Letters: Charity urges older people to check Pension Credit eligiblity

Dear Editor

With the days feeling shorter, our thoughts are turning to the winter ahead and people up and down the country will be thinking about switching their heating on soon. But now, many older people, including millions living on a low income, will head into the colder months justifiably anxious about having their Winter Fuel Payment taken away from them as they do not receive Pension Credit.

The latest figures show that only 63% of eligible people are receiving Pension Credit, meaning up to 1.2 million older people could be missing out on an important entitlement, and so could have their Winter Fuel Payment taken away despite living on an extremely low income. In Edinburgh a massive £12.5 million in Pension Credit is going unclaimed.

Our helpline is regularly receiving calls from older people that are frightened about losing the money, and we are concerned that many will feel forced to keep their heating off. Being cold can be damaging to your physical and mental health, but the people we speak to think this is their only option as they simply do not have enough money to cover even higher energy bills.

If you are 66 and over and are concerned about losing the Winter Fuel Payment, we urge you to check your Pension Credit eligibility as the one-off payment is now tied to this entitlement.

Your claim for Pension Credit can be backdated, and if you successfully apply before the 21st December you will qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment as long as you lived in the UK during the qualifying week which is between 16th and 22nd September 2024, and you can show you were entitled to Pension Credit during that time.

You can check your eligibility through the UK Government’s Pension Credit Calculator and apply direct by calling this number 0800 99 1234. Or you can come to a charity like us at Independent Age by calling our free and confidential helpline on 0800 319 6789 and we can help work out what you might be eligible for and help you apply if needed.

Pension Credit can be transformative, it tops up income by on average, almost £4,000 a year. It also acts as a gateway to other benefits such as free TV licences for over 75s, free NHS prescriptions, council tax reduction, Housing Benefit, free eye tests and much more.

Yours Faithfully,

Joanna Elson, CBE

Chief Executive of Independent Age

Preparing health and social care for winter

Record high NHS 24 workforce to meet increased demand

A record number of NHS 24 call handlers will support the public to access the most appropriate care this winter as services deal with increased demand.

Through the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint Winter Preparedness Plan, continued investment for NHS 24 will increase service capacity to provide clinical supervision for at least 150,000 additional calls per year and help prevent unnecessary A&E attendances.

Key measures to support services in the face of increased demand, include; improving discharge planning for patients admitted to acute or community hospitals, maintaining established care at home packages and a Government led delayed discharge response team to directly support Boards in need of assistance. Planned care capacity will also be safeguarded with a continued focus on clearing long waits.

The annual winter vaccination programme, which includes respiratory condition RSV for the first time, will support a reduction in severe disease, hospitalisation and mortality – while protecting health and social care service capacity. The joint plan also sets out action to support the mental health and well-being of service staff through increased flexible working options and dedicated mental health resources.

This year’s plan has been published a month ahead of last year, and earlier than ever before, to allow more time for NHS Boards and care providers to prepare for winter surges in demand.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “As winter approaches, the NHS will see surges in demand across all health, social care and social work services. Our joint Winter Plan with COSLA is just one part of a wider programme of work to respond to heightened demand.

“A record number of NHS 24 call handlers will be available this winter to direct people to the most appropriate care, helping reduce unnecessary A&E attendances. We will continue our work to reduce delayed discharge in hospitals with an increased focus on effective discharge planning and protecting care at home packages. We will also ensure planned care capacity is protected as much as possible in the face of winter pressure so patients are seen as quickly as possible.

“We are prioritising frontline services with over £14.2 billion investment in our boards this year – an almost 3% real terms uplift – and also investing £2 billion in social care services.

“I thank all health, social care and social work staff for their continued efforts and dedication to deliver high quality care. It is fundamental we safeguard their wellbeing, and improved options on flexible working and continued access to mental health resources will ensure staff are supported over this challenging period.”

COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said: “It is our shared responsibility to ensure that people and communities have timely access to quality care and support when they need it most.

“We know that Local Government and Health and Social Care Partnerships across Scotland are working hard to plan and deliver the essential health and social care services our communities rely on every day.

“The context within which this takes place is increasingly challenging, which is why COSLA have worked jointly with the Scottish Government to produce this plan. Local Government plays a key role in supporting people to experience better wellbeing and better outcomes, so it was only right that this plan reflects the whole system of integrated health and social care, from acute and primary care to social work, our care homes, community settings, and our partners across the sector.

“Winter is often a time of exceptional pressure on our services so I am pleased that this plan, produced with our partners across the sector, reflects the challenges and the opportunities we face.”

Health & Social Care Winter Preparedness Plan for 2024-25

Warning: Telford traffic misery to continue for a while yet

Telford Road

🚦

TWO-way temporary traffic lights at the top of Groathill Avenue from 7am on Tuesday 24 September for ongoing power cable renewal works – expected until 11 October.

Closures on Groathill Avenue and Groathill Road South remain in place for a few more weeks.

#edintravel

HMRC: 671,000 young people urged to cash in their government savings pot

  • Young people urged to claim their Child Trust Fund
  • £2,200 on average waiting in unclaimed accounts

More than 670,000 18-22 year olds yet to claim their Child Trust Fund are reminded to cash in their stash as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals the average savings pot is worth £2,212.

Child Trust Funds are long term, tax-free savings accounts which were set up, with the government depositing £250, for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. Young people can take control of their Child Trust Fund at 16 and withdraw funds when they turn 18 and the account matures.

The savings are not held by government but are held in banks, building societies or other saving providers. The money stays in the account until it’s withdrawn or re-invested.

If teenagers or their parents and guardians already know who their Child Trust Fund provider is, they can contact them directly. If they do not know where their account is, they can use the online tool on GOV.UK to find out their Child Trust Fund provider. Young people will need their National Insurance number – which can be found easily using the HMRC App –  and their date of birth to access the information.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Thousands of Child Trust Fund accounts are sitting unclaimed – we want to reunite young people with their money and we’re making the process as simple as possible. 

“You don’t need to pay anyone to find your Child Trust Fund for you, locate yours today by searching ‘find your Child Trust Fund’ on GOV.UK.”

Third-party agents are advertising their services offering to search for Child Trust Funds and agents will always charge – with one charging up to £350 or 25% of the value of the savings account.

Using an agent can significantly reduce the amount received; is likely to take longer and customers still need to supply them with the same information they need to do the search themselves.

Gavin Oldham from The Share Foundation said: “If you are 18-21 years old, the government would have put money aside for you shortly after birth.

“This investment would have grown quite a bit and it’s in your name. The Share Foundation has linked over 65,000 young people to their Child Trust Fund accounts. It’s easy and free to find out where your money is.

“Go to findCTF.sharefound.org or GOV.UK to locate it today”.

In the last year more than 450,000 customers, with just their National Insurance number and date of birth, used the free GOV.UK tool to locate their Child Trust Fund.

More information on Child Trust Funds and how to access your savings can be found on GOV.UK.  

Council & Cruden Complete Energy-Efficient Passivhaus Social Housing Development

Midlothian Council and Cruden celebrated the completion of an energy-efficient Passivhaus development on Scottish Housing Day. 

The milestone marked the official completion of 20 new council flats at St Cuthbert’s on Bonnyrigg High Street, built to the energy-efficient Passivhaus standard.

These flats include assisted living apartments and homes for residents aged 55 and over and were designed by the award-winning architecture firm AHR. The project is part of the most ambitious Passivhaus programme in Scotland, with a total of 182 new homes constructed by Midlothian Council to meet stringent building standards and achieve up to 90% in energy savings.

Councillor Stuart McKenzie, Cabinet Member for Housing commented: “It’s fantastic to see what was once a building site transformed into a modern, attractive development that our tenants are now calling home.

“Hearing first-hand how local people are enjoying warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes while helping us make progress towards our net zero target by 2030 is truly inspiring.”

The Passivhaus-certified homes feature bright, spacious interiors designed to reduce energy consumption, with Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems providing fresh air circulation while retaining the heat already generated in the apartments.

With an exterior designed to complement the surrounding architecture, the development seamlessly blends into the local community, enhancing the character of Bonnyrigg High Street.

Fraser Lynes, Managing Director at Cruden, expressed the company’s pleasure in working with Midlothian Council on these new homes: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see tenants already settling in and benefiting from energy-efficient living. This year’s Scottish Housing Day theme, ‘Homes for Life,’ truly reflects what we’ve accomplished here—creating a sustainable, future-proof community that addresses the environmental challenges of tomorrow.

“Knowing we’ve built homes that not only protect the environment but also significantly enhance the comfort and quality of life for residents is what makes projects like this so fulfilling.”

Midlothian Council’s commitment to sustainable housing is part of its wider strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. With this latest Passivhaus development, the council continues to set an example for local authorities across Scotland, providing residents with affordable, energy-efficient homes while supporting environmental goals.