Adult Social Care needs immediate funding injection and long-term plan, says Levelling Up Committee

The UK Government urgently needs to come forward with additional funding this year to help the ravaged adult social care sector meet immediate pressures, including inflation and unmet care needs, says the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee in a report published last week.

Examining the Government’s charging reforms and local government finance, unpaid carers and workforce challenges, the report says the “message rang clear throughout our inquiry: the adult social care sector does not have enough funding either in the here and now, or in the longer-term”.

The Committee’s report outlines that:

  • On adult social care, the Government currently has nothing more than a vision, with no roadmap, no timetable, no milestones, and no measures of success.
  • The Government should come forward with 10-year plans for how it will achieve its vision outlined in the People at the Heart of Care White Paper and for the adult social care workforce
  • The Government should provide a multi-year funding settlement to give local authorities what they need in terms of their own sustainability and their ability to help shape sustainable local care markets.

Clive Betts, Chair of Westminster’s Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, said: “As Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said he would fix the crisis in social care once and for all.

“The Government deserves credit for attempting reform and for acting to try to prevent the unpredictable and catastrophic costs which can be inflicted upon people for their care. However, the Government should be under no illusions that it has come close to rescuing social care and it needs to be open with the public that there is a long way to go.

“Ultimately, whether it relates to immediate cost pressures or on wider structural issues in the sector, the fundamental problem is that there continues to be a large funding gap in adult social care which needs filling. Those who need care, their loved ones, and care workers deserve better.

“The NHS and adult social care provision should not be pit against one another. The two systems are interdependent and each needs to be adequately funded to reduce pressure on the other. Wherever the money comes from—from allocating a higher proportion of levy proceeds to social care, or from central government grants—the Government urgently needs to allocate more funding to adult social care in the order of several billions each year.”

The report notes the additional pressures of Covid-19 as having exacerbated the underlying structural challenges of rising demand, unmet need, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.

It also notes severe current pressures arising from increases in the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage, and from rising inflation. That most of the funding from the Health and Social Care Levy Levy will go to the NHS, and the money that will go to adult social care is for reforms, not cost pressures, is also highlighted in the report.

Addressing the Government’s sector reforms, the report notes the positive stakeholder reception to the vision outlined in the Government’s White Paper on long-term reform of adult social care, titled People at the Heart of Care.

The report commends the Government for introducing many welcome initiatives such as those relating to housing and data which could make a significant difference in the long-term to people’s lives.

The report calls on the Government to publish a 10-year plan for how its vision in the People at the Heart of Care White Paper will be achieved, taking into account how the different policies interweave and affect one another. The Government should also publish a 10-year strategy for the adult social care workforce which includes a clear roadmap with core milestones, outcomes, and measures of success.

The report expresses concerns about the sheer number of reforms and new ways of working in respect of adult social care that involve and affect local authorities. To help local councils deliver the numerous social care reforms, it’s important the Government provides a multi-year funding settlement to give local authorities what they need in terms of their own sustainability and their ability to help shape sustainable local care markets.

The report also calls on the UK Government to publish a new burdens assessment by the end of the year to determine the level of resource needed by local government in terms of staff, expertise, and funding to deliver the full package of adult social care reforms.

The Scottish Government has committed to establishing a functioning National Care Service by the end of this parliamentary term in 2026:

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RBS: Business activity growth weakens to 17-month low in July

  • Output expands fractionally amid renewed drop in sales
  • Softest increase in employment since April 2021
  • Price pressures cool, but remain rapid

Business activity across the Scottish private sector increased at only a fractional pace during July, according to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland PMI® data.

The seasonally adjusted headline Royal Bank of Scotland Business Activity Index – a measure of combined manufacturing and service sector output – registered 50.2 in July, down from 54.4 in June, signalling the weakest rate of growth in the current 17-month run of expansion.

Moreover, new business at Scottish private sector firms fell for the first time since March 2021. Sector data showed that weakness generally emanated from the manufacturing sector, though service providers in the region saw rates of growth for both output and new orders weaken since June.

Private sector firms across Scotland signalled a renewed fall in new orders during July. While the rate of reduction was only mild, it marked the first contraction since March 2021. The respective seasonally adjusted index was pulled down by a sharp reduction in factory orders across the region, while a weaker upturn in sales was seen at service providers. Panellists linked the decline to reduced customer spending amid the cost of living crisis and rising economic uncertainty.

In contrast to the contraction observed in Scotland, the UK as a whole reported a modest expansion in new orders.

Business confidence strengthened marginally across Scottish private sector firms in July. Surveyed companies hoped that new customers and improvements in client spending will lead to expansions in activity in the coming 12 months. Nevertheless, the overall degree of optimism was the second-lowest in 21 months, with a number of firms concerned about the challenging economic climate, the cost-of-living crises and potential recessionary risks.

Additionally, Scottish private firms were less upbeat than the average UK business.

As has been the case since April 2021, Scottish private sector firms raised their employment levels in July. Although the rate of job creation was the slowest in 15 months, it remained stronger than the series average (50.5).

Companies that raised their workforce numbers attributed this to higher business requirements, but firms also highlighted difficulties finding staff amid labour and skill shortages and a competitive labour market.

Of the 12 monitored UK regions, Scotland reported the softest increase in staffing levels in July, while the North East of England was the only region to register job losses.

Levels of outstanding business fell across Scottish private sector firms for the second consecutive month in July. The rate of depletion was broadly unchanged from June and modest, as the quickest decline in manufacturing backlogs in over two years was largely offset by a renewed rise in unfinished business at services companies. Firms primarily stated that lower sales drove the latest reduction in outstanding orders.

Nine out of the 12 monitored UK regions, including Scotland, posted a decrease in work-in-hand, with data signalling easing pressures on capacity across the UK as a whole.

Input costs rose sharply across Scottish private sector firms during July, thereby stretching the current bout of input price inflation to 26 months. The rate of increase eased to a five-month low, but remained amongst the fastest on record. According to surveyed businesses, higher commodity prices, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine had all placed upwards pressure on costs.

The pace of cost inflation in Scotland was slightly faster than that observed across the UK as a whole.

For the twenty-first successive month, private sector firms in Scotland raised their charges for goods and services in July. While the pace of increase softened to a seven-month low, it remained sharp overall and was quicker than the historical average. Firms often mentioned raising their prices in line with higher costs of raw materials and energy.

Of the 12 monitored UK regions, only the East of England saw a softer increase in charges than Scotland.

Source: Royal Bank of Scotland, S&P Global.

Malcolm Buchanan, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “The Scottish private sector lost growth momentum for the third month running during July.

“Activity levels were broadly unchanged as the post-pandemic rebound continued to fade and firms faced intense cost pressures and greater economic uncertainty. Manufacturing firms in the region noted sharp declines in production and new orders, while service providers reported only mild expansions in activity and sales.

“Encouragingly, employment continued to rise, extending the current period of job creation to 16 months. That said, the rate of payroll growth was the softest seen since April 2021.

“While there were signs that price pressures have peaked, costs continued to rise sharply overall. Along with signs of weakening demand, an uncertain economic outlook and the cost of living crisis, a number of firms expressed concerns around the outlook and fears of a recession in the year ahead.”

NHS Dentistry ‘at tipping point’

Over 8/10 NHS dental practices unable to offer appointments to new adult patients, in the most extensive survey of patient access ever undertaken 

The British Dental Association has pressed government to step up and deliver urgent reform, as new research from the BBC underlines the scale of the access crisis facing NHS patients across the country.  

Between May and July, BBC researchers reached out to every UK dental practice with an NHS contract to ask if they were taking on new patients. Working with the British Dental Association, the BBC identified 8,533 dental practices across the UK that were believed to hold NHS contracts and attempted to call them all.

The survey found:

  • In Scotland, 82% of NHS practices were not accepting new adult patients, 687 of 839.
  • Of those practices not taking on adults in Scotland, 39% (267) said they had an open waiting list, and 18% (124) said the wait time was a year or longer, or were unable to say how long it would be.
  • Out of 32 local authorities in Scotland, BBC researchers did not successfully reach any practices accepting new adult NHS patients in 9 (28%) local authorities.
  • In Scotland, 79% of NHS practices were not accepting new child patients, 663 of 839. Out of 32 local authorities in Scotland, BBC researchers did not successfully reach any practices accepting new child NHS patients in 7 (22%) local authorities.

Last month BDA Scotland warned the Scottish Government risked undermining the future sustainability of NHS dentistry, as they scaled down vital financial support for the service.  

From April to June practices received a 1.7 multiplier to the fees paid to provide NHS care, a reflection of the unprecedented backlog practices have faced as they try to ‘live with Covid’ and the continued suppressed activity compared with pre-pandemic levels.  This was cut down to 1.3 from July, following no discussion with the profession, leaving many dentists at risk of delivering some NHS treatments at a loss.

Official data suggests the total number of high street NHS dentists in Scotland has fallen by over 5% since the onset of Covid. The BDA has again urged the Scottish Government to, in the short term, develop a suitable interim funding package to support dentists and their teams as they work through the backlog, and begin work on a new, sustainable long-term model for NHS dentistry. 

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee, said: “The Scottish Government promised free NHS dentistry for all, but the public are now living with the harsh reality. 

“You can’t run a health service on soundbites and slogans. Ministers need to take a long hard look at the evidence, and bring forward the reforms and resources we need to deliver for patients across Scotland.”

UK-wide 90% of NHS practices were not accepting new adult patients, 6,193 of 6,880.

Of those practices not taking on adults in the UK, 25% (1,572) said they had an open waiting list, and 17% (1,039) said the wait time was a year or longer, or were unable to say how long it would be.

Out of 217 local authorities in the UK, BBC researchers did not successfully reach any practices accepting new adult NHS patients in 77 (35%) local authorities.

80% of NHS practices were not accepting new child patients, 5,506 of 6,880. Of those practices not taking on children in the UK, 1,480 (27%) said they had an open waiting list, and 16% (902) said wait time was a year or longer, or were unable to say how long it would be. 

Out of 217 local authorities in the UK, BBC researchers did not successfully reach any practices accepting new child NHS patients in 25 (12%) local authorities.

Breakdowns by nation:

NationProportion not accepting adult patientsProportion not accepting child patients
England91%79%
Northern Ireland90%88%
Scotland82%79%
Wales93%88%

Sheriffhall accident: victim dies in hospital

A man has died in hospital after he was struck by a car at Sheriffhall.

Joseph Wakeley of Edinburgh was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh after the incident on Millerhill Road near the Sheriffhall Roundabout around 9am on Thursday, 4 August.

He died in hospital during the afternoon of Saturday, 6 August (yesterday) .

His family have described him as “a loving son, father and brother” and asked that their privacy is respected.

The driver of the car was uninjured.

Sergeant Paul Ewing of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts are with Joseph’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information who has not yet spoken to an officer to get in touch.

“You can call 101, quoting reference 0775 of 4 August, 2022.”

What is ‘cash stuffing’? 

Financial expert explains the money-saving trend taking TikTok by storm

‘Cash stuffing’ is a money-saving technique currently blowing up on social media.

With the cost of living crisis impacting the majority of the UK, Gen-Z and Millenials are looking for new ways to save. Within the past year, Google searches for the term ‘cash stuffing’ have increased by 274% (Source: Google Trends/Glimpse) and the TikTok hashtag has generated over 498 MILLION views to date.

Dan Whittaker, Personal Finance Expert at CashLady.com, has released comments explaining the trending method of saving at home, how it works, along with the downsides:

What is ‘cash stuffing’?

“Cash stuffing is a method of saving money by physically withdrawing money from your bank account and organising it in a folder system.”

“Using a personalised folder containing several labelled envelopes, savvy savers divide their monthly outgoings into categories, label each envelope with a category, then select a budget for each category and put the allocated amount of cash into the envelope.

“For example, if your monthly take home pay was £1,000, you would make your essential payments as normal, such as rent, mortgage and bills. Then, you split the remaining money into several categories within your folder.

This could be for things like ‘the weekly shop,’ ‘birthday funds,’ ‘socialising,’ ‘holiday savings’ or ‘pocket money for kids.’ Each category and its envelope would contain the exact amount allocated in your budget.”

“The technique is also sometimes referred to as the ‘cash envelope system’.”

“At the end of the month, you can see clearly how much money you have spent in each area and track it on a spreadsheet. You can then readjust your budgets for the next month to stay on track. If you’re lucky enough to have funds left over, these should be moved into a separate folder which acts as bonus savings for whatever your ultimate saving goal is.”

 Why does it work for some people?

 “This method of saving can be a great way to keep you motivated to achieve your savings goals. Breaking down larger savings goals into smaller monthly targets makes the task of saving less overwhelming, and being able to literally see the money saved each month can lead to a greater sense of achievement.” 

“Also, seeing your money physically dwindle can make you more aware of the current state of your finances. Using Apple Pay, Paypal or even online banking can sometimes feel as though you aren’t actually spending money as there is no physical cash exchanged. With cash stuffing, you have a visual representation of your earnings and outgoings which can lead to a greater sense of awareness of your finances; when you see what you’re spending, you think more about what you’re spending.”

“This is perhaps why the method is particularly popular amongst young people, who have been brought up using online banking and are seeking a new way to view and manage their money.”

 “Another bonus with this method is that you’re avoiding the risks that can come with credit cards or overdraft fees. Avoiding credit cards altogether stops those prone to overspending from racking up debts, as once your monthly budget is gone, it’s gone.”

 What are the downsides?

“Security is the biggest downside. When your money is locked away in your bank it is protected by the banks security systems and protected by schemes such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.”

“However, with your money living outside of your bank in cash form, it may be more vulnerable to theft, loss or damage (for instance from fire). If this were to happen then you would essentially have no recourse to recover that money. If you are interested in this technique, investing in a safe or something similar would be advisable.”

“You also aren’t earning any interest on your money while it is not deposited in a bank, building society or other savings scheme.”
 

 How can I do it?

“If you want to give Cash Stuffing a try then firstly, you need to think about what you typically spend money on. Dividing your usual spending into categories will help you to start your envelope system. Spends such as shopping, dining out, entertainment, petrol, gifts and groceries might be the most consistent monthly costs to begin with.”

“Then, think of your longer-term savings goals. Assign an envelope for this, where you can start to deposit any spare change at the end of each month. This could be for a car deposit or saving for a renovation or holiday for example, but having a specific goal is a great way to keep you motivated. Having these additional folders means you’re always allocating some money to long-term goals.”

“Next, you need to work out how much money to assign to each category. If you know you spend too much on socialising, then lower your budget in that category, and so on. After you’ve budgeted, it’s worth creating a spreadsheet to track your spending, simply writing down how much you allocated and then spent that month. This creates an awareness of your spending habits and helps see where you went right and where you could cut back. Any leftovers can be added to your long-term envelopes to encourage you to keep going.”

“The important thing is to only spend what is in that envelope. Restrict your spending to only using the allocated amount on each category and you should have savings in no time.”

FREE Dyson Styling Appointments in Edinburgh as part of nationwide Styling Tour

Dyson launches first-ever national Styling Tour, bringing its  must-have hair care technologies to you this summer 

– Dyson takes pioneering hair technology on tour, bringing these award-winning hair tools to multiple UK locations, 6 years  after the launch of the Supersonic Hair Dryer 

– Discover your style at the Dyson Styling Tour and create a salon-finished style in your own time using the latest Dyson  technology with no extreme heat 

– Share your style on social media with the use of the selfie booth using the hashtag #MyDysonStyle – The Dyson Styling Tour will visit x7 UK locations this summer, kicking off at Manchester Spinningfields from the 13th of July – With a dedicated salon space and Dyson Experts and Stylists on-hand, Styling Tour visitors can book their 30-minute dry  styling appointments directly online and in advance at Dyson.co.uk/stylingtour 

Dyson has unveiled its first-ever national Styling Tour, bringing their must-have hair care  technologies to you this summer.

Starting at Manchester Spinningfields from the 13th of July, this new and exciting immersive beauty experience will give consumers the opportunity to achieve salon-quality styling with the help of hair diagnostics,  personalised recommendations, demonstrations, and support from Dyson experts. 

Dyson is bringing its must-have hair care technologies on the road to x7 locations within the UK. The Styling Tour will be  home to Dyson’s full portfolio, helping customers get hands on with our technology, discover more about our engineering,  explore the full range, and better understand how Dyson hair care technology works in this incredible new immersive pop up. 

Dyson entered the hair care technology space in 2016 with the launch of the Supersonic hair dryer. Since then, Dyson has  launched the Airwrap Styler in 2018 and the Corrale straightener in 2020, all of which have won multiple beauty magazine  awards and have generated buzz on social media with renowned influencers globally.

Most recently, in March 2022, Dyson  unveiled the Airwrap multi-styler, a re-engineered Airwrap styler with exciting new attachments, suitable for all hair types with  no extreme heat.

The immersive space has a circular design which is inspired by the shape of the iconic Supersonic hairdryer. This space boasts interactive screens upon entrance showcasing a range of styling content and impactful visuals providing both inspiration and education for guests to get a deeper dive into Dyson’s engineering process. 

The dedicated salon space features up to x7 styling stations where visitors will be able to pre-book a complimentary 30- minute dry styling session online from the curated styling menu with one of Dyson’s expert stylists or get hands-on to trial the  tools themselves at the designated self-styling stations.

Whether it’s beach waves, bouncy curls or smooth volume, all styles  are created using Dyson technology, engineered for all hair types with less reliance on heat. A private styling experience will  also be available for those who require it. 

Visitors can visit the Dyson photo booth and share a capture their new self-styled or professionally styled looks achieved by  creating an animated GIF to post on social media using a unique QR code so visitors can TikTok, Instagram story or snap their  style. 

At the key city centre locations (Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh and London) guests will have the opportunity to  purchase all Dyson hair care tools at any time throughout the course of their experience, including the tech at the top of  everyone’s wish-list: the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler which was unveiled earlier this year.  

Hair science and healthy hair styling – Dyson is dedicated to understanding the science of hair – it is the very foundation  underpinning its hair styling technologies. Having researched the science of hair for almost a decade, investing in global hair  laboratories across the world and employing thousands of hair scientists, engineers, and professional stylists to learn new  insights into hair globally. 

Dyson Styling Tour visitors can book a personalised 30-minute dry styling appointments in advance with a  Dyson expert online at Dyson.co.uk/stylingtour.

Dobbies search for Edinburgh’s ‘Not Your Average Gardener’

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is on the lookout for Edinburgh’s best gardeners with its Not Your Average Gardener Awards.

Research conducted by the garden centre from Independent Media News earlier this year saw 76% of Brits couldn’t wait to get back into the garden. Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is now looking to tap into this interest and discover the talent out there through its Not Your Average Gardener Awards.

A team of star-studded gardening enthusiasts will be judging the awards, including Broadcaster, Jo Whiley, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, ITV This Morning’s Daisy Payne and Dobbies’ Ambassador and gardening influencer, Henry Agg.

Dobbies is looking to celebrate four gardeners, all with a passion for planting in their own unique way, with up to £5,000 worth of prizes and a virtual consultation with Marcus Eyles on how best to maximise their space.

Sustainability is at the core of the awards and Dobbies’ Edinburgh store is searching for those who support local wildlife, better the environment and use sustainable gardening techniques to enter. Dobbies’ team members will be on hand to offer the winners advice on how to spend their prize and bring their space to life.

There are four categories for the Not Your Average Gardener Awards, including Most Sustainable Gardener, Best Mini Garden Makeover, Best Houseplant Parent and Best Young Gardener (under 16 years).

Jo Whiley is delighted to be on the panel: “Gardening is a huge passion of mine, and I would encourage anyone to try it as a hobby. Being out in your green space, no matter the size, is a great chance to take a moment for your own wellbeing.

“I’m really excited to be on Dobbies’ judging panel this year. Whether a houseplant enthusiast, a keen gardener growing fruit and vegetables on an apartment balcony, a child discovering ways to make their green space bloom or gardening newbie creating plant borders, I’m excited to hear how Brits are giving gardening a go no matter their space or experience.”

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, adds: “We’ve seen a positive increase in gardening over the past year, with customers across Edinburgh looking to try something new in their green space.

“At Dobbies we’re always on the lookout for passionate gardeners and our Not Your Average Gardener Awards are a great opportunity to shine a light on talent across Britain.

“Sustainability is at the core of our awards, and we’re extremely proud to offer a strong range of sustainable Dobbies’ products, including our award-winning peat-free compost, that benefit both the garden and environment.”

Nominations can be submitted at dobbies.com by filling out a simple form and submitting images. Deadline for submissions is 26 August. All entries will be reviewed by the panel of expert judges and winners will be announced September 2022. 

For more information on the awards or to submit an entry, visit: 

https://www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-gardener-awards.

Green Home Festivalgoers to arrive in style  

Visitors to an upcoming show at the Green Home Festival will be travelling in all-electric style thanks to a partnership with Western Commercial Mercedes-Benz.

Festival organisers have teamed up with the auto experts to lay on electric vans for the Improving energy efficiency show on Wednesday 10 August.

Delegates will be ferried from the centre of Edinburgh to the show’s Murrayburn venue in a state-of the-art eVito Tourer, then bussed back afterwards.

One of the organisers, Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “We are grateful to Western Commercial for this extremely generous gesture which is perfectly in keeping with the aims and spirit of the Green Home Festival.

“This is the perfect demonstration of low-carbon innovation in action and will add to the delegates’ experience of green living and the technology of tomorrow.”

Simon Murray, Van Sales Director at Western Commercial Mercedes-Benz, said: “We were only too happy to offer our services to the Green Home Festival and let delegates experience the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) for themselves.

“We are excited about the possibilities that EVs bring to all our lives and we are delighted to be able to make the journey a green one for those attending the show in Murrayburn.”

The show will see A.C. Whyte & Co Ltd take visitors around a site where they are currently regenerating 29 blocks of four-storey flats for the City of Edinburgh Council.

Visitors will see how the contractor has delivered upgrades, learn how the project helped reduce heating costs, and learn what a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency means.

The show is one of 12 events for the Green Home Festival which has been organised by the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Festival will be opened tomorrow (Monday 8 August) by Scottish Government Minister Patrick Harvie.

The event will deliver a range of shows including:

·          Demystifying heat pumps – afascinating demonstration of the future of home heating and what kind of homes it’s suitable for

·          Protecting against floods –  flooding and its impact on people and buildings and how to access support and resources to protect your property

·          Hitting the road with EVs – what to consider when choosing an EV, current models and how to go about installing an EV charge point at your home

·          Retrofitting a tenement – how renewable renovations can reduce heating costs and cut carbon emissions in Scotland’s traditional buildings

·          Living safely in the future – the potential dangers of the domestic gadgets of tomorrow – and how we can ensure our high-tech homes are safe to live in.

Live sessions will take place at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) at 10 Charlotte Square in central Edinburgh, with six other sessions available online via webinar.

Full details, including how to book tickets for each event, are available on the Festival’s website at greenhomefestival.co.uk.

The festival is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the CICV since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Made up of 29 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.