The Work and Pensions Committee Chair Stephen Timms has written to Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson asking what action the Government is taking to address delays to Workplace Capability Assessments (WCA).
The letter raises concerns about the ‘exceptionally long waits for assessments’ some people applying for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit have been experiencing since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and the suspension of face-to-face assessments more than a year ago.
This affects people who DWP has decided cannot have their claims assessed on paper or by telephone.
Previous correspondence from the Minister failed to answer the Committee’s specific questions on the number of people affected, waiting times and the reasons behind the lack of progress on conducting remote assessments for these claimants.
Rt Hon Stephen Timms, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: “DWP has left some disabled people in an impossible situation: they can’t have a face-to-face assessment, while they are also told a decision on their claim can’t be made over the phone.
“Instead, they’ve simply been left in limbo, forced to get by on less money than they are entitled to, in some cases for more than a year—at a time when we know living costs have been higher than ever for disabled people. So far, the Minister hasn’t even told us how many people have been affected.
“We all know that DWP has been under enormous pressure this year. But there has been a disappointing lack of urgency in addressing this problem. It’s high time the Government fixed this.”
Edinburgh College’s Board of Management has appointed a new non-executive member to support it in leading the strategic direction of the College. As is required this appointment was confirmed following approval by Scottish Ministers (or the Scottish Government).
The new member, Janyce Holmes, has an extensive background as a director in the commercial sector and is a fellow of CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).
Janyce is a former Director of Marketing Operations at Diageo, and is experienced in matters of planning, strategy and commercial development. Between commercial director roles, Janyce has also worked as a visiting lecturer in tertiary education institutions.
The Interim Chair of Edinburgh College’s Board of Management Ann Landels said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Janyce to Edinburgh College. Janyce has a strong financial management background and a broad range of experience in the commercial sector.
“Janyce’s recent experience as a non-executive director and her background in the tertiary education sector will serve the College and the Board well as we aim to continue maximising experiences and opportunities for all of our students.”
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “I am pleased to welcome Janyce to the Board of Management at a time when our College is learning from the experience of educating during a global pandemic and is working to provide opportunities for more students, for more people in our communities, for local businesses and their employees.
“Janyce’s wealth of experience in both the commercial and education sectors will be a welcome addition to the range of knowledge and expertise already at the Board’s disposal. I look forward to working with her.”
Hopes are high that as lockdown eases over the next few months, popular tourist destinations will see the return of much needed visitors to boost local economies.
With the early May Bank Holiday approaching, local authorities across the UK are ready to offer a warm welcome to visitors. But warnings have been made about a repeat of scenes from last year that saw a minority of motorists parking irresponsibly, causing chaos and frustration for residents and businesses in and around these visitor destinations.
These communities are now preparing for another year of managing the increased demand placed on staycation hotspots, including providing additional parking facilities in anticipation of the higher number of motorists.
As holiday makers, day trippers and shoppers make a return during the summer season, the parking sector, both public and private, believe everyone needs to play their part, by only parking where it is legally permitted, helping ensure that streets and communities are kept safe, free from congestion, and can be enjoyed by all.
Government is also being urged to increase the options and sanctions available to local authorities to tackle the worst offenders. These measures could see an increase in the top level of penalties as evidence from last summer shows that the current rates are not an effective deterrent to antisocial and selfish parking.
Caron Fassetta, Director of Communications and Membership at the British Parking Association said: “‘What we saw last year was unprecedented. And there is good reason to anticipate that some people will once again ignore the rules, causing obstruction, and endangering the lives of other road users, especially pedestrians.
“Safety is our top priority. If we all do what’s right, residents as well as visitors can enjoy the holiday season. In short, we’re asking motorists to ‘Be Kind – Park with others in mind‘.”
Richard Walker, Parking Partnership Group Manager at North Essex Parking Partnership expressed concern the situation could worsen if stronger action is not taken: “The real impact of so many people thinking antisocial behaviour and poor parking is acceptable is that it increases congestion, contributing to additional pollution and rising frustration from people living in these areas.
“Simply put – lives are at risk, as journey times for emergency vehicles get longer, disabled and visually impaired people, and parents with pushchairs are forced into the path of moving vehicles, and overcrowded destinations make it impossible for everyone to socially distance.”
The BPA’s Selfish Parker campaign encourages people to respect others and think before they park. Parking restrictions exist for a reason and ‘It’s not ok to park, where it’s not ok to park’.
The BPA has some top tips for those planning to visit tourist hot spots:
Plan your visit – search the location for parking facilities and if possible, book parking in advance.
Find alternatives – to the most popular parking locations by parking further away from your final destination, this could save you time too.
Park responsibly – only park where it is permitted, respect the people living in the community you are visiting and be kind.
Don’t obstruct – pavements, private driveways, or impede access for emergency vehicles.
Don’t litter – take it home with you or find a rubbish bin.
Don’t be idle – turn your engine off when in stationary traffic or when you are parked.
Bamburgh in Northumberland has been named as Britain’s best seaside destination, as Which? reveals the nation’s favourite resorts and the top towns and villages for avoiding the crowds on holiday.
With more people expected to book a holiday in Britain this summer than ever before as a result of the pandemic, the consumer champion sought out views on Britain’s coastal towns and villages to find the nation’s favourite seaside destinations.
The survey of more than 4,000 people ranked nearly 100 towns and villages, with Bamburgh rated the best seaside town.
It slipped from its first place ranking last year, but reclaimed the top spot after receiving a customer score of 85 per cent, and five stars for its beaches, tourist attractions and scenery. It received an additional five stars for value for money, with prices for accommodation being half those of some popular spots in Cornwall.
Visitors were particularly fond of the castle, and despite the small size of Bamburgh village, the vastness of its beach meant it received four stars for peace and quiet, allowing visitors to easily distance themselves and avoid busy crowds.
Other responses suggest word has spread about Bamburgh’s appeal, with some encouraging visitors to reserve tables in the restaurants in advance as places are often booked up, and arrive at the castle early to secure a parking space.
The good news is that this year’s reader survey of the best seaside towns and villages shows there is room on our coast for us all to find a quiet corner. Visitors rated nearly 60 British seaside destinations at 70 per cent or above, while 30 were awarded four or five stars for peace and quiet.
Tynemouth, in Tyne & Wear, took joint second place alongside Dartmouth in Devon. Both received a visitor score of 84 per cent, and five stars for their seafronts, while Tynemouth was given five stars for its beach and seafront, and four stars for scenery.
Visitors to Tynemouth praised the selection and quality of restaurants and food options on offer, as well as the market at the Metro station at weekends, while those who had been to Dartmouth recommended taking a boat trip along the River Dart or the steam train from Paignton to get there.
In third place – and taking the title of Scotland’s best beach town – was St Andrews. Busier than some of the other destinations at the top of the table, the “home of golf” earned its high ranking perhaps thanks to its five-star rated tourist attractions as well as its shopping options, which received four stars. It also received four stars for beaches and value for money. Those looking to beat the crowds were advised by respondents to visit outside of term time, when fewer students of its famous university are around.
Aberaeron was ranked fourth and named the best seaside town in Wales, with a customer score of 82 per cent. The quiet harbour town was given five stars for its scenery, with visitors commenting fondly on the painted houses in pastel colours. It also received four stars for peace and quiet – likely due to it being a little harder to reach than more popular tourist locations further down the coast in Pembrokeshire.
At the other end of the table, with a customer score of 48 per cent, was Skegness. The seaside town was also rated bottom by visitors last year, but its score has improved slightly as a result of investment and refurbishment in the town centre and higher footfall, with more people holidaying in Great Britain than abroad last summer. And while it only received one star for its tourist attractions and scenery, its beach was still given three stars.
Respondents recognised the family-friendly appeal of Skegness and its amusements, while one commenter described it as “unpretentious and a very pleasant place to visit”, and encouraged visitors to “enjoy the old fashioned 1950s atmosphere of a traditional English seaside town”.
Other destinations at the bottom end of the table included Weston-Super-Mare (55%) and Ilfracombe (56%).
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said:“Many of us discovered the joy of a British summer holiday last year and the trend looks set to continue well into this summer. The results of our survey show that bigger is rarely better, with smaller and less crowded resorts taking the top spots over better-known destinations.
“Given the crowds and prices at some of Britain’s most popular seaside destinations, the best news from the survey is just how many highly-rated destinations we have to choose from. Whether you want a village with a beach or a big town with all the fish and chips you can eat, there is a fantastic spot by the sea for you.
“Do your research and look beyond the big name destinations – and most importantly, book with a reputable provider with a generous flexible booking policy.”
The Windrush Monument will be a permanent tribute to a generation of arrivals from the Caribbean to Britain
Shortlists of four influential artists to design national monument at London Waterloo Station unveiled
Designs will be showcased around the country this summer
Winning design expected to be unveiled on Windrush Day 2022
The four artists in the running to design the national Windrush Monument at Waterloo Station have been revealed today (30 April 2021).
The Windrush Monument will be a permanent tribute to a generation of arrivals from the Caribbean to Britain – from the arrival of MV Empire Windrush in 1948 and in the decades that followed.
It will recognise how the Windrush Generation have enriched our nation’s history and made invaluable contributions to all aspects of British life, from our health and transport services to our politics, businesses, literature and culture.
The four artists shortlisted to design the monument are all of Caribbean descent and include world renowned, established and up and coming artists working across the visual arts.
The four artists chosen to make up the final shortlist are:
Sculptor and painter Basil Watson has designed public sculptures and monuments across the world including statues of Martin Luther King, Usain Bolt and Merlene Ottey. He was awarded the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2016 by the Jamaican government in recognition of his artistic accomplishments. His family is part of the Windrush Generation.
Jeannette Ehlers uses a mixture of photography, video, installation, sculpture and performance in her work. Her work addresses complex questions about memory, race and colonialism, influenced by her Danish Trinidadian heritage. In 2018 Ehlers was the co-creator of a significant public memorial in Copenhagen to Mary Thomas (a 19th century slavery freedom fighter), in collaboration with the Crucian artist La Vaughn Belle.
Daughter of Windrush generation pioneers, Valda Jackson works in sculpture, painting, printmaking and moving image creating complex narratives that reflect and question our past and present with intent on influencing our future. In 2017, her collaborative public art practice ‘Jackson and Harris’ won the Marsh Award for excellence in Public Sculpture from the Public Monuments and Sculpture Association.
Recently commissioned by Hackney Council to create a permanent sculpture honouring Hackney’s Windrush Generation, Thomas J Price has significant experience of creating public artwork. The British-Jamaican artist works across sculpture, film and photography focussing on representation and perception in society.
London Waterloo Station is strongly associated with the stories of many members of the Windrush Generation. It stands at a point where thousands of Windrush pioneers first arrived in London before starting new lives across the UK.
The monument will be an ambitious public artwork that stands as a testament to the contribution of Caribbean pioneers in communities across the United Kingdom. It will create a permanent place of reflection and inspiration and be a visible statement of our shared history and heritage.
The artists unveiled today were selected by the Windrush Commemoration Committee (WCC), chaired by Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE.
Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE said: “We are entering a really exciting stage of this project with the realisation of the monument just round the corner.
“Our shortlist contains a vibrant mix of talented artists, all with lived experience of the Windrush legacy and we will now see proposals developed into a vision for the national monument to the Windrush Generation in London Waterloo Station.
“The monument will be a permanent place of reflection and inspiration for Caribbean communities and the wider public, especially children. It will act as a symbolic link to our past, and a permanent reminder of our shared history and heritage for generations to come.”
Communities Minister Lord Greenhalgh said: “Over 70 years ago, when the first passengers on MV Windrush disembarked at Tilbury Docks, it marked an extraordinary moment in the history of modern Britain.
“The Windrush generation and their descendants have gone on to play an important role in every area of British life, helping to shape the society we are so proud of today.
“I look forward to seeing the designs that these exciting artists will produce to celebrate and honour their contribution to our nation’s vibrant history, right at the centre of our nation’s capital.”
The artists will now be asked to develop their ideas into a maquette, model or drawings to illustrate their design. Each shortlisted artist will present their proposal via a short film, which will be shared nationally with a focus on the British Caribbean community.
UP Projects were appointed by MHCLG to manage the selection process and ensure the views of the Caribbean community in the UK were sought on what would represent a meaningful legacy.
A long list of 16 artists who matched the criteria of the artistic brief was put forward to the Windrush Commemoration Committee, chaired by Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE.
Over the summer the public will be encouraged to consider the proposals. UP Projects’ team includes a Caribbean Networks Consultant and a Curator & Caribbean Community Engagement Consultant, who will liaise with the Caribbean community as a major part of the public engagement strategy. This will ensure that a meaningful monument is commissioned to represent the Windrush Generation. Their views will be taken into consideration by the WCC as they make their final selection.
The winning design is planned to be revealed in Black History Month in October and the monument is expected to be unveiled on Windrush Day 2022.
Following an increase in antisocial behaviour in Portobello recently, local officers will be carrying out focused patrols this weekend.
Local community Sergeant Suzie Sandbach of Craigmillar Police Station said: “Officers responded to a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour involving groups of youths in Portobello last weekend.
“Dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour is a policing priority in Edinburgh and I’d like to reassure residents, visitors and business owners in Portobello that there will be an increased police presence over the coming weekends to disrupt anyone intent on causing trouble.
“Our open spaces and beaches can now be enjoyed by the wider community and beyond, but sadly this can be ruined by the reckless behaviour of a small minority which is often fuelled by alcohol, and will not be tolerated.
“Local officers will continue to remain visible in the area, on mobile, foot or cycle patrol and I ask that if you see any criminality in the area help us hold offenders to account by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
Councillors yesterday gave the green light for £450K funding to install temporary public toilets in busy parks and other ‘hotspot’ areas in Edinburgh like the Meadows and Portobello.
Environment Convener Lesley Macinnes, said:“As the weather gets warmer and we ease out of lockdown our beautiful parks, beaches and other open spaces are going to be busier than ever.
“I’m really pleased Council agreed this funding today allowing us to respond so quickly to provide these much needed facilities over the summer months. We’ll publicise the list of temporary public toilets as soon as we have it.”
TV’s Trisha Goddard takes up new role to raise awareness of healthy bones in response to new research
Presenter and Journalist Trisha Goddard is sharing her experience with breast cancer to raise awareness of the life-changing importance of strong bones, as new research reveals a worrying lack of action among the public.
Osteoporosis will affect half of women and 1 in 5 men over 50, but despite this, new research by You Gov and commissioned by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) shows that only 40% of Scots under 55 actively try to prevent it.
The condition weakens bones, making them more likely to break and affects 3.5 million people in the UK.
In 2008, Trisha was warned that her bones would lose strength as a result of her breast cancer treatment – unless she took decisive action.
Today, Trisha is sharing the lessons from one of the toughest periods of her life as a message of hope for people of all ages: that by taking action to strengthen your bones, we can all live better in older age and avoid the pain and disability of osteoporosis.
Trisha said: “I never really gave osteoporosis or my bone density a thought until it came to my breast cancer treatment. My surgeon explained that the medication I would be on for the next ten years would affect my bones.
“While I was ill, the hospital tested my bone density and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that at the age of 50, it was still really good. All the weight training and powerwalking I had done for half my life had paid off. There was no need for me to be prescribed any additional medication to help preserve my bones through the cancer treatment.
“After five years of being on breast cancer medication, my surgeon checked my bone density again. Great news! I’d barely lost any of my bone density. My surgeon happily explained that this was a direct result of me continuing to weight train, power walk and stay active.
“All that time, my aim had been to stay physically and mentally strong. Without even realising it, not only had I maintained my muscle strength, I had also maintained my bone strength.
“I’m not going to pretend it was easy – far from it – but a little bit of exercise most days was what got me through cancer. I’ll always have worries about my health, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m in control of my bone health.”
Despite the huge impact for individuals and society, the research shows that 54% of people living in Scotland have never even had a conversation about bone health. In comparison, 69% actively try to maintain a healthy weight.
Trisha continued: “The whole experience made me realise how important it is, not just for cancer patients, but for everyone to look after their bones.
“Bone health is so overlooked when it comes to wellbeing. It absolutely brought home to me that prevention is better than cure. That’s why I’m joining forces with the Royal Osteoporosis Society to raise awareness of the importance of bone health.”
The ROS has announced that Trisha is to become an Ambassador for the charity as part of its mission to bust myths and improve the bone health of the nation.
More people die of fracture-related causes than deaths caused by lung cancer and diabetes.
The disease costs the NHS £4.5bn per year, a figure set to rise as the population ages. The ROS has warned this may climb even higher following the effects of lockdown, as the research shows that worryingly over a third of people in Scotland (37%) have exercised less during the pandemic.
Craig Jones, Chief Executive of the Royal Osteoporosis Society said: “Trisha is living proof that the fatalism about osteoporosis and broken bones being just part of getting older is plain wrong.
“There are many things that can increase your risk of osteoporosis, and sadly some cancer treatments are one of them. Many people will need to take a drug treatment for their bones to counteract the effects of their cancer treatment which will reduce their risk of bones becoming fragile.
“Thankfully, taking weight-bearing exercise, getting enough vitamin D and eating the right foods can also make a big difference, not just for cancer patients but for everyone who wants to proactively manage their bone health.
“It’s typical of Trisha’s openness and can-do attitude that she’s sharing this inspiring message about how to age better and stop osteoporosis in its tracks.”
The popular presenter launched her 30-year career in television in Australia, before becoming a household name in the UK, where she fronted her celebrated BAFTA-winning talk show, which ran for 12 years.
Trisha is a life-long advocate for mental health services, and her time in the public eye has been characterised by her willingness to share candidly her own experiences to support people who are battling adversity.
Trisha is poised to return to our screens this summer as host of a new, more holistic version of Channel 5’s show, You Are What You Eat. Trisha will also be part of campaigning efforts by the ROS to raise awareness of bone health and work towards its goal of a future without osteoporosis.
– The new box delivers an alfresco aperitivo directly to your doorstep –
– Includes snacks and can be ordered for next day delivery –
Morrisons is answering spritz lovers’ prayers as it launches a new Aperol Cocktail Box. Landing in time for the bank holiday, the box has been created alongside Aperol and Mionetto to make it easy for customers to whip up the ever-popular aperitivo, the Aperol Spritz.
The box includes everything required to create the ultimate summer cocktail: a 70cl bottle of Aperol to mix up with the light and refreshing Mionetto Prosecco, before being topped with Morrisons Soda Water. There’s even a loose orange included to garnish the spritz.
To accompany the drinks, the box also includes Morrisons The Best Gruyere & Poppy Seed Twists, Morrisons The Best Lightly Salted Crisps and Morrisons The Best nocellara Olives; for a taste of an Italian piazza from the comfort of your back garden.
Liam Challenger, Food Boxes Trading Manager at Morrisons said: “The first May bank holiday feels like the start of the British summer – and with foreign holidays still off the cards, our Aperol Cocktail Box can bring a taste of the continent to gardens and parks across the UK.
“The box includes everything customers need to make the classic, refreshing Italian spritz with carefully selected snacks to serve alongside.”
Morrisons limited-edition Aperol Cocktail Box costs £35 including next day delivery and is available now on the Morrisons food boxes website:
Today, we are delighted to announce that we have received a firm commitment from The Scottish Government for upgrades to seven Wastewater Treatment Works, including Blackburn WwTW, to meet tighter discharge limits for nutrients and reduce spills from six associated combined sewer overflows.
These agreed plans to Scottish Water assets will improve the water quality to good status on the River Almond by 2027, in line with the Water Framework Directive.
We are delighted to continue to work constructively with Forth Rivers Trust, Veolia, SEPA, Scottish Water, West Lothian Council, local councillors and politicians, but most importantly local communities and community groups along our river for a cleaner, healthier and swimmable River Almond.
We will confirm further details of the works and planned timeframes when we know more.Together, we will #StopTheSewage#CleanRiverPledge
The Last Night In (a music film): STAY ODD live from Leith Theatre
Date: 8th May 2021 @ 8.30pm
Presented by Handsome Tramp Records in association with Creative Scotland
Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/2QNoQra
Scottish hip-hop mainstays Stanley Odd have announced they will be playing a unique performance of their latest album STAY ODD from the iconic main auditorium of Leith Theatre.
The band formed in Leith over a decade ago. Now, four albums and almost twelve years later, the six-piece are returning to the place where their journey began for a celebration of live music – and of Staying Odd.
The band are known for their electric live performances and, although we cannot dance together just yet, have decided to bring their explosive live show to fans’ living rooms.
The event will be ticketed however – recognising the uncertain times that we’re living through – fans have the choice of four price options. The standard price is £10, but fans will be offered an option of £5 – or nothing at all – to ensure the gig is as accessible to all. An additional option of £20 will also be available to folks who want to show some extra support.
The album itself, described by BUZZ Magazine as the band’s “most accomplished work yet,”, was recorded over a four-year period and showcases the sound of a band who are nothing but confident in their Oddness.
STAY ODD takes the listener on a journey through the global news cycle on a stolen bicycle, to a place where lying politicians are at odds with iconic female figures, and tales of witches are interspersed with classic hip-hop. Each track is as truly unpredictable as the last.
The album dropped on April 12th after being teased for over a year with the release of lead single Where They Lie in February, and then another every six weeks since July. This stunning music film of the band live from Leith Theatre is made possible by Creative Scotland’s Sustaining Creative Development fund.
The Last Night In was born out of the same desire to engage with their fans.
Frontman Dave Hook, aka MC Solareye, says of the show: “Playing in this beautiful, semi-derelict space – on the floor in the middle of the room – sort of represents all of the empty venues around the country just now.
“The Last Night In is a bittersweet celebration of live spaces as well as of STAY ODD getting played in full – start to finish.”
Connect with Stanley Odd: Facebook Instagram Twitter Bandcamp
