New analysis published by the TUC shows that household debt rose sharply over 2016, with unsecured debt (debt other than mortgages) reaching new highs. The TUC says weak wage growth has left more families reliant on borrowing to support their living standards. Continue reading New Year blues: sharp rise in household debt
More than 600 motorists detected after 15% increase in checks
The proportion of drivers stopped by police who were found to be over the limit during the festive period has risen, from 2.8% to 3.3% in a year. Police Scotland’s four-week enforcement campaign saw an average of 610 drivers tested every day, a 15% rise in the number of checks carried out the year before.
Of the almost 19,000 drivers stopped during the 2016/17 festive period campaign, a total of 625 – or 1 in 30 – were over the limit, compared with 1 in 36 – during the same period in 2015/16.
More than 9% of those caught drink driving tested between the old and new limits, up on 4% the previous year.
Of the 625 detected, 46 were caught in the morning having been drinking the night before, up from 13 in 2015/16.
The Police Scotland period of enforcement coincided with a Scottish Government awareness campaign to reinforce the message that ‘the best approach is none’.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “It is hugely disappointing to see a rise in the number of drivers who have flouted the law and put their lives, and the lives of others, at risk over the festive period.
“Of course people should be enjoying time with their loved ones over Christmas and New Year but this isn’t an excuse to ignore the law and get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
“By drink driving, including the morning after, you are not only putting yourselves at risk, but also facing a minimum one year driving ban, a criminal record, points on your licence and a substantial fine. Please remember, the best approach is none.”
Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “It is an absolute disgrace that so many people were prepared to risk their own lives, as well as the lives of innocent people, by recklessly taking to the roads while in a drunken state. We were massively active over the festive season and while the number of tests we carried out was greater than last year, proportionately the number of people caught, particularly those the following morning, was greater still.
“Drivers need to take far greater personal responsibility, and also be aware that while this campaign is over, my officers still have a very sharp focus on detecting and arresting drunk drivers. I repeat the guidance given at the start of the campaign – don’t risk it, because – as these 625 people have found to their cost – we will detect and arrest you.”
The Police Scotland festive enforcement campaign ran from 2 December 2015 to 2 January 2016.
Continue reading Rise in number of drink drivers caught over festive period
Congratulations to the brave Blackhall Nursery Loony Dook team – this hardy wee band braved the icy waters of the Firth of Forth on New Year’s Day and raised over £1400. Well done, Snow White and her (cold) wee chums!
Falkirk man Ian Brown is seeking the help of NEN readers as he tries to piece together the history of Scotland’s World War One hospitals and ambulance trains. Can you help? Continue reading Local WW1 history puzzle: can you help Ian?
There’s still time to complete our Locality Improvement Plan survey and tell us what your priorities are: everyone who lives in, visits or works in the North West area can now help shape what the LIP should focus on.
The link below will take you to a brief questionnaire where you are asked to identify what you feel is important to you, your family and your neighbours:
https://consultationhub.
Edinburgh Police have released CCTV images of three males who they wish to trace in connection with a serious assault on another man in the city centre. The men were seen in the vicinity of the attack in the company of two young women. Continue reading Southside assault: do you know these men?
The Prime Minister is to give a speech to the Charity Commission setting out how the government will tackle ‘everyday injustices’.
In a speech to the Charity Commission tomorrow morning, Prime Minister Theresa May will set out the Westminster government’s determination to build a ‘shared society’ based on the values of citizenship, responsibility and fairness. Continue reading Move over, Big Society: it’s time for Mrs May’s Shared Society
Nearly £500 million of new healthcare facilities, including the new Sick Children’s hospital at Little France and North West Edinburgh’s Partnership Centre in Pennywell, are expected to open to patients in 2017-18. Continue reading Half a billion pounds of NHS facilities set to go live
Attempt to re-establish local community council
Edinburgh held the triennial community council elections last autumn, but Drylaw Telford was one of the neighbourhoods that failed to receive the minimum number of nominations required to be established. An attempt is now being made to rectify this and to re-establish Drylaw Telford Community Council once again. Continue reading Drylaw Telford to try again
Dear Editor
The massive salaries, bonuses, expenses and other payments to ‘top people’ running into billions of pounds is seen by the majority of working people as totally obscene. How on Earth can it be justified, let alone accepted by them with a clear conscience, when the people who actually produce the wealth are struggling to survive, or ‘just managing’?
Even the government says things should change, but saying ‘should change’ does not mean ‘will change’.
Those who receive such payments cannot possibily spend it all, raising the temptation of investing it in tax free accounts. This also affects the majority of the working population by depriving the country of tax payments that could help pay for services like the NHS.
There must be a maximum limit set on the total amount any individual can get and there must also be a total ban on tax havens , all income being subjected to the Pay as You Earn tax.
This is the minimum start required to bring about the changes needed in the distribution of the wealth produced by working people.
A. Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens
