MSPs take Brexit “dismay” to House of Lords

Six senior MSPs representing three Holyrood Committees will attend House of Lords talks today on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill and Brexit. The MSPs will set out significant cross-party concerns over Clause 11 of the Bill and the lack of progress from the UK Government on amending the Bill during its Commons passage. Continue reading MSPs take Brexit “dismay” to House of Lords

First Minister calls for changes to “broken welfare state”

Universal Credit contributing to child poverty

‘Broken’ benefits system failing Scotland’s families

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called on the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to make urgent changes to Universal Credit (UC) as she backed warnings from Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson over the ‘disproportionate effect’ of UK Government welfare policies on young people. Continue reading First Minister calls for changes to “broken welfare state”

Branch closures: Further action considered as bankers leave committee “disappointed and frustrated”

Following a session with executives from the Royal Bank of Scotland over bank branch closures, Pete Wishart MP, Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, said: “The whole committee has been left disappointed and frustrated with the unsatisfactory appearance of RBS executives at the Scottish Affairs Committee. They seem to not be listening to the deep concerns from communities right across Scotland over their branch closure programme. 

“It is abundantly clear that RBS did not consult with anyone over their plan to close a third of their branches. They do not seem to appreciate just how devastating the loss of a bank can be to a local community, and quite how important easy access to banking services is to individuals and businesses.

Nor do they appear to have any intention to reconsider their position despite the views expressed by local people, or by the witnesses we heard from today – Scottish Rural Action, Unite Scotland and Scottish Chamber of Commerce. Instead they could not rule out further branch closures. 

“We should not forget that this is a company whose very survival was assured by £45 billion from the tax payer, who still own a 70% stake. Yet we were told that due to changes in “customer behaviour”, branches will close, creating savings of £9.5 million. Instead people will have to rely on internet banking in areas where connections are poor, or a mobile branch which will be available for perhaps an hour a week. 

“At a minimum, RBS needs to show greater care for their customers and show more openness in how they reach decisions that have such serious consequences for so many people. As a committee we will carefully consider what we have heard today and may take further steps.”

News from Granton Community Gardeners

Dear All,

Happy New Year!

Bit stormy and there’s snow, so there’s not so much gardening going on at the moment, though drop-ins are still on every Tuesday and Saturday when the weather is reasonable (dry and not frozen or blowing a gale!)

You’re all invited to our Burns Night Community Ceilidh!  This has become a very popular regular annual event and this will be the 5th year.

BURNS NIGHT COMMUNITY CEILIDH

SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY. 5-9pm

ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

LIVE CEILIDH BAND AND OTHER PERFORMANCES FROM TALENTED LOCALS!

TICKETS £2. in advance only. (Volunteers, performers and under 5’s FREE) -tickets on sale from community centre reception.

Includes Food: Haggis Needs and Tatties (halal and veggie options available)

BYOB

We’ll need quite a few helpers at the event, especially in the teams setting up and decorating (it’s a big sports hall), and clearing everything up at the end.  Please give us a shout if you’d be up for helping!

Also if you’d like to perform a song/dance/poem/etc.  we have a few spaces available, either for traditional Scottish or other cultural performances. We know Granton has a lot of talent!   Let us know if so …

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You’re also invited to our regular:

COMMUNITY MEALS

EVERY TUESDAY 5-7pm

GRANTON PARISH CHURCH HALL

(55 Boswall Parkway -entrance through gate on Wardierburn St East)

FREE -though help with washing up or donations are always welcome

ALL AGES WELCOME! (children with responsible adult)

We’ve been getting lots of good feedback on the food (thanks to our chef Jayne!) and it’s great to have somewhere warm to eat together.  We also make extra meals that can be taken away at the end for family/friends/neighbours, especially if you know someone who’d particularly appreciate it.

Hope you’re all well,

Tom

Youth charged with motorcyle offences

A 15-year-old youth has been charged in connection with motorcycle disorder that occurred across Edinburgh on Saturday (January 13). The male was charged following reports of a series of incidents involving off-road motorcycles which occurred across Drylaw, Portobello, Leith, City Centre, Dalkeith Road and Craigmillar.

A report will be sent to the Children’s Reporter.  A 24-year-old man has also been reported for warrant to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with this activity. Continue reading Youth charged with motorcyle offences