ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER 12 – 2pm
Cash boost from Community Choices fund
Community cash for participatory budgeting initiatives
Communities across Scotland are to benefit from £1.5 million funding which will give people more power to make decisions directly on spending in their local areas.
The Community Choices Fund is targeted at work in deprived areas, and for the first time community groups as well as public authorities, including local authorities, were able to apply for funding to organise their own Community Choices budgeting events.
The fund received well over 100 applications with 16 successful community projects and 12 public authorities spanning the breadth of Scotland. A full list of successful applicants is provided below.
The projects include:
- The Joint Community Councils of Moray, £46,500 to use the Community Choices process to help tackle social isolation
- Aberdeen City Council, £100,000 to target the 8 most deprived areas in the city to help reduce community isolation
- Edinburgh City Council, £81,895 to support events on health and hate crime
- North Carrick Community Benefit Company, £95,868 to recruit 8 community participation champions from underrepresented communities
- Burnfoot Community Futures Housing, Hawick £39,000 to address social and community needs.
Leith Links Community Council was among the community projects to receive funding. The community council was awarded £20,869 to support their ‘CommUNITY links: Brightening Local Lives’ initiative.
Local Government and Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “It’s the commitment of this government to give communities more control to shape their futures. I am delighted to see communities applying for Community Choices funding and to read about the innovative and creative ways communities are working to address the issues that are important to the people in their community. It is also pleasing to see that we have engagement with Community Choices right across the country from Shetland to the Scottish Borders.
“The Community Choices Fund offers an opportunity for decisions to be made by people in their local communities who are best placed to know what their community needs.”
The Community Choices Fund builds on the Scottish Government investment in participatory budgeting over the last two years. More information about participatory budgeting is available at: http://pbscotland.scot
Learning to love Localities?
Forth & Inverleith Voluntary Sector Forum
Tuesday 11 October 9.30 – 11.30am
North Edinburgh Arts Centre
Next week’s Forth & Inverleith Voluntary Sector Forum will focus on Localities. What are Localities – and how will they affect your organisation?
What are Localities?
The City of Edinburgh Council and the Health and Social Care Partnership are moving to a locality model of working with a phased implementation from the start of April 2016 – July 2016. This is supported by the Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland.
There will be four localities in Edinburgh – details of the geography for each of these areas and the current voluntary sector forums that are in them can be found here.
Why the move to Localities?
Locality working is a legal requirement of the Health and Social Care Partnership and City of Edinburgh Council has decided to move to the same model, believing that this change will help the services deliver better outcomes through being less bureaucratic, more agile and innovative in approaches. Their need for cost savings through staff reductions have also reinforced this move. Police Scotland and the Fire and Rescue Service are supportive of the move and are aligning to the model.
There is an overall desired outcome that Edinburgh citizens will receive better co-produced services with the third sector as a key partner.
What does it mean for the Third Sector?
EVOC has held ThinkSpace events in each locality to update organisations and groups on locality working and to discuss how the third sector can be represented in localities. The papers relevant to each locality can be found under each locality.
Here are the notes gathered from the robust discussions at these events: Report from four Locality Think Space Events
Locality Leadership groups have been established for each locality with monthly meetings planned. As a result of the discussions the following immediate actions have resulted:
- The Third Sector Lead will now be referred to as the Third Sector Representative
- As well as EVOC staff representing the third sector at these meetings there will also be a Chair from one of the voluntary sector forums attending these meetings.
- A session will be held at the next meeting where EVOC can report back from these ThinkSpaces.
- EVOC is applying for support to support better communications across the third sector regarding locality working.
Influencing the locality leadership meetings can be done via the quarterly local Voluntary Sector Forums
To access information on a particular locality please click on the links below
WANT TO FIND OUT THE LATEST ON LOCALITIES?
Tuesday 11th October 2016, 9.30-11.30am – North Edinburgh Arts
‘Getting to know you’ event with the locality leadership team. All Third Sector organisations in the area are welcome to attend – and please be ready to talk about your project!
For further information please contact Denise Horn, email denise.horn@evoc.org.uk or call 555 9117.
The end is nigh: Government paves the way for orderly EU withdrawal
Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis has announced that the Government plans to repeal the 1972 European Communities Act (ECA). The Act gives direct effect to all EU law and the introduction of a new Bill to repeal it will mean the Act ceases to apply from the day of exit.
At the same time the new Bill will convert existing EU law into domestic law, while allowing Parliament to amend, repeal or improve any law after appropriate scrutiny and debate.
Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis said: “We will follow the process to leave the EU which is set out in Article 50.
“The Prime Minister has been clear that she won’t start the formal negotiations about our exit before the end of the year. As we prepare for those negotiations in Europe, we also need to prepare for the impact of Brexit on domestic law. It’s very simple. At the moment we leave, Britain must be back in control. And that means EU law must cease to apply.
“To ensure continuity, we will take a simple approach. EU law will be transposed into domestic law, wherever practical, on exit day. It will be for elected politicians here to make the changes to reflect the outcome of our negotiation and our exit. That is what people voted for: power and authority residing once again with the sovereign institutions of our own country.”
Mr Davis also dismissed any suggestion that the Government intends to use Brexit to roll back workers’ rights – pointing out that in many areas, including annual and parental leave, UK law goes further than minimum standards offered under EU law.
He added: “To those who are trying to frighten British workers, saying “When we leave, employment rights will be eroded”, I say firmly and unequivocally “no they won’t”.
“The European Communities Act has meant that if there is a clash between an act of the British Parliament and EU law, EU law prevails. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has interpreted EU law and delivered judgments that were binding on the UK and other member states. The repeal Bill will end ECJ jurisdiction in the UK.”
Mr Davis said the move demonstrates the Government’s determination to deliver the will of the British people, expressed in the EU referendum result, to ensure that Britain makes its own decisions about how it wants the country to be run.
The Repeal Bill will include powers for ministers to make some changes by secondary legislation, giving the Government the flexibility to take account of the negotiations with the EU as they proceed.
It will also ensure that the Government can establish new domestic regimes in areas where regulation and licensing is currently done at an EU level, and amendments are required to ensure the law operates effectively at a domestic level. The ECA created a power which currently exists for Ministers to make secondary legislation to give effect to EU law.
Legislation resulting from the UK’s exit must work for the whole of the United Kingdom, so the Government will work closely with the devolved administrations to get the best possible deal for all parts of the United Kingdom as we leave the EU. They will have opportunities to have their say and we will look at any suggestions they put forward.
The Prime Minister has stated that she intends to trigger Article 50, the formal process for starting a two-year negotiation over exit from the EU, by next March. In order for the UK to withdraw in an orderly way, ECA repeal will ensure that legislation is passed in advance so that EU law ceases to apply and domestic law can take its place on the day of exit.
Continue reading The end is nigh: Government paves the way for orderly EU withdrawal
Greenspace Trust: Growing Communities for Health
Growing Communities for Health
As always, ELGT had a great response to the ‘Growing Communities For Health’ grant scheme when the latest round opened in September of last year. During 2016, we funded twelve projects across Edinburgh and helped to grow the network of community gardens in the city.
Among the twelve community groups receiving grants this year, Newhaven Heritage and The Afro-Caribbean Christian Fellowship started up brand-new garden projects. Grants were also given towards:
- expenses for volunteers at North Edinburgh Grows and LGBT Health & Wellbeing
- rebuilding raised beds at Lochend Secret Garden
- a range of specially-adapted lightweight tools for volunteers at the Garden Globe, Craigmillar
- volunteer training at the Royal Edinburgh Community Garden (above)
If your community group wants to start a new garden, or is looking for funds to help develop an existing garden, the 2016-17 grant scheme is open now and will close in November. See here for full details.
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust
Green support for tenant farmer in Old Pentland campaign
Greens say Damhead is wrong location for new film studio
Scottish Green MSPs joined campaigners who handed in a petition to the Scottish Parliament in protest at the imminent eviction of a farmer from his family’s home of 100 years.
82-year-old tenant farmer Jim Telfer faces from eviction from Old Pentland Farm near Straiton in Midlothian as the landowners want to sell to developers behind a proposed film studio. Planning permission rests with the Scottish Government after Midlothian Council failed to make a ruling on the application within a 16-week deadline.
Midlothian Green councillor Ian Baxter has previously proposed Shawfair as a better location for such a development.
Alison Johnstone and Andy Wightman, Green MSPs for Lothian, were joined at Thursday’s protest by Green co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP.
Andy Wightman MSP said: “The film studio may be a good idea but it’s the wrong location, and the stress this is placing on Jim, his family and the wider community is simply unacceptable. The site is good-quality farmland and should be protected, especially when there are other locations more appropriate for commercial developments.
“The residents of Damhead and Old Pentland are due credit for galvanising support in this campaign, and the Green MSPs were delighted to welcome them to Parliament today. Let’s hope Scottish Ministers heed the strength of local feeling on this issue.”
Rosh Hashanah 2016
The Prime Minister sends her best wishes to everyone in Britain and around the world to mark this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Prime Minister Theresa May said:
It gives me great pleasure to wish the Jewish community in Britain and around the world a very happy and peaceful New Year.
This is a special time, when Jewish families join together in celebration and prayer. It is also a time of remembrance and renewal.
We remember the tremendous contribution made by Britain’s Jewish community to this country, from those who have served in our armed forces to those leading in fields such as business, science and the arts. You have given so much over the years, while at the same time maintaining a sense of identity, religion and culture.
And in the spirit of renewal we think of the opportunities ahead not only for ourselves, but for our country: opportunities to forge a bold and positive new role for Britain in the world, to build a better, fairer society, and to bring people closer together.
I have seen for myself the inspirational work carried out by many Jewish charities and organisations in Britain: helping and supporting others and reaching out to people of different backgrounds and faiths.
I want to ensure that Britain is a place where all our communities can flourish, and that means stamping out sickening and shameful hatred, including anti-Semitism the like of which I never thought we would see again.
I am clear that such hatred has absolutely no place in our society. So,as the Jewish New Year begins, I want to renew my unshakeable vow to stand by our Jewish community now and for the years to come. And as Prime Minister, and working in partnership with you, I will do everything in my power to protect your community, and indeed all communities in Britain.
I am also proud to support the new National Holocaust Memorial which will be built at the heart of our democracy, next to Parliament, along with an associated learning centre. We owe it to everyone who endured the horrors of the Holocaust to remind future generations of the depths into which humanity can sink, so it is never repeated again.
So once again I want to wish the Jewish community all the very best this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Ahead of the Jewish New Year, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also wishes all Jewish communities across the world a happy and peaceful Shana Tova.
The Foreign Secretary said: “As the Jewish High Holidays approach, I send my warmest wishes to all Jewish communities in the UK and around the world as they pause to reflect on the past year and to celebrate and make plans for the new year.
“At this time I want to provide assurances that we stand with you, in particular in the fight against antisemitism. There will never be a place for it in our society and we must work together to defeat it.
“The High Holidays hold a particular significance for Israel, a close friend of the UK. We will continue to work closely with them in the pursuit of peace in the region.
“I wish you all a happy and peaceful holiday period and a sweet new year. Shana Tova and Chatima Tova.”
October 15 is Beach Day!
Beach day with Zoo Arts Extra
Join us for food, fire, sea, sky, sand and art!
The garden project at North Edinburgh Arts is again joining forces with Zoo Arts to host another beach day.
On beach days, we aim to have fun, relax, enjoy the outdoors and create art together. These trips are suitable for everyone and food is provided so we can really make a day of it.
The next beach day is on Saturday 15th Ocrober, leaving NEA at 12 noon and returning for 4.30pm. Children over 8 can come by themselves but must hand in a permission slip from their parents.
THIS TRIP IS FREE
Donations are welcome towards cost of food and materials.
Donations are welcome towards cost of food and materials.
BOOK PLACES:
in person
at North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court EH4 4TZ
at North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court EH4 4TZ
by emailing
garden@northedinburgharts.co.uk
by phoning
0131 315 2151
Permission slips are available from:
North Edinburgh Arts reception and Muirhouse Library (available from Fri 30th Sept)
See you there!
Valla
Government action to address fuel poverty
Over £9 million to improve energy efficiency
Homes and businesses across 11 local authority areas will be warmer and cheaper to heat thanks to over £9 million of Scottish Government funding. Edinburgh will receive over £1 million.
Help us deliver ‘re-shaped’ services, pleads council
Council seeks your views on budget priorities
Edinburgh residents are being asked by the City of Edinburgh Council for their views on reshaping council services as part of public engagement for the 2017/18 budget, which will be set early next year.
This year people will get the chance to contribute ideas of their own on how city services are provided, by having meaningful conversations online with other residents in their local area. Residents will also be able to see the suggestions of others in their community and rate those ideas.
The Council has agreed draft spending and saving plans for the next three years and is now looking for residents’ views on how best to change the delivery of some services.
A seven-week engagement period, beginning today (Friday, 30 September), will run until Friday, 18 November. It will focus on three key themes, new ways of working, lean and agile services and working with partners.
The online survey will ask residents to think about how the changes below could affect them, their community and the city as a whole as well as what challenges and opportunities they present for the Council.
- Supporting individuals and community groups to become more involved in delivering library services.
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Developing the ways customers do business with the Council to include more online tools which are accessible and respond to customer needs so that services are delivered right first time.
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Working with Edinburgh Leisure to maintain access to quality facilities and programmes whilst achieving savings and efficiencies.
The Council will also be working closely with communities, equality groups and partners over the coming months by running workshops around reshaping services, working with communities to agree how local budgets should be spent and creating a city vision for Edinburgh for 2050.
A Question Time event will also be webcast from the City Chambers on Thursday, 10 November to give members of the public a more personal opportunity to ask questions about changes to services.
Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “We have an increasing population, inflationary pressures, decreased budgets and greater demand for our services so it is really important that we get residents’ views on how we can more efficiently deliver services.
“In previous budget engagements residents told us to protect education, care for older people, culture, and services for vulnerable children and adults. These continue to be our priorities.
“Using our online engagement tools, we’re making it easy for people to contribute their views and ideas, and to understand the different challenges there are reshaping our services.
“We are improving our engagement tools this year by allowing people to speak to other residents in their local area about issues which specifically affect them. This will give us quality feedback on how people would like their services delivered in the future.”
Councillor Bill Cook, Finance Vice-Convener, added: “Everything you say will be taken into account when we draw up the final budget to be considered by Council in early 2017, so we are extremely interested in hearing your views. Whether it’s via the online survey, dialogue page, phone, letter, email or social media we welcome all feedback.”
At a meeting of the Finance & Resources Committee on Thursday, 29 September, councillors approved a report on the draft budget.
The draft budget, online survey and dialogue page can be accessed at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/
Residents can have their say by:
Completing the online survey
Commenting on the online dialogue page
Phoning on 0131 200 2305 (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 3.40pm Friday)
Writing to Freepost, RSJC-SLXC-YTJY, Budget, Council Leader, City Chambers, High Street Edinburgh EH1 1YJ
Speaking to your local councillor(s)