New Bill to ‘level up’ the nation

UK Government introduces plans to transform struggling towns and cities, supporting local leaders to take back control of regeneration

  • Levelling Up Missions, such as eradicating child illiteracy and closing gaps in life expectancy and living standards, to be enshrined in law
  • Local communities get extra powers to tackle scourge of boarded up shops and empty homes
  • Legislation to underpin biggest shift of power from Whitehall in modern times

The government has today (11 May 2022) introduced plans to transform struggling towns and cities, supporting local leaders to take back control of regeneration, ending the blight of empty shops on their high streets and delivering the quality homes that communities need.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will enshrine in law the government’s commitment to long-term missions to spread opportunity, drive productivity and boost local pride in every corner of the country.

Levelling Up Secretary Rt Hon Michael Gove MP said: “As a country, we need to be firing on all cylinders. That is why we must level up the UK; spread prosperity and opportunity, and make sure everyone can share in our nation’s success.

“This Bill puts in place the reforms we need to level up. It enshrines our levelling up missions in law, which will shift resources and focus throughout this decade to the parts and people of the country who need it most. It enables every part of England which wants a London-style mayor to have one. It empowers local people, not the big developers, to take back control of regeneration in their community.

“It shifts power out of Whitehall by giving local leaders the powers they need to tackle the blight of empty shops on high streets and to regenerate their communities. This is underpinned by a firm belief that by far the best placed people to level up communities are the people who live there.

“We want everyone to be given the opportunity to stay local but go far.”

Levelling Up

The government’s defining mission is to level up the UK; to increase and spread prosperity and opportunity across the UK, and break the link between geography and destiny. The Bill puts the legal foundations needed to deliver this mission in place, so that all parts of the country will be able to share equally in our nation’s success.

Measures include:

  • Creating a legal duty for the government to set and report on a number of missions for levelling up the country.
  • These missions will include: closing the gap in pay and productivity between the richest and poorest areas, effectively eradicating child illiteracy and innumeracy, closing gaps in healthy life expectancy, getting the rest of the country’s transport connectivity much closer to the standards of London’s, and making sure everyone has a local community they can be proud of.
  • The deadline for each mission is 2030, but the Levelling Up Bill will create a duty for the government to report on progress annually.
  • The legislation needed so that every part of England that wants a strong devolution deal can have one.
  • Enabling more areas to have the kinds of devolved powers which currently only the largest cities enjoy, helping drive improvements on local priorities such as transport and skills.
  • New provisions on council borrowing to protect taxpayers’ money while enabling local areas to make much needed investment.

Regeneration

The Bill will also directly give local leaders the powers they need to regenerate their communities, and transform their high streets and town centres. A new infrastructure levy will see the big developers contribute more towards better local roads, schools, hospitals, and genuinely affordable housing. Communities will also receive a share of the Levy revenue raised – as long as they have a parish or town council – and we are exploring how this could be expanded.

Measures include:

  • New powers for local leaders to run High Street Rental Auctions, where they can auction off tenancies in shops that have been vacant for over a year. This will help to end the plague of empty shops that blight so many high streets.
  • Councils will also be able to double council tax on empty and second homes, ensuring everyone pays their fair share towards local services and boost levelling up.
  • The ‘al-fresco dining revolution’ will be made permanent, injecting new life into the high street through creating a sustainable process for communities, business and local authorities, making it permanently cheaper and quicker to get a licence for outdoor dining.
  • A new, locally set infrastructure levy, charged on the final value of property when its sold, will replace much of the broken S106 payments system. This will see the big developers contribute far more of the money they make from development towards building better local roads, rail, schools, hospitals, and more affordable housing.
  • Legislation to make it easier for councils to regenerate their town centres through Compulsory Purchase Orders, making the process quicker and easier to use.

Right homes in the right places

The Bill will also deliver new reforms to the planning system, ensuring new development is more beautiful, produces more local Infrastructure, is shaped by local people’s democratic wishes, improves environmental outcomes, and occurs with neighbourhoods very much in mind.

Measures include:

  • Local plans – the way in which councils set the vision for future development in their area and decide whether to give planning permission – will gain stronger legal weight and be made simpler to produce. Communities will have a major say in these plans giving them more opportunity to shape what happens in their areas. Currently 61% of councils do not have an up to date local plan, which leaves communities exposed to development on which they haven’t had a meaningful say.
  • A digitised planning system making plans and planning applications fully available on your smartphone.
  • Stronger protections for the environment in local plans, empowering councils to make better use of brownfield land and protect precious greenbelt land.
  • Local design codes will be made mandatory so that developers have to respect styles drawn up and favoured locally – from the layout or materials used, to how it provides green space.

The government has today also outlined a new deal for millions of renters in private and social housing.

By ending Section 21 evictions and extending the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, all renters can expect a decent, safe, and secure home. At the same time, these measures deliver a fairer system for good landlords who can struggle to recover their properties when faced with anti-social behaviour or wilful non-payment of rent.

Details on further support for tenants in social housing will be unveiled later this year which will include a review of the Decent Homes Standard, new consumer regulation and regular inspections of the largest landlords. 

Further information

The planning measures have been informed by over 40,000 responses made to the government’s 2020 ‘Planning for the Future’ White Paper, and inquiry by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee.

In order to continue to support the hospitality sector, we will also extend the temporary pavement licence process for one further year while we seek to make permanent these provisions through the Bill, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Heriot Watt top for research excellence in Scotland

University recognised for world-leading research in Physics; Mathematical Sciences; Engineering; and Architecture, Built Environment and Planning.

Heriot-Watt University is top in Scotland for its world-leading Physics research, in the REF 2021 results released today. Physics also came top in the UK for its world-leading research outputs and saw 97% of its research classed as world-leading.

Overall, 86.8% of the university’s research is classed as world-leading and internationally excellent.

Three joint submissions between Heriot-Watt and the University of Edinburgh – in Mathematical Sciences; Engineering; and Architecture, Built Environment and Planning – were ranked in the top four in the UK, based on the quality and breadth of the combined research, as defined in the Times Higher Education REF Power rankings.

This ranked Mathematical Sciences and Engineering first in Scotland and third in the UK, with Architecture, Built Environment and Planning coming first in Scotland and fourth in the UK.

The REF provides a robust and thorough assessment of the quality of universities’ research in all disciplines, providing accountability for public investment in research and demonstrating the benefits of that investment.

The REF results, announced Thursday, 12 May, are a valuable opportunity to measure the extent to which an institution’s research strategy is working.

Professor Steve McLaughlin, Deputy Principal of Research and Impact said: “Our strong performance in the REF 2021 shows that our research, and our shared research, continues to go from strength-to-strength, focusing on major global challenges, interdisciplinarity and collaboration.

“Physics has done outstandingly well, and is an area of well-established excellence, further recognised in the 2021 Queen’s Anniversary Prize for photonics.”

In total, 157 UK universities participated, submitting over 76,000 academic staff. Submissions included research outputs, examples of the wider benefits of research and evidence about the research environment. This material was assessed by a series of expert panels comprising UK and international researchers, external users of research and experts in interdisciplinary research.

Overall, the panels judged 41 per cent of the submitted work to be ‘world-leading’ (4*) and a further 43 percent to be ‘internationally excellent’ (3*).  The assessment provides rich information on the strengths of UK university research that will be helpful for businesses and other users of research to identify potential partners.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor for Heriot-Watt University, said the achievement is testament to the commitment and determination of everyone at the university. 

He adds: “Our achievements in the REF 2021 results reflect the marked growth in the influence of our specialist research, and the investment we are making into our global research capacity, which is integral to our Strategy 2025 theme of Excellence in Research and Enterprise.”

Speaking on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies, Steven Hill, Chair of the REF Steering Group and Director of Research at Research England, said: “These results today reinforce the UK’s position as a world leader in research, corroborating the views of international commentators and highlighting our trajectory towards global research leadership across a broad set of disciplines.

“They represent an exceptional achievement for UK university research and demonstrate the huge return on public investment in research.

“REF is at the forefront of approaches to capturing the impact from research and demonstrates a substantial range of benefits. The real differences made to people’s lives, both across the UK and around the world, that are narrated through the impact case studies are in many cases humbling and, in our current times, a significant example of this is provided in our universities’ outstanding contribution to the Covid pandemic.

“Universities and their staff have had to respond to the pandemic in multiple ways. Their commitment to working with the funding bodies to deliver REF 2021 has been considerable. The incredible contribution both of those making the submissions and of our expert panels, through these unprecedented times, has allowed us to deliver a rigorous and timely set of results.”

A full breakdown and further information can be found at: https://www.ref.ac.uk/

Edinburgh Napier is Number 1 Scottish Modern for research power and impact

Results of Research Excellence Framework 2021 published

Edinburgh Napier University’s research power has been highlighted in a wide-ranging assessment of research quality in UK universities.

The activity at the University assessed as “internationally excellent” and “world-leading” by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) has leapt from 53 to 68 per cent since the last time the exercise was carried out in 2014.

And the University’s research power metric, which takes into account the overall quality of the submission and the number of researchers whose work was submitted, rocketed from 250 to 718. The feat gave the University top ranking among the Scottish modern or post-1992 universities.

Edinburgh Napier was also the top Scottish modern for research impact.

The improved ratings are all the more remarkable after the University chose to submit the work of more than 250 researchers, up from under 100 last time around, showing the strength and depth that now exists across research areas.

The REF – the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions – is undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies: Research England, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), and the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland (DfE).

A total of 157 UK institutions participated in the exercise, which is used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion of research funding per year. The thoroughness of the exercise is designed to provide accountability for public investment in research, demonstrating its benefits and impact.

REF 2021 – for which submission deadlines were extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic – assessed 21 per cent of Edinburgh Napier’s activity as world-leading and 47 per cent as internationally excellent.

The University’s improved power rating should now see research funding increase as it takes significant strides to grow its reputation as a research-focused institution as well as a teaching one.

The research submitted covered a wide range of academic disciplines, from environmental science and computer science to built environment and social policy. It included projects focusing on mangrove and seagrass conservation, cybercrime-busting technology, offsite construction solutions, cardiovascular health and police stop and search policy.

Of the 13 units of assessment (UoAs) submitted, Edinburgh Napier improved in every single one.

ULT portrait – Nick Antonopoulos, Vice Principal of Research and Innovation

Professor Nick Antonopoulos, the University’s Vice Principal of Research and Innovation, said: “I am delighted to see these REF results firmly placing Edinburgh Napier as the Number One Modern in Scotland, both in research power and impact. This is the outcome of the tireless, collaborative efforts of our academic and professional services staff over the past seven years, for which I am truly grateful.

“These outcomes, and in particular the fact that nearly 70 per cent of our research has been evaluated as internationally excellent or world-leading, provide the best possible confirmation that Edinburgh Napier delivers excellent research with substantial real impact, nationally and internationally.

“These achievements are even more remarkable when we consider the funding that Edinburgh Napier has been receiving, and clearly illustrate that as an institution we deliver considerable additional value for money in research and innovation.”

Culture Minister Keeps the Heid and Reads in Stockbridge Library!

Scottish Government Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, Neil Gray MSP, attended a literary lunch at Stockbridge Library yesterday to celebrate the ‘national reading moment’, as part of the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign.

Joining local book groups, as well as the library’s visually impaired audio book group, Mr Gray listened to live reads from renowned local crime author Gillian Galbraith at a special event coordinated by Edinburgh Libraries.

Hosted as part of the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign, led by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) in partnership with MHF the Mental Health Foundation and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), with support from Baillie Gifford and many more, Gillian led a series of six-minute reads, followed by a Q&A session, to inspire people of all ages and abilities to read every day to help boost their mental health and wellbeing.

Joan Parr, Service Director Culture and Wellbeing for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Reading for pleasure can have a hugely positive impact on our wellbeing and the ‘Keep the Heid and Read’ campaign is a great way of reminding people about the health benefits of reading.

“Taking time out and reading something for just six minutes a day helps boost your mental health and there’s no better place to do this than our libraries which are full of a wide range of great materials.

“Our libraries are invaluable resources for local communities and we all know there’s so much more to them than just borrowing books – they are trusted and much-loved services which strengthen local communities and are essential for the wellbeing of everyone using them.”

Taking place during Mental Health Week 2022 (9-15 May 2022), the campaign, conceptualised by the post-lockdown plea for public libraries to reopen, encouraged people in Scotland to take part in the ‘national reading moment’ on Wednesday 11 May, with a pledge to read for just six minutes.

Research shows that reading for six minutes a day can reduce stress by 68 per cent – in people of all ages. 

At the time of the event, the campaign had already surpassed its target of 300,000 pledged reading minutes, with support from around the country.

An online totaliser, capturing the growing number of reading minutes pledged towards the national reading moment, is available at: www.keeptheheid.scot.

Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “I’m delighted that so many people took part in the Keep the Heid and Read campaign led by the Scottish Library and Information Council.

“Reading not only sparks our imaginations but also boosts our mental health and well-being. I hope that everyone who took part will continue to enjoy these benefits by making reading a routine part of their daily lives.”

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive at SLIC said: “There has been such a positive response to the Keep the Heid and Read! campaign and we have seen such creativity go into special events around the reading moment, like the literary lunch at Stockbridge Library, which have helped bring people together and inspire the public to support the reading pledge.

“Our libraries are a fantastic resource, filled with an abundance of free reading materials – whatever your interests and ability; but they also play a valuable role in reconnecting communities. With the majority of libraries now reopen across Scotland following the pandemic, we hope these services will help the public take this easy-to-implement reading habit forward in daily life to benefit their wellbeing.”

Scottish government consults on streamlining planning processes

Consultation proposes changes to boost economy and help net zero transition

As part of its Permitted Development Rights review, the Scottish Government is consulting on measures that would save applicants the time and expense of applying for planning permission for some types of development.

Consultation proposals include:                                                              

  • outdoor restaurant seating could be permitted without a planning application under new proposals to support the hospitality industry
  • relaxing the need to seek planning permission for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in car parks or at filling stations
  • allowing a wider variety of changes of use for premises in city, town and local centres to promote more rapid adaption to changing circumstances
  • permitting conversion of buildings to small workspaces to support local innovation and entrepreneurship as part of the national strategy to transform the economy

Planning Minister Tom Arthur said: “The pandemic has highlighted that use of outdoor spaces can help bolster our hospitality industry and make city, town and local centres feel more welcoming and vibrant. I encourage local businesses and communities to submit their views on these proposals to relax planning requirements.

“Extending permitted development rights to make changes in use easier will help to deliver our entrepreneurship ambitions by creating enterprising communities, as set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

“Proposals to support the extension of the charging network reflect the significant growth in electric vehicle ownership forecasted for the coming years and the vital role of electric vehicle owners in helping Scotland reach net zero by 2045.”

UKHospitality Scotland Executive Director Leon Thompson said: “Over the course of the pandemic hospitality businesses made great use of outdoor space, allowing them to trade whilst keeping customers and workers safe. 

“Outdoor seating is extremely popular with guests and these often imaginative and creative spaces continue to be used extensively.

“UKHospitality Scotland is pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our calls and is putting forward plans to relax planning requirements. This will save businesses time and money, whilst adding to the vibrancy of our towns and cities. This move will also help to boost local economies and create jobs.”

Read the Permitted Development Review consultation.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks.

Police hail Operation Tramline success

Operation Tramline, Police Scotland’s road policing initiative, is having considerable success in the Edinburgh area with drivers being fined for various offences since it began on Tuesday, 26 April.

  • A 23-year-old woman seen driving in lane two of the M90 Queensferry Crossing eating cereal from a bowl as she drove southbound. She was fined £100 and had 3 points added to her licence.
  • On the Edinburgh City bypass a HGV driver was found to be using both hands on his mobile and steering with his forearms, clearly not in control of his vehicle. He received a £200 fine and 6 penalty points.

Road policing officer Tom Aitken said: “Reducing the number of road casualties is a priority for Police Scotland and we are always looking at ways to enhance our ability to investigate road traffic offences.

“As well as working closely with partners to help make roads safer for all road users, we regularly use footage from dash-cams, head-cams and CCTV to investigate road traffic offences.

“Most people know the effect alcohol and drugs can have on driving, but the small things can be overlooked. It is just not smart eating as you are driving, it is downright dangerous.

“The same goes for using any mobile device and reading. Acting like this means you are distracted and therefore not in proper control of your vehicle. A split second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

“Not wearing a seatbelt is life-threatening. If you are not fully secure then the consequences if you are involved in a crash could be deadly. Road policing officers unfortunately see the devastation this causes and we urge drivers to be responsible and make sure they are safe. Think of the effects a crash could have on your loved ones.

“The HGV enables officers to have a good view of drivers and what they are doing. It is another tool we are using to make Scotland’s roads safer.”

New law to protect access to cash announced in Queen’s Speech

  • Financial Services and Markets Bill will maintain and enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in financial services having left the EU.
  • The Bill will protect cash by ensuring continued access to withdrawal and deposit facilities across the UK.
  • Banks can be required by the regulator to reimburse victims of authorised push payment fraud.

New laws to protect access to cash and help victims of financial scams were announced during the Queen’s Speech yesterday.

The new Financial Services and Markets Bill, announced in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech at the state opening of parliament, will support consumers by protecting access to cash. It will ensure the continued availability of withdrawal and deposit facilities across the UK, and that the country’s cash infrastructure is sustainable for the long term.

Cash remains an important payment method for millions of people across the UK, particularly those in vulnerable groups, and the government is committed to preserving it.

The Bill will also enable the Payment Systems Regulator to require banks to reimburse authorised push payment (APP) scam losses, totalling hundreds of millions of pounds each year. This will ensure victims are not left paying for fraud through no fault of their own

These measures form part of wider plans to maintain and enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in financial services, cutting red tape while maintaining high regulatory standards and ensuring the sector continues to deliver for individuals and businesses.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen said: “We are reforming our financial services sector now we have left the EU to ensure it acts in the interests of communities and citizens, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and powering growth across all of the UK.

“We know that access to cash is still vital for many people, especially those in vulnerable groups. We promised we would protect it, and through this Bill we are delivering on that promise.

“We are also sticking up for victims of financial scams that can have a devastating impact, by ensuring the regulator can act to make banks reimburse people who have lost money through no fault of their own.”

The Financial Services and Markets Bill delivers on the ambitious vision for the financial services sector set out by the Chancellor at Mansion House last year. It builds on the Financial Services Act 2021, which was the first step in amending the UK’s regulatory regime outside of the EU.

The Bill will make the most of the opportunities of Brexit, by establishing a coherent, agile and internationally-respected approach to financial services regulation that is right for the UK.

The main elements of the Bill are:

  • Revoking retained EU law on financial services and replacing it with an approach to regulation that is designed for the UK. This includes the Solvency II legislation governing the regulation of insurers, which the government has committed to reform.
  • Updating the objectives of the financial services regulators to ensure a greater focus on growth and international competitiveness.
  • Reforming the rules that regulate the UK’s capital markets, the engine of the UK economy, to promote investment.
  • Ensuring that people across the UK continue to be able to access their own cash with ease.
  • Introducing additional protections for those investing or using financial products, and to make it safer and support the victims of scams.

More details will be available when the Bill is formally introduced.

Four in five UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work

·       85% don’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health 

·       Finances are the most common cause of stress 

·       IronmongeryDirect is working with mental health charity, Basildon Mind, to raise awareness of the issue 

More than four in five (82%) UK tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work-related issues, a new study has found. 

The research was commissioned for Mental Health Awareness Week (9th-15th May) by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, and the results have been published in its annual industry report

It found that almost two-thirds (64%) of tradespeople experience some form of mental health problem, such as stress, anxiety or depression, every month, and sadly, one in eight (13%) feel symptoms every single day. 

Finances remain the number one cause of stress, with over a third (34%) saying that money worries play on their mind. In fact, the top five reasons are the same as last year, with customer tensions (24%) taking second spot once again. 

The most significant change from 2021 is the impact of customer abuse, with almost a fifth (18%) saying they struggle with insults or threats, which is treble the figure from the previous report (6%). 

The top 10 most common causes of stress for tradespeople are: 

# Issue % 
Finances 34% 
Tensions with customers 24% 
High workload 23% 
Tensions with business partners 21% 
Tensions with suppliers 20% 
Job security 19% 
Making mistakes at work 19% 
Abuse from customers 18% 
Risk of catching Covid-19 18% 
10 Doing the best job you can for customers 15% 

Unfortunately, despite the benefits of doing so, more than four in five (85%) tradespeople don’t feel comfortable talking to others about their feelings. Just one in six (16%) have spoken to friends or family about their mental health, which is considerably fewer than last year (42%). 

Furthermore, one in six (16%) worry what their colleagues would think if they told them what they were going through, and more than a quarter (28%) feel they can’t take time off work for mental health reasons. 

Plumbers are the most likely tradespeople to feel stressed or anxious on a daily basis (27%), but overall, mental health problems are most common amongst plasterers. More than nine in ten (92%) say they experience issues at least once a year. 

The trades most and least likely to experience mental health issues are: 

# Trade % 
Plasterer 92% 
Carpenter 90% 
Builder 89% 
Joiner 89% 
Bricklayer 87% 
Building surveyor 84% 
Plumber 81% 
Electrician 81% 
Landscaper 75% 
10 Painter and decorator 68% 

As part of its campaign to raise awareness of mental health amongst tradespeople, IronmongeryDirect is partnering with Basildon Mind, the mental health charity, and is donating over £3,000 to support with its vital services. 

Emma Mamo, Head of Workspace Wellbeing at Mind, said: “In male-dominated industries such as construction, employees are often less willing and able to open up about their mental health and ask for support.

“This can be problematic because mental health problems often become worse if left untreated, and the consequences can be fatal.  

“We urge employers to create cultures where employees can speak openly and honestly about their mental health.” 

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect and ElectricalDirect, said: “It’s an unfortunate truth that mental health issues are common across our industry, and it’s awful to see that so many tradespeople experience problems on a regular basis. 

“It’s particularly worrying to see that the number of people talking to others about their mental health has dropped significantly from last year. As difficult as it can be to discuss your feelings, talking about them with someone else, whether that’s a colleague or family member, can really help to begin addressing the issues.”  

To read IronmongeryDirect’s Mental Health in the Trades: 2022 Report, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/mental-health-in-the-trades/  

Grants to transform derelict land

Some of Scotland’s longest standing vacant and derelict sites will be transformed into affordable housing, community gardens and places of enterprise and learning by awards from a £50 million programme.

Ten schemes will share more than £5 million from the low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, driving regeneration and innovation while tackling climate change.

Successful projects include:

  • redevelopment of more challenging building plots to help deliver 133 net zero and affordable homes through the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator programme
  • installing heat pump technology to reduce carbon emissions for proposed commercial developments on vacant land at Magenta Business Park in South Lanarkshire
  • decontaminating and redeveloping former industrial land for social housing and outdoor pursuits near the Forth and Clyde Canal in the East Dunbartonshire village of Twechar
  • regenerating derelict land in east Greenock to create a Carwood Street Food Growing Project for local people in a less affluent area

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “Derelict sites are often found in more disadvantaged areas and can hold back development of communities.

“This programme is delivering community regeneration and tackling climate change, in line with our national strategy to transform the economy and deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and a fairer society.

“At the same time as announcing these grants, we are opening the programme to projects seeking funding in 2023/24 and I look forward to building on the momentum generated by today’s investments.”  

Depute Chief Executive at East Dunbartonshire Council Ann Davie said: “This funding is a welcome contribution that will aid us in regenerating the derelict former industrial canal site in Twechar.

“The funding can be used for land acquisition, soil remediation, utilities and access infrastructure, which will allow the site to be developed for social housing.

“These new homes will help us to achieve the energy efficiency aims we have set out for the site as each will be built to Passivhaus standards, resulting in low heating bill for tenants.

“This project also complements the work we’re doing in partnership with Twechar Community Action on the adjoining site, which recently secured Scottish Government Regeneration Capital grant funding, to help in the building of a new Outdoor Pursuits Centre. This will offer opportunities and benefits to the local community as well as attracting more visitors to the area.

The low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme is now open for Stage 1 (2023-24) applications. More information can be found here:

Regeneration: Capital investment for regeneration – gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

The projects to receive funding from Stage 2 of the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme:

Lead applicantProject TitleFor 2022/23For 2023/24For 2024/25Total Grant Recommended
City of Edinburgh CouncilGreendykes North affordable housing£623,713  £623,713
Clyde GatewayD2 GRIDS£664,000  £664,000
East Dunbartonshire CouncilTwechar Canal Regeneration Project£614,925  £614,925
Glasgow City CouncilHamiltonhill Green Infrastructure Project£924,911  £924,911
Glasgow City CouncilRuchazie Greening and Growing project£185,000£240,000£245,000£670,000
InverclydeCarwood Street Food Growing Project£69,500  £69,500
InverclydeHSCP Community Learning£990,000  £990,000
North Ayrshire CouncilAnnickbank Innovation Campus, Irvine Enterprise Area£400,000  £400,000
North Lanarkshire CouncilGlenmanor Greenspace£230,911  £230,911
West Dunbartonshire CouncilCommunity Food Growing – Former Bonhill PS£100,000  £100,000
  £4,802,960£240,000£245,000£5,287,960

Scottish homecare workers to be recognised in the National Care at Home & Housing Support Awards 2022

A prestigious evening Awards Ceremony recognising the best of the independent care at home and housing support sector will be held on Friday 13 May 2022 at Radisson Blu in Glasgow. The awards is an important opportunity to highlight the contribution of homecare during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scottish Care, the representative body for independent social care services across Scotland and organisers of the event, are encouraging those working in the sector and the wider public to join the Awards Ceremony to recognise and celebrate the role of homecare workers.

Winners will be announced by the Awards Host – Pop Idol winner, Michelle McManus.

Awards will be presented over ten categories:

  • Emerging Talent Award
  • Care Services Coordination/Administration Award
  • Care Learning Award
  • Leadership Award
  • Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Care Worker of the Year
  • Palliative & End of Life Care Practise Award
  • Technology & People Award
  • Provider of the Year
  • Positive Impact Award

Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care and the co-host of the Awards Ceremony said: “Over the past two years, thousands of women and men have left their homes every day to go out and care for and support others.

“They are the heart of our homecare sector and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. Homecare services allow people to remain independent for as long as possible in their own home. The homecare sector shows us caring and compassion at its best.

“The awards is an opportunity to recognise the dedication and professionalism of the workforce, every day of the week, regardless of weather, risk or fear.”

The awards have been hailed a huge success in recognising individuals, teams and companies, with more entries than ever flooding in each year from employers, homecare staff, service users and relatives nominating their peers, colleagues and local services.

The Care at Home and Housing Support Awards follows a full-day conference for the homecare sector with speakers including the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf.

The title of the conference is ‘Home is best: the critical role of homecare and housing support’, bringing people together from across the sector to share their experiences from the Covid-19 pandemic and plan for the future of homecare in Scotland.

The conference will explore topics as diverse as the role of technology, the law and home care, social impact investment, registration and regulation, and recruitment and retention.

The conference, exhibition and care awards are the largest of their kind for the care at home and housing sector in Scotland.