Foysul Choudhury MSP – Page 3 – The NEN

Choudhury: Urgent action needed to tackle housing crisis

“Housing concerns make up over a quarter of my casework – the Scottish Government urgently needs to start prioritising housing for Scotland”

Over the past year, housing issues have made up a significant amount of my casework – currently, approximately 25% of casework is concerned with housing issues (writes Labour Lothian list MSP FOYSUL CHOUDHURY).

Most housing issues that constituents are writing to me about relate to the lack of suitable council accommodation, with many having to live in temporary accommodation.

Recently, a coroner reported that the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak was a direct result of the black mould in the flat he lived in and constituents have, understandably, been concerned about black mould in their properties.

The Tory Government has inflicted chaos on the country this year, with a staggering display of financial mismanagement. However, funding for local authorities in Scotland is set by the Scottish government, and it is SNP-inflicted austerity that has left Scotland’s local services under threat.

There has been a cut of more than a quarter to the house building budget. This is a disgraceful dereliction of the duty of this Government to solve our ongoing housing crisis and will lead to less homes being built for those families stuck in temporary accommodation, people sleeping on the streets, or languishing on social housing waiting lists for year after year.

Rapid rehousing transition plans and homelessness prevention are flat, meaning that there will be no more support available for local authorities to deal with the continuing crisis of homelessness, made worse by the supply of new homes being cut off.

NHS waiting times, health issues (including delayed discharge), continue to be a major problem in Lothian, with approximately 11% of my casework being related to these issues.

In Scotland, the length of time that people are having to wait for hospital procedures, outpatient appointments and diagnostic tests has shot up to 776,341 – equivalent to 1 in 7 Scots. Figures have revealed that at the end of September 2022, 2,114 people referred for an outpatient appointment and 7,612 patients waiting for a day case, or inpatient procedure had already been waiting for over two years.

These shocking figures have been reflected by the high number of constituents who have contacted me about the length of time that they are having to wait for appointments, hospital procedures, or the length of time they have had to wait in A&E.

For example, some in Lothian are being told that they may have to wait approximately 70 weeks for some eye laser treatments and over 110 weeks for some exploratory gynaecological operations.

The stress and anxiety caused by such long waits can lead to other mental and physical problems or exacerbate conditions that are already present. Constituents have also contacted me about delayed discharge from hospital due to the lack of social care available, or places in care homes.

Despite the SNP promises to end delayed discharge back in 2015, this practice has soared and in October 2022, an average of 1,898 bed days were lost every day – the worst figure on record.

I will continue to press the Scottish Government on these and other important issues, like the cost of living crisis, and will continue to make representations on behalf of my Lothian constituents as we head into the new year.

MSPs meet workers to discuss future of Royal Mail services

Union officials and postal workers from the Communications Workers Union were at Holyrood this week to give crucial updates to Members of the Scottish Parliament on the ongoing postal dispute.

MSPs heard from the CWU about the Royal Mail’s plans to cut 10,000 jobs, dismantle pay and conditions and end the universal service obligation.

Following the talks, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “I was pleased to meet the CWU reps this week to discuss the future of our local postal services.

“It is vital that Royal Mail urgently make a fair offer to their loyal workforce to quickly bring an end to this dispute. I have written to Royal Mail on a number of occasions regarding the retention of jobs and better pay and conditions for our valued postal workers. I’ll continue to raise this for all those affected and I stand in solidarity with our postal workers.”

Craig Anderson Scottish Secretary of the CWU said: “We were very pleased with the response from MSPs who came along to meet us. They expressed their support for our posties and the services they provide to communities right across Scotland.

“We would encourage all MSPs to join our members on picket lines as we call for fair pay for our posties.”

Scotland battered by severe weather

Flooding continues to affect parts of Scotland, particularly in the North East, as heavy rain caused disruption across the country following an amber warning from the Met Office.

Parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus were given severe flood warnings by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – the highest level of risk indicating danger to life. SEPA and local resilience partners are working with responders on the ground to deploy flood defences and help focus support to those communities who will need it most. Local rest centres have been set up to support people in affected areas.

The amber warning for rain covered Grampian, Tayside, Central and Fife and stayed in place until 9pm. A yellow warning for rain was inplace for a large part of eastern Scotland, inclusing Edinburgh, with disruption likely to continue into the weekend.

Across Scotland heavy rain is causing disruption to the transport network. Surface water and reduced visibility is leading to difficult driving conditions, a number of rail lines are currently closed and some ferry services are cancelled or delayed.

Advice remains to check with your operator to see if your service is affected. Traffic Scotland provides regular updates on the trunk road network and Police Scotland continue to warn of a high risk of disruption.

Justice Secretary and lead Minister for resilience Keith Brown chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s resilience committee last night (Friday 18 November).

Mr Brown said: “The high rainfall currently being experienced in many areas is causing significant issues in some parts of the country, and is now likely to cause potentially damaging and dangerous risk of flooding in some areas.

“Flooding could happen quickly, even in areas not usually prone to flooding. Local resilience partners are working with emergency services to ensure those communities most at risk are kept safe, and urgently get the support they need.

“Please take extra care if you are out and about and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. The conditions have already caused disruption to the transport network, with further disruption expected – so it’s important people plan their journeys before they set off – particularly if they are looking to use the trunk roads or travel by rail.

“The Scottish Government’s resilience arrangements have been activated to ensure preparations and appropriate measures are in place, and we will continue to monitor the situation over the course of the weekend.

“We are in close contact with resilience partners, local authorities and the emergency services to ensure people in the affected areas receive the latest information, advice and support where needed.”

Vincent Fitzsimons, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Heavy and persistent rain overnight has led to significant increases in river levels across the east of Scotland.

“We have seen almost a month’s worth of rain in some parts already this week and we are expecting around the same again over the course of Friday and Saturday in parts of Northeast Scotland.

“The highest risk is to riverside communities in parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus, with Severe Flood Warnings already issued. The worst impacts will occur between early Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning. We are working 24/7 with the Met Office and with information from SEPA’s gauge network to review the flood predictions for these communities and others. This will continue until the risk is over.

“SEPA is working with emergency response partners in the areas most at risk to help them prepare and to focus support to those communities who need it most. People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe. They can also keep updated on floodline.sepa.org.uk.”

Responding to reports of extreme flooding and transport disruption across Edinburgh and Scotland yesterday (18^th November 2022), Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The rainfall we are experiencing today is causing major disruption-to trains, to roads, to pedestrians.

“We cannot, of course, control the weather. However, we unfortunately can expect more and more extreme weather patterns such as this in the future due to the devastating impact of climate change.

“The Scottish and UK Government must have plans in place to deal with this weather, in order to protect our countryside and town and city infrastructure.

“It was only last week that I held a meeting with Scottish Water and local elected representatives to discuss how impactful rain and flooding can be on constituents, and to urge them to provide an easily accessible helpline for constituents affected by flooding.

“Unfortunately, we have seen today just why this helpline is so necessary.

“As a result of my meeting with Scottish Water, I also lodged two parliamentary questions to ask the Scottish Government about whether it would allocate more funding to Scottish Water to prevent and tackle flooding and heavy rainfall.

“I understand the impact that today’s weather will have on my constituents and I want you all to know that I understand the difficulties you will be facing this weekend and I am here to help.

“I’ve already urged The City of Edinburgh Council to help unblock drains which are causing extreme flooding at the junction between Ferry Road and West Granton Access in Edinburgh (pictured top).

“If you have any issues with flooding over the weekend, I’d urge you to contact your local council to get urgent help.

“Going into the future, I will be continuing to take action on this issue – today has only strengthened my resolve that action is needed, now.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.

Listen Up: It’s Anti-Bullying Week!

Anti-bullying week is an annual event in Scotland and across the UK that aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people and highlights ways of preventing and responding to it.

The week is co-ordinated by respectme in Scotland and this year’s theme is: ‘Listen Up! (Respect our Rights)’.

Childline data

From April 2021 to March 2022, Childline delivered 374 counselling sessions to children and young people in Scotland about bullying.
331 of these counselling sessions were about bullying in-person, a 39% increase compared to the year before when there was the national covid lockdown.
43 counselling sessions were about online bullying.
Across the UK, the top three concerns where a child spoke to Childline about in-person bullying included: insults, taunts, name calling; bullying about difference and violence.
For counselling sessions on online bullying the top three concerns included: nasty comments, threats, and intimidation.

One 17-year-old girl from Scotland said: “I am being bullied by a girl in my class. She always says nasty things to me, such as calling me names, swearing at me, and telling me I should die. She also pushes me at school.

“Some of my teachers know about it and they are supportive with how I feel, but no-one ever talks to her about what she is doing and how she is treating me. That is what I want to happen. I experience panic attacks and have anxiety, which have been getting worse since the bullying.”

Shaun Friel, Childline Director said: “Bullying continues to remain a top issue that children turn to Childline about on a daily basis.

“Ever since we moved out of the national lockdown and children returned to school, we have continued to see a rise in the number of contacts to Childline about in-person bullying.

“Those who have called the service about this have spoken to our trained counsellors about experiencing name calling, being excluded and physical violence.

“Whilst many others have turned to the service about being bullied online. Some of those who have contacted our counsellors about this have said that they’ve been threatened online, had rumours spread about them on social media platforms and others have had been made fun of on online chatrooms.

“Regardless of how or where a child is bullied, we know it can have a detrimental impact if they don’t get the support they need. These children often sad, overwhelmed and lonely.

“This Anti Bullying Week at Childline, we want to remind all children and young people that if they are being bullied that this is not their fault and they can always reach out to Childline for immediate support.

“Our counsellors are here to help and can be contacted confidentially, day or night, online or on the phone.”

Advice for children

Share how you are feeling with other young people. Childline’s online message board is a non-judgemental space where you can speak to other children who are in a similar situation to you about your experiences and feelings. This can help you feel less alone and will give you an online support network that you can turn to.
Talk to an adult you trust about the bullying you are experiencing so you feel less alone and so that adult can support you. This could be a parent, teacher or you can speak to a Childline counsellor on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk
Take a break from your device if you are being bullied online and do something you enjoy such as sport, listening to music or art.
Remember the bullying is not your fault.
Report and block someone if they are sending you messages online that upset you.

For Adults:

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied online:

Not wanting to go to school or take part in normal activities.
Getting anxious or angry if you go near their device. Feeling withdrawn, upset or angry at home.
Problems sleeping or eating.
Having angry outbursts that seem out of character.
Spending more or less time online than normal.

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied in-person

Belongings are getting lost or damaged.
Physical injuries such as unexplained bruises.
Being afraid to go to school.
Not doing as well at school.
Being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn.
Problems with eating or sleeping.
Bullying others.

What to do if you think your child is being bullied

Talk to your child and remind them to come to you with anything that might be making them feel anxious or sad. If your child speaks to you about an experience of bullying that they’ve had online or in person, try to remain calm and don’t overwhelm them with questions and reassure them that it will be ok, and that you’re always there for them.
Show them how to report or block a message that they’ve received from someone online that upsets or worries them.
Don’t take their device away if they’ve had a negative experience online. Although you may want to do this if they are upset, this may make them feel like whatever has happened is their fault. Instead, suggest they take some time away from the app they received the messages on and do another online activity they enjoy like playing a game.
Know where you can get further support. Adults can call the NSPCC helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. There is also further advice on the NSPCC website.

Responding to news of a 400% increase in reported bullying at Edinburgh schools, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “While it is great that young people are now confident enough to report bullying, it is also worrying to see a truer picture of the levels of bullying in our schools revealed.

“Bullying has been a major concern in many schools, and not enough is being done to tackle it.

“The fact that this new reporting system has highlighted 537 racist incidents is shocking, but not surprising. We were all aware that racism was an issue in schools and while it is good that this is now being reported and the data is finally being collected, it is incumbent upon schools to ensure that racist and other discriminatory bullying is rooted out.

“It is saddening to see young people targeted by such behaviour which often continues to affect people well into later life. Nobody should be made to feel belittled or discriminated against in our society, let alone at such a young age.

“I want the Learning Directorate to take action immediately and offer schools the support they need to tackle these issues as well as to help parents take more responsibility of how their children behave.

“The mental wellbeing of children and young people is key to their educational progress and everyone should feel safe in our schools.”

Foysol Choudhury MSP urges constituents struggling with energy bills to seek help

Local MSP Foysol Choudhury has urged residents in the Lothian region struggling with their energy bills to seek support amid the growing cost-of-living crisis.

Foysol Choudhury MSP joined Advice Direct Scotland at a parliamentary reception in Holyrood to discuss the charity’s free, practical advice available to constituents who may be worried about money.

The event, on November 3rd, gave politicians a chance to speak to Advice Direct Scotland about its energyadvice.scot service.

They offer advice and support for understanding energy bills, issues with meters, complaints and disputes and switching suppliers.

Staff from Advice Direct Scotland also discussed their moneyadvice.scot service which provides free information and support on a wide range of debt-related issues.

Specialist debt and money advisers can work with people to assess their current situation, look at their income and outgoings, and consider what to do next, including a full range of free end-to-end debt solutions.

It comes after the Energy Price Guarantee kicked in from October 1st, setting the cap at £2,500 a year for an average household.

Households have also started to receive the first instalments of the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme in their October electricity bill, which will be applied monthly in six instalments until March 2023.

Those on traditional prepayment meters will receive vouchers by post.

Advice Direct Scotland has urged consumers to stay alerts to scams and fraudulent messages as they do not have to apply for the schemes.

The charity also encourages household to check their benefits entitlement, through its calculator at www.advice.scot, to ensure they are not missing out on key support.

Foysol Choudhury, a Labour list MSP for the Lothian region, said: “It was great to learn more about Advice Direct Scotland’s service and how they can provide free, practical, and impartial advice on a range of issues including debt, energy bills and consumer rights.

“These are issues which many of my constituents are unfortunately facing during this cost-of-living crisis.

“I know that households across Lothian and Scotland are struggling and worried about the coming winter months, especially with the rise in energy prices.

“Please be assured that we are here to support and assist you wherever possible.

“I would urge you to use Advice Direct Scotland’s resources and to reach out to your local representatives if you need further help.”

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It was encouraging to see so many MSPs keen to find out how they can support households through the cost-of-living crisis and difficult winter ahead.

“With the recent rise in energy prices, and more on the horizon, we know that many households are facing financial difficulties.

“Right now, we have qualified advisers ready to provide free, practical support to anyone in Scotland through the energyadvice.scot service – and we can also help any customers having difficulties reaching their supplier.

“Anyone with debt worries should speak to our advisers at moneyadvice.scot for possible solutions, and it’s vital that everyone checks they are receiving their full entitlement to benefits by using our calculator at www.advice.scot.”

The Cove at the double!

It’s two in-a-row for Blackhall restaurant

Local Indian restaurant, The Cove, is celebrating after winning ‘Asian Restaurant of the Year, Edinburgh’ for the second year in a row at the Asian Restaurant Awards.

The ceremony, held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Tuesday 1 November, saw restaurants from all over the Capital and the rest of Scotland compete for the coveted trophies.

The eatery, located in Blackhall, opened three years ago and has proved popular with locals and tourists alike.

Masum Uddin, owner said: “I was surprised but delighted when The Cove won the award last year, but to win two years in a row is just amazing. Thank you to the panel for choosing us!

“To win this award is testament to the team we have at The Cove and our loyal customers who have supported us.

“We always strive to go that extra mile, both with our menu and our customer service and it’s lovely to see that hard work pay off.”

The awards are organised by the Asian Catering Federation, representing more than 30,000 restaurants.

Foysol Choudhury MSP: “It’s time to give Scotland’s restaurants the support they deserve”

Responding after the successful 6^th Annual Asian Restaurant Awards, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on the 1^st November, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The restaurant industry is facing a devastating crisis.

“Whilst it was amazing to congratulate all of our nation’s fantastic winners and taste some delicious food on Tuesday night, it also became evident that urgent action is needed to prevent Scotland’s restaurant industry from being buried underneath the rubble of the cost-of-living crisis.

“It was an honour to be asked to speak on Tuesday night and to present awards to some of Scotland’s most prestigious, delicious and well-loved restaurants.

“At a time when the sector is facing significant challenges with staff shortages, along with rising energy and food prices, it is important that we acknowledge excellence and celebrate the success of Asian Restaurants across Scotland.

“I would like to congratulate Mr Yawar Khan, the Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation, and his hard-working team for organising the 6th Asian Restaurant Awards in an amazing venue.

“However, as well as celebrating achievements, we also need to offer the restaurant industry concrete support and solutions to the problems they are facing.

“There is no doubt that restaurant and catering businesses in Scotland have suffered during COVID-19 and now the cost-of-living crisis.

“Even before this, problems with recruiting staff were also a prominent issue in the industry. On Tuesday night, some winners of awards weren’t able to attend as they couldn’t find cover.

“I know from speaking to many of the restaurateurs on Tuesday night that they desperately need the Government’s support and guidance-with VAT and business rates, with energy costs, with staffing.

“I will be writing to both the UK Government and the Scottish Government to see what collaborative approach can be taken so that Scotland’s restaurant industry can receive the supportive scaffolding that it is desperately asking for.

“I’ll also be asking for meetings with the appropriate Scottish Ministers and lodging a motion of congratulations, to support the amazing success and provision of our nation’s restaurant industry.

“It’s time to give Scotland’s restaurants the support that they deserve.”

Foysol Choudhury MSP: ‘Eyre Place Planning Application must be rejected’

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Following many residents contacting me with their concerns about the planning application for student housing in Eyre Place, I visited the planning application site.

“I met with local residents to discuss their concerns and when you stand in the garden of residents, it is only then that you get an idea of the scale and impact the development would have on all the residents.

“I agree with their objections. Their major concerns are the overall scale of the development, its overbearing presence blocking natural light for neighbours, and dense accommodation which would overburden local infrastructure and amenities.

“The massing and height would lead to an overdevelopment of the site, potentially negatively impacting residential amenities. The proposal, overall, is not compatible with the character of the area in terms of use or design.

“My constituents are also concerned that the top storey of the flats will be dedicated to ‘entertainment’ and karaoke booths and are understandably worried about noise levels.

“I want to make sure that my constituents all have a good standard of living and a comfortable home and therefore I want to see that proposed developments do not reduce sunlight or an open outlook and do not increase noise and disturbance.”

MSP reflects on Black History Month

Responding after the end of Black History Month, which ran from 1^st October 2022 to 31^st October 2022, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “October may have now come to a close but important action to raise awareness of the devastating effects of colonialism and slavery must continue.

“This Black History Month, I joined my constituents in attending events and participating in sessions which raised awareness of black history and the unfortunate legacy of slavery and colonialism within Scotland.

“When attending the session on Data-Led Recommendations to Progress Racial Equality in Scotland, I learnt that there are shocking statistics on the relationship between immigration status and minoritised communities in Scotland.

“Now is the time to have these difficult conversations and generate meaningful action which hopefully leads to equality and prosperity for all.

“I also got involved with promoting an important fundraiser by the Mandela Scottish Memorial, who are raising funds for a statue of Nelson Mandela in Scotland.

“The statute will be a focus for education and information and also as a reminder of Mandela’s lessons on anti-racism and social justice.

“It is important that after Black History month we continue to engage in self-education and recognition of Scotland’s ties to racism, colonialism and slavery.

“I welcome Robert Aldridge (above), the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, apologising on behalf of the city of Edinburgh for its past role in sustaining colonialism and slavery.

“This is an important step forward and similar work needs to continue to tackle the legacy of colonialism and slavery across Scotland.

“I welcome the creation of an independent Legacy Commission and will be monitoring this with great interest.”

Record number of Scotland’s A&E patients wait over eight hours

Responding to the latest figures showing the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh sees only 40.6% of A&E patients within 4 hours, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The figures for patients being seen at A&E within 4 hours in Edinburgh remain alarmingly low, even before the anticipated winter crisis hits.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Health has said that ‘recovery from Covid will not happen overnight’, but we are yet to see any evidence of recovery at all. The 4-hour figures for NHS Lothian last averaged above 90% in March 2021, while the figures for Edinburgh Royal last averaged above 90% in October 2020. The trend has been downwards since then.

“Hard-working NHS staff are doing their best for patients in very difficult circumstances, but they are being let down by long-running structural failures which remain unresolved by this SNP-Green government.

“The Scottish Government needs to take urgent action now to arrest two years of decline in our health service, or risk putting patient safety in jeopardy over winter.”

The Scottish Conservatives said: “This week, A&E waiting time figures showed 1506 patients waiting more than half a day in emergency departments.

“Hardworking NHS staff are being pushed beyond their limits and patients are suffering needlessly as a result of SNP inaction.”

Mr Yousaf said: “A&E departments are working under significant pressure and, in common with other healthcare systems across the UK and globally, the pandemic continues to impact performance.

“Recovery from Covid will not happen overnight, which is why we are continuing to work with boards on a number of measures to reduce pressure this winter.”

Comparison Table: NHS Boards and Scotland

Date ↓ NHS Board Attendance % within 4 hours
09-Oct-2022 NHS Ayrshire & Arran 1,818 67.2
09-Oct-2022 NHS Borders 577 60.5
09-Oct-2022 NHS Dumfries & Galloway 956 78.6
09-Oct-2022 NHS Fife 1,328 63
09-Oct-2022 NHS Forth Valley 1,145 39.7
09-Oct-2022 NHS Grampian 1,923 62.5
09-Oct-2022 NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 6,471 63.6
09-Oct-2022 NHS Highland 1,257 78.4
09-Oct-2022 NHS Lanarkshire 3,793 54.3
09-Oct-2022 NHS Lothian 4,488 61.7
09-Oct-2022 NHS Orkney 95 93.7
09-Oct-2022 NHS Shetland 187 92.5
09-Oct-2022 NHS Tayside 1,546 90.4
09-Oct-2022 NHS Western Isles 100 96
09-Oct-2022 NHSScotland 25,684 64.2

MSP praise for Tiphereth Camphill

LOTHIAN list MSP Foysul Choudhury visited Tiphereth Camphill last week.

The Labour MSP said: “I really enjoyed my visit to Tiphereth Camphill in Edinburgh, where I saw how they bring together diverse communities to work and grow together.

“They support those with learning difficulties to gain opportunities and skills, all within a beautiful and serene landscape that encourages members to find purpose and belonging.

“Tiphereth is a place where fun, work and care go hand-in-hand. I was encouraged to see a model of care that promotes creativity, flexibility, understanding, learning and adapting, which is of great benefit to the community members. Tiphereth Camphill gives members with learning difficulties the chance to engage in skilled work, such as woodwork, and has given many an opportunity to uncover their hidden talents and sense of purpose.

“I was interested to see how such a model, which promotes inclusive relationships and autonomy, could be replicated in the design of the new National Care Service. Tiphereth Camphill wants to ensure that a new National Care Service does not impose standard templates of care but instead gives those with learning difficulties opportunities such as skilled work.

“However, I learnt that there is a problem with a decline in volunteers. I also learnt of problems they are facing with energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis, which could be influencing volunteers to give up the role and find paid work, out of necessity.

“I intend to raise this with my colleagues and the Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, which I co-convene, to try to find a solution which could support this sector during this difficult time.

“I will also raise some of the issues faced by those with learning disabilities with the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.”