GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE IN EDINBURGH SELF-ISOLATING UPDATED FROM MONDAY
MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government’s self-isolation payment will not be impacted, following an update that anyone required to self-isolate will need to do so for 10 days, rather than 14 days.
The £500 grant – which will not be reduced as a result of the updated clinical guidance – is for those who will face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate and will be targeted at people who are in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefits.
The four chief medical officers of the UK announced on Friday that close contacts of a positive case and those returning from countries without a travel corridor will be able to self-isolate for 10 days instead of the current 14 days from Monday.
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Self-isolation, both for contacts identified by Test and Protect and through the foreign travel quarantine requirements, is critical to protecting people and reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“While self-isolation may now be for a shorter period, it remains vital that everyone who is required to do so remains at their home or other named address for this time. Only by doing this can we break the chain of transmission of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
“To ensure people do not experience financial hardship as a result of doing the right thing, the SNP Government has ensured that the £500 grant for people on low incomes who have been asked to self-isolate will not change.
“I’d urge everyone in Edinburgh who is facing a loss of income due to self-isolating to apply for this payment.”
More than £8 billion worth of package holidays are estimated to have been cancelled since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, with just over £1 billion still estimated to be outstanding in refunds, according to new research from Which?.
Millions of people have had a package holiday cancelled by their provider since the UK went into lockdown in March, with refunds for one in five (21%) holidays where a cash refund was requested still outstanding at the beginning of October.
Which? surveyed more than 7,500 people who have had a package holiday cancelled as a result of the pandemic to understand how the situation around refunds has developed since the UK first entered lockdown.
An estimated total of just over £1 billion is being illegally withheld in partial or full refunds from customers who requested their money back, with the survey suggesting the average cancelled holiday cost £1,784.
Under the Package Travel Regulations 2018, if a package holiday is cancelled by the provider, the customer is legally entitled to a full refund within 14 days. A package holiday is a booking comprising at least two types of travel or travel-related services made through the same source, most commonly flights and accommodation.
Around 9.4 million people are estimated to have had a package holiday cancelled by their operator since the pandemic hit the UK. The backlog of refunds for cancellations caused by the coronavirus pandemic meant that the majority of operators struggled to refund within the legal time limit, with customer service lines overwhelmed by travellers trying to contact them to ask about their refunds.
Some package providers reported delays in receiving refunds back from airlines, many of which – despite making commitments to the aviation regulator – continue to break the law on refunds. This has meant package holiday operators have often only been able to process partial refunds for customers.
But while some companies have managed to get on top of the backlog caused by these delays, several other major providers have continued to leave passengers out of pocket, with Which? still receiving huge numbers of complaints from customers waiting for refunds.
The average amount of time spent contacting package holiday companies about cancelled trips was around 15.5 hours. For more than four in 10 (43%) of the cancelled holidays reported to Which?, customers said they waited longer than a month to get their money back.
During the summer, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into package travel companies’ handling of cancellations and refunds. Following pressure from Which? and the CMA, Tui agreed to refund all customers by the 30th of September. The regulator also recently confirmed that Virgin Holidays has also committed to processing refunds for all holidays cancelled up to the end of October by 20 November.
Nearly four in ten (37%) people who have had a package holiday cancelled by their provider since the beginning of the outbreak said the experience has had a negative impact on their confidence in the travel industry.
Which? is calling on the government to outline how it will support the travel industry through the rest of the pandemic, and is urging it to introduce a travel guarantee fund to support package holiday providers that are struggling to fulfil their legal obligations to refund customers. It should also conduct a review of passenger protections following the coronavirus outbreak.
While the CMA has already secured commitments to process refunds from some companies, it is clear that some firms are not improving their practices of their own volition. The competition regulator must continue to closely monitor operators and secure further undertakings from those that flout the law, to prevent trust in travel being damaged any further.
Which?’s advice to anyone looking to book a future holiday is to book with a provider that can be trusted to refund their money promptly if they can’t travel, and to consider booking a package over a flight-only booking, to ensure they have greater legal protections if they cannot travel because of coronavirus.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said:“Since Which? first highlighted the issue of holiday companies delaying or denying refunds for holidays cancelled due to coronavirus, some operators have continued to flout the law and the sums of money being illegally withheld from holidaymakers are staggering.
“It’s simply unacceptable that some of the UK’s largest operators are still getting away with breaking the law, but without meaningful intervention from the government and the regulators in this space, many people will struggle to get their money back.
“The CMA must take firm action against any operators that are continuing to drag their feet on refunding holidaymakers, and the government must urgently set out how it will support travel companies in fulfilling their legal obligations to passengers.”
2021 holidays – the tour operators and travel agents Which? recommends:
HOLIDAYMAKERS IN EDINBURGH OWED NEARLY £8 MILLION IN WITHELD REFUNDS
LOCAL MSP SAYS REGULATOR MUST DO MORE TO SUPPORT CUSTOMERS
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands has demanded action after the latest estimations from Which? suggested people in Edinburgh could be owed £7,858,609 in withheld refunds for cancelled trips.
Customers across the UK are waiting on more than £1 billion in refunds according to the results of the survey of more than 7,500 people who had a package holiday cancelled as a result of the pandemic.
Expressed a proportion of population, the findings of the survey suggest that holidaymakers in Edinburgh could be owed nearly £8 million.
Holiday companies are required to refund money within 14 days but the huge number of cancellations has left many of firms overwhelmed. 21% of those surveyed who requested a refund in March were still waiting at the beginning of October.
The research also found that the average cost of a cancelled holiday was £1,784.
During the summer, the Competition and Markets Authority launched an investigation into package travel companies’ handling of cancellations and refunds.
Commenting on the figures, local SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “For many people, this saga has rumbled on for far too long – it’s time for the UK government and the market regulator to get a hold of this situation.
“Times are tough financially for many local families, and while I appreciate holiday companies were inundated with refund requests earlier in the year, we are now in November.
“We aren’t talking about spare change here – the average cost of a cancelled holiday was £1,784 according to this survey.
“While we all recognise the travel industry’s acute financial difficulties, there can be no excuse for them hoarding the hard-earned cash of their hard-pressed customers.
“As a matter of urgency, the UK government needs to set out how travel companies will be supported financially to fulfil their legal obligations to passengers – and take firm action against those who continue to drag their feet.
“I would urge anyone in Edinburgh Pentlands who is still waiting on a refund from March to get in touch with my office – I will offer any support I can to make sure you get your money back.”
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has urged constituents who face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate to apply for a £500 self-isolation grant offered by the SNP Government.
The new Self-Isolation Support Grant will help people across Edinburgh who would lose income if they needed to self-isolate, such as those unable to work from home.
This grant is for those who will face financial hardship due to being asked to self-isolate and will be targeted at people who are in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefits, with some discretion to make awards to others in financial hardship.
Applications for the Self-Isolation Support Grant opened on 12th October and will be delivered through the existing Scottish Welfare Fund, which is administered by local authorities.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “I know that self-isolation can be tough, but it is essential to protect people and reduce the spread of coronavirus.
“To ensure people do not experience financial hardship as a result of doing the right thing, the SNP Government has introduced this new £500 grant for people on low incomes who have been asked to self-isolate.
“It’s essential that we do everything we can to support people throughout this challenging time.
“These payments will help ensure people across Edinburgh do not have to make a choice between self-isolating and supporting themselves financially.
“Applications for this new benefit are now open, and I’d urge anyone in Edinburgh who is facing a loss of income due to self-isolating to apply for it.”
Details of The Scottish Government Fund can be found here:
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged smartphone users across Scotland to download NHS Scotland’s new contact tracing app to help suppress the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Protect Scotland app is now available to download for free via Apple and Google stores.
Supported by a dedicated Protect Scotland website, the app is an extra tool complementing existing person-to-person contact tracing which remains the main component of NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect system.
Individuals privacy will be protected as the app uses Bluetooth technology to anonymously alert users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and advises them to self-isolate. Users of the app who test positive will still get a call from a contact tracer to confirm their details and who they have been in close contact with.
The app does not store details on an individual or their location but uses encrypted, anonymised codes exchanged between smartphones to determine all close contacts. Close contacts are defined as people who have been within two metres of someone who has tested positive for 15 minutes.
Built by software developers NearForm for NHS Scotland, the app uses the same technology as the Republic of Ireland and Northern Irish proximity tracing apps.
Sign up is entirely voluntary but strongly recommended for those with compatible smartphones.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The launch of the app is a welcome development which will offer an additional level of protection – supporting NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect system as it works to drive down the spread of COVID-19 across the country.
“I would encourage everyone to download the free app if they have a compatible smartphone, and help slow the spread of COVID-19. This will support the work of NHS Scotland and has the potential to help avoid local lockdowns.
“The more people who download and use the app, the more effective it can be in helping to make connections that may otherwise have been missed. This will allow people to self-isolate quickly if they are exposed to the virus, reducing the risk of them infecting others.
“We all have a part to play in suppressing the virus, and downloading the app – alongside other vital measures such as following hygiene and physical distancing guidance – will help protect you, your family and your community.
“We also know that not everyone uses a smartphone or will be able to or want to access the app, which is why this software is very much there to complement existing contact tracing methods.”
Cian Ó Maidín, CEO, NearForm said: “We’re delighted to partner with NHS Scotland on the Protect Scotland app which puts power in citizens’ pockets to join the fight against COVID-19.
“This open source technology was built with privacy and data protection at its core and, through anonymous keys, allows Scottish citizens to engage, protect each other and break transmission chains.
“The Scottish Government has taken a great approach, using open source software, that has been peer reviewed and rolled out successfully in Ireland and Northern Ireland.”
Since launching last night, the app has already been downloaded more than 600,000 times.
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “The Scottish Government has now launched the ‘Protect Scotland’ proximity tracing app, to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus and complement the person-to-person approach of Test and Protect.
“The app – which takes less than a minute to download – will allow us to alert people at risk far more quickly, so that we can all take steps to reduce the risk of infecting others.
“Scotland’s official contact tracing app will help us all to protect ourselves, our family, our friends and our community by enabling faster contact tracing.
“The more people who have the app, the more it can help to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
“That’s why I’m urging people in Edinburgh to download the app, and let’s all protect Scotland.”
For more information on the Protect Scotland app visit www.protect.scot
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed a new £60million Youth Guarantee announced in the Programme for Government, which guarantees everyone in Edinburgh aged 16-24, a job, a place in education or a place in training.
The new partnership between the Scottish Government and Scotland’s employers is backed by £60 million of government investment, which will be broken down as follows:
£30 million through local authorities to help local partnerships to deliver employability support for young people
£10 million to create additional opportunities in colleges
£10 million additional funding for Developing the Young Workforce, the Scottish Government’s internationally recognised Youth Employment Strategy
£10 million to support pathways to apprenticeships
This autumn, the Scottish Government will also launch the National Transition Training Fund, which is backed by initial funding of £25 million and will help up to 10,000 people of all ages retrain for jobs in growth sectors.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald,said: “Governments have rightly taken unprecedented steps to protect workers and businesses through this pandemic, but it’s vital that young people are not left behind.
“This SNP government is absolutely determined that youth unemployment will not become the legacy of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The new £60 million Youth Guarantee, announced in the First Minister’s Programme for Government, will guarantee every young person inEdinburgh aged 16-24 a job, a place in training, or a place in education.
“This is backed by additional funding for employers to recruit and retain apprentices, and the new Job Start Payment to help with the costs associated with starting a new job.
“I urge all employers who are able, to work with the Scottish Government to create more opportunities that recognise the valuable contribution our young people have to make in growing our economy.
“These steps to support for those most adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic are most welcome, and the SNP will continue to work to ensure every young person in our capital is given the opportunity to succeed”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has recorded a video message thanking the tens of thousands of volunteers who have helped Scotland’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The clip – filmed as part of this year’s Volunteers Week – celebrates those who continued to carry out voluntary work in the initial stages of the pandemic and more than 60,000 people who signed up to the Scotland Cares campaign.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1268467530915631108
Just one of the many thousands of volunteers is grandfather Neil Aitkenhead, 62, a delivery driver with Start Up Stirling, which helps people who need basic essentials.
Neil said: “My experience has been so enriching. People from all backgrounds volunteer; some who have been having a hard time in their personal life, others who have been laid off and many people like me who are retired and just love the companionship.
“The best part about being a delivery driver is that you’re encountering the people who really need your help and the people receiving the food deliveries are always delighted to see you. It is really eye opening to see the variety of people who rely on foodbanks. There are people from all parts of society who need our help.
“I think the volume of people volunteering in Scotland is just what you’d expect from Scots. It’s no surprise that in times of crisis people really do come together.
“I would encourage anyone to start volunteering. It’s really satisfying and great for your mental health.”
Adding her thanks, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Over the last few months, volunteers have been organising shopping, delivering food packages, dropping off medicines and helping support lonely neighbours with phone calls.
“On top of the thousands already giving their time and skill before the pandemic began, an extra 63,000 signed up through our Scotland Cares project.
“Like Neil, these volunteers are making a massive contribution. As we begin to ease some of the restrictions in place because of the virus, our volunteers will be at the heart of helping to build our communities back up again.”
Neil’s Story:
Neil Aitkenhead, 62, lives in Thornhill, Stirlingshire, and started volunteering on 20 March with Start Up Stirling, which helps people experiencing hardship.
Neil said: “I’m now living on my own since my wife, who has advanced Alzheimer’s, has moved into full-time care and is in hospital.
“After I was no longer her sole carer I felt like I had got my life back in some shape or form and I wanted to give back to the community. My neighbour actually let me know that Start Up Stirling urgently needed more drivers.
“I volunteer at two sessions a week. I first started out as a driver but, when lockdown began, a few of us started shadowing the team leader, in case anything happened to him during the pandemic. On Tuesdays I shadow the team leader and on Thursdays I head to the depot, roll up my sleeves and do anything that needs doing.
“From making up delivery packs for the vans, pulling fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries together and receiving incoming deliveries from supermarkets and donors. I’ll be driving again soon but volunteers generally just help wherever they can at Start Up Stirling.
“My experience at Start Up Stirling has been so enriching. There are people from all backgrounds who volunteer; some people who have been having a hard time in their personal life, others who have been laid off from their businesses and many people like me who are retired and just love the companionship.
“I think everyone has had a time in their lives when they’ve been down on their luck and they’ve needed to reach out to people for help. I’ve had plenty of support from many organisations with my wife so I really want to give back to the community.
“The best part about being a delivery driver is that you’re encountering the people who really need your help. You’re essentially the public face of Start Up Stirling and the people receiving the food deliveries are always delighted to see you. It is really eye opening to see the variety of people who rely on foodbanks. There are people from all parts of society who need our help.
“I think the volume of people volunteering in Scotland is just what you’d expect from Scots. It’s no surprise that in times of crisis people really do come together. I’ve been overwhelmed with how nice the people at Start Up Stirling are.
“I would encourage anyone to start volunteering – I think you really get a glow from having helped someone with no expectation of a reward. It’s really satisfying and great for your mental health.”
There are volunteering opportunities available across the capital. Volunteer Edinburgh is currently running a ‘Think Local, Act Local‘ initiative. Scores of local organisations could use your help – get in touch!
Edinburgh MSP Gordon Macdonald has paid tribute to volunteers who have helped the NHS and local communities during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution and work of millions of volunteers who give up their time to help others.
During this pandemic, volunteers have signed up to help in record numbers through the Scotland Cares initiative – over 53,000 in one month – joining the thousands of people who were already helping, either with one of Scotland’s many voluntary and community sector groups or informally with neighbours.
MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “Volunteers’ Week gives us a chance to celebrate the contributions of volunteers who have made such a huge difference to their local areas.
“Many people in Edinburgh have taken on Covid-19 related volunteering roles to help communities deal with the many consequences of the coronavirus, and it’s more important than ever to show our appreciation for their hard work.
“I want to say a massive thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped the NHS and their local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, and continue to do so.
“Volunteers will be critical in our efforts to support and rebuild our communities, and I am sure I speak for everyone in Edinburgh when I say we are all appreciative and grateful to those who are ensuring people across the country get the help and support they need.”
MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has encouraged people in the capital to be aware of scams and fake news following an increase in reports across Scotland about scam emails, text messages, and doorstep callers.
Across the UK there is evidence fraudsters are increasingly targeting members of the public, as well as organisations of all sizes, with emails, texts, telephone calls, social media messages and online shopping scams relating to the outbreak.
Police Scotland have now launched a new Shut Out Scammers resource to protect the public and businesses from COVID-19 related scams. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also launched an email reporting service, which the public can use to report any suspicious activity.
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “While the community response to the coronavirus outbreak across Edinburgh has been overwhelmingly positive, it’s disappointing to see a few individuals taking advantage of the situation with unsolicited emails, phone calls and text messages.
“During this coronavirus crisis, everyone should take extra care to ensure that they only share information from trusted sources, ask for identification from all doorstep callers, and never hand over any personal information.
“It’s vital that people in our capital remain vigilant against scams during this challenging time and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.”
Across the UK we are seeing evidence that fraudsters are increasingly targeting the public and organisations with emails, texts, telephone calls and WhatsApp messages offering advice and treatment for the coronavirus.
They are setting up fake websites selling products and offering ‘cures’ or testing kits. Scammers have also been setting up bogus websites asking for donations for victims or promoting awareness and prevention tips. Cold callers have been contacting organisations suggesting they must have specific measures in place by a certain deadline.
To help members of the public protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud:
Be vigilant and on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly
but don’t rely on them. Identity cards can be faked – phone the company to verify their identity
Never let people try to persuade you to let them into your home even if they are asking for or offering help – they may not be genuine. If someone is persistent, ask them to call at another time and arrange for a friend or family member to be with you
Don’t feel embarrassed – genuine callers expect you to be careful
Never provide any personal data such as your full name, address and date of birth – scammers can use this information to steal your identity
Don’t keep large amounts of money in your home
If in doubt, don’t answer the door.
Never feel pressured into making a decision on the spot. Any legitimate trader/helper will be happy to return at a later date
Never be afraid to say ‘No thank you’ and close the door
Be sceptical if you receive an email, text or WhatsApp message about the Coronavirus, and never click on any attachments or links
Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into donating money, and never make donations by cash or gift card, or send money through transfer agents such as Western Union or Moneygram
Remember, it’s your home. There’s no reason why anyone should ever enter your home against your wishes.
Who can help me?
To report a crime call 101 or in an emergency 999.
If you have concerns about a purchase that you have made, contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. – www.advice.scot
Further information on dealing with scams and fraud is available from our partner sites, who can offer further information, support and advice:
For free message alerts from key information providers regarding incidents and crime prevention in your area, go to Neighbourhood Watch Scotland
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald raised has concerns in The Scottish Parliament, over the threat that Brexit poses to the future of the Edinburgh Festivals.
The Edinburgh Pentlands MSP asked The Scottish Government “what impact the Tory government’s plans to impose further restrictions on EU workers coming to Scotland will have on our internationally acclaimed festivals.”
Festival organisers have previously described the visa process for performers who want to appear at Edinburgh arts festivals as “humiliating” and “Kafka-esque”.
In response to Gordon MacDonald, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Fiona Hyslop, highlighted that the additional restrictions on people to coming to this country will affect both artists and visitors. She said that the “attitude of the UK government and its attitude towards Europe will affect how people see this country”.
Gordon MacDonald has repeatedly highlighted the “devastating” impact that the UK government’s hostile environment has had on the ability to attract international guests to Edinburgh’s festivals.
In a Members’ Debate that he led last year, he argued that since the Tory government introduced hard-line visa controls, visa applications for performers have been hit by refusals, errors and delays, with some acclaimed international writers, actors and musicians forced to cancel trips to festivals across the capital.
The SNP MSP has now written to the UK government to raise these additional concerns for the future of the capital’s festivals.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “The Edinburgh Festivals are world class and have enormous cultural and economic benefits, not only for our capital, but for Scotland.
“The success of the Festivals rely on the seamless flow of artists and people from across the world – something that the Tory government seem intent on preventing.
“For years now, artists have been deterred from coming here because of the UK government’s humiliating application process and their current obsession with a hard Brexit looks like it is going to make this situation worse.
“The UK government need to open their eyes to the damage they are causing to our festivals.”
Gordon MacDonald MSP’s letter to Rt Hon Baroness Nicky Morgan:
Dear Nicky,
Edinburgh Festivals – Restrictions on EU workers
As you will be aware, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival and the city is well recognised for its world-leading festival scene.
Over the last few years it has become apparent that the Festivals have experienced significant challenges due to UK government hard-line visa controls. This is an issue that has been raised by myself, Deidre Brock MP and the industry on several occasions.
However, on this occasion, I am writing to express further concern for the Festivals following the announcement by the UK government of plans to impose further restrictions on EU workers coming to the UK.
The success of the Festivals rely on the seamless flow of artists and people from across the world, and the current immigration system has already had a negative impact on the Festival’s ability to attract international artists. I’m sure you can appreciate the concerns about even further restrictions for workers entering the UK.
Can you confirm that you be attending the Scottish Government’s summit on festival visas in February 2020? Can you commit to meet industry representatives to discuss the UK government’s new plans for EU workers and how this will affect the Edinburgh festivals?
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has called on Labour MSPs to get behind the full devolution of rail services to Scotland, after a former Labour transport minister urged that the Scottish Parliament be given full responsibility over Network Rail.
Tom Harris, a senior adviser to the Rail Review, said that all lines, signals, stations and infrastructure under the control of Network Rail should be transferred to a new body, answerable to the Scottish Government.
Network Rail is currently responsible for railway infrastructure and is accountable to Westminster, not Holyrood.
In November, Labour MSPs were criticised for voting against the full devolution of rail, despite almost 60% of delays on Scotland’s railways over the last year being attributable to Tory government’s shambolic operation of Network Rail.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, said: “The SNP in government has consistently called for the full devolution of rail services, but successive Labour and Conservative governments have repeatedly denied Scotland a full say over how its railways are run – talking a good game while doing absolutely nothing to deliver the powers we need.
“The Rail Review gives us an opportunity for meaningful change. Full devolution of services currently under the control of Network Rail would help to improve performance on the railways and allow for a coherent, joined-up approach to transport.
“It’s time for Labour to get on board with the common sense approach – handing over full control of the rail infrastructure to Scotland to help ensure our railways deliver for all passengers in Edinburgh.”
