As we head into the Local Council elections in May, the Cockburn Association has set out its “asks” of current and prospective councillors.
In doing so, we also set out key areas for policy and management to carry Edinburgh forward post-Covid during the next administration between 2022-27.
Read and download our full manifesto by clicking here, then get in touch with the candidates in your ward and ask them if they will commit to the following:
The next five years will need to be about building a new, resilient future for the City. Maintaining the quality of our streets, buildings and neighbourhoods should be at the forefront of governance priorities.
Professor Cliff Hague OBE, Chairperson of the Council of the Association commented: “We need to move from an exploitive linear economy to one that cherishes and reuses its built and natural environment and places community well-being at the heart of decision-making.”
The Cockburn discussed some of the ideas in this latest Manifesto for the City in greater detail in our recent publications Our Unique City (2019) and the revised version, Our Unique City: our future after coronavirus (2020).
A total of 144,128 COVID Winter Hardship Payments have been made to families across Scotland.
The payments are available to families with children receiving Free School Meals on the basis of low income, with £14.41 million given to households as part of the Scottish Government’s Winter Plan for Social Protection.
A one-off payment of £100 was made by local authorities for each eligible child in receipt of Free School Meals between 30 November and the start of the winter holidays.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “We know that many families are struggling financially due to the pandemic, whether through lost earnings, increased food costs or simply needing to run their heating more. This additional payment will hopefully have helped ease the strain they are facing.
“We have now provided over £50 million in additional funding to local authorities to continue the provision of Free School Meals during school closures, periods of online learning and holidays from the summer, and we are committed to do so through the forthcoming Easter holidays.
“The provision of Free School Meals outside of term time and the £100 payment are just two of the ways we’re working to support people and communities. We have invested over £500 million to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic, which includes a £22 million increase to our Scottish Welfare Fund and considerable investment in support provided by community and third sector organisations.
“With our Scottish Child Payment also due to start next week, we are showing our commitment to tackling poverty and inequality through this pandemic and beyond.”
The £100 million Winter Plan for Social Protection was developed to mitigate social harms posed by the concurrent risks of COVID-19, winter cost of living increases and EU exit, as well as to promote equality and human rights.
Families are eligible for their children to receive Free School Meals, on the basis of low income, if they receive certain benefits or their local council considers they are facing financial hardship.
Funding for Free School Meals has been provided as follows:
April – June 2020: £15 million – remote learning
July – Sept 2020: £12.6 million – summer holidays
Oct 2020 – March 2021: £6.95 million – Oct, Christmas and Feb holidays
Jan 2021: £7.057 million – remote learning
Feb 2021: £5.841 million – remote learning
April 2021: £4.29 million – Easter holidays
This funding has enabled local authorities to ensure that every eligible child has continued to receive a free school meal alternative – direct payment, voucher or food parcel – throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concern over ‘major disparities’ between local authorities
Thousands of Scottish children and young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN), such as those with learning difficulties, learning disabilities, autism and care experience, may not be getting the support they are entitled to according to a coalition of leading independent and third sector children’s services providers.Continue reading Thousands of vulnerable children may be losing out
