Tag: new report

Home, sweet home? North Edinburgh’s housing emergency

LOCAL PARENTS LAUNCH DAMNING REPORT ON HOUSING CRISIS

North Edinburgh Parents Action Group has launched an exhibition and publication highlighting the horrific housing conditions local people are being forced to live in. 

The group also screened a new film about the lived experience of a local woman’s heart-breaking attempts to secure a decent home for her children.   

North Edinburgh Parents Group hope that the event held at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre yesterday will draw attention to the significant impact that  poor housing  is having on  local families’ physical and mental health and will send a clear message to politicians at all levels of government that urgent action is required to tackle North Edinburgh’s housing crisis. 

Guests were welcomed by Royston Wardieburn Community Centre chairperson Billy Fitzpatrick and the event was launched by Forth SNP councillor Stuart Dobbin, who has been taking a particular interest and holding surgeries on the issue:

“Living in a home safe from Damp and Mould should be a basic right that all Council and Private tenants should enjoy.

“This important event was made all the more powerful and moving by hearing the testimony of women who, with their families, have to live with Damp and Mould and the exhibition showing pictures from inside their homes.

“Dampness creates a risk to our physical health and our mental health.  It impacts on the future life chances of our children.  And if not addressed, it places additional burdens on our doctors and the wider NHS services.

“This is the issue that I am most passionate about addressing as a Councillor.  By my estimate about one quarter of all Council dampness cases in Edinburgh are in North Edinburgh. 

“I have been raising cases and campaigning within the Council for faster action to be taken to eradicate damp from tenants homes, and as a result, the Council has now set up a dedicated, skilled team to do just that. Early days and a lot to do.

“I want to hear from residents who have damp and mould, or are having difficulty getting the problems addressed. 

“I will be at Pilton Community Health Project tomorrow morning (Friday) from 09.15-11.00 if anyone needs to discuss this or any other matter that I can help with.  Or you can email me – cllr.stuart.dobbin@edinburgh.gov.uk”

Few who attended the event could fail to have been moved by the heart-rending stories of local woman struggling to be heard. The women, for many of whom English is not their first language, bravely shared their dreadful experiences to a packed room.

As one said after the event: “Speaking to a big crowd made me very nervous and I wasn’t sure that I would be able to do it.

“But we all did do it – we had to do it. We want people to hear how we are living.”

A spokesperson for the group said: “We understand that there are no simple solutions or easy fixes to Edinburgh’s  current housing emergency.

“However, Edinburgh is one of the richest cities in the country and it is time that all levels of government – Edinburgh Council, the Scottish Government and the UK government –  come together and prioritise spending on improving  housing conditions in this city. 

“We are serious about our demands and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to secure a decent place to live.  We hope that we do not have to resort to a class action which is the route that over 50 tenants from various local authorities have taken in order to secure a warm, safe home.   

“However, nothing is off the table. Enough is enough!”

Sara, who spoke at the event, said: “We welcomed the opportunity to tell our stories and have our voices heard. 

“We’re fed up of nobody listening to us and being blamed for causing the problem.  It’s not our fault. It’s well documented that people have been having problems with dampness and mould down here for decades and its time that  something was done about it for once and for all”. 

Susan, another member of the group, added: “We are really disappointed that the ‘high heid yins’ didn’t come to our event to hear our stories and see for themselves the conditions that people are  having to  put up with. 

“We will be making sure that they all get a copy of our report and we will be expecting to hear from them soon about how they are going to respond to our demands. They need to understand that  we’re not going away.” 

Dr Olivia Swann, Clinical Lecturer in Paediatric Infectious Disease at Edinburgh University, also spoke at the event. 

Thanking the women for their moving testimonies, Olivia’s presentation explained how homes are much more than just physical structures and made clear that “strong scientific evidence has shown that poor housing can affect someone’s physical and mental health throughout their life”. 

North-Edinburgh-Housing-Presentation-010524Download

Sara says this is an extremely worrying fact for those of us with young children who have been living in mouldy homes for most of their young lives.

Dawn Anderson, Director of Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP), who attended the event along with members of her Board, including former Leith MP/MSP and Holyrood Health Secretary Malcolm Chisholm, said: “We are very concerned about the problems the parents group has raised. 

“PCHP has been supporting people to get help for some time. One parent has been working with Media Education on a new film featuring the nine year battle of Anita, a local women, desperately trying to escape her damp house”.  

Dawn explained how it was fitting that the parents action group had called their exhibition ‘Home Sweet Home’: “It’s 40 years since PCHP was established in North Edinburgh and dampness and ill-health was one of the first issues the campaigners worked on.  Meetings with local parents led to a womens’ group forming. 

“They produced a slide show called “Home Sweet Home” and  presented it to health professionals in the area.  This resulted in The Scottish Executive backing a research project conducted by the University of Edinburgh  who established a direct link between dampness and ill-health all those years ago.

“There have been countless studies on this issue over the years  which have drawn the same conclusions. Sadly, we can see from Anita’s film and from the parents stories and photographs, little has changed and family’s in the area are still faced with health threatening living conditions.”

The Group is already planning a follow-up event to build on the momentum created by yesterday’s launch.

HOME

A poem by members of North Edinburgh Parents Action Group

The perfect home is

dry and warm

and doesn’t have mould or furniture on clothes.

It doesn’t

smell of dampness or chemicals or bleach

and there’s even

a drying area to dry your wet stuff.

It’s comfortable and safe and

doesn’t make you ill.

It isn’t overcrowded and

there’s plenty of room

for the kids to study and play

or just be alone.

In the perfect home

we’ve all got a bedroom

and there’s even a separate living room.

The perfect home doesn’t need lots of repairs

everything has been fixed and

is shiny and new.

But the best thing about it

and this we agree

our home is permanent

and is perfect for you and me.

The report:

Housing-Report-FINAL-AW-1-2Download

Scottish fox hunts trying to get around new law, report shows

Scottish hunts are attempting to ride roughshod over new anti-hunting laws, according to a new report released by national animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports.

It comes as the first season draws to a close since the Hunting With Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 was introduced.

Files have been passed to Police Scotland to investigate six incidents from the season, and at least one person has been charged with activities related to illegal hunting.

Robbie Marsland, director of League Scotland, said: “Scottish fox hunts appear to be trying to ride a coach and horses through the new law. 

“Whether they’re sneaking around with multiple dogs or saying they are drag hunting, it’s good news that Police Scotland are responding to the League’s evidence and that at least one person has been charged with illegal hunting. 

“This will be a clarion call to anyone who thinks they can get round this new law.”

The League’s investigators, who have decades of experience in monitoring and recording hunting, carried out field observations over six months, looking at patterns of behaviour of several hunts.

The Berwickshire, Jed Forest, Lauderdale, Duke of Buccleuch, and Dumfries and Stewartry mounted hunts were visited.

The charity, which this year will mark its centenary, lobbied Holyrood for tighter hunting laws in order to properly protect animals such as fox and hare that are chased and killed by packs of hounds.

It says one of the excuses three of the hunts are using – that they are following an artificial, non-animal-based scent – could be a smokescreen for illegal hunting. None are members of, or abide by the rules of, the Master of Blood Hounds and Drag Hunts Association.

Drag hunting has been an established pursuit for decades, typically takes place away from the natural habitats of hunted animals, and uses bloodhounds rather than fox hounds.

The League has evidence that at least one hunt is using fox hounds trained to follow animal scent rather than artificial scent, and is operating in areas where wild animals would be located.

Robbie said: “The next thing that needs to happen is that the Scottish Government should use its executive power to clamp down on bogus drag hunting and the League is seeking a meeting with the Minister to discuss just that.”

The full report and video footage are available at: https://www.league.org.uk/annual-hunting-report-scotland/

Benefit levels in the UK: MPs call for annual uprating guarantee

Committee calls for cost of living benchmark

The UK Government must outline the extent to which benefits should be supporting people with daily living costs and bring forward a plan so that benefit levels meet the new benchmark, a House of Commons committee said yesterday.

The Work and Pensions Committee’s report on benefit levels in the UK also calls on the Government to introduce a new ‘uprating guarantee,’ to uprate working-age benefits and the Local Housing Allowance rate each year, to end the uncertainty faced  by people claiming benefits.

The Committee also recommends that the Household Support Fund, which enables local authorities to help those in need, be made a permanent part of the social security system.

The recommendations follow a year-long inquiry launched after the Committee’s recommendation in its 2022 cost of living report to review the adequacy of benefits levels. The 2022 report highlighted evidence that a root cause of the financial challenges faced by households “lay in the fundamental inadequacy of social security support”, but the Government insisted that there was no objective way of deciding what benefits should be.

In response to that challenge, Thursday’s report says that the Government should develop a framework of principles and set a benchmark and objectives linked to living costs to measure the effectiveness of benefit levels.

If DWP finds that it is not meeting these objectives, it should set out how it intends to reach them, for example by increasing benefit levels when the financial situation allows.

The report also says that the Government should make an ‘uprating guarantee’ to increase benefits annually, based on, for example, prices. It would be required to set out its reasoning to Parliament if it decided to deviate from this guarantee.

On the Household Support Fund, the Committee welcomes the extension announced in Spring Budget 2024. The report says that it should become a permanent feature of the social security system to improve the ability of local authorities to plan their provision of discretionary support to households.

Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: “It is right that our benefit system incentivises work, but it should also provide an effective safety net for jobseekers, people on low incomes, carers and those with disabilities.  

“We have heard plenty of evidence that benefits are currently at a level that leaves many unable to afford daily essentials or meet the unavoidable extra costs associated with having a health impairment or disability.

“The Government has previously said that it is not possible to come up with an objective way of deciding what benefits should be.  Our recommendations are a response to that challenge, and the ball is now back in the Government’s court.

“On top of acknowledging and acting on a new benchmark and objectives linked to living costs, Ministers should commit to consistent uprating of benefits each year.  It is time to end the annual ‘will they or won’t they’ speculation and all the worry that brings to those who rely on the social security system for financial support.

“The Household Support Fund has provided a vital layer of additional support for households during the cost of living crisis.

“The Government should build on the extension announced in the Budget, and make it a permanent part of the social security system to allow councils to continue to reach those in their local areas who most need help.”

A full list of the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations is available on P74 of the report. The Report is also available in British Sign Language, audio and EasyRead formats.

“Older people need a voice”

Charity calls on Scottish Government to appoint Commissioner for later life

  • New report highlights just under three-quarters (72%) of those aged 65 and over in Scotland think the issues they face are badly understood by society
  • Almost 9 in 10 (89%) people aged 65 or over in Scotland support appointing a Commissioner
  • Despite wider scrutiny of the number of Commissioners in Scotland, the growing over 65s population shows that an Older People’s Commissioner is desperately needed.

The Scottish Government must appoint an Older People’s Commissioner (OPC) or risk people in later life in Scotland being ‘left behind’ according to a new report from national charity Independent Age.

The charity that supports people experiencing poverty in older age is calling on the Scottish Government to bring the nation in line with Wales and Northern Ireland, where older people have been represented by a commissioner since 2008 and 2011 respectively.

In the new report ‘We need a champion: Why Scotland should have an Older People’s Commissioner’ launched on 13 March, Independent Age outlines how the role could help older people across the nation and especially those on a low income. One in seven people – 150,000 individuals – in later life in Scotland are now in poverty, a figure that has risen in the past decade by a quarter.

The report was compiled through interviews with older people and organisations that work with them alongside Scottish nationally representative polling. The call for an OPC has also been backed by over 30 organisations across Scotland.

Recent polling commissioned by the charity shows that almost three in four (72%) of those aged 65 and over in Scotland think the issues they face are badly understood by society1. OPCs already exist in Wales and Northern Ireland and have taken the lead on campaigning about cross cutting issues that affect older people from all walks of life, from bus passes and care during COVID to the uptake of social security entitlements.

An OPC would be an independent voice for older people in Scotland, bridging the gap between the issues and needs of older people and the institutions that impact their lives, including the Scottish Government, local councils, the NHS, civil servants and businesses. They would ensure older people’s voices are heard, by advocating on their behalf and working alongside community groups to listen to the experience of those in later life.

The population of Scotland is ageing. Currently over one million people, or one in five, are over 65 and by 2040, this will rise to one in four people across the nation. The charity says that an OPC will help society prepare for this change, giving people in later life an independent voice and work across Government departments to ensure a joined-up approach to policy making. Polling from Independent Age shows that almost 9 in 10 (89%) people aged 65 or over in Scotland support appointing a Commissioner2 and polling from Age Scotland found that 7 in 10 (71%) of respondents of all age groups were in favour.

As well as ensuring everyone’s voices are heard as we age, the new report looked into three key problems affecting people in later life living in financial insecurity, and how a Commissioner could help resolve them.

An OPC could help lift more older people out of poverty

Polling commissioned by Independent Age found that one third (33%) of over 65s living on an annual household income of less than £15,000 can only just afford their essentials and often struggle to make ends meet3. Almost half (43%) of older people living on an annual household income of less than £15,000 are worried about not being able to afford food and drink when considering their financial situation over the next 6 months4.

Independent Age says that without a long-term Government strategy to combat pensioner poverty, it will continue to rise.

Research from the charity found that if Pension Credit, the top-up for older people on a low income, was received by everyone who is eligible in Scotland, an estimated 38,000 older people would immediately be lifted out of poverty.

Commissioners in Wales and Northern Ireland have led the way in driving Pension Credit uptake, campaigning to improve take-up by raising awareness and connecting older people with social security advisors. An OPC for Scotland could ensure advice and information about finances effectively reaches older people or bring together government departments to focus on increasing uptake of financial entitlements.

An OPC could help prevent fuel poverty for older people

Polling commissioned by Independent Age found that over half (59%) of older people living in Scotland on less than £15,000 a year reduced heating usage in their home over the last winter to help manage the cost of living5 and the latest Scottish Government statistics show that a staggering 36% of older households live in fuel poverty. 

The charity says that rising costs across the board, including energy and food are squeezing people from every angle, there is often no room in older people’s fixed budgets to absorb these extra costs.

An OPC could advise the Scottish Government on how older people in financial insecurity can be helped to make their homes energy efficient, ensuring the Scottish Government also reaches its Net Zero targets. An OPC could also work with energy companies to ensure they are identifying and targeting financial support at older people on a low income who may not be aware they qualify for help.

An OPC could help with inadequate housing

Older people often have specific needs for their homes, such as a shower or a ground-floor flat. However, older people are often excluded from the planning and development of homes, and it can be difficult to find an appropriate home, especially on a low income, and this is sometimes keeping those in later life in unsafe, unsuitable or unaffordable homes.

The charity has heard from older people who are terrified of complaining to their landlord about necessary repairs and others who say their homes are freezing, damp and mouldy. One interviewee said that “I know if I complain to my landlord, it will get me nowhere but homeless”.

An OPC could ensure policy makers are informed about the housing requirements of older people now and in the future, making sure they build the right homes for an ageing population. They could also help support the elimination of discrimination against older people in housing issues.

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Older people in Scotland have spoken: they need a champion. For too long, people in later life have felt like their issues don’t matter. The time for an Older People’s Commissioner is now.

“Problems for people in later life who are in poverty, such as being priced out of basic needs, including food and fuel, and living in insecure or inappropriate housing are going to get worse, not better, without someone who can listen to the needs of those affected and campaign for change.

“As well as being a voice for all older people, a Commissioner could ensure those who are seldom heard, like those in financial hardship, are considered when making policy decisions.

“We need an independent Older People’s Commissioner who can work with Government, engage with community groups and give older people a voice. Scotland’s population is ageing. And pensioner poverty is rising. Our society needs to change so we can all look forward to living well in later life. An Older People’s Commissioner can help.”

jndependent-age-reportDownload

Council ‘On the Right Track’?

EDINBURGH’S WALKING, WHEELING AND CYCLING TRENDS REVEALED

The biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in urban areas in the UK and Ireland

Half of Edinburgh residents want to see more spent on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the city, according to a new report.

The biannual Walking and Cycling Index, delivered in partnership between Sustrans and the City of Edinburgh Council, draws on independent survey feedback from a cross-section of more than 1,200 residents in the Capital, surveyed in 2023.

Today Sustrans joined the City of Edinburgh Council to officially launch the Index with a panel discussion on access to walking, wheeling cycling in the city.

Amongst the findings, the report shows that 50% would like to see more spent on cycling while 57% want investment in walking and wheeling and 68% support an increase in spend on public transport. Almost half of residents want to walk and wheel (45%) and cycle (49%) more too, along with a quarter who want to use public transport more, and improved infrastructure is key to this.

Regular walking and wheeling remains as high as 2021, with two-thirds of people travelling by foot or wheel five days a week. The annual number of cycling trips has increased to 30.7 million from 24.4 million in 2021, although the number of residents cycling at least once a week dropped slightly from 26% to 22%.

The majority of residents think their local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach – with more and easier to access shops and everyday services (say 79%) and parks and greenspaces close to home (according to 78%) amongst the incentives to walking and wheeling more. 

Sixty-nine per cent agree they can already get to many places they need to visit without having to drive.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As ever, the Walking and Cycling Index makes an extremely interesting read, and it’s thanks to the many people from all parts of the city who took part in the survey last year.

“Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city, as demonstrated by the many people who already regularly walk, wheel and cycle here. However, what’s clear from the Index is that there’s still much to be done to encourage even more people make the shift to travel on foot, wheel, bike or, in some cases, public transport.

“Thankfully, we’re on the right track, with an ambitious programme of development underway which will transform the way people travel around the city, and the results of the Walking and Cycling Index reassure us that we have the backing of Edinburgh’s residents to invest in these kinds of changes.

“The majority of residents think local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach, and we will consult on this approach via our proposals to make Dalry greener, healthier and more vibrant.

“From our recent ban on pavement parking to the completion of the City Centre West to East Link, as well as longer term plans like the tram line between Granton and the BioQuarter and City Centre Transformation, we’re working to make Edinburgh a truly people-friendly city.”

Karen McGregor, Director, Sustrans Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the people of Edinburgh who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index. The results show that making walking, wheeling and cycling the most accessible and desirable form of transport is of great importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis.

“There is clear evidence that people in Scotland’s capital want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to more often. The recent ban on pavement parking in the city is a huge step forward, but the Index also shows that people living in Edinburgh want safe, accessible cycle paths and pedestrian crossings; and they want more investment in public transport.

“The latest Index results show that The City of Edinburgh Council has the backing of the public to build on the work it has already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”

Other findings in the Index include inequalities and varied perceptions of walking, wheeling and cycling amongst different groups. Twenty-eight per cent of men cycle at least once a week compared to 16% of women, while the proportion of white residents who walk or wheel at least five days a week (67%) is higher than people from ethnic minority groups (55%).

Participants in the survey shared their views on the kinds of improvements that would encourage them to walk, wheel and cycle more. Some of the changes that would encourage people to travel by foot or wheel are fewer cars parked on pavements (67%), nicer places on streets to stop and rest (71%) and wider pavements (68%).

Seventy-three per cent said more traffic free cycle paths away from roads and 65% highlighted segregated cycle paths on roads as improvements that would help them to cycle more, while 58% support building more cycle paths physically separated from traffic and pedestrians, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.

The report also emphasises the benefits already being delivered by people walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital. By taking up to 160,000 cars off the road every day, each year they help prevent 1,314 serious long-term health conditions, create £262.6 million in economic benefits and save 42,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Read the full Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index 2023 report.

New report shows patients value NHS diagnostic services but face barriers to access

UK patients want better access to early and accurate diagnosis of health problems, according to new survey data from the Patients Association.

Many patients would consider paying to get tests done privately if they faced a long wait for NHS tests.

  • Nine in ten (90%) of UK patients say it should be more straightforward to get the diagnostic tests they need
  • Three in five (60%) said they would be willing to pay to get a test done if they faced a long wait, or the test they needed was not available
  • More than three in five (61%) believed being able to test at home could help speed up diagnosis
  • Patients want to know how to get the tests they need, why they are having them, and when they can expect results.

The survey, undertaken in partnership with Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, represents the views of more than 1,000 patients from across the UK, who had received diagnostic support from the NHS in the preceding six months.

Nine out of ten (90%) of the people who completed the survey said it should be easier to obtain access to the diagnostic tests they need. They also wanted:

  • Better understanding of why they were being sent for a test
  • Increased speed and urgency
  • Improved access
  • A greater sense of empowerment when it comes to diagnostic tests, results, and subsequent treatment and care.

Access challenges

The findings demonstrated several challenges experienced by patients in gaining access to diagnostic tests.

  • One-third of respondents (33%) said when they tried to get a test, they found there were no appointments available locally. This reflects national data on the large numbers of patients unable to access diagnostic tests and services, even before consideration is given to any waiting lists for any treatment they may need.
  • Almost four in five (78%) patients felt testing facilities should be provided closer to patients’ homes to make access easier
  • Seven in ten (70%) wanted a clearer understanding of how to access tests. Some respondents highlighted that services are sometimes not available as advertised.

Speed and urgency of access to testing was another significant problem identified by survey. Only one in ten (11%) of respondent said they have never had any issues getting either a test or their results, or faced no consequences if they did.

For those living with long-term conditions, delays and difficulties in accessing diagnosis have had significant consequences. Nearly one in five (17%) respondents said their long-term recovery was set back significantly.

Many more reported consequences for their mental and physical health, and their wider work and family life.

Respondents were also unhappy about a lack of access to, and clear explanation of, test results. Almost nine in ten (88%) patients wanted a realistic timeline for their test results to come through and a similar number (87%) called for a better explanation of what those results meant for them and their treatment.

Patient-created solutions

The survey discovered patients are finding ways around the challenges they faced. For example, when asked whether they would be willing to pay to get a test done privately if they faced a long wait or if the test they needed was not available on the NHS, three in five (60%) of respondents said they would. This included patients who did not consider themselves to be ‘rich’.

The finding that so many patients would consider paying for tests shows the importance they place on getting a timely and accurate diagnosis, even if they had to pay.

Sustainable solutions

The survey’s results show many patients have a clear view on how diagnostic services in the UK could be improved.

Being able to test at home was seen as one way to make services more accessible. Nearly two thirds (61%) of respondents believed expanding opportunities to test at home could help speed up diagnosis.

When asked about specific examples, the numbers were even higher, perhaps building on our collective experience of testing at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than three quarters (77%) said they would be happy to test themselves at home.

Investing in diagnostics and new technology was supported by most respondents. For example, more than half (57%) the respondents felt the use of new technology such as artificial intelligence could speed up diagnosis and reduce pressures on the NHS – an important factor since nearly one-third (29%) said they delayed seeking tests to avoid wasting NHS time and resources.

Looking to the future

Almost nine in ten (86%) felt testing and diagnosing conditions more quickly would help reduce the NHS backlog. While patients want to feel more empowered in taking charge of their own health, they are also keen that solutions are sought to support NHS efficiency and sustainability in the longer-term.

Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patient Association, says: “Patients value diagnostic services – that’s very clear from the survey. Frustrations about access to tests came over loud and clear.

“Those taking the survey clearly value being partners in their care. And to partner with the professionals sending them for tests, patients need and want clear communication on how to get tests, why they need a test, and when they’ll get results. Healthcare professionals can improve patient-centred care when ordering diagnostic tests by explaining how, why and when.”

Geoff Twist, Managing Director, Roche Diagnostics, UK & Ireland says: “Tests that detect or diagnose disease early, or in some cases prevent it altogether, can play a vital role in the patient journey, and in helping the health system work efficiently.

“This report shows that patients themselves see and understand the importance of diagnostic tests, and that they will proactively seek them out to find the answers they need about their health.

“The message is clear. But to realise this we need a renewed policy focus, setting out how we can speed up getting existing diagnostic tests and innovations to the people who need them. Prioritising diagnostic services can help to relieve some of the pressure on our NHS today and protect it for generations to come.”

Download Patient Experience of Diagnostics Report

Why is the gap in employment between disabled and non-disabled people in Scotland so large?

by FRASER of ALLANDER INSTITUTE’s Allison Cataleno and Chirsty McFadyen

Back in September, we published some initial findings on the disability employment gap in Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).  

This blog looked at the ways in which the gap in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people has changed since 2014, finding that Scotland has lower rates of employment for disabled people compared to the rest of the UK. The gap has been closing more quickly, however. 

This initial research led us to a question: why has the gap been closing more quickly? And furthermore, what changes have happened for different groups of people with disabilities? 

Our full report, published today, models the reasons behind this change, and explores more detailed statistics on employment differences by type of disability.

Our work is based on a previous report by the DWP which looked at changes in the disability employment gap across the UK. 

Some of our key findings include: 

  • The employment rate for disabled people in Scotland has increased by 9 percentage points since 2014. Non-disabled employment rates also increased by 3 percentage points during this time period. This increase in the employment rate has been larger in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK, although the employment rate remains lower. 
  • The employment rate has largely increased due to an increase in disability prevalence (70% of the total change), meaning that this change is primarily due to working people becoming disabled. A small portion of the change (10%) was due to a change in working patterns among disabled people. 
  • On average, Scotland’s disabled working age population grew by about 4.6% each year between 2014 and 2022, while Scotland’s total working age population grew by less than 0.1% 
  • Over half of the change in disability prevalence is due to an increase in reporting mental health-related disabilities and learning difficulties. In 2014, over a third of disabled people in Scotland reported musculoskeletal conditions as their main issue, and around a quarter reported a mental health condition or learning difficulty. These proportions have now switched. 
  • Employment rates for all types of disability have increased since 2014. Musculoskeletal conditions – those affecting arms, legs, feet, neck, and back – had significant increases in employment rates, without significant increases in disability prevalence. By comparison, rates of reported mental illness grew substantially in both employment rates and in total prevalence, although the change in employment outpaced the change in population size. 
  • Disabled people are disproportionately less likely to work in manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical activities; or construction, and are more likely to work in education, retail, and health and social work. 

Read the full report here. 

Bereaved parents call for action to end preventable sepsis deaths

New report shows 15% of child deaths are related to infection

  • 15% of child deaths are related to infection according to a new report from the National Child Mortality Database
  • Sepsis is the immune system’s overreaction to an infection, and claims 48,000 lives in the UK each year
  • Clinical signs of sepsis were reported in over 700 child deaths between April 2019 and March 2022
  • Parents who have lost their children to sepsis are calling for action to improve patient outcomes
  • Following a report from the National Child Mortality Database released today, parents who lost their children to sepsis have spoken out about what needs to happen to prevent future child deaths.

Fifteen per cent of child deaths in England over the last three years are related to infection, according to a new report published on 14 December by the University of Bristol’s National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) team.

The report uses the NCMD’s unique data on all child deaths in England to examine 1,507 infection-related deaths between April 2019 and March 2022, with the clinical signs of sepsis reported in 701 child deaths.

UK Sepsis Trust Founder & Joint CEO Dr Ron Daniels, who contributed as a report author, said: “It’s staggering to learn that almost one in every six deaths in children is caused by infection.

“Whilst not every death will ever be preventable, this report clearly highlights that modifiable factors may have saved many of these children’s lives. It’s clear that there is an urgent need to empower parents and carers, to ensure that health professionals listen more closely to families, and to work closely with people from vulnerable communities to design messaging that is relevant and accessible to them.

“Martha’s Rule when implemented will be a hugely important step, but it is one small part of the system wide solution we need to stop avoidable deaths from infection in children.”

UK Sepsis Trust Ambassador Melissa Mead, whose son William died of sepsis on 14th December 2014, and who reviewed the report from the perspective of a bereaved parent said: “For this report to be published on the anniversary of William’s death felt quite poignant.

“It’s a really sad day, if I’m honest, and this is makes for really sobering reading. I’m really disheartened. It feels like William’s life didn’t matter and that the same thing is happening time and time again, and I just feel like no one is listening to us – certainly me as a parent – and it scares me.”

Helen and Daniel Philliskirk lost their 16-month-year-old son James to sepsis in May 2022.

They took him to Sheffield Children’s Hospital on multiple occasions but were dismissed by doctors and told he had chicken pox – but a postmortem examination found that he had developed sepsis after a Strep A infection, with no evidence of chicken pox present.

His parents have given their support to calls for Martha’s Rule, after their own inquest experience found that neglect by the hospital contributed to James’ death.

“Just trust your gut; you know your child best,” said Helen. “I think people would always rather see children and verify that they are healthy or verify that things are OK rather than people be at home worried and things get missed and ultimately lead to very unwell children or sadly, children dying.”

The NCMD report also found that children under one were at greater risk of infection related death than other age groups, but also that risk varied by ethnic and socio-economic background.

Children from an Asian/Asian British or black/black British ethnic background were at higher risk, with children from a Pakistani ethnic background at the highest risk of all.

During their son’s illness, Mohammed Elsiddig and Duaa Siyed Ahmed were repeatedly dismissed by healthcare professionals despite their respective medical qualifications, and their son Yousef died of sepsis on 5th February 2023, just after his first birthday.

They have shared Yousef’s story with the UK Sepsis Trust to help raise awareness of sepsis, while also hoping to reduce the

Duaa said: “Although it’s extremely difficult for us every day, nothing can bring Yousef back but at least we can do something to prevent this from happening to other families.”

Mohamed said: “Our message to the healthcare professionals is please listen to parents because they know their kids better, and please show them respect and empathy.

“Whenever you are dealing with a child with fever please think and ask yourself ‘Could this be sepsis?’ and if you are not so sure please do not feel ashamed to seek senior advice, whether at night or during the day.

“Always follow the national guidelines because it’s very sensitive to detect sepsis. Finally, please pay attention and do not fall into unconscious bias and stereotyping.”

Read the report: ncmd.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Infection-related-deaths-of-children-and-young-people-in-England.pdf 

Primary Schools: Attainment at a record high, says Curriculum for Excellence report

Latest statistics show widespread improvement

The proportions of pupils in primary achieving expected levels of literacy and numeracy have reached record highs for children from both the most and least deprived areas, according to official statistics.

Overall, the Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) 2022/23 show:

  • for numeracy, a total of 79.6% of pupils reached the levels expected in 2022/23, a rise of 0.5 percentage points compared to the previous high (79.1% in 2018/19).
  • for literacy a rise to 72.7%, up on the previous high of 72.3% in 2018/19

The gap between the proportion of primary pupils from the most and least deprived areas achieving expected levels in literacy has also decreased to the lowest on record in 2022/23.

The figures also show improvements at secondary level compared to 2021/22, with increases in attainment across the board and the gap between those from most and least deprived areas has reduced.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “These figures show record levels of attainment across primary school level and significant improvements in secondary. I congratulate our pupils and teachers for their hard work over the last year.

“These findings are the most up to date statistics on attainment and are comprehensive across all publicly funded schools in Scotland, demonstrating a clear rise in standards above pre-pandemic levels among primary school pupils. Along with this year’s SQA results, they point to widespread rises in attainment.

“I recognise that there is no room for complacency and our programme of reform across the education and skills system will help identify where further improvements can be made and will look to drive enhanced attainment to ensure all young people meet their full potential.”

COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson Cllr Tony Buchanan said: “Today’s Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels publication shows increasing attainment and the attainment gap narrowing reflecting the work and dedication of schools, councils, and partners to improving children’s outcomes. Mainly, it demonstrates the efforts of children and young people themselves and this should be celebrated.

“The improvements are made despite the backdrop of severe and increasing pressure on local budgets and recruitment challenges in specific subjects and areas of the country. Earlier this year we set out clearly to the Scottish Government that additional core funding is crucial to enabling further improvement in the attainment, health and wellbeing of children and young people, as opposed to financial penalties relating to school staffing numbers.

This was particularly important in the context of falling school rolls, changes to Scottish Attainment Challenge funding and the ending of additional resource for councils to support Ukrainian refugees. We are clear that Local Government needs flexibility to provide the right support within and outwith schools, drawing on the expertise of a range of professionals.

“Councils have continued to demonstrate their ambition to further improve outcomes for children and young people across Scotland. In line with the Verity House Agreement, we will seek to engage constructively with the Scottish Government to work collectively towards this shared aim, including on further education reform in line with recent reports on the curriculum, qualifications and new national education bodies.”

achievement-curriculum-excellence-cfe-levels-2022-23Download

Most LGBTQ+ youth feel out of place in rural Scotland

MORE THAN six in 10 (61%) of rurally based LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland feel that their local area is not a welcoming place, according to a new report.

The damning figure has emerged as the largest ever piece of research involving LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland has found rural environments are the least supportive for community members.  

A survey of nearly 1300 LGBTQ+ youth from local authorities nationwide, found that homophobia and transphobia was more prevalent in rural settings than urban.

The stark findings come as part of the latest instalment of the 15-year-long Life in Scotland study created by prominent charity LGBT Youth Scotland.

Dr Mhairi Crawford, LGBT Youth Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “LGBTQ+ young people deserve to flourish and thrive no matter where they live, and this report highlights that there is more to be done across Scotland, especially in rural environments.

“The findings from this report underline the unique challenges isolation presents LGBTQ+ young people living in rural areas.

“This is further intensified by the absence of dedicated support services, which simply isn’t good enough.

“If we want to champion LGBTQ+ equality in every part of Scotland, we must amplify the voices of the young people in rural Scotland who know these communities best.

“Their lived experiences must shape every policy decision, steer each new initiative, and lead the charge for progress.”

The report has called on the Scottish Government as well as local authorities for greater investment in LGBTQ+ awareness and education programmes, as well as long term youth work to help improve inclusivity.

Minister for Equalities, Migration & Refugees, Emma Roddick said: “LGBT Youth Scotland’s Life in Scotland report is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people, understand the challenges that they face, and measure the impact of our work to build a fairer Scotland.

“It is clear that many LGBTQI+ young people in rural areas face unique challenges, simply because of where they live. This is unacceptable.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work with stakeholders, including funding LGBT Youth Scotland to continue their research, to improve the experiences of LGBTQI+ young people no matter where they live.”

The study highlights a profound sense of isolation due to limited resources, sparse social support, and transportation difficulties.

Alarmingly, only 37 per cent of LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas felt that there were safe spaces available for socialising and expressing their identities, in contrast to 48 per cent in non-rural regions.

Additionally, the report acknowledges that despite significant strides in LGBTQ+ education across Scotland, many young people in rural areas have yet to benefit from inclusive education initiatives.

Moreover, people experiencing LGBTQ+ hate crimes have expressed a lack of confidence in the police’s ability to handle such incidents, prompting calls for Police Scotland to enhance support for LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas and improve the reporting process for hate crimes.

Speaking on the actions required to provide greater support, Dr Crawford said: “It’s crucial for the Scottish Government, local authorities, and funders to invest sustainably in youth services for LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas.

“While digital tools are vital, physical gatherings are needed to combat isolation and build community and improved wellbeing.

“Inclusive services, workplaces, and education, supported by programs like the LGBT Charter, are essential for LGBTQ+ young people to feel safe and welcomed in their communities.

“Every LGBTQ+ young person should have the chance to flourish, irrespective of their geographical location.

“If Scotland is to become a place where personal young people can thrive, it is imperative that decision-makers and service providers really listen to the insights of LGBTQ+ young people in rural areas and engage in collaborative efforts with local communities to craft effective solutions.”

LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13-25. LGBTQ+ young people face unique and additional barriers to realising their potential and LGBT Youth Scotland works alongside young people to remove those barriers; working with young people individually and amplifying their collective voices to influence change.

The charity was recently awarded the Participation and Youth Voice award at the National Youth Work Awards for its work with the Trans Rights Youth Commission, and a judge’s commendation at the Proud Scotland Awards for the Charity Initiative award.

For more information on LGBT Youth Scotland visit: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/