NFU Scotland’s latest discussions with the European Commission on sheep tagging and movement recording rules, due to come into force at the end of the year, has seen officials rule out any further significant concessions.
Regulation 21/2004 will make it obligatory for all Scottish sheep keepers to electronically tag sheep born after this date and keep a record of each animal’s individual identity every time they move. The Union believes this will bring little benefit but has the potential to add a significant level of cost and bureaucracy for all sheep farmers.
NFU Scotland President, Jim McLaren, was in Brussels today (Thursday, 10 September) attending a European workshop entitled ‘Simplification of Requirements for Identification and Registration of Animals.’ Although deeply disappointed that, in private, Commission officials ruled out further changes to the rules, Mr McLaren repeated his long-standing request for a meeting with Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, the Commissioner in charge of the proposals, and for that meeting to take place at her earliest convenience.
NFU Scotland’s Vice-President Nigel Miller, along with other Scottish stakeholders, also met with Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead in Edinburgh today to discuss the regulation and its implementation in Scotland.
Speaking from Brussels, Mr McLaren said:
“Here we are in Brussels discussing simplification of arrangements for the identification and registration of animals when we are a few short months away from Europe bringing into force regulations within the sheep sector that will have exactly the opposite effect. There are times when the European machine needs to take a step back and give greater consideration to the impact of its actions rather than viewing increased regulation as the only answer.
“The response from Commission officials on the prospect of securing further changes to Regulation 21/2004 was disappointing but unsurprising. I took the opportunity to repeat my request for a meeting with Commissioner Vassiliou, following up written requests and requests lodged on our behalf by friendly MEPs. Compared with the constructive relationship that NFU Scotland has built up with the Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel, it is frustrating that we cannot get a foot in the Health Commissioner’s door.
“I would relish the opportunity to meet because I firmly believe that I can make a case for common sense and flexibility that would improve the regulation for the benefit of every sheep farmer in Europe. Concessions already agreed, including the ability to use critical control points such as markets and abattoirs to report movements electronically, will help strip out some of the costs. Without further concessions, the costly regulation runs the risk of losing large chunks of EU sheep production and that cannot surely be the aim of the Commissioner or her officials.”
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
REID CALLS ON NHS HIGHLAND NOT TO GO AHEAD WITH CHARGES FOR MORTUARIES
Alan Reid, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll & Bute, has written to NHS Highland Chief Executive, Dr Roger Gibbins, urging him not to go ahead with charging for Mortuary facilities at hospitals in Oban and Mull.
Mr Reid said,
“I have just learnt that NHS Highland intends to start charging for mortuary services to undertakers using the Lorn & Islands Hospital, at Oban and the Dunaros Hospital, on Mull. This will add a minimum of £18 to the cost of a funeral and could cost families as much as £60 for services rendered over the weekends. The charges will be made to undertakers and it is inevitable that they will be passed on to the bereaved families. This is scandalous and puts additional strain on the family at a time when they least need it.
“I fear that the introduction of this charge in Oban and Mull is the thin end of the wedge to introducing these charges throughout Argyll & Bute.
“I have written to NHS Highland urging them nor to proceed with these charges to undertakers, which will affect bereaved families”.
Mr Reid said,
“I have just learnt that NHS Highland intends to start charging for mortuary services to undertakers using the Lorn & Islands Hospital, at Oban and the Dunaros Hospital, on Mull. This will add a minimum of £18 to the cost of a funeral and could cost families as much as £60 for services rendered over the weekends. The charges will be made to undertakers and it is inevitable that they will be passed on to the bereaved families. This is scandalous and puts additional strain on the family at a time when they least need it.
“I fear that the introduction of this charge in Oban and Mull is the thin end of the wedge to introducing these charges throughout Argyll & Bute.
“I have written to NHS Highland urging them nor to proceed with these charges to undertakers, which will affect bereaved families”.
NFUS says SCOTTISH LIVESTOCK TRANSPORT UNDER EU THREAT AGAIN
Scotland’s traditional livestock production is once again under threat from impractical and costly transport proposals being driven by Europe.
NFU Scotland has received a leaked copy of animal transport proposals passing through departments within the European Commission and due to be released in the coming days. The proposals include cuts to allowed journey lengths, specific restrictions on the transport of animals to abattoirs, lower stocking densities for livestock on vehicles and greater restrictions on the onward movement of animals passing through markets.
A driver behind the proposals is poor enforcement of the current regulations across Europe and NFU Scotland has slammed the attempt by the EU to address this through tighter regulations, hitting countries like Scotland, rather than policing existing arrangements across Europe.
This is the second time in as many years that European Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou has attempted to drive through unnecessary transport changes and follows on from a consultation launched in July 2008. This latest development is equally alarming and unwelcome given that the current transport rules, agreed in 2005, only came into force in 2007.
NFU Scotland has set up a meeting with industry stakeholders on Friday (11 September) to discuss the proposals and how to combat them.
NFU Scotland Vice-President Nigel Miller said:
“There is absolutely no doubt that these latest Commission proposals to amend Animal Transport Regulation 1/2005 have the potential to seriously undermine Scotland’s livestock industry at a time when we are looking to stabilise and grow our cattle, sheep and pig sectors.
“The draft proposal, which advocates more stringent regulations, is a knee-jerk reaction to the fact that the current Regulation is not being properly enforced in mainland Europe. Here in Scotland, we have a record on animal welfare that we can be justifiably proud of.
“The current regulations have introduced transporter authorisations, vehicle authorisations and driver competence tests to those hauling livestock, and these will take welfare standards in Scotland to a new level. It is absolutely essential that the industry unites in opposing further regulation in this area and instead encourages Europe to put its own house in order by enforcing the existing rules.
“This issue sits with the Health department at the Commission and is not within the remit of the Commission’s agricultural department. If Commissioner Vassiliou gets her way, then many journeys within the UK would be impossible, in particular, the traditional movement of cattle and sheep from the Scottish Highlands and Islands and the necessary transportation of pigs to England. In short, these proposals wouldn’t let us operate within our own member state.
“Reducing journey length would have a huge impact on those producing cattle and sheep in our more remote areas. At the same time, cutting the numbers of stock allowed to be carried on a vehicle will drive up costs with the possibility of delivering poorer welfare conditions for those animals being transported. Even if journey length cuts are restricted to those animals going to abattoirs, then the Scottish industry’s reliance on slaughtering facilities elsewhere in the UK for cattle, sheep and pigs will be severely challenged.
“Haulage availability is already under severe pressure from driver legislation, fuel costs and new vehicle standards. Any notion of further restricting transport times, reducing stocking densities or increasing the specification needed on vehicles will only compound the current problems of livestock production in our more remote parts.
“We are alive to the dangers posed by this consultation and will sit down with industry colleagues this week to discuss the issue. We will also provide a briefing to politicians and our members in the next few days.”
NFU Scotland has received a leaked copy of animal transport proposals passing through departments within the European Commission and due to be released in the coming days. The proposals include cuts to allowed journey lengths, specific restrictions on the transport of animals to abattoirs, lower stocking densities for livestock on vehicles and greater restrictions on the onward movement of animals passing through markets.
A driver behind the proposals is poor enforcement of the current regulations across Europe and NFU Scotland has slammed the attempt by the EU to address this through tighter regulations, hitting countries like Scotland, rather than policing existing arrangements across Europe.
This is the second time in as many years that European Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou has attempted to drive through unnecessary transport changes and follows on from a consultation launched in July 2008. This latest development is equally alarming and unwelcome given that the current transport rules, agreed in 2005, only came into force in 2007.
NFU Scotland has set up a meeting with industry stakeholders on Friday (11 September) to discuss the proposals and how to combat them.
NFU Scotland Vice-President Nigel Miller said:
“There is absolutely no doubt that these latest Commission proposals to amend Animal Transport Regulation 1/2005 have the potential to seriously undermine Scotland’s livestock industry at a time when we are looking to stabilise and grow our cattle, sheep and pig sectors.
“The draft proposal, which advocates more stringent regulations, is a knee-jerk reaction to the fact that the current Regulation is not being properly enforced in mainland Europe. Here in Scotland, we have a record on animal welfare that we can be justifiably proud of.
“The current regulations have introduced transporter authorisations, vehicle authorisations and driver competence tests to those hauling livestock, and these will take welfare standards in Scotland to a new level. It is absolutely essential that the industry unites in opposing further regulation in this area and instead encourages Europe to put its own house in order by enforcing the existing rules.
“This issue sits with the Health department at the Commission and is not within the remit of the Commission’s agricultural department. If Commissioner Vassiliou gets her way, then many journeys within the UK would be impossible, in particular, the traditional movement of cattle and sheep from the Scottish Highlands and Islands and the necessary transportation of pigs to England. In short, these proposals wouldn’t let us operate within our own member state.
“Reducing journey length would have a huge impact on those producing cattle and sheep in our more remote areas. At the same time, cutting the numbers of stock allowed to be carried on a vehicle will drive up costs with the possibility of delivering poorer welfare conditions for those animals being transported. Even if journey length cuts are restricted to those animals going to abattoirs, then the Scottish industry’s reliance on slaughtering facilities elsewhere in the UK for cattle, sheep and pigs will be severely challenged.
“Haulage availability is already under severe pressure from driver legislation, fuel costs and new vehicle standards. Any notion of further restricting transport times, reducing stocking densities or increasing the specification needed on vehicles will only compound the current problems of livestock production in our more remote parts.
“We are alive to the dangers posed by this consultation and will sit down with industry colleagues this week to discuss the issue. We will also provide a briefing to politicians and our members in the next few days.”
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Yachting Facilities for Oban
The Project Manager for the ambitious plan to transform Oban’s yachting facilities has now been appointed.
Consultants AECOM have been taken on to take the Oban Bay/Harbour proposal on to the next stage.
AECOM will examine the feasibility of installinga pontoon facility within Oban Bay to provide berthing in the heart of Oban Town Centre, as part of Argyll and Bute Council’s far-reaching £30million CHORD programme.
CHORD aims to assist regeneration and economic development in five of the area’s waterfront towns – Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon.
In Oban, the aim is that the new pontoons will provide berthing for 60 vessels and will form a transit marina for short stay only. This would maximise the benefit to business in the town by capturing a greater share of the growing marine leisure market.
AECOM’s tasks in developing the project to Full Business Case stage will include:
· ensuring the proposal for a marina within Oban Bay / Harbour is technically, operationally and commercially feasible and sustainable.
· identifying and evaluating the arrangements for delivering the proposal.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Chair of the Oban CHORD Project Board, said: “I am delighted to see this project moving forward, and look forward to working with AECOM in the coming months.
“These plans represent a significant investment in the future of Oban, and in enhancing the environment for both residents and visitors alike. It is very exciting to have a Project Manager of AECOM’s calibre at the helm to take us through these next vital stages.”
The Full Business Case is due to complete by December 2009 and will then be submitted to the CHORD Programme Management Board and the Council’s Executive for approval to move to project implementation.
Consultants AECOM have been taken on to take the Oban Bay/Harbour proposal on to the next stage.
AECOM will examine the feasibility of installinga pontoon facility within Oban Bay to provide berthing in the heart of Oban Town Centre, as part of Argyll and Bute Council’s far-reaching £30million CHORD programme.
CHORD aims to assist regeneration and economic development in five of the area’s waterfront towns – Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon.
In Oban, the aim is that the new pontoons will provide berthing for 60 vessels and will form a transit marina for short stay only. This would maximise the benefit to business in the town by capturing a greater share of the growing marine leisure market.
AECOM’s tasks in developing the project to Full Business Case stage will include:
· ensuring the proposal for a marina within Oban Bay / Harbour is technically, operationally and commercially feasible and sustainable.
· identifying and evaluating the arrangements for delivering the proposal.
Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Chair of the Oban CHORD Project Board, said: “I am delighted to see this project moving forward, and look forward to working with AECOM in the coming months.
“These plans represent a significant investment in the future of Oban, and in enhancing the environment for both residents and visitors alike. It is very exciting to have a Project Manager of AECOM’s calibre at the helm to take us through these next vital stages.”
The Full Business Case is due to complete by December 2009 and will then be submitted to the CHORD Programme Management Board and the Council’s Executive for approval to move to project implementation.
Mather Welcomes Recruitment of Local Energy Advisors
Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll & Bute has warmly welcomed the announcement from Scottish Gas, who since April 2009 have been responsible for managing Stage Four of the Scottish Government's Energy Assistance Package, that they are seeking to locally recruit self -employed Domestic Energy Advisors to carry out initial surveys for their new scheme. It is the aim of this scheme to reduce fuel poverty, maximise income and increase energy efficiency
Jim Mather said:
"I am pleased to see Scottish Gas seeking to use local labour to help them deliver this service in an effective and efficient way. The use of local labour carries benefits for the supplier and for the customer, not least being the fact that clients prefer a familiar face or name -someone whom they will have confidence in when they sign up to participate. A degree of local knowledge and an appreciation of the practical difficulties in delivering services in rural areas is also useful. Accredited Domestic Energy Advisors will require the necessary City & Guilds qualification to assess energy ratings of all types of domestic properties.
Scottish Gas Surveying Manager Nicola Mahmood is to host a recruitment open day on Thursday 17th September 2009, at the Caledonian Hotel Oban and those interested are encouraged to contact Scottish gas for further information."
Stage Four of the Energy Assistance Package offers support to homeowners and tenants of private sector landlords who live in an energy inefficient home - that is a home which has an energy rating of band F or below.
The qualifying eligibility criteria are as follows:
* The householder or their partner is aged 60 or over and does not have a central heating system in their home
* The householder or their partner is aged 75 or over
* The householder or their partner is aged 60 or over and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit
* The householder or their partner have a child under 5 and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit
* The householder or their partner have a disabled child under 16 and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit
* The householder or their partner is pregnant and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit
The qualifying benefits for Stage Four are as follows:
* Attendance Allowance
* Child Tax Credit - where relevant income is £17,474 or less
* Council tax benefit
* Housing benefit
* Income support
* Income-based jobseekers allowance
* Disability living allowance
* Disablement pension which includes a constant attendance allowance
* State Pension Credit - with Guaranteed element
* War disablement pension which includes a mobility supplement or a constant attendance allowance
* Working Tax Credit - where income is less than £17,474
* Employment and Support Allowance
Below are examples of what measures are available to eligible applicants:
* Installation of a new central heating system;
* Draught Proofing;
* Internal or external wall insulation;
* Cavity wall insulation;
* Loft insulation;
* Insulation of tanks and pipes
Jim Mather said:
"I am pleased to see Scottish Gas seeking to use local labour to help them deliver this service in an effective and efficient way. The use of local labour carries benefits for the supplier and for the customer, not least being the fact that clients prefer a familiar face or name -someone whom they will have confidence in when they sign up to participate. A degree of local knowledge and an appreciation of the practical difficulties in delivering services in rural areas is also useful. Accredited Domestic Energy Advisors will require the necessary City & Guilds qualification to assess energy ratings of all types of domestic properties.
Scottish Gas Surveying Manager Nicola Mahmood is to host a recruitment open day on Thursday 17th September 2009, at the Caledonian Hotel Oban and those interested are encouraged to contact Scottish gas for further information."
Stage Four of the Energy Assistance Package offers support to homeowners and tenants of private sector landlords who live in an energy inefficient home - that is a home which has an energy rating of band F or below.
The qualifying eligibility criteria are as follows:
* The householder or their partner is aged 60 or over and does not have a central heating system in their home
* The householder or their partner is aged 75 or over
* The householder or their partner is aged 60 or over and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit
* The householder or their partner have a child under 5 and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit
* The householder or their partner have a disabled child under 16 and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit
* The householder or their partner is pregnant and is in receipt of a qualifying benefit
The qualifying benefits for Stage Four are as follows:
* Attendance Allowance
* Child Tax Credit - where relevant income is £17,474 or less
* Council tax benefit
* Housing benefit
* Income support
* Income-based jobseekers allowance
* Disability living allowance
* Disablement pension which includes a constant attendance allowance
* State Pension Credit - with Guaranteed element
* War disablement pension which includes a mobility supplement or a constant attendance allowance
* Working Tax Credit - where income is less than £17,474
* Employment and Support Allowance
Below are examples of what measures are available to eligible applicants:
* Installation of a new central heating system;
* Draught Proofing;
* Internal or external wall insulation;
* Cavity wall insulation;
* Loft insulation;
* Insulation of tanks and pipes
TB FREE STATUS BOOST FOR SCOTTISH CATTLE SECTOR
Europe’s decision to recognise Officially Tuberculosis Free (OTF) status for Scotland’s cattle herd has been welcomed by NFU Scotland and marks a new era for animal health and welfare in the country.
The decision by the Scottish Government to seek OTF approval was based on the fact that the number of confirmed bovine TB cases in Scotland has now been at a consistently low level over a sustained number of years, that it meets the criteria required for OTF status. It was also taken in light of the growing threat posed by the year-on-year spread of the disease in parts of England and Wales.
Endorsement today (Tuesday, 8 September) by Europe’s Standing Committee for Food Chain and Animal Health starts a process that is likely to take several months and will involve the introduction of new measures, such as additional TB testing for cattle sourced from England and Wales. Such testing is designed to protect and enhance Scotland’s record on bovine TB.
Work can now begin in earnest to look at the implications for the traditional trade in suckled calves and store cattle between Scotland and other parts of the UK and how any concerns over this can be minimised. Scottish farmers brought in 14,000 cattle from England and Wales in 2008 – down from 21,000 head in 2006. There are no testing implications for prime cattle entering Scotland and going straight to abattoirs.
NFU Scotland’s Vice-President Nigel Miller, a Borders livestock farmer and vet said:
"Applying for and receiving OTF status sends out a clear message to the rest of the UK and beyond about the efforts that have been taken in Scotland to improve the health record of our livestock. For Scotland to receive official recognition that our cattle herd is free of bovine TB is a fantastic achievement, particularly when set against the soaring disease incidence in some parts of England and Wales. The real work starts now in looking at how measured can be introduced in a practical and pragmatic way.
“There will be worries over any new TB testing requirements being placed on suckled calves and store cattle entering Scotland from low risk areas of England and Wales. This will create concerns for those Scottish producers who traditionally source store stock from low-risk areas in the UK and for those markets involved in facilitating that trade. The Scottish Government’s own figures show that sourcing stock from low risk parts remains an important, although declining aspect of our industry. Prime stock from England and Wales going direct to Scottish abattoirs would be unaffected.
“The OTF application process means that those farmers attending current sales of calves south of the Border will be unaffected by any new testing requirements although it remains good practice to check the TB status of any stock being introduced to your herd. As for the future, we now have a period of time to sit down with Scottish Government and other stakeholder to look at trade implications of any additional TB testing requirements and how any concerns brought about by our newly ratified OTF status can be addressed.
“Although additional testing may be required, the cost of such testing will always pale against the financial implications of a TB breakdown.”
The decision by the Scottish Government to seek OTF approval was based on the fact that the number of confirmed bovine TB cases in Scotland has now been at a consistently low level over a sustained number of years, that it meets the criteria required for OTF status. It was also taken in light of the growing threat posed by the year-on-year spread of the disease in parts of England and Wales.
Endorsement today (Tuesday, 8 September) by Europe’s Standing Committee for Food Chain and Animal Health starts a process that is likely to take several months and will involve the introduction of new measures, such as additional TB testing for cattle sourced from England and Wales. Such testing is designed to protect and enhance Scotland’s record on bovine TB.
Work can now begin in earnest to look at the implications for the traditional trade in suckled calves and store cattle between Scotland and other parts of the UK and how any concerns over this can be minimised. Scottish farmers brought in 14,000 cattle from England and Wales in 2008 – down from 21,000 head in 2006. There are no testing implications for prime cattle entering Scotland and going straight to abattoirs.
NFU Scotland’s Vice-President Nigel Miller, a Borders livestock farmer and vet said:
"Applying for and receiving OTF status sends out a clear message to the rest of the UK and beyond about the efforts that have been taken in Scotland to improve the health record of our livestock. For Scotland to receive official recognition that our cattle herd is free of bovine TB is a fantastic achievement, particularly when set against the soaring disease incidence in some parts of England and Wales. The real work starts now in looking at how measured can be introduced in a practical and pragmatic way.
“There will be worries over any new TB testing requirements being placed on suckled calves and store cattle entering Scotland from low risk areas of England and Wales. This will create concerns for those Scottish producers who traditionally source store stock from low-risk areas in the UK and for those markets involved in facilitating that trade. The Scottish Government’s own figures show that sourcing stock from low risk parts remains an important, although declining aspect of our industry. Prime stock from England and Wales going direct to Scottish abattoirs would be unaffected.
“The OTF application process means that those farmers attending current sales of calves south of the Border will be unaffected by any new testing requirements although it remains good practice to check the TB status of any stock being introduced to your herd. As for the future, we now have a period of time to sit down with Scottish Government and other stakeholder to look at trade implications of any additional TB testing requirements and how any concerns brought about by our newly ratified OTF status can be addressed.
“Although additional testing may be required, the cost of such testing will always pale against the financial implications of a TB breakdown.”
Girlguiding Quiz:
1. When did Girl Guiding start?
2. What were Brownies originally called?
3. What was the first name of the World Chief Guide?
4. What is the Guide centre in Switzerland called?
5. Who founded Scouting and Guiding?
6. What name is given to 22nd February in the Guiding calendar, and why?
7. Who is the Patron of the Guide Association?
8. What are the youngest girls in Guiding called?
9. What shape is the Guide Promise badge?
10. What is the name of the highest badge you can gain in Guiding?
11. Where is Lord Baden-Powell buried?
12. What is the name of UK guiding’s centenary project?
To find out more about the Guide Movement log on to www.girlguiding.org.uk.
Answers (scroll down):
1. 1910.
2. Rosebuds
3. Olave
4. Our Chalet
5. Robert Baden Powell
6. Thinking Day - it was the joint birthday of the Chief Scout and the World Chief Guide
7. The Queen
8. Rainbows
9. Trefoil
10. The Queens Guide Badge
11. Kenya
12. Changing the World
2. What were Brownies originally called?
3. What was the first name of the World Chief Guide?
4. What is the Guide centre in Switzerland called?
5. Who founded Scouting and Guiding?
6. What name is given to 22nd February in the Guiding calendar, and why?
7. Who is the Patron of the Guide Association?
8. What are the youngest girls in Guiding called?
9. What shape is the Guide Promise badge?
10. What is the name of the highest badge you can gain in Guiding?
11. Where is Lord Baden-Powell buried?
12. What is the name of UK guiding’s centenary project?
To find out more about the Guide Movement log on to www.girlguiding.org.uk.
Answers (scroll down):
1. 1910.
2. Rosebuds
3. Olave
4. Our Chalet
5. Robert Baden Powell
6. Thinking Day - it was the joint birthday of the Chief Scout and the World Chief Guide
7. The Queen
8. Rainbows
9. Trefoil
10. The Queens Guide Badge
11. Kenya
12. Changing the World
CRIMINALS' CASH UP FOR GRABS
A pot of cash totalling around £1 million is available for eligible youth projects across Scotland. Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll & Bute . has welcomed an announcement fro his colleague Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill that a large sum of cash, confiscated from criminals, is being made available to be re-invested back into the community as part of the Scottish Government's "Cashback for Communities " initiative
Jim Mather said:
"The Cashback for Communities scheme utilises funding confiscated from criminal activity and makes it available to young peoples' projects across the country. The initiative is administered by Youthlink Scotland and guidance about qualification and applications for funding can be found at the website at www.youthlinkscotland.org
More than 270 projects have already benefited from participation and resulted in many of our young people being given the opportunity to try out new activities and new challenges. The huge majority of our young people are well behaved and a credit to their communities but there are too may getting involved in crime and antisocial behaviour. By making these opportunities available we are demonstrating in a practicable way that there is much more to life than petty offending and indulgence in drink and drugs. While Cashback for Communities carries obvious advantages for its young participants it also brings substantial benefits to the wider community.
The deadline for this particular tranche of awards is the 31st October 2009. The application procedure is not complicated and the Assessment Panel includes youngsters so we have funds being allocated by young people to young people.
I would urge those who feel that they may be eligible to make the necessary enquiries."
Jim Mather said:
"The Cashback for Communities scheme utilises funding confiscated from criminal activity and makes it available to young peoples' projects across the country. The initiative is administered by Youthlink Scotland and guidance about qualification and applications for funding can be found at the website at www.youthlinkscotland.org
More than 270 projects have already benefited from participation and resulted in many of our young people being given the opportunity to try out new activities and new challenges. The huge majority of our young people are well behaved and a credit to their communities but there are too may getting involved in crime and antisocial behaviour. By making these opportunities available we are demonstrating in a practicable way that there is much more to life than petty offending and indulgence in drink and drugs. While Cashback for Communities carries obvious advantages for its young participants it also brings substantial benefits to the wider community.
The deadline for this particular tranche of awards is the 31st October 2009. The application procedure is not complicated and the Assessment Panel includes youngsters so we have funds being allocated by young people to young people.
I would urge those who feel that they may be eligible to make the necessary enquiries."
Shelter Scotland on Argyll homeless
Shelter Scotland says Argyll and Bute Council is making steady progress towards meeting 2012 homelessness commitment
Statistics released by the Scottish Government on Friday (1) show Argyll and Bute Council is making steady progress towards meeting the commitment to give everyone the right to a home by 2012 (2).
Shelter Scotland today welcomed the progress made by Argyll and Bute Council. The housing charity is urging the Scottish Government to build 10,000 more affordable homes to rent a year to tackle the growing number of people in temporary accommodation across Scotland.
Shelter Scotland estimates that use of temporary housing, across Scotland, is costing at least £70 million a year – money which it says would be much better spent providing new homes, by making this year’s budget a “Budget for Homes”.
The new figures lay bare the extent of the continued reliance on temporary accommodation in Argyll and Bute –
614 households were homeless in 2008/9 – compared with 300 in 1999, the year of devolution.
181 households were living in temporary accommodation as at March 31, 2009 – compared with 29 on March 31, 1999.
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity, said: “Argyll and Bute Council is making steady progress towards meeting the 2012 commitment to give everyone in Scotland the right to a home.
“Overall, today’s statistics show that Scotland’s internationally acclaimed homeless legislation can and will be delivered.
“However, this should not mask the fact that there are thousands across Scotland who are stuck in temporary accommodation. The responsibility being placed on local authorities is not being matched by progress on building the 10,000 new affordable homes to rent that Scotland needs.
“With the cost of temporary accommodation to local councils across Scotland soaring to an estimated £70 million a year, and the number of new build homes falling dramatically over the last year, the onus is on the Scottish Government to make this year’s budget a “Budget for Homes” to boost housing in Argyll and Bute and across Scotland.”
The 2009 interim target figures come just a month before Shelter Scotland hosts a major conference on ‘Delivering 2012’, which will bring together leading speakers, including Alex Neil, Minister for Housing and Communities (3).
The charity this week submitted its case for more homes through the budget to Finance Secretary John Swinney. The ‘Building Solutions’ submission argues that £200m extra a year would help build the 10,000 affordable rented homes a year that housing experts agree are needed. (4)
The submission comes as part of the charity’s campaign, Countdown to 2012, which is building support for more homes for Scotland. Events have been held in Blairgowrie, East Lothian, Shetland, Inverurie, Glasgow and East Kilbride. The campaign also features online at scotland.shelter.org.uk/campaign and on social networking sites, where people can sign up and put pressure on politicians to build more homes.
Statistics released by the Scottish Government on Friday (1) show Argyll and Bute Council is making steady progress towards meeting the commitment to give everyone the right to a home by 2012 (2).
Shelter Scotland today welcomed the progress made by Argyll and Bute Council. The housing charity is urging the Scottish Government to build 10,000 more affordable homes to rent a year to tackle the growing number of people in temporary accommodation across Scotland.
Shelter Scotland estimates that use of temporary housing, across Scotland, is costing at least £70 million a year – money which it says would be much better spent providing new homes, by making this year’s budget a “Budget for Homes”.
The new figures lay bare the extent of the continued reliance on temporary accommodation in Argyll and Bute –
614 households were homeless in 2008/9 – compared with 300 in 1999, the year of devolution.
181 households were living in temporary accommodation as at March 31, 2009 – compared with 29 on March 31, 1999.
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity, said: “Argyll and Bute Council is making steady progress towards meeting the 2012 commitment to give everyone in Scotland the right to a home.
“Overall, today’s statistics show that Scotland’s internationally acclaimed homeless legislation can and will be delivered.
“However, this should not mask the fact that there are thousands across Scotland who are stuck in temporary accommodation. The responsibility being placed on local authorities is not being matched by progress on building the 10,000 new affordable homes to rent that Scotland needs.
“With the cost of temporary accommodation to local councils across Scotland soaring to an estimated £70 million a year, and the number of new build homes falling dramatically over the last year, the onus is on the Scottish Government to make this year’s budget a “Budget for Homes” to boost housing in Argyll and Bute and across Scotland.”
The 2009 interim target figures come just a month before Shelter Scotland hosts a major conference on ‘Delivering 2012’, which will bring together leading speakers, including Alex Neil, Minister for Housing and Communities (3).
The charity this week submitted its case for more homes through the budget to Finance Secretary John Swinney. The ‘Building Solutions’ submission argues that £200m extra a year would help build the 10,000 affordable rented homes a year that housing experts agree are needed. (4)
The submission comes as part of the charity’s campaign, Countdown to 2012, which is building support for more homes for Scotland. Events have been held in Blairgowrie, East Lothian, Shetland, Inverurie, Glasgow and East Kilbride. The campaign also features online at scotland.shelter.org.uk/campaign and on social networking sites, where people can sign up and put pressure on politicians to build more homes.
Monday, 7 September 2009
NFUS says DATABASE IS CENTRAL TO SHEEP TAGGING PROPOSALS
NFU Scotland is adamant that if Scotland is forced to comply with the damaging European proposals on electronic tagging of sheep and movement reporting then a central database to record movements, funded and maintained by the Scottish Government, must be at the core of the Scottish system.
The Scottish Government has today (Monday, 7 September) launched its consultation entitled: ‘Implementation Proposals For EU Requirements Regarding Electronic Identification (EID) Of Sheep And Individual Recording Of Sheep And Goats.’ It looks at the implementation of Regulation 21/2004, due to come into force from the end of this year, which will make it obligatory for all Scottish sheep keepers to electronically tag sheep born after this date and keep a record of each animal’s individual identity every time they move.
The Scottish industry, including the Scottish Government, has opposed the introduction of the regulation, believing that it will deliver little benefit over existing requirements but will bring additional cost and bureaucracy. Some concessions to the regulation have already been secured, and the Union continues to work in Europe and with Scottish Government to seek further flexibility in how the rules will be applied.
NFU Scotland Vice-President, Nigel Miller said:
“While no-one, including the Scottish Government, believes that the European requirements for electronic tagging and movement reporting are necessary, the reality is that discussions on implementation must take place at the same time as we push for further concessions and flexibility.
“Concessions already agreed, including the ability to use critical control points such as markets and abattoirs to report movements electronically, will help strip out some of the costs. Our current system for reporting sheep movements is based on the Scottish Animal Movement Unit (SAMU) and upgrading this to a central database that meets the European requirements on traceability could be an important step to reducing the possible burden of compliance on farmers and the rest of industry.
“When the industry sits down to discuss the regulation and its consultation with our Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead this week (Thursday, 10 September), the development of a database, funded and run by the Scottish Government, will be high on our list of priorities going forward.
“We also need to study all the options included in the Scottish Government consultation to see what will best meet the needs of our sheep producers. Derogation for animals destined for slaughter and less than one year old is a key issue. This may be attractive for breeders but holds implications for those finishers who buy large numbers of lambs each year, often from many other farmers.
“Our recent round of EID roadshows, held with the NSA, concluded at Thurso last week and were attended by more than 1000 Scottish sheep farmers. These meetings raised concerns over farmer to farmer sales of sheep and the need for a system that recognises traditional annual movements of sheep to season grazings or for over-wintering. We already have a clear steer as to what is and isn’t acceptable to our sheep producers and that will be fed in to the Scottish Government’s consultation process as well as driving our continued efforts to secure further concessions at a European level.”
The Scottish Government has today (Monday, 7 September) launched its consultation entitled: ‘Implementation Proposals For EU Requirements Regarding Electronic Identification (EID) Of Sheep And Individual Recording Of Sheep And Goats.’ It looks at the implementation of Regulation 21/2004, due to come into force from the end of this year, which will make it obligatory for all Scottish sheep keepers to electronically tag sheep born after this date and keep a record of each animal’s individual identity every time they move.
The Scottish industry, including the Scottish Government, has opposed the introduction of the regulation, believing that it will deliver little benefit over existing requirements but will bring additional cost and bureaucracy. Some concessions to the regulation have already been secured, and the Union continues to work in Europe and with Scottish Government to seek further flexibility in how the rules will be applied.
NFU Scotland Vice-President, Nigel Miller said:
“While no-one, including the Scottish Government, believes that the European requirements for electronic tagging and movement reporting are necessary, the reality is that discussions on implementation must take place at the same time as we push for further concessions and flexibility.
“Concessions already agreed, including the ability to use critical control points such as markets and abattoirs to report movements electronically, will help strip out some of the costs. Our current system for reporting sheep movements is based on the Scottish Animal Movement Unit (SAMU) and upgrading this to a central database that meets the European requirements on traceability could be an important step to reducing the possible burden of compliance on farmers and the rest of industry.
“When the industry sits down to discuss the regulation and its consultation with our Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead this week (Thursday, 10 September), the development of a database, funded and run by the Scottish Government, will be high on our list of priorities going forward.
“We also need to study all the options included in the Scottish Government consultation to see what will best meet the needs of our sheep producers. Derogation for animals destined for slaughter and less than one year old is a key issue. This may be attractive for breeders but holds implications for those finishers who buy large numbers of lambs each year, often from many other farmers.
“Our recent round of EID roadshows, held with the NSA, concluded at Thurso last week and were attended by more than 1000 Scottish sheep farmers. These meetings raised concerns over farmer to farmer sales of sheep and the need for a system that recognises traditional annual movements of sheep to season grazings or for over-wintering. We already have a clear steer as to what is and isn’t acceptable to our sheep producers and that will be fed in to the Scottish Government’s consultation process as well as driving our continued efforts to secure further concessions at a European level.”
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