Thank you to constituents for your correspondence, patience & collective efforts to reduce the spread of #coronavirus & support others in our communities. My team & I are working to help as much as we can via 📧 & 📞01316000134.
👇&👉 for info. & advice: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/.
Some are demanding we have exact same biz support as rUK. Do they want us to remove
-hardship scheme for fishermen, fish processors & creative arts
-100% relief for aviation
-£10k grants for many more small biz
-freeze on biz rates for every property
Cos👆🏼only exists in Scotland.
Thank you to constituents for your correspondence, patience & collective efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus & support others in our communities. My team & I are working to help as much as we can via 📧 & 📞01316000134. Please do get in touch if you need assistance.
👇&👉 for info. & advice: www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/.
In the last weeks there has been a very inspiring outpouring of community spirit across Edinburgh Northern and Leith, with neighbourhoods and communities organising themselves to help others. My team and I have also been grateful to receive so many emails from people volunteering to help others - and we've been liaising with local organisations and Volunteer Edinburgh to facilitate putting kind offers to help together with those requesting help. Thanks to everyone for all you've done so far and now there's a simpler way to register as a volunteer if you'd like to. Today The Scottish Government has launched an overarching, nationwide appeal to help people safely volunteer in their community. Thousands of people have already signed up via Ready Scotland. Whether it’s practical or emotional support, there are lots of ways you can help if you'd like to - find out more and sign up at readyscotland.org/coronavirus/. #StaySafe, #StayAtHome and please follow the latest health and social distancing advice: www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus. Thanks.
Hi Ben and all, just to let you know there's a Coronavirus support FB group for EH5 residents, connecting neighbours so that they can help each other out with peer-to-peer support in these challenging times. There's also a whole lot of info about all the support services being offered by the amazing community organisations in the area. It would be great if you came over and joined. www.facebook.com/groups/supportEH5/
Hey everyone, if you’re not already aware, I just wanted to let folk know that this evening (26th March) there is a chance for us to collectively show our admiration for all the nurses, doctors, GPs and carers in Scotland and elsewhere, by taking part in this call for mass applause from front doors, gardens, balconies, windows, living rooms, etc (at a safe distance of course) at 8pm. Let’s make plenty noise together and demonstrate our appreciation for all the ongoing efforts and hard work that’s going on to care for those who are unwell and the shared fight against the coronavirus. Join in and share!👏 #clapforcarers
TRIM and Friends of West Pilton
Save Leith Walk
Article in Edinburgh Evening News: www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/health/coronavirus/clap-our-carers-campaign-national-applause-than...
Will be there in spirit. Greetings from Sevilla Spain
👏🏻
Third Sector Resilience Fund – SCVO
Third Sector Resilience Fund – SCVO
scvo.org
This fund is now open! The Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF) is a £20m emergency fund for charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations working in Scotland. The fund w...Stay Home, Save Lives
What about the unfortunate that don’t have a roof over their head at this time..not an option for them..
Leith Walk is considerably quieter today than yesterday. Feel sorry for the construction workers still doing the pre-tram roadworks though
Coronavirus: Evictions to be banned for six months
Coronavirus: Evictions to be banned for six months
news.stv.tv
The move was confirmed by communities secretary Aileen Campbell in the Scottish Parliament.There needs to be absolute clarity here: does this mean rent debt must be paid back once the six months are up?
Ben please keep putting the pressure on to help self employed people.
Have not read it Natalie Bruce but I figure you should if you’ve not already. Stay safe pretty lady ❤️
Peter Devine Yvonne Devine
Selina Allan
Sent in by postie
On behalf of posties I would like to inform you some important information. We deliver your parcel and letters.
What you may not be aware of is we are classed as keyworkers through these terrible times.
The CWU have offered us to become an emergency service for the public. If things get worse your postie could be delivering healthcare products, food and even medication.
All that is asked from the public is:
1) Think about safety first, for yours and the postie.
2) If you see a postie coming towards your door please (DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR). We will sign your parcels and letters for you.
We will leave the parcel, food or medication on your doorstep and then knock. Give the postie enough time to step away from the door.
3) If you are already outside your house, go inside or step away 2 metres from your postie. Please do not approach your postie.
If we tell you to stop and back off or close your door, don't feel offended. We are only trying to help protect you from this virus.
(LET'S BEAT IT TOGETHER) copy and share this to let your family and friends know..
news.stv.tv/politics/scottish-government-demands-covid-19-help-for-self-employed
Scottish Government demands Covid-19 help for self-employed
news.stv.tv
Fiona Hyslop and Kate Forbes have sent a joint letter calling for Rishi Sunak to offer more help to self-employed workers.A deferment of tax returns doesn't help when most self employed workers are taxed at source. Am I correct in fearing that it will likely be months before self employed workers recieve any support that comes close to their regular income? I'm grateful for all the help that we get but i think I speak for many when i say anxieties would be alleviated if we recieved a bit more clarity. Thank you to all involved for your undoubtedly immense efforts at this most crucial time.
Not many of us - self employed and 0 hours contract people will be able to pay rent, bills and food for longer than 2 months and survive. IT'S URGENT!
I cant believe its taken them so long.
Timeline PhotosWe can all help to protect those most at risk from #Coronavirus. If you have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, stay at home and do not go to the GP, hospital or pharmacy.
Make sure you keep up to date with the latest health advice at www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
What about groceries? Is there a Gov plan how it can be sorted? Asda and Tesco deliveries are fully booked for the next few weeks. I have to check 3-4 shops to get most of the things I need to survive one week at home.
My team & I are working hard (while socially distancing) to respond to all the enquires from constituents & local businesses. If you need help, or can offer help, please do phone or email me, & my team & I will do all we can to assist & connect people safely & effectively. As Volunteer Edinburgh are saying, let’s “think local & act local”. Let’s be there for each other - my team & I will keep doing all we can to help in that shared endeavour. Thank you to everyone for all that you’re doing to help & for the remarkable community spirit that’s being shown, from supporting neighbours to singing Sunshine on Leith! Persevere.❤️
📞0131 600 0134
💻Ben.macpherson.msp@parliament.scot
⚓️“... While the Chief puts #sunshineonLeith [& north Edinburgh], I will be with you...”☀️
Information from The Scottish Parliament: spice-spotlight.scot/2020/03/19/coronavirus-covid-19-constituency-support-updated-19-march-2020/
Latest health advice from the NHS: www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Support for businesses from The Scottish Government: www.mygov.scot/non-domestic-rates-coronavirus/
(Video filmed when I went to check the mail✉️.)
you look tired. I thank you for all your doing but slow down a bit just for your own good. Peace , love and Sunshine on Leith
Good man Ben. Crises always bring the best to the fore. Take care.
Take care yourself. Please! Best wishes from near Seville. You will know our situation !!
Take care and best wishes from Germany !
What would you say to the fact the Stockbridge and leith markets ran this weekend?
Aww your office is my old flat luved the spiral staircases
Allan Campbell Fiona Walker 🙈
“... I will be with you...” #Persevere⚓️ #SunshineonLeith☀️ #Community❤️
Hope your doing ok Karen, mum and I will try and get own to see you soon.
Prasgan
Jan Tickle x
My team and I continue to respond to enquiries about Covid-19. I’ve also been into a few of our local supermarkets to thank staff for the remarkable job they’re doing. There’s enough food for everyone if we all shop responsibly.🛒
Also, please keep washing hands & follow the medical advice: www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19. And remember that social distancing will save lives.🦠
Thank you for all you do & please people take note! We’re not short of food if we just all shop as normal! Please don’t buy too much & end up binning half!
Well said. Greedy people take note 😠
In wartime, hoarding was illegal and punishable in law.
We're being reminded about what really matters in life
Hi Ben. I'm a constituent worried for the renters in Northern & Leith. Instead of suspending rent payments and banning evictions, your housing secretary has told renters to ask their landlords nicely not to charge rent or evict them
Fund the councils from Holyrood properly to provide essential services instead of waiting
Many businesses have contacted me about the issues they’re facing. To assist The Scottish Government has announced further measures to support businesses affected by the Covid-19 crisis, worth £2.2 billion from 1 April:
- a full year’s 100% non-domestic rates relief for retail, hospitality and tourism
- £10,000 grants for small businesses in receipt of the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief
- £25,000 grants for hospitality, leisure and retail properties with a rateable value between £18,000 and £51,000
- 1.6% relief for all properties, effectively freezing the poundage rate next year
- First Minister to convene an emergency meeting of the Financial Services Advisory Board
- urging local authorities to relax planning rules to allow pubs and restaurants to operate temporarily as takeaways
- extending the go live date for the deposit return scheme to July 2022
- halting the introduction of the Visitor Levy Bill
www.gov.scot/news/gbp-2-2-billion-for-business/
Jess K-napper
An additional £350 million from The Scottish Government will go to those most affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The funding will be made available to councils, charities, businesses and community groups and designed to be flexible, cutting down on red tape to enable them to respond swiftly and according to local need for people impacted economically or through reduced contact with society, including anyone struggling to access food.
www.gov.scot/news/helping-communities-affected-by-covid-19/
Helping communities affected by Covid-19 - gov.scot
www.gov.scot
£350 million fund to support welfare and wellbeing.Jim Slaven
🦠Update on Coronavirus/COVID-19🦠:
✉️ My team and I are responding to email enquires from constituents and local businesses as quickly as possible, and we will do all that we can to try to help;
📞 Unfortunately, in line with official advice, I have had to close my office to the public and cancel my advice surgeries - however, my team and I are of course still available to chat about any concerns on the telephone (01316000134);
⚠️ Please follow the latest health advice (see below) and the first port of call for anyone looking for information is the NHS Inform website www.nhsinform.scot;
🧼 Keep taking basic hygiene precautions such as washing hands frequently, not touching your face and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing;
🧻 Let’s try to be considerate in the way we shop, so that there’s enough for everyone;
❤️ Take care and look out for others if you can - this is obviously a concerning time and life as we know it will have to change to protect people, but if we all play our part we can help contain this outbreak.
🚨Recent advice - see www.nhsinform.scot🚨:
• If you have symptoms (if you have a new continuous cough and/or a fever) and live by yourself you should stay at home for 7 days.
• Members of a household where someone has suspected symptoms should all stay at home for 14 days.
• People over 70 and those who have high risk and underlying health conditions are being strongly advised to stay at home as much as possible and significantly reduce unnecessary social contact.
• Everyone should minimise social contact by avoiding crowded areas and large gatherings, including religious congregations and smaller gatherings such as restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs, cinemas and gyms
Please do get in touch if you think I can help. Ben
Just keep on going as usual! Some info from near Sevilla. The Spanish Govmt are taking a strong position to control the virus. Only one person in a car, supermarkets strictly controlled. Except for going to work or to medical centre we have to stay at home. Dog walking allowed. A friend delivered groceries yesterday and just left them at the door. It's all rather weird but necessary. I have plenty to keep me busy. Hope independence comes to Scotland soon. All good wishes Timzen Peat
advice is 14 days self isolation if showing symptoms
Please follow the latest advice on COVID-19 to limit social contact. Please also keep following the advice on www.nhsinform.scot/, including about regular hand-washing and self-isolation if you or anyone in your household has suspected symptoms. The opening of my office will be affected in line with the advice, but please don’t hesitate to call or email me if you have any queries. My team and I are working to respond as quickly as possible to enquiries and will serve constituents to the best of our abilities throughout this challenging time.To slow the spread of coronavirus (#COVIDー19) the general public are being asked to stay at home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary social contact.
Find out more ➡️ bit.ly/COVID1603
the WHO are also reminding people that those who live alone are at risk of isolation that becomes problematic (especially if this is going to run for months...into next year); they are suggesting that as long as people are symptom free, gatherings of up to 6 people (same as many families) should be encouraged to prevent a mental health crisis. these gatherings should be in private homes where people live alone and do not have children visiting. People also need reassurance about their financial situations and that landlords will not evict them if they are unable to pay rent.
We are self-isolating now. It's awful to live in such uncertain times but great that within the community people support each other. A friend offered to leave groceries or essentials at our doorstep, how precious we have people like him here in Leith and not only selfish hoarders! Stay safe! 💙
Thank you Ben. Stay safe too.
Thank you! Bring on independence for Scotland please.
Coronavirus advice: Stay at home if you have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough
Hi Ben, if people are at home with high temperature; now for 14 days, will they gain access to a test? If so, how?
🎬 Fantastic: details finalised on the operation of a publicly-funded film & TV studio in the old “Pelamis Shed” in Leith! This will be a great asset for Scotland, create new opportunities & further enhance Leith’s reputation for excellence in the creative industries. Proud to have worked with The Scottish Government, Deidre Brock MP & others to support the realisation of this initiative.
Leith Creative
Leith Links Community Council
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-51805115
Well done to all who worked to get this project done.
Fantastic news!! 😊
Fantastic ..
Cool!!
The Scottish Government's Young Carer Grant, which provides a yearly payment of £300 for carers aged 16-18, began in October 2019 and is making a meaningful difference.
Learn more here: www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant/
Source: www2.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Social-Welfare/SocialSecurityforScotland/YCGNov2019
The Scottish Government's Child Payment of £10 per week will benefit 29,000 eligible children in Edinburgh in the coming years, helping 17,900 families and making a meaningful difference towards building a fairer society.
Read more here: www.gov.scot/policies/social-security/scottish-child-payment/.
Source: www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Advance&ReferenceNumbers=S5W-2405...
Powderhall Stables will receive £1,205,040 out of the total government pot of around £25 million. This follows an allocation of £500,000 by The City of Edinburgh Council to refurbish and upgrade the building as a community and work hub. These monies were dependent on other grant funding which, with this new grant money, is now in place.
The stables are part of the 3.2 hectare site at 165 Broughton Road where a mixed use, housing led development is planned. A planning advice note (PAN) was lodged in December 2019 for the site which includes a nursery and around 230 homes of which just over a third will be affordable.
Powderhall Stables given government funding
www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk
Part of an Edinburgh ‘place’ project which is still at the planning stage, has been given substantial funding by The Scottish Government. The Communities Secretary visited the refurbish…Let’s hope what is being built is not as disgusting as the flats across the toad by Barratt’s. Really should be a new rail station built and use the unused rail line. The Scot gov should be funding opening up old rail lines in Edinburgh
Great that the building is being preserved and put to new use. But, it's infuriating to see the article skip past the "one third affordable" aspect of the PAN so glibly. Press release "cut 'n' paste" is annoyingly lazy journalism.
Good, it needs preserved.
If you have questions about the Covid19 virus then please click on the link below.
Thank you to Jeane Freeman MSP and NHS Scotland for providing this information to parliamentarians to pass on to constituents.
www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
www.nhsinform.scot
Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause a fever, cough and shortness of breath. Find out what to do if you have developed any of these symptoms since arriving from an affected areaMy nephew arrived back from Milan on Tues, sore throat & coughing he called 111 he is staying with his 82 yr old diabetic grandmother, quarantined themselves but still nobody has arrived to take a swab test... What i don't understand is WHY didnt the Scotgov swab everyone that got off his flight, and the other fights coming into Scotland 🤔
While Westminster continues to obsess with Brexit, fails to recognise the climate crisis and delivers regressive policies that hurt the most vulnerable in our society, we are choosing a different path for Scotland.
The Scottish Government’s budget will boost support for young people, continue our world leading action on Climate Change, properly fund our vital police services, lift 30,000 children out of poverty and much, much more.
The Scottish budget: what you need to know — Scottish National Party
www.snp.org
While Westminster continues to obsess with Brexit, fails to recognise the climate crisis and delivers regressive policies that hurt the most vulnerable in our society, we have chosen a different path ...Very proud and happy with it.
For "support for young people" read "perverts in primary schools :-("
I was really glad to see a plan to keep the Shore Basins clean formally agreed this week. Congratulations thanks to Friends of the Water of Leith Basin (FOWL.b) and SOSLeith for all your efforts and campaigning to help make this happen. I’m proud to have worked with you to push for action and am grateful to Cllr Adam McVey, Water of Leith Conservation Trust, Forth Ports Leith Docks, The Kitchin and all the other parties involved for reaching consensus on a sustainable way forward.
www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/plan-signed-clean-up-debris-17763769
Great work Ben and the folk of Leith. 👍
Excellent Ben. Thanks for working to bring these groups together. our wee waterway needs it
Great work. It really does need dredged, cleaned, restored. Beautiful area.
Excellent!
Well done everyone
Great
As I reiterated on BBC Scotland's The Nine, the UK Government’s proposed post-Brexit immigration policies will have devastating implications for Scotland and are both deeply offensive and completely nonsensical.
It’s telling that no Scottish Conservatives were prepared to defend them on #TheNine.
A comprehensive article in today’s The Scotsman: www.scotsman.com/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-tory-migration-system-will-devastate-scotland-1-50....
My statement yesterday: www.gov.scot/news/response-to-uk-goverments-immigration-proposals/.
Excellent interview Ben, clear, calm and to the point. Well done!
No Tories available. Is that how they deal with scrutiny these days?
Carlaw is nothing more than a glove puppet with Dominic Cummings' hand jammed up his well padded arse.
How strange, my comment has disappeared.
👏
It's disgusting what's happening. Scotland needs to be independent...and soon.
Busy my arse, scumbags the lot of them.
The UK Government’s immigration proposals are an insult to Scotland - they completely disregard the needs of our employers, our public services and our communities.
There is a clear need for a fundamentally different approach to migration policy to reflect Scotland’s distinct demographic and geographical needs. The UK Government promised a system that would deliver for all of the UK including Scotland yet these proposals do not reflect the clear evidence from employers, local authorities, universities and experts about their needs. Indeed there is not a single reference to Scotland in the document.
Telling employers that they will just need to adjust will be deeply concerning to our agriculture sector; to our care sector; and to our transport sector. We need an evidence based approach to immigration policy which reflects the needs of our economy and has been developed through engagement with employers and communities.
The Scottish Government put forward a clear, workable proposal of devolving immigration powers by introducing a Scottish Visa, which would allow Scotland to attract and retain people with the skills and attributes we need for our communities and economy to flourish.
Our proposals have widespread support across the business and third sector communities in Scotland, and it is time the UK Government listened to those voices, instead of ploughing ahead with their deeply damaging proposals which will devastate the Scottish economy and our future prosperity.
www.gov.scot/news/response-to-uk-goverments-immigration-proposals/
I have written to Andrew Bowie but not exactly expecting a result, let alone a reply...
Excellent points camly and coherently explained by Ben Macpherson during questioning from Emily Maitlis on Newsnight.last night.
I was going to ask what do I need to do in order to stay in Scotland, I came here in 2006 and have been working since, I have indefinite leave to remain and yet I am worried about the whole thing 😔
Completely agree, Ben!
It's time for a Referendum
A growing number of constituents have been in touch about this issue. I continue to liaise with Kevin Stewart SNP , Scottish Government and am working with Deidre Brock MP and Tommy Sheppard MP to push for solutions.
Although, as UK finance and lending are reserved, input from the UK Government's Secretary of State for Housing and Secretary of State for Scotland is also required. We need the UK Government to play their part to establish solutions.
Jen Cunningplan
I’m really delighted & grateful to be joining The Scottish Government Finance team, supporting Kate Forbes MSP & taking the lead on funding climate action, working across government to build a well-being economy, & continuing to make the strong case for tailored migration policy solutions for Scotland.
www.gov.scot/news/cabinet-appointments/
So basically you'll be sitting with yer hands tied re migration as it is not a devolved power and juggling the pittance of finance begrudgingly handed over by our lords and masters from westminster...nice work.
Great news! Very best wishes with this vital portfolio. John
Congratulations. I hope you will have enough energy and power to do the right things. Not only for us, migrants, but for whole multicultural society. Wish you all the very best.
It gives me great pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your appointment as Minister for Public finance and Migration. I trust that you will continue to work for the improvement of our society.
Well done Ben, well-deserved. Good luck and best wishes.
Congratulations Ben......well deserved 👍
Congratulations! Good news for Scotland!
Really thrilled for you Ben. Congratulations
Congratulations Ben. So pleased for you.
Well Done Ben. What a great team.
Great appointment! Thank you Nicola!
Wishing you all the very best in your new role.
Well done! Congratulations Ben!!!
all best wishes for your new role. 🙂
Well deserved Ben. Important roles that need someone of your abilities.
Congrats, Ben! Great team.
Congratulations and well done, Ben.
Congratulations Ben ☺️
Well done Ben, you’ll be a great asset.
Congratulations Ben!
Congratulations Ben!
Great man for the job!
Congratulations Ben
Many many congratulations!
Congratulations Ben xx
Thousands of families in Edinburgh have benefitted from new welfare payments introduced by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government opened the Best Start Grant for applications in December 2018. The payment provides parents or carers who get certain benefits or tax credits with financial support during the key early years of a child's life. In the first year of their introduction, payments worth £1,245,725 have been made to 4425 families. The Best Start Grant provides payments to eligible families at the birth of children, at nursery age and at school age.
www.gov.scot/publications/best-start-grant-and-best-start-foods-statistics-31-december-2019/
Edinburgh SNP
Such a great community spirit at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre for tonight’s Burns Community Ceilidh!
Pilton Community Health Project
Granton Community Gardeners
Tinderbox Music
Granton and District Community Council
Just the usual flamenco concerts here in Andalucia! But l'll still be lobbying for an independent Scotland!
Today First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has written to our European friends and neighbours, asking them to #LeaveALightOn for Scotland.
Read the full letter ➡ bit.ly/FMLetterEurope
An independent Scotland in EFTA 🏴✊
