Category Archives: Uncategorized

Stories from the front line of the social care crisis – Mary and John

In January we noted that:  Millions of pounds have been spent on hiring agency social workers to review care packages.  It’s about cutting packages not reviewing them – however, the new chief officer of the EIJB has emailed councillors essentially saying that there might be push back about this process.  We heard one story of how a packageContinue reading “Stories from the front line of the social care crisis – Mary and John”

Update on the care crisis

Elected councillors support publicly owned and managed care homes At the May meeting of the Edinburgh City Council Policy and Sustainability Committee councillors responded to the news that the long promised EIJB consultation on the future of Health and Social Care in Edinburgh was now being trailed as a consultation on the closure of theContinue reading “Update on the care crisis”

Care in Crisis – public meeting 4th February, 3pm

Care in Crisis – Every cut in care makes the NHS bleed Unfortunately this meeting has had to be rescheduled – new details will be available shortly A public meeting organised by Another Edinburgh is Possible. We’ll hear from Nick Kempe (former head of services for older people on Glasgow City Council – see aContinue reading “Care in Crisis – public meeting 4th February, 3pm”

Report from the Our City, Our Future Conference

There was an excellent discussion at the conference on September 10th, covering Care, Climate, Housing, Jobs and the Cost of Living. Sadly some people were unable to attend because of the disruption to travel in the city on that day. We were also very conscious that time didn’t allow for all the issues we wouldContinue reading “Report from the Our City, Our Future Conference”

National Care Service Consultation

CARE ABOUT CARE    Our care service needs to be improved. It is urgent to Take profit out of care Improve pay & conditions for workers Make care local & accountable Ensure adequate funding Make care a free service At the moment there is a Scottish Government consultation about care.  You can make sure everyone in Scotland isContinue reading “National Care Service Consultation”

An Edinburgh Without Homelessness Is Possible

Leslie Cunningham writes I got to know Rob, a homeless man, about a year ago. On 15th February 2021, he kindly allowed me to interview him. This article attempts to convey what he most eloquently expressed in no more than about fifteen minutes. (!)  Rob just wants a roof over his head – a hostelContinue reading “An Edinburgh Without Homelessness Is Possible”

An outdoor Festival in Edinburgh, what future for our green spaces?

In response to the council proposal for a dispersed festival in August 2021, Graham Checkley defends our green spaces – they are not for profit. “Urban green spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and residential greenery, can promote mental and physical health”, The World Health Organisation, 2016 [1]. Two months is a long time in EdinburghContinue reading “An outdoor Festival in Edinburgh, what future for our green spaces?”

Open Letter to COSLA and the Scottish Government

On 26th January the Herald published an article warning that Scottish councils are facing a £767 million bill to tackle the Covid-19 crisis amid a warning the Government has only covered up to two thirds of the pressure.  This letter was sent to the Herald in reply from Another Edinburgh is Possible and Another GlasgowContinue reading “Open Letter to COSLA and the Scottish Government”

Why investing in Public Services is a good thing

Brian Robertson (Edinburgh City Council Unite rep, writing in a personal capacity) makes the case for public services Public Services are the bedrock of our society.  Generally, and amongst other things, they are purposed to ensure that: people are safe and healthy businesses are enabled to thrive people can find decent, gainful and secure employment decentContinue reading “Why investing in Public Services is a good thing”