LOVE FIFE LATER Despite the good weather, you are being advised to stick with the public health guidance and love Fife later. People might be attracted to visit the beautiful Fife coast and countryside but that may lead to risky larger congregations of people. Adherence to the guidance has been excellent so far but please stick with it so we can stop the spread and keep people safe.
VE75
Today marks 75 years since the guns fell silent and the Second World War in Europe came to an end.
Please share your stories, pictures and video on the Legion Scotland Facebook page or by email to veday75@legionscotland.org.uk
Please use the following hashtags: #VEDay75; #ArmyScotlandSalutesWW2Heroes; #heroesofWW2; @ArmyScotland .
Willie Rennie questioned the First Minister about a pay supplement for health and social care workers, a universal basic income and restarting non urgent healthcare and operations. Watch the exchange here.
UNPAID CARERS PAYMENTS
An additional £19.2 million is to be invested in Carer’s Allowance Supplement so that around 83,000 eligible carers will get an extra £230.10 through a special one-off Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement in June. https://www.gov.scot/news/extra-payment-for-unpaid-carers/
Willie Rennie asked the Finance Secretary about support for councils, larger employers and a universal basic income.
DIGITAL CONNECTION FOR THE VULNERABLE
A new £5 million programme will offer an internet connection, training and support, and a laptop or tablet to vulnerable people who are not already online during the response to coronavirus. The Connecting Scotland programme will connect 9,000 more people who are considered at clinically high risk themselves so they can access services and support and connect with friends and family.
Eligible digitally excluded people will be identified by local authorities and third sector organisations and offered a device with a mobile internet data package, which will be delivered to their homes. A ‘digital champion’ will provide phone and online support for an initial period of six months.
RENTAL LANDLORDS
A £5 million fund will offer interest-free loans to landlords whose tenants are having difficulty paying rent during the coronavirus crisis. The Private Rent Sector Landlord COVID-19 Loan Scheme will offer eligible landlords up to 100% of lost rental income for a single property. It will support private-sector landlords who are not classified as businesses, have five or less properties to rent and have lost rental income due to tenants unable to pay rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.gov.scot/news/aid-for-private-rental-landlords/
Willie Rennie asked the Health Secretary about the confusion that may be caused by having two smart phone apps for tracking and tracing the virus.
FRUIT AND VEG FARMS, BUSINESSES AND POLICE
Willie and Wendy had a meeting online with the fruit and veg farms in North East Fife to discuss recruitment, social distancing and coping with the lock down. We have also had meetings with businesses in St. Andrews and Cupar.
Finally, Willie also had a call with the new Police Chief Inspector for North East Fife Brian Poole.
ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS
Even though it is part of the hard-hit tourism sector, St Andrews Aquarium was denied Scottish Government support. Wendy Chamberlain has written to the Scottish Finance Secretary asking for support for the zoo and aquarium sector.
GOLF
Wendy Chamberlain has written to the Scottish Government to ask for clearer guidance and additional support for Golf Clubs following a Fife-wide Golf meeting. Many are concerned that when they reopen and un-furlough their staff, the economic support is halted before clubs can open their shops and club houses, leaving them in a financially precarious position with large overheads and reduced income.
IMPROVING TRANSPORT FOR NEWBURGH
We are looking for views on the potential transport interventions for Newburgh. It’s part of the transport appraisal work. SYSTRA Ltd is doing the survey. They are working in partnership with the Newburgh Train Station Group (NTSG), South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and Fife Council. The survey will close on 31 May 2020. www.newburghsustainabletransport.co.uk/proposals-give-your-feedback
COMMUNITY MUTUAL AID
These are the links to their Facebook groups and websites. If you need help with groceries, medicine collection etc please contact them.
Please do let me know whether you are running a group in your community.
SUPPORT AND ADVICE
This is an anxious and uncertain time but we wanted you to know that Wendy Chamberlain MP, Willie Rennie MSP our local councillors are ready to help in whatever way that we can.