HIGH STREET VISITS
Wendy and Willie visited local shops across the constituency this week to check on how well they were managing since the lockdown was eased.
SHIELDING PAUSED
Those who have been shielding can now meet indoors with up to eight people from two households, as long as physical distancing is observed. They can also visit indoor shops, markets and pharmacies, museums, galleries, libraries and cinemas, and attend hairdressers and barbers.
They can also meet outdoors in groups of up to fifteen people from a maximum of four households per day. They can also choose to go to pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces, though it is advised that busy places are avoided.
They can now also use public transport, as well as taxis, as long as a face covering is worn, and children who live with someone shielding can now also attend formal childcare providers.
CHILDCARE
A new Transitional Support Fund will help childcare providers in the private and third sectors, including out-of-school care providers, meet extra costs incurred to comply with public health guidance in response to the pandemic. https://www.gov.scot/news/support-for-childcare-sector/
TESTING FOR UNDER 5s
Children under the age of five who are displaying potential coronavirus symptoms are now eligible for testing. Under 5s or anyone else with any of the following symptoms should self-isolate and book a test at www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or call 0800 028 2816 if they are unable to access the online service:
DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT
Fife Council are aiming for the Fife Bus service (demand responsive transport) to restart on 18th August.
REWILDING
Fife Council is to consult on proposals to manage some areas of green space differently. Because of lockdown over the last few months many areas of grassland in parks etc. have grown wild which has generated benefits for biodiversity and wildlife. The council is considering whether some of these changes should continue and want your views on how and whether this should be done. Proposals are being developed for consultation. More details will follow soon. https://www.fife.gov.uk/news/2020/council-to-consult-on-new-approach-to-grass-cutting
ENDOSCOPY SERVICES
There are currently 19,000 patients recorded as waiting for a diagnostic endoscopy. New funding is now available to address that backlog. The NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital, mobile endoscopy units and commissioning of the private sector will all provide additional capacity. https://www.gov.scot/news/endoscopy-services-to-be-restored/
LOWER MELVILLE WOOD LANDFILL
Willie and Wendy had a meeting with Fife Council and REFSOL to press for the end to the smell. Work is ongoing to place soils on the cap and they may use a mobile flare to burn off excess gas. The work should be completed within six weeks and in the meantime they acting to prevent the smell from escaping from the cell. We continue to receive reports of smells in the area so please let us know if you experience that too.
LAND AND BUILDINGS TRANSACTION TAX
The threshold at which LBTT begins to be paid has increased from £145,000 to £250,000 and will remain in place until 31st March 2021. Excluding the Additional Dwelling Supplement, it means that 80% of home purchasers will pay no LBTT. Home movers buying a home costing more than £250,000 will save £2,100. https://www.gov.scot/news/action-to-help-home-buyers/
Wendy spoke on Brexit and Independence in the House of Commons.
CONFUSION OVER TRAVEL TO SPAIN
Willie has called on the First Minister to clear up the confusion about travel to Spain. She advised against non-essential travel abroad despite lifting the restrictions on travel from Spain. She also said prevalence of the virus was in decline despite the Spanish health ministry reporting an increase. Willie will remain constructive throughout the pandemic and will seek to help the government correct any mistakes like this. https://www.scotlibdems.org.uk/rennie_fm_needs_to_clear_up_growing_muddle_about_travel_to_spain
EAT OUT TO HELP OUT
Restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments which serve food for on-premises consumption can now sign up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme - aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.
Customers do not need a voucher as participating establishments will just remove the discount from their bill. Businesses reclaim the discounted amount through an online service, supported by HMRC. Claims can be made on a weekly basis and will be paid into bank accounts within five working days.
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.
