Recently I have voted:

• Against the Finance (No.2) Bill.
• For the Dubs amendment to the Immigration Bill, which would have allowed unaccompanied children sanctuary in the UK.
• To prevent Police and Crime Commissioners from taking over the functions of Fire and Rescue Authorities.

These are just some of the issues I have voted on. For a complete breakdown visit the public whip website. You can also contact me at any time on the above details to share your views of a piece of legislation, or Government policy more generally. 

 

As ever, planning continues to be a major issue in Edinburgh South. The planning system is seriously flawed and local people are being locked out of the decision making process. The Evening News ran an article recently that said an extra 6000 homes will be rushed through in south Edinburgh. 

I also wrote an article for the Edinburgh Evening News on this issue which you can read here.

East Suffolk Road– The Scottish Government have overturned the decision by Edinburgh City Council to refuse planning permission for 10 residential properties, construction of a public park, new vehicular and pedestrian access, relocation of existing pavilion, alteration to existing boundary wall on East Suffolk Road and associated landscaping, drainage and engineering works. Planning appeal reference: PPA-230-2172.

Gilmerton Dykes Road– The Scottish Government have overturned the decision by Edinburgh City Council to refuse planning permission for 61 Units with associated accesses, roads and landscaping. Planning appeal reference: PPA-230-2151.

Both these cases follow the approval of the Broomhills development in a similar fashion a few weeks ago. The Local Development Plan (LDP) has not even been adopted yet but planning applications that were submitted and refused by the Council are being routinely granted on appeal by the Scottish Government. 

Comiston Farm House– I have spoken to many locals who are concerned about the demolition of the farm house and development of the land at Comiston Farm House. A planning application has still not been submitted but when it is I shall be writing to constituents to inform them of the process. To read the latest on Comiston Farm House you can visit the excellent website set up by the community.  

Goods Corner (ref. 15/03566/FUL)- The long running Goods Corner saga appears to be nearing an end with landscaping works beginning  recently. You can view the plans for 100 units of student accommodation through the planning portal.

Greenend Gardens (ref. 16/01121/PPP)- The residents of Greenend Gardens are running a fabulous campaign against the planning application for residential development on the green. The public consultation has now ended with over 200 objections from local people. Keep up to date with the campaign on the Save Greenend Gardens Facebook page. 

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South Community Safety Team

Monthly Report -; March 2016

Number of complaints received -; 19

Ward –	Breakdown of complaints
10	1 Behaviour of Children  1 Youths Loitering  2 Threatening Behaviour         1 Loud Music
15	1 -; Loud Music  1 –  Domestic Noise
16	3 – Domestic Noise  3- Nuisance Behaviour  1 -; Loud music  1 -; Behaviour of children  1 -; Disturbance from visitors  1 -; Threatening Behaviour     2 -; Dog Barking

 

Number of Enquiries received – 6

Ward –	Breakdown of enquiries
10	0
15	1 -; Threatening Behaviour
16	2-  Nuisance Behaviour 1 -; Behaviour of children 1 -; Uncontrolled Animal 1 -; Noise Domestic

 

Number of Request for Service(request from police/other agencies)   – 6

Ward –	Breakdown of enquiries
10	0
15	0
16	1-  Vandalism                                   2 – Nuisance Behaviour                 1 -; Domestic Noise 1 -;   Threatening Behaviour 1 -; Loud Music

 

Number of Complaints closed in March 2016  (target 75% in 30 days) -;

26 cases closed (18 within 30 days – 69%)

Remaining 8 cases -; 5 cases with multiple agency involvement as complainers with mental health issues, 1 case proceeded to Legal action however tenant terminated, 1 case unknown youths and 1 case took 39 days to completion.

Actions taken by Community Safety Team in March 2016

Visits -;  

Ward	Number of visits to customers re ASB
Ward 10	3
Ward 15	6
Ward 16	25

 

Joint Visits/Patrols with Police -;

Ward	Number of visits with Police
Ward 10	0
Ward 15	Patrol in Grange area
Ward 16	Patrol in Southhouse -; (during Southhouse Initiative) Police, Fire and Community Safety held drop in surgery (during Southhouse Initiative)

 

Total Warnings Issued -; 1

First and/or Second Warnings issued – 2

Ward 10	0
Ward 15	1 -; Behaviour of children (1st warning)
Ward 16	1 -; Nuisance Behaviour (1st warning)

 

Total Final Warnings issued -; 0

Ward 10	0
Ward 15	0
Ward 16	0

 

Youth TAC

Young people discussed at meeting.

Young people discussed -; Ward 10	4
Young people discussed -; Ward 15	1
Young people discussed -; Ward 16	8

 

Other Community Safety Work

Attended Children and Families Neighbourhood Forum.

All Community Safety staff attended “Transformation” morning meeting at East Office.

All Community Safety staff attended Lothian Chambers for morning “Transformation” meeting with Michelle Miller.

3 Community Safety Officers attended “Domestic Abuse” training organised by NHS.

2 weeks of patrols in Southhouse with Police Scotland, Fire Service and Homes in Scotland assisting. Carried out stair checks, and held drop in surgery. Also carried out various Environmental work to raise awareness of dog fouling.

1 Joint patrol with Environmental Warden carried out in Southhouse area.

2 Community Safety Officers assisted staff in South-West Neighbourhood following serious anti social behaviour concerns. (AM visits providing reassurance to residents).

1 Community Safety Officer and local Community Police Officer carried out patrols in Grange area following increase in housebreakings in the area. (PM patrol).

1 Joint visit with Health and Social Care social worker following mental health concerns.

1 new Mediation referral passed onto South Community Safety Team.

Registered Social Landlord Forum held.

1 Community Safety Officer Attended Southside Community Council meeting.

1 Community Safety Officer assigned to Special project investigating citywide beggars.

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Public Consultation Survey- Police Scotland

You will be aware of the Police Scotland National Public Consultation Survey, which was launched in Edinburgh on Thursday 7th April.

The survey is an opportunity for communities to tell us what’s important to them – and to do so at a time which is convenient to anyone taking part as it’s open all year round, around the clock. It should take only around 15 minutes to complete and will help shape policing priorities throughout the country.

We have listened to feedback from the public over the last year and used it to re-design and re-launch our consultation process for policing priorities. This process has evolved with support from key partners and stakeholders.

The survey can be accessed here. Paper copies can be made available from local stations for those who do not have internet access.

We intend on publicising this in stages throughout the course of the year, focusing on different groups on a month-by-month basis.

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 Unemployment in Edinburgh South 

Key facts

The total number of unemployed claimants in Edinburgh South constituency in March 2016 was 680. This represents a rate of 1.6% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 431st highest of the 650 UK constituencies. (1st = highest claimant rate, 650th = lowest claimant rate.) The equivalent UK claimant rate was 2.5%.

This includes 480 people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and 200 people who were claiming Universal Credit but were not in employment. Some of these Universal Credit claimants may no longer be seeking work.

The total number of claimants (both Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit) is 94 lower than in March 2015 and 9 higher than in February 2016.

There were 145 claimants aged 18-24 in Edinburgh South constituency in March 2016, 15 lower than in March 2015. (Figures for 18-24 year olds are rounded to the nearest 5.)

These data are not seasonally adjusted.

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Police Scotland- Door Step Crime Leaflet

Police Scotland is committed to reducing the number of individuals affected by doorstep crime, ultimately keeping vulnerable groups safe and empowering local communities. With this in mind we would like to ask for your support in our drive against these crimes.

Doorstep crime affects some of the most vulnerable within society, mainly targeting victims due to perceived vulnerability (Age/Gender/Disability), with many becoming repeat victims.

What can I do?

THINK! -;

• Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly.
• Be aware of methods used by criminals to distract you such as being asked to make a telephone call, asking to retrieve a ball or being asked to check water or gas supplies.
• Don’t keep large amounts of money at home
• Do your premises or garden really require work to be carried out.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Keep an eye out for Be vigilant for vulnerable neighbours who may fall foul of these criminals
• About calling the police when you see anything suspicious

Never let an unknown person into your home. If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door.

SECURE!

• Use a door chain or bar. Always put the chain on before opening the door and keep it on while talking to callers.
• If you don’t have a door chain, check who is at the door from the nearest window.
• If you have a security spy-hole; use it to check who is at your door
• Keep rear and side doors and windows secure. It may be easier for someone to gain access while you are answering the front door to their accomplice.
• Don’t feel embarrassed – genuine callers expect you to be careful.

Never let an unknown person into your home. If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door.

QUESTION!

• If you answer the door, ask for ID, whether you expect anyone or not.
• Remember -; IDs can be faked and shouldn’t be relied upon.
• Don’t assume a caller is genuine because they are wearing a uniform.
• Ask a friend or neighbour to be available to help if you need them.
• Obtain a written quote before agreeing to have any work completed
• If you have any doubts, tell the caller to come back when someone else is home. Genuine callers won’t mind rearranging.

Remember, utility companies have the option of setting ‘personal passwords’, which are quoted when they need to attend at your home. Ask your utility company about this service.

If in doubt, keep them out!

Trading Standards Advice

Don’t feel pressurised into agreeing to immediate work.

Never listen to scare stories. Beware of traders who suddenly appear after storms or floods and also of claims that a low price is only available if you sign up right away.

Don’t agree to buy from the first person who calls.

Ask yourself if you really want these goods or services.

Don’t pay cash up front.

Never pay for work before it is completed and don’t hand over large sums of money.

Do shop around if you decide you need work done.

Get a minimum of three quotes from reputable traders and get recommendations from people you trust.

Do ask what your cancellation rights are.

Remember for jobs costing over £42, traders are required to provide the consumer with a written notice informing them they have a fourteen-day cooling off period during which customers can change their mind and cancel the contract. Do report them! Don’t ever feel embarrassed if you feel you have been the victim of doorstep crime.

Who should I call if I feel threatened, unsafe or suspicious of a caller?

• Contact the police immediately on 999.

if I see something suspicious in my area, or want more advice about doorstep crime?

• Contact the police on 101.

• Try and take a note of vehicle details or registration numbers and descriptions of anyone suspicious.

If I want to contact the police anonymously?

• Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also visit its website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

To find out more about home safety services?

• Contact your local police station on 101 to arrange a free security survey.

Contact your local Trading Standards: Some operate No Cold Calling Zones or have lists of approved traders.

In the fight against crime, Police and partner agencies rely heavily on support and information from the general public.

HELP TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES SAFER?

If you have any information on this type of criminal activity within our communities, please contact us.

• Call Police Scotland on 101
• Contact Trading Standards on 0131 529 3030
• Citizens Advice Consumer Service’s on 03454 040506

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Message from Tesco: Community Funding

As you will be aware, large retailers must give the proceeds from the carrier bag charge to good causes. I wanted to update you on our exciting Bags of Help scheme which uses this money to fund local community projects across England, Scotland and Wales.  The first round of our scheme, delivered with the support of environmental improvement charity Groundwork, has just completed and has been a great success.  Millions of Tesco shoppers have voted to allocate over £11.7 million to 1,170 local projects, including new parks, sports facilities, woodland walks and community gardens. You can use the interactive map on our website to find out which projects have been successful in your local area and we would be delighted to put you in touch with any of the community groups.

I also wanted to make you aware that the second round of the scheme has just launched.  As well as local community groups and charities applying directly, projects can also be nominated by people living locally. Applications will be whittled down to three good causes in 442 Tesco areas. Customers can then vote for their favourite local project with the amount of funding available ranging from £8,000 to £12,000. The deadline for applications is 3 June and it would be fantastic if you can promote the opportunity in your constituency. 

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