Mobile testing units will continue to operate across East Lothian for another four weeks in a bid to help identify positive cases of COVID-19 in people who are asymptomatic and break chains of transmission. Members of the public who have no symptoms associated with Covid-19, but who may be infectious and spreading the disease without knowing it, are invited to… Read more »
As the benefits rates change from year to year, Age UK have produced an informative guide outlining the most notable changes this year. This includes information on: Increases to the new and basic State Pension, as well as increases to Pension and Savings Credit. Changes to entitlements for council tax support, housing benefit, winter fuel payment, cold weather payment and warm… Read more »
From East Lothian Council Two mobile Covid-19 asymptomatic testing units are set to be deployed in East Lothian in a bid to help identify positive cases and break chains of transmission. Members of the public who have no symptoms associated with Covid-19, but who may be infectious and spreading the disease without knowing it, can book a test online or telephone 0300 303… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I discuss what I see in the short term as vaccinations continue to be rolled out. “One and a half million doses is something to be proud of for those delivering it and for the rest of us to be reassured by. Minds are now rightly turning to post lockdown but continued… Read more »
In my column in the East Lothian Courier I discuss conversations with the Health Secretary and the health board about the vaccine rollout. “The issue of many being asked to travel to Edinburgh is being addressed with the mass vaccination centre at Queen Margaret University opening up, East Lothian Community Hospital also, and improvements in supply to GP practices which… Read more »
This morning a cold weather payment was triggered in areas of East Lothian. This includes postcodes beginning: EH21, EH22, EH31, EH32, EH33, EH34, EH35, EH36, EH37, EH39, EH40, EH41, EH42, TD11 and TD13. Cold Weather Payments are made to recipients of selected benefits. £25 will be paid to eligible residents. You can find more information and eligibility criteria at the… Read more »
Citizens Advice Scotland’s Big Energy Saving Month launches on Monday 11 January. This campaign aims to help people cut their energy bills and get the financial support they are entitled to. According to their website the campaign is about: “giving people the power to save time, money and energy through everyday actions. The campaign raises public awareness of how simple… Read more »
This is not where any of us expected to be last year, nor is it where we would wish to be heading into 2021. The continuing story of the power of human innovation in creating vaccines gives us hope that 2021 will be a better year for all across Scotland and around the World. It is up to us all… Read more »
Around this time last year I had the pleasure of attending an event at the home of the Saltire in Athelstaneford in East Lothian. Restrictions do not allow me to be there today, but I look forward to celebrating the soul of our nation once it is safe to do so. The Scottish Flag Trust Trust looks after the Saltire… Read more »
This year, in order to help make sure everyone has the chance of a proper Christmas Dinner, I am supporting East Lothian Foodbank’s Jingle Bags campaign. The campaign aims to make sure that food bank users have the food available for a proper Christmas dinner. There is a full list of required food items at the Foodbank’s website: https://eastlothian.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/jingle-bags/ My… Read more »