Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

Please note that most works are subject to change and late completion due to the restrictive measures in place following UK and Scottish Government advice that only emergency/urgent works and those considered essential should take place during this period.

Forthcoming Road Works

Strawberrybank – closed from Thursday 17 September for 5 working days for wall maintenance works.

Harris Education and Recreation Association Zoom classes! #dundeewestend

Harris Education and Recreation Association is running a short programme of online classes in September. 

You can enrol for one of the Zoom classes via our website. 

Enrolment will open at 6pm on 19th August, and close on 26th August. 

Full class details will be available at www.heradundee.org.

Getting things done - Roseangle car park and playpark #dundeewestend

I am grateful to the residents who recently highlighted to me the fallen fence between the car park and playpark at Roseangle.

I contacted both City Development at the council (responsible for the car park) and Neighbourhood Services (responsible for the playpark) and the Head of Environment responded helpfully as follows :

"I can confirm that the local environment manager has picked this issue up and is arranging for an urgent repair."

Getting things done - Perth Road to Riverside Avenue #dundeewestend

There’s a path from Perth Road just west of the Ninewells Garage down to Riverside Avenue.

It looks OK at the top end but as residents walk down it, it is very overgrown and a resident said at one point it is actually difficult to negotiate your way down it.

This path was orginally in private ownership but was upgraded by the council around the time Riverside Nature Park was opened to provide access from Perth Road, so I am hoping there is a maintenance agreement in place so I have asked our local environment manager if the foliage can be cut back.

Lochee Park update #dundeewestend

I recently received a request from a constituent in relation to Lochee Park :

“I noticed a bunch of new benches and bins in Victoria Park, looks great and I am sure will be appreciated. I wonder if there are plans for some more seating in Lochee Park?”

So ... I am delighted to welcome the new picnic table and seating at Lochee Park although I have asked our local environment manager if it may be possible to have more provided.

He has responded as follows :

"The picnic table was provided as part of improvements that are being made to Lochee Park. There was only one picnic bench included in the design but if it proves popular and there is a need for more we can consider this later in the year."

Update on bus service 4 #dundeewestend

Bus service 4 has not operated since the start of the COVID-19 health emergency.

As the only bus service covering Windsor Street, Magdalen Yard Road and Roseangle (as well as also passing Pentland and Logie), I asked Xplore Dundee if there is any chance of its resumption in the near future.

The company's Operations Manager has responded as follows :

"Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to operate service 4.   We have had to concentrate all of our resources on mainstream services to allow for physical distancing measures.    I cannot give you any indication of when this will change."

I will, however, update residents further when there is any change to this.

Getting things done - Seabraes #dundeewestend

I received concerns last week about glass strewn around the steps at Seabraes and ivy over the steps - also utility covers that required putting back in place.

I raised the glass issue with the council's Neighbourhood Services to get it cleared up and am also grateful to the Roads Maintenance Partnership which promptly visited the site in relation to the utility covers :

Biodiversity across the West End #dundeewestend

I am very grateful to the West End resident who has kindly sent me these lovely images of biodiversity in the West End :

Riverside Drive 1961! #dundeewestend

A great colour photograph of a Keiller delivery van in Riverside Drive in 1961 

Temporary Traffic Order - Park Place

From the City Council - I am assured that Dundee Dental Hospital is aware of this : 

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 : SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of crane lifting works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Park Place (between Old Hawkhill and Smalls Lane), Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 1 August 2020 for 3 days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Two way traffic will be permitted in Smalls Lane for the duration of the works.

Alternative routes are available via Old Hawkhill/Smalls Lane.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Lighting at the Kelso Steps #dundeewestend

I recently wrote to the City Council's Street Lighting Partnership Manager as follows :

"A resident has said he finds the lighting as he walks up the above steps is not adequate.      

The resident appreciates that even if it is agreed it needs improved, work like this will not be possible until we return to more normal times but I did promise to raise his query and would appreciate your feedback."

I have had helpful feedback as follows :

"We've had a look at this and we agree that there needs to be a revision of the lighting provision at the steps here. 

I will add it to our (very) long list of works  ... I give you my assurance that it will remain on the list until such times as it can be done and will not be forgotten about."

Food recycling update

A number of constituents have asked the position regarding the possible restoration of the food recycling service.

The council's Head of Environment has updated me as follows :

"At the present time we are unable to recommence with the re-introduction of food waste collections, due to having to utilise available staff resources in order to ensure that the other collections are maintained. Unfortunately, the requirement to ensure safe physical distancing into waste collection operations slows down the collection operation significantly and requires more vehicles, staff and time to complete daily routes.

In order to reintroduce food waste collections, there is a similar requirement to allocate specific resources and to introduce engineering controls within cabs of the Refuse Collection Vehicles. Similar to many other local authorities, we are not yet in a position to return to regular collections of all waste streams at this time.  

However, please be assured that my waste team are working hard to look at ways that we can re-introduce food waste collections over the coming months and I will provide you with more detail when I am able to update you further."

Elliot Road playing field area #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that, when Dundee City Council made its proposals for 'naturalised areas' within some parks and open space areas across the city to improve biodiversity, I mentioned - and highlighted to environment management - that I felt the most problematic proposal in the West End would be at Elliot Road.

This is because it completely removed an amenity space and is very close to residential housing - and so it has proved to be as there has been much comment to both myself and the City Council very largely saying that the site was not appropriate.

I am very pleased to say that the council has listened to feedback and last week cut the grass along most of the site - see photos below.

The Service Manager - Environment in the department has advised me :

"Following our ongoing review and proposals and also the feedback we have received with regards to Elliot Road we have concluded that the majority of grass will be cut and can confirm that this was commenced yesterday. As the area is no longer used for formal football, the cut area will be maintained as amenity grass.

However, a proportion of the green space will be designated as a biodiversity / naturalised area. Access to the entrance of Balgay cemetery will be maintained through this. In the future we will be considering how this area can be improved for biodiversity and amenity.

The proposal plan currently on the council website will edited and updated accordingly.

On another note and for information the area next to the Play park at Lochee Park will also be brought back to standard."

Latest update during the COVID-19 health emergency

Further update - for Tuesday 28th July – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson 

(West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry)

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.

https://news.gov.scot/news/shielding-to-be-paused

CHILDMINDER SCHOOL DROP OFFS AND PICK UPS - BLENDED

Childminders will be able to pick up and drop off children at school in August. Parents and carers are still encouraged to limit the use of multiple childcare settings where possible.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-letter-to-scottish-childminding-association 

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:

• a high temperature or fever

• a new continuous cough

• a loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste

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/ 

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/ 

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.

Eligible businesses can register here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme

DRIVE IN EVENTS

Drive-in entertainment events can now be held. This includes live concerts, comedy nights, theatre productions and local bingo events.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-events-sector-guidance/pages/overview

HOMEWORKING AND SECTORAL ADVICE

The guidance for homeworking has been revised:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-homeworking 

A comprehensive list of sectoral advice can be found here:

https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice 

GUIDANCE ON OUTDOOR CAFES, RESTAURANTS AND PUBS

This letter includes details of special measures to enable the erection of temporary buildings.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-building-standards---special-measures-to-enable-the-erection-of-temporary-buildings-for-the-recovery-and-renew-phase-letter-to-local-authorities 

INFORMATION

UK Government news: www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications

Scottish Government Updates: www.gov.scot/news

Dundee City Council updates: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

NHS Inform - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

NHS Tayside website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk

Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.

Health Protection Scotland Guidance - www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19

Federation of Small Businesses: www.fsb.org.uk/coronavirus

Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.

Ready Scotland Information - www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus

Tayside Cares - www.taysidecares.co.uk

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

This has been an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson

Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)

E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk

Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend

Virtual Open Day at Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education

Next Wednesday - 29th July - you can Zoom into Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education​'s world of exciting career opportunities and new horizons its virtual Open Day.

The college's admissions team and academic teaching staff will be on hand to answer any questions throughout the event.

To register for the virtual Open Day, click here.

GP and chemist services tomorrow

Most GP surgeries across Tayside will be closed tomorrow - Monday 27th July.

However, many chemists in Dundee are open tomorrow and are listed below :

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

Please note that most works are subject to change and late completion due to the restrictive measures in place following UK and Scottish Government advice that only emergency/urgent works and those considered essential should take place during this period.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY 26 JULY 2020

Lower Pleasance (at junction with Lochee Road) – closed on Sunday 26 July for Scottish Water ironwork repairs.

Brook Street (at East Milnes Wynd) – temporary traffic lights on Sunday 26 July for Scottish Water manhole repair.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD – WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 27 JULY 2020

Guthrie Street (at Daniel Street) – off-peak temporary traffic lights on Monday 27 July for Scottish Water manhole repair.

Urquhart Street (Blackness Road to Larch Street) – closed on Tuesday 28 July for Scottish Water manhole repair.

Blinshall Street (Miln Street to Guthrie Street) – closed on Wednesday 29 July for Scottish Water manhole repair.

Guthrie Street (Blinshall Street to Session Street) – closed on Thursday 30 July for Scottish Water manhole repair.

Perth Road (at Invergowrie Drive) – off-peak temporary traffic lights on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July for BT works.

Ash Street (Brewery Lane to Douglas Street) – closed on Friday 31 July for one day for Scottish Water ironwork repairs.

Forthcoming Road Works

Park Place (Old Hawkhill to Smalls Lane) – closed from Saturday 1 August for 3 days for crane lifting works.

Greenbank Place – closed from Wednesday 5 August for 3 working days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend

Some time ago, I requested that the additional Moveable Vehicle Activated Signs on Perth Road near Sinderins - to encourage all motorists to drive below the 30mph limit - be moved further west as they were too close to the Sinderins junction.

This was done and moved near the Rockfield Street junction but the signs are currently not working because - I suspect - of the need for battery recharge. 

I have had an assurance from the City Council that the signs will be checked and necessary action to get them working again will be taken.

Temporary Traffic Order - Lower Pleasance

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of Scottish Water iron work repairs  being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the entry to and exit from Lower Pleasance (at its junction with Lochee Road), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 26th July 2020 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Lochee Road southbound, returning Lochee Road northbound/Polepark Road.

For further information contact 433168.             

Executive Director

City Development Department

Dundee City Council

Spaces for People proposals in the West End - an update #dundeewestend

As residents will be aware, "Spaces for People" is the temporary infrastructure programme that offers funding from Scottish Government through Sustrans to make it safer for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for essential trips and exercise during the current health emergency.

I have already updated residents about one of the Dundee projects as part of this programme - 20mph zones of which the one in the West End around the Perth Road shopping area and lanes has had a very positive feedback already as the signing and lining goes in.

Another proposal was a proposed "modal filter" envisaged for Riverside Approach - a feature used to limit through-journeys along a street by certain modes of transport.

The principle of a filter to stop large vehicles like HGVs using the bridge at Riverside Approach then drive along the narrow Perth Road lanes, Roseangle or Magdalen Yard Road was a good one.    My problem with the proposal is that it envisaged stopping all vehicles including local residents' access to their homes via Riverside Approach and feedback from constituents was unsurprisingly not supportive.

I raised the matter with the City Council and the Parking and Sustainable Transport Team Leader has responded helpfully as follows :

"The modal filter envisaged for the area of Magdalen Green would have seen the closure of Riverside Approach at Barnett's Garage - and all but pedestrian and cyclists would have been able to use this route (north/south).    There would be no vehicular access between Riverside Drive and the Perth Road Lanes area and residents driving to and from this area would be diverted to the Perth Road - using either the bridge at the Botanic Gardens or past the University.    

I have taken on board your comments and I am aware of the potential for negative feedback from residents.   Following initial discussions and experience from elsewhere, this project was placed on hold and would now only be progressed with community support.   

If you can advise of an alternative site for a modal filter in this vicinity that would have the effect of reducing through traffic while retaining the support from the wider community I would willingly consider other options."

I woudl really welcome feedback from residents on possible alternative sites for a project likde this in the West End - do please e-mail me at fraser@frasermacpherson.org.uk. 

Gardening for wildlife - Workshop and Q&A

Helena Simmons from Ninewells Community Garden will share her tried and tested ideas on making space for wildlife within a productive vegetable garden at this on-line workshop tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd July) at 1pm. 

She will talk about benefits for crop protection, biodiversity and carbon storage.

The live online workshop is a great opportunity to share ideas and ask questions about your own gardens.

You can register for it here.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

Please note that most works are subject to change and late completion due to the restrictive measures in place following UK and Scottish Government advice that only emergency/urgent works and those considered essential should take place during this period.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 20 JULY 2020

20mph speed limit zone road marking and traffic sign works commencing Monday 29 June 2020 for 2 weeks to improve road safety for the higher levels of pedestrians and cyclists in the following streets in the Perth Road area:  Roseangle, Magdalen Yard Road, Richmond Terrace, Richmond Court, Fort Street, Nethergate from its junction with West Marketgait to its junction with Perth Road, Perth Road from its junction with Nethergate to its junction with Hawkhill, Minto Place, Strawberrybank, Osborne Place (where adopted), Shepherds Loan, Taylors Lane, Spinners Wynd, Union Place, Step Row, Patons Lane, McGonagall Square, Tayfield Place, Provost McGowan Place, Thomson Street, Seafield Lane, Seafield Road, Seafield Close, Bellfield Avenue, Magdalen Place, Westfield Lane, Westfield Place, Westfield Avenue, Greenfield Place, Park Place (where adopted), Pennycook Lane, St Peter Street, Ryehill Lane, West Wynd, Mid Wynd, Millers Wynd (where adopted), Springfield, Hawkhill Place, Artillery Lane, Cross Lane, Temple Lane, South Tay Street, Palais Court, Tay Street Lane, Tay Square, Long Wynd, West Port, Old Hawkhill and Hunter Street.

Lower Pleasance (at junction with Lochee Road) – closed on Sunday 26 July for Scottish Water ironwork repairs.

Forthcoming Road Works

Greenbank Place – closed from Monday 5 August for 3 working days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Everyday Packs

Thanks to funding received from the Big Lottery Supporting Communities Fund Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action has been able to support a really good project for Dundee's older people.  

Working in partnership with Dundee Community Transport, HOPE - Helping Older People Engage, Grey Lodge Settlement and volunteers from GetLocalSupport.org  it has put together 'Everyday Packs' for distribution to the older people's community in Dundee.  

The Everyday Packs will contain a small bottle of hand sanitiser and either a reusable washable face mask or 5 disposable masks.  

These packs are for those who are:

• aged 55+

• socially isolated - so who don't have any support networks in place that can get these items for them

• digitally excluded - so are unable to purchase them online themselves

• whose general wellbeing will be improved as a result of receiving this

We know that older people who have being shielding and who haven't been out the house for the past 15 weeks are concerned about going into a shop to purchase a mask and hope that this will be able to alleviate some of their concerns.  These packs are designed as a helping hand to enable older people to get out safely in the first place. 

Given the Scottish Government's instruction that everyone is to wear a face covering in all shops from 10th July, referrals have been accepted from Monday 13th July and packs will be delivered approximately 1 week after applying.

If interested, please contact Shirley by email on skyles@number10.org or call Georgie-Ann on Dundee 305721 (Mon to Fri 10am - 1pm only).  

Dial OP can also receive referrals by contacting Dundee 305757. 

20mph zone in the West End #dundeewestend

I am grateful to all residents who have given feedback to me regarding the new 20mph zone in the Perth Road Lanes and district shopping centre.

Provided as a result of funding through Sustrans' "Spaces for People" programme, it is one of four new temporary 20mph zones in the city - the others being in Fintry, Broughty Ferry and Douglas.

As residents know, I have long campaigned for 20mph zones in residential areas to provide a safer environment, paricularly for children out playing and the elderly and I am very pleased with the positive feedback to the new zone already - including comments that it could be extended to other residential areas of the West End.

I hope that, if deemed successful, it will be made permanent and will be the catalyst for an expansion of 20mph zones in residential areas across Dundee.

Getting things done - Peddie Street #dundeewestend

I am grateful to the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership for its prompt attention to the resident's concern I raised recently about trip hazards in Peddie Street caused by missing utility company covers - now resolved :

Getting things done - River Crescent and Hillside Terrace #dundeewestend

There has recently been significant levels of flooding on the roadway at the south end of River Crescent that residents brought to my attention.

I took this up with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership Manager who helpfully updated me as follows :

"I can confirm we’ll arrange for gully cleaning of this street. 

"We are aware of wider problems in this area and the flooding team are working on a surface water management plan in conjunction with Scottish Water. 

Our next challenge will be securing funding to implement the improvements identified from the study."

Separately, there were also road flooding concerns recently at the west end of Hillside Terrace and I am grateful to the Roads Maintenance Partnership for its prompt attention to this.

Totally Tropical - Live!

Tomorrow - Thursday 16th July - from the University of Dundee Botanic Garden :

A journey through the steamy foliage of the tropical glasshouse, looking for some of our most beautiful, most ugly and smelliest plants! 

Help us measure the Victoria leaves and learn how to wear a Hibiscus flower.   

This is a live on line event.

You can find out more here.

Latest update during the COVID-19 health emergency #dundeewestend

Further update - for Tuesday 14th July – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson (West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry)

FURTHER EASING OF RESTRICTIONS

Following the Scottish Government’s shift to Phase 3 – see also detail in the image below :

The 2-metre rule still applies except where specifically stated.

From now 

Those shielding can end physical distancing with those they live with. https://www.gov.scot/news/next-steps-for-people-shielding/

Mandatory face coverings in shops and other retail. This guidance includes exemptions for people with breathing difficulties etc.  Shop workers are also required to wear a face covering with some exemptions. https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-retail-sector-guidance/pages/workforce-planning/#facecoverings

Outdoors – a household can meet up to 4 other households at a time – up to 15 people in total.

Indoors – a household can meet up to 2 other households at a time – up to 8 people in total. This includes overnight stays. A house can meet up to 4 other households per day in total. 

The limit on the number of other households you can meet per day (indoors or outdoors) does not apply to young people who are under 18.

Children aged 11 or under no longer need to physically distance indoors.

Extended Households: All non-cohabiting partners (and any children under 18 in the household) can form extended households without physical distancing.

From yesterday - Monday 13th July 

Non-essential shops inside shopping centres can re-open.

Dental practices can do non-aerosol routine care. Urgent care centres will continue to provide aerosol generating procedures.

Organised outdoor contact sports and physical activity can resume for children and young people under 18.

Face-to-face youth work can resume outdoors.

From tomorrow - Wednesday 15th July 

Places of worship can re-open for congregational services, communal prayer and contemplation.

Museums, galleries, monuments, libraries, various other visitor attractions, cinemas (including drive-ins and venues screening films).

Hairdressers and barbers can re-open.

All childcare providers can open. This guidance lifts the emergency limits on the number of children and households but maintains the restrictions on school pick up and drop offs (blended) 

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-childminder-services-guidance/pages/summary/ https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-childcare-closures-and-emergency-provision/

Indoor hospitality can reopen.

All holiday accommodation permitted.

20 people can now attend funerals, marriage ceremonies and civil partnership registrations, including those beyond the immediate family.

From Wednesday 22nd July 

Universities and colleges.

Other personal retail services such as beauticians and tailors can re-open.

Motorcycle instruction and theory/hazard tests can resume. Tractor driver instruction can resume.

The following may resume after the 31st July 

Non-essential offices and call centres. Working from home and working flexibly remain the default.

Some live events (outdoors and indoors).

Bingo halls.

Driving lessons.

Indoor gyms.

Resumption of non-professional adult outdoor contact sports.

This is the latest updated guidance on which businesses must remain closed as of today.  You will see that the list of exemptions is growing longer. 

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-3-business-and-physical-distancing-guidance/pages/businesses-and-premises-that-must-remain-closed/

CHANCELLOR ANNOUNCES FURTHER SUPPORT - VAT AND JOBS

Kickstart Scheme – 6-month work placements for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit at risk of long-term unemployment. Funding available will cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

Youth Offer – More support for 18-24 in the Intensive Work Search group in Universal Credit.

Work and Health Programme – expand the scope to introduce additional voluntary support in the autumn for those on benefits that have been unemployed for more than 3 months.

Job finding support service – in the autumn introduce an online, one-to-one service will help those who have been unemployed for less than three months.

Eat Out to Help Out - every diner will be entitled to a 50% discount of up to £10 per head on their meal. It can be used an unlimited number of times and will be valid Monday to Wednesday on any eat-in meal including on non-alcoholic drinks for the entire month of August. Participating establishments will be fully reimbursed for the 50% discount.

Temporary VAT cut for food and non-alcoholic drinks – From 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021, the reduced (5%) rate of VAT will apply to supplies of food and non-alcoholic drinks from restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés and similar premises.

Temporary VAT cut for accommodation and attractions – From 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021 the reduced (5%) rate of VAT will apply to accommodation and admission to attractions.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-plan-for-jobs-documents/a-plan-for-jobs-2020#policy-decisions

CHILDCARE

For weeks Willie Rennie MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has been making the case for a joined-up approach as thousands of parents are being asked to go back to work without the usual summer childcare. He is relieved that finally we have something that might work.

He has also been an advocate for good early learning and childcare and supports the expansion of the hours to 1140.  Willie can’t understand why a three-month lockdown results in a twelve-month delay to the roll out. Families are banking on the expansion to enable them to get back to work, children have already missed out on education and nursery because of the lockdown and the inequality gap continues to grow.

The First Minister says she wants to support an economic recovery but there is no way to a strong recovery that does not include strong and growing childcare provision.

Watch the exchange:

https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/first-minister-statement-july-9-2020?clip_start=13:09:57&clip_end=13:15:29

MEDICAL CONDITIONS ADVICE

New advice for people with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, IBD; chronic kidney and liver disease; dermatological, neurological, (specific) ophthalmic, respiratory and rheumatic conditions, chronic pain, and rare diseases.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tailored-advice-for-those-who-live-with-specific-medical-conditions/

QUARANTINE RULES LIFTED

The requirement to quarantine for 14 days on arrival still applies to Spain and Serbia. This will be reviewed on July 20th when it is likely to be lifted.  Even if you arrive into an airport in England you still need to quarantine when you arrive home. This link includes a list of countries for which you do not have to quarantine.

https://www.gov.scot/news/quarantine-rule-ends-for-travellers-arriving-from-lower-risk-countries-and-territories/

HOMEBUYERS HELP

The threshold at which Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is paid will be raised from £145,000 to £250,000 – excluding the Additional Dwelling Supplement. No date has been set for this change.

https://www.gov.scot/news/help-for-homebuyers-and-employment-support/

SCAMS

Trading Standards Scotland is part of COSLA. In the latest edition of its Scam Share bulletin, it outlines scams which have been reported by consumers across Scotland, including those related to the COVID-19 outbreak. There is some very useful information for local communities, covering issues such as phone, pension and holiday-related scams. 

The bulletin can be viewed at https://mailchi.mp/86259372cd2e/scam-share 

INFORMATION

UK Government news: www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications

Scottish Government Updates: www.gov.scot/news

Dundee City Council updates: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

Covid community helpline for food, shopping, prescriptions, finances, personal care: People in Dundee on the shielded list only - 0300 123 1403. People in Dundee who are vulnerable but not on the shielded list - 0800 111 4000

NHS Inform - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19 

NHS Tayside website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk

Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.

Health Protection Scotland Guidance - www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19

Federation of Small Businesses: www.fsb.org.uk/coronavirus

Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.

Ready Scotland Information - www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus

Tayside Cares - www.taysidecares.co.uk

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson

Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)

E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk

Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend