Citizens Advice Bureau – serving Westhill and District

Citizens Advice Bureau held their AGM last week. The Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2012 showed £647,321 in client financial gain. This means that local people, with the help of the CAB, have been able to reclaim and spend this sum of money in the local economy. The bureau dealt with 8,191 separate client issues utilising 4,120 volunteer hours.

The service has really gone from strength to strength since inception as a local advice centre back in 2006. Now with 33 volunteers, 8 volunteer board members and 2 part time staff, the bureau also operates an outreach service in Aboyne and Alford.

The principal sources of funding are Citizens Advice Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council although many hours of hard work is undertaken by volunteers researching and applying for various grants as well as local fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

Let’s hope that the CAB will have many more successful years and be able to help even more people on a wide range of issues that face us on a daily basis. Remember all advice is free, confidential and impartial. The Citizens Advice Bureau is not a government agency.

High spirits in Skene!

In between torrential rain, the sun shone for Skene Gala and a great day was had by all. Innovative homemade carties were on display before the annual cartie race. Jousting took place alongside the scarecrow competition, highland dancing and homebake stalls. A “Wishing Line” showcased visitors’ aspirations – I hope they all come true! A fun afternoon despite the weather!

Energy Saving Surgeries to tour Aberdeenshire

Residents in Aberdeenshire will be able to benefit from energy saving tips offered by experts in a series of surgeries over the next few months.

The Energy Saving Scotland information sessions will offer advice on the best ways to stop wasting energy and money, and help fight climate change.

Specialists will be on hand to offer advice on energy saving measures for the home from simple tips for saving water and electricity, to detailed information on how to insulate every area of the home, reduce household waste and help source energy efficient applications for the home.

It is also a chance for residents to find out about any financial assistance that may be available to install insulation or new heating systems.

Sessions will be held at:
• Huntly Service Point (Gordon Street) June 25
• Stonehaven (Allardice Street) June 28
• Inverurie (Gordon House) August 20
• Fraserburgh (Mid Street) September 17
• Ellon (Neil Ross Square) September 18
• Peterhead (Arbuthnot House) September 28

All sessions will run from 10am until 1pm.

Energy Saving Scotland sessions are also planned for Banff, Inverbervie and Westhill. Dates for those events will be issued at a later date.

Anyone interested in going one step further and generating their own energy can also get advice from Energy Saving Scotland. Residents can organise free home visits to find out which renewable technologies are suited to their property and the best ways to get them installed.

Chair of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Peter Argyle, said: “As a local authority we are constantly striving to reduce the amount of energy we use in our office buildings and depots across Aberdeenshire. It is equally important for householders to learn how best to improve energy efficiency in their own homes.

“This is a great opportunity for local people to get free advice on how to save money and also tackle climate change.”

Apply 4 Homes launched

Applying for housing in Aberdeenshire & Moray has just become a whole lot easier. In the council chambers today at Woodhill House, housing officials from Aberdeenshire Council along with eight partners met with councillors and tenants to launch the new online application service. Anyone applying for council and Housing Association properties previously would have had to complete an application form to each separate organisation. Once registered with Apply 4 Homes, applicants are contacted by all the partners they apply to and information shared to make best use of all stock whether owned by the local authorities or the registered social landlord. This is a huge step forward for local housing and a big benefit to clients who at the end of the day are not particularly worried about who owns the property but have a genuine need to access affordable homes. At the moment, the various housing associations and local authorities have different allocation policies, all of which can be accessed on the website. Head of Service (Housing) for Aberdeenshire Council, Douglas Edwardson spoke at the launch of his vision to see a common housing allocation policy in operation between all housing providers in the future.

Log on here: http://www.apply4homes.org.uk/

Crackdown on metal thieves

Scrap metal theft was under discussion in a meeting with Grampian Police today. Officers were asked for an update on policing of this crime. New legislation is likely to make a positive impact. The rules will see all scrap metal dealers with a turnover of £1million or less requiring a licence to trade. Licencing could ensure that better records are kept, CCTV cameras are installed and checks on customer identification are carried out. The public are being encouraged to work with the police to identify both scrap metal thieves and rogue traders. Theft of metal has increased all over Scotland in recent times and has seen communities being targeted for power cables, manhole covers, lead from church and other community facility roofs and even plaques from war memorials.

Weather fails to dampen spirits at Westhill Gala!

Some of the Aberdeenshire West team

Relaxing with "Liberal Larry"

I spent most of the day at the Westhill gala today. Despite the rainy start, loads of local groups set up camp behind the Ashdale Hall for the annual event. There were many colourful stalls set up to showcase all the good things the various groups do in the community. Bucksburn Pipe Band officially opened the proceedings. As well as a wild west show, football and table tennis finals were taking place along with dancing displays, games and a BBQ. After five weeks of intensive council induction training, it was great to be back in the community again and I even picked up some new case work!

The Aberdeenshire West Liberal Democrat team manned a successful stall with whisky, champagne and giant teddy bears attracting a stream of visitors throughout the day.

Membership announced of Grampian Joint Police Board

I attended the first Grampian Joint Police Board meeting of the new session today. Full membership of the board can be found here:

http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/LocalAgencies/gjpb/lag_membership.asp

 The Board at present consists of 15 councillors appointed from the membership of the 3 councils: 6 members appointed by Aberdeen City Council, 6 members appointed by Aberdeenshire Council and 3 members appointed by Moray Council.

On reading over the history of policing in the area I thought I would highlight just some of the key changes over the centuries:

In 1179 – confirmation of Aberdeen Burgh Status granted by William the Lion. Burgh laws allowed for three “heid courtis” to be presided over by twelve burgesses, an elected Provost and baillies, to ‘guard and maintain the burgh’s laws and customs’.

1795 – Aberdeen Police Act – 13 commissioners of police elected.

1868 – Improved working hours introduced, shift system and military ‘drill’. New style helmets introduced on City of London style; uniforms enhanced.

1918-19 – Metropolitan Police Officers go on strike to protest about poor pay and conditions. Rent-free housing introduced; 8 hour working day. Police Act banned officers from joining a union. Police Federation set up to represent officers.

1949 – SNECC (Scottish North East Counties’ Constabulary) set up, incorporating old forces of Aberdeenshire, Kincardineshire, Banffshire, Morayshire and Nairnshire.

1975 – SNECC and Aberdeen City Police forces amalgamate to create new Grampian Police Force.

2012 – Interesting times as we move towards a single police force. Although it is “business as usual” for the force, how local authorities are going to be involved in scrutiny through the Scottish Police Authority after 31 March 2013 is as yet unclear.

Aberdeenshire Alliance sets 100-day pledge

Aberdeenshire’s administration has given itself 100 days to bring forward six key areas for development.

Investment in towns and villages, assistance to small and medium sized business and a focus on tourism and the hospitality industry are expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.

The administration has also committed to increasing pre-school and nursery provision and increasing care at home services for older people and accelerating plans to improve roads, provide affordable housing and replace schools and care homes.

The announcement comes as the Aberdeenshire Alliance launches its vision for the next five years, with a cash injection provided to each of the six development areas. The money will come from one-off savings that the council has generated over the last 12 months.

Savings of £11million were announced by the council in April, and as the end of year accounts are being finalised, the savings are larger than were forecast in April – with possibly as much as £20 million of savings being made by the council through on-going efficiency projects.

In May, the Aberdeenshire Alliance was formed to take on the administration of Aberdeenshire Council. It has set out its programme of work which reflects the main priorities for the council over the next five years.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Jim Gifford explained: “In developing our five year plan, we have listened to what our residents are telling us they want to see happen. We believe that Aberdeenshire Council is widely recognised as an effective, efficient and responsible local authority. We want to build on this and continue to deliver excellent local services to and for our residents.

“The 100 day pledge demonstrates that we mean business. The projects we’ve chosen will make an important contribution to kick-start the economy, and respond to issues that we know are important to local people.”

The key areas for a cash investment as part of the 100 day pledge are:

• Invest in our towns and villages – creating better places to live and work
• Provide assistance to small and medium sized businesses – helping our economy to flourish
• Boost the tourism and hospitality industries – attracting visitors and inward investment to the area
• Increase pre-school and nursery provision – improving the life chances of all children
• Increase care at home services for older people – more choices, better quality of support
• Accelerate plans to improve roads, provide affordable housing and replace schools and care homes

Officers will draw up proposals for each of the development areas and these will be presented at the next meeting of full council on 28th June.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Martin Kitts-Hayes said: “This is an exciting programme which directly reflects what local people are telling us are their priorities.

“We are committed to building on the strong reputation we have as a council that is responsive to the needs of our communities. I believe that the 100 day pledge will up the pace of change in the areas of greatest need.”

Co-ordinator of the Independent Group Cllr Norman Smith added: “I believe that this is a strong programme of work that will deliver tangible improvements to communities right across Aberdeenshire.

“We want our council services to be the best available and this programme will support us on that journey.”

Read the Aberdeenshire Alliance document Towards the best in Scotland

Social Work & Housing Committee

I am looking forward to the first SW&H meeting of the new session next Thursday and I am delighted to have been appointed to this Committee. My special interest is affordable housing, but I look forward to finding out more about the proposed integration of health and social care services and how these and the many other services within the remit of SW&H can be shaped to meet individual needs. Huge congratulations to our colleague Karen Clark who has been appointed Chair; she brings both experience and new ideas to the committee and I look forward to working with Karen and all colleagues on Social Work & Housing. See Karen’s blog on her new role:

http://karenclark.mycouncillor.org.uk/2012/06/01/new-role-as-chair-of-social-work-and-housing/