Latest news with #RobertBurns-linked
The National
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Coatbridge couple lose court case to restore Winter Fuel Payment
Pensioners Peter and Flo Fanning, from Coatbridge, took their case to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, claiming that both sets of decision-makers failed to consult pensioners and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes. The Court of Session ruled to refuse the petition on Friday morning. Peter and Flo lost their entitlement to the financial assistance and became worried about their ability to afford their heating costs. READ MORE: Plans approved to turn Robert Burns-linked estate into whisky distillery Peter, 73, receives a state and a work pension, while Flo, 72, receives just a state pension. They do not meet the criteria to qualify for pension credits and decided to take action in a bid to have the benefit restored for all who previously received it. Peter said he was going to court to "give a voice" to other pensioners. The couple both suffer from medical conditions that are made worse by the cold. During the winter, they say they have to use their household heating daily to combat symptoms. Peter and Flo Fanning (Image: PA) They also claimed the decision to end the £300 benefit for thousands of people across the country last year was "irrational" and breached their human rights. Lady Hood found that neither of the governments had failed to exercise their duties under the Equality Act 2010 and neither was under a duty to consult. In her judgment, she stated: 'This case is not a verdict, nor even an expression of opinion, on the merits or demerits of government policy as debated in the public arena. 'The purpose of the case was to test a much "narrower question", namely whether the policy decisions made by the governments were unlawful, and if so liable to be struck down by the courts. READ MORE: Reform UK claim to have 11,000 Scottish members in challenge to Labour 'I shall therefore repel the petitioners' first to eighth pleas-in-law and refuse the petition. The question of the appropriate remedies, had I found in the petitioners' favour therefore does not arise.' Late Alba Party leader Alex Salmond was instrumental in putting the Fannings in touch with the Govan Law Centre ahead of the action being raised. A spokesperson from Govan Law Centre, who represented the couple, said they still felt the action had been merited and worthwhile. They added: "While our clients have lost their case at first instance, we have no doubt that this litigation has been influential in securing the partial U-turn made by the Scottish Government last November and the major policy U-turn confirmed by the UK Government earlier this week. "We hope that Holyrood will now follow suit and restore the Winter Fuel Payment in full for people such as our clients." Westminster abandoned plans to withdraw the payments from all but the poorest pensioners after the scheme drew widespread criticism. The Scottish Government had already launched its own Winter Fuel Payment in response to the original cut, which included extra support for those less well-off, but also a universal payment which is unaffected by income.
The National
13-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Charles Rennie Mackintosh building 'at risk' from O2 ABC plan
The Art School objected to the Sauchiehall Street proposals, which have been recommended for approval to councillors. This is despite the planning document admitting that the plans have a "significant issue of the negative impact on the Conservation Area". The document details plans for a mixed-use student accommodation and hospitality site. READ MORE: Plans approved to turn Robert Burns-linked estate into whisky distillery Professor Penny Macbeth, director and principal of the Glasgow School of Art and Mackintosh Building project sponsor, said: "The recommendation for approval places our commitment to the rebuilding of the Mackintosh Building at significant risk. "The former Jumping Jaks/ABC site proposals fundamentally compromise the Mackintosh Building's heritage significance as a purpose-design art school and with it, the building's future use as a working art school with the economic, social, cultural and wider regeneration benefits this will bring to the city. Mack rebuild 'at risk' from ABC warns Glasgow Art School (Image: Newsquest/Colin Mearns) "Exercising our responsibilities as custodians of the Mackintosh, committed to its rebuilding as a working school of art, only works if the responsibilities of the City Council, as custodians of Glasgow's built heritage, are exercised wisely, balancing immediate economic benefits against the longer-term impact of the decisions they take. "We all agree that the redevelopment of the former Jumping Jaks/ABC is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to positively transform this part of the city. READ MORE: Peter Krykant spoke from Scotland to the world – but his work isn't done "However, it needs to be done without detrimental impact to the internationally significant Category A-listed Mackintosh. "We have been clear in our extensive discussions with VITA that, while recognising the importance and complexities of this city block, an achievable solution can be found which delivers both financial viability for them while mitigating impact to the Mackintosh Building and Glasgow's important built heritage." The Vita Group released new images of the proposed designs this week (Image: Vita Group) In July 2024, the architectural firm Reiach and Hall, with Purcell, was appointed to draw up plans to reinstate the Mackintosh Building faithfully. Their work on the reinstatement of the "Mack" will be published later in 2025. James Grimley, Reiach and Hall Architects, said: "The massing and proximity of the proposed development would cause grave harm to the setting, character, and function of the Mackintosh Building including significantly reducing daylight and compromising the buildings intended function where daylight is integral to its design and purpose. READ MORE: SNP minister Neil Gray under fire over 'using ministerial car to visit the pub' "Equally important is how the functionality of several critical spaces would be compromised by the proposals, reducing the educational and experiential value of these, the overall heritage significance of the building as one of the world's first purpose-designed schools of art and also its use and purpose when rebuilt. "There are alternative approaches that would reduce the development's detrimental impact on a building of such international importance. "A revised scheme that respects and protects the Mackintosh Building's future both as a heritage asset and working art school, as it was designed, should be pursued." (Image: Newsquest) Over eight floors - including a basement - House of Social would include student accommodation, as well as a food hall, a public courtyard, a bar, a gym and more. If successful, the proposed Vita development, featuring their House of Social brand, will bring around £70million investment to Sauchiehall Street. The student accommodation would feature 356 bed spaces, comprising 306 four, five, and six-bedroom 'houses' with a shared kitchen and lounge and 50 studio spaces. It would also feature a fitness centre, social and study spaces, café-style lounges, and cycle storage. READ MORE: Scottish council urged to remove 'far-right racist' banners from town landmark James Rooke, planning director for Vita Group, who has successfully created other new sites in Glasgow, said: 'We believe our proposals offer a unique approach to student living and the benefits the development will bring extend far beyond the student community. "It will generate significant economic benefits, will help to reenergise Sauchiehall Street and contribute to the city's Golden Z ambitions. 'This is an incredibly challenging site to redevelop, and we've worked hard to create proposals that are deliverable and appropriate.' The current site has been branded an 'eyesore' by locals (Image: Newsquest) The proposals have the support of a wide range of stakeholders, including local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. Stuart Patrick, chief executive of the Chamber has welcomed the plans and said: 'It is critical that this key site is brought forward for development as soon as possible. "There's no doubt it's been a blight on Sauchiehall Street, and we need to secure this much-needed investment, which would be transformational.' The former cinema turned nightclub had lain derelict since the second Glasgow School of Art fire spilt over onto its roof in July 2018.
