Latest news with #SEPA
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Dumfries and Galloway river levels begin to recover as dry spell ends
The Annan, Nith, Dee and Cree catchment areas have been downgraded from 'moderate scarcity' to 'alert' level. Rivers levels in Dumfries and Galloway are beginning to recover after rain finally arrived in the region. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has downgraded the Annan, Nith, Dee and Cree catchment areas from 'moderate scarcity' to 'alert' level after the warm, dry spell came to an end. However, the recovery may only be temporary and, even with recent rain, groundwater remains low in many places. SEPA's head of environmental performance, Kenny Boag, said: 'We've had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery. There has been some relief in parts of the west, for many river catchments the long-term deficit remains. "It's a complex picture, and while we welcome signs of recovery in some areas, most of the east coast continues to experience water stress. 'Many catchments remain under significant pressure and the water environment is still in a vulnerable state. More rain is forecast over the next few days, but we need sustained rainfall in the right places over weeks, not just days, to make a real difference. 'SEPA continue to work closely with abstractors and sectors using water from our environment in the areas facing sustained water scarcity. Clear, early communication is being provided so no one is caught off guard. "We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy - but we also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive. 'Balancing economic and environmental needs is at the heart of our role as a regulator. If restrictions are put in place, they will be proportionate and in place for a short time as possible. "But we will act where necessary to protect the water environment because it underpins Scotland's economy, communities and way of life.' SEPA is continuing to ask farmers, producers and manufacturers to continue using water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. Advice is available on SEPA's website, as well as from SEPA staff contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk.
Finextra
3 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
A crisis of trust: European and global verification brings safety to payments
0 This content has been created by the Finextra editorial team with inputs from subject matter experts at the funding sponsor. Verification of Payee (VoP) has rapidly become an essential aspect of banking and payments, ensuring security and safety in payments transactions. By October 2025, all European Payments Service Providers (PSPs) using SEPA instant and non-instant transfers will need to verify payee account details before processing payments. As the EPC's deadline is fast approaching, PSPs must urgently implement the VoP scheme or risk falling behind regulatory compliance and industry standards. The European Instant Payments Regulation and EPC VoP scheme requires all credit transfers across the Eurozone to be accompanied by a match of the account beneficiary's name. To comply, almost 5,000 European financial institutions will need to introduce a Routing and Verification mechanism (RVM) to make VoP requests and responses. Shedding light on the subject, Finextra spoke to Michael Moon, head of strategic market development at iPiD. This article outlines the main challenges facing VoP adoption, the solutions offered by third-party providers, and what VoP adoption will accomplish for the faster payments industry, both nationwide and on a global scale. Moon states: 'In the instant payments era, if you don't have the protections against the fraud and mistaken payments, your business is going to become a lot harder to operate.' Why is the VoP scheme essential? As instant payments increase, so does fraud and so must global verification confirmation services, as Moon points out. The impersonation and manipulation tactics that are being used by fraudsters to authorise payments have created what Moon labels a 'crisis of trust.' Verification of the payee is of critical significance to prevent fraud, and so the VoP mandate is arriving at a critical time to accompany instant payments growth as it continues to skyrocket. According to Moon, 'the world has been introduced to faster payments for many years now. Instant payments are incredibly pervasive across many countries in the world. Certainly in Europe, there have been efforts to increase instant payments. 'More recently, the European Commission introduced a regulatory package known as the IPR, or Instant Payments Regulation, and that came from dissatisfaction in Europe with the level of adoption of instant payments in the market. What the regulation made clear is that, if you are a payment service provider in the business of making credit transfers, you need to offer the ability to both send and receive payments on an instant basis,' states Moon. Recognising the potential risks that accompany speed, the regulator, with the benefit of international evidence such as the UK's Faster Payments system, acknowledged that instant payments inevitably leads to greater fraud risks. As such, the widespread adoption of instant payments could not be pushed forward in isolation, without appropriate safeguards. Hence, the VoP mandate was born. VoP, while not a silver bullet, has had a direct result on clamping down on fraudsters. In 2023, the UK's equivalent initiative Confirmation of Payee (CoP) led to a 17% decrease of APP fraud in 2023. According to data from Fortra in 2025, 77% of businesses uses CoP to prevent fraud and 96% agree that CoP is effective in reducing fraudulent transactions. Challenges to satisfy the approaching deadline A major challenge that financial institutions will need to overcome is managing their time wisely. Meeting the 9 October deadline requires phases of testing to be completed by July to ensure full readiness by the autumn, which sets PSPs on a tight timeline for preparation. Furthermore, global cross-border fragmentation adds another layer of complexity to meeting the deadline. Organisations that operate in multiple markets have more regulatory requirements to navigate. Moon added that large banks and payments firms that have a significant portfolio of corporate clients will also have to manage the complications of providing verification services for them as compared to individual customers. Third party providers can offer verification and validation schemes that understand and can streamline the transaction process. Moon points out that institutions looking to standardise their services across multiple markets and customer bases can gain support from third party providers that are best placed to serve their validation needs: 'These third party suppliers can help with the specific processes of making VoP requests and responding to those requests, as well as integrating with and orchestrating transaction activity with various services that need to be consumed to perform this. For example, there is a centralised electronic addressing service, the EPC Directory Service, which is a digital address book that identifies the recipient of these requests. Third parties, the RVMs, are the traffic police; sending, receiving, and responding on behalf of the payment service providers.' Moon mentions how these third parties can offer a Know Your Payee (KYP) scheme aimed at standardising responses and solving dissonance in global transactions. Using iPiD as an example, Moon highlights how global KYP providers do the work of connecting services and creating a standardised response to the sender of any validation or verification request: 'Financial organisations get the benefit of global coverage and reach to different verification services and actually standardising that back into their environment, so they don't need to deal with the different levels of capturing and presenting data.' Moon further explains that there are two forms of verification services that can be provided to PSPs: A lite provider that directs the traffic, managing requests and responses. A full provider which offers more in-depth features that manage the level and scale of verification activity throughout Europe, such as having records of history and transaction activity to ensure a request was made and provide evidence of that request and transaction if needed. The liability scheme that is soon to be introduced will hold PSPs accountable for any loss due to fraud or scams, which is why it is key to have evidence of transactions and transparency through the VoP scheme. Outside of scam and fraud, major inefficiencies such as mistaken payments and amending errors in the payments process can be resolved through VoP protocols. Moon emphasises that improving defenses against scams both at a local level and a global level are essential, as verification is being introduced in various forms in different nations. Moon concludes: 'As you move money faster, the risks of losing money to fraud and scams, particularly with the commensurate level of digitalisation in payment services, fraud losses and risks increase. We expect that all payments, whether they are local, in a single country like the UK or within the European marketplace, or payments that are conducted cross border and globally, we see all those payments having an upfront form of validation or verification. We think that is a necessary way to operate in the future.'
Edinburgh Reporter
4 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Bathgate meadows plan survives £17m lottery rejection
Plans to provide a green lane through the heart of Bathgate will survive the loss of £17m National Lottery funding, councillors have been told. The plan, launched in 2022, will eventually see Bathgate Burn restored and its banks turned into green space, as well as creating travel routes running through the heart of the town. However, having funded initial design plans the National Lottery Heritage Fund backed away from proposals in January because of 'the very significant increase in the cost and scope of the project.' New, rationalised proposals expected later this year will concentrate on the greening of the Bathgate Burn. The withdrawal caused consternation among local groups working with the Council and national agencies such as SEPA and Sustrans, looking at ways to bring the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park to life. What had started out as potentially a £10m project had ballooned to £20m as the number of active travel routes had increased, involving more work on the town's streets as well as along the banks of the Bathgate Burn. In a report to the town's local area management committee this week Graeme Burton the council's Design Engineering Manager said: 'The feedback from the National Lottery Heritage Fund was that the level of unsecured match funding was the main risk to the project, as well as the increase in scope. 'A significant portion of the unsecured funding is because the council is only able to apply for active travel funding from Transport Scotland on a yearly basis, which is not guaranteed. Mr Burton report added 'the council will aim to rationalise the current scope during the next phase of the design.' Despite the unsuccessful National Lottery application, SEPA have expressed their ambition to continue funding the project through to the construction phase. SUStrans Places for Everyone funding will still be available until September 2025, at which point this funding stream will cease. Other funding will need to be applied for on a yearly basis to deliver the active travel elements through Transport Scotland's Active Travel Infrastructure Fund. This fund takes the place of the SUStrans Places for Everyone fund. Mr Burton's report to the local area committee added: 'Officers have recently been liaising with all project partners and the Project Board to identify the next steps. It is intended that river restoration and active travel elements will continue development, however, the community engagement and traineeships elements will reduce in scope. 'One of the project partners, Forth Rivers Trust, was the partner who would have continued community engagement and traineeships; however, it has been decided that West Lothian Council officers will progress community engagement on a reduced scale, with no further involvement from Forth Rivers Trust. 'Designs are currently ongoing, with detailed designs for river restoration programmed to be complete towards the end of 2026, following statutory consultation periods and due to seasonal constraints for wildlife identified within the area. 'The detailed design for some active travel routes are programmed to be complete by Autumn 2025.' Council officers had to call an emergency meeting with the local committee in January when the National Lottery made its decision. There were widespread fears that the project would collapse. At the time a council spokesperson described the decision as 'obviously disappointing' but stressed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: ' It is not correct to suggest that the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park Project has been cancelled. 'This is an ambitious multi-year project involving multiple partners with the aim of regenerating the area around the Bathgate Water. The council is a member of a multi-agency project board, working alongside members of the community to deliver the Bathgate Meadows restoration. This is a complex piece of work, funded through multiple phases via a number of identified funding streams.' Councillor Pauline Stafford sought assurances that community involvement would still be part of the plan Mr Burton said that it has been decided that West Lothian Council officers will progress community engagement on a reduced scale, with no further involvement from Forth Rivers Trust. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Plan for Bathgate meadows to go ahead despite £17m knockback by National Lottery
The plan, launched in 2022, will eventually see Bathgate Burn restored and its banks turned into green space, as well as creating travel routes running through the heart of the town. Plans to provide a green lane through the heart of Bathgate will survive the loss of £17m National Lottery funding, councillors have been told. The plan, launched in 2022, will eventually see Bathgate Burn restored and its banks turned into green space, as well as creating travel routes running through the heart of the town. However, having funded initial design plans the National Lottery Heritage Fund backed away from proposals in January because of ' the very significant increase in the cost and scope of the project.' New, rationalised proposals expected later this year will concentrate on the greening of the Bathgate Burn. The withdrawal caused consternation among local groups working with the Council and national agencies such as SEPA and Sustrans, looking at ways to bring the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park to life. What had started out as potentially a £10m project had ballooned to £20m as the number of active travel routes had increased, involving more work on the town's streets as well as along the banks of the Bathgate Burn. In a report to the town's local area management committee this week Graeme Burton the council's Design Engineering Manager said: ' The feedback from the National Lottery Heritage Fund was that the level of unsecured match funding was the main risk to the project, as well as the increase in scope. 'A significant portion of the unsecured funding is because the council is only able to apply for active travel funding from Transport Scotland on a yearly basis, which is not guaranteed. Mr Burton report added 'the council will aim to rationalise the current scope during the next phase of the design.' Despite the unsuccessful National Lottery application, SEPA have expressed their ambition to continue funding the project through to the construction phase. SUStrans Places for Everyone funding will still be available until September 2025, at which point this funding stream will cease. Other funding will need to be applied for on a yearly basis to deliver the active travel elements through Transport Scotland's Active Travel Infrastructure Fund. This fund takes the place of the SUStrans Places for Everyone fund. Mr Burton's report to the local area committee added: 'Officers have recently been liaising with all project partners and the Project Board to identify the next steps. It is intended that river restoration and active travel elements will continue development, however, the community engagement and traineeships elements will reduce in scope. 'One of the project partners, Forth Rivers Trust, was the partner who would have continued community engagement and traineeships, however, it has been decided that West Lothian Council officers will progress community engagement on a reduced scale, with no further involvement from Forth Rivers Trust. 'Designs are currently ongoing, with detailed designs for river restoration programmed to be complete towards the end of 2026, following statutory consultation periods and due to seasonal constraints for wildlife identified within the area. 'The detailed design for some active travel routes are programmed to be complete by Autumn 2025.' Council officers had to call an emergency meeting with the local committee in January when the National Lottery made its decision. There were widespread fears that the project would collapse. At the time a council spokesperson described the decision as 'obviously disappointing' but stressed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'It is not correct to suggest that the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park Project has been cancelled. 'This is an ambitious multi-year project involving multiple partners with the aim of regenerating the area around the Bathgate Water. "The council is a member of a multi-agency project board, working alongside members of the community to deliver the Bathgate Meadows restoration. "This is a complex piece of work, funded through multiple phases via a number of identified funding streams.' Councillor Pauline Stafford sought assurances that community involvement would still be part of the plan Mr Burton said that it has been decided that West Lothian Council officers will progress community engagement on a reduced scale, with no further involvement from Forth Rivers Trust.
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Plan for Bathgate meadows to go ahead despite £17m knockback by National Lottery
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Plans to provide a green lane through the heart of Bathgate will survive the loss of £17m National Lottery funding, councillors have been told. The plan, launched in 2022, will eventually see Bathgate Burn restored and its banks turned into green space, as well as creating travel routes running through the heart of the town. However, having funded initial design plans the National Lottery Heritage Fund backed away from proposals in January because of ' the very significant increase in the cost and scope of the project.' New, rationalised proposals expected later this year will concentrate on the greening of the Bathgate Burn. The withdrawal caused consternation among local groups working with the Council and national agencies such as SEPA and Sustrans, looking at ways to bring the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park to life. What had started out as potentially a £10m project had ballooned to £20m as the number of active travel routes had increased, involving more work on the town's streets as well as along the banks of the Bathgate Burn. In a report to the town's local area management committee this week Graeme Burton the council's Design Engineering Manager said: ' The feedback from the National Lottery Heritage Fund was that the level of unsecured match funding was the main risk to the project, as well as the increase in scope. 'A significant portion of the unsecured funding is because the council is only able to apply for active travel funding from Transport Scotland on a yearly basis, which is not guaranteed. Mr Burton report added 'the council will aim to rationalise the current scope during the next phase of the design.' Despite the unsuccessful National Lottery application, SEPA have expressed their ambition to continue funding the project through to the construction phase. SUStrans Places for Everyone funding will still be available until September 2025, at which point this funding stream will cease. Other funding will need to be applied for on a yearly basis to deliver the active travel elements through Transport Scotland's Active Travel Infrastructure Fund. This fund takes the place of the SUStrans Places for Everyone fund. Mr Burton's report to the local area committee added: 'Officers have recently been liaising with all project partners and the Project Board to identify the next steps. It is intended that river restoration and active travel elements will continue development, however, the community engagement and traineeships elements will reduce in scope. 'One of the project partners, Forth Rivers Trust, was the partner who would have continued community engagement and traineeships, however, it has been decided that West Lothian Council officers will progress community engagement on a reduced scale, with no further involvement from Forth Rivers Trust. 'Designs are currently ongoing, with detailed designs for river restoration programmed to be complete towards the end of 2026, following statutory consultation periods and due to seasonal constraints for wildlife identified within the area. 'The detailed design for some active travel routes are programmed to be complete by Autumn 2025." Council officers had to call an emergency meeting with the local committee in January when the National Lottery made its decision. There were widespread fears that the project would collapse. At the time a council spokesperson described the decision as "obviously disappointing" but stressed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: ' It is not correct to suggest that the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park Project has been cancelled. 'This is an ambitious multi-year project involving multiple partners with the aim of regenerating the area around the Bathgate Water. The council is a member of a multi-agency project board, working alongside members of the community to deliver the Bathgate Meadows restoration. This is a complex piece of work, funded through multiple phases via a number of identified funding streams.' Councillor Pauline Stafford sought assurances that community involvement would still be part of the plan Mr Burton said that it has been decided that West Lothian Council officers will progress community engagement on a reduced scale, with no further involvement from Forth Rivers Trust.
