Latest news with #SallyThomas
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish housing study exposes 'unequal' adaptations scheme
As Scotland's population continues to age, it is expected that the number of homes containing adaptations will rise from 342,448 in 2022 to 396,267 by 2040. The total cost of these adaptations could reach £76m in the same time frame. The report states: 'Insights from key stakeholders across Scotland show an adaptations system that is often slow, inconsistent, and hard to navigate. There is a great deal of positive and impactful delivery happening across Scotland, often in extremely challenging environments. 'However, stakeholders consistently highlight systemic barriers, ranging from funding pressures to fragmented governance, that are making the delivery of adaptations increasingly difficult to sustain.' The report calls on the Scottish Government to increase funding for local authorities carrying out the adaptations. According to the report, delayed adaptations contribute directly to 'increased falls, avoidable hospital admissions, and delayed discharge from acute care.' These incidents exert further pressure on an already stretched health service. Reflecting on the report, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: 'The current adaptations system is unfit for our ageing population and places too much emphasis on whether someone rents or owns their home, where they live, and what funding they can access instead of people's needs. 'Housing associations are at the forefront of helping people live well and for longer in their homes and already support tenants by installing everything from grabrails and stairlifts, to larger-scale adaptations such as wet rooms. 'However, the system not only needs more funding, but also to be simplified so everyone can access the adaptations they need irrespective of where they live and whether they rent or own their home.' Read more: Scottish Government fails to meet stroke care benchmark - for 7th year in a row Why the UK government must scrap harmful NDAs in sexual harassment cases 'We want to be the solution': charity to build three social housing villages Ashley Campbell, policy and practice manager at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CHI) Scotland, added: 'The message is clear – we know that investing in adaptations saves money for health and social care partners and improves people's lives. But this isn't just about the funding, the system can be complex, time consuming and inconsistent. 'We need the Scottish Government to fulfil its commitment to review the adaptations system and remove barriers to accessing support.'
The Guardian
18-03-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Largest Israeli attack on Gaza since ceasefire; Sydney school murder rehearsed; and Sam Pang's late night show
Good afternoon readers. Gaza has been rocked by what is being described as Israel's heaviest assault on the territory since a ceasefire came into effect in January. Children were reportedly among those killed after Israel launched at least 35 airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities have said the offensive will last 'as long as necessary', citing Hamas' refusal to extend phase one of the ceasefire argument. Phase one of the ceasefire agreement ended two weeks ago but Israel has refused to implement the scheduled second phase, which is supposed to end with its withdrawal from Gaza, the freedom of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, and a definitive end to the conflict. Sally Thomas, the humanitarian manager at Caritas Australia, warned the strikes would affect aid distribution, urging global leaders to apply diplomatic and political pressure to protect Palestinians in Gaza. 'We must not tolerate further suffering,' Thomas said. Ex-boyfriend rehearsed murder of Sydney school coach Lilie James with 'dry runs', inquest hears Chalmers confirms federal budget will include deficit close to $29.6bn predicted in December Coalition at odds over Peter Dutton's idea to hold a referendum on deporting criminals Victorian Liberal leader faces backlash after saying he was visiting cyclone-hit parents while also going on cruise 'Heartbreaking': poisoning suspected after mass deaths of more than 150 little corellas in Newcastle Mysterious sea foam on South Australian beaches reportedly leaves more than 100 surfers ill Adelaide mosques have received fake fliers falsely accusing a former Hong Kong politician and Australian resident, Ted Hui, of being an pro-Israel lawyer willing to 'wage war' against Islamic terrorism in an apparent attempt to intimidate him and undermine social cohesion. It is not yet known who sent the pamphlets – the Australian government said it would raise the matter with Chinese officials. 'We're trying to save the party from a policy that will gift seats to their opponents.' The Liberals Against Nuclear spokesperson Andrew Gregson was commenting on his advocacy group's advertising campaign that recently launched in opposition to the Liberal party's plan to build taxpayer-funded power plants. Sign up to Afternoon Update Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion The 2025 Priced Out report, which analyses rental affordability for Australians earning between $40,000 and $130,000 per year, found rental stress has extended well beyond low-income earners as even renters earning $100,000 per year – well above the median income of $72,592 – are struggling in locations across Australia. Network 10's new late night show is being hosted by Sam Pang and unabashedly follows in the footsteps of its US counterparts. But can the new host lift Australia's late-night show curse? Today's starter word is: GUL. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply. Enjoying the Afternoon Update? Then you'll love our Morning Mail newsletter. Sign up here to start the day with a curated breakdown of the key stories you need to know, and complete your daily news roundup. And follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland.
