www..gov.uk Winter 2015 1

www.inverclyde.gov.uk

Issue 22 Winter 2015 The Council newspaper for all Inverclyde residents Inverclyde Festival

Your FREE guide to what’s on this festive season, centre pages w w w

CITY DEAL BUDGET CONSULTATION INVERCLYDE WELCOMES VETERAN SUPPORT £30m boost for Inverclyde Have your say Afghan translator Find out about Firmbase see page 3 w w w see page 8 w w w see page 9 w w w see page 10 w w w Recycling top of the league ’s hard work on 2014, the first time it has ever dropped recycling has been rewarded with below the 50% mark. the area being named as the best Although 2014 saw more councils performing in Scotland. recycling most of their household The Scottish Environment Protection waste, less than half managed to Agency (SEPA) says 56.8% of achieve 50%. household waste was recycled in 2014 Councillor McCormick added: which is significantly higher than the “For more than a decade we have been Scottish average of 42.8%. offering people the option of leaving Environment and Regeneration their recyclable waste at the kerbside Convener Councillor Michael for collection. McCormick said: “The figures show Our dedicated staff work with we are recycling more than any other households to make sure they make council in Scotland which is great use of every opportunity to recycle and news and reflects a lot of hard work we have invested significant amounts over many years and of course the of money to help people recycle. willingness and enthusiasm people Education is also crucial to our in Inverclyde have to protect the success and our schools work hard to environment. When you think about teach children and young people about it we recycled over 16,000 tonnes of recycling and the environment and to waste last year. We are blazing a trail encourage them to take that message for other councils to follow and will home to their parents and carers. keep up the momentum as we continue We are beginning to make a real to drive home the recycling message.” difference in Inverclyde and we will Nationally, less than half of Scotland’s continue to work hard to improve.” household waste was sent to landfill in

Inverclyde in UK top 10 best places to live Inverclyde’s award winning kerbside 2005, when we recycled less than 7% recycling service is 10 years old of our waste. Now, thanks to the co- Inverclyde ranks in the top 10 for and Council bosses want to say a operation and support of local people best places to live in the UK when big ‘thank you’ to residents for their and the hard work and enthusiasm of it comes to quality of life. contribution to the success of the our staff, more than 56% of Inverclyde’s The study assessed 138 local initiative. household waste is recycled, making us areas for 26 different factors including Councillor Michael McCormick, the top performing Council in Scotland salaries, disposable household income Convener of Inverclyde Council’s for recycling. I know that residents have and the cost of essentials such as fuel, Environment and Regeneration really embraced the recycling message food and energy bills. Committee is delighted at the and their support has been key to our The region of Inverclyde, East improvement in Inverclyde’s recycling success. Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire performance and said: “I find it hard “I recently discovered that a 10 year enjoyed the biggest ranking gain since to believe it is 10 years since blue anniversary is traditionally known as tin the last Quality of Life Index in 2013, and brown bins were introduced to or aluminium which is very apt given rising 102 places from 112th to 10th. Inverclyde and it’s great to see how far that we have recycled more than 2,800 Edinburgh was top. we have come in terms of recycling. tonnes of cans since 2005. Now that It’s remarkable, thinking back to early gives us good reason to celebrate!”

Take a note of our new Glasgow and Partners Emergency Social Work number, 0300 343 1505 2 Winter 2015 www.inverclyde.gov.uk

Customer Service Centres winter opening hours

Customer Service Centres in Clyde Square, Greenock and Welcome Princes Street, Port Glasgow will close at 4pm on Thursday 24 Dec 2015 and will reopen again on Monday 4 Jan 2016. Registrars at our Customer Service Centre in Greenock will reopen on Tuesday 29 Dec until Thursday 31 Dec. Welcome to the Customers who require to collect Welfare Fund Payments latest edition of will also be able to do so on these dates. Health and Social Care Offices winter opening hours

Hector McNeil House Clyde Square, Greenock and Princes House, Port Glasgow will be closed on the following days: Friday 25 and Monday 28 Dec and Friday 1 and Monday 4 Jan 2016 Outwith these days, all Social Care enquiries including Solid financial footing Children and Families, Criminal Justice, Advice and Benefits and Community Care can be accessed at following offices: for budget plans Hector McNeil House Princes House Clyde Square, Greenock Princes Street, Port Glasgow Earlier this year, there was a little others I don’t. You may have a different Phone 01475 715365 Phone 01475 715270 publicised story in the press. view of them. It was based on a report to the That’s why we have launched a All enquiries out with normal working hours can be dealt with through Council’s Policy and Resources budget consultation to find out, for the Glasgow and Partners Emergency Standby Service on 0300 343 1505 Committee. Full disclosure, I chair that list of proposals, exactly what you think committee and read the report in detail. about them. You will find details on It was a report on Inverclyde page 8 in this edition of InView. Festive bin collections Council’s finances by an independent As a council we worked together Regular day Revised day external auditor. across the parties to reach a Fri 25 Dec Sun 27 Dec It is not a headline grabbing story. consensus to bring that budget gap as Sat 26 Dec Mon 28 Dec It’s an examination of local government low as we could get it. Sun 27 Dec Regular collection finances by an auditor. How exciting I hope you will take part in the budget can it be? consultation and let us know your Mon 28 Dec Regular collection Tue 29 Dec Regular collection But, it is a truly fascinating story. views. If refuse collections are delayed More importantly, it has an impact on At the time of writing this, the attacks Wed 30 Dec Regular collection due to adverse weather, please every single person who receives a in the French capital are still very raw. Thu 31 Dec Regular collection continue to put your bins out by service by Inverclyde Council. In Inverclyde we have a strong and Fri 1 Jan Sun 3 Jan 7am each day to allow collection The report highlights the significant long connection with the people of Regular collection at the earliest opportunity. progress in the reporting of budget France. The monument to the free Mon 4 Jan slippage and the successful French forces stationed here at Lyle Hill accelerating of a number of capital is a constant reminder of that and of In case severe weather strikes, projects. our solidarity with the people of France. Take an hour now everyone should make a plan for their home. Check your pipes and It looked at the Council’s focus on This festive season, I would like to make sure you know how to turn transformation, improved effectiveness wish you and everyone you know a to prepare your home your water and power off. and efficiency and the area where happy Christmas and hope you will for winter. Collect a few everyday things: the Council is performing well such join with me in wishing people of all Emergency phone numbers as refuse collection, education and nationalities and religions a happy and A torch and spare batteries A radio and spare batteries supporting unemployed people into peaceful New Year. Three days’ supply of bottled work. water and food that won’t The review highlighted why we go off Essen tial m edicines, should be proud of our record fir st-aid kit and toiletries managing public finances through years of uncertainty and budgetary Take an hour to prepare now and    save yourself a lot of trouble later. pressures.      Find out more at readyscotland.org      Our prudence has allowed us to             maintain the delivery of high quality        services to our communities and, as much as possible, minimising the impact of the financial meltdown of I

2008. The auditors have recognised that Search for and apply for we are well run and well organised         and crucially have met the challenges      public    sector   jobs online facing the public sector robustly.      That leads me on to the budget        consultation launched this winter. www.myjobsctland.gov.uk/ There are some unpalatable savings inverclyde being proposed. Some I agree with,

Follow our tweets for the latest news, events and jobs at: www.twitter.com/inverclyde www.inverclyde.gov.uk Winter 2015 3 City deal is good for Inverclyde Two Inverclyde-based projects as partners Inverclyde Council and part of the £1bn City Deal scheme Scottish Power, highlights that the have received official approval. project addresses the restricted network Strategic business cases for a project and junction capacity on the A78 trunk to expand Greenock Ocean Terminal road at four locations in and around and a project to improve the A78 at Inverkip. Inverkip have been approved by leaders It will release investment and help operating the City Deal across eight secure the development for the Scottish councils. brownfield former power station site to Greenock Ocean Terminal is a project, deliver 600 new homes and 6,000sqm delivered in partnership between of commercial space. Inverclyde Council and Peel Ports, to The Inverkip infrastructure project increase the quayside to further cement also aims to deliver access and safety Inverclyde as the cruise liner capital of improvements in Wemyss Bay and Scotland. Inverkip. Expansion of the cruise ship business, Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor which reached the 100,000 cruise Stephen McCabe, said: “This is a passenger mark this year, is limited by significant milestone in the delivery of the existing quayside at Greenock’s two key strategic projects for Inverclyde. Ocean Terminal. With the support of seven other Scottish Now, as part of the City Deal, councils and both the Scottish and UK Inverclyde Council and Peel Ports, Governments, Inverclyde is making owners of the terminal, have set out the sure we are getting benefit for our business case for expansion to secure local area whilst playing a key part in Tax collection at future cruise liners into Scotland and delivering investment and improvements deliver a new visitor facility. which benefit the west and the rest of 10 year high The second project, at Inverkip will Scotland.” The Council has reported in-year open up the former Inverkip power In addition to Inverclyde Council, council tax collection as 94.8%. station site for housing. The power the local authorities participating in the This is the amount of council tax station was Scotland’s largest free Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal collected by the end of the billing standing structure and was demolished are: East Dunbartonshire Council; East year, as a percentage of the total in 2013. The business case, presented Renfrewshire Council; Glasgow City billed council tax. to the board, was agreed in October Council; North Lanarkshire Council; Inverclyde Council’s collection rate and unlocks funding to develop the Renfrewshire Council; South Lanarkshire for 2014/15 is at its highest level design phase of the project. Council and West Dunbartonshire in Inverclyde for 10 years and has The business case, developed by Council. increased from 91.9% 10 years ago. Register to vote Peter Stanton With Scottish Parliament elections in May next year and local government Memorial Trust elections in 2017, it’s important to make sure you are registered to Peter Stanton represented his vote. country at both Olympic and If you’ve moved house recently, you Commonwealth Games level for should check that you’re registered Para-sports. to vote at your new address. Even Peter Stanton was also a coach with if you pay council tax, you are not the Port Glasgow Otters Swimming automatically registered to vote. Club in Port Glasgow, where he passed organisations whose objects and use Write to: Remember, no vote means no voice. on his experience to other disabled of the funds will be used to encourage Peter Stanton Memorial Trust To check that your name is on swimmers within Inverclyde. The Peter disabled people to participate in leisure c/o Legal and Property Services, the register contact the Electoral Stanton Memorial Trust was set up in and recreational activities. Inverclyde Council, Registration Officer, The Robertson his memory. Although most applications received Municipal Buildings, Centre, 16 Glasgow Road, Paisley The purpose of the trust is to relieve by the trust are related to sporting Greenock, PA1 3QF. the needs of disabled people within activities, money can also be made Inverclyde PA15 1LX Call the Electoral Registration Inverclyde and to encourage, in available to help disabled people take Officer on 0300 300 0150. the interests of social welfare, their part in non-sporting activities which are Phone to: participation in recreational or other considered to be leisure or recreational 01475 712139 leisure time activities with the object activities. of improving their conditions of life. If either your organisation or yourself e-mail to: In pursuance of this purpose, the Trust wish to apply for financial assistance, [email protected] considers applications for financial or you are aware of an organisation assistance from disabled people to or person who may wish to apply for encourage their participation in leisure financial assistance, then contact the Peter Stanton Memorial Trust and recreational activities, and from Trust using the details here. is a registered Scottish Charity No SCO21862

Find out who your local councillor is and how you can get in touch on page 11 4 Winter 2015 www.inverclyde.gov.uk Inverclyde Performs Online Petitions Inverclyde Council is pleased to Did you know… Inverclyde Council Winter Maintenance Service runs offer residents a new online petition maintains 366 kilometres of roads from November to March each year? register. and 450 kilometres of footways Our gritters and snow ploughs are on Individuals over the age of 16 years, throughout the area? stand-by 24 hours a day throughout residing in Inverclyde and owners During 2014/15, we reconstructed or the winter months to deal with adverse of businesses which operate and resurfaced: weather conditions. employ people within Inverclyde, can ● 11% of our roads; an increase of During the 2014/15 winter we used participate. Submitting a petition gives one third since the previous year 3287.25 tonnes of salt/grit. This residents the chance to tell the Council ● 1% of our footways, also an includes stocking the 362 grit bins what matters to them. increase on the previous year. located across Inverclyde. A petition by an individual will need Sophisticated weather reports are 100 signatures from members of Roads maintenance is a priority for received three times a day. More the public for it to be considered. Inverclyde Council. In February 2013 detailed information is accessed from A community group will need we allocated £17m over three years the MET offi ce as required. 50 signatures and petitions from to maintain carriageways, footways, Fixed gritting routes are pre-planned businesses will need support from lighting and structures (for example, to ensure that during “routine” winter 10 further businesses. bridges). conditions, priority is given to the main The Council will consider a variety of Did you know… In 2014/15, we roads in and out of Inverclyde, routes Road upgrades are issues raised through your petitions; emptied more than 7,500 gullies which to hospital, ambulance depots, police however, there are restrictions on some helped to minimise the effects of heavy stations and fi re stations, bus routes streets ahead subject matters, including planning and rainfall which may cause fl ooding. and access to schools. Inverclyde Council is bringing licensing applications. Matters already In February 2014, additional funding forward £1.4m worth of planned road being considered or scheduled to be of £300,000 was approved to tackle For details of local gritting routes, and footpath repairs. considered by the council are also roads defects backlog and essential visit: Earlier this year, the council approved excluded. drainage, ditches and gulley work. a £4m proposed programme – Once submitted, each petition www.inverclyde.gov.uk/winter We now carry out more preventative including reserve projects – to invest will be checked to ensure it meets or resurfacing work rather than solely Helpful hints and tips about in roads, footways, street lighting and the necessary criteria before being responding to emergency pothole preparing for this winter can structures. discussed at the newly formed Petitions repairs or patches to roads. At present also be found at: The accelerated programme will Committee. The fi rst meeting is due to activity levels, we expect roads to bring forward all of the schemes from take place end of January 2016. www.readyscotland.org be resurfaced every 25 years and this year’s reserve list along with a Petitions information and online or follow #readywinter2015 footways every 133 years. section of Customhouse Place Road form available at: Did you know… the Council’s in Greenock. www.inverclyde.gov.uk/petitions Greenock Parking Update Changes to EMA Changes to town centre parking are The Education Maintenance Applications must be received by on the way as Inverclyde Council Allowance (EMA) thresholds have 29 February 2016 in order to have continues to listen and adapt to the been increased and these will take payments back dated to the start of views of local people, visitors and effect from January 2016. the session in January 2016. We can shoppers. The EMA provides fi nancial accept applications up until the end of In May on-street parking in the support to young people remaining in March 2016; however these payments controlled parking zone in Greenock education. The money is paid directly will not be backdated. town centre was increased from to eligible young people between the No applications can be accepted 30 minutes to 2 hours. ages of 16-19 years old and can be after 31 March 2016. Now, the Waterfront car park has paid for an extra year to students with changed to all day free parking, additional support needs. motorists can park in the Bullring for More details can be found at the standard £1 all day charge and a www.inverclyde.gov.uk/parking If one dependent child in household paperless parking permit scheme is Environment and Regeneration - increase in household income being proposed for local residents. Convener Councillor Michael threshold rises from £20,351 to In Gourock, Kempock Street car park McCormick said: “It is a little over a £24,421 will be split into approximately 80 free year since Inverclyde Council took on long-stay spaces and a similar number responsibility for enforcing parking in If more than one dependent child in of 3 hour parking spaces where drivers our towns and villages and we have household - increase in household have to display a disc. This should listened carefully to people’s concerns income threshold rises from allow people to park more easily to visit and acted accordingly. The parking £22,403 to £26,884 local businesses. rules are designed to assist local And in it is proposed to businesses to make sure there is a If you think you may be eligible, pick increase waiting times from 30 minutes greater turnover of spaces. The aim up a form at your child’s school or at to 2 hours. Further changes are also has always been to strike the right our Customer Service Centre, Clyde being proposed in Port Glasgow, balance between the needs of local Square, Greenock. Gourock and Wemyss Bay. A public people and the demand for people Alternatively, call 01475 712844 consultation is currently underway. coming into our towns and villages.” or visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/ema Remember our Customer Service Centre opening hours have changed on Wednesdays: 11am - 4.30pm www.inverclyde.gov.uk Winter 2015 5 Schools major refurbishment Another three major projects upgrade blaes pitches is benefi tting have been completed as part pupils in the majority of Inverclyde’s of Inverclyde Council’s £270m 20 primary schools. Projects to install investment in new and refurbished MUGA’s at Kilmacolm, Gourock and schools. Moorfoot Primary schools are ongoing. Ardgowan Primary School in Greenock welcomed back staff and The Work Goes On pupils after undergoing a £6.2m Staff and pupils at Kilmacolm refurbishment – effectively building a Primary are settling in to their new school within the old sandstone temporary home in Port Glasgow walls of the original building and adding as a £4.27m refurbishment gets an extension to incorporate a new gym underway. The work is due to be and assembly hall. completed in October next year. St John’s Primary in Port Glasgow And building of the brand new £7m has been transformed thanks to St Patrick’s Primary in Greenock a £2.8m refurbishment and extension. has started on the original Broomhill Staff and pupils returned at the Street site following the demolition beginning of October. of the old school. The new school is And a £1.93 m programme to install also due to be completed in October St Ninian’s new pitches multi-use games areas (MUGA’s) and next year. On your bike! Meeting the Have you heard about the new mountain bike centre being built in Greenock? attainment Contractors ‘Back on Track’ have now begun construction on mountain biking trails at Rankin Park which challenge is also the location of a new £1.5m The teacher tasked with closing football facility. the attainment gap in Inverclyde’s The design for the centre includes a schools believes the building link track, a balance bike track and an blocks are in place for every child to area to practice skills. It also includes achieve their full potential. a pump track - a system of looping of opportunities for everyone including Inverclyde Council is one of seven in trails and dirt berms to allow for cycling social riding, beginners’ sessions, Scotland that has been chosen to pilot earliest possibility when children are without the rider pedalling - and a adult coaching sessions, a schools a Scottish Government programme in need of some extra help or practice, coaching area. programme, after-schools club and to support disadvantaged pupils who, especially in literacy and numeracy.” A connecting route to Greenock Cut holiday coaching. for a range of reasons, can struggle to The Attainment Challenge has key will also be built to open up longer trails The project is supported by make good progress in primary school. areas: meeting the needs of children in Clyde Muirshiel Park and the rail link Sportscotland with a £90,000 grant Mairi McFarlane has been seconded through learning and teaching; building with Drumfrochar. from the Legacy 2014 Active Places from her job as head teacher at King’s the confi dence of parents and families The new facility will be ready in time Fund. Inverclyde Council is providing Oak Primary in Greenock to lead the through partnership working and for next summer and will offer a range the balance of the funding. Attainment Challenge in Inverclyde. leadership development. Effective She said: “Figures show us that there practice will be shared with other is an attainment gap despite all of the schools and authorities. Chair of Inverclyde HSCP Councillor good work that is already going on in Mairi, recently named Scottish Head Fostering Joe McIlwee said: “Our children and Inverclyde’s schools. This project is Teacher of the Year, says it is vital that Have you ever thought about young people have already had their about targeting support and resources schools are seen as positive learning fostering but thought you might not lives turned upside down through no where they are needed most whilst environments where children want to be suitable? fault of their own. A foster home can meeting the learning needs of all come and learn and where they feel You might think you are too old, or provide the stability and support a child children. Our focus is on supporting nurtured and valued. your need your own home, or you needs for a better future and a foster staff in delivering high quality learning “We are targeting support where can’t work and foster or you need to carer can help to transform lives.” and teaching, ensuring that all there is an attainment gap to ensure be in a relationship. People from all Call 01475 715367 to chat to our children make progress from where the gap doesn’t widen and will walks of life can foster, you don’t need family placement team and request they currently are in their educational eventually narrow and close without qualifi cations; you just need a spare an information pack. journey and providing support at the holding other children back.” room and the commitment to make a difference to a young person’s life. There are currently 40 children and You can do it! young people in foster placements Foster or adopt for Inverclyde in Inverclyde but increasingly social workers have to look outside the area Call now for an information pack to fi nd a suitable foster placement. 01475 715367 So we really need your help. email: [email protected]

Free and confi dential money, debt and benefi t advice available, phone 01475 715299 6 Winter 2015 www.inverclyde.gov.uk www.inverclyde.gov.uk Winter 2015 7 8 Winter 2015 www.inverclyde.gov.uk Inverclyde’s budget: Your Council, Your Say Inverclyde Council is embarking on a budget consultation to bridge a budget gap for 2017/18. Residents and businesses across Inverclyde can have their say through an innovative online budget simulator which sets out the savings and their impact on the overall budget. Visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/yoursay Savings proposals

Increase Parking Charges Reduce / Remove Free Swimming If the charge for daily parking was increased from £1 a day to £2 Three options are being put forward a day would generate £70,000 for this savings proposal which could additional income. A £2 daily charge save up £242,000: is competitive in comparison to our 1) Remove the subsidy entirely You can have your say, help set the neighbouring councils. 2) Reduce the total spend on free swimming by targeting support Council’s budget savings and show 3) Introduce £1 per swim charge. how you would meet the budget gap Burial Grounds and Crematorium Charges for 2017/18. Increase Removal of Small Repairs Service With the online budget simulator, you can decide on what should be Increase the main burial charges by saved and which of the proposals should be protected. 2% and cremation charges by 10% This is a subsidised small repairs over and above the standard 2% service currently operated by external The online budget simulator is at: uplift for infl ation from April 2017. contractor. Removing this would save https://Inverclyde.budgetsimulator.com or you can access £52,000. it from the council website alongside all budget documents at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/yoursay Non domestic rates (NDR) relief reduced and reduce Reduction to Corporate You can also e-mail your comments direct to: contribution to Renfrewshire Advertising [email protected] Valuation Joint Board (RVJB) Reduce corporate advertising to save If you want to write to us and let us know, you can write to: By better targeting NDR relief, it may £23,000. Your Say (Corporate Communications), be possible to save approximately Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, £20,000 from the budget as at Clyde Square, Greenock, Inverclyde PA15 1LY present there are a number of commercial/quasi commercial Visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/yoursay for all budget information charities which receive support. and documents and links to the budget simulator. The Council pays £531,700 per year to the RVJB. The amount requisitioned across the RVJB has been unchanged for several years Implement charging Sport Pitch Waivers (team sports) and in spite of this the RVJB has for community alarms reserves of £591,000. It would be Two options to be consulted on: proposed to approach the RVJB and Inverclyde is currently the only 1) Reduce budget by £50,000 to £161,000 ask for details of the impact of a 5% council in Scotland which doesn’t 2) As option 1 except reduce budget by £111,000 to £100,000. requisition cut from 2017/18 and also charge for community alarms. request that the reserves be utilised A new weekly charge of £2.35 to better effect during this time of for community alarms would Kirn Drive Council tax severe budgetary pressure. save £203,000. A service reduction at Kirn Drive. Residents will also be asked, as Reduce Regeneration Two options to be consulted on: part of the budget consultation, Funding School transport 1) Close depot and Civic Amenity for their views on an increase to site the council tax charge for 2017/18 Reduction in the level of available Reduction in school transport. 2) Close the depot and refurbish which would increase income physical regeneration funding Four options to be consulted on the Civic Amenity site. by £750,000. providing a saving of £77,000. Saving £280,000. Saving £140,000.

Dare to do the CLIC Sergent Boxing Day Dip? Call 01292 692113 for more info www.inverclyde.gov.uk Winter 2015 9 Inverclyde opens its hearts to families The first of up to 10 families fleeing the conflict in Syria have been welcomed in Inverclyde after the Council unanimously agreed to take part in the UK relocation scheme. Provost Robert Moran said: “Over recent months we have watched as millions of desperate, destitute families have left their lives behind to seek sanctuary in Europe. The scale of misery is unprecedented – certainly since the Second World War – and I am pleased that Inverclyde is able to play a part in offering a place of sanctuary and safety.” Inverclyde has already been a successful part of the Afghan Resettlement Scheme offering asylum to people who have worked with the British Army in Afghanistan. Mohammed Dawari, his wife and two young daughters were among the first to arrive in Inverclyde from Helmand Province - where he worked as an interpreter on patrol with British troops - leaving his parents and seven brothers and sisters behind. They are expecting a baby boy in February 2016. “It was a difficult decision to make. I miss my parents and my family. My oldest girl asks to go and see her grandparents. I have to say we will hopefully go and see them sometime.” “When I was told I was going to Port Glasgow I just heard the word ‘Glasgow’. When we arrived at the airport we were exhausted because of the 24 hour journey.” “It is a small area but people are good and friendly and ask us about how we got here. Inverclyde Council have done a lot for us. When I have called for help it has been there. It has been difficult to engage but some people did approach us asking us to explain how we came here. The community has been good.” “It is tough to meet new people because you don’t know the culture. I worked for 8 years as an interpreter mostly with the British so I learned something. Language is a big barrier – Syrian refugees are being brought even for someone like me. I am hoping to the UK from camps in the Middle to go to college to learn more English. East as part of a commitment to grant “It was a difficult decision to make. As for the future I would like to work in immigration status to 20,000 people healthcare – I had first aid training in over the next five years. The Scottish I miss my parents and my family” Helmand helping battle casualties – but Government has confirmed 2,000 of it takes time.” them will be welcomed in Scotland.

Inverclyde Council job vacancies can be found at www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/inverclyde 10 Winter 2015 www.inverclyde.gov.uk Welfare Benefits information Claimant Commitment

The Claimant Commitment is an important part of claiming welfare benefit. It sets out what work search activity you agree to do in return for getting Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit. If you refuse to accept a Claimant Commitment your Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit will stop. If you fail to carry out your work search activity detailed in your Claimant Commitment you can be sanctioned (lose benefit). By getting the Claimant Commitment right you can avoid sanctions. If already sanctioned, the sanction can be challenged. Seek Advice HSCP Advice Services offers money, debt, benefit advice and tribunal representation to the people of Inverclyde. We provide assistance with benefit form completion including: Personal Independence Payments, Employment Support Allowance, Housing and Council Tax Reduction. Assist with Mandatory Reconsiderations Offer advice and support to appeal against a DWP decision.

Our money and debt advisors provide help and advice including: Consumer Debts Budgeting Debt Relief Options (including The Debt Arrangement Scheme). The Macmillan Benefits Service offers a free service for people and their families living with or affected by cancer. Power of Attorney – Providing a firm base Why it matters for you The transition from service to word ‘veteran’, there’s a common civilian life can be challenging for assumption we’re talking about an Every year thousands of people Attorney is, and how you can make those who have served and their elderly generation who served in in Scotland lose capacity to make decisions in advance that will protect families. earlier conflicts. But ‘veteran’ describes decisions for themselves - this may you, your family and those you Firmbase is a joint initiative from anyone leaving the Services and, in the be through an accident, head injury, care about, should you ever lose Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and majority of cases, we’re talking about stroke or as a result of an ongoing the capacity to make decisions for Inverclyde councils. It aims to make young men in their late 20s or early 30s progressive illness. yourself. It will inform and encourage sure veterans and their families get the who have served for four to six years. Without making an arrangement for individuals to act now and plan ahead help they need, whenever they ask. We’re also reaching out to reservists a Power of Attorney no one can act and think about who you would like to Staff from all three councils have because there’s also a common on your behalf if this situation arises. make decisions on your behalf. The been trained to understand the needs misconception that they don’t need or This can leave you and your family, information will include what is involved of veterans and signpost them to the deserve the same support. or the people looking after you if you in making a Power of Attorney, how specialist help and support available, “Often, these young men miss out on lose your capacity to make your own much it will cost, and will highlight the from council services or other agencies. the support networks so many others decisions in very difficult positions and difference that this can make for you Veterans Support Advisor Jane have benefitted from before them. They unable to act on your behalf. and your family if the need arises. Duncan is determined to make are proud of how they can look after You can think and act now – if ill Inverclyde Health and Social Care sure “those who served are not themselves, and reluctant to be seen health or an accident means you can Partnership will be joining in with the disadvantaged.” as asking for a hand-out. But this is no longer make your own decisions, campaign this year, together with Jane, who served 22 years with help and support they are entitled to, who do you want to do that for you? Inverclyde Council and other local the Army’s Royal Signal Corps, is same as anyone else. It’s not about The national Power of Attorney, Start partners. employed by the three Firmbase seeking an advantage for those who the Conversation, campaign will launch Look out for the television adverts, as councils to support local veterans. have served, but making sure that they its second phase in December 2015 well as local information. Jane’s service included tours in aren’t disadvantaged.” with a series of TV adverts highlighting Kosovo, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, For more information and helpful the importance of planning for the For more information visit and her first-hand experience helping links visit: www.inverclyde.gov. future through undertaking Power of serving personnel with welfare issues uk/veterans or www.renfrewshire. Attorney. www.inverclyde.gov.uk/poa motivated her to do something similar gov.uk/firmbase or call the Scottish The campaign is about raising www.mypowerofattorney.org.uk upon completing her time in the Forces Welfare Veterans Service on 0141 awareness about what Power of Jane said: “When we use the 224 2709

Get your little ones along to a festive Bookbug session this Christmas www.inverclyde.gov.uk/bookbug www.inverclyde.gov.uk Winter 2015 11

InView www.inverclyde.gov.uk Winter 2015 11 Your Councillors Ward 1, Inverclyde East Ward 2, Inverclyde East Central Ward 3,

Jim MacLeod Jim Grieve Martin Brennan

Stephen McCabe Michael McCormick Math Campbell-Sturgess

James McColgan Robert Moran Jim Clocherty

David Wilson Colour codes to political parties Kenny Shepherd Conservative Independent Labour Liberal Democrat SNP

Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 6, Inverclyde South West

Keith Brooks Ronnie Ahlfeld Gerry Dorrian

Vaughan Jones Terry Loughran Innes Nelson

Joseph McIlwee Chris McEleny Ciano Rebecchi

Gourock Ward 3 Inverclyde North If you have a comment to make Ward 5 Inverclyde West Greenock about any Council service or you Ward 4 have concerns about your Inverclyde South Ward 2 neighbourhood you can contact your Inverclyde East Central Port Glasgow Councillor during office hours on:

Ward 6 (01475) 712727 / 712020 Inverclyde South West Inverkip You can write to your Councillor at: Inverclyde Council Ward 1 Inverclyde East Municipal Buildings Wemyss Bay Kilmacolm Clyde Square Greenock Inverclyde Inverclyde PA15 1LY Quarrier's Village Councillors’ surgery information is available on our website at: www.inverclyde.gov.uk

Let us know what you think of InView by emailing us at [email protected] New Online Petitions available, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/petitions 12 Winter 2015 www.inverclyde.gov.uk

SCOTTISH GRAND PRIX OF THE SEA INVERCLYDE 17-19 JUNE 2016