Where There's A Will
Scottish Youth Theatre and Creative Scotland are both independent bodies which do not answer directly to Scottish Ministers just like, say, Glasgow City Council.
But when Scottish Youth Theatre faced a crisis after losing its regular funding package from Creative Scotland, Scottish Ministers were all over the problem like a bad rash, you might say, and next thing you know the Government steps in to help save the day.
Now the two situations are very different, but if you ask me there's a lesson in there somewhere over the long fight for equal pay in Glasgow.
Because instead of running 'towards the fire' to offer practical help and support, as far as I can see the Scottish Government is running as fast as it can in the opposite direction.
And that's what the claimants have got to change in the weeks ahead - meanwhile read the following report from The Herald on how the Scottish Government helped oil the wheels of change for the Glasgow-based Scottish Youth Theatre.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/16101243.Scottish_Youth_Theatre_to_address_national_role_after_funding_package_from_Government/
Scottish Youth Theatre to address national role after funding package from Government saves it from closure
By PHIL MILLER - The Herald
SCOTTISH Youth Theatre is to expand across Scotland after receiving a bailout to stop it from closing.
The Glasgow-based company has been saved from closure after receiving a £250,000 emergency rescue package from the Scottish Government and fund manager Baillie Gifford.
The company (SYT) had said it would be forced to close in July this year after being denied a regular funding package from Creative Scotland, the national arts agency.
Analysis: Scottish Youth Theatre has a year to find more funding
However after a wave of support on social media and the company's famous alumni from its 40 year history, the Scottish Government has intervened with a £150,000 package, as well as a £100,000 boost from Baillie Gifford.
The theatre company, which said the threat of closure has now been lifted, is now to "engage with experts from across the cultural and business sectors to build a model that is accessible and sustainable."
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, said the funding will allow it to "extend the reach and accessibility of its programmes".
It is the second time in five years that the government has stepped in with funding for SYT: it also lost out in a bid for regular funding to Creative Scotland in 2014.
Jackie Hardacre, the chief executive, said last night that the funding allows the company a year to re-assess its business plan, how it operates and "pursue every source of income".
Fiona Hyslop, the culture secretary, said that the funding is to help it "improve the reach, depth and quality of Scottish Youth Theatre's work across Scotland".
Analysis: Scottish Youth Theatre has a year to find more funding
Ms Hardacre said it would now be in talks with regional and local youth theatres about potential collaborations, and would proceed with a tour of its National Ensemble of actors.
She said: "I think that is something very clear that we really want to concentrate on, and to get it right.
"Over its forty years, SYT has had lots of different models, which has inspired companies across the country. Our ensemble is to tour nationally....but it is something we want to address."
She said that the early pledge of funding from Baillie Gifford had been crucial, as it allowed the company to present the Government with a scenario where it could match private funds.
Ms Hardacre added: “With a future now secured for Scottish Youth Theatre, our focus is firmly on ensuring the nation’s young people have their own thriving national theatre company to engage with, be inspired by and to aspire to be a part of."
The culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "The Scottish Youth Theatre has supported many young actors and other theatre professionals to find their voice and launch their careers. There was widespread concern about the announcement that the theatre was facing closure due to its financial position.
“This funding from partners will allow the theatre to maintain its work, and complete the ongoing positive changes to their business. It will also give time for further dialogue about a longer-term funding strategy.
“I have set out this offer to the Scottish Youth Theatre, and I have encouraged them to continue exploring all options available to secure a more permanent funding solution.
"I have also discussed their continuing ambitions to improve the reach, depth and quality of Scottish Youth Theatre’s work across Scotland, and how this funding will help them towards that goal.”
A Creative Scotland spokesperson said: “We always welcome new funding from the Scottish Government for culture.
"We are also continuing our discussions with Scottish Youth Theatre regarding potential ways in which we can support their work in the future."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "As with its equivalents in other art forms, including the National Youth Orchestra, National Youth Choir and YDance, the Scottish Youth Theatre plays a valuable role in inspiring young people to take part in the arts.
"The Scottish Youth Theatre was funded by the Scottish Government between 2015-18.
"Rather than allowing this organisation to close in July, this agreement – along with private sector backing – will enable the theatre to work on finding long-term funding solutions, and to develop the reach of its work across the country during the Year of Young People."
SCOTTISH Youth Theatre is to expand across Scotland after receiving a bailout to stop it from closing.
The Glasgow-based company has been saved from closure after receiving a £250,000 emergency rescue package from the Scottish Government and fund manager Baillie Gifford.
The company (SYT) had said it would be forced to close in July this year after being denied a regular funding package from Creative Scotland, the national arts agency.
Analysis: Scottish Youth Theatre has a year to find more funding
However after a wave of support on social media and the company's famous alumni from its 40 year history, the Scottish Government has intervened with a £150,000 package, as well as a £100,000 boost from Baillie Gifford.
The theatre company, which said the threat of closure has now been lifted, is now to "engage with experts from across the cultural and business sectors to build a model that is accessible and sustainable."
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, said the funding will allow it to "extend the reach and accessibility of its programmes".
It is the second time in five years that the government has stepped in with funding for SYT: it also lost out in a bid for regular funding to Creative Scotland in 2014.
Jackie Hardacre, the chief executive, said last night that the funding allows the company a year to re-assess its business plan, how it operates and "pursue every source of income".
Fiona Hyslop, the culture secretary, said that the funding is to help it "improve the reach, depth and quality of Scottish Youth Theatre's work across Scotland".
Analysis: Scottish Youth Theatre has a year to find more funding
Ms Hardacre said it would now be in talks with regional and local youth theatres about potential collaborations, and would proceed with a tour of its National Ensemble of actors.
She said: "I think that is something very clear that we really want to concentrate on, and to get it right.
"Over its forty years, SYT has had lots of different models, which has inspired companies across the country. Our ensemble is to tour nationally....but it is something we want to address."
She said that the early pledge of funding from Baillie Gifford had been crucial, as it allowed the company to present the Government with a scenario where it could match private funds.
Ms Hardacre added: “With a future now secured for Scottish Youth Theatre, our focus is firmly on ensuring the nation’s young people have their own thriving national theatre company to engage with, be inspired by and to aspire to be a part of."
The culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "The Scottish Youth Theatre has supported many young actors and other theatre professionals to find their voice and launch their careers. There was widespread concern about the announcement that the theatre was facing closure due to its financial position.
“This funding from partners will allow the theatre to maintain its work, and complete the ongoing positive changes to their business. It will also give time for further dialogue about a longer-term funding strategy.
“I have set out this offer to the Scottish Youth Theatre, and I have encouraged them to continue exploring all options available to secure a more permanent funding solution.
"I have also discussed their continuing ambitions to improve the reach, depth and quality of Scottish Youth Theatre’s work across Scotland, and how this funding will help them towards that goal.”
A Creative Scotland spokesperson said: “We always welcome new funding from the Scottish Government for culture.
"We are also continuing our discussions with Scottish Youth Theatre regarding potential ways in which we can support their work in the future."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "As with its equivalents in other art forms, including the National Youth Orchestra, National Youth Choir and YDance, the Scottish Youth Theatre plays a valuable role in inspiring young people to take part in the arts.
"The Scottish Youth Theatre was funded by the Scottish Government between 2015-18.
"Rather than allowing this organisation to close in July, this agreement – along with private sector backing – will enable the theatre to work on finding long-term funding solutions, and to develop the reach of its work across the country during the Year of Young People."
First Minister and Equal Pay
I explained recently on the blog that some enterprising readers had written directly to Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, regarding the horrendous delay in North Lanarkshire Council recalculating their equal pay settlements on a pensionable basis.
I'm pleased to report that the readers' initiative appears to have paid dividends because they are now receiving letters (see below) to say that urgent action is being taken to speed things up -at long last.
Now the letters are written in 'civil service' speak and emphasis that local councils are separate entities from the Scottish Government - yadda, yadda, yadda.
But behind the scenes someone has clearly been given a well aimed and well deserved boot up the arse for the ridiculous time it has taken to sort this out.
So well done to everyone involved, especially the readers who took the issue up with the First Minister in the first place.
As I've said on many occasions, no one expects Scottish Ministers to step in and do the work of highly paid local government officials, but they can and should speak up and criticise council bosses if they are dragging their feet and/or not doing their jobs properly.
A lesson to bear in mind in Glasgow, for the future, especially as Nicola Sturgeon in a local Glasgow MSP.
Karl in the A4ES office has been instrumental in moving this issue forward, by the way, and on behalf all the claimants and claimant organisations - not just those with A4ES.
Thank you for your e-mail to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, regarding the recalculation of your pension benefits following a backdated pay award from your employer, North Lanarkshire Council. I have been asked to address your concerns as I have responsibility for the Local Government Scheme (LGPS) (Scotland).
Councils are separate entities from the Scottish Government. Their powers are set out in statute and, as long as they act lawfully, it is up to each local authority to manage its day to day business. Scottish Ministers have no general powers that would enable them to call on a council to account for their actions.
However, the Scottish Public Pensions Agency has made enquiries with the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) on your behalf. We are advised SPF has contacted North Lanarkshire Council and received the payroll information to enable SPF to calculate the revised pension owed to you.
SPF have confirmed that your pension has been recalculated and will be paid out with the next pay-run, along with any arrears.
Yours sincerely
Lorimer Mackenzie
Acting Director of Policy
Councils are separate entities from the Scottish Government. Their powers are set out in statute and, as long as they act lawfully, it is up to each local authority to manage its day to day business. Scottish Ministers have no general powers that would enable them to call on a council to account for their actions.
However, the Scottish Public Pensions Agency has made enquiries with the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) on your behalf. We are advised SPF has contacted North Lanarkshire Council and received the payroll information to enable SPF to calculate the revised pension owed to you.
SPF have confirmed that your pension has been recalculated and will be paid out with the next pay-run, along with any arrears.
Yours sincerely
Lorimer Mackenzie
Acting Director of Policy
Thank you for your email of 8 February to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, regarding your pension with North Lanarkshire Council. I have been asked to reply.
I am sorry to hear of your concerns, however I am not able to comment on this specific issue as councils are separate entities from the Scottish Government. Their powers are set out in statute and, as long as they act lawfully, it is up to each local authority to manage its day to day business. Scottish Ministers have no general powers that would enable them to call on a council to account for its action.
However, my colleagues in the Scottish Public Pensions Agency have made enquiries with the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) on your behalf. We are advised SPF has contacted North Lanarkshire Council and asked them to provide the payroll information to SPF to enable them to calculate the revised pension owed to you as soon as possible.
I hope this reply is of some help. Yours sincerely
Anthony Romain
Local Government Division and Analytical Services Division
Message for the First Minister (10/02/18)
Because Scottish Ministers have a responsibility here since it is a ministerial decision North Lanarkshire Council is thumbing its nose at - following a successful campaign mounted by A4ES in 2016.
Sent: Thu, Feb 8, 2018 1:52 pm
Subject: Fw: FAO Nicola sturgeon pension delay
Dear Nicola,
Write a formal letter of complaint to the chief executive of North Lanarkshire Council, Paul Jukes whose email address is: jukesp@northlan.gov.uk
Say that if you don't receive a satisfactory answer within 7 days, you will take your complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.
Write a letter to your local MSP and ask for their support - provide copies of posts form the blog site or send them the relevant links from: www.action4equalityscotland.blogspot.com
Write to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and ask why you should have to fight so hard to have your equal pay settlement made on a pensionable basis when this issue was decided so long ago by Scottish Ministers: scottish.ministers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Scotland's MSPs, MPs and Government ministers speak out say on all kinds of things every day of the week and they're not slow to criticise what goes on in every other walk of life.
So let's hear what they have to say about North Lanarkshire's foot-dragging behaviour - for which there are no excuses.
Step 4
Register a complaint with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman using their online complains form: https://www.spso.org.uk/complain/form/start/
Here's an email I received from a regular reader, a former union member, who is being given the run around by North Lanarkshire Council over a request for their equal pay settlement to be made on a pensionable basis.
Now this is appalling if you ask me, an absolute disgrace, because the issue has already been decided in the claimants' favour by Scottish Ministers, after a successful campaign in 2016 fought by A4ES.
So what in God's name is North Lanarkshire Council playing at and why is the council treating its former employees with such terrible disrespect?
Hi Mark,
I think delays like this are unacceptable and NLC should be made to pay compensation.
I promised to provide some information about the importance of Pensions and Equal Pay and I've been trawling the blog site archive for good examples to share.
So here are a couple of posts which date back to 2016 and the fight for equal pay in North Lanarkshire Council where A4ES waged a successful campaign to have equal pay settlements made on a pensionable basis.
In the briefing note supplied to The Sunday Herald I explained the potential benefits to equal pay claimants and the figures involved relate to a relatively small number of individuals compared to Glasgow.
"The total lifetime benefit to the claimants (collectively) would be in excess of £10 million because of the increased lump sum and annual pension benefits - and these benefits are already enjoyed by equivalent NLC male workers, of course. The additional lump sum (tax free payments) to 2nd Wave claims, for example, is worth around £800,000."
Much more to follow in the days ahead - so watch this space.
I am sorry to hear of your concerns, however I am not able to comment on this specific issue as councils are separate entities from the Scottish Government. Their powers are set out in statute and, as long as they act lawfully, it is up to each local authority to manage its day to day business. Scottish Ministers have no general powers that would enable them to call on a council to account for its action.
However, my colleagues in the Scottish Public Pensions Agency have made enquiries with the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) on your behalf. We are advised SPF has contacted North Lanarkshire Council and asked them to provide the payroll information to SPF to enable them to calculate the revised pension owed to you as soon as possible.
I hope this reply is of some help. Yours sincerely
Anthony Romain
Local Government Division and Analytical Services Division
Message for the First Minister (10/02/18)
An enterprising reader and retired employee of North Lanarkshire Council has written directly to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, regarding the councils' failure to act upon repeated requests to make people's equal pay settlements payable on a pensionable basis.
I do hope the Scottish Government does not respond by saying that NLC is an 'independent entity' and that Scottish Ministers, even the First Minister, can't tell the council what to do.
Because Scottish Ministers have a responsibility here since it is a ministerial decision North Lanarkshire Council is thumbing its nose at - following a successful campaign mounted by A4ES in 2016.
If you ask me, a public dressing down would be entirely justified there is no excuse for this appalling delay.
I other readers in the same position will be inspired to follow D's lead by asking the First Minister to intervene.
Subject: Fw: FAO Nicola sturgeon pension delay
Dear Nicola,
I'm writing to you to see if you can help me get my equal pay/Pension updated by North Lanarkshire Council.
I retired with 20 years service in 2012 and I received my equal pay settlement in January 2017.
NLC deducted money for N.I. tax, and a hefty payment to the strathclyde pension fund from my settlement.
After a year waiting, my pension has not been updated - in fact, Strathclyde Pension Fund have not been given the details to update/backdate my pension rights.
I have repeatedly complained to NLC over the past year and I enclose the latest emails from Paul Jukes.
This is the stock answer, then I hear nothing at all.
MSP Brian Whittle's office is looking into the matter (since December 2017 ) but I think they are giving him the same treatment.
The equal pay settlement was deemed pensionable by Scottish Ministers but it would seem that NLC are ignoring that fact.
Looking to hear from you soon,
D
Pensions and Equal Pay (02/02/18)
I said I would share my thoughts about how to bring North Lanarkshire Council to account over its continued failure to action requests from former employees to have their equal pay settlements made on a pensionable basis.
So here you are and if people let me know how they get on, I'll share their experiences on the blog site - without naming names or using anyone's personal details, of course.
Step 1
Write a formal letter of complaint to the chief executive of North Lanarkshire Council, Paul Jukes whose email address is: jukesp@northlan.gov.uk
Even if you have written previously, send a further letter explaining how long you have been waiting on the council to act upon your request.
Say that if you don't receive a satisfactory answer within 7 days, you will take your complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.
Step 2
Write a letter to your local MSP and ask for their support - provide copies of posts form the blog site or send them the relevant links from: www.action4equalityscotland.blogspot.com
If you don't know the name of your MSP you can find this via the Scottish Parliament web site: http://www.parliament.scot/msps/current-msps.aspx
Step 3
Write to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and ask why you should have to fight so hard to have your equal pay settlement made on a pensionable basis when this issue was decided so long ago by Scottish Ministers: scottish.ministers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Ask what Scottish Ministers can do to help, notwithstanding the fact that North Lanarkshire Council is an 'independent' body there is no reason that other politicians cannot intervene and publicly criticise the council, if necessary.
Scotland's MSPs, MPs and Government ministers speak out say on all kinds of things every day of the week and they're not slow to criticise what goes on in every other walk of life.
So let's hear what they have to say about North Lanarkshire's foot-dragging behaviour - for which there are no excuses.
Step 4
Register a complaint with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman using their online complains form: https://www.spso.org.uk/complain/form/start/
The SPSO normally requires a 'final response' from the organisation being complained about, but this is your opportunity to explain how long you have been given the run around and continually fobbed off by North Lanarkshire Council.
Pensions and Equal Pay (4)
Here's an email I received from a regular reader, a former union member, who is being given the run around by North Lanarkshire Council over a request for their equal pay settlement to be made on a pensionable basis.
Now this is appalling if you ask me, an absolute disgrace, because the issue has already been decided in the claimants' favour by Scottish Ministers, after a successful campaign in 2016 fought by A4ES.
So what in God's name is North Lanarkshire Council playing at and why is the council treating its former employees with such terrible disrespect?
Hi Mark,
I hope you are keeping well - and well done in bringing Glasgow City Council to heel at last!
I just read the blog on equal pay and pensions and it's a real eye-opener. What a difference it makes to the pensions of the lower paid.
I had my equal pay settlement over a year ago from North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) and it was pensionable.
The Council made a large deduction for my pension, but have still never processed my request for my equal pay settlement to be made on a pensionable basis.
The Council made a large deduction for my pension, but have still never processed my request for my equal pay settlement to be made on a pensionable basis.
I've contacted them on numerous occasions to be told that details will be passed on to the pensions office next month, then next month, etc. etc.
I've contacted the pension office and they say they have heard nothing from NLC.
I think delays like this are unacceptable and NLC should be made to pay compensation.
What do you think?
Regards
D
But the important thing here is to refuse to get fobbed off by council bureaucrats and instead to put them under crushing pressure to do the right thing.
So tune in again tomorrow to hear what I have to say on that score.
Pensions and Equal Pay (19/01/18)
I promised to provide some information about the importance of Pensions and Equal Pay and I've been trawling the blog site archive for good examples to share.
So here are a couple of posts which date back to 2016 and the fight for equal pay in North Lanarkshire Council where A4ES waged a successful campaign to have equal pay settlements made on a pensionable basis.
In the briefing note supplied to The Sunday Herald I explained the potential benefits to equal pay claimants and the figures involved relate to a relatively small number of individuals compared to Glasgow.
"The total lifetime benefit to the claimants (collectively) would be in excess of £10 million because of the increased lump sum and annual pension benefits - and these benefits are already enjoyed by equivalent NLC male workers, of course. The additional lump sum (tax free payments) to 2nd Wave claims, for example, is worth around £800,000."
Much more to follow in the days ahead - so watch this space.
