It’s not unusual to read that the many problems we face in society today are linked to a chronic underinvestment in the institutions of civil society. What is unusual is when the person delivering that critique is the Chief Economist of the Bank of England. In a wide ranging speech on the impact of the … Continue reading Bank Backs Sector
Europe
New research finds ‘Size does matter’ when addressing complex social issues across England and Wales
Small and local charities offer a range of economic and social benefits and play a vital role in their communities, a new study has found. Independent research, launched today, reveals that when tackling social issues like homelessness, domestic abuse or mental ill health, smaller charities have a distinctive impact. They also generate benefits through spending … Continue reading New research finds ‘Size does matter’ when addressing complex social issues across England and Wales
Fish farms caught short
There must be some good news stories about salmon farming but to come across one is like finding a unicorn. The following is much more typical of the reports that are coming out of this ever-expanding industry. So it’s not surprising that many coastal communities are on high alert when fish farm companies come calling with plans … Continue reading Fish farms caught short
The power of the volunteer
A BBC documentary called the 'Great Storm That Saved a City' provides a fascinating insight not only into the storm itself, but how it played its part in transforming Glasgow’s housing and in particular how it sowed the seeds of the city’s community controlled housing associations. These tenant-led organisations have consistently argued for their governance to … Continue reading The power of the volunteer
Why is this even tolerated?
Ten years after Greener Kirkcaldy began tackling disadvantage and inequality within their town, last week local people were celebrating the official opening of their new community hub. With purpose built premises, Greener Kirkcaldy can continue tackling food and fuel poverty in the town, but always with an eye to promoting Kirkcaldy as a greener and fairer place … Continue reading Why is this even tolerated?
Citizen Power
It’s an annual tradition for the Edinburgh Festival or the Fringe or both to declare that once again all box office records have been smashed - thereby reaffirming the City’s right to call itself the festival capital of the world. But this never-ending growth comes at quite a cost. The explosion of Airbnb properties disrupting … Continue reading Citizen Power
Edinburgh Science Festival to ban fossil fuel firm sponsorship deals
A seven-year-old girl examines a life like human brain at the Edinburgh Science Festival. Pic: Jon Savage Organisers of the Edinburgh Science Festival are to impose a blanket ban on sponsorship deals with fossil fuel companies - claiming the oil and gas sector is “not moving fast enough” to meet climate change targets. They will … Continue reading Edinburgh Science Festival to ban fossil fuel firm sponsorship deals
