The initiative, led by Department for Work and Pensions, allows relevant government departments and Council services to be automatically notified of a family’s birth or bereavement, meaning that the individual “tells them once” and not multiple times. 

Dame Anne said: “I am pleased that Aberdeen City Council has decided to implement the “Tell Us Once” initiative. The benefits of the service to individuals are significant as they only have to notify one organisation of a birth or death. Any such scheme which makes life a little easier is to be welcomed.”

After hearing of the disruption caused by vandalism and arson over the Christmas period, Dame Anne contacted Valerie Watts, Chief Executive at Aberdeen City Council to ask whether the Council would consider extending CCTV to the part of the building where the nursery is situated. The spot has provided an easy target for vandals as the only on-looking property has lain empty for some time and had been targeted on a number of occasions.

Dame Anne said: “The vandalism to the nursery unit was not only disruptive to those children who attend the nursery but also disrupted the education of those pupils whose classrooms had to be used to accommodate the nursery classes. I am, therefore, pleased that the Council have committed to extending the CCTV coverage and are also considering additional measures to improve the overall security of the building. I understand this spot had been targeted previously and the cost of repairing the damage could have been avoided by taking action earlier.  I do hope there will be no more disruption to the pupils.”

Local Councillor Yvonne Allan had contacted the Head Teacher of Tullos Primary School direct to offer her help and was advised that they desperately required better security in each classroom.  Following the news that the CCTV was to be extended she said: “I am delighted that finally something is to be done.”

Future Choices is a local charity which helps promote social inclusion for disabled people across the city through a number of activities.

David Forbes, Treasurer for the charity, has started a new initiative called ‘Cash for Cans’ which asks members of the public to donate their empty/undamaged drink cans to the charity. The charity then exchanges the cans for cash. He hopes that the money raised will allow them to purchase a disabled friendly mini bus.

Dame Anne said: “Transport can be one of the biggest barriers preventing disabled people in participating in social activities and providing such transport can put a huge strain on the day to day running costs of many charities. I am delighted to be helping Future Choices launch this new initiative which will hopefully go some way to promoting increased social inclusion across the city.”

The appeal is also being supported by Aberdeen College Student Association and local distribution company Door Drop Distribution. Anyone wishing to help should contact David Forbes on 07821 700046 or search for Aberdeen Charity on Facebook.

Little Rembrandt’s is owned by Ashlea Hassan who Dame Anne met in June last year when she highlighted the problems she was experiencing in trying to find a bank willing to lend to a start-up business. Ms Hassan had recognised a demand for a local meeting place serving good quality food in the Ferryhill area and, although many banks approved of her business plan, they were unwilling to provide a loan.

Dame Anne said: “I was disappointed that the banks were being slow to in invest in new businesses and I am so pleased that, against the odds, Little Rembrandt’s is now open. I know that this is as a result of Ashlea’s own determination to realise her vision and her aspiration to support her local community is admirable. She is a true entrepreneur.”

Ms Hassan said: “I am delighted that after all these months of uncertainty I have managed to stay true to my idea and at last see my cafe open.”

The ethos of the cafe is to support the surrounding community by offering locally sourced food and a meeting place for community groups. It also aims to be a family friendly place with space for children to paint whilst the adults chat.

 Click here http://local.stv.tv/aberdeen/news/opinion/26143-dame-anne-beggs-blog-the-strange-case-of-legislative-constipation/ to read the new blog.

Action for Children is also calling on the UK Government to do more to support professionals to better understand and tackle neglect, and make sure that families who need it get help – as early as possible

By signing the petition, Dame Anne hopes not only to help achieve change in England but also to support Action for Children’s efforts to tackle child neglect in Scotland. They will make recommendations to the Scottish Government later in the year.

The event was attended by Dame Anne Begg MP, the Lord Provost, as well as those who organised the event.

Dame Anne said “I was delighted to attend the opening of this year’s Midnight Football League and enjoyed meeting the young people who take part. The increasing popularity of the league not only demonstrates how much the participants enjoy it but also shows that it has been very effective in providing an opportunity for them to get together on a Saturday night.”

During Big Energy Week you can get practical advice on cutting your fuel bills and help to see if you are getting all of the financial support you are entitled to.  You can pick up a leaflet with tips and advice on cutting your fuel bills at your local Citizens Advice Bureau or you can visit their new website at www.bigenergyweek.org.uk.

Citizens Advice, Chief Executive, Gillian Guy said: “We know hikes in prices have put extra pressure on people’s budgets at a time when money is already tight. Day in day out our Bureaux is helping people who can’t afford their fuel bills.

“We’re worried that some people are struggling unnecessarily because they’re not on the best deal; live in homes that haemorrhage heat or are not getting all of the financial help available to them.”

Dame Anne said: “Fuel bills are a big worry for many people at the moment.  I am pleased to support Big Energy Week and hope it will make a big difference to my constituents by saving them money on their bills.”

To find out what Dame Anne asked for click here http://postdesk.com/christmas2011/dame-anne-begg-mp/