logo
Interim finance chief at cash-strapped university quits after days in post

Interim finance chief at cash-strapped university quits after days in post

Chris Reilly, who took on the role on an interim basis days at the start of last week, has left the university by 'mutual agreement'.
Dundee University is grappling with a financial crisis which has resulted in the Scottish Government using special powers to award a further £40 million to the institution.
Faced with a £35 million deficit, the university is looking to cut hundreds of jobs.
Professor Nigel Seaton, Dundee's interim principal and vice chancellor, confirmed Mr Reilly's departure in a message to staff – saying the institution is 'moving quickly' to replace him.
Prof Seaton, who himself only took on the role after the previous interim principal quit last month, said Mr Reilly's replacement would help take the university through the 'next steps' of its recovery plan.
Previous interim principal Professor Shane O'Neill quit the post in June after a report by former Glasgow Caledonian University principal Professor Pamela Gillies was critical of him and other former senior Dundee University figures for their actions before the scale of the crisis became public.
That report found members of the university executive group, which included the 'triumvirate' of Prof O'Neill, former principal Professor Iain Gillespie and ex-chief operating officer Jim McGeorge, had 'failed' to 'properly respond to the worsening situation' with the institution's finances in 2024.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Town's ice rink to permanently shut amid 'spiralling energy costs'
Town's ice rink to permanently shut amid 'spiralling energy costs'

STV News

time9 hours ago

  • STV News

Town's ice rink to permanently shut amid 'spiralling energy costs'

A town is to lose its ice rink after 'spiralling energy costs' made it 'no longer financially viable', according to the operator. On Monday, Moray Leisure Centre in Elgin announced the 'difficult decision' to close the facility in just a few weeks' time. The Centre's board said the ice rink generates the 'least amount of income and consumes the most energy' and the cost of running it had doubled. Elgin Ice Rink will shut permanently on Monday, August 4. 'With skaters and curlers accounting for less than 10% of all users of Moray Leisure Centre, the cost of running the Ice Rink now threatens the financial sustainability of the whole leisure centre if action is not taken swiftly,' a statement read. A 'small' number of roles are at risk of redundancy as a result of the closure. 'Despite our best efforts to secure a future for the ice rink, Moray Leisure Centre's overall operation has effectively subsidised the ice rink's operation for the past six years and rising energy bills means this has now reached a level where it is unaffordable,' a spokesperson for the Moray Leisure Centre said. 'We know that the closure of the ice rink will be very disappointing for those who use the facility and for the coaches and clubs who depend upon it. The not-for-profit said the board's priority was to establish 'long-term financial security' with the opportunity to 'thrive and reinvest in better facilities for the community'. 'These decisions are never easy, but they are necessary, and we are continuing to work closely with a range of community partners,' a spokesperson said. Moray council leader Kathleen Robertson said the local authority is aware of the decision to close the ice rink and appreciates that it will be 'devastating' for clubs that use it regularly. 'While this is clearly a difficult decision for them, rising energy costs are being felt across all industries and in homes around the country, so it's also an understandable measure to take to ensure financial viability for the rest of the facility,' councillor Robertson said. 'I appreciate this disappointing news will be devastating for the clubs who use the ice rink regularly and can confirm Moray Council will continue to work with the Board and management team to help identify and implement energy saving measures and facility efficiencies.' Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said the closure will come as a 'huge blow' given the popularity of the facility with local families, clubs, and ice hockey team. 'Indeed, this morning I passed young people enjoying themselves as they skated on the ice when I was down at the Leisure Centre and now we have an announcement that it is to close,' he said. Lochhead said he intends to meet Moray Leisure Centre's management in the coming days and has written to the Scottish Government asking if anything can be done. 'I'm also seeking clarity from Moray Council on its response due to its significant interest in the centre and the fact that none of us will want to see Moray lose its only ice rink,' he said. Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey SNP MP Graham Leadbitter urged the Council to explore 'every means possible' of supporting Moray Leisure to avoid the permanent closure of the facility, which he said is much 'loved and well used'. 'People in Moray should not have to travel long distances away to make use of facilities that have, until now, been available and well used on their doorstep,' Leadbitter said. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

Tories slam SNP over A96 dualling - as repair bill revealed
Tories slam SNP over A96 dualling - as repair bill revealed

The Herald Scotland

time10 hours ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Tories slam SNP over A96 dualling - as repair bill revealed

Repairs totalled £14.9m in 2023/24, £11.8m in 2022/23 and £13.4m in 2021/22; up from £7.7 in 2020/21. The Scottish Government had announced plans to upgrade the A96 in 2016, promising to convert the 102 mile road into a dual carriageway by 2030. However, the £3b commitment was rowed back last year, as Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop blamed austerity from the UK Government and a lengthy review of the project for delays. Douglas Lumsden has criticised the delay. (Image: Conor McAuley) North East Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden has slammed the government over the 'eye-watering' figures, which he said demonstrated that the A96 'is not fit for the 21st century'. Mr Lumsden added: 'After decades of neglect by the SNP, it's no surprise that repair costs are soaring each year as the road falls into a state of disrepair. 'This is the tragic reality of the dangers the road poses, yet the transport minister continues to kick the prospect of fully dualling the road into the long grass, despite the SNP's promise 14 years ago. Mr Lumsden went on to call on Ms Hyslop to 'stop this nonsense" and 'commit to the full upgrade, once and for all, before parliament resumes. 'The Scottish Government's failure to properly improve the A96 betrays local communities, undermines the North East's future connectivity and endangers lives,' he said. 'Rather than spending endless sums patching up the A96, the SNP must prioritise dualling the road as a matter of urgency.' In a Transport Scotland statement, a spokesperson said the nation's motorway and trunk road network was the Scottish Government's 'single biggest asset' - and that £714m was set to be spent in 2025/26, despite a decrease in capital project funding from the UK Government. The spokesperson added: 'We have continued to invest in the maintenance of all trunk roads, including the A96, in order to ensure the continued safe and effective operation of the network that road users rely upon. These costs also include repairs and recovery from storm damage, which are on the increase. Read more: Why does everyone seem to hate Maggie Chapman? 'Long overdue': Scottish young people weigh in on lowering of voting age Smoked salmon, Irn-Bru bhajis and micro herbs: What's on the menu at Bute House? 'Our current favoured position is to fully dual the A96 and we are already starting the dualling process from Inverness to Nairn, including a Nairn Bypass, having acquired the land for the scheme earlier this year. "We continue to progress the work to determine the most suitable procurement option for delivering this scheme and thereafter a timetable for progress can then be set in line with available budgets." The spokesperson noted that the [[Scottish Government]] had agreed to carry out a review of the A96 corridor as part of the Bute House Agreement, as their erstwhile partners in government, the Scottish Greens, were opposed to the road's dualling. An ensuing consultation received more than 1,400 responses from communities and businesses along the A96. 76% of respondents were 'dissatisfied' or 'very dissatisfied' with the draft outcomes of Transport Scotland's review, which recommended that the road not be dualled in its entirety. 'Any decision on the way ahead for the A96 corridor will need to take into consideration the UK Government's recent Spending Review and its impact on Scottish Budgets,' the spokesperson said, 'as well as the forthcoming update to the Scottish Government's Infrastructure Investment Plan, expected later this year.' Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing left the SNP in part over the dualling delays. (Image: PA) Longtime Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing left the [[SNP]] earlier this year in a row over the government's lack of progress in dualling the road. He will stand as an independent candidate in 2026. Writing in the [[Inverness]] Courier in March, he said: 'It's not good enough that both governments have these great plans and ambitions for renewables, mostly to be delivered in the north and north east, but they do not match them with commensurate investment in our transport and public services. 'We here are expected to do the work, to create the development, and the impacts of pylons and turbines, but are not to get the assistance to upgrade our roads, schools, GP practices, Raigmore, or indeed the rail services about which we are getting many more complaints of late. 'Now, near on £100 million has been, or will shortly be, spent on the A96 and not one inch of tarmac laid.'

Winter Fuel Payment income threshold update for pensioners due up to £300
Winter Fuel Payment income threshold update for pensioners due up to £300

Daily Mirror

time16 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Winter Fuel Payment income threshold update for pensioners due up to £300

The DWP has confirmed that Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 will be automatically issued to pensioners in November or December, with a new update on the clawback process issued The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced earlier this month that 9 million people born before September 22, 1959 will receive between £100 and £300 to assist with escalating heating costs throughout the winter period. Winter Fuel Payments will be distributed automatically to qualifying pensioners during November or December. ‌ The Scottish Government will similarly distribute payments ranging from £101.70 to £305.10 to pensioners starting in November, implementing the updated approach adopted by the DWP. Pensioners earning £35,000 or less will qualify for the one-off payment, with recipients having the option to decline or repay it via the PAYE system or Self Assessment tax return. ‌ READ MORE: DNA site that helped woman find long-lost Japanese brother is now under £30 Treasury Minister James Murray provided a fresh update regarding the clawback procedure on Thursday following Independent MP John McDonnell's inquiry about the recovery mechanism for Winter Fuel Payments distributed to higher earners. ‌ In his written statement, Mr Murray explained: "The Government announced in June 2025 that the Winter Fuel Payment will be made universal in England and Wales from winter 2025. Subsequently, the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive have confirmed that they will mirror the approach for England and Wales. "Winter Fuel Payments of £200 will be made for a household with someone of State Pension age and £300 for a household with someone aged 80 or over. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out of getting a payment." ‌ Discussing the intricacies of the income threshold, he clarified: "Individuals who are of State Pension age and have total income over £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered through the tax system. The amount recovered will be equal to the full value of the Winter Fuel Payment. "If a pensioner's total income is above the income threshold, it will be automatically recovered through PAYE, or through their Self-Assessment return if they pay tax that way." Mr Murray further stated: "The Government will publish further details of the operational impacts on HM Revenue and Customs of making these changes in a Tax Information and Impact Note at Budget 2025, alongside draft Finance Bill legislation on the tax recovery of the Winter Fuel Payment." ‌ Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments You're entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before September 22, 1959, and reside in England or Wales. Details on Pension Age Disability Payment can be fond here. Circumstances where you won't qualify You'll be disqualified if you: live outside England and Wales were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 ‌ If you live in a care home While those living in care homes can receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you won't qualify if both of the following conditions are met: you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier ‌ Payments DWP guidelines state: "You'll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you'll get, if you're eligible. If you don't receive a letter but believe you should, check whether you need to submit a claim." Be vigilant, as fraudsters may attempt to deceive you into making a claim via text message, urging you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP communication and should be disregarded. If you believe you need to make a claim, adhere to the guidance provided on here. ‌ The amount you receive depends on your date of birth and your circumstances during the 'qualifying week' of 15 to 21 September 2025. Any funds received will not impact your other benefits. If you live alone or no one in your household qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will receive either: £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945 ‌ If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment If you do not receive any of the benefits, you will receive a payment of: Pension Credit Universal Credit income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Income Support If you do not get any of the benefits You will get a payment of: ‌ £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945 £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945 If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits One of you will get a payment of either: £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945 ‌ The money will be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into. If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim) You will get a payment of either: £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945 ‌ If your income is more than £35,000 HMRC will take back all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return. If you live in a care home If you are eligible you'll get either: £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945 ‌ When you will get paid DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December. You should get a letter telling you: how much you'll get which bank account it will be paid into - this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits Article continues below DWP added: 'If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.' Opting out of Winter Fuel Payment You can choose to opt out of getting all future Winter Fuel Payments. To opt out you need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before September 15, 2025. Full details on what you will need before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be found on here.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store