Hi ,

We are now firmly in journalistic 'silly season', as our parliamentarians take a well-earned rest/laze about at the taxpayer's expense. 

In previous years, this may have meant frivolous stories leading the news agenda as the media scrambled to find something to report. But these days the news just keeps coming (unfortunately). 

Here at The Ferret, we are still working diligently to provide you with exclusive investigations and fact-checks. And we're getting closer to being able to announce some seriously exciting news. So keep reading.

Yours,

Ali

Story of the week

An in-depth look at a Ferret investigation

Families have been left paying thousands of pounds a year for childcare because Edinburgh City Council has reneged on a flagship Scottish Government policy that promises all children more than 1,000 hours of free care at a nursery of their choice, it has been claimed.

Under the policy children aged three to five years old are entitled either to 30 free hours per week during term time or 22.8 hours per week for 50 weeks per year, a total of 1,140 hours a year. These state funded hours can be either a council-run nursery or a council approved private one or with a registered childminder, according to the government’s Funding follows the child approach. 

Many working families say they choose privately-run nurseries because they typically have longer opening hours and operate during school holidays while some council nurseries are only open during school hours or term time, which don’t fit with most work schedules.

What did we dig up this week?

A round up of our investigations in the last seven days

Explained: Scotland’s GERS controversy

The annual Scottish Government report on its revenue and spending, known as GERS, has been a lightning rod for controversy. 

Consultancy firm’s review of fast-track salmon farm pilot branded 'sham'

Orkney-based Aquatera concluded that the pilot — which involved four salmon farm applications — was ultimately not quick enough. 

Question of the week

Have you struggled with childcare costs in Scotland? 

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Best of the rest

Investigations we've enjoyed from around the world

‘We’re flying blind’: Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals face spiralling infections crisis

Sudden surge in mass casualty events, many at aid points, has created conditions for bacteria to spread unchecked. (The Bureau)

Six years ago Glasgow settled its equal pay problem. Except it didn’t

Glasgow City Council are yet to complete a promised new pay and grading structure designed to eradicate in-built discrimination. (The Glasgow Bell)

How a cowboy builder ripped off customers – and got away with it

Russell McMaster accepted about £220,000 from seven customers, but left them tens of thousands out of pocket with half-built extensions and renovations. (BBC News)

Any comments? Have you seen something we could include? Email us at contact@theferret.scot.

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