A Master Stroke: Lecturer Rachel Duffy set to release 'Creative Makeup' book

THINGS are about to get exciting for Hugh Baird University Centre lecturer, Rachel Duffy, whose debut book, Creative Makeup, is set for release on the 13 September 2022. Rachel, who teaches on the Creative Make Up Design and Practice degree level course at the University Centre, said that she is:- 'so excited for the release of the book.'

In Creative Makeup, Rachel explains everything her readers need to know about creative make up, from the basics such as creating the perfect base, to more advanced techniques such as eyebrow blocking, colour theory and product choice. The book goes on to show the reader 12 unique make up looks, including Flapper Starlet, Haunted Skull, Ombre Cat Liner and Spotlight Eye. From essential looks to creative masterpieces, Rachel takes the reader through a world of colour, creation and technique, pulling it all together with the immense knowledge and creative mastery she is known for.

The book is perfect for aspiring make up artists and seasoned artists alike, offering basic skills through to complex techniques. The step-by-step instructions and exquisite photography make it the ideal gift for all make up fans.

Rachel, who has worked at the Hugh Baird University Centre for several years, has amassed a cult following on Instagram with nearly fifty thousand followers (@rachelduffyartistry). When asked about the imminent release of her book, she said:- "It's been an incredible experience to be able to create this book and share my passion with the world. I hope everyone that picks up this book can take some inspiration and ultimately, has fun!"

Angela O'Brien, Faculty Manager of Creative Industries at the Hugh Baird University Centre, said:- "We are all so proud of Rachel. The book is incredible and displays what an amazing and creative artist she is."

If you are interested in learning from Rachel herself, there are places still available on the UCLan approved Creative Make Up Design and Practice degree course at the Hugh Baird University Centre.

Creative Makeup is available to buy from The Book Depository, on 13 September 2022.

Truss's levelling up ambitions undermined by decades long resourcing fall in planning system

HOUSING and levelling up ambitions outlined by Liz Truss before becoming Leader of the Conservative Party would be undermined by a lack of resources to the planning system, says report from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). The report shows that Local Authority spending on planning has fallen by 43% in the last decade, now taking up just 0.45% of Local Government budgets. Public sector planning services struggled to recruit and retain skilled staff as a result. With a stripped back planning system, less than half of applications were decided within statutory time limits in 2021.

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI said:- "During her race to Prime Minister, Liz Truss pledged to double down on levelling up and spark a new industrial revolution. But she'll need to make immediate progress with planning reform in her 1st weeks in office if she wants to achieve these goals. I have written to the new Leader of the Conservative Party urging her to make planning reform a top priority and deliver for communities. While we agree with Liz Truss that our planning system is imperfect, complex and faces significant challenges, planners cannot be expected to do more with less in perpetuity. Particularly in a time of high inflation, we need a timely responsive planning service, but this can only be achieved if it is appropriately resourced. Planning is one of the most important functions that local authorities have to improve resident's lives. Without better quality planning services, communities will miss opportunities to level up, deliver vital housing, improve health outcomes and tackle climate change."

High electricity prices cry a scandal

CARE England, the largest and most diverse representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England, is dismayed by the UK Government and OFGEMs failings to oversee the actions of the National Grid and its approach to electricity generation.

Professor Martin Green OBE said:- "This report presents a national scandal that has impacted all sectors as well as all UK households. For the National Grid to be exporting electricity generated by coal, the costliest and most environmentally harmful source, whilst generating billions, rather than ensuring prices are kept as low as possible for UK consumers, is outrageous to the extreme. The adult social care sector is bearing the brunt of this storm, with care providers suffering from increases in their energy costs of over 600%, with no support from Government. Unlike other businesses, care providers cannot reduce opening hours, turn off the lights, or switch off the heating or cooling, they house and care for some of society's most vulnerable and we are already seeing 45% of providers considering exiting the market due to the current financial unsustainability in the sector."

Focus Energy Services, a respected partner of Care England, revealed that throughout May to August 2022, the UK unnecessarily burnt coal to produce electricity, whilst exporting electricity to France. Exporting electricity has led to double the costs of electricity for consumers in the UK, and the National Grid recently warned that the energy crisis could last up to three years.

Earlier this week Care England wrote to the new Prime Minister with a blueprint of practical solutions that the Government must implement to provide some energy stability to the care sector, including:-

►  The introduction of a per bed energy price cap equivalent to the proposed domestic energy price cap or the reimbursement of providers for the increased energy costs incurred by other means.

►  The extension of the £400 energy rebate to vulnerable people in care and supported housing, introducing parity in the way they are treated compared with those living in their own homes.

►  The removal of VAT and the Green Levy on energy bills.

Professor Green continues:- "The care sector potentially faces the grimmest Winter in years, which is damning for any Government. Enough is enough. Despite this scandal, Care England is here to offer advice and work collaboratively with Government. With a new Prime Minister in place, the longevity of a sustainable energy supply and social care sector can now be addressed against the manifesto promise to 'fix social care."