Kate Blake
@kateblake.bsky.social
Labour Councillor for Kingswells, Sheddocksley and Summerhill
Deputy leader of Aberdeen Labour group
Labour candidate for Aberdeenshire West
Mum, marketer, cyclist and hill walker
Deputy leader of Aberdeen Labour group
Labour candidate for Aberdeenshire West
Mum, marketer, cyclist and hill walker
Delighted with this news.
EXCL: An agreement to rejoin Erasmus – the EU’s student exchange programme – set to be announced on Wednesday as part of UK government’s drive towards closer relations with Brussels.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
UK to rejoin EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme
Exclusive: British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources say
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Delighted with this news.
Reposted by Kate Blake
This investment will change lives.
It'll go towards bespoke, calming spaces to help children with additional needs get the support they need at a good, local school on their doorstep.
Labour is building schools where every child can achieve and thrive.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It'll go towards bespoke, calming spaces to help children with additional needs get the support they need at a good, local school on their doorstep.
Labour is building schools where every child can achieve and thrive.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Councils given £3bn to create thousands more spaces for Send pupils
The government is promising 50,000 more places for children with special educational needs in schools in England.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 9:07 AM
This investment will change lives.
It'll go towards bespoke, calming spaces to help children with additional needs get the support they need at a good, local school on their doorstep.
Labour is building schools where every child can achieve and thrive.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It'll go towards bespoke, calming spaces to help children with additional needs get the support they need at a good, local school on their doorstep.
Labour is building schools where every child can achieve and thrive.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thank you to @cfine.bsky.social for hosting us today. It was good to hear about the range of services you offer. Also to hear from your employees and volunteers about the work they do and the positive impact it makes.
Cllr Allard, Cllr Mennie and I got quite efficient in packing pallets!
Cllr Allard, Cllr Mennie and I got quite efficient in packing pallets!
December 11, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Thank you to @cfine.bsky.social for hosting us today. It was good to hear about the range of services you offer. Also to hear from your employees and volunteers about the work they do and the positive impact it makes.
Cllr Allard, Cllr Mennie and I got quite efficient in packing pallets!
Cllr Allard, Cllr Mennie and I got quite efficient in packing pallets!
The annual reminder, that how many pupils get 5 Highers grade A-C is a very narrow indicator of how good a school is.
Grammar breaks into top 10 state secondaries in the country — but how did Aberdeen’s private schools rank?
Grammar breaks into top 10 state secondaries in the country — but how did Aberdeen’s private schools rank?
Granite City schools — both state and independent — have emerged as some of the nation’s strongest performers.
dlvr.it
December 6, 2025 at 9:04 AM
The annual reminder, that how many pupils get 5 Highers grade A-C is a very narrow indicator of how good a school is.
At my sheltered housing surgery today, residents could not believe that rents were going up by 9.5% when properties that could be let were sitting empty for a year.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aber...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aber...
Shock 9.5% rent rise for Aberdeen council tenants as cash needed to 'fix draughty windows and mould'
During the same meeting, it was agreed to collect rent every week of the year rather than just 48 weeks.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
December 5, 2025 at 5:14 PM
At my sheltered housing surgery today, residents could not believe that rents were going up by 9.5% when properties that could be let were sitting empty for a year.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aber...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aber...
Keeping with the Christmas theme 🎄King's College looking beautiful @uniofaberdeen.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Keeping with the Christmas theme 🎄King's College looking beautiful @uniofaberdeen.bsky.social
And Spotify tells me, Pod Save America is my favourite podcast. I have to say this is not a revelation either to me or my family!
What was alarming though was my music listening age is 69 😱 @podsaveamerica.crooked.com #SpotifyWrapped.
www.spotify.com/wrapped-shar...
What was alarming though was my music listening age is 69 😱 @podsaveamerica.crooked.com #SpotifyWrapped.
www.spotify.com/wrapped-shar...
My Top Podcast of 2025
Spotify
www.spotify.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:52 PM
And Spotify tells me, Pod Save America is my favourite podcast. I have to say this is not a revelation either to me or my family!
What was alarming though was my music listening age is 69 😱 @podsaveamerica.crooked.com #SpotifyWrapped.
www.spotify.com/wrapped-shar...
What was alarming though was my music listening age is 69 😱 @podsaveamerica.crooked.com #SpotifyWrapped.
www.spotify.com/wrapped-shar...
It's December, so the Christmas coffee cup is out again 🎄 #reuse #Christmas
December 3, 2025 at 12:03 PM
It's December, so the Christmas coffee cup is out again 🎄 #reuse #Christmas
Thought this was a very interesting piece from Barry. I wasn't aware that the OBR had revised the revenue from VAT on private school fees up. I have had people tell me "this is the politics of envy" and that I was wrong to think private schools are businesses, so good to see this policy analysis.
Some policy analysis about VAT on private school fees, why it is set to raise more than originally forecast, and why this matters.
Please read, share, and subscribe for more!
open.substack.com/pub/barrybla...
Please read, share, and subscribe for more!
open.substack.com/pub/barrybla...
Policy Analysis: Why VAT on private school fees will raise more than planned, and why it matters
Policy analysis of a debate I was privileged enough to be involved in last year
open.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Thought this was a very interesting piece from Barry. I wasn't aware that the OBR had revised the revenue from VAT on private school fees up. I have had people tell me "this is the politics of envy" and that I was wrong to think private schools are businesses, so good to see this policy analysis.
In case there are parents reading this headline, it is not quite at that stage. I put forward an amendment which the Administration agreed to, to review all the catchment areas of Bucksburn, Dyce and associated primary schools before the Council commits to the statutory consultation.
Dyce Academy to stop taking pupils from Aberdeenshire in bid to free up space in city school
Dyce Academy to stop taking pupils from Aberdeenshire in bid to free up space in city school
The secondary school has space for 909 pupils but currently has 938 on the roll — with numbers expected to rise further...
dlvr.it
December 2, 2025 at 11:25 AM
In case there are parents reading this headline, it is not quite at that stage. I put forward an amendment which the Administration agreed to, to review all the catchment areas of Bucksburn, Dyce and associated primary schools before the Council commits to the statutory consultation.
Reposted by Kate Blake
A reminder of what happened last time a UK govt tried to reduce bills by "cutting the green crap"
Analysis: Cutting the ‘green crap’ has added £22bn to UK energy bills since 2015
www.carbonbrief.org/...
Analysis: Cutting the ‘green crap’ has added £22bn to UK energy bills since 2015
www.carbonbrief.org/...
November 5, 2025 at 8:18 PM
A reminder of what happened last time a UK govt tried to reduce bills by "cutting the green crap"
Analysis: Cutting the ‘green crap’ has added £22bn to UK energy bills since 2015
www.carbonbrief.org/...
Analysis: Cutting the ‘green crap’ has added £22bn to UK energy bills since 2015
www.carbonbrief.org/...
Reposted by Kate Blake
There's still time to vote for this year's People Champion.
Cast your vote today: https://orlo.uk/S9T8R
Voting will close at 5pm on Fri 7 November.
Cast your vote today: https://orlo.uk/S9T8R
Voting will close at 5pm on Fri 7 November.
November 3, 2025 at 10:02 AM
There's still time to vote for this year's People Champion.
Cast your vote today: https://orlo.uk/S9T8R
Voting will close at 5pm on Fri 7 November.
Cast your vote today: https://orlo.uk/S9T8R
Voting will close at 5pm on Fri 7 November.
Reposted by Kate Blake
Head Teacher (Finzean School) - ABS45653 cc @AbshireJobs #AbshireJobs
Head Teacher (Finzean School) - ABS45653
Location: ; Salary: £64,479.00 - £64,479.00 per year; Closing date: 09/11/2025
myjob.scot
October 24, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Head Teacher (Finzean School) - ABS45653 cc @AbshireJobs #AbshireJobs
The community consultation on the Northfield community campus will start next week. I will share when I have it.
Plans may include a new academy, 2 to 3 stream primary and other services.
I remain concerned that the business case bypasses Education Ctte, but pleased to see the consultation begin!
Plans may include a new academy, 2 to 3 stream primary and other services.
I remain concerned that the business case bypasses Education Ctte, but pleased to see the consultation begin!
Northfield Academy: ‘Radical’ plans for replacement school move forward in bid to ‘end neglect’
Northfield Academy: ‘Radical’ plans for replacement school move forward in bid to ‘end neglect’
Labour councillor Kate Blake said there was an "urgent need" to replace Northfield Academy due to it having worrying Raac concrete.
dlvr.it
October 23, 2025 at 1:43 PM
The community consultation on the Northfield community campus will start next week. I will share when I have it.
Plans may include a new academy, 2 to 3 stream primary and other services.
I remain concerned that the business case bypasses Education Ctte, but pleased to see the consultation begin!
Plans may include a new academy, 2 to 3 stream primary and other services.
I remain concerned that the business case bypasses Education Ctte, but pleased to see the consultation begin!
We've had a wonderful week touring Morocco from Marrakech to the Sahara. Today has been a chill day by the pool before heading home. By listening to @podsaveamerica.crooked.com and Electoral Dysfunction and reading this, am I easing myself home?
October 19, 2025 at 8:53 PM
We've had a wonderful week touring Morocco from Marrakech to the Sahara. Today has been a chill day by the pool before heading home. By listening to @podsaveamerica.crooked.com and Electoral Dysfunction and reading this, am I easing myself home?
Reposted by Kate Blake
⏰ Make sure you've submitted your questions for LWN's online Deputy Leader Hustings — the deadline is tonight!
Join us on Zoom on Mon 13 Oct at 8pm to hear directly from Bridget and Lucy as they answer the questions that matter to you. Register now and submit your Qs: www.lwn.org.uk/deputy_leade...
Join us on Zoom on Mon 13 Oct at 8pm to hear directly from Bridget and Lucy as they answer the questions that matter to you. Register now and submit your Qs: www.lwn.org.uk/deputy_leade...
October 8, 2025 at 5:45 PM
⏰ Make sure you've submitted your questions for LWN's online Deputy Leader Hustings — the deadline is tonight!
Join us on Zoom on Mon 13 Oct at 8pm to hear directly from Bridget and Lucy as they answer the questions that matter to you. Register now and submit your Qs: www.lwn.org.uk/deputy_leade...
Join us on Zoom on Mon 13 Oct at 8pm to hear directly from Bridget and Lucy as they answer the questions that matter to you. Register now and submit your Qs: www.lwn.org.uk/deputy_leade...
Reposted by Kate Blake
A historic shift and evidence of the global transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
While some in the UK want to take us backwards, to an outdated age, against the international trend - this government will power forward to our clean energy future.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
While some in the UK want to take us backwards, to an outdated age, against the international trend - this government will power forward to our clean energy future.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Renewables overtake coal as world's biggest source of electricity
Developing countries lead the historic clean energy charge but the US and EU rely more on fossil fuels than before, a think tank study shows.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 11:35 AM
A historic shift and evidence of the global transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
While some in the UK want to take us backwards, to an outdated age, against the international trend - this government will power forward to our clean energy future.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
While some in the UK want to take us backwards, to an outdated age, against the international trend - this government will power forward to our clean energy future.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Kate Blake
*** Weather warning reminder ***
Met Office yellow weather warning for wind in #StormAmy for Aberdeen today from 3pm until 12midnight tomorrow. Heavy rain today too.
Amber warning for wind & yellow warning for rain in parts of Aberdeenshire.
Latest info @ https://orlo.uk/qWL0w
Met Office yellow weather warning for wind in #StormAmy for Aberdeen today from 3pm until 12midnight tomorrow. Heavy rain today too.
Amber warning for wind & yellow warning for rain in parts of Aberdeenshire.
Latest info @ https://orlo.uk/qWL0w
October 3, 2025 at 9:34 AM
*** Weather warning reminder ***
Met Office yellow weather warning for wind in #StormAmy for Aberdeen today from 3pm until 12midnight tomorrow. Heavy rain today too.
Amber warning for wind & yellow warning for rain in parts of Aberdeenshire.
Latest info @ https://orlo.uk/qWL0w
Met Office yellow weather warning for wind in #StormAmy for Aberdeen today from 3pm until 12midnight tomorrow. Heavy rain today too.
Amber warning for wind & yellow warning for rain in parts of Aberdeenshire.
Latest info @ https://orlo.uk/qWL0w
Great to join the #Kingswells litter pick this morning. We focused on the park & ride. Thanks to all the volunteers out and about keeping the village tidy #cleanupaberdeen
September 27, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Great to join the #Kingswells litter pick this morning. We focused on the park & ride. Thanks to all the volunteers out and about keeping the village tidy #cleanupaberdeen
I'd just settle for a proper cycle lane rather than a faded white dashed line, but this sounds amazing.
Considering the recent horror at the suggestion of traffic lights prioritising buses, then this won't be coming to Aberdeen anytime soon.
Considering the recent horror at the suggestion of traffic lights prioritising buses, then this won't be coming to Aberdeen anytime soon.
‘It’s the best feeling’: how Copenhagen gave cyclists a green wave
- Traffic lights are synchronised so a rush-hour cyclist at 20km/h can catch green lights all the way
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Traffic lights are synchronised so a rush-hour cyclist at 20km/h can catch green lights all the way
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘It’s the best feeling’: how Copenhagen gave cyclists a green wave
Traffic lights are synchronised so a rush-hour cyclist at 20km/h can catch green lights all the way
www.theguardian.com
September 26, 2025 at 4:09 PM
I'd just settle for a proper cycle lane rather than a faded white dashed line, but this sounds amazing.
Considering the recent horror at the suggestion of traffic lights prioritising buses, then this won't be coming to Aberdeen anytime soon.
Considering the recent horror at the suggestion of traffic lights prioritising buses, then this won't be coming to Aberdeen anytime soon.
This morning, I attended the Aberdeen civic prayer breakfast. The Rev Poobalan, chaplain of @robertgordonuni.bsky.social spoke about the work of Homewards Aberdeen to address homelessness in the city.
homewards.org.uk/locations/ab...
homewards.org.uk/locations/ab...
September 26, 2025 at 3:22 PM
This morning, I attended the Aberdeen civic prayer breakfast. The Rev Poobalan, chaplain of @robertgordonuni.bsky.social spoke about the work of Homewards Aberdeen to address homelessness in the city.
homewards.org.uk/locations/ab...
homewards.org.uk/locations/ab...
Reposted by Kate Blake
Reform will apparently pledge today that they'd abolish indefinite leave to remain - including retrospectively, to people already granted it. Obviously this is a moral abomination but it is also a practical and legal impossibility.
September 22, 2025 at 6:25 AM
Reform will apparently pledge today that they'd abolish indefinite leave to remain - including retrospectively, to people already granted it. Obviously this is a moral abomination but it is also a practical and legal impossibility.
Disappointed that the Administration couldn't agree with me today, that with this many unknowns, the business case should come back to Education Committee for scrutiny before the 2026/27 budget in March.
Northfield Academy: ‘Radical’ plans for replacement school move forward in bid to ‘end neglect’
Northfield Academy: ‘Radical’ plans for replacement school move forward in bid to ‘end neglect’
Labour councillor Kate Blake said there was an "urgent need" to replace Northfield Academy due to it having worrying Raac concrete.
dlvr.it
September 16, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Disappointed that the Administration couldn't agree with me today, that with this many unknowns, the business case should come back to Education Committee for scrutiny before the 2026/27 budget in March.
Reposted by Kate Blake
🚨 BREAKING: Communities run through the just-announced Strategic Priorities for Great British Energy.
This Government is delivering on its commitment to roll out clean, green, community-owned energy. 🌱
This Government is delivering on its commitment to roll out clean, green, community-owned energy. 🌱
September 16, 2025 at 12:13 PM
🚨 BREAKING: Communities run through the just-announced Strategic Priorities for Great British Energy.
This Government is delivering on its commitment to roll out clean, green, community-owned energy. 🌱
This Government is delivering on its commitment to roll out clean, green, community-owned energy. 🌱
Reposted by Kate Blake
My husband and I just celebrated 22 years together, which is longer than both of Nigel Farage's mixed-sex marriages combined.
Nigel Farage:
"Children who have two stable parents have a better chance in life... The most stable relationships, the ones that last the longest, tend to be between men & women... There's an awful lot of kids in the country not getting the kind of start... they deserve."
Farage has two ex-wives.
"Children who have two stable parents have a better chance in life... The most stable relationships, the ones that last the longest, tend to be between men & women... There's an awful lot of kids in the country not getting the kind of start... they deserve."
Farage has two ex-wives.
September 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
My husband and I just celebrated 22 years together, which is longer than both of Nigel Farage's mixed-sex marriages combined.