SNP announce record social security spending for Edinburgh

HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS EDINBURGH TO BE SUPPORTED BY £23 BILLION

As communities across Edinburgh recover from the pandemic and face a Tory made cost of living crisis, yesterday the SNP Government’s spending review outlined record social security spending to help households facing increasing pressures. The Scottish Government allocated around £23 billion for social security over the course of the parliament.

The focus on supporting households under increasing pressure reflects the SNP’s commitment to create a fairer Scotland by tackling child poverty, reducing inequalities and supporting financial wellbeing in Edinburgh, and builds on current efforts to help families and mitigate Westminster welfare cuts.

The Resource Spending Review outlined over £23 billion worth of payments, with a total of almost £1.8 billion for the ‘game changing’ Scottish Child Payment alone. By 2026-27 the budget for Social Security Assistance will have increased by £6.3 billion.

This is despite the Scottish Budget for this year being cut in real terms by 5.2 per cent by the Tory UK government and the SNP government already spending almost £770 million on cost of living support, including several measures for families in Edinburgh not available elsewhere in the UK, such as:

  • Doubling the ‘game changing’ Scottish Child Payment to £20 per child per week with plans to increase it to £25 and extend it to under 16s by the end of the year – reaching a possible 450,00 young people.
  • Investing £86m to mitigate the Tory Government bedroom tax and benefit cap and support 90,00 people in their tenancies
  • Uprating eight Scottish social security payments by 6 per cent
  • A brand new Low-Income Winter Heating benefit that guarantees a £50 annual payment to over 400,000 low income households in winter 22/23
  • The Carers Allowance Supplement which will support around 90,000 carers with an additional £450 a year
  • Providing everyone in primaries one to five and over 140,000 eligible children and young people access to a free school lunch
  • Making free bus travel available for nearly half of Scotland’s population through concessionary travel

Additionally, the Scottish Government is making investment in areas like energy efficiency to bring down costs and the spending review set out how the SNP will build on these over the coming years.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: ““I am very glad to see this record investment in social security by the SNP Government, putting such a strong focus on tackling child poverty and helping households both across the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency and the wider city who are facing severe pressures right now which seems likely to only increase for the next while.

“Many families across Edinburgh are already benefitting from support like the Scottish Child payment, a £150 council tax reduction, the Scottish Welfare Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments which mitigate Westminster’s cruel bedroom tax.

“These are policies that build on the SNP’s current efforts. They will make a real difference to people’s lives and build on long standing measures that we benefit from every day – such as free prescriptions, free university tuition, free personal care, and 1,140 hours of free early learning and childcare which will continue to be maintained.

“When times are tough, Governments have to make tough decisions and I’m grateful the SNP government continue to focus on what matters most to people but, it is acting with one hand tied behind its back as Westminster continues to inflict its cruel austerity agenda at a time when people need support the most.

“Once again, it is clear that only with the full powers of independence, that we can stop spending a fixed budget on protecting households against Tory cuts and start to properly build a fairer, more equal Scotland.”

Cammo Meadows Jubilee Tree Planting

Staff from David Wilson Homes took part in a Jubilee Big Tree Plant at Cammo Meadows to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Queen’s reign, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has planted over 1,500 trees in communities across Britain.

The Jubilee Big Tree Plant saw the country’s largest housebuilder plant trees to recognise the Queen’s wish to create a legacy for future generations.

Douglas McLeod, Regional Managing Director, Scotland said “We wanted to recognise Her Majesty the Queens incredible service to the country and her communities by fulfilling Her Majesty’s wish to plant trees that improve the sustainability of the local environment.

“It was wonderful to bring together residents, staff and local community groups to mark the Queen’s Jubilee celebration.”

Evictions response shows Scottish Government “asleep at the wheel”, says Choudhury

Last week I asked the Scottish Government about the rates of evictions after the COVID-19 pandemic, and if they would comment on evidence heard at the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee that sheriff officers are “making up for lost time” since the pandemic (writes FOYSUL CHOUDHURY MSP).

I was astonished by the answer. Green MSP Patrick Harvie, in his capacity as Minister for Tenants’ Rights, said that I was “overstating the case”.

But the words he dismissed were not my own. I was simply presenting the Minister with evidence heard at the committee, from a worker on the front line of dealing with Scotland’s increasing problems with debt and arrears.

Not only was Harvie’s response dismissive and insulting to those working to aid people with problem debt, it demonstrates a Scottish Government that is asleep at the wheel when it comes to the growing housing and homelessness crisis.

The scale of that crisis was reported recently: a 2,052 per cent spike in court proceedings initiated by local authorities since the eviction ban ended; 366 households facing eviction in just the first quarter of this year; a 16.5 per cent rise in homelessness applications from the last quarter.

Any analysis of this grave situation must also consider other evidence heard by the committee, that the cost to local authorities of evicting a social tenant and putting them into the homelessness system is exorbitant, at an estimated minimum of £24,000 for a relatively simple case without complex challenges.

As we all discovered afresh during the pandemic, prevention is better than cure. The Scottish Government had been repeatedly warned of the potential for spiralling evictions after the scrapping of the evictions ban.

Scottish Labour have been clear that Scotland badly needs targeted support for tenants in social housing to avoid this coming storm. Instead, we get denial of the scale of the problem as reported by those on its front lines. Scotland deserves better than a government that dismisses the concerns of its most vulnerable citizens.

I am unfortunately sure that this will not be the last the Social Justice and Social Security Committee hears on this matter in this Parliament.

I will continue to monitor the situation as it potentially affects many vulnerable people in the Lothian region I represent, and continue campaigning for better targeted support for vulnerable tenants who have been hit by the dual shocks of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

We must have a compassionate approach. Allowing cases like these to be pushed into the homelessness system has no moral or financial case, and the Scottish Government should explore every avenue to avoid it.

TUC demands assurances over Rees-Mogg’s “reckless” post-Brexit plans

The TUC has demanded that hard-won workers’ rights will be protected after reports emerged suggesting that Jacob Rees-Mogg is drawing up a list comprising over 1,000 EU-derived regulations to be ripped up.

The TUC says it received a letter from the business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng in February 2022 which promised “there is no government plan to reduce workers rights”, after the union body had called for guarantees following the start of a review into EU-retained law.

The union body is calling for fresh assurance in the wake of new reports.

The TUC previously commissioned the legal help of Michael Ford QC to examine the rights at risk post-Brexit, including those strengthened by EU law. The rights include, among others:

  • Holiday pay
  • Equal pay for men and women
  • Parental leave
  • Equal treatment for part-time workers

These rights provide an essential protection against the erosion of working conditions, which are already under threat. Women living in North East Somerset currently earn an average of just 56.6% of the earnings of their male counterparts; the TUC South West region warns that without essential EU legislation, conditions such as these could erode even further, becoming harder to rectify.

The reports suggest that the bill will “fast-track” repealing regulations. The TUC says this could see some essential rights removed or watered down without proper parliamentary scrutiny.

The prime minister has promised to protect and enhance workers’ rights post-Brexit on numerous occasions.

In addition to the threat to “essential” workplace rights, the TUC points to the EU Commission’s proposals to strengthen the rights of platform workers, which shows how the UK is already at risk of falling behind our European counterparts on workers’ rights a year into Brexit.

TUC South West Regional Secretary Nigel Costley said: “Workers in North East Somerset, as across the UK, will feel the hit if Mr. Rees-Mogg is allowed to treat essential workplace protections as so-called ‘burdens of regulation’.

“Protections such as holiday entitlement, parental leave, equal pay, and equal treatment for part-time workers are essential to our wellbeing and quality of life. These are the very rights which are protected by retained EU law.

“This reckless, sweeping proposal treats all EU legislation with one brush, and if allowed to go ahead without scrutiny would be a shameful dismissal of conditions that workers depend on. We would hope Rees-Mogg wouldn’t stoop to this level of contempt for working people, especially those in his own constituency.

“This government has promised to ‘protect and enhance’ workers’ rights after Brexit; it is time that they make good on those promises.” 

Assault and motorcle robbery: Police appeal for more information

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was assaulted and robbed of his motorcycle. The incident happened around 6pm, on Saturday 28th May on Meuse Lane (between Princes Street and St Andrew Square.)

The 18-year-old man was assaulted by a group of men and had his motorcycle and mobile phone stolen. A 17-year-old male has been arrested and charged – however further enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Constable Melissa Silva said: “Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we would be keen to speak to anyone with information.

“We know a number of members of the public were in the area at the time and some may have filmed the incident so we would be particularly keen to speak to any of them.

“Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 2975 of 28th May 2022, or call Crimestoppers anonymously 0n 0800 555 111.”

Scotland to mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Celebrating 70 years of service

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has led parliamentary tributes to Her Majesty The Queen’s service to Scotland, ahead of Platinum Jubilee celebrations this weekend.  

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the First Minister said that The Queen had played an integral role in the story of modern Scotland, and it was no surprise that the occasion would be celebrated so widely.

Jubilee beacons will be lit across the country tomorrow night and a national thanksgiving service will be held at Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday, in addition to the many community lunches, street parties and afternoon teas planned for the weekend.

The First Minister confirmed that on behalf of the people of Scotland, the Scottish Government will present The Queen with a limited edition Johnnie Walker whisky, with a special design to celebrate the beauty of Scotland’s plants and wildlife, and a throw made from the tartan commissioned in honour of the three bridges across the Forth.

A ‘Jubilee Wood’ of 70 native trees is planned for planting in Holyrood Park, within sight of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The First Minister said this was a historically appropriate gesture, as The Queen’s first duty in Scotland following her accession to the throne had been to plant a cherry tree that still stands by the entrance to the Canongate Kirk.

The First Minister said: “The occasion of the Platinum Jubilee is not just about an institution. It is, above all, about the life and service of an extraordinary woman.

“We should all pay tribute to that. So it is absolutely right that we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Let us congratulate her warmly on a reign of unprecedented length, and let us acknowledge with deep gratitude and respect, her dedication to duty.”

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee debate: First Minister’s statement – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The First Minister will be attending a number of events in London to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – including the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 3 June, and the Platinum Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace.

Floral clock will bloom in honour of HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Work has finished to complete this year’s design on the world’s oldest Floral Clock in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens. For 2022, the hugely popular landmark will celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A team of five gardeners took just four weeks to plant over 35,000 flowers and plants used to create the clock, which will be in bloom until October. There are nine different plants included in this year’s design such as Agaves, Echeveria, Sedums, Pyrethrum, Crassula, Kleenia, Antenaria, Geraniums and Begonias.

To be ready for this celebratory weekend, the team at Inch Nursery brought the plants on earlier than previous years and the gardeners worked quickly to complete this in time. They will be in full bloom in the coming weeks and throughout the summer.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “I am delighted to once again see the city’s beautiful floral clock completed, and in perfect time for the Jubilee weekend.

“Each year the iconic clock marks special occasions and events in the heart of the Capital and this year it is a unique tribute coinciding with celebrations taking place around the country as the nation marks the Queen’s 70-year reign.

“My thanks and congratulations to the dedicated and creative parks team who have put together the design that I’m sure will be enjoyed by everyone who passes by it this summer.”

The Floral Clock was first created in 1903 by then Edinburgh Parks Superintendent, John McHattie, and is the oldest of its kind in the world. It initially operated with just an hour hand, with a minute hand added in 1904, followed by a cuckoo clock in 1952. Until 1972 the clock was operated mechanically and had to be wound daily.

Since 1946 it has been designed in honour of various organisations and individuals, including the Girl Guides Association, Robert Louis Stevenson and the Queen, for her Golden Jubilee. In the clock’s centenary year in 2003 it won a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Find out more about Edinburgh’s parks and green spaces.

Floral Clock fact file

  • The clock was created in 1903 and is the oldest floral clock in the world
  • It is housed in the plinth of the Allan Ramsay Monument at the north-east corner of West Princes Street Gardens
  • Planting begins in May each year
  • Up to 40,000 plants are used in the design each year (compared to 13,000 in the 1930s; 25,000 in the 1950s)
  • 1952 – a cuckoo clock was added and still chimes every 15 minutes
  • In 1946 the clock began celebrating a different event or anniversary each year
  • 1973 – when the clock began being operated electrically
  • 2003 – the clock won a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
  • Clock circumference: 36 ft
  • Clock width: 11 ft 10 ins
  • Weight of large hand (when filled with plants): 80lbs
  • Weight of small hand (when filled with plants): 50lbs
  • Floral clocks are now distributed worldwide and many were made in Edinburgh, where the idea originated.
  • They can be found in India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, United States of America, Canada and many other European countries.

Winners of the 2022 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service announced

QAVS recognition for Edinburgh’s Care Van volunteers

  • Those who have provided community support and empowered others receive highest number of awards
  • Awardees include volunteers working in food banks, hospices and fundraising

The highest award given to local volunteer groups, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, is being awarded to 244 organisations across the UK today in recognition of their outstanding community service.

Among them is Edinburgh’s Care Van volunteers, a project run by Edinburgh City Mission in partnership with Bethany Christian Trust and 40 local churches.

The van is an important source of care and support for people who are homeless and vulnerable in the capital.

Relying on volunteers, it goes out almost every day of the year providing soup, food, hot drinks, blankets and clothes, friendship, encouragement and advice to up to 60 people a night who are rough sleeping or housed in homeless B&B accommodation by Edinburgh Council.

Edinburgh City Mission co-ordinates rotas for over 40 teams that are drawn from local churches across the Lothians and includes over 750 volunteers.

Last year organisers celebrated 30 years since the Care Van first took to the streets of Edinburgh to provide food and comfort to people in need. Throughout Edinburgh’s Covid-19 lockdown, the evening and lunchtime teams have served over 20,000 meals.

Charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland receive the prestigious award for their volunteer-led work across a wide range of fields including mental health, youth, community, arts and heritage.

This year 204 organisations from England, 22 from Scotland, five from Wales and 13 from Northern Ireland will receive The Queen’s Award, highlighting the continued breadth and depth of voluntary service undertaken each and every day across the United Kingdom.

The awardees have all enhanced the lives of others through their work with the highest number of awards this year going to the community support sector, which includes food banks, village shops, fundraising events and men’s sheds.

Minister for Civil Society and Youth Nigel Huddleston said: “Our volunteers give up their time to help others and The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises their selfless acts of generosity and kindness.

“I congratulate all the awardees whose hard work and dedication is rightly recognised in this milestone year of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

Sir Martyn Lewis, QAVS Chair said: “I warmly congratulate all the outstanding voluntary groups who have been rewarded with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.

“The level of commitment and innovation shown by these volunteers is truly impressive. We owe a debt of gratitude to them, and the countless others who give up their free time regularly to improve the lives of others in their community.”

Empowering others is also an area well represented in this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service with confidence building, training opportunities, educational support and sports all highly recognised. Volunteers working in hospices, cancer support, long-term illness, search and rescue and first aid also feature prominently.

Coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises that volunteers continue to provide a vital social function and improve access to services across the country.

As well as This year’s recipients also include:

  • Knockmany Running Club in County Tyrone which utilises an unused forest to provide a space for all ages to run, walk and ramble through accessible trails.
  • Cymru Creations in Gwent is a team of professionals who give their time to run an award-winning film academy, helping young people to create their own films and develop skills.
  • Bright Minds Big Futures which is a youth led movement in Stockton-on-Tees providing social action opportunities for young people and working very positively with the council to make Stockton a better place to live.
  • The Buddy Bag Foundation is providing support bags to children arriving in refuges which include toiletries, pyjamas, socks and underwear, in addition to comfort items such as a book and a teddy bear. It creates and supplies over 10,000 each year which helps to restore a sense of safety to the children in the West Midlands.
  • 1st Buckie Company Boys’ Brigade is challenging young people from 6 to18 years old through physical and skills-based activities, community involvement and spiritual development in Banffshire.
  • The Oasis Centre which is creating communities in four parishes in Cornwall with multiple economic, health and well-being needs through food provision, social events and practical advice.

Platinum Jubilee celebrations begin

A new portrait of The Queen has been released mark the beginning of the #PlatinumJubilee Celebration Weekend.

The photograph was taken by Ranald Mackechnie at Windsor Castle on 25 May. Captured in the background are the Castle’s Round Tower, and the statue of King Charles II which stands in the Quadrangle of the Castle.

HM Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement:

“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.

“I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”

MBE for Spartans’ Douglas Samuel

Queen’s Birthday Honours list announced

The Spartans Chief Executive Douglas Samuel is among Scots to receive an Honour to mark the Queen’s Brthday in Platinum Jubilee year. Dougie is awarded an MBE.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the recipients in Scotland in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

Among those receiving Knighthoods are Professor Sheikh Aziz, for services to COVID-19 research and policy; James Nicol Walker, for services to the food industry and author Ian Rankin, for services to literature and to charity. Professor Sally Mapstone will receive a Damehood for services to higher education.

Jacqui Reilly, Professor of Infection Prevention and Control is among those being awarded a CBE, for services to Healthcare and Public Health.

British Olympic Curling captain Eve Muirhead is amongst those receiving an OBE, while her team members have been honoured with MBEs.

Those receiving MBEs include Julie Young for services to dance, Walter Smith for services to youth enterprise and Chloe Lawson for services to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people

Rhona Gibson and William Dove are among those honoured with a BEM.

Irene Ralston, Superintendent, and Stephen Tanner, Police Constable, will receive The Queen’s Police Medal. The Queen’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Roy Dunsire, Group Commander, John Fraser, Firefighter and Stevie Maybanks, Crew Commander of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Donna Baillie, Resilience Manager of the Scottish Ambulance Service, will receive The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

The First Minister said: “The Queen’s Birthday Honours list illustrates the outstanding contributions of the people of Scotland who have made a difference to their communities, throughout the country and beyond. It is particularly pleasing to see their work recognised in this year of celebration in honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

“From those who contribute to the creative industries, communities and charities, to those who have excelled in the field of science and medicine, the Honours highlight their exceptional service to the people of Scotland. I am delighted to see Scotland’s athletes who were outstanding during both summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo as well as the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, so well represented.

“I am also pleased to see that those individuals who worked against the coronavirus pandemic, its far reaching impact and those working for our recovery, have been recognised. I know we are all incredibly grateful for their selfless actions and it’s right that their outstanding efforts have been acknowledged in this way.

“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The Queen’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Our emergency services have displayed incredible fortitude throughout the pandemic, and deserve our continued appreciation for keeping people and communities across Scotland safe, every day of the year.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said: “In the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, my whole-hearted congratulations go to all those across Scotland who have been recognised for their extraordinary public service. They truly exemplify the dedication, ambition and generosity of spirit that has defined the Queen’s 70-year reign.

“We were all gripped by the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, as our curlers swept to gold and we topped the podium in Alpine skiing. Eve Muirhead is awarded an OBE, while the rest of the team get MBEs, along with Alpine skier Neil Simpson and his brother and guide Andrew.

“One of Scottish literature’s most recognisable names, Ian Rankin’s knighthood is richly deserved; his Inspector Rebus novels have kept us in entertained and in suspense for decades.

“It’s great to see recognition of Scotland’s fantastic food and drink. James Walker of Walker’s Shortbread is being knighted, and OBEs are given to Ian and Michael Urquhart from the family-run Gordon and MacPhail whisky company.

Honours also go to those whose dedication and resilience helped make Glasgow’s hosting of COP26 safe and successful, including a well-deserved knighthood for Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.”

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: 10 party games

As the country gets ready to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years of service, gaming experts Solitaired share their pick of games to make your street party or family gathering fit for a royal over the bank holiday weekend.

  1. Royal Guess Who?

Both players start with a board each, filled with royal family members face-up, and select a mystery character card, of which only they can see. Players take turns asking yes or no questions in order to guess which mystery card their opponent has, for example, did they marry a royal? Are they wearing glasses? Do they have children? Those that do not apply are flipped face-down, leaving the remaining characters face-up. Once a player thinks they know which card their opponent has, they have one chance to guess who it is. If a player guesses the card incorrectly, they lose.

  1. Ibble Dibble

As seen in The Crown. It’s typically a drinking game, but if there are children, the rule can be changed so that players perform a forfeit instead of drinking. Players form a circle and are assigned a number. Players are known as “ibble-dibble”, followed by their number. Traditionally a bottle cork is blackened, but a marker or face paint can also be used to make a mark on the player, known as a “dibble-ibble”. 

The rules are simple, whoever’s turn it is must identify themselves by their number, for example, saying the number of black marks on their face, before calling on the next player of choice, identified by their assigned number, followed by how many marks are on their face. For example the first round would go something like: “Number one ibble-dibble with no dibble-ibbles calling number five ibble-dibble with no dibble-ibbles.” Player number five would go next. Players that hesitate or mess up the sentence must apply a black mark to their face and drink (or perform a forfeit). The longer the game goes on, the harder it gets! The winner is the player with the least amount of marks at the end.

  1. Charades

Parlour games have been a tradition of the royal family since Queen Victoria’s era, and the Queen is known to love a game of charades. Players write down a film, book, song, play, TV show, or phrase which are then put into a hat. Players are split into two teams and individually, players take an item from the hat, which must then be acted out silently for their team to guess. The player who is trying to act can use hand signals and miming to try and lead their team to the answer.

  1. Royal Rules

Deal a deck of cards out equally to players; whoever has a Queen card gets to make a rule that all the guests must follow for the day. Any rule-breakers must take a drink or do a forfeit.

  1. Football

As the country’s favourite sport, football has a long history associated with England, and the royal family are reportedly fans of the game too. The Queen had apparently revealed to Buckingham Palace staff that her favourite team is West Ham. Prince Charles once shared his support for Burnley. Prince William has been President of the Football Association (FA) since 2006 and has supported Aston Villa since age 11. Kate is allegedly a Chelsea supporter, according to an eight-year-old fan who revealed the information after speaking with the Duchess of Cambridge. Prince George has also been spotted cheering enthusiastically at football matches with his parents and playing for his school team. The royal family hosts an annual football match at Sandringham against household staff. Families organising a kickabout over the jubilee weekend can do so with the royal seal of approval.

  1. Monopoly

It is known that the royal family used to enjoy playing a game of monopoly, before the Queen banned it from being played at family events after it got out of hand. Just because the game is now banned from royal functions, it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy playing, if you are still on speaking terms after the last time you played.

  1. Royal bake-off

Host your own ‘Great British Bake Off’ style competition with easy to bake royal-themed treats that kids can get involved with. Assign a panel of impartial and hungry judges. The winner with the best bake is crowned King or Queen of baking.

  1. Wacky royal portrait

Dial up the creativity with an unconventional royal portrait. Starting with a blank piece of paper, players have five minutes to collect unconventional materials found in the house/garden. Without using pens and pencils, create a royal portrait fit for a Queen.

  1. Castle building

Enough to bring the inner child out of any adult, and a great way of having fun with the kids while engaging their creative side. Build a castle hideout using items around the home (blankets, cardboard boxes, chairs etc.), and enjoy your own DIY royal residence.

  1. Craft a crown competition

Put your arts and craft skills to the test by using craft materials such as paper, pens, glitter etc. to make and decorate the best paper crown. It’s a group activity that lets kids add their own personality to their crown.

Crown templates are available for free online. 

You can also put a royal twist on these family party games:

  • Pin the crown on the queen
  • Pass the crown (pass the parcel)
  • Who Am I?
  • Royal quiz
  • Treasure hunt
  • Sleeping corgis (sleeping lions)
  • Musical thrones
  • Bingo
  • Jubilee fancy dress
  • The chocolate game (knife and fork)

Solitaired is a website where users can play over 500 games for free.