Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers, has launched its earliest ever summer campaign across Scotland to help young people stay safe from the very start of the holidays.
Supported by Network Rail Scotland, the campaign launches today, weeks before schools break up – so young people hear these messages before summer reaches its peak. It focuses on making positive choices, staying safe online, violence prevention, looking out for each other and knowing how to speak up 100% anonymously if they are worried about crime.
It also comes ahead of key moments in the summer calendar, including the end of exams and major events and festivals across Scotland, when more young people are out and about, travelling and spending time in new places with friends.
Throughout the summer, Fearless will be out in communities, transport hubs and at major events including Youth Beatz and TRNSMT, speaking directly with young people. The campaign offers practical, non-judgemental support wherever young people spend their time. It will also run across TikTok and Snapchat, with content shaped by young people themselves and grounded in the reality of their lives.
Through fearless.org, young people can share information about crime 100% anonymously. No names. No contact details. No way of tracing where potentially lifesaving information came from.
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless National Manager for Scotland, said:“As a mum to teenagers, I’m very aware that children only get 18 summers before adulthood. I want this to be a great one for young people right across Scotland.
“I want all young people to enjoy themselves, get home safely every day and feel supported to make good choices. That’s what summer should be.
“That’s why we’re launching our campaign earlier than ever, with more visibility and more time spent where young people are, giving them the information and conversations they need to navigate the holidays.
“If you work with or look after young people, please tell them about our charity. They can follow us on our new Scotland TikTok @Fearless_Scot and use our website fearless.org to get the information they need to keep them safe.
“We all need to be there for young people this summer. We need to be present. We need to recognise that they belong in our communities and show them that we believe in them.”
Innis Keith, Health, Safety and Environment Director at Network Rail Scotland, said:“Thousands of journeys are made safely every day on Scotland’s Railway.
“The real risk comes from poor decisions like trespassing, taking shortcuts, or trying to take photos or videos near the tracks. Moments like these can have life‑changing or fatal consequences.
“Through Fearless, we want young people to understand that their choices in those moments really matter.
“The campaign gives them the confidence to look out for themselves and their friends, to speak up when something feels wrong, and to make better decisions around the railway.
“When they feel informed and supported, it’s more likely they’ll make choices that get them home safely.”
A family-run property developer has broken ground on a new residential development in the West of Edinburgh, supported by a £20m funding package from Bank of Scotland.
The New Village, led by Edinburgh-based S1 Developments, will form part of real estate investment group Parabola’s wider multi-million-pound regeneration of Edinburgh Park, creating a new urban neighbourhood alongside commercial and leisure space.
Bank of Scotland’s funding has enabled the commencement of the first phase of properties at The New Village, comprising 146 private homes for sale. The all-electric homes include studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments and mews houses, with views across either a landscaped courtyard or the Pentland Hills.
Residents will have access to the wider amenities and cultural attractions planned for Edinburgh Park, including a multi-sport recreation area, a square with cafes, a children’s play area, offices, an art trail featuring works by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, hotels and Edinburgh’s first indoor arena, the 8,500-capacity AEG Arena. The development is well connected to the city centre and airport by public transport, and is already home to leading independent bakery, Patina
Once complete, S1 Developments will deliver 397 new homes at The New Village, with a further 160 affordable units being delivered in tandem by social enterprise, Places for People. The development will supplement Edinburgh Park’s wider delivery of a further 864 rental properties, including more than 200 proposed mid-market rent homes.
Founded in 2007 by brothers Dan and Shane Teague, S1 Developments has led on several high-profile, mixed-use sites across Scotland’s central belt, including the Ropeworks, Ellersly Road and Temple Park Crescent in Edinburgh.
Dan Teague at S1 Developments, said: “The New Village will be a neighbourhood that places connectivity and quality of life at its heart.
“Every element, from the landscaped green spaces and access to amenities and cultrual attraction, has been carefully considered to create a place where people can feel part of a community.
“Breaking ground on the first homes marks an exciting moment in our collaboration with Parabola to create a vibrant new future for Edinburgh Park.”
Graeme Steel, Relationship Director at Bank of Scotland, added: “This is an important milestone in the transformation of Edinburgh Park.
“The New Village is shaping a new era of residential-led regeneration, delivering quality, sustainable homes alongside the amenities and public spaces needed to support building a thriving community where people want to put down roots.
“We look forward to continuing our support for S1 Developments on a project that will unlock and deliver significant long-term economic and social value for the city, contributing towards much needed housing stock and cementing our ambitions to unlock scalable financial models for regeneration and housing delivery.”
Dementia Action Week (18–24 May) is a time to focus on understanding dementia and supporting the people affected by it across Scotland.
Around 90,000 people in Scotland are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to grow in the years ahead. However, many people continue to live well with the right information, support and environment around them.
This week is about taking practical action. Small, everyday changes can make a positive difference – from learning more about dementia, to showing patience and understanding, and helping to create communities where people feel supported and included.
Across Scotland, organisations are working together to strengthen support. NHS 24 works in partnership with Dementia Friendly Communities and local groups, such as the Dementia Heroes, offering welcoming, accessible spaces for people living with dementia and their carers to connect and access support.
If you’d like to learn more about dementia, support someone, or find practical advice on living well, visit NHS inform for trusted information on:
A World Cup-themed blood donation event has brought together representatives from Scotland, Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in a show of solidarity, highlighting the urgent need for donors ahead of a busy summer.
Glasgow Blood Donor Centre saw supporters come together to donate blood side by side as Scotland prepares to face these nations on the world stage. The event used football’s global appeal to spotlight falling donor numbers and the importance of maintaining blood supplies during major national moments.
— SNBTS-Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (@givebloodscot) May 21, 2026
Pauline Stewart of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service said: “‘Today’s session had a fun theme but a serious message. Blood donation attendance fell by over 20% following Scotland’s World Cup qualification, and fewer than 2% of the population are active donors.
‘With demand expected to increase over the summer, we need people to step forward now. While these nations will meet on the pitch, today we’re coming together for something far more important – saving lives.
‘We hope this shows how football can unite communities in a different way – with a shared goal of helping others.’
Members of the band Scratchcard Wednesday lending their support
Among those taking part was Leilani Taneus-Miller (Haiti), an Edinburgh-based writer, who attended with her children Dashiell, a footballer, and Oceane, a nurse.
Leilani said: ‘The World Cup is a global reminder of the joy, passion and progress we can achieve when we come together. I encourage as many people in Scotland and Haiti to give blood.’
Fernanda Dal Piaz (Brazil), Deputy Consul at the Consulate General of Brazil in Edinburgh, also took part alongside Glasgow-based barber Allison Rodrigues.
Fernanda said: ‘I can’t wait for the World Cup. Football means so much to us Brazilians, and we know it means as much to the Scots too after 28 years of not being at the World Cup.
“Our two nations also have a proud belief in the importance of giving blood.’
Taoufik Mohdit (Morocco), a software engineer, joined the event and highlighted the importance of donation within his community.
Taoufik said: ‘Donating blood is something very important to the Moroccan community. I’m happy to join with my Scottish friends in saving lives, even though I will be supporting Morocco on the pitch!’
Duncan Sloan (Scotland), a taxi driver representing the Tartan Army, also attended alongside members of the band Scratchcard Wednesday, including Dexter Brady and Tyrese Ojo.
Duncan said: ‘This is a fantastic event. The Tartan Army have always been all about sticking together and looking after each other.
“I’m proud to donate blood with my new friends from Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.’
Scratchcard Wednesday member Dexter Brady said: ‘It’s really important that young people sign up as only two percent of Scotland currently donate. Blood donation is such an important cause. Mon out this summer and save lives!’
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service is continuing to encourage anyone eligible to support Team Scotland by booking an appointment to give blood.
Scotland needs donations from 450 people every day to meet hospital demand, with fewer than 2% of the population currently active donors.
We note the contents of Heart of Midlothian’s statement yesterday and accompanying letter signed by the club Chair, Calum Paterson. In the interests of transparency, we are happy to set out the facts.
Regarding references to a ‘premature ending of the match’, the Scottish FA’s Chief Governance Officer, Gary Booth, the Head of Refereeing, William Collum, and VAR Manager Martin Atkinson reviewed the audio-visual footage of the period in question on Monday at the club’s request, with Mr Paterson in attendance.
While it was the agreed intention for this meeting to be conducted privately, recent statements have compelled us to consider the public interest in providing clarification and chronology.
To that end, we are happy to publish the relevant audio-visual footage:
It was made clear at that meeting that the match official, Don Robertson, took the correct action in ending the game.
We note there has been speculation regarding the blowing of a final whistle. The Laws of the Game require the referee to signal the end of the match, but do not prescribe the method of that signal.
In the context of what unfolded – which is verified by the footage and the Match Incident Report submitted to the Scottish FA – the match official clearly communicated that the match was ended and not abandoned.
In addition, the match clock does not stop when a goal is scored. The footage shows that when the match official confirms the game has ended, the clock is at 53.07 [98.07], more than the minimum additional time of eight minutes signalled.
It was also apparent from the audio that this decision was taken following dialogue with the Hearts Head Coach, who had intimated concerns over player safety.
For the avoidance of doubt, Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game state that ‘the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final’.
We fully support the decisive action taken by Don Robertson and his team to end the game.
The Scottish FA was responding to Wednesday’s statement from Hearts, who requested a prompt response:
Heart of Midlothian Football Club would once again like to thank our incredible supporters for their magnificent backing throughout this season, and to provide an update in relation to the events which unfolded at Celtic Park on Saturday.
As previously noted, the Club is investigating events before, during and after the match, and will offer Police Scotland our full support as they continue with their enquiries.
We have also written to the SFA and SPFL setting out our observations and questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the premature ending of the match, and expressing our concern that a troubling precedent has been set whereby a pitch invasion can effectively determine the duration of a football match, rather than the match officials. We have asked them for a prompt response to the points we have raised.
The incursion of spectators onto the field of play must never be condoned under any circumstances, and the seriousness of the potential consequences must be fully understood by supporters and clubs alike.
We are aware of highly irresponsible comments made publicly this week, which appear to seek to defend those who entered the pitch on Saturday and undermine the gravity of the situation.
Those remarks carry dangerous implications, and we call upon the football authorities to ensure that this matter is addressed with the seriousness it demands, and with the full cooperation of all involved.
This has been an excellent season for Heart of Midlothian. However, it represents only the very beginning of our plans for long-term sustained success. We look ahead to next season with confidence, supported as ever by the exceptional backing of our fans, sponsors and partners.
In a report today the Commons’ Business and Trade Committee says Ofcom has failed to change Royal Mail’s “unacceptable” performance amid fears it is “not up to the job” of regulating a postal market that is growing in competition and complexity.
Despite incurring Ofcom fines every year since 2022, Royal Mail continues to fail to meet both the public’s expectations and its own regulated targets.
Overall letter volumes have dropped dramatically, and parcel competitors like Amazon are able to “hive off profits” using the universal postal service: delivering parcels to harder to reach addresses without contributing to the cost of the Royal Mail infrastructure that serves them.
From April 2025 to January 2026, just 74.9% of First Class mail was delivered the next day (18.1 percentage points below the target). The Committee estimates that this translates into approximately 126 million First Class letters arriving late over the year.
In 2025, 16 million people (29% of UK adults) experienced letter delays over Christmas, a 50% increase since 2024. 5.7 million people (10% of UK adults) missed vital letters, including those about health appointments, fines and benefit decisions.
Ofcom has failed to provide Parliament with the concrete numbers of letters being delivered late, saying Royal Mail refused them on the grounds of commercial confidentiality. The Committee says if such a prohibition actually exists, it should be changed.
When asked to conduct a proper investigation into whether Royal Mail letter deliveries are being deprioritised in favour of more profitable parcels, Ofcom appears to have satisfied itself with obtaining copies of the relevant policy documents and meeting minutes.
The Committee says Ofcom must deliver better regulation of the postal market, including Access mail and services delivered by Royal Mail’s competitors.
If it fails to do so within six months of this Report, the Secretary of State should consult on statutory changes “to ensure it is fit for the 21st-century postal market”.
Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “Millions of people are paying the price for a postal service that is simply not delivering.
“Hospital appointments missed, benefit decision notices delayed, fines arriving too late to challenge: these are not minor inconveniences, and they are the consequences of a national service failing to meet the standards the public has every right to expect.
“Despite years of fines and missed targets, Royal Mail’s performance remains unacceptable and Ofcom has failed to drive the change that is needed at the pace that is needed. We were deeply concerned by the apparent lack of any serious investigation into whether letters are being deprioritised in favour of more profitable parcels.
“We recognise that the postal market has changed beyond recognition. Major logistics firms are effectively hiving off profits while relying on Royal Mail’s universal service network to reach harder-to-serve parts of the country.
“The universal service remains one of Britain’s great civic guarantees. But confidence in it is ebbing away, and Ofcom now has six months to prove it has the power and drive to regulate the 21st-century postal market.”
Supporting families with the cost of living and eradicating child poverty will be a key focus of the Scottish Government, First Minister John Swinney has said.
Ahead of a visit to meet parents and children at a Bookbug session in Wester Hailes the First Minister said tackling the cost of living, ensuring people get support before reaching a crisis, and helping children and parents in the early years will be key priorities for the new Cabinet.
In March, the Scottish Government set out plans to drive further reductions in child poverty. This includes committing an additional £500,000 over two years to expand Bookbug, supporting a further 20,000 low-income families across Scotland.
Mr Swinney said: “Every child in Scotland deserves a future free from the scourge of poverty. It will be the defining mission of my government to support families with the cost of living and eradicate child poverty.
“Our policies are already helping to keep an estimated 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year – but we are determined to deliver truly ambitious change to reduce the cost of living.
“This includes expanding all year round childcare to all children from nine-months to the end of primary school, introducing a £2 nationwide cap on bus fares, increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 for under-ones and delivering comprehensive ‘Whole Family Support’ that wraps around families in their communities, helping break the cycle of poverty.”
Social Justice and Housing Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing.
“I look forward to driving further progress on the work started in the last parliamentary term to eradicate child poverty, tackle the cost of living and accelerate the delivery of more affordable homes.
“Reducing child poverty in Scotland is at the heart of this government’s ambitious agenda for change and we will work across government, the parliament and with our much-valued third sector, to give families the safety and security they need.”
Families across the UK will pay less for children’s meals in restaurants, kid’s tickets to cinemas and theatres, and entry to a wide range of attractions thanks to government action.
Throughout summer, VAT will be temporarily cut to help reduce the cost of days out and support businesses by increasing footfall as government launches Great British Summer Savings scheme.
Move is latest in government drive to support families and help ease pressures on household budgets.
Families will enjoy discounted attractions and meals out this summer, with the launch of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme to help people enjoy days out for less.
From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT will be slashed on eligible activities, helping families enjoy the weekend treats, the days out, the small plans that make life enjoyable during the cost of living squeeze while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall.
Great British Summer Savings will be a targeted and temporary scheme to reduce the costs of children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and tickets for everyone for attractions like soft play, adventure centres, and theme parks helping families enjoy a day out for less.
In a further boost for households, children aged five to 15 in England will be able to travel free on local bus services throughout August – making it easier and more affordable for people to get out and about.
The scheme is estimated to cost about £300m. The Chancellor has been clear we are taking a targeted and responsible approach, consistent with our strategy to reduce borrowing and debt and meet the non-negotiable fiscal rules.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “When I think about the summer holidays, I think about the Lake District — where I went as a child and later made memories with my own family.
“I know how precious that time is, yet too many parents feel they have to hold back because the cost of living is still squeezing budgets.
“This summer we’re cutting the cost of a day out together – free bus travel for children aged five to 15 in England, and VAT slashed on a wide range of kid’s attractions – so families can afford more time together.”
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: ““Whether it is a fun day out, a family meal or taking advantage of the thousands of amazing attractions across the UK, Great British Summer Savings will support families with the little treats in life while boosting business across the UK.
“This comes on top of support we’ve already put in place including freezing fuel duty, taking off £117 off energy bills, freezing prescriptions, fuel duty and rail fares.
“We are able do this because we have made the right choices, resulting in the UK having the fastest growing economy in the G7, with inflation going down.
“I know the cost of living is still a number one concern for households. Our economic plan is the right one, supporting families and businesses and building a stronger and more secure Britain.”
Rachel Reeves also announced this week that the government is reforming the foreign branches exemption—a rule that allows companies to offset overseas losses—so multinationals can’t use it to reduce the tax they pay in the UK.
The Treasury expect these reforms to raise hundreds of millions a year and fund the package of measures set out today. Final costings for all measures will be published at the next Budget following certification from the Office for Budget Responsibility.
The support for families was announced by the Chancellor as she updated the House of Commons today on the government’s economic response to the Middle East. She reiterated that the government has the right economic plan, with inflation falling faster than expected and the UK being the fastest-growing economy in the G7 at the start of the year – with the IMF upgrading its growth forecast for the UK.
The VAT rate on eligible activities will be cut from 20% to 5% and applies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The reduced rate will apply to:
Children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises
Children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions
Admission tickets, for both children and adults, to a range of attractions, including: amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.
This money saving package supports families, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall. The government expects businesses to pass on VAT savings to customers.
Guidance for businesses in scope of the policy has been published by HMRC which outlines how businesses can operate the scheme.
The Chancellor has also announced a new £350 million Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund that will support strategically important producers and sites, strengthen critical supply chains and help support thousands of skilled jobs, alongside a ceramics package worth £120 million, which will back energy efficiency and decarbonisation in a sector vital to UK manufacturing and local communities.
The government will continue to work in partnership with these sectors on the wider challenges they face, including regulatory costs and the potential for action by the Trade Remedies Authority on unfair overseas competition.
She also confirmed a 10p per mile increase in tax‑free mileage rates for the 2026-27 tax year, backdated to April 2026. On average, this will save around £120 for a worker doing 6,000 business miles, using their own vehicle for work.
This builds on the Chancellor’s announcement yesterday that she is extending the fuel duty cut until the end of the year – saving motorists £120 since 2025.
This comes on top of action the government has already taken to reduce the cost of living, including cutting energy bills, freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases and raising the minimum wage.
Fiona Eastwood, Chief Executive Officer of Merlin Entertainments said: ““This is great news for the UK’s visitor economy and for families planning trips this summer. As the season gets underway, this timely move from the Government will make it easier for people to get out, explore and create memorable moments together at destinations across the country.
“Merlin will be applying this VAT cut to both admission tickets and children’s meals, adding more value to days out and short breaks at our 20 UK attractions. We’re excited to welcome more families to our resort theme parks and immersive experiences for a summer packed with fun, play and lasting memories.”
Paul Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions said:“This is a very welcome and timely boost for the UK’s visitor attraction sector.
“It will help make great days out more affordable for families, while giving our members added confidence as they head into the peak summer season. The businesses we represent are at the heart of communities across the country, supporting jobs and local economies, and this measure recognises their importance.
“Our members stand ready to pass on this benefit and deliver brilliant, memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. We look forward to seeing more people enjoying the very best of what the UK has to offer.”
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “”It’s good to see the Government recognise the importance of a lower rate of VAT for hospitality as the quickest and simplest way to lower prices and boost consumer confidence.
“A 5% rate of VAT for children’s meals and tickets is a good step to help families enjoy a great British break this summer.
“I look forward to working with the Government to ensure it is simple to apply and targeted effectively to reduce costs for families.”
Mark Way, President AMC Europe & Managing Director, Odeon Cinema Groups said: “ODEON welcomes today’s announcement focused on making cinema even better value and support any measures that seek to help cinema-goers, the industry and consumers more broadly.
As the UK’s largest cinema operator, we believe these measures will continue to help drive strong demand and we’re excited that our guests will be able to enjoy the big screen for less over this blockbuster summer.”
Tim Richards CBE, Founder and CEO, Vue (largest cinema operator in UK by market share), says: “As we anticipate an incredible summer of family films, we welcome this step from the government to help more families enjoy the Big Screen Experience over the holidays.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves statement to Parliament (21/05)
Chancellor Rachel Reeves yesterday (21 May) updated the House of Commons on the Government’s economic response to the war in Iran, and the action they are taking to support families and businesses with the Cost of Living:
With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on the Government’s economic response to the war in Iran, and the action that we are taking to support families and businesses with rising costs.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this Government has the right economic plan.
I said I would grow the economy:
And last week the Office for National Statistics confirmed that Britain’s economy was the fastest growing in the G7 for the first quarter of this year.
We beat the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast in the Spring, with economic growth at 0.6% in the three months to March.
And because of the resilience of our economy, this week the International Monetary Fund upgraded Britain’s forecast for this year.
I said I would cut borrowing:
Borrowing last year was £20 billion lower than the previous year, and the latest forecasts show it falling in every year of this Parliament.
The IMF has backed our economic plan, saying that the government’s fiscal framework strikes – and I quote – a “good balance between deficit reduction and growth-friendly spending.”
I said I would cut the cost of living:
Since the election interest rates have been cut six times.
Real wages have continued to rise in every single month since I became Chancellor,
And yesterday, the ONS confirmed that inflation fell in April faster than expected, making the UK the only G7 economy where inflation fell last month.
Madam Deputy Speaker, we have the right economic plan.
But the conflict in the Middle East poses a significant challenge to the world economy – including our own.
I have not shied away from my criticism of the war.
I believe it to have been a mistake.
Nor have I ignored the costs that it will bring to bear on the British people.
I have been clear-eyed about my duty: to do what I can to support families and businesses.
To be responsive to a changing world.
And responsible in the national interest.
Next week, Ofgem will confirm the level of the energy price cap that will apply from July. I know that any increase will be felt by families .
Because of the decision that made at the Budget last year to cut £150 off energy bills, we have lessened the impact of rising prices, and current external forecasts suggest that the cap from July will be at a similar level to the cap in April last year.
We stand ready to act if market conditions worsen significantly later this year, and I have been leading cross-government contingency work on design of potential future targeted and temporary support.
For businesses, any support will also need to be carefully targeted at firms most exposed to the crisis.
But while many firms have been insulated from recent prices rises through fixed price contracts, there are sectors that face particular structural issues related to energy costs.
That is why we have already increased support for our most energy intensive companies through the British Industry Competitiveness Scheme and we’ve brought that forward.
And it is why we must also build resilience in our critical infrastructure and industrial strategy sectors where supply chains are critical for growth and security.
Following representations from my right honourable friends – the members for Redcar, Mid Cheshire, and Bathgate Linlithgow – and building on the good work of the Minister for Industry – I am today establishing a £350 million Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund to support strategically important producers.
And having listened to my right honourable friends including the members for Stoke-on-Trent Central, North and South, and my honourable friend the member of Amber Valley and workers represented by the GMB union – I am today announcing a new £120 million fund to help our historic ceramics sector helping them to increase efficiency and drive-down energy costs, because we will always stand up for British industry and British jobs.
The Government has also this week set out additional, targeted support for those businesses most exposed to rising fuel costs.
For hauliers, the Government is granting a 12-month road tax holiday for HGVs, saving the typical heavy lorry up to £912.
To support farmers and the rail freight industry, I have decided to cut duty on red diesel by over a third until the end of this year.
And having heard from my honourable friends the members for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton and the trade union Unison, I can today announce a 10p per mile increase in tax free mileage rates, backdated to April 2026; benefiting those who need to drive for work, from care workers to plumbers.
Madam deputy speaker, when a country faces challenges because of higher oil and gas prices, we must ensure that those who benefit from increased prices and volatility pay their fair share.
In my first Budget, I extended and increased the Energy Profits Levy.
Last year, I announced a new, permanent windfall tax regime on oil and gas price shocks.
Last month, I increased the Electricity Generator Levy, alongside further action to weaken the link between high gas prices and electricity prices.
Today, I am bringing forward specific changes to the taxation of foreign branch profits; changing how companies are taxed in relation to their overseas activities.
Currently, some oil and gas groups that operate overseas through foreign branches have structured their tax affairs in a way which ensures they pay little or no Corporation Tax on their UK energy trading profits.
Today we are putting an end to that practice.
We expect these reforms to raise hundreds of millions of pounds a year and fund the package of measures set out today, with costings certified by the OBR forecast in the usual way.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I know the pressure family finances are under.
That is why I have already taken action to provide help
I increased the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage to its highest rate ever.
Freezing prescription charges and rail fares.
And taking £150 off energy bills which contributed towards the fall in inflation last month.
But I want to go further.
And today I am taking further action to ease the burden on family finances.
First, fuel duty – I have already extended the 5p cut twice since the election and I can confirm today there will be no rise this year, recognising the pressure that the war has put on fuel prices.
Second, I know that the cost of the weekly shop is often one of the biggest worries for families.
So last month I met with supermarkets to urge them to do all they can to keep prices low.
And today I am taking action by suspending tariffs on over 100 different foods sold in supermarkets.
And I am clear that I expect supermarkets to pass these savings on in full to consumers.
Third, I will not tolerate any company exploiting the current situation to make excess profits at consumers’ expense.
So, I am bringing forward tough new powers so that the Competition and Markets Authority and other regulators can take action when firms break the rules.
Fourth, for many families driving is not always an option.
Busses are the most popular form of public transport in Britain, with over four billion journeys made last year.
I have already extended the £3 bus fare cap to March 2027 and today I can confirm that bus travel across England will be free for children aged between 5 and 15 throughout August.
Finally, Madam Deputy Speaker, I recognise that what matters for families is not just getting-by, but being able to enjoy time together without worrying about the next bill.
That is why I am launching the Great British Summer Savings scheme to help families and support our hospitality sector.
So I can today announce a temporary cut in the rate of VAT on summer attractions from 20% to 5% over the summer holidays.
This will apply to ticket prices for both adults and children, covering attractions such as fairs, theme parks, zoos and museums.
It will include children’s tickets for cinemas, concerts, soft play and the theatre.
And it will cut the cost of children’s meals in restaurants and cafes from 20% VAT to 5% as well.
These changes will apply across the UK from the start of the Scottish school summer holidays on 25th June and run until the end of the school holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 1st September.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this Government has the right economic plan.
We promised to grow the economy – and we have.
We promised to cut inflation – and we have.
And we promised to cut the cost of living – and we are.
