More than 300,000 tax credits customers have just over one week to renew their claims before the 31 July deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned.
As the deadline approaches, customers are being urged not to leave their renewal until the last minute and risk their payments being stopped. The quickest and easiest way to complete a renewal is via GOV.UK. Customers can manage their tax credits online.
Once tax credits customers have completed their renewal, they can use their online account to check its progress and find out when they will hear back from HMRC.
This year, about 28,000 customers have used the official HMRC app on their smartphone to renew their tax credits. The app allows customers to:
report any tax credits changes and complete their renewal
check their tax credits payments schedule, and
find out how much they have earned for the year.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Tax credits payments can provide our customers with vital financial support. There is just one week left to renew your claim – don’t delay and do it online by searching ‘tax credits’ on GOV.UK.”
Customers do not need to report any temporary falls in their working hours as a result of coronavirus. Unless their hours have permanently changed, they will continue to be treated as if they are working their normal hours for up to eight weeks after the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme closes.
Any self-employed individuals who have claimed a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant will need to declare the grant payments. Search ‘working out your income for tax credit/self-employment’ on GOV.UK.
But if there is a change in a customer’s circumstances that could affect their tax credits, they must report the changes to HMRC. These include changes to:
· living arrangements
· childcare
· working hours, or
· income (increase or decrease).
Post Office card accounts are closing. From 30 November 2021, HMRC will stop making payments of Child Benefit, Guardians Allowance and tax credits, into Post Office card accounts. HMRC is reminding any tax credits and Child Benefit customers who use this account to receive their payments, that they will need to notify HMRC of their new bank account details.
HMRC is encouraging customers to act now so they do not miss any payments once their Post Office account closes. They can contact HMRC’s helpline (0345 300 3900), update their details while renewing tax credits or use their Personal Tax Account. To find out how to open a bank account, visit Citizens Advice.
HMRC is also urging customers to be careful if they are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information. The department sees a high number of fraudsters calling, texting or emailing people claiming to be from HMRC.
If in doubt, HMRC advises customers not to reply directly to anything suspicious, but to contact HMRC straight away and to search GOV.UK for ‘HMRC scams’.
The UK Government should make the £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit permanent, according to a joint letter issued by cross-party committees from Westminster, the Northern Irish Assembly, the Welsh Senedd and the Scottish Parliament.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak and Work Pensions Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, have confirmed that the uplift will come to an end in October.
However, if the uplift is removed, the 6 million people claiming Universal Credit will lose £1,040 in annual income overnight. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation this could force 500,000 people, including 200,000 children, into poverty.
The letter also raises concerns that the benefit will be removed from families at the same time unemployment is due to peak as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme comes to an end.
The Committees call on the uplift to be extended to legacy benefits, to make sure those in need do not miss out.
The letter was signed by Neil Gray MSP, Convener of Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee, Stephen Timms MP, Chair of Westminster’s Work and Pensions Select Committee, Paula Bradley MLA, Chair of Stormont’s Committee for Communities, and Jenny Rathbone MS, Chair of the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee.
Neil Gray MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said:“The UK Government did the right thing at the start of the pandemic to increase Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit to give better support to people during these incredibly challenging times.
“But removing the uplift in October would have devastating consequences for our most vulnerable in society, who have been hit hardest by this pandemic.
“This risks sending many more people into poverty at a time when we should be doing all we can to support them.
Mr Gray added: “All four of our Committees agree that by spending this money now on social security, we can avoid putting more people into poverty, helping save more money in the longer term on health, education, justice and other social services.”
Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee, said: “To sweep away such a vital lifeline from people who have felt the very worst effects of the pandemic risks plunging hundreds of thousands of people into poverty at a time when they will have had little or no chance to get back on their feet.
“Six Conservative former welfare secretaries have warned the Chancellor of the grave consequences of his proposed course of action. The strength of feeling on all sides of the political divide, and across the UK, could not be clearer. The Government must change course.
“At the same time, the Government must also increase support for the people who, through no fault of their own, are still claiming older benefits and have received no pandemic-related increases at all – despite their living costs rising during the pandemic.”
Jenny Rathbone MS, Chair, Equality and Social Justice Committee, said:
“Whilst, in Wales, policy relating to Universal Credit and other social security benefits is reserved to Westminster, we are deeply concerned about the impact removing the uplift might have on widening social inequality in Wales; growing indebtedness as a result of the economic impact of Covid; and the ability of low income families to eat as well as pay their rent.”
Members of Water Safety Scotland have welcomed the first World Drowning Prevention Day which will be held annually on July 25, following and follows the passing of a Global Resolution on Drowning Prevention by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in April 2021.
The Scottish Government has praised the new water safety initiative. Ash Denham MSP, the Minister for Community Safety, said:“World Drowning Prevention Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about water safety issues and I would like to thank Water Safety Scotland and RoSPA for their continued dedication and hard work.
“The risk of drowning is often overlooked and it is important that people are aware of the dangers so they can enjoy Scotland’s beautiful inland and coastal waters safely and responsibly.”
The historic UN resolution invites member states to take action to prevent drowning fatalities in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2014 recommendation report and subsequent guidance.
Recent estimates from WHO show that globally, approximately 236,000 people drown every year and that drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children and young people aged 1–24-years.
Data from the Water Incident Database (WAID) shows that in Scotland, on average there are 97 water-related fatalities each year. The most recent statistics from 2020 revealed that there were 99 water-related fatalities with 39 due to accidental drowning.*
WHO has coordinated preparations for World Drowning Prevention Day and has invited stakeholders across the world to mark the occasion. Water Safety Scotland fully supports the UN Global Resolution and World Drowning Prevention Day**
Michael Avril, Chair of Water Safety Scotland, said:“Water Safety Scotland is proud to support World Drowning Prevention Day and is looking forward to continuing to work with partners in Scotland to prevent future drowning tragedies.
“Scotland carries a disproportionate burden; the accidental drowning rate is almost double the UK’s average when the relative population is taken into account.
“We want people to enjoy Scotland’s waterways in as safe away as possible and recommend that people follow Scotland’s Water Safety Code in order to help themselves and others stay safe around water.
Organisations across Scotland will be participating in a social media campaign highlighting their support for the day and for Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy.
Scottish Canals are supporting WHO’s suggestions of “Going Blue for World Drowning Prevention Day”.
The Kelpies, 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures in Falkirk, will be lit up blue on the evening of the July 25 to mark the occasion and show their support as members of Water Safety Scotland and for World Drowning Prevention Day.
Richard Millar, Scottish Canals’ Chief Operating Officer, said:“Scotland’s canals are vibrant green and blue spaces for all to enjoy and connect with nature, whether you are taking to the towpaths by boot or bike, or enjoying the canal by boat or paddle sport.
“It is important that no matter how you choose to enjoy the waterways, that all users are aware of the dangers that canals, reservoirs, and any body of open water can pose. Scottish Canals is proud to be supporting World Drowning Prevention Day and will continue to champion safety messaging from partners and our own #CanalCareful safety campaign to ensure canal users are equipped with the knowledge to keep themselves and others safe.”
Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy is currently in its fourth year, with a review set to be published next spring along with a water safety conference that will be organised in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
● With 100 days to go until the UN climate change summit COP26, 13 ambassadors are encouraging the country to follow their green footsteps and play their part in tackling climate change
● The first tranche of ‘One Step Greener’ ambassadors include Edinburgh’s Sara Thomson of The Leith Collective
● Nation to nominate everyday climate leaders to be part of the 26 ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors who symbolise the best in UK climate leadership and whose stories will be showcased at the crucial summit in November
People from across the country will have the chance to showcase their stories at the major climate summit COP26 in Glasgow, as a search for everyday climate leaders gets underway today (Saturday 24 July).
In the lead up to COP26 with less than 100 days to go, the UK Government is calling on people from all walks of life to join the ‘One Step Greener’ movement on social media by sharing how they are doing their bit for the environment, championing climate leaders in their communities, and inspiring others to follow their lead. Whether big or small, one or many, green steps around the country can culminate in a large collective impact in helping make Britain a more sustainable and greener place.
The nation will also be able to nominate people in their communities who they think are making a big difference in the fight against climate change. They will have the chance to become ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors and showcase their stories at COP26 this November – which aims to be the most inclusive COP ever.
Those nominated could be family members, friends, colleagues, community leaders or entrepreneurs: anyone who is taking action to tackle climate change and inspiring others to follow in their green footsteps.
Leading the charge are 13 inspiring people, announced today as the first ambassadors for the ‘One Step Greener’ initiative, who will be launching the search for another 13 extraordinary individuals ahead of COP26 – making 26 everyday climate leaders in the UK to mark the 26th climate summit of its kind.
The ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors will come from all walks of life in their pursuit of a greener future, as they come together with government, businesses, community groups, schools, and citizens in taking steps to tackle climate change.
Prime Minister Boris Johnsonsaid: “The UK has made huge strides towards a greener future, with new records in renewable energy and new targets for slashing emissions. But there are also thousands of people across the country doing their bit too, from embarking on green careers and building sustainable businesses to reducing their use of plastic and taking part in conservation projects.
“We can all do our bit to help tackle climate change. That’s why we’re challenging everyone to go one step greener in the next 100 days and win the chance to become an ambassador ahead of COP26 in Glasgow this November.”
COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said: “In my many meetings with ministers and governments around the world we discuss the big changes which urgently need to be made to tackle climate change.
“Setting ambitious emissions reductions targets, supporting developing nations, and protecting nature are all vital if we are to keep temperatures from rising above 1.5C.
“But there is a role in tackling climate change for everyone, and it is heartening to see all parts of society embracing their responsibility to safeguard our precious planet, no matter how big or small a step.”
The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson said:“I couldn’t be more delighted to be named a One Step Greener Ambassador ahead of COP26. This is a great opportunity to tell us about what you, or someone you know, is doing to be one step greener. It could end up with you joining us to help tackle climate change at COP26.”
World leaders will meet in Glasgow with the aim of agreeing how to tackle the urgent threat of global climate change. The UK is working to prevent global temperatures rising above 1.5C and to protect the planet and people from the intensifying impacts of climate change, which unchecked will lead to further catastrophic flooding, bush fires, extreme weather, and the mass extinction of species. The UK has been leading the way and shown that green growth is possible. The UK was also the first country to commit to reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and is on course to be the fastest G7 country to decarbonise cars and vans by 2030.
British female racing driver Alice Powell has become one of the first ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors. Yesterday, Powell arrived in her ground-breaking Envision Virgin Racing Formula E Car racing car which is redefining the green future of motor sport.
There she met with the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson for COP26 Allegra Stratton to discuss her involvement as an Ambassador for the ‘One Step Greener’ initiative. Alice and the Envision Virgin Racing team will also host COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma at the London ePrix, an annual race of the single-seater, electrically powered Formula E championship.
The ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors have been announced today to cover all parts of the UK and include:
Dame Jackie Daniel – NHS Trust CEO
Dame Jackie began her NHS career as a nurse before moving into management and has been a Chief Executive Officer for 20 years leading a range of acute, mental health and specialist trusts.
She was appointed as Chief Executive of Newcastle Hospitals in March 2018 and since then, the Trust has retained its outstanding CQC status and became the first NHS organisation to pledge to reach Net Zero Carbon.
She was recently named as one of the top five chief executives of the year in the HSJ awards for 2021.
Dame Jackie Daniel said: “COP26 will be a defining moment in the global effort to tackle climate change and I am honoured to be named a One Step Greener Ambassador.
“Climate change poses a major threat to people’s and the planet’s health which is why the NHS in England has committed to become the world’s first carbon net zero national health system. I hope I can encourage the public to do their bit to protect our planet as well as nominating others who are going One Step Greener.”
Hugo Chambers – Sustainable Sourcing Manager and Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Sainsbury’s
Hugo’s job at Sainsbury’s is to help reduce the impact of our food on the planet, whether that’s lowering the carbon footprint of products such as coffee or cheese or ensuring the palm oil in their products do not contribute to the deforestation of tropical forests. Outside of work, Hugo also tries to make greener decisions where he can such as cycling to work and trying to eat a more healthy and sustainable diet.
Hugo Chambers said: “My passion for protecting the environment is central to the work that I do, which is to help reduce the impact of our food consumption on the planet, whether that’s by helping to reduce the carbon footprint of products, or ensuring that palm oil in our products doesn’t contribute to the deforestation of tropical forests.
“I hope that as a One Step Greener Ambassador, I can help inspire and encourage people up and down the country to lead healthier, more sustainable lives as the UK gets ready to host COP26 in November. Who are you going to nominate to be a One Step Greener Ambassador?”
The full list of 13 are Sara Thomson (The Leith Collective), Dame Jackie Daniel (NHS), Alice Powell (Envision Virgin Racing), Hugo Chambers (Sainsbury’s), Jasmine Allen (SSE), Toby McCartney (MacRebur), James Lloyd-Jones (Jones Food Company), Emer Rafferty (youth environmentalist), Ade Adepitan (Paralympic medalist and TV presenter) , Max La Manna (low-waste chef), Rob Thompson (Odyssey Innovation), Ash Dykes (adventurer and extreme athlete) and Buffy Buroughs (Green Gathering Festival).
Nominations will close on 1October and the final 26 ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassadors will be announced on 7 October, 26 days before the crucial summit begins.
From 26 July Social Security Scotland will introduce its next new benefit – Child Disability Payment.
Child Disability Payment provides extra money to help with the costs of caring for a child with a disability or ill-health condition. Child Disability Payment will replace Disability Living Allowance for children in Scotland, which is currently delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions.
People can apply if they are a parent or main carer of a child who:
is aged between 3 months and 16 years old
has lived with a disability or long term health condition for 3 months or more and it is expected to continue for at least 6 months
does not already receive Disability Living Allowance for children from Department for Work and Pensions.
We are initially launching the new Child Disability Payment as a pilot in 3 local authority areas, ahead of national roll out in autumn 2021.
These areas are:
Perth and Kinross
Dundee City
Western Isles.
The pilot will open for new applications only. Families in these areas who already get Disability Living Allowance for children don’t need to apply. We will contact them in advance of when it is time to transfer over to Child Disability Payment and let them know when Social Security Scotland will start to make their payments.
People in the 3 pilot areas can apply for Child Disability Payment through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222 from Monday 26 July.
The Child Disability Payment pilot will also see the start of the new guidance for applications under special rules for terminal illness. Further information and guidance from the Chief Medical Officer can be found online here.
We would also be grateful for your help to spread the message and to enable this we have created a number of resources. The new marketing materials for Child Disability Payment include social media images and leaflets that can be found here.
We are also keen to reassure people who already get Disability Living Allowance for children that they do not need to do anything. We will write to them ahead of transferring them to Child Disability Payment, which will be paid through Social Security Scotland. They will not need to re-apply – they will be transferred automatically. The amount they are paid, when they are paid and where they are paid to will all stay the same once they have transferred.
If you need any materials in alternative formats or have feedback on what would work well to tell people about this new payment, we would love to hear from you.
You can request print orders or provide feedback by emailing:
A very high risk wildfire warning has been issued in Scotland from Saturday, July 24 until Monday, July 26.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) issued the warning and is urging people who live within or who may enter rural environments to exercise caution.
The alert – released in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) – covers Easter Ross, Central Highlands,and South West Scotland. A moderate to high warning is also in place for Central and Western Scotland.
Wildfires have the potential to burn for days and devastate vast areas of land and wildlife; and threaten the welfare of nearby communities.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry is head of prevention and protection for SFRS. He said: “We are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame.
“Many rural and remote communities are hugely impacted by wildfires, which can cause significant damage.
“Livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected woodland and sites of special scientific interest can all be devastated by these fires – as can the lives of people living and working in rural communities.
“These fires can also have a hugely negative impact on the environment and the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
“Human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments, and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
A new accreditation scheme that encourages businesses to provide secure contracts, flexible hours and payment of the real Living Wage is to launch.
The Scottish Living Hours Accreditation Scheme recognises that in addition to payment of the real Living Wage, the number and frequency of work hours are critical to tackling in-work poverty.
It builds on the existing Living Wage accreditation scheme and businesses looking for certification must meet the following standards:
payment of the real Living Wage
providing a contract reflecting accurate hours worked and a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours a week (unless the worker requests otherwise)
ensuring at least 4 weeks’ notice of shifts and guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this period
The scheme will be supported by £380,000 of funding and is to be administered by the Poverty Alliance. They will begin reaching out to prospective employers on 1 August to start the accreditation process.
Fair Work Minister Richard Lochhead said: “No one should be working in an insecure, unstable job that doesn’t pay the real Living Wage. Good progress has been made on the real Living Wage in Scotland, with over 2000 employers now being accredited and helping to reduce in-work poverty.
“We are going further and will now introduce a national Living Hours Accreditation Scheme for Scotland in the first 100 days of this government.
“Together with the Poverty Alliance and Living Wage Scotland, the new Living Hours Accreditation Scheme will help to alleviate in work poverty and create more secure, sustainable and satisfying jobs. I encourage businesses across Scotland to look at the scheme and sign up to ensure you are providing the best possible work conditions for your valued staff.
“Fair work is at the heart of our economic recovery and it is only right that workers across the country are in jobs that can provide secure, consistent contracts and pay a real Living Wage.”
Poverty Alliance Director Peter Kelly said: “Building on the strength of the Living Wage movement, we need to be more ambitious in finding ways to support employers to make a stronger commitment to fair work practice.
“By working with our 2000-strong network of accredited Living Wage employers, we will support employers to become Living Hours accredited, helping to tackle the problem of insecure work and in-work poverty in Scotland.”
Further information on the Living Hours Accreditation Scheme for Scotland can be found on the Living Wage Scotland website.
Analysis of Team GB athletes’ Instagram accounts reveals that Tom Daley is the biggest influencer, with Andy Murray coming close second
Sky Brown, the youngest athlete to ever compete in Team GB at just 13 years old, has 825,000 Instagram followers – the third most
Players on women’s football team boast 16 spots in the Top 50
Team GB star Tom Daley has won gold before the Olympics have even started, topping the podium as Britain’s most influential athlete at the games.
New research by CasinoScores.com has revealed that Daley can earn up to £6,845 per sponsored Instagram post.
The study analysed the Instagram profile of each Team GB member and used social media market data to discover who are the most influential athletes representing Britain in Tokyo.
Tom Daley, who will compete as part of the diving team, boasts two million Instagram followers, giving him the highest earning potential in Team GB. He tops list, beating out other big names such as Andy Murray, Dina Asher-Smith and Adam Peaty.
The diver, who won bronze at the London 2012 Olympics, has garnered followers not only from his diving success but his knitting account which went viral during lockdown.
Andy Murray earns the silver medal when it comes to the most influential athletes on Team GB with two million followers and the potential to earn up to £5,887.50 per sponsored post.
Surprisingly, the third most influential athlete is Sky Brown, the youngest ever athlete on Team GB at just 13. The skateboarder has potential earnings of £4,102.50 per post thanks to 823,000 Instagram followers.
Most Influential Athletes in Team GB on Instagram and what they could earn
Athlete
Instagram Handle
Potential Earnings per sponsored post
Number of Instagram followers
Tom Daley
tomdaley
£6,845
2,000,000
Andy Murray
andymurray
£5,887.50
2,000,000
Sky Brown
skybrown
£4,102.50
823,000
Geraint Thomas
geraintthomas86
£2,400
481,736
Adam Peaty
adam_peaty
£2,290
459,683
Shauna Coxsey
shaunacoxsey
£2,113.75
424,000
Tommy Fleetwood
officialtommyfleetwood
£1,696.25
340,000
Dina Asher-Smith
dinaashersmith
£1,521.25
304,220
Lucy Bronze
lucybronze
£1,325
265,000
Leah Williamson
leahwilliamson
£1,306.25
260,000
Fran Kirby
frankirby
£1,241.25
248,000
Jack Laugher
jacklaugher
£1,138.75
227,324
Steph Houghton
stephhoughton2
£1,096.25
221,000
Katarina Johnson-Thompson
johnsonthompson
£1,087.50
217,000
Tom Pidcock
tompidcock
£1,077.50
219,000
Olympians that have won gold have gone on to make significant earnings from their sporting success. Eight time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has amassed 10.2 million Instagram followers and can now charge up to £25,000 per sponsored post.
The analysis showed that women’s football is the most influential sport according to Instagram with 16 of the top 50 spots being occupied by the Women’s football players.
A spokesperson for CasinoScores.com commented: “The competition for medals at the Games will be fierce, but these figures show that there is plenty of opportunity for athletes to strike gold through their social profiles.
“On average, a Team GB athlete in our top 50 can earn more than £1,000 for a sponsored Instagram post. And as the UK cheers them on this summer, they can expect their followings to grow even more.”
The research was carried out by CasinoScores.com, which is dedicated to providing players with live casino statistics, live scores and more.
Shockingly, despite pancreatic cancer being the deadliest common, half of all pancreatic cancer patients are not prescribed the inexpensive tablets they need to stop them starving.
As Chief Exec of Pancreatic Cancer UK, I am deeply concerned that so many patients are missing out on this medication – called Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) – which is just as vital for people with pancreatic cancer as insulin is for those with diabetes.
The main cause is a lack of awareness among health professionals, who do a wonderful job caring for people, but don’t specialise in the disease or treat pancreatic cancer patients as frequently as those with other more common types of cancer.
PERT enables patients to digest food, helping them to tolerate treatment and to manage debilitating symptoms from the cancer – including pain, diarrhoea and extreme weight loss. A simple prescription could give so many people with incurable pancreatic cancer more – and better quality – time with their loved ones.
We need action across the NHS to raise awareness of PERT tablets and ensure everyone who needs them is prescribed them. Nobody should have to watch someone they love waste away from pancreatic cancer.
Over 26,000 people have already joined our Transform Lives: Prescribe campaign, urging the NHS to implement targets to make sure PERT tablets are prescribed routinely.
The Scotland men’s squad has been announced for a three-match series against Ireland at Titwood this week.
The uncapped series began last night with an entertaining 1-1 draw and the nations will meet again over the weekend (Saturday 24 July at 4pm, and Sunday 25 July at 11:30am).
Due to Covid restrictions the maximum capacity is 50 spectators; Clydesdale Hockey Club is managing a ‘first come first served’ entry process for the matches, with doors open from one hour ahead of push back.
These matches come as the Scots build towards European competition. Scotland men are due to play at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II on 15-21 August in Gniezno, Poland, where they will face Austria, Switzerland and Ukraine in Pool B. Ireland, Italy, Croatia and Poland will also feature at the tournament.
The Blue Sticks will be battling for promotion back to the top tier of European hockey at the tournament in August. The Scots won EuroHockey Championship II back in 2017 in front of a full house in Glasgow, before goal difference saw them relegated from the EuroHockey Championships in 2019.
