Day: October 28, 2021

Ghost Roads: The UK’s most haunted highways revealed

In the lead up to everyone’s favourite spooky season, GoodBye Car are taking a look at the most ‘haunted’ roads in the UK and why they’re considered to be eerie and unearthly.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s still interesting to look at their history … 

 1. The Devil’s Highway

Location: A666 Near Bolton

When you name a road ‘666’, the chances are the future is going to be rife with plenty of occult shenanigans. There have been a number of sightings of a shady figure at the side of the road after the sun goes down, described by eye-witnesses as being hunched over with a slight limp. 

There has even been some video footage of this, which you can make your own mind up on if you see it. Filmed on a dashcam, the white figure approaches the car slowly, much to the distress of the driver and their passenger… 

2. The Ghost Road

Location: A75 Gretna to Annan

I mean, the name kind of speaks for itself here. This road, just over the border between England and Scotland, links Gretna to Annan and is notorious for being extremely badly lit. Driving along pitch black roads can play tricks on the mind at the best of times, especially if you’re aware that this road has seen incidents of the paranormal in the past. 

Unnervingly, the police have recorded calls from drivers that describe having run over an old man in a tweed suit who they claim was crossing the road. But when they got out to check, the man was nowhere to be seen…

3. Blue Bell Hill

Location: A229, Kent

This particular road was the scene of an unfortunate tragedy back in November 1965 and has been haunted ever since, in the eyes of many. A young woman was due to be married when she was killed in a car accident. 

Since then, the woman has been spotted wearing her extravagant wedding dress, veil and all, standing by the side of the road waiting for a lift. The scariest part of the story is that some people claim to have given the woman a lift, only for her to disappear completely soon after…

4. Stocksbridge Bypass

Location: Stocksbridge

A relatively new road when compared to the others on the list, the Stocksbridge Bypass quickly gained a reputation for events of the paranormal. Connecting the M1 with the A1616, the spooky shenanigans started occurring as soon as the building work started. 

When construction was underway back in 1988, two security guards reported that they saw some young children playing right in the centre of the construction site. This would be an odd sight at the best of times, made even more bone chilling by the fact that the children disappeared without a trace as the guards approached them, with no signs of footprints…

5. M6 Bermuda Triangle

Location: M6

Named after the infamous Bermuda Triangle, it’s not a surprise to see that it’s gained this nickname for a negative reason. As opposed to the new style road seen above, there have been parts of this route that have been in place for around two thousand years. 

What is now the M6 used to be travelled across by the Roman’s before the layers of concrete were added, and as such there have been numerous reports of Roman soldiers marching across the road. That’s not all though, as junctions 16-19 are particularly accident prone, leading to more tormented souls being seen, such as hitchhikers that vanish into the night and eyes that have been spotted watching passers by from the bushes. Slightly unnerving…

6. The Spaniard’s Inn

Location: Hampstead

When you pull up to the Spaniard’s Inn in Hampstead, it just looks like a normal pub. However, there are sinister undertones at play, with a rich history of ghosts and ghouls being spotted in the area. The building actually dates back to 1585, and became famous thanks to Dick Turpin’s father reportedly being the landlord of the pub.

The Inn gets its name from a Spanish Ambassador who used to meet with King James in the 16th Century. There were also reportedly two Spanish landlords named Francesco and Juan in the 17th century, to which the rumour exists that the duo fell out and eventually ended with Francesco killing Juan in a duel, who was later buried near the Inn. 

I’m sure you can see where this is going, but it’s reported that Juan’s ghost still haunts the pub, looking for Francesco to claim his revenge…

7. Overtoun Bridge

Location: West Dumbartonshire

Probably the saddest story we’ve seen so far, this one is not for the faint of heart. Long story short, it’s said that the bridge located on the grounds of Overtoun House in West Dumbartonshire is haunted by the White Lady of Overtoun, who’s the ghost of the wife of former estate owner John White. 

The sad part comes in when people claim the bridge affects dogs in particular, causing them to terrifyingly throw themselves off the side of the bridge. It’s said that more than 300 dogs have suffered this fate over the years. Our advice would be to keep your dog on a lead if you’re passing over the bridge any time soon.

If you don’t want to believe in the supernatural, non-believers say that the smell of wild animals in the woods below is what compels the dogs to jump over the side. But what if…

8. Blairgowrie

Location: A93

On the subject of wild animals, that takes us on nicely to the Hellhound of Blairgowie. This plagued pooch is said to have glowing red eyes and patrols up and down the side of the road. If you’re unfortunate enough to encounter it, you’ll likely smell it before you can see it, as it’s said to carry a stinking odour. 

The hound is particularly a menace to dogs and horses, who become incredibly spooked when in the area, particularly at night. 

There’s even a legend that says if you stare directly into the Hellhound’s eyes three times, then you’ll die. So that’s fun…

9. Platt Lane

Location: Westhoughton

Infamous to locals in the area, Platt Lane is another sad story of a tragedy leading to plenty of haunting stories. The incident in question was the Pretoria Pit mining disaster on 21st December 1910, leading to 344 of the 900 men and boys who went into the mine on that day never making it out alive. 

The issue came from a gas leak due to a broken lamp, which then ignited an explosion. Some died from the flames, while others suffocated from carbon monoxide in what was a terrifying event for such a close-knit community. 

Now it’s been said that when you drive along Platt Lane you can see the eyes of the miners watching on from the bushes, and the road is also partial to an eerie mist overcoming it at all parts of the year…

10. The Ghost of Gracious Lane

Location: A21, London

Normally when a road is made into a duel carriageway, life just goes on without incident. However, the ghost of Gracious Lane did not take too kindly to the road being split, and it prowls the street looking to take revenge by leading cars off the road and the unfortunate drivers to their death.

After drivers travel underneath the bridge, an odd phenomenon occurs where the standard A21 road seems to disappear and a new road takes its place, which actually points in a different direction. 

Oddly, it’s not the only cursed activity in the area, as there are also reports of a white haired woman being seen stood in the middle of the road. Most drivers try and swerve to avoid what they think is a living and breathing human being, but inevitably run her over.

When they get out to check if she’s alright though, the woman is nowhere to be found … 

Sparking an interest in electrical apprenticeships

Scotland’s electrical training body has saluted an “excellent” start to the academic year after the number of electrical apprentices and adult trainees beginning their studies reached a 12-year high.

More than 800 new learners have enrolled on the Electrical Apprenticeship and Adult Trainee Programmes for 2021, with colleges and training centres reporting full classrooms as future professionals take their first steps on the electrical ladder.

The intake is the highest in Scotland since 2009 – and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) says it’s another encouraging sign of the determination to tackle the UK-wide skills shortage .

Barrie McKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT, which manages high-quality training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), said: “I’ve been at SECTT for more than 20 years and it’s really encouraging to see a return to such high numbers.

“The figures are particularly satisfying  given the position the industry was in this time last year, when only 500 people began training due to the impact of COVID-19.

“This improved intake illustrates that people recognise that the future is electric and also understand that their personal prospects will be brighter if they’re part of a sector that is going to play a key part in all our lives.”

A total of 2,158 electrical apprentices and adult trainees are currently training in Scotland, including the 715 apprentices and 126 adult trainees recruited for the 2021 intake.

Barrie added: “Not only are the numbers looking good, but the quality of the young people being taken on – both male and female – is really impressive.

“The industry has been concerned for some time about skills shortages as the demand for qualified electricians accelerates, and the enthusiasm and dedication of these new recruits goes a long way to easing these fears and suggesting that there is an appetite to learn among the electrical talent of tomorrow.

“As colleges continue to recover from the challenges of COVID-19, they will now help their students embrace all the modern technologies which will play such a huge part in a greener and more sustainable future.”

SECTT and the SJIB praised employers for taking on apprentices in numbers earlier this year, confounding fears that recruitment could be a casualty of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both bodies also pointed towards the altered perception of employment in the sector, thanks to the long-running campaign for regulation of the electrical industry spearheaded by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association.

Fiona Harper, Director of Employment & Skills at SELECT and The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “The industry as a whole is committed to the next generation of talent coming through, and employers are clearly supportive of creating a pool of highly-trained, highly-qualified personnel to take their business and the sector forward.”

‘Large’ minimum wage increase to boost low-paid workers’ incomes

The National Living Wage (NLW) will rise to £9.50 from 1 April 2022. This represents an increase of 59 pence or 6.6 per cent.

The Low Pay Commission’s recommendations set the minimum wage back on track to reach the Government’s target of two-thirds of median earnings by 2024. The recommendations were unanimously agreed by Commissioners and accepted in full by the Government.

Read the LPC’s recommendations to Government here

The increases announced yesterday will support the wages and living standards of low-paid workers at a time when pay growth is robust across the economy. They come against a backdrop of strong GDP forecasts, employment returning to pre-pandemic levels and businesses advertising record numbers of vacancies.

Bryan Sanderson, Low Pay Commission Chair, said: “The rates we recommended will put money in the pockets of care-workers, food distributors and many other groups of the lowest-paid members of our society up and down the UK. Many of them have made a vital contribution during the last few difficult months.

“The impact on communities is considerable – Blackpool for example will benefit by at least £6.1m from pay increases to its low-paid workers.

“The pandemic has been an exceptionally difficulty period for businesses and workers alike, but the labour market has recovered strongly and the economy is expected to continue to grow over the next year. This is attributable in no small part to comprehensive Government support.

“Our value as a social partnership is to find a consensus recommendation acceptable to both sides of industry.”

Alongside the NLW increase announced yesterday, the Commission recommended significant rises in National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates for younger workers.

The 21-22 Year Old Rate will increase to £9.18, narrowing the gap with the NLW and leaving this age group on course to receive the full NLW by 2024.

NMW rates for 18-20 and 16-17 year olds will increase in line with underlying wage growth, protecting earnings for young workers while recognising their higher risk of unemployment.

The minimum wage for apprentices will increase by 51p, bringing it in line with the 16-17 Year Old Rate.

Rate from April 2022Current rate (April 2021 to March 2022)Increase
National Living Wage£9.50£8.916.6%
21-22 Year Old Rate£9.18£8.369.8%
18-20 Year Old Rate£6.83£6.564.1%
16-17 Year Old Rate£4.81£4.624.1%
Apprentice Rate£4.81£4.3011.9%
Accommodation Offset£8.70£8.364.1%

Commissioners’ advice to the Government this year covers several areas.

The LPC has reviewed minimum wage rules for domestic workers and recommended that an exemption that has prevented au pairs and domestic workers from earning the minimum wage is removed.

Commissioners have also examined the evidence around the NLW’s impacts on different regions of the UK and on groups of workers with protected characteristics.

LPC_summary_of_findings_2021_ADownload

New report calls for action on tutoring and mentoring to help close Scotland’s attainment gap

Stark gaps in educational attainment in Scotland could be reduced through the rollout of mentoring and tutoring support, according to a new report.

Highlighting evidence showing that mentoring and tutoring have positive impacts on attainment for young people living in the grip of poverty, the report, based on research conducted by the Poverty Alliance for The Robertson Trust, calls for mentoring and tutoring to be available and targeted to all school-aged children and young people at risk of poverty in Scotland. 

It showed that high-quality tutoring programmes, in particular, can significantly reduce inequalities in educational attainment. Despite this, the report reveals that the provision of free tuition for young people living in Scotland is sparse.

In comparison to the National Tutoring Programme, which provides free tuition for pupils in England and Wales, the Scottish Government has not committed to widespread, accessible tuition as part of Covid-19 recovery.

Published yesterday on National Mentoring Day, the report highlights the success of mentoring as an effective intervention for improving self-confidence and raising aspirations amongst young people affected by poverty.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government and The Hunter Foundation committed to the expansion of mentoring and leadership support for care-experienced young people through funding the roll-out of MCR Pathways’ Young Scottish Talent and Columba 1400’s Leadership Academies across Scotland. 

However, this report reveals a mixed landscape in terms of mentoring provision, with geographical gaps and a lack of provision directed at groups of children and young people who are more likely to be living in poverty compounded by other forms of disadvantage.

Dr Jim McCormick, Chief Executive, The Robertson Trust said: “Too many young people across Scotland are seeing their life chances restricted by poverty.  

“At a time when painstaking progress is at risk of unravelling, it is deeply concerning to see any research which highlights an uneven educational playing field. The lack of free tutoring support is just one example of this and something that will invariably put young people living in poverty at a further disadvantage. 

“We are keen to use these findings to understand what the role of an independent funder should be in working towards equal access to tutoring/mentoring opportunities which can lead to positive academic, developmental and emotional outcomes.

“Based on what we’ve heard, we are calling for greater collaboration between funders and support organisations to help bridge the gaps, both to level the playing field and to build a stronger evidence base of what works. 

“Equally, we hope that this review will stimulate renewed commitment to act on the poverty-related attainment gap across Scotland, particularly in light of the disproportionate impact Covid-19 has had on those most affected.” 

Dr Laura Robertson, Research Officer at the Poverty Alliance and lead author of the review, said: “The Scottish Government has put tackling the poverty-based attainment gap at the heart of its agenda.

“However, inequalities in education attainment remain stark. Covid-19 has not only tightened the grip of poverty on the lives of many children and young people, but has also exacerbated these inequalities. Now, more than ever, children and young people need access to additional support.  

“This report reveals that – despite the evidence that it works – young people living in poverty still don’t have equal access to high quality tutoring free of charge. In a just society, all children and young people should have access to support that allows them to reach their potential, so the Scottish Government must – if it wants to end the attainment gap – respond with action.” 

Poverty-Alliance-Mentoring-and-Tutoring-ReviewFINALv2Download

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler back Scottish Book Trust major fundraising mission for Scotland

National charity Scottish Book Trust has today launched a major fundraising campaign, backed by The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, to drive its new ambition of ensuring everyone in Scotland has access to books and that no one misses out on the many lifelong benefits this brings.

Since the pandemic, the charity has been overwhelmed by increasing demand for its vital work to support vulnerable children and families.

Featuring a woodland illustration of The Gruffalo’s ‘deep dark wood’ from the iconic picture book, with the main Gruffalo character missing from the scene, the campaign refers to the famous line from the story that ‘there is no such thing as a Gruffalo’ and uses it to illustrate that for many children this is true because they don’t have books at home.

Without books, children are missing out and the impact of this lasts a lifetime. Books help families bond, bring joy and comfort, give children a sense of escapism and, importantly, improve their mental health and wellbeing.

New research conducted by Scottish Book Trust revealed that 85% of parents from Scotland’s most deprived areas said that reading helps them bond with their child and that reading makes their children happy, while 95% of all parents in Scotland said they think it is important for children to own their own books.

Julia Donaldson said: “I have read and performed my stories to many children in Scotland and when The Gruffalo was published, I was writer-in-residence at Easterhouse in Glasgow. I have seen first-hand how books can light up a child, catch an imagination and change a life.

“A lot of the work I have done has been alongside Scottish Book Trust and I have seen the important and effective work that they do for children and families throughout Scotland.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that The Gruffalo is now leading a fundraising campaign for the charity at a time when families need books and support more than ever.”

Axel Scheffler said: “It is sobering to see these well-known pictures from The Gruffalo without the characters included and to be starkly reminded that so many children and families have no access to books.

“Helping them to gain access is an urgent issue and I hope that this campaign will be able to raise the funds needed for Scottish Book Trust to make a difference to children’s lives in Scotland.”

Scottish Book Trust also surveyed education and early years practitioners and their responses underlined the need for books at home was great, with over two thirds stating some children they work with only own books gifted to them by Scottish Book Trust. Over 90% of respondents also stated that some pupils had lost reading skill and vocabulary due to lockdown.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “The need for our work has never been greater than now, and the stark, long-term effects of the pandemic have only exacerbated this. Access to books and reading are absolutely essential for a child’s development and life chances – without books at home, young people in Scotland are missing out.

“By supporting Scottish Book Trust’s fundraising campaign, you can help us deliver more of our vital work to support those who need our help the most. We are incredibly grateful to Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Macmillan Children’s Books for their support.”

Funds raised from the campaign will enable Scottish Book Trust to deliver more of its life-changing work. Some examples of its programmes include specialist outreach support for young families through Bookbug for the Home, providing tactile books for children with additional support needs, supporting those living with dementia and the people who care for them, and giving books to families in need through food banks and community hubs.

http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/donate

Council welcomes Levelling Up cash for waterfront development

Edinburgh has welcomed yesterday’s UK Government announcement of £16.482 million funding to help the Council unlock the first phase of the £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront.

This includes the restoration of the B-listed Granton gas holder. Bringing this site back into public use will help deliver one of the most sustainable new coastal towns in Scotland.

This project recently took a major step forward when the Outline Business Case to develop plans for a first phase of regeneration in the area was agreed.

Over the next 15 years, 3,500 net-zero carbon homes, a primary school, health centre, commercial and cultural spaces, sustainable transport provision and a new coastal park are all planned. The city council is already progressing with the delivery of around 660 Council-led homes and there’s been positive progress in growing a cultural and arts cluster.

Council leader Adam McVey said: “We are pleased to see this funding to help support our vision for a new Granton waterfront. Our plans will enhance the City’s coastline and deliver sustainment development with culture, green space and local education and employment at its heart.

“Restoring the gas holder for public use will undoubtedly help attract future investment to regenerate the area and the Council is committed to continue to work with both The UK and Scottish Governments as well and other key partners in delivering the maximum benefit for our communities.”

Depute leader and lead on Granton Waterfront regeneration Cammy Day said: “This funding is very welcome and demonstrates the momentum and progress we’re making to transform used brownfield land into a new sustainable new neighbourhood it’s residents will be proud of.

“It will be one where people live in affordable environmentally friendly homes, have excellent transport and active travel links and access to lots of open and green space, arts, sports and culture.

“In a partnership with Edinburgh College, we’ve already made sure this B-listed gas holder is a beacon of light for the area by lighting it up while work is underway on the wider regeneration of the area.”

‘Earn while you learn’ scheme produces first Napier graduates

A groundbreaking initiative which allows students to study for a university degree while in paid employment yesterday (October 27) produced its first graduates at Edinburgh Napier University.

Twenty-nine students graduated from the university’s School of Computing under the Graduate Apprenticeships scheme, with their degrees including BSc (Hons) IT Management for Business, BSc (Hons) Software Development and BEng (Hons) Cyber Security.

A graduation ceremony at the city’s Usher Hall saw the university’s first intake complete their degrees four years after the university began offering Graduate Apprenticeships, an initiative developed by Skills Development Scotland in partnership with industry and the higher education sector.

Graduate Apprenticeships drive economic growth by offering employers the chance to train and develop new and existing employees through a fully funded university degree.

The apprenticeships combine academic knowledge with skills development, and Edinburgh Napier now offers GA courses in its School of Computing, Business School and School of Engineering & the Built Environment.

Among today’s first Edinburgh Napier graduates from the scheme was Craig Potter, 38, a Detective Sergeant with Police Scotland, who graduated with a first class BEng honours degree in Cyber Security.

Craig, of Edinburgh, said: “It has been four years of hard slog in addition to my full-time work as a police officer, but I feel a real sense of achievement in completing my degree.

“It has helped me get promoted and has helped Police Scotland in terms of upskilling staff. A lot of my work-based projects and my dissertation have been around improving the force capability in relation to the investigation of Cryptocurrency, so there are tangible benefits to both employers and employees in going down this route.”

Graduate Apprenticeships are available to businesses of any size in Scotland, with apprentices typically spending 80 per cent of their time in the workplace and 20 per cent at university. They are available for people looking for a new job with a participating employer as well as those looking to upskill through their current job, and tasks and projects apprentices carry out in work can count towards their degree.

Professor Sally Smith, Head of Graduate Apprenticeships at Edinburgh Napier, said: “We’re delighted to see our first ever graduate apprentices crossing the stage this year. Graduation is a time to reflect on personal achievements and celebrate all that hard work paying off.

“We also acknowledge the support provided by employers, the early adopters who recognised the strengths of the Graduate Apprenticeship model. From that first day four years ago, the apprenticeships have gone from strength to strength, expanding into new subjects.”

Scott Killen, the university’s employment liaison and recruitment manager, said: “In order for a Graduate Apprentice to succeed their employer must be dedicated to supporting them in their university work, professional development and work-based learning. 

“The employers of the class of 2021 took a big risk in enrolling their staff into a brand new degree programme in September 2017. 

“They have been instrumental in the graduating cohort’s success.  Their contribution and feedback has also helped us continually improve how we support employers and apprentices to deliver positive learning experience both in university and the workplace.”

Mira Thow, Global HR Manager with KAL, a leader in ATM software, said: “Graduate profiles are an invaluable part of the future of our business. Each year KAL ATM Software Gmbh hires a cohort of at least 12 talented, driven students from the best universities in the world.

“After four years of intensive training and development in our graduate program, it is truly inspiring to see our first cohort of Graduate Apprentices blossom into fully fledged engineers who we are also confident will become the next generation of business leaders.”

Citizen Winter Warmer Weekend

The Edinburgh International Book Festival has teamed up with The Brunton Theatre and North Edinburgh Arts to host a weekend of inspiring creative activities and conversations.  

The second Citizen Winter Warmer presents two days of heart-warming, interactive and fun events celebrating local community voices and creating opportunities for new stories to be heard.  

Featuring fun-filled afternoons of art and stories for families and an evenings of celebration featuring local residents side-by-side with professional writers, the Citizen Winter Warmer will take place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 November 2021 and is part of Book Week Scotland.  

The Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen project is supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and through the PLACE programme. 

Noëlle Cobden, Communities Programme Director at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said “We’re delighted to be working with our partners North Edinburgh Arts and The Brunton on our Citizen Winter Warmer.

“Through our year-round Communities Programme, the Book Festival provides a platform for local people to share their stories, helping to bring us together in challenging times.

“The Winter Warmer all is about celebrating community and connection, spreading a little bit of light in the darkest point of the year, and we hope that everyone, whether or not they’ve been to a Book Festival event before, feels welcome to join us either in Musselburgh or North Edinburgh.” 

The Citizen Winter Warmer is all about sharing stories from local communities and, prior to the event itself, writer Luke Winter is joined by Citizen Writer in Residence Eleanor Thom as they park the Story Wagon outside each venue (Tuesday 16 November at The Brunton, Musselburgh and Wednesday 17 November at North Edinburgh Arts, 10.00am to 2.00pm each day).  

Local residents are encouraged to drop in, have a chat and tell their stories to Luke and Eleanor. 

The Winter Warmer kicks off on Friday 19 November at The Brunton in Musselburgh, moving to North Edinburgh Arts in Muirhouse on Saturday 20 November.  

The Great Big Story Show presents two afternoons of family entertainment, with the fun-loving duo Macastory bringing their hilarious songs and stories to the stage.   

Writer Luke Winter creates a fresh story live on stage from audience suggestions and much-loved children’s authors Maisie Chan and Elle McNicoll read from their brand-new book The Very Merry Murder Club – packed with Christmassy crimes, festive foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries – perfect for inquisitive kids!  

In Musselburgh on Friday author Christopher Lloyd also joins to explain how to stand up for the environment with his beautifully illustrated nature book It’s Up to Us, while at North Edinburgh Arts on Saturday illustrator Eilidh Muldoon creates a beautifully illustrated map of North Edinburgh featuring all the audiences’ favourite places. 

Audiences can tuck into two evenings of terrific tales and delicious food as the Book Festival’s Citizen participants share stories of life in Musselburgh and Muirhouse, and writers explore what community means today in the popular Stories and Scran event.  

The evening offers a sumptuous three course meal provided by the Scran Academy, a social enterprise catering company supporting vulnerable young people, and brilliant new writing inspired by the surrounding areas from local people who have taken part in Citizen’s creative conversations and workshops.    

In Musselburgh the writers from the community will be joined on stage by the award-winning author of Scabby Queen, Kirstin Innes, and poets JL Williams and Andrés Ordorica, who share their own powerful writing and discuss their views on community, identity and home.  

At North Edinburgh Arts the evening is hosted by Scran Academy founder, social entrepreneur, youth leader and campaigner John Loughton. The local community writers are joined by the award-winning poet, playwright and author of Luckenbooth Jenni Fagan, as well as poets Courtney Stoddart and Ryan Hay, who share new work and reflect on what community, identity and home mean today. 

In 2019, local photographers Karmen Bermudez and David Coxon took to the streets around North Edinburgh Arts to shoot the urban landscape, capturing incredible images which inspired short written responses from visitors to that year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival.  

As part of the Citizen Winter Warmer celebration in north Edinburgh, a free exhibition titled Who Lives in a Place Like This? showcases these photos and the writing inspired by them, returning to the community that birthed them along with words and images created by young people from The Alternative School at Spartans Community Football Club which offer a vital snapshot of their lives and a sense of their world and their community.  

Michael Stitt, Chair of Brunton Theatre Trust, said “The Brunton is dedicated to bringing the very best theatre, music, dance, comedy, children’s theatre, film and live screenings to East Lothian for the enjoyment and enrichment of as many people of all ages, as possible.

“Situated within the heart of the vibrant and creative community of Musselburgh, the breadth of our programming is ambitious and takes account of the interests of all communities we serve. We also have an exciting creative participation programme.

“We are delighted to be working in collaboration with our partners Edinburgh International Book Festival to deliver the Citizen Winter Warmer programme that supports creative activities with local communities.” 

The Citizen Winter Warmer is part of Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen project– an ongoing programme of events, festivals and residences taking place around Edinburgh and the Lothians throughout the year, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and through the PLACE programme. 

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “I’m delighted that players are supporting the Citizen programme, helping bring communities together and hearing their stories.  The Winter Warmer is an opportunity for us all to learn more about this city and its residents.” 

As part of the Winter Warmer, featured children’s authors Christopher Lloyd, Maisie Chan and Elle McNicoll will be visiting local schools. Children will get to explore their fascinating stories through a mix of interactive activities, readings and Q&A sessions led by the authors themselves. 

Tickets to all events at The Brunton, Musselburgh are available through http://thebrunton.co.uk  or on 0131 653 5245 (Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm).  

Tickets to all events at North Edinburgh Arts are available through  http://northedinburgharts.co.uk or on 0131 315 2151 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm). 

Full details of the Citizen Winter Warmer Programme can be found at https://ontheroad.edbookfest.co.uk/.   

Universal Credit changes: how will they affect you?

Spending Review and Autumn Budget 2021: Universal Credit Taper Factsheet

FACTSHEET ISSUED BY HM TREASURY

The UK Government says the best way to support people’s living standards is through good work, better skills, and higher wages.

We will always give families the support they need and the tools to build a better life for themselves.

The UK’s modern Universal Credit (UC) benefit system ensures that people on the lowest wages are given the support they need to thrive and fulfil their potential.

As an incentive to find good work as the UK economy moves to a high-wage, high-productivity economy, the Government is changing the rate at which people’s UC award gradually reduces once they earn a salary – making work pay.  

How does the Universal Credit Taper work? 

The taper rate means that if people work more hours, their support is gradually withdrawn. It was withdrawn far more quickly in the old system.

Currently that taper rate starts at 63 pence – so for every £1, after tax, a person earns, their UC payment is reduced by 63pence.                                                                                         

The Government is taking decisive action to make sure work pays, and permanently cutting this taper rate by 8p from 63p to 55p, ensuring more money in people’s pockets.

Some households can earn a set amount before the taper kicks in. This is called the work allowance. 

What is the Work Allowance?

Households on UC who are in work and either looking after a child or have a household member with limited capability for work are being supported with an increase in their work allowances.

This is the amount that a person can earn before support begins to be withdrawn as the taper rate kicks in.  

Work allowances are currently set at £293 a month if the household receives housing support, or £515 if they do not receive housing support. These are both being increased by £500 per year.

Who is affected?

1.9 million households will benefit from these changes. For example, within five weeks, as a result of these changes:

  • A single mother of two, renting in Darlington, working a full-time job on the National Living Wage, will see her take-home income increase by £1,200 on an annual basis.
  • A couple with two children, renting their home with their two children, where one partner works full time at the National Living Wage, and the other works 16 hours a week at National Living Wage will be £1,800 per year better off. 

Taken together, this is an effective £2.2bn tax cut for around 2 million of the lowest earning working families.

This applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Northern Ireland Executive will be provided with funding to implement an equivalent measure. 

Who has called for it?

the TUC: “If the aim of UC is to make work pay, the taper rate needs to be revisited’

Centre for Social Justice: “increasing work allowances would help those claimants who are highly motivated to re-enter a weakened labour market to have their incomes supported.”

Child Poverty Action Group: “Lowering the taper would be welcome.”

Joseph Rowntree Foundation: ‘Increasing work allowances and reducing the taper rate would strengthen work incentives and help protect families on low earnings from poverty.”

Centre for Policy Studies: “The Government should implement improvements to work incentives within UC through a cut to the taper rate and increased work allowances. This is desirable in itself and would complement a broader economic programme for increased employment post-pandemic.”

When will it be introduced?

Changes like this are usually introduced at the start of the financial year in April, but in order to support families through the Winter, the reduction to the taper rate and increase to the work allowances will be implemented by the beginning of December 2021.

This builds on continued support to tackle cost of living:

  • We are supporting millions of workers by increasing the National Living Wage to £9.50 an hour in April 2022 from £8.91.
  • Young people and apprentices will also see their wages boosted as the National Minimum Wage for people aged 21-22 goes up to £9.18 an hour and the Apprentice Rate increases to £4.81 an hour.
  • Investing £170million in 2024-25 to increase the hourly rate to be paid to early years providers to deliver the government’s free childcare hours.
  • Saving consumers £3billion over the coming years on alcohol duty. The freeze will save consumers 3p off a pint of beer, 2p off a pint of cider, 14p off a 75cl bottle of wine and 52p off a 70cl bottle of Scotch.
  • The average driver will pay around £15 less fuel duty per tank as we freeze fuel duty for twelfth consecutive year, compared with pre-2010 plans.

Taking into account the increase in the National Living Wage, changes in Universal Credit, the freezing of the income tax Personal Allowance and the introduction of the Adult Social Care Levy:

  • A single parent with two children, working 16 hours a week at the National Living Wage in 2022/23 will still be around £590 better off in cash terms than if none these changes had been made.
  • A single earner couple with two children, working 35 hours a week at the National Living Wage in 2022/23 will still be around £1,200 better off in cash terms than if none these changes had been made.

New analysis by the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation reveals that the rising cost of living wipes out much of the financial gain some families will receive from the Universal Credit changes announced yesterday.

Weekly incomes and Costs for 2022/23Family 1: single adult, no children, not workingFamily 2: single parent, with one young child (assume age 5), part-time 16 hours per weekFamily 3: couple with two young children (assume 7 and 5). One FT workerFamily 4: single parent, with one young child (assume age 5), full-time 35 hours per weekFamily 5: Couple with two young children (assume 7 and 5). 1 FT worker (35 hours), 1 PT worker (16 hours)
Weekly income before new announcements£77£278£433£333£489
Weekly gain from taper rate and work allowance£0£8£19£19£31
      
Total loss from higher cost of living due to…-£13-£16-£23-£18-£24
1) increase in energy prices-£7-£7-£7-£7-£7
2) overall cost of living increase-£6-£8-£13-£8-£13
3) increase in National Insurance and impact of inflation on earnings£0-£1-£3-£3-£4
      
Overall weekly gain or loss after measures and cost of living-£13-£8-£4£1£7

Note all five families lost £20-a-week in October 2021, due to the cut in the Universal Credit Standard Allowance, so all are worse-off than they would have been in September 2021. All workers are assumed to be paid at the National Living Wage rate, so benefit from its increase.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Workers on universal credit should always have been able to keep more of their wages.

“This change does not make up for the £1,000 per year cut to universal credit, and does not help those on universal credit who cannot work.”