Calling all doughnut fans: Morrisons are launching three new doughnuts as part of their Christmas bakery range. These festive treats are available in stores now and are made from scratch in store every day by our expert bakers.
The festive selection includes:
Morrisons Gingerbread Doughnut – with caramelised biscuit filling, chocolate glaze and topped with a mini gingerbread man.
Morrisons Snowman Doughnut – with strawberry filling, coated with a sticky white glaze, chocolate chips for eyes and mouth and topped off with a glacé cherry nose.
Morrisons Festive Sprinkle – a classic ring doughnut – a customer favourite – with a chocolate glaze and red and green sprinkles.
Morrisons doughnuts are a cult favourite among customers. Our festive trio will be sold as a mixed pack of three, costing £2 – less than 70p per doughnut.
Jacob Cox, Chief Doughnut Developer at Morrisons, said: “We love coming up with new additions to our doughnut range. They’re a really popular item in-store and our customers always let us know which ones are their favourites. We hope they enjoy these three new flavours as much as we’ve enjoyed creating them.”
This Christmas we’ve also launched Christmas Pudding flavour Soft Bake Cookies and Mince Pie Popcorn – perfect for sharing with family and friends this festive season to spread some Christmas cheer.
Or, if customers fancy rolling up their sleeves in the kitchen, our The Best Gingerbread Frosting is a quick and easy way to create a showstopper at home.
Our Christmas Doughnuts are available in 450 stores nationwide. The Mince Pie Popcorn, Christmas Pudding Cookies and Gingerbread Frosting are available in all stores.
Building on the success of COP26, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has announced it will be holding a dedicated eco homes festival in 2022, delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation.
Running from 8-12 August, the Green Home Festival will engage the public and businesses in the global challenge, offering demonstrations and hands-on guidance to help everyone reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient.
The week-long experience will be part of the official Edinburgh Festival Fringe and will be organised by members of the CICV Forum, who are aiming to build it into an annual event.
One of the event’s organisers, John McKinney, Secretary of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, said: “The event will show and highlight the important role that construction will play for Scotland to achieve its net zero target in the years ahead.
“Delivered via collaboration across the Scottish construction industry through the CICV Forum, we are aiming to make this inaugural event an annual occasion that will help to build a long-term legacy and demonstrate our commitment to greener, low-carbon solutions.”
The Green Home Festival will host around 15 shows across five days, targeting homeowners, professionals, local authorities, housing associations and local authorities.
The sessions will be delivered via a hybrid of in-person and virtual shows, with in-person presentations hosted in Edinburgh and also live streamed to a global online audience.
On offer will be practical advice on how to carry out effective retrofit work on older homes as well as the latest technology for new homes. The sessions will also show how the construction industry can work together to make green home living a reality for everyone.
Co-organiser Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Through its practical demonstrations, the Green Home Festival will also show what we can all do to save energy and become a more efficient, low-carbon society.
“For homeowners, the demonstrations will include step-by-step examples of how to get your building ready and energy efficient.
“It will also give us the opportunity to share good examples of larger projects and the exciting new developments already demonstrated across Scotland, such as the Resource Efficient House in Ravenscraig.”
Fellow organiser David Logue, Partner at Gardiner & Theobald LLP, said: “Just like the Forum itself, the Green Home Festival will demonstrate collaboration and cooperation. There will be expert input from a range of designers, consultants and contractors, who will share their journey towards carbon reduction to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
“We are particularly looking forward to discussing the technology of heat sources, how they work, where they’re appropriate and how solar and wind power could be used to power them, including use of batteries.”
Further details about the festival are available by emailing:
and a more detailed schedule will be revealed next year.
The event is the latest in a string of practical and constructive initiatives launched by the Forum since its creation at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
Made up of 29 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, it has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and maintaining close dialogue with Scottish Government ministers.
Digital artist has reworked masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Constable and Pissarro to inspire a conversation about the engineering innovations that could help to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
· Technology such as agricultural robots, smart thermochromic windows, vertical farms and flying taxis have been woven into the reimagined impressionist masterpieces to depict what a more sustainable world may look like in the future.
· The artworks have been commissioned by the Royal Academy of Engineering as part of the This is Engineering Day campaign, which aims to encourage more young people to choose engineering careers to help achieve net zero carbon by 2050.
· Sympathetic reimaginings show how innovative agriculture, aviation, transport and buildings could help to transform everyday life and landscapes.
Painters such as Constable, Monet, Pissarro, and Van Gogh first made their marks in the art world during the industrial revolution. While this era drove economic benefits and improvements in living standards for many, we now know that it triggered the start of rising carbon emissions leading to global warming.
Masterpieces by these iconic artists have been reimagined to inspire conversations about the kinds of engineering advances that could help to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Electric planes and flying taxis, vertical orchards and rooftop farms are just some of the innovations that feature in the reworked masterpieces, commissioned by the Royal Academy of Engineering as part of its This Is Engineering campaign to promote engineering careers in response to a significant skills and diversity shortfall in the profession.
Van Gogh’s Factories at Clichy, Constable’s The Wheat Field, Pissarro’s La Rue Saint- Honoré and Monet’s The Seashore at Sainte-Adresse have been digitally remastered by a contemporary artist, Ashly Lovett, to show how engineering innovations could help to transform everyday life and landscapes in the future.
The Engineer the Future collection can be viewed at Strathclyde University in Glasgow and online via Google Arts & Culture. The aim of the exhibition is to start a conversation about what we want a net zero future to look like, and the role of future engineers in that, with viewers invited to contribute their own ideas via social media following This is Engineering Day on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
Were Van Gogh to paint Factories at Clichy in 2050, his masterpiece might feature autonomous ‘agbots’ – agricultural robots – tending the crops using precision farming; a development that could help to slash agricultural carbon emissions.
In the skies above, Sophie Harker, Assistant Chief Engineer of Electric Products at BAE Systems, thinks the painter would capture a variety of electrically powered ways to transport ourselves and our goods in 2050.
She says: “In the future, we may be using a pod system for public transport, for example on a Hyperloop. These pods could look like the Maglev trains and could travel within a vacuum to reduce drag and increase speed.
“People would likely use this system for travelling long distances cross-country or city to city, then shorter journeys could be taken by vertical taxis that carry up to four people. Heavy lift flying drones could also be used for transportation of goods or for emergency response.”
Constable’s The Wheat Field, reimagined for 2050, includes solar powered pruning robots, autonomous grass cutting machines and crop-monitoring drones. Meanwhile, environmentally friendly hydrogen planes can be seen in the sky, with futuristic shapes that maximise fuel-efficiency and range of travel.
Kit Franklin, Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Engineering at Harper Adams University, says: “The artistic reinterpretation of Constable has removed the hard physical labour and repetitive tasks of agricultural farmhands as autonomous robots take on the work humans would have traditionally done.
“Agbots make farming more precise to conserve vital resources like water and energy and we’ll see smaller machines in future to help preserve soil quality and health. A healthy soil is not only vital for growing food, it can also sequester carbon more effectively than one that has been compacted by large machinery.
“If Constable were to walk in the British countryside in 2050, he’d see smaller fields with strips of different coloured crops, and less productive fields rewilded with trees, wildflowers and shrubs to boost biodiversity and pollination.”
Professor Susan Gourvenec, RAEng Chair in Emerging Technologies for Intelligent & Resilient Ocean Engineering at the University of Southampton, whose ideas have been incorporated into a reimagined Monet, commented: “If Monet was to paint The Seashore at Sainte-Adresse in 2050, his famous seascape might feature offshore energy farms generating renewable energy through wind turbines or tidal power, which could be used to power homes or produce green hydrogen, and to refuel ocean-going cargo vessels offshore.
“Closer to the shore, seagrass plantations might be visible, which would not only capture carbon but also provide coastal protection and improve the coastal ecosystem and habitat for wildlife.”
The artist has also imagined a residential building on the coast that uses thermochromic windows to help to cool the house and generate solar power, reducing its carbon footprint and maximising efficiency.
Pissarro’s La Rue Saint-Honoré has been reworked to reflect a vision of the future in which a central hub links several public transport systems including an electrically powered monorail, vertical taxi station and underground stations.
Professor Chris Wise RDI FREng, Founder Partner of Expedition, says: “If Pissarro were to travel to Paris in 2050, he might find buildings that have been designed to take full advantage of their environment.
“No side of a building would look the same: the south facing side is shaded and both east and west facades have screens to capture the morning and evening sun. The artist might also find chameleon buildings with a ‘skin’ that is responsive to sunlight and shade for temperature regulation.
“Pissarro, who suffered from an eye-infection and eventually went blind, would find getting round the city easier with colour coded areas and rumble strips, as well as a monorail system that dispenses with the need for a car.
“He’d also find less hard landscaping. As we see increased rainfall and flooding in the future, cities will have replaced concrete pavements with more permeable materials and greenery.”
Dr Rhys Morgan, Director of Engineering and Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering says: “The UK’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a massive undertaking. Decarbonisation on this timescale and magnitude will bring widespread and rapid change to every aspect of daily life and meeting our goal of a net zero future will not be achieved without engineering expertise.
“From the ways we heat, cool and light our homes, to how we produce our food, how we build our houses and how we travel around, our future daily lives will be shaped by today’s engineers and engineering.
“These famous masterpieces originally captured a snapshot of daily life at a time when the consequences of carbon emissions were not known. By reimagining them for 2050 we hope to start a conversation about how engineers can help shape our net zero future and inspire the next generation to join the profession.
“To realise the emission-saving technologies imagined in these artworks, the UK needs more engineers – for example, National Grid estimates that the UK energy sector alone will need to fill 400,000 roles between now and 2050 to reach net zero.”
In a bid to boost recruitment and challenge the narrow stereotypes of what engineers look like and do, This is Engineering Day is an annual reminder of the importance of engineering to our daily lives.
Created by The Royal Academy of Engineering in 2018, the day celebrates the varied and vital roles that engineers play, from developing medical technologies like brain scanners and clean energy solutions, to powering the social media platforms and smartphones we rely on to keep in touch every day.
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has called on the Tory Westminster Government to make good on the money Scotland and Northern Ireland are owed as its share of the £20 billion from Boris Johnson’s ill-fated plan to build a bridge to Northern Ireland. Money which represents the equivalent of up to £1.4 billion for Edinburgh.
The project – promoted by Boris Johnson was costed at £20 billion, but since the plans for the bridge were canned the money has not been allocated for spending in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Now, Gordon Macdonald MSP is demanding that the money be allocated to Scotland to be spent on worthwhile transport projects that could transform connectivity in Edinburgh.
Gordon said: “Whilst the crossing was a daft idea, the SNP will engage with ideas of how funding can be distributed to ensure worthwhile investment in transport links across Scotland which will benefit communities like Edinburgh. £20 billion for a transport project in Scotland and Northern Ireland is worth up to £1.4 billion for Edinburgh.
“The Tories are up to their old tricks again as we saw last time they had control of Scotland’s money. When they diverted cash from the Highlands to try to boost dwindling Conservative support in south-east England.
“What the people of Edinburgh need is proper commitments that will make transformational changes to connectivity across the area. Edinburgh’s share of the cash would equal up to £1.4 billion and the Tories owe the community that money which would make a significant difference in how people get around.
“This also shows once again how out of touch Boris Johnson really is with people in Edinburgh and across Scotland as he has his priorities all wrong to bring about real change for people here.
“We cannot trust the Tories to act in the best interests of Scotland and that is why the people of Scotland should have the choice of a different path towards independence.”
Almost nine in ten (87%) of adults in Edinburgh class themselves as ‘climate conscious’
However, over three fifths (66%) of pension holders are unaware their pension could help fight climate change
Almost half (46%) of pension holders in Edinburgh want their pension to be invested responsibly.
New research from the UK’s largest mutual pension and investment company, Royal London, reveals that over three fifths (66%) of pension holders in Edinburgh are unaware that their pension could be invested in ways to help fight climate change.
Only one fifth (18%) of pension holders from the city currently invest their pension responsibly, but 46% say they would like their pension to be invested more responsibly.
What does investing responsibly mean?
Terminology can be confusing. A third (34%) of adults in Edinburgh are familiar with the term ‘responsible investment,’ but only a quarter (25%) per cent actually know what it means and understand its collective power to protect the planet. Men are more likely to be familiar with the term responsible investment than women (69% vs 50%) across the UK.
The power of pensions
A third (33%) of pension holders in Edinburgh said they would consider investing a portion of their pension responsibly. Over a fifth (22%) were willing for over half their pension to be invested responsibly. With one in ten (13%) wanting between 90% and 100% of their pension invested responsibly.
Pension holders across the UK were also asked what criteria they would like a responsibly invested pension to consider, with climate change and protecting the environment (43%) being highly rated in Edinburgh. Social factors such as health and safety (40%) and use of plastic (30%) following closely behind.
Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London, said: “It’s encouraging to see that so many people consider themselves to be climate conscious and our research shows that the nation is taking steps forward to improve the health of the planet.
“But we all need to look at our finances and their collective power to do well and do good. From helping reduce emissions to promoting diversity, pensions can be invested to support individuals in retirement whilst helping us all move towards a more sustainable world.”
With over half (57%) of UK 18-24-year-olds wanting their pension investments to harness a more sustainable planet, compared to just over a quarter (29%) of 65-year-olds and over, it’s clear there is still more that can be done to build a better understanding of inter-generational financial resilience for the future.
Finding out how to invest more responsibly
The research also found:
Over half (54%) of pension holders in Edinburgh do not know how their pension funds are invested.
Those who want to find out more about responsible investment would mostly value the advice of financial advisers (28%), free guidance services, such as MoneyHelper (16%), or their family and friends (6%).
Over a quarter (26%) would carry out their own research to find out about responsible investment.
Royal London’s Invested Generation campaign recently launched a Facebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/theinvestedgeneration/ which provides a range of support and resources for UK pension holders as to how they can best invest responsibly.
In addition, more information is also available on the Royal London website:
Soaring rents across Lothian demonstrate the need for a system of rent controls to be introduced, according to Scottish Greens Lothian MSP, Lorna Slater.
New government statistics published this week show that between 2010 and 2021 the average rent for a 2 bedroom property in Lothian increased by 41.7%. This is the biggest increase anywhere in Scotland.
The cooperation agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government includes a commitment to introduce a new national system of rent controls. This will be part of a package of enhanced rights for tenants.
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Commenting, Lorna Slater MSP said:“Over the past decade, far too many tenants in Lothian and across the country have faced extreme rent rises.
“We simply cannot leave something as fundamental as people’s homes to market forces. I’m proud that with Greens in Government we will bring rent controls to Scotland as part of a fair deal for renters.”
National Museum of Rural Life WesterKittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open daily 10:00-17:00
Willow Star Workshop with Anna Cross 26 Nov 2021 10:15–12:45, 14:00–16:30 £35, suitable for adults (age 16+)
Kick off the festive season by weaving a spectacular willow star with artist Anna Cross. In these half-day workshops for adults, both beginners and seasoned crafters alike will learn how to create their own beautiful decoration. A stylish alternative to traditional Christmas wreaths, you’ll want to display your large willow star year after year.
Children’s Workshop: Make a Willow Decoration Sat 27 Nov 14:30–16:00 £10 per child, suitable for ages 10+ Advanced booking is essential
Keen to learn more about the art of willow weaving? Then book a place on this 1.5 hour-long workshop with willow artist Anna Cross, suitable for children age 10+ with an accompanying adult. Anna will show you how to weave and decorate your very own willow star decoration to take home, perfect for hanging in your room or on the Christmas tree.
Festive Family Crafts 27 Nov – 28 Nov 2021 Sat: 10:30 – 16:00 Sun: 10:30 – 15:30 Free with pre-booked museum admission
Festive family activities across the weekend, from drop-in craft sessions to a children’s willow weaving workshop with Anna Cross, the artist who created our Willow Sculpture Trail.
Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
Clyde’s Winter Trail 27 Nov 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 10:00 – 17:00 Free with pre-booked museum admission
Spot the festive scenes that Clyde, the Clydesdale horse, and his friends have been creating around the museum as they get ready for the festive season.
Our family programming is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Audubon’s Birds of America 12 Feb – 8 May 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed
This new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will examine the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.
Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work which achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.
Audubon’s Birds of America (12 February – 8 May 2022) will showcase 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
24 Sep 2021 – 27 Mar 2022 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free display
This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
24 Sep 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF The Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free display
The Extinction Bell is a work by Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram that aims to raise awareness of biodiversity loss. A fire engine bell from National Museums Scotland’s collection has been adapted to toll at random intervals 150-200 times per day. Each ring of the bell symbolises the extinction of a species, representing the number being lost every 24 hours (according to a 2007 report from the UN).
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
6 Aug 2021 – 9 Jan 2022 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller.
NEW Costume Conversations 22 Nov 2021, 17:00 Free Instagram live, follow @nationalmuseumsscotland
Join the final instalment of our Instagram Live series exploring how one object can tell multiple stories. In Costume Conversations our expert panel will explore how clothes tell stories on stage and screen. We’re asking the big questions about costume interpretation to find out just what’s involved in fashioning the past in the present.
26 Nov 2021 19:30—20:15 Watch online Free, with option to add a donation
Join model and broadcaster Eunice Olumide as she shares her experience of a transforming industry with museum curator Georgina Ripley. Eunice and Georgina will also discuss Eunice’s recent book How To Get Into Fashion, focussing on creativity, diversity, and wellbeing.
This event will be followed by a live Q&A chaired by Mal Burkinshaw, Head of the School of Design at Edinburgh College of Art.
The mediation process between Cramond and Barnton Community Council, the Cramond Association, the Brighouse Owners’ Association, the Friends of Cramond Campus and the Almond Ward councillors, on the one hand, and the developers, AMA (New Town) Ltd, on the other, is under way.
The purpose of the mediation, as specified by the Council’s Development Management Sub-committee, is to try to agree a long term future for the site, with the early delivery of at least some element(s) of it.
The mediator has had three initial meetings: with the community organisations, the councillors, and AMA. As a result of them he has issued a brief update and agreed that we may share it with the local community.
It reads as follows:”I have now met with representatives of the Community Council and residents’ associations, AMA and Avison Young, and ward councillors. All the meetings were friendly and constructive. They did not, however, reveal enough common ground for me to see a basis on which a way forward might be agreed.
“A number of points of agreement did, however, emerge:
• The main use of the vacant land should be some mix of sports facilities and green space
• The sports facilities will require to be set up on a basis that ensures their sustainability
• This is likely to require some financial subsidy
• Any subsidy may need to be generated through some form of commercial development on a small part of the site
• Further unnecessary delay in completing the development should be avoided
• However, there is no agreed and consented scheme that can be started immediately
“The different parties placed differing emphases on the separate points but there is general agreement on the overall position.
“I have asked the planners to check a number of matters on my behalf and anticipate that this might take a fortnight or so. Thereafter, I hope it will be possible to hold a second round of meetings.”
Watch out for fraudsters selling bogus car insurance on social media, or it could cost you your car! We identified over 21,000 fraudulent motor insurance policies that may be linked to the scam. Find out more: https://t.co/QyX5TltFOK#OpDriveInsuredpic.twitter.com/UsnzODa8Ii
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is warning consumers to avoid an increasingly popular scam known as ‘Ghost Broking’, which sees fake car insurance being sold on social media, leaving motorists out of pocket and driving without insurance.
The insurers working with the IFB have reported over 21,000 fraudulent motor insurance policies over 12 months which could be linked to the scam.
The warning comes as 45 police forces take to the road for Op Drive Insured, in a national week of action to seize uninsured drivers’ vehicles.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is warning drivers to avoid bogus car insurance deals on social media, as it reveals over 21,000 fraudulent motor insurance policies were reported to it by insurers in the past 12 months which could be linked to the scam.
‘Ghost Broking’ is a growing scam, which involves fraudsters pretending to be Brokers in order to sell unrealistically cheap and completely fake policies.
The bogus deals are often advertised via Facebook and Instagram with victims ranging from young and new drivers, to communities less familiar with UK insurance laws. The scam not only leaves victims out of pocket, but facing serious penalties for driving without insurance.
The IFB – which acts as a central intelligence hub for insurers to tackle organised fraud – received reports of 21,169 fraudulent motor insurance policies in the past 12 months which could be linked to ‘Ghost Broking’ – equating to nearly 60 bogus policies being generated each day.
With 45 police forces executing Op Drive Insured this week in a national crackdown on uninsured motorists, the IFB is urging drivers to watch out for ‘Ghost Broking’ scams or face the consequences for driving without insurance.
Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said:“Clearly, fraudsters are attempting to take out a high volume of fraudulent car insurance policies so they can profit at the expense of insurers and honest consumers. This is a serious problem and I believe the figures we’ve uncovered only begin to scratch the surface.
“With police forces upping their efforts to crackdown on uninsured driving, it’s essential that consumers aren’t tempted by ‘too good to be true’ car insurance deals on social media. They’re entirely fake and will result in the driver’s vehicle being seized for no insurance.
“If anyone has seen evidence of a suspicious motor insurance deal, it should be reported to our confidential Cheatline on 0800 422 0421 or at www.insurancefraudbureau.org.”
Ghost Brokers’ operate by tempting victims with unrealistically cheap prices up front, despite the fact insurance is meant to be priced based on the risk of the individual. Once they’ve caught their victim’s attention, they’ll encourage contact through popular end-to-end encrypted messaging software such as WhatsApp to keep illegal dealings in private.
The IFB has seen its percentage of investigations into ‘Ghost Broking’ double in recent years and believes tens of thousands of motorists could unwittingly be driving with fraudulent cover, who will face serious consequences when caught out by the police.
So far this year over 100,000 uninsured drivers have had their vehicle seized.
Drivers without valid insurance also face a £300 fixed penalty notice and six licence points. If the case is taken to court, they could also receive an unlimited fine and/or a driving ban.
Detective Chief Inspector Edelle Michaels, Head of the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said:“The Op Drive Insured campaign has been an important reminder to the public of the consequences of driving uninsured. Whilst some drivers may knowingly be uninsured, there are many who do not realise that they are driving without valid insurance, having purchased their policy through a ‘Ghost Broker’.
“IFED has investigated a number of cases in 2021 which have exposed the immoral tactics used by these criminals to catch out their victims, including two young men who took advantage of their peers being charged high insurance premiums, and an individual who pretended to help those looking to insure their first vehicle in the UK.
“It really is crucial to check that the person you are speaking with is the real deal. It is quick and easy to find out if a broker is authoriser, simply check the FCA or BIBA website – it could end up saving you a lot of money and help you to avoid issues in the long run.”
Avoiding fake car insurance deals
Consumers are urged to avoid deals on social media or messaging apps and to only purchase car insurance through reputable sellers.
If buying directly through an insurer they should appear as a registered member of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
Checks can also be made to see Insurance Advisors are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Anyone with evidence of an insurance scam should report it to the police and the IFB’s Cheatline which is quick, easy and confidential to use. The Cheatline can be contacted online or via a phoneline (powered by Crimestoppers) on 0800 422 0421.
Insurance fraud reports can also be submitted to Action Fraud.
The hype around Black Friday leads some shoppers to make impulse buys they later regret – with many using credit or borrowing from friends and family to fund their purchases, Which? has found.
Which? surveyed 2,000 members of the public to find out how they felt about items they bought in last year’s Black Friday sales and found that the majority who bought something in the 2020 sales regretted their purchases across five of the seven product categories featured.
Three-quarters (76%) of people who bought DIY products in the Black Friday sales later regretted these purchases.
Two-thirds (66%) of people who bought home appliances, nearly two-thirds (64%) who bought baby and child products, six in ten (58%) who bought health and beauty products and more than half (53%) who bought homeware or furniture also said they regretted their purchases.
The other two categories – clothing, shoes and accessories, and tech products – saw half (49%) and four in ten (41%) of shoppers feel regrets, respectively.
Three in ten shoppers (28%) who bought DIY products had to use credit or borrow from friends or family to pay for their goods, because they did not have the funds themselves.
Borrowing because they had no other way to pay was also common among customers who bought baby and child (24%), homeware or furniture (20%) and health and beauty products (20%).
The hype surrounding Black Friday can lead people to make rash decisions, sometimes skipping steps they would usually take before buying, such as shopping around and checking product reviews.
One in five people (20%) who bought home appliances felt pressured to rush into a purchase. These figures were even higher for people who bought DIY products, with 22 per cent feeling pressured.
To guard against any rash purchases, Which? advises consumers to do some research ahead of Black Friday, keeping an eye on prices for any potentially significant purchases before this year’s deals are announced so they have something to compare them to.
Previous Which? research has found that Black Friday deals are cheaper at other times of the year. The consumer champion’s Black Friday deals guide identifies the deals that offer the best discounts and is a helpful resource for shoppers to check during the sales.
If something catches their eye on the day, consumers can also use price tracker websites to help establish if they are getting the best price and check Which? reviews to see if a product is a Best Buy.
Ele Clark, Which? Retail Editor, said:“Our research has found that many people regret Black Friday purchases, as the hype around the sales pushes them to make rash decisions.
“More worryingly, some told us they had to borrow or use credit in order to fund their purchases, which could impact their credit score if they can’t clear the debt.
“Don’t feel rushed into making an impulse purchase. Thinking about what you genuinely want or need to buy in advance of Black Friday, checking product reviews and researching the item’s price history will help ensure you stay within budget and get the best value for money in the sales.”
