Month: February 2022

Over 90% of unpaid carers ‘ignored’ 

  • 91% of unpaid family carers feel ignored by the Government.
  • Almost nine out of ten (86%) unpaid carers either agree, or agree strongly, that successive governments have ignored the needs of unpaid carers for a long time.
  • 84% of survey respondents disagreed, or disagreed strongly, with the statement ‘I have confidence in the Government’s ability to improve the lives of unpaid carers’.
  • 49% of survey respondents said they’d had to use their personal savings because of their caring role.
  • 51% of survey respondents said they’d had to give up on hobbies or personal interests because of their caring role.

Findings from a new Carers Trust survey provide alarming evidence of a deep-rooted failure by successive governments to understand and meet the basic support needs of millions of people struggling to provide unpaid care for a family member or friend.

There is a near total sense among survey respondents of feeling abandoned by Government over a long time. Almost nine out of ten (86%) of unpaid carers agreed, or strongly agreed, that ‘successive governments have ignored the needs of unpaid carers for a long time’.

And only 1% of respondents (just 12 out of more than 1,500 unpaid carers who completed the survey) felt that politicians understand unpaid carers.

A separate poll of the UK public by research company Opinium for Carers Trust found that UK adults support the need for unpaid carers to receive more support from the Government.

According to the Opinium poll:

  • Four in five UK adults (80%) agreed that the Government needs to do more to support unpaid carers.
  • More than two thirds (68%) of UK adults agreed that all unpaid carers should receive financial support from the Government.
  • Almost half (46%) of UK adults did not agree that Carer’s Allowance is a fair level of support for an unpaid carer looking after a family member or friend for a minimum of 35 hours a week.

Unpaid carers being driven into acute financial hardship

Carers Trust’s survey results also demonstrated how many unpaid carers are being driven into acute financial hardship because of their caring role, with inadequate financial support from successive governments widely cited by survey respondents in their written responses.

Of those unpaid carers responding to a question on whether they had had to give up paid work because of their caring role, almost half (48%) said they had.

Financial pressures arising from giving up paid work are further exacerbated for many unpaid carers unable to claim Carer’s Allowance. The survey found that, of those responding to a question on whether they were receiving Carer’s Allowance, more than half (51%) said they were not.

A common complaint from survey respondents was how family carers of pensionable age stopped receiving Carer’s Allowance because they were receiving pensionable income, even though they were caring for a family member round the clock:

“I did [receive Carer’s Allowance] until I reached my state pension age, but as they class a pension as a benefit and you cannot get two “benefits” it was taken away. I have an underlying right to it though…Caring gets harder as you get older.”

Many unpaid carers receiving Carer’s Allowance complained that payment of £67.60 a week inadequately recognised the number of hours they spent on their caring role. They also felt the payment was not enough, given the complexity of needs many carers have to deal with. One carer commented that, after adding up all the hours he spent caring for his wife, he was earning just 50p an hour from Carer’s Allowance.

Responding to the survey findings, Carers Trust’s Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs, Joe Levenson, said: “Day in day out millions of unpaid carers play a crucial role, caring for family and friends and propping up our creaking social care system. But it’s clear from our survey that this is at great personal cost, and that unpaid carers are struggling to cope and feel marginalised and ignored by government.

“Reading the anguished responses from unpaid carers you get an overwhelming sense of how so many have been brought to breaking point. Unpaid carers are united in saying that they feel ignored and let down by the failure of successive governments to improve their lives, including through wide-reaching social care reform that could ease the responsibilities of care placed so heavily on family carers.

“That’s why the all too familiar practice of paying lip service to supporting carers while looking the other way must stop now. We welcome the UK Government’s recognition of the importance of unpaid carers in the recent adult social care white paper and are committed to working together to improve carers lives, but unpaid carers need ambitious and transformational change and they need it now.

“The Government could let carers know they have been heard straight away by introducing a national strategy for unpaid carers, to ensure their needs are a priority across government.

“And they should act on what unpaid carers have told us, putting them at the heart of this strategy so it’s able to deliver the transformational change that’s desperately needed – such as boosting Carer’s Allowance and making it easier to claim and funding regular breaks and respite for carers.”

In response to the survey findings, and on behalf of the carers who told us what was needed, Carers Trust is calling on Government to develop a new UK Government Strategy for Carers. ;

The strategy should include: improved availability of statutory care and support for people with care and support needs of all ages, so that unpaid carers’ caring roles are sustainable; improved support for unpaid carers themselves, including regular breaks and respite so unpaid carers can live a meaningful life alongside caring; a reform of Carer’s Allowance so that unpaid carers are better protected against financial hardship.

Carers Trust’s full set of recommendations for Government, as well as comprehensive findings from the survey, are available in its report, Pushed to the Edge:

pushed-to-the-edgeDownload

Police appeal following assault outside Balmoral Hotel

Police are appealing for information following a serious assault in the city centre.

Around 1.20am, on Sunday (6 February, 2022), a 39-year-old man was walking past the Balmoral Hotel in Princes Street when he was approached by man who was part of a group of people waiting at a nearby taxi rank.

An altercation took place which resulted in the 39-year-old sustaining an injury to his face. The victim attended the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and was released following treatment.

The suspect is in his mid-30s, bald and was wearing dark coloured clothing. He ran off over North Bridge towards the High Street following the incident.

Officers are reviewing any relevant CCTV images for any additional information on the incident or the suspect.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe from Gayfield CID said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident. We know the assault was seen by a large number of people who were waiting in a taxi queue and I am asking these people to contact us.

“Your information could important Also, if anyone has any recorded footage from either dash cams or personal devices, please check it as it could provide us with vital details which would assist us in identifying whoever is responsible.”

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 354 of 6 February, 2022. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where you can give your information anonymously.”

Celebration of community heroes making Scotland blooming beautiful

Entries open for annual initiatives

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful is inviting community groups working to boost their areas to join the 2022 Beautiful Scotland and It’s Your Neighbourhood initiatives.

Groups with an interest in improving their local environment – from cities and towns, to villages, parks or community gardens – are welcome to register and take part, with a deadline of 30 April 2022.

Run by the charity in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the projects give volunteers and groups the chance to benefit from expert support, resources and recognition for their efforts to protect and enhance their local places.  Our team of expert volunteers also provides mentoring throughout the year.

Following on from the success of last year’s theme of ‘Climate and Nature Friendly’, and joining the national celebration of Scotland’s stories, 2022’s theme will be the ‘Year of Stories’. 

Groups will have the option to build on last year’s projects or start new projects and focus activities around this, finding innovative and creative ways to tell the tale of their endeavours. Some ideas are:

  • install new interpretation panels to showcase your area’s history or natural wonders;
  • run a poster or short story competition for young people, with the winners displayed in a prominent location; or
  • use plants to tell a story.

In 2021, Keep Scotland Beautiful supported and celebrated the achievements of over 250 groups across Scotland. The dedicated volunteers overcame the challenges of the last year, finding new ways to look after and enhance the places they care about.

This year a full Beautiful Scotland competition will be held, after a two-year pause, with medal certificates, category awards including the prestigious Rosebowl, and discretionary awards being presented at a ceremony in the autumn. Judging will be held from 1-14 August 2022. There will also be a non-competitive option, allowing groups to connect with others and take part without the pressure of a judge’s visit.

Catherine Gee, Deputy CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful said, “The last year has been very important for action on climate change in communities.

“Volunteers across Scotland make a huge contribution to the essential work being done to tackle the climate and nature emergency we are facing, helping make Scotland clean, green and sustainable for nature and people. 

“As a recognition of this and of the challenges faced by groups over the last year, the registration fee for Beautiful Scotland was removed in 2021 and entry will also be free this year.

“We’d love people from well-established groups, through to those just starting out, to register for free support through the Beautiful Scotland or It’s Your Neighbourhood initiatives this year – joining a network of passionate people who they can share their stories with and learn from.”

Kay Clark, RHS Community Development Manager said, “It is brilliant to see that Keep Scotland Beautiful will be delivering these important campaigns in full this year.

“The standard of entries across Scotland is always incredibly high, and we cannot wait to hear the tales of what all the Scottish groups have been up to in this special story-telling themed year.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said, “Scotland’s Year of Stories is a chance to spotlight and celebrate all of the incredible tales that make our country so special. And stories that connect us to the natural world can help create a more sustainable future for Scotland, and a greener planet.

“We are delighted that Keep Scotland Beautiful is adopting the Themed Year for 2022 and getting involved in our programme, we can’t wait to see what activities and stories local groups come up with.”

Brenda Whitelaw, of Active Arden in Glasgow, said: “We found our assessor’s visit extremely useful in giving us ideas to establish our garden and his terrific knowledge about funders, other similar groups we could learn from, issues we could encounter and plants of course. The assessment report is very comprehensive and so useful to our group.”

An online information session will be held on Thursday 17 February, 18:00-19:00. Come along and find out about the year ahead, the support and resources available, how we’ll recognise your activities through the year and meet other communities and volunteers from across Scotland. 

All are welcome – please email for joining instructions if you aren’t already registered with Beautiful Scotland or It’s Your Neighbourhood. 

Silverknowes fire: man charged

A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fire raising incident in North Edinburgh.

The incident happened on Silverknowes Road in the early hours of Tuesday morning (8th February).

The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp said: “We are grateful to everyone who assisted with our investigation into this incident.”

Over 80% of renters already rent burdened as cost of living set to soar

New data reveals the shocking amount of money being spent on rent every month, on top of drastic cost of living increases set for April

  • Over 80% of renters are spending more than 30% of their take home pay on rent every month, with women hit the hardest
  • Almost one in three (29%) are spending more than 50% of their monthly pay on rent
  • Over 85% of women spend more than 30% of their income on rent, 10% more than their male counterparts
  • 59% of renters don’t believe their rent is affordable

New data by flatshare site SpareRoom reveals the shocking amount of money being spent on rent every month, with over 80% of renters spending more than 30% of their take home pay on rent, and almost one in three (29%) handing over more than 50% of their pay.

People spending more than 30% of their household income on rent are traditionally considered ‘rent burdened’, those who spend over 50% are considered ‘severely rent burdened’. SpareRoom’s data shows the majority of renters are currently ‘rent burdened’. This means many will already have difficulties affording necessities including food, transport and medical care on top of rent, not to mention finding money for increases in living costs come spring.  

With increased energy bills and national insurance costs looming, women are most likely to feel the pinch, with over 85% spending 30% or more of their income on rent, compared to 75% of men, highlighting the affordability gap between men and women.  

Unsurprisingly the data showed people in London, South East and South West England are spending more of their take home pay on rent than in other regions – 84% of Londoners, 83% of South East and 82% of South West spend over 30% of their salary on rent*.

The pandemic saw rents drop in London and increase everywhere else, but recent data from SpareRoom’s Rental Index now shows the capital’s rents are back on the up, which will no doubt cause more of an affordability issue for Londoners.

Matt Hutchinson, SpareRoom director comments: “The general rule of thumb for affordability has always been that you should spend around 30% of your income on rent.

“Even before the pandemic hit that definition felt outdated, but we’re about to see people’s financial situations hit hard over the coming months and years. With over 80% of the UK already rent burdened, and almost a third spending over half of their salary on rent, people are already feeling the squeeze.

“Although wages are rising, they aren’t growing fast enough to make up for cost of living increases that are rising at their fastest pace for 30 years**. This doesn’t just affect renters, it also makes life difficult for the huge numbers of young people who moved back home to their family over the course of the pandemic, not to mention those who were already there.”  

Survey conducted by SpareRoom in January 2022 with 11,130 respondents

* What % of your monthly take home pay goes on rent?

RegionOver 30% of salary on rentOver 50% of salary on rent
East Anglia80%29%
East Midlands73%25%
North East65%17%
North West74%24%
Northern Ireland52%13%
Scotland73%30%
South East83%32%
South West82%31%
Wales75%28%
West Midlands73%26%
Yorkshire and Humberside69%21%
London84%30%

** https://www.independent.co.uk/news/consumer-prices-inflation-london-rishi-sunak-jonathan-reynolds-b1996254.html

Holyrood approves Adult Disability Payment legislation

New benefit available in pilot areas from 21 March

The new Adult Disability Payment will open for applications in three pilot areas from 21 March 2022.

Legislation unanimously approved today by the Scottish Parliament means that working age disabled people, those with a long-term health condition and people who have a terminal illness should apply for disability assistance to the new Scottish system.

Applications will open first for those living in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles council areas.

This payment will be the twelfth to be delivered by the Scottish Government and will replace Personal Independence Payment, which is currently delivered by the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions.

Adults of working age with a disability or health condition, who are not already in receipt of Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance, and living in the pilot areas, will be the first to be able to apply.

Further council areas will be introduced in phases until Adult Disability Payment rolls out nationwide on 29 August.

People already receiving DWP payments will not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment. Their awards will transfer to the Scottish social security system automatically, beginning in August.

This will be done safely and securely so that people will still get the same amount of money, to the same account. The date of their first payment will be confirmed in writing before they transfer.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “The unanimous passing of the regulations for Adult Disability Payment is a significant milestone for Scotland’s social security system. It means we can now take a very different approach to delivering disability benefits – in comparison to the current DWP system – and our focus is on providing a positive and compassionate experience for people applying for and receiving our new benefit. 

“We know people have found applying for DWP disability benefits stressful in the past. That is why we have listened to their experiences and designed our new system to work for people, not against them. We are committed to doing things differently – we are ensuring that accessing Adult Disability Payment is as straightforward as possible and we will always start from a position of trust.

“Importantly, we have abolished assessments in the form currently undertaken by the DWP. Instead, and only where required, we will hold consultations between the person and a Social Security Scotland health or social care practitioner. Our consultations will not involve functional examinations.

“To ensure we don’t create a two tiered system as we complete safe and secure transfer, we are largely keeping the eligibility criteria for Adult Disability Payment the same, ahead of a two stage independent review of Adult Disability Benefit.

“This review will begin later in the year, to consider what further changes and improvements could, and should, be made in the future.”

Ivy on the Square celebrates the Six Nations Championship

This spring, The Ivy on the Square is proud to be celebrating the Six Nations Championship with an array of limited-edition cocktails. With the first games taking place in 1883, the Six Nations has spanned over three centuries, making it one of the most-loved events in the sporting calendar. 

Created by the restaurant’s talented bar team, each cocktail represents one of the six nations taking part in the championship. Delicious creations include the Scotts on the Rocks (top), (£9.75) featuring Plymouth gin, Chivas 12 year, ginger juice, lemon juice and clear honey, The Emerald Isle, (£9.75) consisting of Jameson, Lillet Rouge, Cointreau, lime juice, and a dash of whiskey barrel bitters (above).

Then there’s The G.O.A.T, (£9.50) a mix of Plymouth gin, Plymouth sloe gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup, garnished with a lavender sprig, 

Le Coqs, (£12.75) which includes, Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with The Ivy Champagne, 

English Rose, (£9.75) featuring Beefeater gin, Pimm’s and Elderflower cordial, topped with Fever Tree lemonade and garnished with a mint sprig, and finally the Zesty Italian, (£10.95) a tantalising mix of Malfy Aranciata gin, Barolo Chinato, Campari and a dash of whisky barrel bitters. 

Agata Lubera, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square, comments: “Now that the Six Nations has officially kicked off, we’re excited for Scotland’s patriotic fans to come together and join us in the heart of the city centre.

“We hope the latest additions to our already extensive cocktail menu will go down a treat as we honour this historical sporting event. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to enjoy the atmosphere the games bring to Edinburgh.”

The Six Nations Championship cocktails are available at The Ivy on the Square from Saturday, 5 February to Saturday, 19 March.

To book a table, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com

Inner city Edinburgh sees rental growth of 7.2% year on year

  • Average annual UK rental growth* has reached a 13 year high, with rents increasing to £969 (+8.3%) in Q4 2021, up £62 per month since the start of the pandemic 
  • The average rent now accounts for 37% of gross income for a single earner – up from a pandemic dip of 34% during most of 2021 but broadly in line with the 10-year average of 36%
  • Overall, average rents are up nearly 12% over the last five years 
  • Demand for rental properties in January was 76% higher compared to the New Year market between 2018 and 2021 
  • The stock of rental properties currently available across the UK is 39% lower than the five year average around this time of year
  • Inner city London has seen a rental growth of 11% compared to the same time last year -but the decline in rents during the pandemic means this has translated into an increase of just £18 per month in rent compared to March 2020

Average UK rents are tracking at almost £1000pcm – £62 more than at the start of the pandemic – against a backdrop of increased living costs squeezing households, reports Zoopla, the UK’s leading property portal, in its quarterly Rental Market Report.

UK rents squeeze disposable household income as cost of living rises

The UK’s average rental growth has reached a 13 year high, up 8.3% in Q4 2021, meaning households who agree new lets are now having to pay an additional average annual cost of £744, compared to the start of the pandemic (March 2020). 

This increase means that a single earner can now expect to spend 37% of their gross income on rent, which is up from 34% during most of 2021. However, this now brings the figure broadly back in line with the longer term average of 36% as rental growth rises in line with wage growth.

Even with the current sharp rise, the overall increase in UK rents over the last five years totals 12% thanks to the decline in rents seen in some areas during the pandemic. 

Rental market shrinks as demand creates fast-paced rental landscape

The New Year has seen heightened demand for rental properties, up +76% compared to the New Year markets between 2018 and 2021. Yet the supply of rental properties recorded in January 2022 in the UK is 39% below levels typically observed at the start of the year. This is creating competition in the market,  with the imbalance of supply and demand ultimately spurring rental growth. 

As a result, properties are being snapped up. In London, this means renters are having to move quickly to secure the perfect property with the time to let now averaging a fortnight, down from three weeks in late 2020. 

This shrinking stock of homes for rent can be attributed to a continued decrease in buy-to-let investment over the last five years.. As rents rise, more renters will be choosing to stay in their properties, limiting stock turnover. With supply squeezed, it’s likely that continued demand will underpin more modest rental growth in the coming months, especially in city centres.

However, as the spike in demand falls back – hampered by the increases in household costs – it will reduce pressure on supply, ultimately driving more local competition to attract renters in local markets. 

City centre rents continue upward growth trajectory 

Pandemic trends saw strong growth in rental demand in wider commuter zones as renters embraced the ‘search for space’, but demand has now recovered across the central districts of all  major cities including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester in a reversal of recent behaviour. This is largely driven by pent up demand from office workers, students, and international residents and investors who are looking for city centre living. 

This is a normalisation of rental behaviour as demand once again rises in more central zones – seen most prominently in inner London with rental growth of 11% compared to the same time last year. But given the steep fall in London rents during the pandemic, this translates to an increase of just £18 per month in rent compared to March 2020.

Gráinne Gilmore, Head of Research, Zoopla, comments: “Rents have risen sharply in recent months, amid a backdrop of rising living costs. But it is important to point out that in terms of rental affordability, in most markets rents are still close to the 10-year average. As demand continues to outpace supply, there will be further upward pressure on rents, but affordability considerations will act as a brake on large rises. 

“In addition, the January peak in rental demand will start to ease in the coming months, putting less severe pressure on supply, which will lead to more local market competition, and more modest rental increases.  

“The flooding of rental demand back into city centres thanks to office workers, students and international demand returning to cities means the post-pandemic ‘recalibration’ of the rental market is well underway.” 

James Evans, CEO at Douglas & Gordon, comments: “Since the beginning of the year, we have seen a clear trend of people coming back to London and the office. This has contributed to around a 40% increase in new lettings applicants compared to the same month last year.

“As there is also still a very restricted supply of properties, we’re seeing landlords achieve record prices, a high quality of tenant and almost no void periods. With competition for properties at the level it is, there are 35-40 new applicants for every rental property in London and around four offers received per agreed let, so tenants are having to put themselves in the best position possible to get the properties they want. 

“Following a strong sales market in 2021, and more confidence in future price increases in London, we are seeing more buy to let investors entering the market. With some of the recent legislation changes, the need for a quality agent is even greater.”

* Based on new lets as recorded by Zoopla

Care home fighting fit for 2022 with record occupancy rates

AN EDINBURGH care home has recorded a strong bounce back from the last two years of lockdowns – with record occupancy numbers as it looks to expand its team for 2022.

Despite the challenges brought on the care home sector, Cramond Residence is optimistic for the year ahead with occupancy rates up 65% on this point last year.

The home is set to hire additional members of staff to take its team to more than 100, in response to the continued growing demand.

Located in Cramond, the care home was launched in late 2018 and offers uncompromising nurse-led care, as well as respite and dementia specialist services and offers small group living in nine luxuriously-appointed homes.

Throughout the pandemic it has been able to use its purpose-built layout and cutting-edge air filtration system and laundry facilities to minimise cross-infection.  


Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager at Cramond Residence said: “After an unprecedented two years for the industry, we finally have positive momentum.

“Our clients and their families are placing their trust in us and we’re thrilled to be reaching record occupancy levels.

“The biggest obstacle we now have to us providing care for more older people is recruitment. We’re hopeful that we can cut through the current workforce crisis by offering some of the highest salaries in Edinburgh, competitive terms and conditions and a great team environment.  

“Putting the wellbeing of our residents and staff has been and continues to be our main priority and as we continue on the path to normality, we are looking forward to increasing our offering over the coming months.”

The home is looking for applications from lifestyle coordinators, qualified nurses and catering assistants, with particularly high demand for nursing staff and care assistants.

Included in the home’s current offering for residents is a tailored monthly activity programme, curated by its dedicated lifestyle team, bespoke physiotherapy sessions by boutique physiotherapy experts, Balanced as well as specialist dementia care.

Throughout the duration of the pandemic, the home offered a range of virtual activities, including linking up with the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions to deliver a programme of interactive tours of some of Scottish most famous attractions, to keep residents stimulated and engaged.

Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents offering a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from a highly-trained team.

To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

WOW! Living Streets launches nationwide badge design competition

Pupils in Aberdeen were joined by special guests on Monday to celebrate the strides they have been making to get more active on the school run and to launch the search for the UK’s best young designers.

Cllr Malik, the Education Convener joined pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic RC Primary School in Aberdeen to hear first-hand the benefits they have experienced from walking to school.

St Joseph’s RC Primary School takes part in WOW – the walk to school challenge from Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking.

WOW is a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who walk, wheel, cycle or scoot at least once a week for a month are rewarded with a badge.

Cllr Malik joined Living Streets’ mascot, Strider, to hand out WOW badges to pupils who had travelled actively this month.

Councillor M Tauqeer Malik, Aberdeen City Council’s Education Operational Delivery Convener, said: “It is wonderful to be here today to celebrate the great work that the St Joseph’s pupils and staff are doing in partnership with Living Streets and which really ties in with our priorities as a Council.

“The health and wellbeing of our children and young people is at the heart of everything we do as can be seen from our progress towards becoming a Unicef -recognised Child Friendly City and last year’s unprecedented Summer of Play which saw us provide over 15000 free bookable activity sessions as we celebrated coming out of lockdown.  

“Congratulations to everyone involved in making St Joseph’s an even healthier and happier school”.

The school event also marked the launch of Living Streets’ WOW Badge Design Competition 2022. The charity is on the hunt for the UK’s best young designers and is asking children to design the 11 badges to be awarded to pupils next academic year. This year’s theme is ‘Walk Through Time’.

Chris Thompson, School Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “From Aberdeen to Aberystwyth, the hunt is on for the UK’s best young designers. Winners will have the pride of seeing their creations worn by pupils across Scotland, England and Wales.

“We’re encouraging pupils to stretch their imaginations and depict something from the past that they find really interesting and inspiring. This is an opportunity for originality and diversity to shine.”

To find out more about the WOW Badge Design Competition and how to enter, visit: livingstreets.org.uk/badgecomp2022