Almost £6 billion has been invested to support low income households across Scotland over the last three years.
More than a third of that total, around £2.18 billion, has directly benefitted children as the Scottish Government prepares to publish its Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan for 2022-2026.
On Thursday (24 March) Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison will update Parliament on the national mission to break the cycle of poverty for thousands of families.
The Delivery Plan for 2022-26 builds on the work of ‘Every Child, Every Chance’, published in 2018. It introduced a range of new supports through Social Security Scotland, including the Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grants, and employability services such as Fair Start Scotland.
Ms Robison said: “In the face of UK government austerity, combined with the deeply damaging £20 cut to Universal Credit, our investment over the last four years to support low income families has had a significant impact. But there is still more we must do to deliver the transformational changes we all want to see.
“Our second Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan will be a plan for all of Scotland. All parts of society have a role to play in our national mission to end child poverty. This is a collective effort across society to deliver for our future generations and break the cycle of poverty once and for all.
“Our ambitious measures are already delivering considerable support to children and families compared with other parts of the UK – for example, through free childcare and employment support, maximising incomes and affordable housing and, of course, social security.
“We remain the only part of the UK to have five family benefits, including the Scottish Child Payment, which was designed to tackle child poverty head on. Combined with our three Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods, low income families receive up to £8,400 of financial support by the time their first child turns six.
“Our budgets may be fixed, powers limited, and the scale of the challenge as we emerge from the pandemic has increased. However, we are determined to do everything within our powers to give the children of Scotland the opportunities they deserve to succeed.”
Easter Saturday at the Races 200419
Picture: Alan Rennie
Musselburgh Racecourse will open its gates and welcome back spectators to its spectacular Easter Saturday Raceday for the first time since 2019.
The Betway Easter Saturday featuring The Queen’s Cup is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar and its return has been widely anticipated by racing enthusiasts and those in search of a great day out over the holiday weekend.
With incredible first-class racing and entertainment, the East Lothian track will host around 6,000 racing fans who will be able to enjoy an afternoon of top-quality racing, delicious street food stalls and various food and drink options throughout.
Easter Saturday, featuring the prestigious £100,000 Queen’s Cup, received the royal seal of approval from Her Majesty The Queen herself, and will be the feature race of the day. Musselburgh is also delighted to welcome back the team from ITV who will be covering four races live on ITV4 Racing.
Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, commented on the return of Easter Saturday: “We are all delighted to welcome our racing fans back to the course.
“We haven’t been able to allow race goers to Easter Saturday for the past two years, and as its one of our major flagship races of the year, we are thrilled to provide a destination for couples, friends, families, and groups looking for an Easter get together with a difference.”
Chad Yeomans, Betway’s Head of Communications and PR said, “The Betway Easter Saturday fixture is a great meeting that in 2022, will see the return of racing fans to Musselburgh racecourse.
“The Betway Queen’s Cup is the feature race on the card and is a great staying handicap while the Betway Holyrood Handicap promises a competitive dash over five furlongs.”
Kids Go Free!
For those families looking to bring the little ones, there will be a dedicated kid’s zone featuring the return of the hugely popular Easter Bunny, free game stalls, free fairground rides for all ages and free face painting. The best bit is kids 17 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Times are extremely hard for many now, especially those who have lost someone during the last two years.
The mental health of the bereaved has particularly suffered during these uncertain times, so a not-for-profit funeral director has launched Caledonia Funeral Aid which aims to provide an extra support system for recently bereaved people in Edinburgh.
Caledonia Funeral Aid is an extension of the work of Caledonia Cremation – a social enterprise funeral directors set up tofight funeral poverty by offering not-for-profit cremations.
Since their inception in 2018, they have been supporting Scots facing the additional stress of not being able to afford a funeral. During that time, the social enterprise found the support required wasn’t just financial, but practical and emotional too. So, they have extended their offer by launching Caledonia Funeral Aid.
Co-founder John Halliday explained: “We have learnt that just providing a not-for-profit funeral wasn’t enough – people needed more. By setting upCaledonia Funeral Aid– we will provide full emotional and practical support to the recently bereaved.
“We will providea trained coach and funeral support workerto help Edinburgh residents who have experienced a bereavement in the past 6 months.This support will focus on their emotional needs. We will deeply listen to their needs and give them a safe and trusted place in which to discuss their loss and the impact on their lives.
“We are delighted to launch this initially in Edinburgh, thanks to funding from Edinburgh Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. However, our aim is to launch this nationwide very shortly.
“With the average cost of a basic funeral sitting at £4,000, we receive calls from many people, especially those experiencing in-work poverty or students, who just can’t afford that amount. They don’t qualify for financial help and have nowhere to turn. We never turn anyone away and through the fundraising efforts of Caledonia Funeral Aid we hope to extend our help to even more bereaved Scots nationwide.
“We accept donations through our website and our team are also doing all the Kiltwalk this year so anyone wo wants to help us support more bereaved Scots can find a way to do so online.”
Those wishing to access the support can call 03000 11 33 01.
Pictured: India Winston and Lauren Boland ‘Scotland Connected’, a large-scale artwork created to mark Scotland’s Census. The 4 metre by 2 metre artwork visited Edinburgh on Sunday where locals coloured in sections and found out more information about filling in the census.
‘Scotland Connected’ completed its tour of the nation’s communities on Sunday as it visited the heart of Edinburgh on Census Day.
Created by the Edinburgh-based artist, Pilar Garcia de Leaniz, the artwork represents the fabric of Scotland, its people and the role of the census, an official count of everyone in Scotland which is used to plan vital public services and inform investment in areas such as education.
The census is a unique count of everyone in Scotland; it is used to plan vital public services and inform investment in areas such as education, transport, health and social care.
For the first time it is anticipated that the majority of census responses will be made online, with paper questionnaires available for those who wish to use them.
More than one million households had already completed Scotland’s Census 2022, ahead of Census Day on Sunday.
These households are making sure their contribution count when it comes to important services in their communities, from health and social care, to transport and education.
It’s essential that everyone in Scotland takes the time to fill in the census to ensure that every household is heard and their needs captured; it’s also a legal responsibility.
The artwork – which represents the fabric of Scotland, its people and the role of the census – was met by Pilar Garcia de Leaniz, the artist who designed it, and Registrar General and Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland (NRS), Paul Lowe.
Pictured: Lara Fabiani and Gary Moncreith ‘Scotland Connected’, a large-scale artwork created to mark Scotland’s Census. The 4 metre by 2 metre artwork visited Edinburgh on Sunday where locals coloured in sections and found out more information about filling in the census.
Paul Lowe said: “To reach one million completed returns, ahead of Census Day on 20 March, is an amazing milestone. I want to thank everyone who has participated so far. I am delighted to see such a terrific response from the people of Scotland.
“The census only happens every ten years and its results will be important for generations to come. By taking a few minutes to answer questions about yourself, your household, and the place where you live, everyone plays a vital role in helping shape important services in your community, from the building of new schools and hospitals to improving transport links and understanding health needs.
“These one million households have ensured their voices have been heard. Make sure yours is too. It’s quick and easy to complete online, with paper forms available for those who need them.
“Help and support is available on our website census.gov.scot or via our free helpline 0800 030 8308.”
Pictured: India Winston ‘Scotland Connected’, a large-scale artwork created to mark Scotland’s Census. The 4 metre by 2 metre artwork visited Edinburgh on Sunday where locals coloured in sections and found out more information about filling in the census.
Pilar de Garcia Leaniz added: “It’s been great to see communities across the nation fill in the ‘Scotland Connected’ artwork and bring it to life. It’s inspired by the people of Scotland as well as the role of the census.
“I’m proud to have been part of this exciting project and hope it will continue to help encourage the nation to fill in the census”.
Census Day was 20 March but households have been able to complete their return since 28 February. Responses should reflect their circumstances on Census Day itself.
The census asks questions on a range of topics, including the types of accommodation people stay in, household relationships, age, sex, health and employment status.
New questions for the 2022 census include use of British Sign Language (BSL), passports held, previous armed forces history and new voluntary questions on sexual orientation and trans status.
Census letters have been issued to more than 2.7 million households representing 5.5 million people.
A census of the population has been taken every 10 years in Scotland since 1801, with the exception of 1941, because of World War Two and in 2021 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
You can still complete online and on paper. For more information and to complete the census online, visit census.gov.scot
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is working with businesses across Scotland to help them prepare for a potential lack of water this summer.
Today on World Water Day, it’s emerging parts of the country could struggle in the coming months with insufficient resources due to a particularly dry winter. New data reveals January this year was the seventh driest on record for the East coast. Groundwater levels are also still low despite a series of storms in February, and without average rainfall through spring and summer, there is a risk of water scarcity particularly in Angus.
Water scarcity is just one indicator of Scotland’s changing climate. With more extreme weather and a projected decrease in summer rainfall, many places could face pressure on water resources even if they have not experienced this before. As well as the ecological impacts – food and drink production, hydropower generation and other business activity reliant on a consistent water supply could also be affected.
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “In recent times Scotland has experienced some of the driest conditions we have seen for many years, bringing water scarcity impacts for many businesses and households across the country.
“With climate change at the forefront of all our minds, the need to conserve water as one of our most precious natural resources is more crucial than ever.
“Indeed, the most recent report from the Climate Change Committee confirmed that drought will become more prevalent in years to come as summers in Scotland get drier and hotter. That’s why I urge everyone to use water wisely and to take advantage of the advice and guidance offered by SEPA and Scottish Water – it benefits all of us, is good for our economy and our planet.”
SEPA is responsible for the forecasting, monitoring, and reporting of the situation facing Scotland’s water resources and produces regular water scarcity reports between May and September.
However, due to the severity of impacts last year, reports were also published outside of this period. This work, along with wet weather research, will better equip Scottish communities and organisations to innovate, adapt and prepare for future increased impacts.
Businesses also have a role to play in managing our water environment, and efficient use of resources can lead to economic and environmental benefits. SEPA helps organisations do this in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, hydropower, golf, and whisky production.
Girvan Early Growers, a co-operative of local farmers in Ayrshire, has already felt the pressures of water scarcity in previous years and works with SEPA in becoming more resilient.
Chairman of Girvan Early Growers, Andrew Young, said: “I have been a farmer for more than 40 years and last year was the driest I have seen in my lifetime. We simply can’t grow high quality potatoes and carrots here without access to water.
“By working closely with SEPA, we can plan where the best locations are to grow our crops. We can also be flexible and abstract water from different sources depending on where the pressures are.
“Simply having that awareness and a clear back-up plan for drier months, allows us to operate our business as effectively as possible.”
SEPA’s Head of Water and Planning, Nathan Critchlow-Watton, said: “It is vitally important that Scotland is prepared to deal with water scarcity now and in the future. Businesses should use the information available to them to make informed decisions about reducing their reliance on water and to plan for and manage water scarcity events.
“Water abstractors licenced by SEPA should have a plan to deal with the range of conditions they may experience. They should monitor their water usage and equipment to ensure they are operating at maximum efficiency and avoiding any unnecessary leakage. Businesses are also being encouraged to work together and plan abstractions accordingly to minimise any potential impacts.
“SEPA can provide advice and guidance on a series of straightforward steps that can be taken to reduce pressure on Scotland’s water environment. However, if businesses deliberately fail to follow the abstraction guidelines set out by SEPA this may result in enforcement action.”
Business can find out more information about water scarcity and how to prepare on SEPA’s website.
UP TO £660 PER YEAR COULD BE SLASHED FROM HOUSEHOLD INCOME
In a letter to the chancellor last week, the Bank of England stated that it expected inflation to be “around 8 per cent” this spring. With Universal Credit set to rise by just 3.1 per cent in April, families with children on universal credit now face a real-terms cut of around £660 per year, on average.
This is an increase on Child Poverty Action Group’s original analysis which showed a cut of £570, when inflation was expected to be 7.25 per cent.
The £20 cut to universal credit last October plunged out-of-work benefits to their lowest level in 30 years. Latest analysis shows that the picture for families is going from bad to worse.
Without government action, families will be pulled deeper into poverty. Increasing benefits by anything less than 8 per cent risks pushing those with already stretched budgets past breaking point.
Anti-poverty charities wrote to the Chancellor last weekcalling for a minimum 7% benefits rise:
Prices are rising at the fastest rate in 30 years, and energy bills alone are going to rise by 54% in April. We are all feeling the pinch but the soaring costs of essentials will hurt low-income families, whose budgets are already at breaking point, most.
There has long been a profound mismatch between what those with a low income have, and what they need to get by. Policies such as the benefit cap, the benefit freeze and deductions have left many struggling.
And although benefits will increase by 3.1% in April, inflation is projected to be 7.25% by then. This means a real-terms income cut just six months after the £20 per week cut to universal credit.
Child Poverty Action Group’s analysis shows families’ universal credit will fall in value by £570 per year, on average. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has calculated that 400,000 people could be pulled into poverty by this real-terms cut to benefits.
The government must respond to the scale of the challenge. Prices are rising across the board. Families with children in poverty will face £35 per month in extra energy costs through spring and summer, even after the government’s council tax rebate scheme is factored in. These families also face £26 per month in additional food costs. The pressure isn’t going to ease: energy costs will rise again in October.
A second cut to benefits in six months is unthinkable. The government should increase benefits by at least 7% in April to match inflation, and ensure support for housing costs increases in line with rents. All those struggling, including families affected by the benefit cap, must feel the impact.
Much more is needed for levels of support to reflect what people need to get by, but we urge the government to use the spring statement on 23 March to stop this large gap widening even further. The people we support and represent are struggling, and budgets can’t stretch anymore.
Alison Garnham, Chief Executive, Child Poverty Action Group
Emma Revie, Chief Executive, The Trussell Trust
Graeme Cooke, Director of Evidence and Policy, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Morgan Wild, Head of Policy, Citizens Advice
Dan Paskins, Director of UK Impact, Save the Children UK
Imran Hussain, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Action for Children
Thomas Lawson, Chief Executive, Turn2us
Sophie Corlett, Director of External Relations, Mind
Dr Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive, Oxfam GB
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, Age UK
Eve Byrne, Director of Advocacy, Macmillan Cancer Support
Kamran Mallick, CEO, Disability Rights UK
Katherine Hill, Strategic Project Manager, 4in10 London’s Child Poverty Network
Karen Sweeney, Director of the Women’s Support Network, on behalf of the Women’s Regional Consortium, Northern Ireland
Satwat Rehman, CEO, One Parent Families Scotland
Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness
James Taylor, Executive Director of Strategy, Impact and Social Change, Scope
Irene Audain MBE, Chief Executive Scottish, Out of School Care Network
Steve Douglas CBE, CEO, St Mungo’s
Richard Lane, Director of External Affairs, StepChange Debt Charity
Robert Palmer, Executive Director, Tax Justice
Claire Burns, Director, The Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS)
The Disability Benefits Consortium
Dr. Nick Owen MBE, CEO, The Mighty Creatives
Peter Kelly, Director, The Poverty Alliance
Elaine Downie, Co-ordinator, The Poverty Truth Community
Tim Morfin, Founder and Chief Executive, Transforming Lives for Good (TLG)
UCL Institute of Health Equity
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Director, Women’s Budget Group
Natasha Finlayson OBE, Chief Executive, Working Chance
Claire Reindorp, CEO, Young Women’s Trust
Businesses in Scotland are also calling for the Chancellor to announce new measures to help with rising costs ahead of his Spring Statement tomorrow, according to a recent survey from Bank of Scotland.
As inflation hits the highest levels seen since 1992, over half (55%) of Scottish businesses said that direct help with energy bills and rising costs tops their wish list for the Chancellor. This was followed closely by calls for a reduction in VAT, cited by two-fifths (40%), while almost a quarter of firms (23%) want increased funding to help create new jobs and develop skills.
Rising prices remain a key challenge for business. Almost half (46%) of respondents said they are concerned about having to increase the costs of goods and services and over one in ten (14%) stated that inflation is reducing profitability. Almost one in ten (9%) said rising prices had caused them to worry about having to make staff redundant and a further one in ten (9%) were concerned about not being able to pay their bills.
To help specifically with rising prices Scottish businesses are asking the Chancellor for a VAT reduction (46%), while a third (35%) have called for grants to cover rising energy costs. A further quarter (23%) called for grants to support investment in energy saving measures.
The data comes as businesses face continuing supply chain challenges, which are reducing the availability of stock (40%), causing hikes in freight costs (39%) and disruption through Rules of Origin and VAT requirements from EU suppliers (33%).
Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:“Rising prices are causing multiple challenges for businesses across Scotland and the pressure from inflation shows no sign of abating in the near-term.
“As we wait for the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, we’ll continue to remain by the side of business in Scotland and support the country’s ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic.”
Responding to the ONS public sector finances statistics for FebruaryChancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said:“The ongoing uncertainty caused by global shocks means it’s more important than ever to take a responsible approach to the public finances.
“With inflation and interest rates still on the rise, it’s crucial that we don’t allow debt to spiral and burden future generations with further debt.”
“Look at our record, we have supported people – and our fiscal rules mean we have helped households while also investing in the economy for the longer term.”
All will be revealed when the Chancellor delivers his Spring Statement (Budget) at Westminster tomorrow.
