Day: September 2, 2022

Majority of professional landlords with large portfolios have no succession plan in place

Handelsbanken Wealth and Asset Management urges professional landlords to plan for the future

Most professional landlords with large portfolios (52%) have no succession plan in place, risking the future sustainability of their business for the next generation.

The findings, from local relationship bank Handelsbanken, also suggest a worrying lack of succession planning among older landlords, with half of those aged 45 or above lacking any long-term management plans.

According to Handelsbanken’s SME Landlord Survey Report 2022, which surveyed 120 professional landlords with at least four properties, more than a quarter (27%) of those with no succession plan said they had not had the chance to develop one yet, while 23% admitted it had simply not crossed their minds.

Around one in five (19%) said that they had no one to leave their portfolio to, while 15% stated it is simply not a priority for them – with the same proportion saying the process was just too complicated.

The study shows that landlords with smaller portfolios are far more likely to have taken steps to protect their portfolio from estate tax liabilities: an overwhelming majority (96%) of landlords across all age groups with a portfolio of four or five properties say they have long-term succession plans in place, compared to just 52% with more than 10 properties, suggesting that those with higher value estates are less concerned about the tax liability facing the next generation.

Among all those with a clear succession plan in place, more than half (54%) plan to convert their portfolio into a property development portfolio to attract business property relief, while 43% are considering a charitable trust, which would enable the handover of business to their heirs with minimal tax exposure.

Other popular options include family trusts (35%), family investment companies (28%) and acquiring agricultural properties to qualify for agricultural relief (26%).

Plans and solutions for succession planningPercentage of respondents
Converting portfolio to a property development portfolio to attract BPR54%
Charitable trusts43%
Family trusts35%
Family Investment Company28%
Acquiring agricultural properties for Agricultural Relief26%

Christine Ross, Head of Private Office (North) and Client Director at Handelsbanken Wealth and Asset Management, a subsidiary of Handelsbanken, said: “The success of buy-to-let over the past decade has created huge numbers of wealthy landlords – with a real need for dedicated financial and tax planning.

“Property investors with substantial portfolios often defer creating a wealth succession plan, but are prompted into action when considering the alternative – the need for their heirs to sell assets to meet the tax liability on death.

“A plan that includes the use of a family investment company or a trust may carry some initial tax cost, but if put in place early enough, has the potential to create far greater savings over the longer term.”

To read the full Handelsbanken’s SME Landlord Survey Report 2022, please click here.

WOW! Scottish pupils start off the new school year on the right foot

Pupils in Scotland are starting off the new school year on the right foot by leaving the car at home for the school run and instead walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting to school.  

Over 280 primary schools in Scotland are taking part in WOW – the walk to school challenge from Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking.  

Pupils at St Brendan’s Primary School in Glasgow launched a new year of WOW yesterday with a celebration event where they were joined by Strider, Living Streets’ mascot.  

WOW rewards children who walk to school at least once a week with a collectable badge each month, with ten to collect across the academic year. 

WOW schools see on average a 13 per cent increase in pupils walking to school in Scotland with a corresponding drop in car use, helping to reduce congestion and increase safety outside the school gates. 

Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland, said: “WOW is simple to run and pupils love to take part. Just a few minutes of a teacher’s day is all it takes to make a big difference. 

“We see a lot of dedication and enthusiasm from pupils and staff across Scotland and are thrilled that so many schools are taking part. We’re looking forward to families getting on their feet this year and experiencing the many benefits walking to school can bring to our health and happiness.” 

Mrs Gemma Rutherford, Headteacher, St Brendan’s Primary School, Glasgow said: “St Brendan’s is proud to host the launch of the Walk to School programme.

“Our pupils have been using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker for years now and they love having the opportunity to log their journeys each morning as they arrive at school in a fun, engaging and easy way.” 

Living Streets is being supported this year by children television presenter, Dr Ronx, who has joined the charity as the celebrity ambassador for WOW – the walk to school challenge.

The CBBC presenter and emergency doctor will promote WOW and the health benefits of walking to school for the 2022-23 academic year. 

Dr Ronx said: “I’m thrilled to be the new ambassador for WOW – the walk to school challenge from Living Streets.

“With notable increases in air pollution, rising childhood inactivity and post-lockdown poor mental health, encouraging children to be more active and ditching school run drives for more sustainable modes of transport is imperative.” 

Edinburgh Women’s Aid launches art competition to mark 50th anniversary

Edinburgh Women’s Aid, which opened its first refuge in 1973 has unveiled plans for a series of year-long events in 2023 to mark 50 years of providing support for tens of thousands of women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse, which includes a competition to design a commemorative artwork to be unveiled at an exhibition in January.

Events planned throughout the year will highlight and pay tribute to those who have provided support for women and their families over the past five decades, with everything from giving them a safe place to stay in a refuge, specialist housing support, legal advice and help securing employment.

The aim of the commemorative artwork is to showcase how the charity has evolved over the years, the ongoing support available to help keep victims of domestic abuse safe and forthcoming plans.

In addition to being launched at the 50th anniversary exhibition, the artwork will also feature on the cover of the charity’s printed and digital Impact Report and various other marketing materials, including pull-up banners, leaflets, website and social media. The winning artist will also receive a prize of £500.

Entries can be created in any medium and should be submitted with the entry form available on EWA’s website, www.edinwomensaid.co.uk, by the 1st of November 2022.

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, said: “2023 is such an important milestone for us, it gives us pause to remember the amazing women who came before us – who fought against the odds to get our first refuge in 1973, who provided support and sanctuary to countless women over the many years and those survivors who went on to their full potential after escaping abuse. 

“We’ll also be taking the time to think about ‘what next’ so that we continue to provide innovative and necessary services to women and children in Edinburgh.”

Women and children’s rights campaigner Lydia Okroj, who has worked with Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Scottish Women’s Aid for over 40 years and recently received an honorary doctorate from Stirling University in recognition of her outstanding work, said: “EWA, which has been at forefront of shaping support services, policy responses and legislation in the city, which has been informed by the women they have supported, have so much to be proud of as they reach their 50th anniversary.

“Although awareness of domestic abuse has come a long way since 1973, when EWA began to provide refuge and support to ‘battered wives’, the need for the charity to continue supporting women, children and young people remains the same today as it did then, which is why it is important to highlight this milestone.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many committed women over the past four decades and to have played a part in supporting survivors of domestic abuse and also to be involved in so many significant changes in legislation over the years, which will be showcased in some of the events planned throughout 2023.”

Adult Education Film Courses

BOOT SSD:Users:admin:Desktop:national_cinema_day_banner.jpg

Cinephiles – why not take advantage of National Cinema Day on 3rd September to see a £3 film and use the savings to sign up for one of the adult education film courses to view, analyse, and learn about films with a very experienced tutor who can offer insights into directors, script writing and context to add to your awareness and enjoyment.

The courses will include viewing clips or short films and time for discussion.

Choose from: 

Films of Paul Laverty & Ken Loach

At Queensferry High School    Monday evenings 6.30-8.30pm 

& Brunstane Primary School Thursday evenings 6.30-8.30pm 

or

Hollywood Greats 

At Queensferry Rosebery Hall Monday afternoons 3-5pm 

or

Scotland in Film 

At Craigroyston Community High School Friday afternoon 2-4pm 

These 10 week courses start from Monday 26th September 

Enrolling now on www.joininedinburgh.org 

Or ring 0131 556 7978 or 0131 469 3003

Standard fees £87.00 – Senior / student fees £43.50 – 

Benefits of all types fees £17.25

New national campaign marks the start of Sepsis Awareness Month

A leading sepsis charity and the Scottish Government have marked the start of Sepsis Awareness Month in Scotland today (1 September 2022) by launching a new national awareness campaign.

The charity Sepsis Research FEAT is working in partnership with the Scottish Government to run their first joint campaign since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign aims to help save lives by increasing public awareness of sepsis and how to recognise the key symptoms.

Sepsis is a deadly condition which takes the lives of more than 4,000 people in Scotland every year. It occurs when the body’s response to an infection spirals rapidly out of control, injuring its own tissues and organs which can result in multiple organ failure and death. 

The five key symptoms of sepsis highlighted in the campaign are:

  • Confusion 
  • Not passing as much urine as normal
  • Very high or low temperature 
  • Uncontrolled shivering
  • Cold or blotchy arms and legs 

If someone has any of these symptoms, becoming noticeably worse, this could indicate sepsis and urgent medical attention should be sought.

Sepsis Research FEAT previously worked with the Scottish Government on awareness campaigns in 2018 and 2019, reaching more than 1.3 million people across Scotland. Their latest partnership will build on this success with a nationwide multimedia campaign which will include commercial TV, radio, print and social media. 

This week the charity and Health Secretary Humza Yousaf kicked off the campaign and the beginning of Sepsis Awareness Month with a visit to the home of pioneering research study, GenOMICC at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute.

They were joined by two charity supporters from Edinburgh – Adam Liddle who lost his wife Emma to sepsis in 2020 and Aimee King whose son Corey was 18 months old when he almost died from sepsis in 2021.

Led by Professor Kenneth Baillie at the Roslin Institute, the world-leading GenOMICC project is increasing understanding of sepsis and helping to develop improved treatments for it by examining DNA samples from patients in intensive care units (ICUs) throughout the UK.

Sepsis Research FEAT has funded the study since 2018 and has just announced increased investment supporting a new pilot study, GenOMICC Acute, in which additional blood samples will be obtained from patients shortly after ICU admission, providing researchers with insight into what happens within a patient’s body when they are at their most critically ill.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government is continuing to work with Sepsis Research FEAT to raise public awareness of the symptoms and dangers of sepsis.

“Patient safety remains key to delivering safe and effective care to all patients every time they access healthcare services and the Scottish Government’s Scottish Patient Safety Programme continues to make progress in its action on sepsis. Focusing on early identification is critical and treatment within one hour of recognition has led to mortality rates among those identified at this stage falling by 21% since 2012.

“Sepsis Research FEAT plays a vital role in funding research into this devastating disease and in making the public aware of the symptoms, and the Scottish Government is supporting them in their efforts.” 

Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Sepsis Research FEAT, commented: “Sepsis Research FEAT is proud to mark the beginning of Sepsis Awareness Month 2022 with our new campaign in partnership with the Scottish Government.

“This will be our largest campaign yet and will help us reach an even greater number of people and educate them about the symptoms of sepsis that everyone in Scotland should know about. We are grateful to Mr Yousaf for joining us to help launch it with the incredible GenOMICC team at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute. 

“Sepsis is a medical emergency. It is a devastating condition that can kill a previously healthy adult in hours. Even those who survive are often left with long term physical or psychological effects.

“Sepsis Awareness Month, which is observed worldwide every September, is always an important time for our charity to spread the word about sepsis. We’re asking everyone in Scotland to get involved this year by sharing our awareness campaign and learning the five key symptoms to help save lives.” 

Sepsis Research FEAT is the only UK charity that exists to fund research into sepsis alongside increasing awareness of the condition. Sepsis Awareness Month – which includes World Sepsis Day on 13 September – is a key time for the charity to raise funds for vital research and this year it is doing this through a fundraising campaign called ‘Give us 5!’.

In order to highlight the five key symptoms of sepsis and also recognise the five lives tragically lost to sepsis every hour in the UK, supporters across the country are being encouraged to give five of something – this could be giving five minutes or hours of their time, taking part in a fundraising activity covering five miles on land or on water, or donating or raising £5, £500 or even £5,000.

More information about Sepsis Awareness Month and how to get involved are available at sepsisresearch.org.uk/sepsis-awareness-month-2 

Find out more about the new awareness campaign run by Sepsis Research FEAT and the Scottish Government at sepsisresearch.org.uk/national-awareness-campaigns 

Letter: Profits of Doom?

Dear Editor

Since the election of a Tory Government there has been such a severe reduction in living standards all over the country that poverty is being seen as normal.

This Tory attack on working people is deliberate policy. How else could these people be so incompetent and so wicked at the same time?

They are responsible for the continuing rise in prices daily. This autumn there has been a massive government-sponsored rise in the cost of living; the rise in electricity prices was a devastating blow to most people in the country; the price of fuel for cars, etc. has rocketed, giving the fuel suppliers millions of pounds in profits which was promptly given to shareholders while the price of heating and food rose.

The Tories now intend to show how much they don’t care as they have already announced a 10% increases later on this winter.

Yes, this is what the Tories will do and continue to do. All workers must do all they can to resist the Tories.

The sooner we get rid of them the better.

Tony Delahoy

£12,000 donation boosts services for Secondary Breast Cancer patients

Services for secondary breast cancer patients have received an unexpected boost after a surprise donation of more than £12,000. 

The cash will be used to further the work of Make 2nds Count, which campaigns to raise awareness of the little-known form of the disease, support patients and their families and fund education and research into secondary breast cancer. 

Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer,  secondary breast cancer is an incurable cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It can be treated, but  around 35,000 patients in the UK are living with the disease and the death toll here is, on average, a shocking 1,000 women each month. 

This significant donation comes from Challenge Breast Cancer Scotland, which has recently decided to close its operations and wanted the funds to continue to serve secondary breast cancer patients through Make 2nds Count. 

Moira Adams, Trustee of Challenge Breast Cancer Scotland, said: “It was a bittersweet moment to donate all of our funds to Make 2nds Count as we finally wind up our organisation, but we are confident that the money will be sympathetically and efficiently utilised for the benefit of breast cancer patients in Scotland.

“Our thanks must go to all our friends and supporters who have generously donated to our charity over the past 30 years. We wish Make 2nds Count every success.” 

Make 2nds Count was founded by mum Lisa Fleming, 38, of Edinburgh, who had no previous breast cancer diagnosis, warning signs or lump when she was told she had primary and secondary breast cancer.

Her aim is to support patients and families, educate and raise funds for research into the disease. So far her charity has raised more than £1million.  

Lisa said: “While we’re incredibly sad to see the end of Challenge Breast Cancer Scotland, we’re happy to carry the torch on their behalf and to continue the great work being done to support people diagnosed with this form of the disease.

“Our lifeline comes from donations and we are committed to doing everything we can to raise awareness, fund research and improve the lives of those living with secondary breast cancer.

“This is an important and much-needed boost for our work.” 

Children’s Hearings Scotland launches autumn recruitment campaign

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) has launched its’ autumn campaign to recruit new Panel Members to support infants, children and young people in their local communities.

Across Scotland, the organisation are looking to recruit volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds aged 18 and over who can listen, show empathy, build trust and show compassion to support this group of young people.

Panel Members are volunteers from local communities who take part in children’s hearings. Their role is to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people. They are there to ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision made – because every decision, no matter how big or small, has an impact on the life of the child or young person in the hearing.

All Panel Members, once selected, all take part in the CHS dedicated Learning Academy, in partnership with West Lothian College.  In addition to the training the Panel Member will also gain a Professional Development Award for ‘Children’s Hearings in Scotland: Panel Members’, a verified award by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Children’s Hearings Scotland National Convener and Chief Executive, Elliot Jackson, says:  “Scotland has an ambition to be the best place in the world to grow up, to make sure all children are loved, safe, respected and able to fulfil their full potential.

“For some children and families,  the Children’s Hearings System has a significant role to play in this ambition. Children’s Hearings couldn’t operate without volunteer Panel Members making decisions with and for children and young people.

“To do this, we are committed to having children at the heart of everything we do – including recruitment.

“This campaign comes at an exciting time of growth and change at CHS and is totally centred on what young people who have experience of children’s hearings, are telling us they want to see in their Panel Members.

“Qualities like being caring, compassionate, open minded, empathetic and a good listener. If you want to make a difference in your local community, I encourage you to take the opportunity this year to apply to join our unique volunteer community.”

Clare Haughey MSP, Minister for Children and Young People, said: “Panel Members play a critical role in ensuring children and young people’s views are heard by placing them at the heart of their hearing and, in the current challenging climate, it is vital now more than ever that we recruit new volunteers to continue this.

“This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, empathetic, caring panel who will listen to children and young people.”

Children’s Hearings Scotland is the organisation responsible for recruiting, training and supporting volunteer Panel Members.

There are 2,500 volunteer Panel Members across Scotland who take part in children’s hearings and make decisions with and for infants, children and young people in their local community.

In 2020/21 16,2481 children’s hearings were held across Scotland supporting 8,9771 children and young people. The majority of hearings during the pandemic have been held virtually which was a massive undertaking for our volunteers who managed to continue providing their support throughout.

There are a range of reasons that a child or young person may be referred to attend a children’s hearing; in the last year, approximately 85%¹ of all referrals were on care and protection grounds.

Applications for new Panel Members open on 01 September to midnight 6th October 2022 and you can apply by going online to:  https://chscotland.gov.uk/

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack formally opens Queen Elizabeth House

HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) Edinburgh Regional Centre and UK Government hub was formally opened yesterday (1 September 2022) by Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack MP.

Mr Jack unveiled a plaque at the flagship office, named Queen Elizabeth House, alongside HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, Jim Harra. Among those also attending the event were Scotland Office Director, Laurence Rockey, and the Advocate General for Scotland, Lord Stewart of Dirleton QC.

The state-of-the-art building at 1 Sibbald Walk is home to around 2,200 full-time equivalent (FTE) HMRC staff and around 640 civil servants from 24 other UK Government departments and agencies. Departments sharing the building with HMRC include the Scotland Office, Office of the Advocate General for Scotland and Department for International Trade.

The seven-storey UK Government Hub initially opened its doors to some civil servants during the pandemic on 1 September 2020 and on its second anniversary, the building has now formally been declared open.

Staff working from the site have already made a huge contribution to the country by working on the on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) which helped protect more than 910,000 jobs in Scotland, including 87,500 jobs in Edinburgh.

Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “It’s a privilege to officially open Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government’s state-of-the-art hub in the heart of Edinburgh.

“This flagship building will provide a base for more than a dozen UK Government departments which all have a key role in Scotland. 

“It is a fantastic facility and a huge asset as we engage with stakeholders, invest in communities and serve the people of Scotland.” 

Jim Harra, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, said: “It has been fantastic to finally celebrate the official opening of our Edinburgh Regional Centre and UK Government hub today.

“This modern development promotes an inclusive working environment and is an important part of HMRC’s transformation into a digitally-advanced tax authority.

“Queen Elizabeth House provides HMRC a greater opportunity to work closely with other UK Government departments to deliver our priorities such as supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis.”

HMRC also has a regional centre in Glasgow and a specialist site at Gartcosh. Earlier this year, the department announced they would retain a long-term presence in East Kilbride, which will become Phase 2 of the Glasgow Regional Centre.

External image: Hufton & Crow