The UK Government has extended the voluntary National Insurance deadline to 31 July 2023 to give taxpayers more time to fill gaps in their National Insurance record and help increase the amount they receive in State Pension.
This comes after members of the public voiced concern over the previous deadline of 5 April 2023.
The deadline extension was announced in a Written Ministerial Statement last week (7th March) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging taxpayers to ensure they don’t miss out.
Anyone with gaps in their National Insurance record from April 2006 onwards now has more time to decide whether to fill the gaps to boost their new State Pension. Any payments made will be at the lower 2022 to 2023 tax year rates.
As part of transitional arrangements to the new State Pension, taxpayers have been able to make voluntary contributions to any incomplete years in their National Insurance record between April 2006 and April 2016, to help increase the amount they receive when they retire. And after an increase in customer contact, the UK Government has extended the deadline l.to ensure people have time to make their contributions.
Victoria Atkins, The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “We’ve listened to concerned members of the public and have acted.
“We recognise how important State Pensions are for retired individuals, which is why we are giving people more time to fill any gaps in their National Insurance record to help bolster their entitlement.”
Thousands of taxpayers with incomplete years in their National Insurance record could be financially better off in their retirement if they make voluntary payments to top up any incomplete or missing years.
Seven people have been arrested after warrants were executed at nine properties in Edinburgh, East Lothian, and Midlothian, as part of a pre-planned operation following a series of violent incidents and fire-raising.
Today, Tuesday, 14 March, divisional officers, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, attended at addresses in the Niddrie, Gracemount and Craigmillar areas of Edinburgh, as well as Cockenzie and Gorebridge.
Five men – aged 23, 23, 30, 30, and 32 – and a 16-year-old male youth – have been charged in connection with a series of offences, a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and all will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 15 March, 2023. A 23-year-old man was released pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Petrie, Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Today demonstrates our commitment to tackling violence in our communities and apprehending those involved.
“This day of action has been the culmination of extensive investigatory work over a number of months.
“Throughout the investigation we have utilised detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland and we will continue to do so as our enquiries remain ongoing.”
Superintendent Mark Rennie, who is responsible for operational policing within Edinburgh, said: “These arrests reinforce our determination to target those involved in violence and organised crime.
“I want to reassure the public that we will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to relentlessly pursue individuals who engage in violence within this city.
“I would encourage members of the public with information, or any concerns, to come forward so we can take action.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be given anonymously.
The awards celebrate the tech industry’s most exceptional talent recognising all stages of the career journey from apprentices to C-Suite, creating role models to inspire the next generation from the UK and beyond.
The FDM everywoman in Technology Award winners were announced at a ceremony in London on 9th March where 500 cross-industry tech leaders came to network and celebrate these exceptional women.
CYBER SECURITY AWARD – sponsored by BAE Systems
Awarded to a woman who is excelling in her role and making a tangible difference to her business in the field of cyber security
Eleanor Sim, Director Cyber Security Strategy and Architecture at Bupa, from Edinburgh
A lifelong technologist and passionate advocate of women’s careers in tech, Eleanor began her career as a security researcher at the National Cyber Security Centre (previously CESG) in Cheltenham, having achieved a first-class degree in Computer Science and AI.
It was here that Eleanor helped found Cyber First Girls a competition for UK schools, inspiring the next generation of young women to consider a career in cyber security.
Following a fulfilling and successful career in Government, she took on the role of Head of Security Architecture at NatWest Group, before moving on to become Director for Security Strategy and Architecture at Bupa in 2021.
Working for one of the world’s largest healthcare companies, she spearheads the security of business-critical projects and innovations that are improving the health outcomes of millions of customers, alongside her inspirational leadership and advocacy of both women in technology and Bupa’s Pride network.
Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywomancomments: “Since 2011, The FDM everywoman in Technology Awards are both a recognition and a celebration of the impact women are having on the technology industry worldwide and the diverse, fulfilling, and exemplary careers that women can have in technology.
“Over the past 14 years, the accomplishments, and stories of these talented women have and will continue to inspire future generations to pursue a career in an industry where women are underrepresented. Each winner is a role model whose remarkable achievements showcase the vital advancements technology has in saving, transforming, and improving lives, while also positively impacting the planet and ensuring the future of tech grows ever more diverse and inclusive.”
Mary Haigh, Chief Information and Security Officer at BAE Systems, said: “Cybersecurity underpins the digital revolution. It’s a challenging field requiring the most diverse and creative teams. That’s why we want to get more women into technology roles, so sponsoring this event made perfect sense.
“We send our best wishes and congratulations to all those shortlisted for this important award, which celebrates women making a tangible difference to their organisation in the field of cybersecurity. My own grandmother was called up to serve as a radio interceptor for Bletchley Park, reminding me that inspiring women, though often hidden, have been at the forefront of the digital revolution from the very start.”
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has a spring in its step with the launch of its family-friendly Easter Bunny Breakfast in its Edinburgh store.
Families in Edinburgh are invited along to Dobbies’ restaurant from 6 to 10 April to tuck into an egg-cellent breakfast, followed by a scavenger hunt around the store with the Easter bunny.
Children will also get the chance to take part in a hop-tastic workshop where they’ll plant up miniature carrots with Dobbies’ bunny and resident horticultural team, who both know a thing or two about carrots. Children will get to take home their planted miniature carrots as well as their own mini Maltesers bunny.
There will be a great selection of breakfast options, including a children’s cooked breakfast, also available as a vegetarian option, or cheesy beans on toast, all served with a choice of apple juice, orange juice or water.
Adults have the choice of a traditional or vegetarian cooked breakfast. If customers are looking for a lighter option, they can opt for a breakfast stack or a three-item breakfast roll. Each dish comes with the choice of a pot of tea or regular coffee.
Sarah Murray, Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager said: “Easter is a special time of year in the gardening calendar. It’s a great time to educate children on the variety of fruit and vegetables that can be grown in the garden and the seasonal plants and flowers that bloom in spring.
“Our Easter Bunny Breakfast in Edinburgh is a wonderful activity for the whole family, especially those looking after the kids over the Easter break. Seasonal events are very popular in-store, and we anticipate this selling out quickly. We’d recommend booking spaces in advance to avoid any disappointment.”
Dobbies’ Easter Bunny Breakfast is suitable for families with children aged 3-10 years old, children under 3 can still take part with the support of an adult. Children can enjoy the event for £9.99 per child, and adult tickets start from £7.45, inclusive of meals.
For more information about how to get involved in Dobbies’ Easter Bunny Breakfast in Edinburgh, visit www.dobbies.com/events
ITV Studios has teamed up with Reality+ to launch the Tracy Island Sandbox Experience, taking fans of the iconic Thunderbirds TV show further into the metaverse – F.A.B.!
An unmissable Tracy Island Sandbox Metaverse Experience has launched as part of Thunderbirds: International Rescue Club:
https://www.thunderbirdsclub.com
the exciting Web3 reimagining of the classic TV show’s unique style by ITV Studios and Reality+.
The special, time-limited Tracy Island event in The Sandbox Metaverse (https://www.sandbox.game/) will run for two weeks from March 13th and give fans the opportunity to join forces with their favourite Thunderbirds characters to take on quests in and around the famous top secret International Rescue HQ.
The Tracy Island Sandbox Experience consists of 15 quests and mini-games with a plethora of Easter eggs and information about the original TV series. Leveraging the benefits of Web3, fans can also browse the various digital collectibles, including a huge gallery take over in the Thunderbird 2 hangar, and a special voxel exhibition curated by Lady Penelope herself.
As part of the game’s play-to-earn mechanic players will have the chance to win a slice of The Sandbox’s monthly prize pool fund (1,150,000 SAND, The Sandbox Experience currency, equivalent to £500,000), plus mystery gifts.
Part virtual real estate, part amusement park, The Sandbox fully embraces the idea of the metaverse as a continuous shared digital space, in which players and brands can build, own, and monetise their experiences on the Ethereum blockchain.
Thunderbirds is an iconic and much-loved British TV show, first broadcast in 1965, following the exploits of the Tracy family and their International Rescue service. The show was created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and is famous for its innovative use of marionette puppetry, or ‘Supermarionation’.
Reality+ helps worldwide brands transition to Web3 with bespoke product, community and development strategies, backed by an award-winning technology platform.
ITV Studios initially partnered with Reality+ in September to launch the first interaction of Thunderbirds: International Rescue Club, a premium, utility-focused Web3 experience that enabled fans to buy and trade officially licensed NFT digital artworks based on the classic TV show.
Owners of the NFT artworks were granted access to their own unique avatar for use in The Sandbox and now as part of the Tracy Island Sandbox Experience, which launches after a special month-long F.A.B.RUARY celebration of everything Thunderbirds, including new digital artworks reimagining iconic Thunderbirds characters vehicles.
The Thunderbirds: International Rescue Club community also became real life heroes when they generated over £15,000 to support the Dobrich Dog Rescue, as part of a real life rescue mission.
Going forward, ITV Studios and Reality+ will continue to develop and launch new features as part of the Thunderbirds: International Rescue Club, including community co-creation projects and interoperability of Thunderbirds NFTs with other partners.
Sustainability is central to the Thunderbirds: International Rescue Club philosophy, with The Sandbox partnered with Offsetra and Nori on carbon offsetting, plus WeForest to help reforestation efforts across the globe.
Reality+ Co-Founder Tony Pearce said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be working with ITV Studios, not only to help them push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of Web3 entertainment, but for the opportunity to take such an iconic TV show on an exciting new journey with its fans.
“We have already achieved so much with Thunderbirds: International Rescue Club, and with fantastic partners like The Sandbox there’s much more to come.”
Lucie Stoffers, Head of Brand & Licensing Global Entertainment, ITV Studios, said: “We are super excited to work with Reality+ and The Sandbox team to take the next step in our partnership and bring Thunderbirds to The Sandbox.
“This will allow Thunderbirds fans from around the world to discover Tracy Island and complete new Rescue Missions, as well as get access to a bespoke NFT collection.”
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Thunderbirds F.A.B Facts
(5) Thunderbirds is a British science fiction television series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, that first aired in the UK and globally between 1964 and 1966
(4) The show follows the exploits of International Rescue, a life-saving organisation equipped with technologically advanced rescue craft (Thunderbirds), launched from a secret base on Tracy Island.
(3) Gerry Anderson drew inspiration for the underlying Thunderbirds concept from a West German mining disaster known as the Wunder von Lengede (“Miracle of Lengede”).
(2) Thunderbirds was filmed using a form of electronic marionette puppetry (dubbed ‘Supermarionation’), combined with amazing scale model special effects sequences.
(1) In 2007, Thunderbirds came 19th in a Radio Times poll for the best science fiction TV programme of all time, and in 2013 it was ranked fourth in the Channel 5 list show 50 Greatest Kids’ TV Shows.
MYDG turns 25 years old and we want to celebrate with the community!
Wednesday 29th March 2023 from 6 – 8pm at Muirhouse Millennium Centre
Everyone is welcome to come along, share stories of MYDG, look at old pictures and videos, have food and celebrate.
Let us know if you are able to make it along and it would be great to see young people and their families, staff and volunteers past and present and anyone that has contributed to making MYDG what it is today
The Today programme is inviting its listeners to edit editions of Today to mark 20 years of its guest editors
BBC Radio 4’s Today is looking for communities of listeners from across the UK to get together in teams and submit their ideas for special editions of the programme, set to be broadcast in the summer.
Those wanting to take part are being invited to submit as a group an idea for their programme, along with an outline as to why they would make good guest editors.
Owenna Griffiths, editor of the Today programme, says: “For 20 years the guest editors have brought original ideas and a wide range of perspectives to the Today programme.
“This summer, we are asking listeners to take control. You might be part of a book club, a local sports team or decide to form a group with the people you work with or live nearby. Whatever forms the basis of your community, we want to hear how you would edit Today.”
The successful guest editors will be chosen by the Today editorial team, who will also seek the advice of a selection of former guest editors, as part of the process.
Each of the chosen teams will have the support of Today producers, who will commission radio pieces and interviews, to bring their ideas to air and make sure they adhere to the BBC’s editorial guidelines.
Every year the BBC Radio 4’s Today invites a series of high profile guest editors to design a show around what they’re most interested in. Over the last 20 years the guest editors have included Prince Harry, Angelina Jolie, Raheem Sterling, Jarvis Cocker and many others.
Dame Prue Leith who guest edited Today in 2020 says: “My advice to anyone wanting to guest edit the Today programme is to tell them one thing you would really love to do and have never done.”
Dame Prue asked the Today team to arrange a singing lesson, which was then broadcast, and says she found the experience “terrific”.
It’s not the first time Today has been guest edited by its listeners. In 2007 a group from Dyfed Powys Police took the editorial reins.
Guest editors usually provide ideas and inspiration and are responsible for between a third and a half of their programme’s output.
The listener guest edited programmes will be broadcast in August and will be in addition to Today’s usual Christmas guest editors, which will be announced later this year.
Foundation Scotland is supporting individuals to unlock their potential
Growing numbers of Scottish communities are setting up dedicated Education and Training grants programmes across Scotland, thanks to community benefit funds provided by the renewable energy sector and onshore wind farms.
Foundation Scotland has been able to support the distribution of more than 900 of these grants, worth over £1 million, since the first Education and Training fund was established in 2015.
These funds have been specifically set up to support individuals with costs that are a barrier to accessing college or university or to cover expenses for training programmes and skills improvement that help them enhance their employment opportunities.
Foundation Scotland has to date distributed over £150 million of funding to more than 12,000 organisations making a difference the length and breadth of the country. From local food banks and counselling services, to youth groups and training funds, they have awarded over 44,000 grants to charities, social enterprises and community groups across Scotland since they were established in 1996.
However, support for individuals seeking to take that ‘next step’ to fulfil their employment potential is less well-known.
Despite most university places being free in Scotland, the cost of attending can be prohibitive for many young people. Erin Morrison from Eastfield in North Lanarkshire recently received funds to help with rising costs relating to studies. Erin is now studying for a BEng in Civil Engineering and is the first person from her family to go to university.
She successfully applied to the Harthill, Eastfield and Greenrigg Education & Training Fund for a total grant of £3,300, which will be split into three payments during her university course, helping to subsidise many of the costs relating to studying.
Erin says: “I attended a school in a deprived area and was greatly affected by the SQA grade awarding system from 2020.
“Due to the lack of school funding, there are also very limited opportunities for students like myself. But I am now studying Civil Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, and I am the first person in my family to go to university.
“However, there are so many additional costs. The fund has been a big help to me, it definitely takes the pressure off. You really don’t understand how expensive textbooks are for university, there’s quite a lot that you need. Many people don’t take that into consideration, so it has really helped me out.”
Rachel Searle from Foundation Scotland said: “When individuals are supported to unlock their potential through training programmes and education, not only do they benefit, but the local economy does too.
“The majority of those who have been awarded funds would otherwise not have been able to access support to further their career goals. This untapped talent lives in every community, and this type of fund is helping individuals and communities to flourish and grow.
“Foundation Scotland will continue to support and promote these localised education and training opportunities as a key way to ensure community benefit funds reach into the heart of communities.“
More than £130 million from proceeds of crime invested to support young people to date
Projects supporting young people are to receive up to a total of £20 million of funding recovered from the proceeds of crime.
The funding, which reinvests criminal assets recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act, aims to provide support to young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system and communities impacted by crime.
A total of 29 organisations are to benefit from the sixth round of the CashBack for Communities programme.
They include GMAC Film, who support young people to kickstart a career in film-making as well as the Venture Trust and Aberlour Child Care Trust who both support young people with employment and other opportunities.
The programme holds a particular relevance to GMAC Film’s Chair of the Board, Kieran Howe, who took part in an early CashBack programme with GMAC 10 years ago. This experience played a significant role in his personal development and helped kickstart his career in filmmaking.
Kieran Howe, said: “It’s rare in life that we experience these kinds of full-circle moments. CashBack quite literally changed my life as a teenager, putting me on a path for a successful career in film-making.
“Being able to return to GMAC all these years later, and assist the team in delivering this programme as Chair, fills me with tremendous joy, and hope for the future of Scottish film-making talent.”
Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “To provide the best chances for their future, we should nurture all young people to fulfil their potential – through interventions which help reduce the risk of offending and that encourage positive behaviour.
“For the past 15 years, Cashback has helped millions of young people across Scotland to find better futures and reach their full potential and we know from first-hand experience the transformational impact the programme has had on young people’s lives.
“This phase of CashBack received more than 150 applications – the most ever – and our latest round of funding takes total investment in the programme to more than £130 million. This fund underlies our commitment to support young people to live full, healthy lives and help address some of the underlying causes of crime.”
Phase 6 of the CashBack for Communities programme will run from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026 with an increased overall programme budget of up to £20 million.
Organisations to benefit from the latest CashBack funding will be:
Organisation
Grant Award
*Aberlour Child Care Trust
£480,000
Access to Industry
£547,781
Action for Children
£645,695
*Avenue Confidential
£311,184
Barnardo’s
£1,010,623
basketballscotland Limited
£475,000
Bethany Christian Trust
£264,658
Celtic FC Foundation
£675,000
Cyrenians
£805,017
*Edinburgh Young Carers
£218,128
*Glasgow Media Access Centre Ltd
£241,515
Impact Arts (Projects) Ltd
£569,500
Mayfield and Easthouses Youth 2000 Project
£284,543
Ocean Youth Trust Scotland
£475,000
Police Service of Scotland
£298,154
Rangers Charity Foundation SCIO
£379,000
*RUTS
£423,474
Scottish Football Association
£1,570,000
Scottish Professional Football League Trust
£624,507
Scottish Rugby Union
£1,590,000
Scottish Sports Futures
£1,451,077
Scottish Youth Dance
£396,904
*Starcatchers Productions Ltd
£245,538
Station House Media Unit
£348,210
*Strengthening Communities for Race Equality Scotland –
GRANTON Information Centre welfare rights advisers Elvira and Pui-Kei will be delivering an advice and information session tomorrow at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
Come along if you have any questions about debt/benefits or housing!
