Leader in aesthetic treatments Laser Clinics UK has announced it will be opening a clinic this April in Hanover Street naming Edinburgh as a priority destination for its ambitious UK expansion.
Laser Clinics is the largest cosmetic clinic company globally, offering state-of-the-art laser hair removal, vascular and pigmentation therapy as well as skin treatments, LED light enhancement and cosmetic injectables. It has over 200 stores globally and with an ambition to take the brand and services to over 100 destinations across the UK.
A spokesperson for Laser Clinics United Kingdom said, “We are very much looking forward to opening a clinic in Edinburgh. We assess all our locations carefully and it has always been a key destination in our expansion plans, we feel that we have found the ideal location at Hanover Street.
“We are already starting to build our team and would welcome applications from therapists already skilled in laser hair removal and skin treatments. At Laser Clinics we recognise that many of our services offer life changing benefits to our clients. Our Therapists and Clinicians often provide interventions that positively contribute to greater wellbeing, improved self-esteem and confidence.”
Laser Clinics United Kingdom, Edinburgh will offer the following services:
• Laser Hair Removal – Laser Hair Removal permanently reduces hair so you don’t have to waste time shaving, leaving you ready at a moment’s notice. Laser Clinics have treatments suitable for all skin types and offer complimentary consultations.
• Skin Treatments – Revitalise your skin by targeting any area – wrinkles, veins, pigmentation, acne or scarring, or simply create a more radiant complexion. Enhance, rejuvenate, refresh your skin with a range of non-invasive, professional treatments.
• Cosmetic Injectables – Wrinkles and volume loss are a natural part of the ageing process – as our skin gets thinner and our body decreases its production of natural collagen and elastin.
From dermal fillers to anti-wrinkle treatments, lip filler to chin sculpting, the experienced team at Laser Clinics can provide a tailored treatment plan to deliver on your aesthetic goals. Laser Clinics United Kingdom, Edinburgh will be located at 16 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EN.
Businesses in Scotland abstracting water from the environment are being urged to plan for possible shortages this summer, with some parts of the country already recording low river levels and dry ground conditions.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published the first water scarcity report of 2023, which shows parts of western, central and northern Scotland have reached Early Warning level for water scarcity.
It follows mixed conditions over the last six months, with winter drier than average across most of the country, in contrast to a mostly wet autumn. A particularly dry February has also contributed to lower than normal river flows and groundwater levels for this time of year.
Nathan Critchlow-Watton, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “Given the mixed weather we’ve experienced in autumn and winter, and the fact that some parts are already at Early Warning level, what happens next will shape the risk of water scarcity this summer. We can’t rule out a repeat of the water shortages businesses experienced last year.
“It’s vital that water abstractors licensed by SEPA have a plan to deal with water scarcity and we can help by providing advice and guidance on ways to reduce pressure on the water environment. Taking the right steps now will lower the likelihood of resources reaching a critical level again this summer and SEPA having to suspend licences to protect the water environment.”
SCOTLAND’S CHANGING CLIMATE
The latest IPCC report on climate change, published in March 2023, is clear that the window of opportunity to secure a sustainable future is rapidly closing and meaningful action is needed in all corners of the world.
Scotland is no exception. Although a country famed worldwide for its natural water environment and wet weather, the reality is water is not an infinite resource here. Climate change is bringing hotter, drier summers and is forcing the nation to change its relationship with water.
Significant impacts from water scarcity were apparent during 2022, particularly in the east of the country. Groundwater levels in the region were their lowest since records began in 2009 and there was below average rainfall in eight out of the twelve months.
In August and September 2022, SEPA took steps to protect the environment from the effects of prolonged dry weather by imposing suspensions on 175 water abstraction licences in four catchment areas. This required support and compliance from businesses, predominantly within the agriculture sector, around the rivers Eden, Tyne, Tweed and Ythan. Abstractors were required to stop taking water from these areas or reduce volumes for a brief period to allow levels to recover.
Environmental Resources Policy Manager at NFUS, Sarah Cowie, said: “Water is a vital resource for the agricultural sector, we cannot produce food without a consistent and plentiful water supply.
“Last year, SEPA suspended abstraction licences for some growers for the first time. This stark response to a prolonged period of dry weather highlights the impacts of a changing climate and the pressures it can bring on farm businesses.
“NFUS encourages all farmers and growers to think about water use on farm as early as possible, to plan for the coming summer season. This will ensure businesses can remain resilient at all times of the year.”
WORKING WITH BUSINESSES
Thriving, successful and sustainable Scottish businesses will be those that recognise the link between environmental and economic prosperity. Part of that is the critical role of managing our water resources and SEPA supports organisations to do this in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, hydropower, golf, and whisky production.
Pulteney in Wick is one of Scotland’s most northerly mainland whisky distilleries and relies solely on Loch Hempriggs to supply its water for production of its single malt whisky, Old Pulteney.
In Summer 2021, operators could see water levels at the loch were perilously low. Instead of waiting for regulatory action, the distillery worked with SEPA and followed advice on managing the resource. Production was voluntarily halted, and personnel were instead deployed to other maintenance tasks to ensure lost production days were made up efficiently once water supplies increased again.
International Beverage Group Distilleries Manager, Sean Priestley, said: “We’re acutely aware of the real risk of water scarcity, particularly in an area like Caithness where water is constrained. We made a decision not to shy away from this and to instead do the right thing for the environment, no matter how challenging this might be for our business.
“Loch Hempriggs is a vital natural resource, not one that we can simply replace or use technology to fix. It needs careful management, time and of course plenty of rain to sustain it. Responsibility for its stewardship falls to us.”
As well as implementing current water scarcity plans, the distillery is also focusing on innovation to find more sustainable ways of distilling whisky.
The team has been conducting a number of high gravity mashing trials to establish the best possible production process, minimising water usage while still maintaining the character of the Old Pulteney spirit.
High gravity mashing has proven successful at other International Beverage distilleries in Scotland and will have a positive impact on water usage at Pulteney once implemented.
ADVICE AHEAD OF THIS SUMMER
All water abstractors should be aware of the potential risk of water scarcity this summer, monitor their water use, and plan ahead for a range of weather conditions.
Businesses should review available options to increase their resilience and reduce the impacts of water scarcity. For example, land managers could consider investing in equipment and infrastructure to improve water-use efficiency such as an irrigation lagoon. Information on any financial support available to land managers can be found via the Scottish Rural Development Programme.
Those collecting water from the same source are urged to work together with neighbours and stagger abstractions to make best use of available water.
Edinburgh students encouraged to enter innovative challenge fronted by TV architect
Architect and TV presenter George Clarke has issued the final call for entries to a creative challenge which will shape the design of a £25m complex-needs facility.
Young people in Edinburgh are being invited to take part in a design brief to imagine how a new inclusive community and sustainable building project in Perth could look like.
With the deadline for entries fast approaching, designs should be submitted by 26th May, and consider how people can live sustainably and affordably while meeting individual needs and preserving the environment for future generations.
The challenge will help inform Capability Scotland’s new inclusive Bertha Park facility in Perth, which is in partnership with the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education [MOBIE] – a charity founded by George Clarke to inspire young people to get involved in housing and community design for the future.
George said: “The imagination of young people is something we would really like to harness in this project, and in future housing and community designs.
“We want to hear from a wide range of young people, from primary pupils right through to postgraduate students. Entries are open to schools, colleges, and universities across Scotland, as well as those who wish to work independently.
“It is hoped the project will also inspire and uncover the next generation of architectural talent while sharing innovative solutions on how the new site can champion inclusive living and learning.”
The challenge is looking for young people to come up with ways to define what makes a community. For some that might be about being good neighbours, enjoying shared spaces, or creating new and positive opportunities.
The new site will consist of 60 self-contained studio flats for individuals with complex needs. A new primary school, followed by high quality, energy-efficient housing. These will be built on the site adjacent to the existing Bertha Park High School.
Sponsorship from Springfield Properties and Sigma Capital Group has been received for the challenge prizes which include a £250 technology voucher for the winning entry from each category as well as a trophy specially design and produced by Capability Scotland service users at its studio day centre in Perth.
Brian Logan, CEO of Capability Scotland, the organisation behind the new facility named ‘Our Inclusive Community Project’, said: “We have been supporting individuals living with complex needs in the area for decades and the new site will enhance and expand this current support.
“Young people are vital to the future of housing and we want to maximise their involvement in helping shape this major project – especially as we’re committed to making it an exemplar service from the offset.
“With unfettered imaginations, we’re looking forward to hearing the amazing ideas from young Scots.”
Bertha Park High School and two Perth primary schools, as well as Capability Scotland’s two specialist schools and college – Corseford College and Corseford School in Renfrewshire and Stanmore House School in Lanark – have already signed up to participate in the creative challenge.
The challenge is being partnered by Perth and Kinross Council and Scottish Water, alongside Capability Scotland and MOBIE.
MOBIE was founded in 2017 by architect and television presenter George Clarke to inspire young people to revolutionise the way we think about the places in which we live. He aims to give younger generations a way to define how they want to live now and in the future.
Capability Scotland is a charity delivering care, support, and education for disabled children and adults across Scotland. It has a range of facilities and services across the country which helps its customers achieve the best outcomes in their lives, no matter their needs.
MOBIE has hosted webinars to help inspire students create concepts boards and give tips on how to finalise presentation for submissions to competitions which can be found here:
I was honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to work on Marlon’s stroke journey. It was a complete eye opener into the world of a stroke survivor and I will always be in debt to the Stroke Association and the two amazing stroke survivors who helped show what having a stroke is really like for the 10,000 people who have a stroke every year in Scotland.
There’s 128,000 stroke survivors in Scotland, and it is still the leading cause of adult disability. Many people don’t realise that the vast majority of strokes – around 80-90% in fact – are preventable. Stroke is still chronically misunderstood by the public and underfunded in terms of research, which is incredible when you consider those stats.
That’s why I’m asking everyone to get involved in this year’sGreat North Run for the Stroke Association
This famous event takes place on Sunday 10 September and although the general ballot is closed, the Stroke Association still has charity places available!
Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant. However, with our support, the Stroke Association can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives after stroke.
Assembly Festival has today (Wednesday 03 May) announced a further 80 shows for its Fringe 2023 programme. This year, the festival is extending its wings across Edinburgh, beyond its festival hubs at Assembly George Square and Assembly Rooms to two new venues, with a co-curated programme at Assembly @ Dance Base and a residency at Murrayfield Ice Rink.
Recirquel Cirque Danse, the company behind 2019’s critically acclaimed My Land, will take over the art deco inspired arena at Murrayfield Ice Rink with an immersive circus experience IMA, directed by Bence Vagi, 04 – 27 August.
In an installation space inspired by the starry sky, audiences will participate in a unique ritual guided by a 21st-century shaman, and adventure into the unknown territories of the human mind.
IMA | Various Times | 04-27 Aug | Assembly at Murrayfield Ice Rink
Assembly’s family programme includes more circus, with Chevalier – Hobbyhorse Circus, an irresistibly charming homage to circus horses and the silent movie era; and Cartoooon!! That mixes Japanese Manga animation with hilarious antics and unicycling for a live performance that jumps out from the cartoon world.
The festivals youngest audiences will be entertained as Monski Mouse and friends return with the renowned Monski Mouse’s Baby Cabaret and Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall. There’s an enchanting beginners guide to economics with Roger McGough’s Money-Go-Round; and the Reeflings go an under-the-sea adventure in DIVE, an immersive multi-sensory experience for children with SEN and PMLD.
In Cabaret, Broadway Diva brings the best West End Wonders, Broadway Belters, and Earworms that you know and love to Assembly’s Drawing Room. The Māui legend is retold with rhinestones and glitter in Rutene Spooner’s Thoroughly Modern Māui; Scotland’s premier quiz company bring and interactive experience where anyone can win with Goose’s Quizzes Elimination Game; and there’s outrageous drag, burlesque and more with Ginava’s Messy Friends.
Assembly is proud to welcome Kyiv City Ballet for their first visit to Edinburgh at the festival’s flagship venue, Assembly Hall. A Tribute to Peace is a programme of excerpts from some of the company’s favourite pieces, showcasing the resilience of these exceptional dancers and people of Ukraine. A portion of the proceeds from every performance will be donated to charities supporting Ukraine.
Kyiv City Ballet | 19:00 | 03-28 Aug | Main Hall
Also at Assembly Hall, the festival launches with a celebration of the 2023 programme and highlights from some of the best and biggest productions in the Assembly Gala (Wed 03 Aug); and inspired by a tale as old as time, Matador is a fiery fusion of burlesque, dance and jaw-dropping circus acts, an emotionally charged journey through love and its many faces.
Dance takes centre stage at Assembly Festival in 2023, with a co-curated programme at Assembly @ Dance Base. Plus, a high-energy fusion of commercial dance intertwining ballet and street with contemporary and breakdance in Beats on Pointe; powerful full-femme, full-bodied dance in Angel Monster; blending the instinctive and spontaneous quality of live performance with a view through the eye of the camera in Shoot the Cameraman; and conjuring a realm somewhere between online/offline, For you: wicked draws on experiences in camming, life modelling, stripping and formal dance training.
Once again comedy has a strong presence in Assembly’s programme, and there’s plenty of laughs to be had with stand-up from Gail Porter: Hung, Drawn and Portered; Jo Griffin: The Power Hour (Perfect, The Paddock); Larry Owens Live (ABC, HBO, Netflix); Mad Ron: Crime School as played by Steve Lee; Fringe favourite Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back; Robin Tran: Don’t Look at Me (Historical Roasts, Straight Up Stand Up); Sophia Cleary: It Gets Worse (MOMMY, SmileKnife); Urooj Ashfaq: Oh No! (Queens of Comedy); and comedy line-ups at Liars & Clowns: A Late Night Comedy Show and Aboriginal Comedy AllStars.
Exploring the fringes of the genre, there’s musical comedy with 30 Minute Musicals: Top Gun and Comedians’ DJ Battles; improv in Aaaand Now For Something Completely Improvised; the alternative and the absurd in drag king show How to Flirt: The TED XXX Talk, The Poor Rich, and The Power of Yep; comedy sketches from BriTANicK: Work In Progress; storytelling in 5 Mistakes That Changed History and Skye Scraper: The Life and Times of a Drag Queen Accountant; drag, comedy and cabaret collide in I consent; and a performance performed simultaneously on stage and on the big screen in The Umbilical Brothers: The Distraction.
From the big screen to the stage comes the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s production of Big Fish, based on the book by Daniel Wallace and Tim Burton’s 2003 film; and Edges, a contemporary song-cycle from the creators of The Greatest Showman and La La Land.
There’s more music as the smash-hit gig theatre What Girls Are Made Of returns for its final Scottish dates; Jon Culshaw and Erin Armstrong star in Lena; a young Jehovah’s Witness comes to terms with his sexuality in Horizon Showcase: Birthmarked; a musical feast of storytelling in Of Moonset and the Milky Way; and The Beatbox Collective ask What’s Your Sound?
What Girls Are Made Of | 13:00 | 04-27 Aug | Music Hall
There’s something for everyone in Assembly’s theatre programme – from new takes on the classics with The HandelBards cycle-powered version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to a breadth of new writing – kitchen-sink drama meets post-apocalyptic horror in The Hunger; a life drawing class plunges into chaos in Artist/Muse; A young boxer tells us his story, from his rise to fame to tragic fall from grace in Shadow Boxing; The Stronger examines the role and position of women in society; and four musicians seal themselves in an underground studio In Everglade Studio.
The realms of science-fiction are explored with a drama about feminism, climate change, and David Bowie in ALONE; an uncanny adventure with friendly cryptids in Hive; and Ray Bradbury’s Tomorrow’s Child is turned into an immersive blindfolded experience for the audio equivalent of a five-star dinner.
Queer stories are shared with DARLING BOY, a hilarious and heart-breaking ode to growing up; a lip-sync battle like you’ve never seen before in Split Lip, a story of trauma and forgiveness; and a show about a queer, autistic, latinx caterpillar, on the edge of Super-trans-metamorphosis in Dre Spisto: El Dizzy Beast.
There’s theatrical character-comedy in Kravitz, Cohen, Bernstein and Me and GUSH; politics and clowns go hand in hand with Finnish clown duo Mike and Zin in Don Quixote; from the frontline of a failed Presidential campaign, Manifest Destiny’s Child is a hilarious, true account of how America woke up in Trumplandia; while the Westminster circus is explored in Dom – The Play. Breaking the Castle is a powerful comedy-drama exploring the correlation between mental health and addiction; and an audacious hell’s-eye view of The Passion of Christ in the darkly comic The Devil’s Passion.
The life of the artist is under the spotlight in an uncompromising portrait of an undisputed genius and visionary artist in Picasso: Le Monstre Sacré; André & Dorine follows a pair of elderly artists in a deeply emotional non-verbal work; and a young, unknown writer becomes a legendary playwright in Jacob Storms’ Tennessee Rising: The Dawn of Tennessee Williams.
André & Dorine | 15:15 | 07-20 Aug | Ballroom
Assembly kicks off the festival season on Friday 14 July with the opening of its festival hub Assembly George Sqaure Gardens, where it plays host to the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival through to Sunday 23 July. The city’s largest free-to-enter annual celebration of Scotland’s larder returns Friday 21 – Sunday 30 July with the Edinburgh Food Festival; before Assembly Festival’s Fringe programmes begins on Wednesday 02 August.
Assembly Festival is one of Edinburgh’s largest and the Fringe’s longest running multi-venue operators. It’s 2023 Fringe programme will take place across Edinburgh, with festival hubs at Assembly Rooms, Assembly Hall, Assembly George Square Studios and Gardens, Assembly Roxy, Assembly Checkpoint, as well as venues at Assembly @ Dance Base and Assembly at Murrayfield Ice Rink.
Tickets for Assembly Festival shows are available now from the Assembly Festival Box Office www.assemblyfestival.com.
The excitement was is in the air at Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh this week as residents and staff notch it up a gear to celebrate the coronation of our king in a right royal way.
Throughout the week on the lead up to the big day, Strachan House has a week full of royal themed activities from baking up red, white and blue cakes to intergenerational fun within their local community with Cargilfield Nursery and Blackhall Primary.
“The week will certainly be one we remember” said Mandy, Head of Activities.
Paul Dow chef at Strachan House said: “Baking up an array of cuisine will be great fun and certainly ensure it will be fit for a king! It has been a whole team effort ensuring we are ready for the King’s Coronation on May 6”.
Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a week-long plan of royal activities for their residents. Over the bank holiday weekend the home will hold afternoon tea whilst screening the Coronation live.
On Sunday 7th May at 2pm they are hosting The Big Picnic in their wonderful gardens and will play host to the entire Blackhall community as they open their home to friend’s family and staff.
With live music from Diane Fields a BGT contestant as well as the local councillor, Christine Jardine, it is set to be an outstanding day for everyone who plans to attend.
Armed with picnic baskets and rugs resident, families, staff and local visitors are invited to join us for an afternoon sharing in the wonderful atmosphere.
All you need to do is bring your picnic and a rug and enjoy a afternoon amongst friends.
Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House said: “We are looking forward to a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, it is such a momentous occasion. Our staff and residents love the Royals and so they are all so excited about the upcoming week.
“It has been a real collaborative process – thinking about how we want to celebrate, from planning our activities, decorating the home and creating an event for our whole community to join in”.
David Lesueur, resident at Strachan House said: “I can just about remember the Queen’s Coronation, I was very small but I remember the street party we had then and this will be just as much fun.
“We all want to pay our respects to the new King and create new memories, it is such an important occasion to mark.”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.
Looking to create a blooming patio this National Gardening Week (1-7 May 2023)? Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is hosting a free Grow How session in its Edinburgh store with a live demonstration on how to design your perfect patio with stylish pots and plants.
Taking place on Saturday 6th May at 10:30am, this interactive workshop is suitable for all levels of gardeners, from beginners who dream of growing and nurturing beautiful plants to brighten up their patios, to experts searching for new ways to enhance their outside space.
Dobbies’ gardening experts will demonstrate how to select the right pots and plants, with an emphasis on striking the perfect balance of colour and style. Key plants that will be a focus as part of the event will include Hydrangea and Senetti, and the team will advise on the correct tools, peat-free compost and watering for a successful season.
Marcus Eyles, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, said: “We are constantly searching for ways to inspire people in Edinburgh to get involved in gardening.
“Growing plants for your patio is not only good for the environment and your mental health, but it is also a fun way to get the whole family involved in a project.
“You could even be inspired by the Coronation over this special weekend. National Gardening Week this year has a focus on ‘creating a Coronation container’. If you’re looking to create a regal display, consider plants in deep shades of blue, purple and magenta for a striking look reminiscent of King Charles III’s royal gardens. Pansy and Viola plants are great for this as they work well in containers and will give your pots a wonderful fresh look.
“We are really looking forward to this workshop and hope we inspire some beautiful new patio plants.”
‘The Emergency Care system is not functioning as it should’, RCEM says as Emergency Department performance drops
Responding to the latest Emergency Department performance figures for Scotland for March 2023 Dr John-Paul Loughrey, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland, said: “The data show another drop in performance. This means more patients facing longer waits, more delays to care and more harm.
“We cannot continue to see this occur, we need to be seeing improvements in performance and a reduction in delays to care. This is a signal that the current interventions and actions are not having the time critical impact that we need to be seeing.
“The Scottish Government needs to understand that hesitancy to take the necessary actions will impact on the safety of patients and their care. Emergency care is not functioning as it should, no patient should face a 12-hour wait in an Emergency Department.
“We know what needs to be done: ensuring social care is responsive and able to support the timely discharge of patients; expanding acute bed capacity across Scotland; retaining existing staff while recruiting more staff into Emergency Medicine. These are the solutions laid out in our campaign Five Priorities for UK Governments for #ResuscitatingEmergencyCare.
“We would welcome an opportunity to meet the new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Michael Matheson MSP, to put forward these solutions and the means to tackle the crisis in Emergency Care. We cannot consider this to be winter pressure anymore; this is year-round, and it continues to cause harm. We must do better for patients and staff, there is no time to delay.”
99% of households initially eligible through DWP will have been directly paid £301 by the government by end of today (3 May 2023)
The payments are the first of 3 new Cost of Living Payments worth up to £900 in 2023/24 for those eligible – though some people will receive up to £1,350.
Those remaining will continue to be paid between now and 17 May by DWP, with no need to contact anyone.
More than 7 million households across the UK will have been paid a £301 Cost of Living Payment by the end of today (3 May 2023).
This means the vast majority of eligible households have received the support in just 8 days of the rollout starting, with the small number of payments outstanding to be made by 17 May.
The payment is the first of 3 Cost of Living Payments being made this year and the next, illustrating the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable families with financial pressures. This comes alongside work to deliver on the government’s 5 priorities, including halving inflation and growing the economy, which will ultimately help put more money in people’s bank accounts at the end of the month.
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Paying more than 7 million households £301 in a little over a week underlines our commitment to ensure those on the lowest income are protected from the worst of rising prices and give them peace of mind.
“With further payments due to be made later this year and in 2024, we will continue to provide support to those who need it most while we tackle inflation and grow the economy.”
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added: “We know the impact that rising prices are having on families, which is why we are providing significant support to millions through these direct cash payments. This is alongside other support, including holding down energy bills, uplifting benefits and the State Pension by 10%, and increasing the National Living Wage by a record amount.
“The single best way to ease cost of living pressures is to bear down on inflation. We are on track to halve it this year, laying the foundation for the long-term growth needed to improve everyone’s living standards.”
The Cost of Living Payments, spread across 2023/24, are worth up to £900 for those on means-tested benefits. The next payment for those on means-tested benefits is due in the autumn, with the third instalment due next spring.
These are accompanied by a £150 payment for people on eligible disability benefits this summer, and a £300 payment to top up Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners at the end of 2023 – meaning some will receive up to £1,350.
This makes up part of the government’s significant cost of living support – now worth an average of £3,300 per household over this year and last.
People will be eligible for the £301 Cost of Living Payment if they have been entitled to a payment for one of 7 benefits between 26 January and 25 February 2023. The eligible benefits are:
Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
The DWP encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a qualifying benefit to use a benefits calculator to check their entitlement. In particular, low-income pensioners should check their eligibility for Pension Credit, as they may still be able to receive the £301 Cost of Living Payment, and subsequent payments, if they make a successful backdated application by 19 May 2023.
The small number of payments outstanding will continue to be made between now and 17 May, and anyone eligible still waiting for a payment does not need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before then.
After this date, if someone thinks they may be missing a payment they are entitled to, a form can be filled out on the GOV.UK website to make a claim.
One million eligible families, receiving tax credits only, will get their £301 Cost of Living Payment from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) between Tuesday 2 and Tuesday 9 May with the banking reference ‘HMRC COLS’.
This payment comes on top of extensive support given to low-income households in 2022, including up to £1,100 in Cost of Living Payments. The Household Support Fund, worth over £2 billion across its lifetime, continues to offer support to people across England, and those in need should contact their local council to see what support is available in their area.
Tackling poverty and inequality is the biggest challenge facing Scotland, First Minister Humza Yousaf will say at today’s anti-poverty summit.
Led by the First Minister, the summit offers a vital opportunity for the Scottish Government to listen to, and work with key partners, campaigners, cross-party representatives and those with direct experience of poverty, to help inform Scotland’s drive to tackle poverty and inequality.
Opening the anti-poverty summit, the First Minister is expected to say: “The Scottish Government recognises the cost of living crisis is putting a huge strain on households and no-one should have to make the choice between heating, eating or turning the lights on.
“Tackling poverty and inequality is the single biggest challenge facing Scotland and requires continued, urgent and sustained action.
“Today’s anti-poverty summit is an opportunity to get round the table with campaigners, businesses, the third sector, local government, representatives from Holyrood’s main political parties and, crucially, those with direct experience of poverty, to hear their views and insights.
“This is the collaborative approach that people across Scotland want to see their First Minister and political leaders take – to secure real action on the biggest issues facing our country.
“We have a strong foundation to build on, with almost £3 billion allocated this year to support policies which tackle poverty and protect people as far as possible during the cost of living crisis, and we have announced details this week of how tens of thousands of households will be supported as a result of the Fuel Insecurity Fund being tripled.
“But, as we discuss what more can be done, nothing will be off the table and I look forward to hearing all contributions at the summit, which I hope will drive new momentum in the fight against poverty in Scotland.”
