Month: December 2023

Edinburgh businesses targeted as part of till fraud probe

More than 20 takeaways and restaurants in Edinburgh, London, St Helens and Stoke have been subject to unannounced visits as part of a crackdown on electronic till fraud.

The action by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers took place over the last four weeks, with 24 hot food takeaways and restaurants targeted.

The visits coincided with the launch of criminal investigations by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, which are conducting three interviews under caution this month with individuals from Stoke and St Helens.

A small minority of takeaways and restaurants in the UK are using Electronic Sales Suppression (ESS) tools, which are software or devices that alter electronic point-of-sale records. They are used to underreport a business’s sales and consequently evade tax.

Those involved are being urged to contact HMRC now before their wrongdoing is detected. The longer a business delays in disclosing information, the higher the financial penalties will likely be. Since May 2023 the department has received more than 50 voluntary disclosures from businesses about their undeclared sales.

Marc Gill, HMRC’s Director of Individuals & Small Business Compliance, said: “ESS tools give businesses the appearance of trading legitimately, but in reality they are stealing tax that should be helping fund our vital public services.

“We have sophisticated ways of detecting this type of fraud and anyone using, supplying, making or promoting ESS can face fines of up to £50,000 or criminal prosecution.

“We urge those involved to come forward and use our disclosure facility on gov.uk rather than wait for us to contact you – it could lead to a reduction in financial penalties.”

ESS tools are usually hardware or cloud-based software that allow businesses to understate their income in various ways. Sales are put through the till as normal, but the system allows records to be manipulated – sometimes by deleting sales and linking to either domestic or offshore payment platforms.

To investigate ESS in the takeaway and restaurant sector, HMRC uses third party information, including bank account and transactional data from online food ordering platforms, to check against what has been declared.

As well as a voluntary disclosure form, HMRC also encourages anyone with information regarding ESS or any form of tax fraud to contact them online.

Future Asset’s impact: Inspiring girls to create a diverse financial industry future

Reception at Holyrood addresses gender disparity in Investment Management

 On Tuesday 5 December, Future Asset hosted a Reception at Holyrood sponsored by Michelle Thomson MSP.

The event provided an opportunity for key stakeholders, including students, teachers, industry representatives and volunteers, and elected members, to discuss the lack of gender diversity in the investment management industry.

Michelle Thomson, MSP said: “I’m delighted to be sponsoring this Future Asset event in the Scottish Parliament this evening. I’m very interested in using all the ways I can to promote girls and women into financial services.

“Perhaps I have more than a vested interest in this, as I spent around 23 years in financial services. I’m also the convener of the Cross-Party group for women’s enterprise and sit on the Finance Committee. In other words I’ve spent my career involved in the area so that is why I’m so delighted to sponsor it.”

The evening also highlighted the support needed for girls from all backgrounds to pursue careers within investment management, widening the talent pipeline and enabling long-term benefits for the Scottish Economy with a powerful video from the girls and teachers who are taking part in this year’s competition.

Helen Bradley, CEO of Future Asset said: “We have had so much positive feedback from our guests already. From firms, teachers and perhaps most significantly, from the girls.

“They had a fantastic evening, and it has really underlined to them that they have so much potential, and that their talents are very much needed in the investment management industry.”

At a time when the proportion of female fund managers lies stagnant at 12% in the UK and almost 60% of 16-24-year-olds in Scotland are unlikely to consider a career in financial services, this discussion comes at a crucial time for policymakers.

Future Asset informs girls in Scotland about careers in investment management, enthuses them about opportunities in the sector, and widens the talent pipeline whilst improving diversity in the industry. 

Attendees on Tuesday night heard from several schools across Scotland’s 32 local authorities on their experience with Future Asset. There are now cohorts participating in the competition from 30 of the local authorities.

The girls shared their recommendations on the additional support they require to expand access to this sector. Guests also heard from key industry representatives on why they are lending their full support to this initiative.

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/

Minimum Income Guarantee in an independent Scotland

Enabling people to thrive and live with dignity

The latest paper in the Building a New Scotland series, Social Security in an independent Scotland, published this week, outlined how a Minimum Income Guarantee could ensure everyone can achieve a dignified standard of living.

The proposals included how a Minimum Income Guarantee could:

  • be set at a higher rate than current UK Government benefits and respond to real changes to the cost of living
  • enable all households to live with financial security
  • ensure those who are able achieve the minimum income level through fair and accessible paid work

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “With limited powers, the Scottish Government has already delivered transformative social security benefits that have made a real difference to people’s lives. Due to the policies of this government, an estimated 90,000 fewer children are expected to live in poverty this year.

“However, we want to go further and that is why we have proposed that a Minimum Income Guarantee could be introduced in an independent Scotland to ensure everyone has enough support to not only survive, but to thrive.

“The UK approach to social security has provided inadequate levels of financial support and has eroded the effectiveness of the safety net. It is only with the full economic and fiscal powers of an independent nation that we can use all the levers other governments have to tackle inequalities in Scotland.”

Social Security in an independent Scotland

social-security-independent-scotland-paper-9Download

New Lanark welcomes the return of Carols by Candlelight  

New Lanark’s popular Carols by Candlelight event will return to the New Lanark Mill Hotel this Christmas, with a performance from the Strathaven Choral Society.  

Taking place on Thursday, 14 December from 6.45pm until 9pm, guests can get into the spirit of the season with an evening filled with music, merriment, and a festive feast. 

The Strathaven Choral Society is a mixed-voice choir which was first formed in 1972 to bring classical music to the region. Since then, it has grown in numbers with singers, sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses travelling from Lanarkshire and beyond to participate in rehearsals and events.  

The choir will perform a repertoire of classical carols in two sets, illuminated by candlelight, in the Robert Owen Suite, followed by a traditional three-course meal. The first set will begin once guests are seated, and the second set will commence after dinner, finishing with the ultimate, joyous sing-along. 

Tickets are priced at £32 which includes the performance, meal, and a glass of mulled wine on arrival.  

John Stirrat, General Manager, New Lanark Mill Hotel added: “We are delighted to welcome back our Carols by Candlelight evening, which has been a favourite for many in of our winter calendar.

“This year’s celebration promises an unforgettable experience, featuring the Strathaven Choral Society for a night of live musical renditions to uplift the soul and set the festive mood.” 

Tickets can be reserved by contacting the New Lanark Mill Hotel events team at 01555 667 500 or by emailing events@newlanark.org 

Located on the picturesque banks of the River Clyde, New Lanark World Heritage Site is a historic location dating back to 1785. The historic village of New Lanark is one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland.   

For further information on New Lanark, visit:  https://www.newlanark.org  

Be a Mate this Christmas

Your Presence is worth more than presents, charity says

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is running its annual Don’t Drink and Drown campaign this week – December, 11-17 – to encourage festive partygoers to Be a Mate and ensure their friends make their way home safely after a night out. 

The campaign targets individuals to be responsible for their friends if they have had too much to drink; helping them to return home safely. As work Christmas parties and gatherings with friends and family for the festive period begin to take place, the charity fears that this could result in accidental fatalities as people walk home near the water. 

On average 73 people lose their lives each year through a substance-related drowning, this is more than a quarter (29%) of UK annual accidental drowning fatalities.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said, “Research indicates that among those aged 16-25 who lost their lives to accidental drowning, 44% had alcohol and/or drugs in their bloodstream.

WAs well as this 81% weren’t with friends at the time of drowning, which is why our key message is ‘Be a Mate’ to encourage everyone to look after their friends and ensure that everyone gets home safely to their families this Christmas. 

“We know that alcohol and drugs have a number of different effects on the body including lowering inhibitions, which leads to impaired judgment, and this is where we see people taking risks and getting themselves into trouble in and around water.

“In line with this, the data also reveals that when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, accidental drowning victims are much more likely to have unintentionally fallen into the water; 55% compared to 36% for those who were not under the influence.”

Further analysis among alcohol/drug related drownings highlighted that, where known, over half of drug and alcohol related drownings take place between 11pm and 5am, the time which many people may be walking home from nights out. RLSS UK wants to reinforce the message of safety in numbers, be a mate, and stay together to make sure everyone makes it home safe. 

Lee said: “We have seen cases where people walk home after a night out, and for various reasons get too close to the edge and end up in the water.

“At this time of year, the water is colder than it looks and cold water shock is a significant factor, and paired with alcohol numbing senses, limiting muscle ability and slowing down reactions, it makes it extremely difficult to be able to swim and self-rescue.

“As we see mainly young men, walking home alone, sadly in these cases there is nobody around to help, we see nights out turn into tragedies. We are encouraging everyone to remember that their presence with their family and friends this Christmas is worth much more than presents, so stay safe and stay away from the water after drinking.” 

For further detail on RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign visit

www.rlss.org.uk/dont-drink-and-drown

where you can also download resources to spread the word and help keep your friends and family safe this winter.

British warships to bolster Ukrainian navy

The UK is to lead a new Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirming the transfer of two Royal Navy minehunter ships to the Ukrainian Navy.

  • The UK will lead a new Maritime Capability Coalition alongside Norway, delivering ships and vehicles to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to operate at sea.
  • Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will today confirm Ukraine’s procurement of two Royal Navy minehunter ships for the Ukrainian Navy.
  • New coalition will deliver long-term support to Ukraine, including training, equipment, and infrastructure to bolster security in the Black Sea.

Two Royal Navy minehunter ships are being transferred from the Royal Navy to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in a move to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to operate at sea.

As the UK and Norway launch a new Maritime Capability Coalition, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will announce the procurement of two Sandown Class mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) by Ukraine through UK Export Finance today in London.

He will be joined by his Norwegian counterpart to jointly launch the Maritime Capability Coalition. Alongside this new initiative, the Defence Secretary will confirm further details of UK military support to Ukraine.

Ukraine’s economy continues to be impacted by Putin’s blockade in the Black Sea, which has significantly reduced the country’s ability to move vital exports by sea. Strengthening the AFU’s maritime capabilities, in particular countering the threat from Russian sea mines, will help restore Ukraine’s maritime exports.

This builds on the UK Foreign Secretary’s visit to Ukraine last month where he welcomed the launch of the new ‘Unity Facility’ between UK company Marsh McLennan and the Ukrainian Government, which will provide affordable shipping insurance for grain and other critical food supplies globally from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports, actively support international efforts to alleviate the global food crisis.

The new Maritime Capability Coalition will build the support that the UK, Norway, and others are providing to Ukraine. This will be long term to help Ukraine transform its navy, making it more compatible with western allies, more interoperable with NATO, and bolstering security in the Black Sea.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “These minehunters will deliver vital capability to Ukraine which will help save lives at sea and open up vital export routes, which have been severely limited since Putin launched his illegal full-scale invasion.

“This capability boost marks the beginning of a new dedicated effort by the UK, Norway and our allies to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime capabilities over the long term, enhancing their ability to operate in defending their sovereign waters and bolstering security in the Black Sea.

“As an island nation with a proud maritime history, the UK and Royal Navy are particularly well-placed to support this endeavour, which will form part of a series of new coalitions formed between allies to ensure an enduring military commitment in support of Ukraine.”

The new maritime coalition will work closely with the Ukrainian Navy and Ministry of Defence to develop a number of capabilities, including the rapid development of a maritime force in the Black Sea, continuing to develop a Ukrainian Marine Corps, and river patrol craft to defend coastal and inland waterways.

Agreed during recent meetings of the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group, it forms part of a series of Capability Coalitions to strengthen Ukraine’s operations in other domains including on land and in the air. 

The UK and Norway, together with other international partners, have already helped train hundreds of Ukrainian marines and aim to build on this work.

The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have emphasised the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, with £4.6bn in military support allocated since Putin launched his full-scale invasion, and more than 52,000 Ukrainian troops trained since Russia first invaded Crimea in 2014.

Scots urged to use unspent Best Start Foods balances

Christmas letter will remind families to use money on card   

Hundreds of people who get the Scottish Government’s Best Start Foods benefit will receive a pre-Christmas reminder urging them to spend large balances which have built up on their cards. 

Letters will be sent by Social Security Scotland to cardholders who have accrued balances of £600 or more. 

Best Start Foods is money £19.80 every four weeks by pre-paid card during pregnancy and for any children between one and three years old. The payment increases to £39.60 from birth until the age of one. 

The card can be used to help with the cost of milk and healthy foods like fruit, vegetables and eggs as well as first infant formula. 

People who get the card need to activate it by calling 0808 196 1687 – then it is topped up every four weeks. 

However, a small number of people who get it have either never activated the card or stopped using it – meaning balances build up. 

It’s this group who are being reminded they have money to spend. 

After receiving the first of these letters, more than 100 cards have since been activated and tens of thousands of pounds spent by recipients. 

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We want to ensure people get access to every bit of financial support to which they are entitled. 

“It’s part of our approach to social security to make sure that we treat people with dignity, fairness and respect and that they’re not obstructed or ignored.

“Our message to people who get Best Start Foods is to look out their cards and check balances. It’s simple to do, either online or at cashpoints. 

“The money can be a big help to families dealing with the costs of Christmas and New Year.” 

Edinburgh MSPs unite to demand funding for new Edinburgh Eye Pavilion Hospital

A cross-party group of Edinburgh MSPs have come together to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Michael Matheson, highlighting the urgent need to fund a new Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.

MSPs representing Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alba, and the Scottish National Party have all co-signed the letter, in the run up to the capital spending allocation.

This letter reflects the strength of feeling of residents, right across Edinburgh towards the need for a new Eye Hospital in the city.

MSPs request Michael Matheson set out a clear timetable for the construction of a new Edinburgh Eye Hospital, after the current Eye Pavilion was declared not fit for purpose in 2014.

The MSPs have also called on Michael Matheson to consult with patients, visual impairment charities and elected representatives to achieve the best outcomes possible for Edinburgh and Lothian Residents.

The joint-letter follows a meeting of Edinburgh MSPs, Sight Scotland, Visibility Scotland and RNIB, at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 30th November, to discuss the situation in the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

During the meeting, MSPs heard moving testimonies from patients and staff about the dire state of current facilities and why a new hospital is so vital going forward.

All parties involved emphasised that continuing to rely on the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is not sustainable and will lead to deteriorating outcomes for patients and staff.

The MSPs who signed the joint letter are Sarah Boyack, Daniel Johnson, Foysol Choudhury, Miles Briggs, Jeremy Balfour, Ben Macpherson, Sue Webber, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Ash Regan.

The MSPs in attendance at the breakfast briefing were Sarah Boyack, Daniel Johnson, Miles Briggs, Ben Macpherson, Sue Webber. Alison Johnstone and Jeremy Balfour sent staff members, as they had previous engagements.

Commenting on the letter, Sarah Boyack said: “I am glad that MSPs across Edinburgh were able to come together to campaign for such a vital project.

“None of our constituents deserve to be relying on facilities that have been designated not fit for purpose, for over a decade.

“Michael Matheson needs to take note of the strength of feeling for this project – delivering the new Eye Pavilion is a priority for Edinburgh Residents 

“As Edinburgh MSPs, we will continue to work together to ensure the best outcome for our constituents, and the city.”

Lothian-Joint-Letter-regarding-Edinburgh-Eye-PavilionDownload

New ‘school zone’ to bring safer streets for Dalry Primary pupils

Pupils at Dalry Primary School are set to benefit from safer streets and improved air quality with the introduction of a new ‘school zone’.

Following the results of a School Travel survey, the City of Edinburgh Council is introducing the initiative in both side streets of Dalry Primary School, covering two pupil entrances on Springwell Place and Cathcart Place.

School children shared their ideas to improve the school zone with the parents, carers and local residents following a day of engagement on 5th December.  

The Council will receive £46,000 from Sustrans’ Temporary School Streets Fund to widen the footpath outside the school and reduce vehicle traffic in the immediate area surrounding the school. 

Such ‘school zones’ offer a number of benefits for everyone, including increasing walking, cycling and active lifestyles for pupils, parents and carers, while also reducing the speed of traffic, congestion and pollution around school gates.

Dalry Primary School is working with the Council and Sustrans to collaboratively design the project, which could include some playful elements such as artwork, planters and benches or seats, so children feel safer and more relaxed.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “As part of our recent survey, parents have told us that the streets surrounding Dalry Primary School can be busy with traffic and difficult to navigate safely at certain times of the day.

“This new ‘school zone’ is part of our 20-minute neighbourhood approach in the local area to create a safer, more relaxed environment for everyone to move around and spend time.

“We have seen from other similar initiatives across the city that many parents have enjoyed being able to walk and cycle more easily with their children every day, and we look forward to monitoring the results of this project and hopefully delivering the same benefits right across Dalry in partnership with local residents and businesses.

“I know that many other schools in Edinburgh suffer from the same problems, so I hope that they will be able to learn from Dalry Primary School. No parent should have to worry about their child walking to school.

Elaine Honeyman, Headteacher at Dalry Primary School, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our students is a top priority. 

By reducing traffic at pick-up and drop-off times, parents and children will feel more empowered to walk, wheel or cycle to school.

“Older pupils making their way to school on their own will be able to cross the roads much more safely. 

Limiting car access also reduces noise and air pollution, creating a more pleasant and sustainable atmosphere for both our school and the surrounding community.

Eilish MacKay, P7 Pupil at Dalry Primary School, shared her thoughts: “I think this will improve safety around our school. 

“It will encourage more families to do exercise, and walk, cycle or scooter to school. 

“The improved width of the pavements will allow families to walk more safely without being squished up. 

“If we can reduce the traffic in the streets around the school, it will decrease the pollution and give us cleaner air to breathe.”

Dr Cecilia Oram, Head of Behaviour Change, Sustrans Scotland said: “Creating a safe environment for young people is so important. Our latest Hands Up Scotland Survey revealed that nearly 50 percent of school pupils are travelling actively to school, either by walking, cycling, scootering or skating.

“Through the Temporary School Streets Fund, we can encourage even more families to leave the car at home in favour of cleaner air and safer streets.”

The school zone outside Dalry Primary School will reduce motor traffic on Cathcart Place and Springwell Place (where the school has its entrances) on school days between 8:15 and 9:15am, Mondays to Thursdays between 2:30 and 3:45pm and Fridays between 11:30 and 1pm.

Local access will continue for residents of Cathcart Place and Springwell Place, emergency services and blue badge holders. 

An online survey is available until 15 January 2024, where residents, parents and carers can share comments on the current safety levels of Springwell Place and Cathcart Place, alongside their feedback and suggestions for the school zone project.

The project is due to be delivered in March 2024.

Tackling violence against women and girls

Equally Safe strategy refreshed

A national strategy to prevent and address all forms of violence against women and girls has been renewed to build on recent progress.

Equally Safe, a joint strategy with COSLA, was first published in 2014, and is backed by the Delivering Equally Safe Fund that is providing £19m per year to support 121 projects from 112 organisations.

One significant milestone reached, supported by the strategy’s aims, saw the Domestic Abuse Act passed by Parliament in 2018, which created a specific offence of domestic abuse that covers physical and psychological abuse as well as coercive and controlling behaviour.

Published today during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, the refreshed strategy is focussed on increasing collaboration across sectors to tackle the attitudes and values that result in violence against women and girls.

A delivery strategy will be published next Spring and will set out further actions to achieve that goal.

Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Violence against women and girls has no place in our society. The impact of violence is wide-ranging and can have a long-term lasting effect on the lives of those affected, their families and communities. 

“This refreshed strategy builds on progress made to date in raising awareness of the prevalence and harmful effects of violence against women and girls, strengthening the law, and providing support and resources to public and third sector workers helping those affected. 

“Our Delivering Equally Safe Fund focusses on early intervention and prevention, as well as support services and I am pleased that around 32,000 adults and children benefitted last year.

“There remains work to do and sustained action is needed. That is why our future vision focuses on finding opportunities to work collaboratively and constructively whenever possible to stamp out violence wherever we see it and preventing it happening in the first place.” 

COSLA’s Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Councillor Maureen Chalmers said:  “For nearly a decade, COSLA and the Scottish Government have worked in partnership to eradicate violence, abuse and exploitation of women and girls from Scotland.

“Our collaborative efforts have been undertaken with specialist services, public sector organisations, and local authorities. These have propelled us forward in building a more equal and safer Scotland for everyone.

“These firm foundations have allowed us to refresh the Equally Safe Strategy. It emphasises the importance of prevention, collaborative leadership, and reaffirms the unwavering commitment from both local and Scottish governments to achieve our shared goals.”

 The refreshed Equally Safe strategy