Month: January 2024

NSPCC launches UK-wide campaign to keep children safe

Thousands of child sexual offences recorded in Scotland

  • Data from Police Scotland shows that 5,557 sexual offences against under-16s were recorded in 2022/23.
  • Across the UK, almost 87,000 child sexual offences were recorded by police in this period.
  • Types of offences included rape, sexual assault, sexual grooming and indecent communication.
  • To help tackle this issue, the NSPCC Helpline and the Home Office are launching a campaign to encourage adults to reach out with concerns of child sexual abuse.

New figures compiled by the NSPCC reveal that child sexual offences recorded over the past year by police across the UK and in Scotland remain close to record levels.

The Freedom of Information data totalled 86,962 child sexual offences recorded by police across the UK in 2022/23, which remains one of the highest on record since the charity started the annual research 16 years ago.

In Scotland, 5,557 child sexual offences were recorded by Police Scotland in 2022/23 – close to the record levels recorded in the previous year (5,640). 

Types of offences included rape, sexual assault, sexual grooming and indecent communication.

This comes as the NSPCC launches a new campaign in partnership with the Home Office to tackle child sexual abuse.

Together they are encouraging the public to contact the charity’s UK adult Helpline if they are concerned that a child could be at risk. The partnership will also encourage people to report on instances where there are concerns that a child might be experiencing sexual abuse.

The Home Office is providing funding for the NSPCC Helpline to increase capacity and to raise awareness of the service to the public and professionals.

The NSPCC has also created two films promoting the new campaign. These films show how adults can use the Helpline to share any concerns they may have about a child’s safety or welfare. One of these films is tailored to professionals, and the other reaches out to the general public.

The NSPCC Helpline is the charity’s free advice line for any adult who may have concerns about a child, including professionals who work with children.

The Helpline’s dedicated child protection specialists can advise on a wide range of issues. Adults can contact the Helpline for guidance and support on issues affecting children, as well as for cases of suspected child abuse. People should always contact 999 if they suspect a child is in immediate danger.

One parent in Scotland told the Helpline*: “My son has been a victim of scammers online. He’s so withdrawn and hardly sleeping.

“He believed he was talking to a girlfriend online, the same age as him, and ‘she’ convinced him to send explicit images of himself. These were actually adult male scammers who are now demanding money from him, or they’ll leak his pictures.”

The NSPCC also operates a dedicated Whistleblowing Helpline, which can be contacted for any concerns around child protection issues within the workplace, or other professional organisations.

Childline, the charity’s free child counselling service, hears directly from children on the impact sexual abuse can have on their lives.

One young person in Scotland aged 15 told Childline*: “Today I told a friend about a family member sexually abusing me and it felt like such a weight off my shoulders. I was so young when it started and they’re still in my life; it’s confusing when they’re a normal family member to everyone else. I

“t has caused a lot of tears and self-hate. It’s scary talking about it but I knew I needed to tell someone like Childline.”

The NSPCC is calling on the general public, including those who work with children, to use the Helpline to express any concerns they may have regarding a child, even if they are not certain. In doing this, every person can play a part in keeping children safe from sexual abuse.

Kam Thandi, Helpline Director at the NSPCC, said: “The high numbers of child sexual offences being reported by the police in Scotland and across the UK are a warning to us all that more must be done to tackle this abuse.

“This new Helpline campaign, in partnership with the Home Office, will encourage the general public and professionals to reach out with concerns about child sexual abuse.  All of us must play our part in protecting children.

“The Helpline deals with concerns about children, no matter how big or small, and we’re encouraging adults to contact us. What is shared could be life-changing for a child experiencing sexual abuse.”

Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.

New Lanark champions sustainability with its first-ever Reuse Fair

New Lanark World Heritage Site is set to host its first-ever reuse and repair event on Sunday 14th January 2024.

Free for attendees and open from 10am – 5pm, visitors to the ‘New Lanark New Year Reuse Fair’ can browse and shop collections of pre-loved toys, clothing, shoes, homewares, antiques and upcycled furnishings from a selection of Scottish-based vendors.

Visitors can also visit the Repair Café, where experts will be on hand to sew, mend and repurpose cherished belongings, including toys, homewares and clothing, to give a renewed lease of life instead of discarding them.

The event will promote sustainably and offer free guidance on meaningful reuse and skillful repair through a series of talks and demonstrations.

Scottish Stylist of the Year 2023, Victoria Lee, an expert in sustainable fashion, will deliver a talk and Q&A at 11am in the Institute, sharing style advice and being eco-conscious on a budget.

Brittnee Leysen, Events Officer at New Lanark said: “As we start the New Year, we know that it is a time when many people are looking to declutter and start afresh, so it is the ideal time to make more sustainable choices.

“Our New Lanark New Year Reuse Fair is a great opportunity to learn more about sustainable habits, from recycling, to repairing, and finding new uses for items in the home.

“New Lanark has a long history of sustainable practices, being one of the first places in the UK to produce a large-scale clean renewable energy scheme for public supply, so this event is a continuation of that legacy.”

The New Lanark New Year Reuse Fair will be open from 10am – 5pm, and the first 100 guests will receive a recycled materials New Lanark World Heritage tote bag.

To register interest and for more information, visit: 

https://newlanark.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/

For visitors bringing an item to be repaired, entry to the Repair Café is available for £10, covering both expert time and materials. Tickets can be purchased directly on the day of the event.

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

Call for action as number of legal plans for vulnerable children slumps

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has called for action following a sharp decline in the number of legally-binding education support plans for those with complex or multiple additional support needs (ASN).

So-called co-ordinated support plans (CSPs), prepared by local authorities, are the only education plans that are legal documents.  

These provide some guarantees of entitlement to additional resources and legal redress, placing statutory duties on local authorities to review and ensure the provisions contained within it are being met.

However, despite a Scottish Government promise that there would be no reduction in the proportion of pupils receiving them since their introduction in 2004, there has been a significant fall in the number of pupils with a CSP.

There were 3,279 pupils with such a plan in 2013 1. In 2023, this had fallen to 1,318, amounting to a drop of 59.8%. 2  This is a reduction from 2.5% to 0.5% of those pupils with ASN, amounting to 0.2% of the pupil population.

This is in contrast with England where the number of those receiving an education, health and care plan (EHCP), the CSP equivalent, is 4.3% of the pupil population. 

Amounting to more than 22 times the percentage of those receiving a CSP in Scotland, this figure is also on the increase.3

A concern raised by the coalition is that local authorities are reluctant to issue CSPs because they are seen as cumbersome and time-consuming, as well as being resource-intensive and subject to enhanced scrutiny. Being legally enforceable, with legal action taken if the needs of the child or young person are not believed to have been met, is also another cause of this reluctance to issue.

This is all set against the backdrop of a lack of resources to support adequate CSP provision, with non-statutory alternatives often being offered in their place.

Also of concern is the fact that CSPs are more likely to be opened for pupils with ASN living in the least deprived neighbourhoods, compared with those living in the most deprived neighbourhoods This is despite the fact that there is a greater prevalence of those with ASN in the most deprived communities.

The coalition has called for an expansion in access to CSPs, with the Scottish Government, local authorities, health and other relevant agencies collaborating more effectively to ensure that those requiring such a legal plan receive one.

This needs to be supported by the necessary resourcing and increased awarness and understanding of CSPs by families/carers and professionals. It has also called for a particular focus on care- experienced children and young people, and those from the most deprived neighbourhoods.

This sharp fall in the number of CSPs contrasts with a dramatic increase in the number of pupils with ASN, such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems. In 2023 this reached a record high of 259,036.4 This represents 36.7% of the pupil population, rising from 131,593 in 2013, and is a near doubling (96.8%) in numbers from that year.5

If a lower number of those in more deprived communities are receiving a CSP in comparison with least deprived communities, they may not be getting the care and support they need, which has the potential to make closing the educational attainment gap even harder.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “We are calling for action following figures highlighting a decline in the use of CSPs, which are designed to support those with the most complex needs.  This is despite a Scottish Government assurance that they would not decline and against the backdrop of a dramatic increase in the numbers of those with ASN.

“By not providing this legally enforceable provision, many of these vulnerable individuals are being failed and not getting the support they are entitled to. This is of particular significance given the devastating impact of Covid-19 and cost-of-living crisis. The Scottish Government, local authorities and other agencies need to collaborate to ensure that those requiring a CSP receive it, with the necessary resourcing in place to support this.

“With those with ASN drawn disproportionately from poorer neighbourhoods, if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap, they must get the care and support they need, when they need it.”

NHS Health & Social Care Job Fair

WEDNESDAY 24th JANUARY at TYNCASTLE STADIUM

We are holding recruitment event on the 24 January 2024 in the Gorgie Suite, Tynecastle Stadium, McLeod St, Edinburgh EH11 2NL.

Come along and find out about roles in the Health & Care Sector with the City of Edinburgh Council and the NHS.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite and can be found here:

https://edinburgh.gov.uk/hscjobs

New campaign encourages drivers over 60 to get their eyes examined

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have launched a new campaign encouraging older drivers to consider their driving habits and have a free regular NHS eye examination so they can continue driving safely. 

With recent stats showing 29 per cent of car driver casualties killed or seriously injured in road collisions were over 601, the Fitness to Drive campaign highlights that eyesight can affect the way we drive as we get older and calls for anyone over 60 to have their eyes examined regularly, or as soon as they notice a change. 

It’s common for drivers to adapt their driving behaviour as they get older, for example, by not driving at night or on busier roads to avoid the glare from oncoming traffic, or by driving shorter distances. These adaptations often happen gradually and can be a sign of deteriorating vision.

Janet Pooley, Chief Optometric Adviser, said: “As we get older, we can experience changes to our eyesight, including blurred vision, a reduced visual field and less accuracy when it comes to judging distances, which impact our ability to drive safely.

“The best way to make sure your eyes are healthy is to have them examined regularly and to visit your local optometrist if you notice any problems with your eyesight.

“As well as detecting changes in your eyesight, an NHS eye examination can pick up age-related eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, and it can identify and help prevent other health conditions like blood issues and diabetes, which can also affect driving.”

The campaign reminds drivers that changes in your eyesight don’t have to mean giving up driving and that your local optometrist can often correct your vision with new glasses.

Janet Pooley, Chief Optometric Adviser, continued: “In some cases your optometrist might advise that you require surgery to improve your vision if you have a condition like cataracts.  Outstanding surgical results often enable people to continue to drive safely for many years.” 

In addition to eyesight, other age-related factors can also affect our fitness to drive, such as high blood pressure, medication, and slower reaction times.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead for when they do choose to give up driving and consider alternatives for getting around without a car, including public transport and getting help from family members and friends.

Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Changes in our eyesight is something we’re all affected by as we get older, and with Scotland’s population continuing to age, it’s particularly important to ensure we all stay safe on the road.

“We’re encouraging everyone in this age group to get their eyes checked regularly to make sure they are fit to drive.”

Age Scotland’s Big Survey 20232 shows driving is the most common way to get around among over 60s, with 72% of respondents saying this is the mode of transportation they use most.

Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, said: “We know driving is hugely important to older people and plays a big part in their ability to stay active, mobile and independent.

“This campaign is a good reminder for older drivers to get their eyes examined regularly or, if they notice a change in their eyesight, to make sure they have the best vision for driving safely.”

Betty Gilchrist said: “I’m not as confident at driving as I once was, particularly at junctions where I take a bit more time now.

“Driving in the dark has also become more challenging. The glare from headlights can be dazzling, so I’m reluctant to drive in the evenings and I stick to short journeys on local roads.

“It’s important to have regular eye exams as we get older and our vision changes. Many of us also develop conditions like cataracts which can be picked up at an eye exam and treated to keep us driving for longer.”

Derek MacPherson said: “As I’ve aged, I’ve become more aware of my eyesight changing and how that affects my driving. I’m now less likely to drive long journeys or drive at night, when the glare from other cars and streetlights can make it harder to see.

“Getting my eyes checked by the optometrist is quick and easy, and knowing my eyesight is up to scratch helps me stay confident on the road so I can keep enjoying the freedom of driving.”

The campaign will also address family and friends who may be initiating discussions about driving with their loved ones, which can be a sensitive subject. 

For more information about the campaign or how to book a free NHS eye examination, go to roadsafety.scot.

Follow Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages for more details.

Anchor shootings: Another woman arrested and charged

A third person has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a 38-year-old local man in Granton on Hogmanay.

The 33-year-old woman was arrested yesterday (Monday, 8 January) and has now been charged. She is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow (Wednesday, 10 January).

Emergency services were called around 11.50pm on Sunday, 31 December, 2023, after a firearm was discharged outside the Anchor Inn in West Granton Road.

Two men, aged 38 and 39, were taken to hospital . The 38-year-old man, Marc Webley, was pronounced dead a short time later. The other man remains in hospital.

A 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman have already been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

Both appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Monday, 8 January). Grant Hunter and Emma McVie made no plea and have been remanded in custody.

Amazon Dunfermline supports local school

Employees from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline honed their DIY skills when they spent the day volunteering at a local high school.

The Amazon team volunteered at Lochgelly High School, a proud and ambitious learning community where everyone strives to achieve their best.

A group of six colleagues from the Amazon team spent over 40 hours at the school painting and building furniture to assist the school with turning a staff resource room into a new classroom.

Thanks to the efforts of the team from Amazon in Dunfermline, the school has saved around £3,000 in refurbishing. The Amazon team also donated school essentials including clothing, school bags and school meals worth over £8,000.

Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our team really enjoyed helping transform the staff resource room at Lochgelly High School into a new classroom.

“I hope the students and teachers are pleased with the results and that they enjoy their new learning environment.”

Kim Skelton, who led the volunteering from Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “I love helping people, especially when it’s for our local community.

“As a team at Amazon in Dunfermline, we feel very rewarded that we can help the staff and pupils by donating essential goods. The donations have already brought tears to families who have been able to utilise the products.

“The school has acted as a hub for local families in need and it’s been a lifeline to most this time of year.”

Melissa Mann, a teacher from Lochgelly High School, said: ““Everyone at Lochgelly High School would like to thank Jamie, Kim and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their amazing work converting the staff resource room into a classroom.

“We are so appreciative of their help – it would have taken us much longer to make the transformation happen without them.”

The volunteering and donation to the school is the latest in a number of support programmes between Amazon and Lochgelly High School in 2023.

Earlier last year, drama and media studies students from the school visited FirstStage Studios, in Leith, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour aimed at inspiring and nurturing young creative talent in Scotland.

At the studio, the students saw how The Rig, which first premiered on Prime Video in January 2023, was filmed and had careers talks with the crew and cast, including Scottish actor Martin Compston.

Lochgelly High School has also taken part in Amazon Future Engineer Class Chats, part of Amazon’s computer science education programme that provides free access to STEM learning resources, including virtual school trips, coding courses, and career talks. As part of Lochgelly’s participation in the programme, Amazon UK Country Manager John Boumphrey spoke to students from Lochgelly High School about his career experience and unique insights.

The Amazon Future Engineer Class Chats programme brings both live and on-demand virtual career talks directly into UK classrooms. Amazon employees working in a wide variety of roles share their insights and experiences with school students, engaging young people about their future opportunities.

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Since the start of 2022, 1.5 million essential products have been donated to more than 150,000 families in need across Scotland and Greater Manchester by a charity initiative called The Multibank.

Founded by Amazon, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Cottage Family Centre in Kirkcaldy, The Multibank in Lochgelly, known locally as ‘The Big Hoose,’ offers an emergency service for families fighting poverty, providing surplus essentials like nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste and school uniforms, donated by businesses like Amazon and others, directly to those in need and so helping to reduce waste.

Learn more about the ways Amazon supports its communities

Holyrood Committee to scrutinise amendment to Gender Representation on Public Boards Act

A change to the Gender Representation on Public Boards Act 2018 will be scrutinised by Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.

The Gender Representation on Public Boards Amendment (Scotland) (Bill) was introduced by the Scottish Government to amend the 2018 Act. The new Bill will remove the definition of “woman” in section 2 the 2018 Act, following a decision of the Court of Session made on 18 February 2023.

The specific definition that this short Bill will remove is: ““woman” includes a person who has the protected characteristic of gender reassignment (within the meaning of section 7 of the Equality Act 2010) if, and only if, the person is living as a woman and is proposing to undergo, is undergoing or has undergone a process (or part of a process) for the purpose of becoming female”.

The change will be scrutinised by the Committee, before it reports its findings to the Parliament as a whole.

The Committee has today opened a call for views to ensure people can share their views on the proposed change.

Kaukab Stewart MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “This Bill aims to make change the Gender Representation on Public Boards act, ensuring that the Parliament’s statute book is in compliance with recent rulings of the Court of Session.

“We want to ensure that the Government’s approach in this Bill does what it intends to do.

“If you have views on the proposal in the Bill, please share them with us in our call for views.”

The call for views is open today, Monday 8 January 2024, and will close on Monday 29 January 2024: 

https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ehrcj/gender-representation-public-boards-bill

Debt surge: How much are UK households saving?

Recent reports state that UK households are to face a forecasted 11% increase in credit card and loan debt in 2024, as well as warnings of a £17,600 debt surge by 2026.

In a recent study by CityIndex, UK households are saving just 3.25% of their disposable income amid the soaring cost of living crisis – a figure that is expected to change if debt levels reach their predicted peak.

The study analysed global data on household savings, including mean disposable income, mean household savings and long-term interest rates, to ultimately discover the countries with the highest household savings in the world.

Key findings:

  • UK households save an average of 3.25% of their earnings per annum.
  • Households in the United Kingdom make almost as much as those in Sweden, but they get to save three times less 
  • Switzerland leads the rating with a total savings score of 9.83/10, and the lowest mean long-term interest rates
  • Sweden stands out for lower than average long-term interest rates

The countries with the highest household savings:

 County Mean household disposable income in USD*Mean household savings in USD from disposable income*% of disposable income put toward savingsMean long-term interest ratesTotal savings score
1.Switzerland$35,311$590817%1.449.83
2.Luxembourg$40,395$30288%2.359.69
3.United States of America $42,592$29617%3.219.67
4.Chile$14,004$153211%5.199.63
5.Germany$32,997$356811%2.289.62
6.Austria$31,792$305810%2.619.55
7.Netherlands $31,304$24758%2.479.51
8.France$29,663$287610%2.629.49
9.Belgium$29,837$27789%2.759.48
10.Sweden$28,611$281410%2.559.47
17.United Kingdom$28,222$9183.25%39.26

Data is calculated between 2000-2022. *Mean household disposable income & savings are calculated per annum. Exchange rates may have an impact on the final rankings; for clarification, see the methodology.

The United Kingdom ranked 17th out of the 35 countries analyzed. While UK households have a mean household disposable income of $28,222 (£22,956), which is not far from Sweden, which made it into the top 10, only a mere 3.25% is put towards their savings. 

Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, essential expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries are dwindling the funds available for savings.

With food prices experiencing their most rapid increase in the last 45 years and utility bills soaring, households find themselves with limited support, unsurprisingly resulting in scarily low savings rates. Furthermore, the substantial debt obligations, encompassing loans and mortgages, absorb a significant portion of the income of UK residents, especially now when mortgage rates have peaked.

Top 3 Countries With The Highest Savings Per Household 

Switzerland residents have the highest household savings with a total savings score of 9.83 out of 10. Households in Switzerland save 17% of their gross income, with $5,908 per year saved on average between 2000-2022. This is 48% higher than the neighbouring country of Austria ($3,058) in the same time period, despite having a similar population size. Switzerland also has the lowest long-term interest rates at 1.44 since 2000 — 63% lower than the long-term interest rates in Luxembourg (2.345).

Luxembourg ranks second with a total savings score of 9.69/10. The country has the second-highest household disposable income between 2000-2022 ($40,398), 35% higher than in the neighbouring country of Belgium ($29,837). Luxembourg residents have mean household savings of $3,028, with 8% of their disposable income put toward savings. Not only this, Luxembourg’s long-term interest rates stand at 2.35, which are the third lowest interest rates globally behind Switzerland (1.44) and Germany (2.28).

The US ranks 3rd, with a total savings score of 9.67 out of 10. With the dollar exchange rate taken into account, the USA has the highest mean household disposable income in the ranking  ($42,592), 45% higher than Canada ($29,442) and 3 times higher than Mexico ($14,102). CityIndex found that American residents have a mean average household savings of $2,961, with 7% of their disposable income going into their savings.

Other countries with notable savings findings  

Chile ranks fourth with a total savings score of 9.63 out of 10. Chile has one of the highest long-term interest rates (5.19) and the lowest mean disposable income at $14,004. Despite this, Chile residents manage to put 11% of their disposable income towards their savings — 3% more than Luxembourg in second place — equating to $1,532 in mean household savings.

Germany, which ranks 5th, was found to have the second highest mean household savings ($3,568), 21% higher than in the neighbouring country of France ($2,876). Not only this, but  the country has the fourth lowest long-term interest rates on the list (2.28), 19% lower than in Belgium (2.75).

Sweden stands out for lower than average long-term interest rates. The country ranks 10th, with a total savings score of 9.47 out of 10. Swedish households have a mean household disposable income of $28,611, over double that of Poland ($16,736), putting 10% of this toward their savings on average.

Sweden has a lower-than-average long-term interest rate compared to other countries in the ranking (2.55) along with impressive mean household savings ($2,814), 12 times more than Finland ($242).

 https://www.cityindex.com/en-uk/.

NFU Mutual: Five tax tips for self-assessment returns 

After HMRC revealed 5.7million people still need to submit their tax return before the January 31 deadline, NFU Mutual Chartered Financial Planner Sean McCann shares five top tips:

1. Don’t forget to claim higher rate tax relief on pension contributions

Sean said: “Millions more people are paying a higher rate of income tax thanks to the long-term freeze on the £50,270 threshold, and the Office for Budget Responsibility estimate six million paid higher or additional rate income tax in 2022/23.

“When you pay into your pension, for every £80 you pay in, your pension provider will get another £20 direct from HMRC. If you pay 40% or 45% income tax you’ll need to claim the extra 20% or 25% tax relief via your tax return.

“Many higher and additional rate taxpayers do not do this, potentially missing out on thousands of pounds in unclaimed tax relief. Those who crossed the 40% threshold for the first time in the last tax year may be unaware that they are entitled to a rebate.

“Additionally, if you haven’t claimed on previous year’s tax returns, you can go back up to four years and claim any higher rate relief due by contacting HMRC direct.”

You can claim it here

2. Get help with the cost of professional subscriptions

Sean said: “If you need to be a member of a professional organisation to do your job, and your employer hasn’t paid the subscription for you, you may be able to claim tax relief on the cost. There is a long list of approved professional organisations on HMRC’s website.”

Available here.

3. Watch out for the Child benefit tax trap

Sean said: “If you’re the highest earner in your household with an income of more than £50,000, and you or your partner claim child benefit, you’ll need to pay the child benefit tax charge. For every £100 of income you have over £50,000 you pay back one per cent of the child benefit. Once your income reaches £60,000 you repay the full amount.

“You can become subject to the charge if you moved in with someone who is claiming child benefit, even if they’re not your children. The good news is anything you’ve paid into your pension is knocked off your income before the charge is assessed. If it reduces your income below £50,000 you won’t need to pay the charge.  

“HMRC sent out more than 127,850 reminders in 2022/23 to people who needed to pay the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge. Ignoring these letters could land you with interest payments and a fine. HMRC has collected nearly £20m in fines from people who failed to pay this tax since its introduction in 2013.”

4. Charitable donations

Sean said: “If you’ve given to charity via gift aid and you pay higher rate tax, you can claim back additional tax relief through your tax return.

“For example, if you donate £100 via gift aid, the charity will claim an additional £25, to make the total gift £125. If you pay 40% tax, you can reclaim up to an extra £25 for yourself (£125 x 20%).

“Previous research has indicated that only 22% of higher and additional rate taxpayers who donate to charity claim this relief because the perceived effort involved puts many people off.

“However, it is relatively simple to do via a self-assessment tax return and could be worth a lot of money for those who donate significant sums.

“Because more people are being dragged into paying higher rate of income tax, the amount of charity tax relief claimed by higher rate taxpayers has rocketed 34.5% in the past two years from £550m in 2020/21 to £740m in 2022/23.”

5. Don’t forget any capital gains

Sean said: “If you sold or gave away shares in the 2022/23 tax year, you need to declare and pay any tax due on gains made.

“Many people don’t realise that they can face a Capital Gains Tax bill when they gift shares or property – other than their main home – to anyone other than their spouse or civil partner.

“It’s worthwhile checking if you have any losses available to offset any potential bill. Any shares or investment held within an ISA or Pension are normally exempt from Capital gains tax.”