Under 5s classes starting soon here at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre ! 
Morning classes will be running on Fridays from 6th September! 
Starting from 18 months up to 5 years old, Super Strikers bring fun football to toddlers across Edinburgh every week! Come along to learn new skills, make friends & score goals!
More information and booking here:-
Fuel poverty in England is flatlining rather than falling, according to the Committee on Fuel Poverty’s 2024 Annual Report, Can Fuel Poverty be Ended?
In 2023, there were an estimated 13.0% of households (3.17 million) in fuel poverty in England under the Low Income Low Energy Efficiency metric, effectively unchanged from 13.1% in 2022 (3.18 million).
Committee Chair, Rt Hon Caroline Flint said: “Governments from 2010 onwards saw levels of fuel poverty in England falling steadily for almost a decade – a reduction of 40%, only to be followed by 5 years from 2019 to 2024 where fuel poverty did not fall to any meaningful extent.
“There has been a stalling of progress – fuel poverty has flatlined. I don’t think any government anticipated this. Perhaps the stable energy prices for most of the 2010s created an optimism that fuel poverty would continue to fall for years to come. That optimism was misplaced.
“Last year, the Committee hoped that with the pandemic behind us, energy efficiency programmes would step up and progress would continue – even if the government’s milestones were at risk of being missed. Now, it seems the pandemic – when so much stopped – obscured the lack of progress being made.
“This report is not defeatist. The Committee believes fuel poverty can be beaten. But for too many low-income households, the unaffordability of bills, especially in the coldest months, is all too real. We foresee that targeted financial support, possibly including the use of social tariffs, for vulnerable and low-income households may be needed for some years to come.”
The report states that ‘the increase in the amount added to the standing charge element of energy bills, a flat-rate charge incurred by even households with the lowest usage, is regressive in nature.’ Based on current energy price levels, targeted support to the fuel poor will remain important, and necessary, for the foreseeable future.
Nor can fuel poverty be separated from the experience of many households who are struggling to afford their bills or are at risk of getting into energy debt. The report urges a future fuel poverty strategy to include ‘a guarantee of affordable energy for all’ and consideration should be given to low-income households who may not be in receipt of state benefits.
This includes reviewing the Low Income Low Energy Efficiency metric, the current metric used to measure fuel poverty in England, which is based on a combination of household income, energy requirements and energy prices.
The Committee also states that ’effectively targeted energy efficiency programmes are central to reducing fuel poverty’ and notes that the shift away from a ‘fabric first’ approach to improving household energy efficiency since 2022 has proved less effective at making homes substantially warmer.
The report argues that ‘tackling fuel poverty among fuel poor households requires a fabric first insulation approach, completing these programmes for all fuel poor and vulnerable households, before resources are directed at the incorporation of low-carbon heating systems into those properties.’
The government has committed in their manifesto to ensure homes in the private rented sector meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030.
The Committee warns that failing ‘to make rapid progress in the private rented sector on energy efficiency will fundamentally undermine any government strategy to end fuel poverty.’
Those living in the Private Rented Sector (PRS), ethnic minority households, and households using prepayment meters (PPMs) are all identified as most at risk of not being able to afford energy and living in a cold home.
Moreover, over 900,000 households with one or more children are in fuel poverty. Any strategy to tackle fuel poverty must be aligned to wider policies with similar end goals, such as those to eliminate child poverty.
The Committee also advocates further research into the impact on low-income households, as well as the prevalence of fuel poverty amongst ethnic minority households. The Committee also sees better targeting and, in particular, data sharing, as key to being able to tackle fuel poverty in future.
Chair, Rt Hon Caroline Flint, said: “Our report exposes hidden aspects of fuel poverty: like very high concentrations of ethnic minority households in fuel poverty in some of our large towns and cities; like the lack of progress in the low-cost private rented sector, where too many people are still living in cold homes.
“This report argues that the Fuel Poverty Strategy requires a reset, a refresh and a new focus, to continue to bear down on a problem which too many low-income households endure year on year. The Committee hopes to see a renewed drive to improve the fabric of our coldest homes – a fabric first approach.
“Energy prices remain about £700 above pre-pandemic levels – and are rising this winter – this poses a serious challenge. But the cheapest energy of all is the energy never used because a house retains its heat and stays warm in winter.”
Published alongside the Annual Report, the Committee’s 2023/2024 Research Project Barriers and Enablers to Net Zero sets out the importance of trusted sources of advice for fuel poor households and identifies barriers to fuel poor households achieving net zero.
KEIR STARMER’s SPEECH IN BERLIN YESTERDAY
Thank you. And can I first express my sincere condolences for the shocking attack in Solingen last week. Our country knows what it’s like to suffer such senseless and despicable acts and our thoughts are with all the families affected by this terrible event.
And Olaf – thank you. It’s fantastic to be with you here in Berlin.
Not, alas, my first visit here as Prime Minister. Football, it turns out…
Decided to visit it’s second home in Spain, this time. But anyway – it was still an incredible experience…
And a showcase for the fantastic hospitality of this great nation.
So thank you for hosting yet another episode in English footballing trauma! I’ve been through a lot.
Anyway – I’m delighted to be back at this moment of opportunity for our two countries.
Olaf – on every occasion we’ve met, we’ve talked about our ambitions for the future. Our values of security, prosperity, respect and our shared determination to harness the power of government for the service of working people.
That is what we are doing today.
A new UK-Germany Treaty. A once in a generation chance to deliver for working people in Britain and in Germany.
A new agreement… A testament to the depth and potential of our relationship.
With deeper links on science, technology, development, people, businesses, culture.
A boost to our trading relations.
Germany – of course, already the UK’s second largest trading partner in the world. And through that – a chance to create jobs here and in the UK and deliver that most precious of goods, for both our countries … Economic growth.
Let me be clear – growth is the number one mission of my Government.
And what we understand, clearly is that building relationships with our partners – here in Germany and across Europe is vital to achieving it.
That is what our agreement today represents – the chance that we have.
We’ll also deepen cooperation on shared social challenges. For example, on illegal migration. Because we cannot smash the smuggling gangs who perpetrate this vile trade without the help of our partners.
And I’m really glad that we had substantive discussions today about how we tackle the smuggling gangs and agreed to develop a joint action plan to tackle illegal migration.
So we will renew our commitment to the Calais Group – enhance our intelligence sharing on organised immigration crime. but also – increase collaboration on tackling climate change.
An important goal for the planet, of course for greater energy security, but also – for tackling the drivers of challenges like illegal migration at source.
And finally – at the heart of this Treaty will be a new Defence Agreement. An agreement that builds upon our already formidable defence co-operation but which expands that relationship to face the threats of a volatile world, together.
That of course means a shared resolve to stand up for the security of our people and the wider European continent.
And that begins with our unyielding support for Ukraine – we discussed that in some detail today.
Because, as Europe’s largest contributors to Ukraine’s war efforts, and as the nations with the highest defence expenditure among European countries in NATO, we know only too well the debt we owe to the Ukrainian people who fight not just to defend themselves, but for all the people of Europe.
So today – we reaffirmed our commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We also share a common commitment to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, and agree on:
…Israel’s right to self-defence, in compliance with International Humanitarian Law…
…the need for de-escalation across the region; and for restraint and caution to be exercised…
Unfettered humanitarian access into Gaza…
…agreement to a ceasefire and release of all hostages…
…and the importance of working together towards a political solution based on the creation of a Palestinian State alongside a safe and secure Israel.
The only way to provide long-term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
That of course – is not an easy goal. But it is one that we are committed to pursuing, together.
Because – as today shows – Britain can advance its interests much more effectively when we stand with our friends and partners.
This Treaty is part of a wider reset – grounded in a new spirit of co-operation… with our shared understanding that this will be developed at pace and that we hope to have agreed it by the end of the year.
A Britain reconnected… Resetting our relationships… Rediscovering our common interest…Delivering for working people.
Britain and Germany already have an incredible relationship. We invest billions in each other’s countries. Thousands and thousands of jobs are supported through trade.
And every year, millions of people travel between our two countries; exchanging ideas, collaborating, creating and connecting. But today – we build on that … A bright new future for UK-German relations.
Two great countries – brought closer together than ever before. The strongest strategic partners in Europe and on the world stage.
Thank you so much for hosting us here today.
The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed! The winners picked up their trophies at a glittering ‘Grand Ole Opry’ themed event held at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow on Tuesday 27th August.
The awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate all that is good and great about the hospitality industry with more than 100 hospitality venues shortlisted as finalists at the event.
Industry veteran Stuart Ross, former Chief Executive of Belhaven received a Legend of the Industry Award while David and Ruth Wither, the founders of Edinburgh-based Montpelier Group, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other award winners came from as far apart as Carnoustie and Inverness!
There were celebrations in Glasgow as The Piper Whisky Bar won the double for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year and with Gillian Kirkland becoming Deanston Whisky Guru 2024! The Absent Ear was named Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Shilling Brewing Company as Cold Town Craft Beer Pub of the Year, Boteco Do Brasil as Favela Latin American Venue of the Year and The Smokin’ Fox snatched the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year accolade.
Fullbacks Sports and Pizza Bar in Milngavie was named Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year while Ayr venues Tempura and The Stravaig were also winners picking up the Casual Dining Award and Kopparberg New Bar of the year awards respectively. The Ship in Irvine was Dog Friendly Pub of the Year and Steven Muir of Beatbox Leisure was named Boss of The Year!
It was also a winning night for Stravaigin in Glasgow who proved they have some of the best staff around as Olivia Wong was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Marquis Smith as Schweppes Bartender of the Year.
The party continued in Edinburgh where Black Ivy snatched the Best Outdoor area award for the second year in a row while Teuchters Landing was named Inverarity Morton’s Best Drinks offering and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge) as Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year.
In Aberdeen, Malones were crowned Jameson Best Irish bar, in Fife Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion collected the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality and in Dundee Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort was awarded Family Business of the Year. There was also a special award for The Craw’s Nest in Carnoustie who scooped the ‘Community Pub of the Year’ accolade.
Other big winners were two of the industry giants – Manorview Hotels who proved what a great company they are to work for by snatching the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year gong and Inverness based Cru Hospitality who won Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year.
The late Janet Hood was posthumously named ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ and Gordon McIntyre received the Scottish Hospitality Group’s Contribution to the industry award.
Susan Young organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “These awards are all about the people that make the hospitality industry the success it is.
“This year we had an exceptional entry. All the finalists deserve credit for the great venues that they run, but the trophies were presented to the pubs, restaurants and people that impressed their customers, judges and mystery shoppers most. Congratulations to each and every one!”
The full list of winners is below:
Lifetime Achievement Award
David & Ruth Wither
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow
Black Ivy and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Alex & Rachel Palumbo – Hey Palu & Chancho, Edinburgh
Brugal Best Cocktail Bar of the Year
The Absent Ear – Glasgow
Campari Bar Apprentice 2024
Finlay Paterson – Scotts South Queensferry
Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of the Year
Shilling Brewing Company – Glasgow
Deanston Whisky Guru 2024
Gillian Kirkland – The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow
DRAM Casual Dining Award 2024
Tempura – Ayr
Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year
Cru Hospitality – Inverness
De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of the Year
Fowwaz Ansari – Bittersweet, Edinburgh
Favela Latin American Venue of the Year
Boteco Do Brasil – Glasgow
DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
The Ship – Irvine
Hospitality Health Employer of the Year
Manorview Hotels – Howwood
HOSPO Manager of the Year
Olivia Wong – Stravaigin, Glasgow
Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year
Forbes of Kingennie – Dundee
Unsung Hero Award
Jules Clark – Montpeliers
Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering
Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh
Jameson Best Irish Bar
Malones – Aberdeen
Kopparberg New Bar of the Year
The Stravaig – Ayr
Media World Best Outdoor Area
Black Ivy – Edinburgh
Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year
Lochrin Rooftop Bar – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
Schweppes Bartender of the Year
Marquis Smith – Stravaigin, Glasgow
Scottish Hospitality Group Contribution To the Industry Award
Gordon McIntyre
Sims Automatic Sports Bar of the Year
Fullbacks Sports & Pizza Bar – Milngavie
Inspirational Woman of the Year
Janet Hood
Boss of the Year
Steven Muir – Beatbox Leisure, Ayr
Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality
Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion – Dalgety Bay
Community Pub of the Year
The Craw’s Nest – Carnoustie
Sunday Mail Pub of the Year
The Smokin’ Fox – Glasgow
Almost 4,000 children and young people will have the opportunity to realise their potential through music education supported by £2.6 million of Scottish Government funding.
Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise programme uses music and nurturing relationships to improve the lives of children and young people and strengthen communities. It offers all instruments, tuition, snacks and participation free of charge to families across Stirling, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.
First Minister John Swinney confirmed the funding as he watched performances from school pupils at Sistema Scotland’s dedicated space at the Community Campus in Raploch.
Among those taking part were a group of Primary 2 pupils from Our Lady’s Primary School in Raploch, as well as the centre’s beginner strings group, a woodwind, brass and percussion group made up of primary school pupils, the Redfire intermediate strings group and the Raploch string ensemble, made up of high school students and school leavers.
The First Minister said: “Music and the arts have power to bring people together, and I am consistently impressed with Big Noise’s efforts to ensure children and young people across five cities have the opportunity to learn, play and perform.
“As well as the opportunity to perform, Big Noise gives the young people they work with a community – and as they progress through the programme they have developmental opportunities including to gain leadership skills, which are beneficial to them in the world of work even if they do not pursue a musical path.
“I am grateful to Sistema Scotland for continuing to enrich the lives of so many children and young people by making music accessible and inclusive.”
Vicky Williams, Sistema Scotland Chief Executive said: “We are enormously grateful to the Scottish Government for their continuing support of Big Noise in Scotland.
“This funding means we can do more to support young people and families, tackle poverty and inequality and help build firm foundations for the future of our young people.
“Our work over the past 15 years has transformed lives throughout Scotland and we look forward to continuing this critical work with the support of our partners and funders.”
Shannon Galloway, 17, from Raploch, joined Big Noise when she was five years old. She spent the summer working as an intern at the Raploch centre, and has a place at Aberdeen University to study music, with her sights set on becoming a music therapist.
She said the programme had given her opportunities she would never have dreamed of – including her first trip abroad to India last year, and playing on stage with the RSNO and Nicola Benedetti. It also boosted her confidence and skills and helped her towards a positive future.
Shannon said: “I just don’t know what I would have done without Big Noise. I wouldn’t be going to university because I wouldn’t have discovered music. I had no interest before and now it is my entire life. It opened this whole life path for me.”
Big Noise (makeabignoise.org.uk)
Meanwhile uncertainty remains over arts and culture funding in Scotland. Here’s hoping that this can be resolves soon and at least some of these talented and enthusiastic young people will have the opportunity to perform in later life.
#NoArtWithoutArtists
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER from 12.30 – 3pm
Join us for a community update & public consultation on the Greyfriars Kirkyard conservation management plan, Saturday 7 Sept 12.30 – 3.00pm in Greyfriars Kirk.
All welcome! Booking not required.
Note there is free entry to @greyfriars_kirk for this event.
UPDATE: MAN CHARGED
A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a robbery in Edinburgh. The incident happened in the Robert Burns Drive area around 10pm on Tuesday, 27 August.
The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow – Friday, 30 August.
POLICE are appealing for information following a robbery which occurred in Edinburgh last night (Tuesday, 27 August).
Around 10pm an 88-year-old woman was driving her bronze coloured Honda Jazz with her 93-year-old female friend when they stopped on Robert Burns Drive near to its junction with Mossgiel Walk.
While the car was stopped, three or four males dressed in dark clothing and wearing face coverings approached the vehicle and demanded the women get out.
The suspects entered the car and drove off at speed along Robert Burns Drive.
Police were contacted and the car was later found abandoned in the Harlaw Reservoir car park around 11.10pm.
Detective Sergeant Steven Dick said: “This was an incredibly distressing experience for the two elderly women, who thankfully were not hurt, and extensive enquiries are ongoing to identify the individuals involved.
“It is vital that we speak to any potential witnesses and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time of the robbery who may have noticed men matching the above description, or anything at all suspicious, to get in touch.
“We would also urge anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage to please check in case they have captured the stolen vehicle or anything else which could be of significance to our investigation.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4112 of Tuesday, 27 August, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who needs to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the first time to cover the 2023 to 2024 tax year, should tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by 5 October 2024.
There’s plenty of myths about who needs to file a Self Assessment return before the 31 January 2025 deadline and HMRC today debunks some of the most common ones:
Myth 1: “HMRC hasn’t been in touch, so I don’t need to file a tax return.”
Reality: It’s the individual’s responsibility to determine if they need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year. There are many reasons why someone might need to register for Self Assessment and file a return, including if they:
More information can be found on GOV.UK and anyone who is unsure if they need to file Self Assessment can use the free online tool on GOV.UK to check. Once registered for Self Assessment, they will receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference, which they will need when completing their return and paying any tax that may be due. Customers will have to reactivate their account if they have registered for Self Assessment previously but did not send a tax return last year.
Myth 2: “I have to pay the tax at the same time as filing my return.”
Reality: False. Even if someone files their return today, the deadline for customers to pay any tax owed for the 2023 to 2024 tax year is 31 January 2025. Customers may also be able to set up a Budget Payment Plan to help spread the cost of their next Self Assessment tax bill, by making weekly or monthly direct debit payments towards it in advance.
Myth 3: “I don’t owe any tax, so I don’t need to file a return.”
Reality: Even if a customer doesn’t owe tax, they may still need to file a Self Assessment return to claim a tax refund, claim tax relief on business expenses, charitable donations, pension contributions, or to pay voluntary Class 2 National Insurance Contributions to protect their entitlement to certain benefits and the State Pension.
Myth 4: “HMRC will take me out of Self Assessment if I no longer need to file a return.”
Reality: It is important customers tell us they’ve either stopped being self-employed or they don’t need to fill in a return, particularly if they have received a notice to file. If they don’t, HMRC will keep writing to them to remind them to file their return and we may charge a penalty.
Customers may not need to complete a tax return if they have stopped renting out property, no longer need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge, or their income has dropped below the £150,000 threshold and have no other reason to complete a tax return. If customers think they no longer need to complete a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year, they should tell HMRC online as soon as their circumstances change. Customers can watch HMRC’s YouTube videos on stopping Self Assessment to guide them through the process.
Myth 5: “HMRC has launched a crackdown on people selling their possessions online and now I’ll have to file a Self Assessment return and pay tax on the items I sold after clearing out the attic.”
Reality: Despite speculation online earlier this year, tax rules have not changed in this area. If someone has sold old clothes, books, CDs and other personal items through online marketplaces, they do not need to file a Self Assessment and pay Income Tax on the sales. HMRC’s guidance on selling online and paying taxes can be found on GOV.UK.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We want to make sure you are clear about your tax responsibilities.
“These myth busters and our range of resources on GOV.UK can help if you are unsure if Self Assessment applies to you or think you no longer need to file a tax return. Just search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
HMRC has a wide range of resources to help customers register for Self Assessment, including video tutorials on YouTube and help and support guidance on GOV.UK.
HMRC urges customers to file their return early to provide peace of mind and to also allow time to consider opportunities to spread the cost of their tax bill, claim refunds earlier and avoid costly errors caused by rushing.
Customers need to keep records to fill in their tax return correctly and they may be asked for documents if HMRC checks their return. Penalties may be issued if records are not accurate, complete and readable. Self-employed workers must also keep records for their business income, outgoings and make sure they’re registered with HMRC as self-employed. More information can be found on GOV.UK.
People should be cautious of potential scams and never share their HMRC login information with anyone, even a tax agent if they have one. HMRC’s scam advice can be found on GOV.UK.
UPDATE: DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER
· Alba MSP has formally proposed new law to bring in Nordic Model, but has failed to seek public and stakeholder views, in line with Scottish Parliament guidance
· Leading sex worker safety service National Ugly Mugs labels Regan’s consultation a “sham”, as it fails to mention international evidence showing Nordic Model makes sex workers less safe
· Proposed new law comes after YouGov polling showing Scots oppose Nordic Model, instead favouring more support for sex workers, alongside leading NGOs such as Amnesty International
Ash Regan has been accused of trying to “sneak through” a controversial new law to ban the purchase of sex in Scotland, having formally submitted a proposed new Bill to Parliament, while failing to notify sex worker support groups or seek views from those opposed to the measures.
The Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill, a Member’s Bill formally proposed to the Scottish Parliament by Regan on June 18, would enact the so-called “Nordic Model” in Scotland – making it a criminal offence to purchase sex – a move that is opposed by the Scottish public as well as a host of leading international NGOs.
The consultation document has been labelled a “sham” by National Ugly Mugs, the UK’s national sex worker safety service, as it fails to include any of the wealth of international evidence showing that banning the purchase of sex only serves to increase violence against sex workers, by making their lives more difficult and dangerous.
An official government review of similar legislation in Northern Ireland – the only nation in the UK to enact the Nordic Model – found that there was “no evidence that the offence of purchasing sexual services has produced a downward pressure on the demand for, or supply of, sexual services”.
It also found that “the legislation has contributed to a climate whereby sex workers feel further marginalised and stigmatised”. Regan’s consultation fails to mention this.
The Scottish Parliament’s official Guidance on Public Bills says that the consultation process on a proposed Member’s Bill should allow the policy “to be tested against, and informed by, stakeholder and public opinion”.
The guidance says that seeking such views “usually proves valuable in refining and developing the policy and in equipping the member for the challenges involved in explaining and defending that policy during the passage of the Bill.”
However, despite previously pledging to share the proposal with the public for feedback, the Alba MSP has not made any move to publicise the consultation – either via her Twitter account, her Nordic Model campaign website, or via the press – before it closes on September 12.
A YouGov poll of 1,088 Scottish adults, carried out for National Ugly Mugs in May this year, showed that Scots firmly oppose the Nordic Model, with 47% saying it should be legal for a person to pay someone to have sex with them, versus 32% who think it should not be legal.
The poll showed that 69% of Scots say the Scottish Government should focus on protecting the health and safety of sex workers, and providing support to people who want to leave the industry, compared to just 14% who support the government passing new laws to prevent people exchanging sexual services for money.
Dr Raven Bowen, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, said: “Ash Regan is clearly trying to sneak through this controversial proposed Member’s Bill, by slipping out a consultation just before recess, timed to run over the summer break, and then failing to notify affected stakeholders like NUM, presumably in the hope that they wouldn’t notice.
“Her sham consultation fails to acknowledge the wealth of international evidence showing that the Nordic Model only serves to increase violence against sex workers, by eliminating their revenue streams, making them desperate and destitute. The official government review of the Nordic Model in Northern Ireland – the only UK nation to enact this approach – showed it has failed there too.
“The evidence shows that Scots side with charities, researchers and international organisations such as Amnesty International, UN Aids and the World Health Organisation in opposing the Nordic Model.
“The Scottish Parliament must now do what Regan has failed to do, and consider the actual evidence showing that the Nordic Model would be a disaster for Scottish sex workers, before rejecting this proposed new law.”
The deadline for responding to @AshReganALBA‘s consultation on a proposed Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill has been extended to 30 September.
Learn more and share your views:
Two benefits providing extra money to families with the cost of healthy food and starting school, are turning five years old.
Best Start Grant School Age Payment supports families with a one-off payment of £314.45 to help cover the cost of starting primary school, and has provided £33.5 million to over 100,000 parents and carers.
Best Start Foods worth up to £42.40 every four weeks to help families purchase healthy foods and has given £57.1 million to over 86,000 parents and carers.
Since launching in 2019, a number of improvements have been introduced to ensure more people have access to the support they need.
Best Start Grant School Age Payment is now paid automatically to eligible people getting Scottish Child Payment without the need to apply. According to latest statistics, 42,535 automatic awards were made for School Age Payment between Dec 2022 and June 2024, meaning less paperwork for tens of thousands of families.
The removal of income limits for Best Start Foods has increased access to vital financial support to help more families afford healthy foods for their children.
On the anniversary of these payments Social Security Scotland are urging families to check if they are eligible and spend money available on their Best Start Food card.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the most important priority for our government, and we are committed to making sure every child in Scotland has the best start in life.
“We have built a different social security system, one grounded in dignity, fairness, and respect. Part of this is making it as straightforward as possible for people to access the financial support that people are entitled to.
“The introduction of automatic payments and removal of income limits for Best Start Foods means we’re getting more money to families when they need it most.
“As families continue dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, I am urging everyone to check if they are eligible and make sure they are getting the money they need to help cover the costs of starting school and buying healthy food.”
Chief Executive, One Parent Families Scotland Satwat Rehman said: “ We are delighted to recognise the 5-year anniversary of the excellent Best Start Foods and Best Start Grant programmes.
“These initiatives have been instrumental in supporting families across Scotland, helping to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food and essential early years support.
“We look forward to the Scottish Government continuing this vital work and making a positive difference in the lives of many more families.”
A parent in receipt of Best Start Early Payment Grant said: “The grant made all the difference when she was starting nursery as I was really worried about how I was going to afford things for her.
“She loved her new clothes and bag. It was so good being able to get things for her and not be worried about how I was going to pay for them. “
Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods: high level statistics to 30 June 2024 Social Security Scotland – Over £25 million paid to Scottish carers in June
