It’s Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week and breast cancer charity Walk the Walk is celebrating seven years of raising awareness that Men Get Breast Cancer Too.
Following the success of the Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign, charities across the UK now regularly feature men as an integral part of their awareness campaigns and include the following important information:
Male breast cancer affects between 370 – 400 men a year in the UK
Over 80 men a year die from breast cancer due to not knowing men can get this type of cancer, and not doing regular checks
Breast cancer usually affects men aged 50 and over, but it can be found in men of any age
The diagnosis of breast cancer in men, as well as the treatment, is very similar to that for women
Mark Winter(59) from Eastbourne is part of the Men Get Breast Cancer Too campaign and was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2020: “My message to men is to not only check ‘below’, but to check ‘above’ too and don’t be frightened if you find something.
“Proportionally, more men die of breast cancer because they’ve ignored the problem and not done anything about it. My own diagnosis was a hell of a shock, but that phone call I made to my doctor’s was probably the best one of my life.”
Locals and American ex-pats alike invited to join in a communal meal to celebrate the holiday
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is excited to announce a special Thanksgiving Supper Club, offering a heartwarming gathering for guests to celebrate the season of gratitude with delicious food, festive ambiance, and meaningful social connection.
Available exclusively on Thanksgiving Day, 28th November, this event will feature a traditional Thanksgiving feast served family-style, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of home for US ex-pats, and offer locals the chance to enjoy the classic American holiday.
After a welcome glass of prosecco, guests will enjoy a variety of classic Thanksgiving sides, including creamy sweet potatoes, savoury stuffing, rich gravy, green bean casserole, mac & cheese, fresh-baked cornbread, and the star of the evening – a succulent roast turkey carved table-side. In the spirit of celebration, guests can enjoy two glasses of wine or bottles of lager to accompany their meal.
The meal will conclude with a decadent pumpkin pie for dessert, adding the perfect sweet note to a cosy evening.
The Supper Club experience will take place in a warm and inviting atmosphere, in a seasonally decorated private dining space. Guests can relax and enjoy a leisurely dining experience at table specially arranged to foster conversation and a sense of community. This incredible deal will be available for £75.55 a person, with three seatings throughout the day at 13:30, 16:30, and 19:30.
For solo guests looking for a special way to enjoy Thanksgiving, seating will be reserved in a semi-private dining room, offering a unique opportunity to meet new people and share stories while enjoying a festive, family-style meal together.
Guests looking for a more traditional restaurant experience for the holiday are encouraged to book in advance to enjoy a 2-Course Thanksgiving Menu, including a traditional roast turkey dinner and a slice of classic pumpkin pie, available for £33.50 per person.
General Manager Nick Chiverton, said, “We are thrilled to bring the warmth and tradition of Thanksgiving to our Edinburgh Cafe. This event is all about sharing great food and even better memories with family, friends, and fellow guests, and we look forward to welcoming everyone for this special celebration.”
Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest provider of sports and leisure services across the Scottish capital has launched a new Volunteer Strategy for 2024-2027.
Volunteers are the heart of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme. Their 187 dedicated volunteers make a huge impact, making it possible to deliver over 160 health and wellbeing classes each week, supporting over 12,500 to be active and well.
In 2023-24 Edinburgh Leisure saw a 14% increase in referrals to their Active Communities projects on the previous year (a 41% increase on pre-pandemic levels) demonstrating the growing need and demand for their services.
Next year they need to raise almost £1m in external funding to enable them to continue to deliver the level of support they currently provide and grow their programme to support increasing demand
Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “The new strategy outlines our commitment to growing our volunteer programme over the next three years, with a focus on enhancing the volunteer experience, expanding opportunities to make volunteering accessible to all, and strengthening our ties within the Edinburgh Community.
At Edinburgh Leisure, no matter what role is undertaken as a volunteer, training and support is provided. While their volunteers support Edinburgh Leisure to help their participants get and stay active, they will support volunteers to get the most out of their time with them, empowering them to make their volunteering experience what they want it to be.
In June 2018, Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well programme, which promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults, earned the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS)—the equivalent to an ‘MBE’ for volunteering. Without their volunteers, many of their initiatives simply wouldn’t exist.
Earlier in September 2024, the Edinburgh Lord Lieutenant, Robert Aldridge, accompanied by the Deputy Lieutenant, Elaine Aitken, visited the team to see how they had utilised the award, learnt about its benefits for their volunteers and organisation, and discussed their plans for the future.
The new Volunteer Strategy follows hot on the heels of the launch in September 2024 of Edinburgh Leisure’s first Impact Report since 2015.
If you have time on your hands and would be interested in volunteering with Edinburgh Leisure, you can find out more by clicking here or contact: Stephen Hughes, Volunteer Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure – stephenhughes@edinburghleisure.co.uk
The Chancellor to convene first meeting of the British Infrastructure Taskforce to boost infrastructure investment.
Experts from some of the UK biggest finance institutions including HSBC, Lloyds and M&G will, alongside wider industry engagement, advise government on a long-term infrastructure investment strategy to benefit every corner of the UK.
Follows launch of a new body that brings infrastructure strategy and delivery together to address the systemic delivery challenges that have stunted growth for decades.
Private finance experts will meet the Chancellor at No11 Downing Street today to boost investment in infrastructure and drive growth nationwide.
Rachel Reeves will convene the inaugural meeting of the British Infrastructure Taskforce as part of a new approach that involves government working with business to design policy that will unlock private investment, including by building business confidence in UK infrastructure investments.
The Taskforce will explore different options to support the Government’s infrastructure goals to drive growth for the whole of the nation, and some of the UK’s biggest financial companies including LLoyds, HSBC, and M&G will be in attendance.
This Government has committed to turbocharge infrastructure investment across the width and breadth of the UK. Invitees have been selected to ensure a wide range of experience and expertise in UK infrastructure. This marks a significant shift in approach, with key businesses and stakeholders invited to work with the government to support the delivery of its infrastructure agenda.
It follows the announcement to launch a newly formed National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) which will bring a much-needed oversight of strategy and delivery under one roof, revolutionising the UK’s approach to infrastructure projects.
The NISTA will support the development and implementation of the ten-year infrastructure strategy in conjunction with industry which was outlined for the first time last week by the Chief Secretary Darren Jones.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP said:“Increasing investment in infrastructure is a vital part of delivering on our number one mission to grow the economy and create jobs.
“Just days after our International Investment Summit, we are delivering on our promise to work with business to drive growth across the country, and the expertise of this Taskforce will be invaluable in the weeks and months ahead.”
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP said: ““We are serious about ending the cycle of underinvestment that has plagued our infrastructure systems for over a decade. The best way to do that is to design the solution with business in the room. That’s what this taskforce is all about.”
The Taskforce will meet regularly, offering insights that deliver long-lasting solutions for job creation, growth, and environmental goals.
This builds on the success of the International Investment Summit, which saw hundreds of top international investors attend the event, £63bn of confirmed investment into Britain, along with the launch of the £27.8 billion turbocharged National Wealth Fund.
Tracy Blackwell, CEO, PIC said:“We have a huge amount to invest and we want to invest more in Britain. There is no shortage of capital that can support the British economy’s capacity to grow.
“The right combination of policies and ideas will unlock that capital and boost growth. From planning reform and better use of public sector pension funds to a streamlining of institutions and regulations, there is a lot that Government can do to crowd in more private investment and deliver social value.
“It’s great to be in an ongoing conversation with the Chancellor about taking that agenda forward.”
Andrea Rossi, CEO, M&G plc said:“M&G has been an active investor in the UK for 175 years. Of the £100 billion M&G invests in the UK, infrastructure remains a core part of delivering sustainable returns for our savers, clients and shareholders.
“The UK’s clear focus on infrastructure presents a significant opportunity to deliver economic and social progress and we are delighted to contribute our expertise.”
Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors said: ““IFM is a major global infrastructure investor, a major investor in the UK, and is owned by pension funds.
“We look forward to solutions-based discussions that can unlock new investment across UK infrastructure sectors and themes”.
Stephen Cohen, Chief Product Officer, Blackrock said:“There’s a rapidly growing pool of capital to invest in infrastructure, but deploying it requires pragmatism in policy.
“We’re pleased to be working with the government in identifying policies that will support private investment.”
Charlie Nunn, CEO, Lloyds Banking Group said:“At Lloyds Banking Group, we are committed to helping the UK deliver the infrastructure the country needs, supporting jobs and growth.
“We welcome the British Infrastructure Taskforce’s focus on increasing investment in UK infrastructure and addressing some of the fundamental barriers that have existed to date.
“As the UK’s leading bank for project finance, we will work closely with the government in the development of this taskforce, ensuring the work supports communities, businesses, and industries across the regions and nations of the UK.”
Anne Richards, Vice Chair, Fidelity International said:“We have a shared ambition to drive growth in the UK by unlocking investment in infrastructure for the benefit of savers.
“Our best opportunity to achieve that is through collaboration with government and the industry.”
Andy Briggs, CEO, Phoenix Group said: “Over the last three decades there has been an underinvestment in the UK economy compared to other developed nations. I am delighted there is a growing consensus that in order to grow we need to work together to invest.
“The British Infrastructure Taskforce provides the opportunity for business and government to work on shared priorities, help finance the social and economic infrastructure the country needs for the future, and give potential for better returns for pension savers.”
The following attendees of the first Taskforce meeting discussed investment opportunities, financial mechanisms, and strategies to maximise economic value:
OVER 178 MILLION FREE BUS JOURNEYS MADE IN SCOTLAND IN 2023/24
ENGLAND’S ELDERLY WAIT AN ADDITIONAL SIX YEARS FOR FREE BUS PASS
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands Gordon Macdonald has welcomed figures showing 35,785,216 free bus journeys have been made in Edinburgh this year, thanks to the SNP protecting free bus passes for the over 60’s and those with disabilities, as well as introducing free bus travel for the under 22’s.
In Scotland, the SNP Government has consistently protected free bus passes for everyone over 60, and disabled people, while also extending the scheme to injured veterans. By contrast, in England, pensioners only receive their free bus pass upon reaching the state pension age of 66 – six years later than is the case in Scotland.
The free bus travel scheme for under 22s, introduced in 2022, is helping young people across Edinburgh access work, education, and further training, free of charge. No equivalent scheme exists anywhere else in the UK.
In Edinburgh 35,785,216 free bus journeys have been made under these schemes in 2023/24, contributing to the over 178 million free journeys recorded across Scotland this year.
Commenting, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands Gordon Macdonald, said:“The delivery of almost 36 million free bus journeys across Edinburgh this year is a fantastic achievement, that demonstrates the SNP Government’s commitment to improving mobility for our youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable citizens.
“These free bus passes are a lifeline for many, helping people access essential services, education, and employment.
“While the UK Labour Government is determined to strip pensioners of their Winter Fuel Payment – the SNP Government is supporting our pensioners by protecting the free bus pass from age 60 – unlike in England, where it’s issued at age 66.
“While the UK Labour Government is busy increasing tuition fees in England, we’re supporting our young people by introducing free bus passes to support them going to work, school, education or further training.
“The SNP is committed to continuing to support all of Scotland – and it’s important to celebrate the difference that SNP policies are making here in Edinburgh, with 35,785,216 of free bus journeys made this year under the free bus travel schemes – part of over 178 million free bus journeys made across Scotland this year.”
25% increase in confirmed “Theft of Gas” cases last year
Stealing gas/electricity adds an extra £50 to energy bills*
Britain’s gas distribution networks (GDN) have joined forces with Stay Energy Safe, (powered by Crimestoppers) to raise awareness of the dangers of the ‘Theft of Gas’.
A new hard-hitting video has been produced for the campaign, showing a father tampering with their gas meter and is about to put his whole family in danger. The video has been shared through social media channels with the aim to raise awareness and hopefully make the illegal practise socially unacceptable.
The campaign will run throughout the winter and is supported by the gas industry to help people understand the dangers of tampering with a gas meter, what to look for and how to report it anonymously if you suspect theft.
Dave Garner, Director of Safety at gas distribution network Cadent said: “We want to make gas theft socially unacceptable, regardless of circumstances or situation – safety always comes first.
“Theft of gas has been around for a long time. However, we have seen a 25% increase in confirmed cases of theft of gas in the past year. We are concerned that the increase is part of the cost-of-living challenges we are all facing.
“The fact is, it is dangerous to tamper with your gas meter and only a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer should work on a gas meter or gas pipes.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities to bring this vital campaign to the forefront of everybody’s minds.”
What to look out for:
A gas meter should be flush against a hard surface with the on/off handle on the left-hand side. There should be a gas pipe coming from outside into the gas meter and one pipe going into the property and its appliances. If you see anything different from this, it could be that the meter has been tampered with and they are trying to steal gas.
Who to call:
Call the Stay Energy Safe service free on 0800 023 2777 or fill in the simple online form at www.stayenergysafe.co.uk. You can remain 100% anonymous.
Mark Loveday from Retail Energy Code Company, the not-for-profit organisation that owns and manages the key rules for operating in the GB retail energy market, and works with the energy industry to reduce energy theft, said: “The industry has seen an increase in reports of suspected gas theft over the years. Stay Energy Safe received 2,916 reports between April 2023 and March 2024. This figure has increased by 46% compared to April 2021 – March 2022.
“These figures are concerning, and we encourage people, ‘If you suspect it, report it 100% anonymously to Stay Energy Safe’. Gas meter tampering takes lives and it’s not worth it.”
In addition, all GDNs are reinforcing the dangers and signs of gas theft to its engineers during the campaign. They’re reminding colleagues of the issues to spot when working in the community to help identify any theft and keep the public safe.
Providers will have to ensure lending is affordable – stopping users from accumulating unmanageable debt
Rules deliver better protection for shoppers and clarity for innovative sector after years of uncertainty
Millions of shoppers are set to be protected by new rules for Buy-Now, Pay-Later products.
Buy-Now, Pay-Later products have become increasingly popular in recent years as they allow people to spread the cost of purchases over time, but users currently do not have access to a range of key protections provided by other consumer credit products.
The Government has today launched a consultation on proposals to fix this by bringing Buy-Now, Pay-Later companies under the supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and applying the Consumer Credit Act, ensuring users receive clear information, avoid unaffordable borrowing, and have strong rights when issues arise.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq said: “Millions of people use Buy-Now, Pay-Later to manage their finances, but the previous government’s dither and delay left them unprotected.
“We promised to take action before the election and now we are delivering. Our approach will give shoppers access to the key protections provided by other forms of credit while providing the sector with the certainty it needs to innovate and grow.”
The new rules will allow the FCA to apply rules on affordability – meaning that Buy-Now, Pay-Later companies will have to check that shoppers are able to afford repayments before offering a loan, which will help to prevent people building up unmanageable debt.
Companies will also need to provide clear, simple and accessible information about loan agreements in advance so that shoppers can make fully informed decisions and understand the risks associated with late repayments.
Consumer Credit Act information disclosure rules will be disapplied so that the FCA can consult on bespoke rules that ensure users are given this information in a way that is tailored to the online setting in which Buy-Now, Pay-Later products are generally used.
Buy-Now, Pay-Later users will be given stronger rights if issues arise with products they purchase, making it quicker and easier to get redress. This includes applying Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which allows consumers to claim refunds from their lender, and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service to make complaints.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Which? has been a leading voice calling for the regulation of Buy Now Pay Later for years so it’s positive that new rules are coming in that should provide much-needed protections for users of these products.
“Our research found that many BNPL customers do not realise they are taking on debt or consider the prospect of missing payments, which can result in uncapped fees, so clearer information about the risks involved as well as the use of affordability checks and options for redress would be a win for consumers.
“We are keen to see legislation quickly passed to ensure that BNPL users are protected as strongly as consumers using other credit products.”
Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Co founder and CEO of Klarna, said: “Congratulations to Tulip Siddiq and the government on moving quickly!
“They have been working with the industry and consumer groups long before coming into office. We’re looking forward to carrying on that work to put proportionate rules in place that protect consumers while fostering growth.”
Michael Saadat, International Head of Public Policy at Clearpay said: “We welcome today’s update from City and FinTech Minister, Tulip Siddiq, on BNPL regulation.
“It is encouraging that HM Treasury has listened to industry feedback and evolved the previous framework to ensure a more proportionate approach to regulation.
“We have always called for fit-for-purpose regulation that prioritises customer protection, delivers much-needed innovation in consumer credit and that sets high industry standards across the board.
“We will continue to support the Government and the FCA to deliver fit-for-purpose regulation that ensures consumers are protected in a way that supports the UK’s thriving FinTech sector.”
Chris Woolard, Author of the 2021 Woolard Review, which looked at change and innovation in the unsecured credit market, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for consumer-focused financial regulation.
“The proposed package of regulation would implement the recommendations of the Review and mean millions of people up and down the UK will benefit from stronger financial protection as they borrow using BNPL, especially the most vulnerable in society. The incoming regulation will also provide long-term certainty and standards for the market.”
The consultation will be conducted quickly – closing on 29 November – to reflect the urgent need for action to protect consumers.
Final legislation is expected to be laid in Parliament in early 2025. Once the legislation is laid, the FCA will finalise the rules so they can take effect in 2026 – bringing clarity to the sector after years of uncertainty about how it will be regulated.
This follows the Prime Minister saying he would remove regulation that needlessly holds back investment and growth. Today’s announcement brings in much needed regulation that stops people spiralling into debt.
Justin Basini, Co-Founder and CEO of The ClearScore Group said: “We welcome this consultation to bring Buy-Now, Pay-Later borrowers under the same protections and creditworthiness assessments as other mainstream financial products such as credit cards and loans.
“It is a sensible step in ensuring that this new, important form of credit continues to provide much-needed flexibility for consumers while also managing any risks.”
