Month: March 2025

UK Government ‘to unlock work’ for sick and disabled people

Work will be unlocked for thousands of sick and disabled people through new measures that will bolster the support offered in Jobcentres and make the welfare system more sustainable, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced today

  • New plans to improve employment support brought forward ahead of wider reform package to fix broken welfare system. 
  • 1,000 work coaches deployed to deliver intensive employment support to sick and disabled people as part of the government’s Plan for Change which will break down barriers to opportunity.
  • It comes as a new survey reveals scale of the broken system with nearly half of disabled people and those with a health condition saying they don’t trust DWP to support them.

The plans will see 1,000 existing Work Coaches deployed in 2025/26 to deliver intensive voluntary support to around 65,000 sick and disabled people – helping them to break down barriers to opportunity, drive growth and unlock the benefits of work.

This intensive support for people on health-related benefits – including those furthest away from work – will see Work Coaches providing tailored and personalised employment support, and help claimants access other support such as writing CVs and interview techniques. They will also access a range of DWP employment programmes to help claimants unlock work based on conversations with their Work Coaches.

The additional help will be delivered by reprioritising work coach time so they can focus on tackling economic inactivity in order to make the welfare system more sustainable. The 1,000 redeployed Work Coaches are a “downpayment” on wide-ranging plans to overhaul employment support, which are set to be unveiled in just a few weeks’ time. 

It is part of the Government’s Plan for Change – which will boost living standards and grow the economy by unlocking work for the 2.8 million people who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness – the highest in the G7 – and bring down spending on incapacity benefits which is expected to reach £70 billion by the end of this parliament. 

It comes as new survey results show the current system isn’t just failing the taxpayer, it’s also failing the people it’s meant to help, with 44% of disabled people and people with a health condition believing DWP does not provide enough support to people who are out of work due to disability, ill health, or a long-term health condition.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP said: “We inherited a broken welfare system that is failing sick and disabled people, is bad for the taxpayer, and holding the economy back. 

“For too long, sick and disabled people have been told they can’t work, denied support, and locked out of jobs, with all the benefits that good work brings.

“But many sick and disabled people want and can work, with the right support. And we know that good work is good for people – for their living standards, for their mental and physical health, and for their ability to live independently. 

“We’re determined to fix the broken benefits system as part of our Plan for Change by reforming the welfare system and delivering proper support to help people get into work and get on at work, so we can get Britain working and deliver our ambition of an 80% employment rate.”

The data from the DWP Perceptions Survey – soon to be published in full – also shows:  

  • 35% of disabled people and people with a health condition believe DWP does not provide enough support to people of working age who are out of work, to help them get back into work. 
  • 44% of disabled people and people with a health condition don’t trust the DWP to help people reach their full career potential. 
  • Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) disabled people and people with a health condition do not trust DWP to take its customers’ needs into account in how it provides services. 

These figures follow recently released data which shows that there are over three million people on Universal Credit with no obligation to engage in work-related activity, despite over a quarter (27%) of health and disability benefit claimants believing that work could be possible in the future if their health improves and 200,000 saying they would be ready to work now.

Data also shows the number of working-age people on the health element of Universal Credit or claiming Employment Support Allowance (ESA) has risen to 3.1 million, a staggering 319% increase since the pandemic, reflecting the alarming rate at which young and working aged people are increasingly falling out of work and claiming incapacity benefits. 

Behind each of these statistics is a person with hopes and ambitions, who can provide businesses with much-needed skills and experience, helping to grow our economy.

To give people the support they deserve, and restore trust and fairness to our welfare system, reforms to the welfare system are expected to be announced in just a few weeks. 

These reforms will recognise that some people will be unable to work at points in their life and ensure they are provided with support while transforming the broken benefits system that: 

  • Asks people to demonstrate their incapacity to work to access higher benefits, which also then means they fear taking steps to get into work.
  • Is built around a fixed “can versus can’t work” divide that does not reflect the variety of jobs, the reality of fluctuating health conditions, or the potential for people to expand what they can do, with the right support.
  • Directs disabled people or those with a work-limiting health condition to a queue for an assessment, followed by no contact, no expectations, and no support if the state labels them as “unable” to work. 
  • Fails to intervene early to prevent people falling out of work and misses opportunities to support a return to work.
  • Pushes people towards economic inactivity due to the stark and binary divide between benefits rates and conditionality rules for jobseekers compared to those left behind on the health element of Universal Credit.  
  • Has become defined by poor experiences and low trust among many people who use it, particularly on the assessment process.

The government’s plans to fix the broken benefit system will build on the biggest employment reforms in a generation announced in the Get Britain Working White Paper, which will empower mayors to drive down economic inactivity, deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning, and overhaul jobcentres across the country. 

Former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield is leading an independent review investigating how government and employers can work together to help disabled people and those with ill health who may be at risk of falling out work stay on in employment, with the findings of the discovery phase expected in the spring.

The government is also investing an additional £26 billion to cut NHS waiting lists and get Britain back to health and back to work. 

The government has already delivered on its pledge, providing two million extra appointments in five months and as a result, around 160,000 fewer patients on waiting lists today than in July.

Teams of clinicians will also introduce new ways of working at 20 hospital sites in areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity to help patients return to the workforce faster.

This is alongside the recruitment of an additional 8,500 mental health workers to ensure mental health is given the same attention as physical health.

Granton Waterfront: Delivering on affordable homes

Scottish Government funding to support housing infrastructure

A significant project to regenerate the Granton area of Edinburgh has received a grant of almost £16 million to enable the provision of new affordable, energy efficient homes.

Part of the Scottish Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, the grant will allow the City of Edinburgh Council to undertake crucial infrastructure works in preparation for building 847 new homes, including 387 affordable homes.

It is part of a wider package of financial support being developed by the Scottish Government at Granton Waterfront, reflecting the commitment to support seven strategic sites as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

First Minister John Swinney visited the development to announce the funding and learn about how the project is progressing. He also had the opportunity to meet apprentices working on the construction site.

The First Minister said: ““Public sector investment in the first phase of Granton Waterfront is estimated to leverage a further £200 million of private sector investment in private housing and the low carbon heat network.

“The 2025-26 Budget has allocated more than £7 billion for infrastructure and £768 million to ramp up action on delivering affordable homes.

“This development at Granton Waterfront is an excellent example of how Scottish Government investment is already delivering across my government’s four priorities – to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, improve public services and protect the planet.”

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Jane Meagher said: “We’re making significant progress at Granton Waterfront, with hundreds of affordable homes underway at both Western Villages and Silverlea. I welcome today’s announcement which comes at a critical time, as our city faces an ongoing housing emergency and a severe shortage of homes.

“This funding forms part of a wider funding package that the Council and Scottish Government continue to develop, allowing the next phase of development in Granton to get underway later this year. This will see further development of much needed new homes, alongside improved infrastructure, and an innovative low-carbon district heating system.

“The regeneration of Granton will not only help to address the housing shortage but also contribute to our broader goal to become net zero by 2030 and by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, residents will benefit from modern, comfortable, energy efficient homes.

“We’re working hard to make Granton somewhere people will want to call home, and this is a great example of the success we can have when governments work together in partnership. I look forward to seeing this progress continue.”

Pioneering £15 million fund launches in Edinburgh, for Edinburgh

Regenerative Futures Fund will help tackle root-causes of poverty, racism and climate change

Edinburgh, like many cities, faces serious and systemic issues of poverty and racism, and these are deeply connected with environmental challenges.

Time after time local charities across the city have proven they are well-placed and able to provide the solutions needed to deliver real impact for their communities, but they are seriously constrained by the existing funding model of short-term cyclical or project funding, lack of trust and lack of understanding.

Launching today, The Regenerative Futures Fund is a pioneering ten-year community fund for Edinburgh that puts decision-making power into the hands of those who are most often excluded.

It supports approaches that improve the lives of local people living in poverty and experiencing racism, and that contribute towards a just, green transition, by enabling equity and power-sharing. 

The fund is specifically designed to step into the space of long term, unrestricted funding, placing trust in communities that they themselves can allocate resources where they are most needed, and where they will make the biggest impact.

The fund also brings together long-term commitments from some of the biggest funders in the country, contributing to and collaborating on the pooled fund, including Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Robertson Trust, Turn2us Edinburgh Trust, Foundation Scotland and crucially City of Edinburgh Council, but completely removes them from the decision-making process. 

Instead, they are  giving local individuals and organisations the agency and the resources they need to create a brighter future for all residents of Edinburgh. 

With nearly £6 million pledged to date, the team is actively inviting others to join the impressive coalition of funders, corporate partners, and philanthropists committed to a just and sustainable Edinburgh to fully realise the ambitious 10-year programme.  

Leah Black, Co-Head said “We have a wealth of incredible organisations in Edinburgh who are passionate and capable of delivering the changes we all need to see but unfortunately the current funding landscape can often stand in their way. 

“Traditional funding programmes do little to address the root causes of poverty and inequality; short timescales, restricted single-issue support and overall, a real lack of trust in the organisations delivering on the ground.  A radical shake up is needed and that is why we are coming together to launch The Regenerative Futures Fund. 

“The Regenerative Futures Fund is different. Collaboratively designed by local people in community organisations, campaigners, funders and the local authority, this £15 million, ten-year pooled fund presents a unique opportunity to support and learn with others to enable a long-term community-led approach to systemic change. 

“We are committed to meaningful, long term and unrestricted funding. This means that organisations will be given the freedom to think and plan for the long-term.”  

Through the fund, grants of up to £100,000 per year will be offered to around 10-15 Edinburgh-based organisations, over 10 years.

Aala Ross, Co-Head said: “The Regenerative Futures Fund directly addresses the huge problem we have with short-termism. Transformative thinking – and doing – requires long-term resource.

“We struggle to think and act long-term due to the dominance of short-term and restricted funding, resulting in ‘sticking plaster’ and siloed solutions to our biggest societal issues.

“We are frustrated with restrictions and barriers of short-term, restrictive and power imbalanced funding for social sector organisations.  We know that this is a funding programme with a difference, and we know that other cities and funders will be watching and we will openly share our learning across the next ten years.”  

Edinburgh City Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Here in Edinburgh we have an ambitious target to end poverty by 2030, and we remain committed to making our city fairer. We know that this isn’t an easy task but we need to be bold and drive the change that is so greatly needed.

“The Regenerative Futures Fund will empower local people and the third sector to directly fight poverty and inequality in our communities. We need a city-wide partnership fund to help us end poverty together. This innovative model is unique to Edinburgh.

“With backing already in place for £6 million, including £100,000 of Council funding, the team is well placed to start working alongside those with firsthand understandings of poverty. This will help make a lasting difference – ensuring their voices are at the heart of decision-making.”

One of Scotland’s biggest funders, The Robertson Trust has contributed £1 million to the Regenerative Futures Fund, the largest award they’ve made in this strategic funding period, and their first ever ten-year award. 

Jim McCormick, Chief Executive of The Robertson Trust said: “The Robertson Trust is committed to preventing and reducing poverty and trauma in Scotland by funding, supporting and influencing solutions to drive social change.

“As an independent funder, we recognise our responsibility to explore new approaches, particularly to address the root causes of poverty, racial injustice and climate risks. Our partners tell us consistently that lasting change cannot be achieved through short-term funding.

“That’s why we were drawn to The Regenerative Futures Fund’s long-term vision, its ambitious cross-sector collaboration, and its deep commitment to shifting power towards people and places with lived experience of these deep-seated challenges.

“Our £1 million award over ten years – the largest and longest commitment of strategy period to date – reflects our commitment to long-term change. We share the Fund’s bold vision and look forward to learning about power-sharing and ambitious collaboration to achieve transformative change in Edinburgh.”

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation have contributed over £500,000 to the Fund.  Gillian Goode, Funding Manager at Esmée Fairbairn Foundation said: “Regenerative Futures Fund is an ambitious vision to reimagine and demonstrate an alternative model of citizen-led change for the City of Edinburgh.

“Communities have no shortage of ideas for how to explore and create innovative solutions and address the inequalities that exclude people from being part of that experience; what they often lack is stable and secure resourcing and the right to decide how best to use it.

“We are grateful and excited to have the opportunity to learn alongside communities, other funders, City of Edinburgh Council, other partners and stakeholders how we might work together differently in future towards sustainable change that can meet everyone’s social and economic needs and safeguard our climate and natural world.”

Independent charity Foundation Scotland is involved as both a key funder and the host of the Fund overall.

Helen Wray, Head of Philanthropy at Foundation Scotland said “This is an ambitious fund that ultimately aims to empower people to play a central role in improving their lives and those of others – to have their voices listened to and be active in shaping their own futures.

“We talk about this kind of approach often, but rarely do we see it so powerfully laid out. The Regenerative Futures Fund has the potential to create a compelling model for others to follow. We will fully support them to make that ambition a reality.”

Eligibility checkers and application details for both the lived experience panel and interested organisations are now live on the Fund website. 

Those interested in contributing to the collaborative pooled fund and building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for Edinburgh should get in touch with Leah Black: leah@foundationscotland.org.uk

For more information about the Regenerative Futures Fund including eligibility criteria and application information visit https://regenerativefuturesfund.org.uk

Who Cares?

BBC ALBA EXPLORES CHALLENGES IN SCOTLAND’S CARE SECTOR IN LATEST EÒRPA EPISODE

The care sector in Scotland continues to struggle to find and keep staff. Reporter Màiri Riddoch travels through the Western Isles and the Highlands to meet carers, service users, bosses and politicians to learn about the challenges faced in these areas in the new BBC ALBA documentary, Eòrpa: Who Cares?

After being granted access to a number of care-homes in the public and independent sectors, as well as home-delivered care, Màiri hears how an ageing population and dwindling proportion of young people are putting the care system at risk of failure.

She also meets carers who speak of the immensely rewarding and enjoyable nature of an albeit challenging, and at time heartbreaking, job.

As one resident puts it to her carer: “Where would I be without you?”.

Delayed discharge from hospitals is a problem throughout Scotland, with a daily average of 2,000 patients waiting to get out of hospitals despite being medically fit. A lack of capacity in the care sector is a major contributory factor.

Speaking at the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon Jamieson explains that a shortage of care staff is causing real difficulties in moving people from hospitals into the community.

Gordon says: “Today for example, there are 16 delayed discharges in this hospital, there are four delayed discharges in the Uist and Barra hospital. It’s over 30% of the beds available in this hospital.

“And the knock-on effect of that is that we may not be able to take in people for elective operations because the beds are unfortunately occupied, despite everybody’s best efforts, by people who can’t get out to the right place in the community.

“I think one of the main issues for us is the steady population decline in the Western Isles. It’s probably one of, if not the, most significant risk that the system fails.”

Across the Minch in Mallaig, Màiri meets Shanna Eddie, deputy manager at the NHS-run Mackintosh Centre care home.

The facility was forced to close in summer 2023 due to a lack of staff. It re-opened in November last year, something that was welcomed greatly by the community, residents and staff alike.

Recalling the closure in 2023, Shanna comments: “It was like everything had been ripped out from underneath you. We had six permanent residents at the time, and it was worrying about where they were going to go, how the families were going to cope, how their daily lives were going to be affected.

“We had some residents whose family didn’t drive. And for them to then be relocated 40 miles up the road to Fort William cut down greatly on their daily visits that they used to get from various family members over the course of a week.”

Many of Scotland’s residential care homes are run by independent providers, often charities or private companies.

Fairburn House in Muir of Ord, around 20 miles northwest of Inverness, has been in Susan Davison’s family for over 40 years: “We are quite rural, so that causes its own difficulties.

“We’re not on a bus route, so that again causes difficulty. And over the last while, it’s been much more difficult because there’s just not people coming for interviews or anything like that.”

Reporter Màiri Riddoch reflects on her report: “It was a privilege to have the opportunity to film inside care homes and in people’s own homes, speak to staff and to those receiving care. I wanted to shine a light on the sector and help highlight what an important and rewarding job it can be, one which I feel is often undervalued.

“Our ageing population combined with a declining working age population, particularly in the Islands and rural Highlands, brings the problem of recruitment into even sharper focus. This is something our elected representatives will need to grapple with for years to come.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.

Eòrpa: Who Cares? will premiere on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Wednesday 12 March (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

Panda & Sons and Grey Goose team up to launch Edinburgh’s hottest new cocktail trend

MEET 2025’S HOTTEST LITTLE TREND: THE GREY GOOSE® TINY ‘TINI

In 2025, small is the new big, with tiny drinks and shareable plates stealing hearts and dominating menus – the iconic vodka martini cocktail is joining the trend.

Set to lead a ‘Martineissance’ in 2025 – the GREY GOOSE® Vodka Tiny ‘Tini is predicted to open the doors of the martini cocktail to a brand-new era of cocktail lovers.

 In case you hadn’t heard, the vodka martini cocktail is making a stylish comeback, blending timeless elegance with new bartender creativity to suit every taste. But for some, the classic martini cocktail can feel like a bit ‘too intimidating’.  

Introducing the new GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini. Partnering with renowned cocktail bars across London, Manchester and Edinburgh, the iconic vodka brand has worked with bars to introduce a flight of miniature GREY GOOSE vodka martini cocktails – perfectly chilled, perfectly sized, and perfect for social occasions.  

Tapping into the increasing trends of moderation, flavour exploration and accessible luxury, the GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini makes vodka martini cocktails more approachable, proving that great things really do come in small packages. 

The ‘small and mini’ trend is showing no signs of slowing down for 2025 either – with more and more people developing a fascination for craftsmanship, where intricate, miniature designs are admired for their artistry, attention to detail – and flavour. 

Lexa Ulijaszek, UK Ambassador for GREY GOOSE commented: “When it comes to the vodka martini cocktail, size does matter for some. Sometimes a full-sized martini cocktail can be a little bit too intimidating.

“Or over the course of great conversation between friends, the final sip of your drink may not be as superbly chilled or balanced in taste as the beginning. As a result, the offer of a ‘sip sized cocktail’ is gaining traction across many of the UK’s most influential bars.”  

“A sip size GREY GOOSETiny ‘Tini is the perfect solution – beautifully crafted, expertly chilled, elegantly served- with rich taste. A flight of three petite drinks allows you to responsibly enjoy the perfection of the ‘first sip’ of a martini cocktail while also experiencing a range of unique flavours. 

“The trend is very much a UK-wide affair, with some of the best bars across Manchester, Edinburgh and London all serving the GREY GOOSETiny ‘Tini – ushering in a brand new and bold ‘sip sized’ era for the vodka martini cocktail.” 

Set to lead a ‘Martineissance’ in 2025 – the GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini is predicted to open the doors of the martini cocktail to a whole new generation of cocktail lovers.  

Flights of GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini’s range £12 to £25 and will be available across London (A Bar with Shapes for a Name, and Lobby bar at The London EDITION), Manchester (Blinker) and Edinburgh (Panda & Sons) for a limited time. 



Where to sip a GREY GOOSE Tiny ‘Tini:

(Subject to availability. We suggest reservations where possible to avoid disappointment. All pricing set by the venues and subject to change).

Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

79 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 4NF 

£18 

Reserve online at: Panda & Sons

Available March 1, through April 30.

A Bar with Shapes for a Name, London

232 Kingsland Rd, Whitmore Estate, London E2 8AX 

£21 

Reserve online at: home | club bauhaus

Available March 1, through April 30.

The Lobby Bar at The London EDITION  

10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP 

£25 

Reserve online at: The London EDITION Lobby Bar | Soho London Bar & Cocktail Bar

Available March 3, through April 30.

Blinker, Manchester

64-72 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ 

£12 for flight of 3, or £4.50 for a single miniature cocktail 

Reserve online at: Blinker

Available March 1, through April 30

SCSC: New figures highlight 145 children waiting more than a year for mental health treatment

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has raised concerns that 145 children and young people have been waiting more than a year for mental health treatment.

These figures were highlighted in the latest waiting time statistics from Public Health Scotland published yesterday (4th March), indicating that 145 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending December 2024.1 

This is an increase from 115 in the previous quarter ending September 2024.

In addition, 4,362 children and young people were waiting to start treatment at quarter ending December 2024, which is an increase of 3.1 per cent (131) compared to 4,231 in the previous quarter

On a more positive note, 90.6 per cent of children and young people started treatment within 18 weeks of referral. The Scottish Government target, dating from December 2014, states that 90 per cent of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS. This has been achieved for the first time.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support

However, it should be noted that despite this greatly increased demand, only 0.82 per cent of the total frontline NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/24 financial year, amounting to £134.188 million (real terms). This equates to just 82p in every £100 of the NHS budget. 

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that 145 children and young people have been waiting over a year for mental health treatment is extremely alarming.

“We are facing a mental health emergency, and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living.

“This is also having a major effect on classroom behaviour, impacting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.

“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government ensure the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people so that they can get the care and support they need, without lengthy waits.”

Edinburgh awarded Tree Cities of the World status for its leading work in urban forestry

The Tree Cities of the World programme has recognised 27 UK ‘Tree Cities’, for their dedication to protecting and cherishing their urban tree canopy. All UK nations are represented, with Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff leading the way outside of multiple towns and cities across England.

The winning cities join an international network of 210 Tree Cities across 24 countries. Tree Cities of the World is a programme co-founded in 2019 by The Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest non-profit dedicated to planting trees, and the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

To earn Tree Cities of the World recognition, cities must meet five core standards; have clear responsibility for tree care, set official tree management rules, update an inventory of local tree resource, allocate a dedicated tree planting budget, and hold an annual tree celebration event with the community.

Dan Lambe, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, says: “Now more than ever, trees are essential to creating healthier, more resilient cities and towns.

“This global community of leaders is driving innovation and excellence in urban forestry—with cities in the UK leading the way through bold policies, community-driven initiatives, and a deep commitment to expanding and protecting urban forests.”

Cardiff Council has renewed its status for three consecutive years, commended for their Coed Caerdydd (Cardiff Forest) project. A response to the climate emergency, this project recently saw its 100,000th tree planted since launching in 2021, all trees having been planted with the help of the community.

Doncaster’s Tree City of the World status is testament to the council’s mission to plant one million trees across the city by 2031, with just under 300,000 trees having been planted and celebrated so far.

Ipswich Borough Council are currently planting a new woodland, featuring 2,500 trees of 20 different species, remarkably in a stag beetle-shape as a nod to its stag beetle-friendly deadwood habitat features.

Sarah Culshaw, Wildlife and Education Ranger at Ipswich Borough Council says: “We are immensely proud to have been recognised as a Tree City of the World for the last three years.

“The scheme is a great way to show our residents that we are passionate about effective urban tree management and recognise the hard work of our dedicated teams. Our trees are a huge part of our town, helping to reduce the heat island effect, create lush open spaces for engagement with nature and reduce the impact of climate change.”

Environmental charity Trees for Cities leads the promotion of Tree Cities of the World in the UK, currently partnering with 12 of the celebrated cities to facilitate their tree planting efforts.

Kate Sheldon, CEO at Trees for Cities, says: “Trees for Cities is proud to lead Trees Cities of the World in the UK, recognising real value in heralding towns and cities that set high standards in urban forestry.

“Trees offer immense benefits for our health and well-being, and are one of our best nature-based solutions adapting our cities to climate change. Trees—and their champions—deserve to be celebrated!”

In early March, The Arbor Day Foundation and Trees for Cities will meet in London to discuss opportunities to strengthen the growing international network of Tree Cities. The complete list of recognised Tree Cities of the World is available on www.treecitiesoftheworld.org

It’ll Cost You: A Decade of Deterring Underage Drinking!

A community campaign to tackle underage drinking reaches its tenth anniversary this year when it will once again aim to deter adults buying alcohol for children.

The ‘It’ll Cost You’ initiative has run nationally across Scotland for the last three years and will continue in summer 2025. Evaluations of the previous campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains an issue with 8 detections being made during the course of the 2024 campaign.

It is an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18. This is known as proxy purchase and can result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships and aims to raise awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.

This year’s campaign will run from Monday 30 June to Monday 11 August across Scotland.

Joanne McEwan, Policing Together Superintendent, said: “The multi-agency proxy purchase campaign is an important annual initiative, which helps us raise awareness of the consequences associated with providing alcohol to young people.

“Purchasing alcohol for anyone under the age of 18 is a criminal offence and you risk a fine, imprisonment, or both if you are caught doing so.

“Safeguarding young people from harm is part of our Chief Constable’s commitment to building safer communities and we will continue to work with partners to tackle underage drinking.”

Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are committed to reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

“This campaign ties in with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”

Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said: ““The campaign gives us an opportunity to carry the “It’ll Cost You” resources and messaging in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.

“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”

Siobhian Brown MSP, Community Safety Minister said: “It is illegal for adults to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for under 18s and I welcome this campaign which is a good example of partners working together to stop the practice.

“People may feel they are doing no harm, but buying alcohol for underage young people risks them becoming vulnerable through alcohol or contributing to anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

Scottish retail workers speak out after Usdaw survey shows the impact of retail crime in the region

Retail trade union Usdaw has today (5 March) released shocking statistics from its annual survey showing that abuse and threats against shop workers continue to grow, with violence remaining at double pre-pandemic levels.

The increase in incidents comes during an epidemic of retail crime.

Usdaw’s survey of 1,011 Scottish retail staff found that in the last twelve months (national average):

  • 70% have experienced verbal abuse (77%).
  • 45% were threatened by a customer (53%).
  • 8% were assaulted (10%).

Full report: www.usdaw.org.uk/FFFReport2024

Scottish voices from the frontline: These are some of the comments Scottish shop workers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

Central Scotland: “Punched in the shoulder and verbal abuse – being called names and sworn at.” – “Shouted at for tills not working.” – “Customer tried to grab my face.” – “Colleague got stabbed with screwdriver.” – I get deliberately misgendered.”

Glasgow: “Daily verbal abuse even when asking customers to scan their bags.” – “Held up at knifepoint.” – “Couple stole jars of coffee, asked for them back and they smashed a jar of coffee on my head.” – “Punched on chin and chest.”

Highlands and Islands: “Threatened with a bottle after customer stole beer.” – “Aggression over being asked for ID, unwanted sexual attention.” – “Customer came behind cash desk and was in my face, telling me she’d be waiting on me.”

Lothian: “Racially abusive statements made to me and about me.” – “Grabbed by the scruff of my work jacket and shook me whilst yelling I had ruined their son’s Christmas because we were out of a specific chocolate.” – “Being called a bitch.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife: “Men following to the car.” – “Customers unhappy with self-service. Shouting at me or talking in a bad way.” – “Customers being volatile when you will not sell them age-restricted items due to no ID.”

North East Scotland: “Theft and threatening behaviour towards myself or my colleagues is a daily occurrence. Worst I have experienced.” – “Referred to as a bloody shelf stacker.” – “Customers shouting at you pushing trollies into you.”

South Scotland: “Kick up the bum by customer.” – “Customers grabbing my waist, pulling my hair, grabbing my shoulder/arms/legs, telling me they stalk me, telling me to meet them after work, making sexual comments toward me.”

West Scotland: “Called a f**kng moron because I was pulling a trolley on the shop floor.” – “Drunk football fans – alcohol purchase rejection – backed against wall poked in the eye – grabbed by others in the group preventing me from alerting security.”

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats. No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but our evidence shows that too many retail workers are.

“It is shocking that over three-quarters of our members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community. They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law.

“Scotland has had a protection of shop workers law in place since 2021, after Labour’s Daniel Johnson MSP promoted the legislation, and it has already been used in around 10,000 incidents.

“We continue to work with retailers, the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to help ensure that legislation is fully utilised and that retail workers receive the protection and respect they deserve”.

Utilita Energy Hub supports campaign to save Pilmeny Development Project

High street hub welcomes PDP committee members to its free Community Room – and don’t miss your chance to win this month’s hub raffle prizes

Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at the Leith Energy Hub, and her dedicated team are looking forward to welcoming the Pilmeny Development Project (PDP) management committee members to the hub’s Community Room on Friday, 7 March. 

PDP is facing a loss of funding which will mean closure of its services to socially isolated older people in Leith Walk, Leith Wards and North East Edinburgh.

The Utilita Hub’s Energy Experts have worked with the PDP for several years, ever since they began using the Community Room to help those being digitally excluded during the pandemic.

Keen to encourage others to make use of the hub’s facilities, Natasha said: “Our Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events – with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available. 

“Whilst we fully appreciate that times are tough and that difficult funding decisions have to be made, we also recognise the important work that Pilmeny Development Project does to protect vulnerable, local, older people. Our shared aim of helping the local community makes using the Community Room an obvious venue choice for PDP.

“Whether you’re running a literacy class, a knitting circle, or gathering for a community event, please do get in touch to find out more about the hub’s meeting room facilities.”

Tackling food and fuel poverty

Hub visitors will have the chance to enter this month’s Utilita Leith Energy Hub’s Kids and Adults prize raffles – with the prize winners being revealed on Red Nose Day (Friday, 21 March).  This year’s Red Nose Day event will focus on supporting those in need during the current cost of living crisis, shining a spotlight on issues like food and fuel poverty.

Utilita’s charitable partner, Utilita Giving, is dedicated to alleviating and preventing the hardship caused by fuel and food poverty while raising public awareness about this critical issue.

Natasha added: “We would like to wish all our hub visitors good luck in this month’s Kids and Adults prize raffles – by taking part you’ll be helping us to raise awareness of food and fuel poverty. 

“The Kids prize hamper includes toys, Teddy Bears, sweets, as well as art and craft items. The prize up for grabs by their grown-ups is a 3.5L slow cooker, with a packet of slow cooker liners.

“There’s also a Tombola coming soon, so be sure to visit the Leith Energy Hub for your chance to win craft goods, chocolates and gift sets.”

Open to all

Utilita Energy Hubs are high street locations where customers can top up their accounts, check their balances, and get energy-saving advice – based not just in Edinburgh but also Gosport, Southampton, Isle of Wight, Luton, Derby, West Bromwich, Sheffield, Leicester, Blackburn, Huddersfield and Hartlepool.

The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA. See more on Utilita Energy Hubs at https://utilita.co.uk/energy-hub.