The East Retail Crime Task Force has launched following increased offending against retailers.
Two women (both 42) arrested in separate incidents will appear in court facing 25 charges including theft, police assault, breach of bail and offences against retail workers.
As consumers brace themselves for the higher prices kicking in from today across bills including energy, water and broadband, those on the lowest incomes are running out of options, Citizens Advice warns.
Households in the lowest 10% for income already spend around two fifths (41%) of their earnings – after housing – on water, energy, broadband and car insurance bills. This compares to 11% for those on middle incomes, with those in the top 10% for income spending just 5%.
These latest findings come from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), as part of a Citizens Advice led-partnership with IPPR, abrdn Financial Fairness Trust and Policy in Practice looking at social tariffs.
Their research found single-adult households, and particularly those with children, are more likely than other groups to be spending 20% or more of their post-housing income on these bills, leaving them more exposed to price shocks.
If well-targeted social tariffs and bill support schemes were rolled out across water, energy, broadband and car insurance markets, the IPPR found that could save households hundreds of pounds a year.
For example, if social tariffs reduced these essential bills by 25%, for those in the lowest 10% for income, it could bring in savings of around £13 a week or £680 a year. This would be equivalent to a boost of income (after housing costs) of around a tenth for a typical household in this group.
Sara’s story
Citizens Advice sees the difference social tariffs can make. The charity supported Sara [not her real name], whose disability, medical conditions and her son’s needs make it vital for her to have a phone and internet.
She said: “Citizens Advice gave me advice on benefits, food banks and utility bills – how to cut down on them with social tariffs for water, phone and broadband. I can’t let go of my phone and the internet.
It’s very important because of my illness. I’ve got a special telecom alarm for when I fall, so I need wifi in the house. It helps a lot.”
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said: “After years of cost-of-living pressures, households across the country are about to feel the extra shock of rising essential bills. But for those on the lowest incomes, these unavoidable costs are already eating away at their finances, leaving their budgets stretched beyond breaking point.
“Social tariffs could be an effective safety net and put money back in people’s pockets, but the government and providers must work together to make sure nobody struggling to make ends meet misses out.
“We want to see people eligible for bill support automatically enrolled to receive it. This change can’t come soon enough.”
Professor Ashwin Kumar, Director of Research and Policy at IPPR, said: “Essential bills are leaving lowest earners with little room to breathe and causing huge anxieties.
“Well-designed social tariffs and bill support – across water, energy, broadband and insurance markets – could save households hundreds of pounds a year and provide a vital lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people across the country.”
Deven Ghelani, Director of Policy in Practice, said: “Leading utility companies are showing the benefits of data-sharing to support auto-enrolment and streamlined assessments.
“The government can take action today that makes straightforward access to social tariffs and bill support the core and expected response from utility companies to customers facing affordability issues.”
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Looking for a new challenge? Or to push yourself further in 2025? Then why not sign up to take part in Poppyscotland’s brand new Battalia Fit.
Battalia Fit is our very own hybrid fitness competition, mirroring other contests such as the hugely popular Hyrox, Spartan, and DEKA FIT.
Taking place at Crossfit gym, within Airdrieonian’s Albert Bartlett Stadium, on Saturday 21st June, Battalia Fit is made up of 10 stations with 500m runs in between (5km in total).
Each station is based on activities those serving in the military must carry out in their training and will include burpees, press ups, box jumps, squats, a 1km row and more, pushing your fitness ability to the core.
Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning said: “This is our inaugural Battalia Fit and we cannot wait to get along to Crossfit in Airdrie and see all of the wonderful people who have come out to participate in our first ever fitness competition and show their support for our charity.
“This event will raise so much awareness of Poppyscotland and the work we do supporting the Armed Forces community at times of need, including help with housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.
“A huge thank you to the team at Crossfit Airdrie for allowing us to stage Battalia Fit at their gym and for the ongoing support.”
Registration for this event costs just £60 and entry Includes: a coveted finishers medal, hydration station, official event time, a workout plan to get you ready to battle, event photos and free parking.
Or participants can choose a free entry place and commit to fundraise a minimum of £150 to help us make a vital difference to our Armed Forces community.
For further information or to book a place please visit:
BBC ALBA is taking a deep dive into the mystical waters surrounding the Western Isles with the Islands’ ‘real-life’ mermaid in a brand-new series of Miann na Maighdinn-mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra.
The new three-part series follows 28-year-old sea swimmer, Kate Macleod, as she brings ancient Hebridean folklore to life, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the waves while wearing her monofin and tail. Joined by her father, Murray, the pair travel over 150 nautical miles on the family boat to explore the Monarch Isles and Uist before heading south towards Barra and Vatersay.
Kate’s passion for swimming has long seen her explore life under the sea but now, with custom-made mermaid tails, she is able to dive even deeper to get a closer look at the wildlife lurking on the seabed.
Careful not to disturb the natural environment, Kate follows a curious seal off the shores of the Monarch Isles, and even spots a shoal of sand eels while hidden amongst the seaweed. Beneath the waves of South Uist, Kate comes across a flounder resting among coral and cautiously ensures the fish isn’t caught in netting, before watching it glide away.
Kate, from Uig on the Isle of Lewis, comments: “The sea is a second home to me; it’s a precious place. Sea swimming is very peaceful.
“Under the water it is so quiet, calm and the colours are so bright and unlike anything you see above the surface. There is sea life and different kinds of seaweed – you see something different each time.”
On dry land, Kate goes in search of hidden treasures around the southern islands of the Western Isles. Here, she samples local delicacies, including cockles and seaweed, and hears the traditional Gaelic selkie songs sung by local musician, Pàdruig Morrison, that can be traced back hundreds of years.
Along her journey ashore, Kate learns more about mermaids in Scottish folklore and how the mythical sea creatures are said to be an unlucky sign to sailors.
At Lochboisdale Harbour, Kate meets PhD researcher Liam Crouse who has a keen interest in the history of the Outer Hebrides. Kate learns that over 100 years ago, herring fishermen spotted a mermaid at the mouth of Lochboisdale – an event which was immediately marked as a bad omen. Thankfully, Kate is reassured her tail is safe from bad luck.
Kate adds: “My tail always takes me to interesting environments beneath the sea, and I am fortunate enough to bring BBC ALBA viewers along for the journey around the southern Hebrides in this new series.
“Expect a whole new perspective on life under the sea, complete with stories from locals across the islands as we sail to some well-known spots and tranquil locations – most, rarely even seen by islanders. From land to sea, this series showcases the magical wonders of the Outer Hebrides.”
Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Miann na maighdinn-Mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra S3 premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Tuesday 8 April at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).
Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000t8kj
Families who claim Child Benefit will see an increase in their payment next week, says HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
From 7 April 2025, parents will receive £26.05 per week – or £1,354.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week – or £897 a year – for each additional child. Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks and will automatically be paid into a bank account. There is no limit to how many children parents can claim for.
The quickest and easiest way for parents and carers to claim, view and manage Child Benefit payments is by downloading the free and secure HMRC app. A new function in the app means they get a notification once their claim is received and payment in as little as 3 days.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Extra pounds count and Child Benefit can give your household budget a boost.
“Claiming online or managing your Child Benefit payments via the HMRC app is quick and easy so, if you haven’t already, go to GOV.UK to start your claim today.”
Families have used the app more than 6 million times in the last year to manage their Child Benefit payments, including:
Over 1.2 million parents have claimed their Child Benefit through the HMRC app or via the digital service, since the service went online in May 2023. More than 87% of claims are now digital.
Families are encouraged to claim Child Benefit as soon as they can after their baby is born as it can only be backdated up to 3 months.
To make a claim for Child Benefit, parents will need to create an online HMRC account and will need:
HMRC has released a new youtube video explaining how new parents can make a claim.
If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive, and what the charge may be.
In the Spring Statement, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves announced a new service as part of the government’s Plan for Change, that will cut red tape for eligible employed parents who are liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
From the summer, families will have the option to report their Child Benefit payments and pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return.
The new digital service will be optional and those who choose to pay the charge through their Self Assessment can continue to do so.
Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app.
A person living in a household subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge will still receive National Insurance credits if they claim Child Benefit but choose to opt out of receiving payments.
Disability Living Allowance for adults is being replaced by a new Scottish benefit. Work has begun to move the benefit awards of over 66,000 people to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.
The new benefit will now be paid by Social Security Scotland instead of the Department for Work and Pensions.
There will be no gaps in payments or reductions in the support people get because of the transfer.
People getting DLA do not need to do anything as the transfer will happen automatically.
Social Security Scotland will send letters to let people know when their benefit is being moved and another when the move is complete. The transfer process will take four to eight weeks.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “I am pleased work has begun to transfer the benefit awards of every adult in Scotland currently getting DLA to our new benefit.
“I want to reassure people affected that their payments will transfer safely and securely, with no gaps or reductions to the support they receive.
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to and this has not changed following the UK Government’s announcement on welfare.”
Scottish Adult DLA was introduced to provide support for adults who were still getting DLA on 21 March 2025. Like DLA for adults, it is not open to new applications.
People born after 8 April 1948 can choose to apply for Adult Disability Payment after their transfer to Scottish Adult DLA is complete.
Social Security Scotland recommends anyone thinking of doing this to get independent advice on which benefit is best for them as some people might be better off on one benefit than the other.
Once a decision has been made on their application for Adult Disability Payment they cannot return to Scottish Adult DLA.
Adults of working age who are newly in need of disability support can apply for Adult Disability Payment.
Pensioners can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment, the replacement for Attendance Allowance, in most of Scotland.
Where Pension Age Disability Payment is not yet available, pensioners can apply for Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner has urged the Scottish Government and authorities to urgently redesign education, so it works for ALL children.
Commissioner Nicola Killean has made recommendations to improve the education system in a new report – warning that too many children are failing to thrive in the current set-up.
The Commissioner and her team have spent over a year listening to children and young people’s current experiences of learning. The recommendations – which come both directly from children, and from the office – build on existing education reform reports and push for much more urgent and substantial change.
Her recommendations in the report, called ‘“This is our lives, it matters a lot”: Putting children’s rights at the heart of education’, include:
Ms Killean said: “Too many children are being let down by our current system. Every child has a right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential.
“We’ve had review after review, and the promise of change, but children in school feel no improvement. The pace of education reform has not only been glacial, but it is fundamentally focussed on the wrong areas. Time is being spent on restructuring adult agencies and not on addressing the needs of children within a system that is clearly failing them.
“Children should be at the heart of shaping change to education, working alongside all those adults tasked with delivering it – government, decision-makers, and practitioners. Within education children are the ultimate stakeholders, and they have been very clear that they want change in education to be a priority for the government.
“Many children need improved support – this includes disabled children, children with neurodivergent conditions, and those living in poverty. We can’t deliver a rights-respecting education when children’s needs are not recognised or met.
“We have people trying to change the system from inside, we have examples of innovation that can make a huge difference to children, and we have vision for real change in the Hayward, Muir and Morgan Reviews commissioned by the Scottish Government.
The Commissioner’s Young Advisors were involved in the research and have made an accompanying film to the report. They visited schools with the Commissioner to work with children and hear their views.
One Young Advisor reflected after visiting schools: “This is our lives. This is what will impact us not only now…this will impact on our futures. It matters a lot to us, and all young people.”
The report shares what children told the Commissioner and makes recommendations under the themes of culture, curriculum, personalisation and support, assessment and qualifications, and purpose.
The Commissioner added: “We’ve made strong recommendations for those responsible for delivering education, including the Scottish Government, education authorities, and HMIE.
“All agencies should place children at the centre of reform – their strengths and insights are much needed. Children must not be excluded from decisions that affect their lives.
“We recognise assessments, exams, and qualifications should be understood as part of the education system; they should not dominate the system. Older children told us they were stressed, had little time to relax and that exams had a lasting effect on their mental health.”
The Commissioner added: “The Scottish Government – and others who have the power to create meaningful change – must deliver an education that has rights at the heart for every child.
NORTH Edinburgh’s popular Community Festival is on the move – to leafy BARNTON!
The annual festival has proved a huge hit since it was established in 2022, but organisers believe the event has outgrown it’s West Pilton Park home and it’s time to move on to pastures new.
Community stalwart Willie Black explained: “North Edinburgh Community Festival has been hugely popular with the local community but realise that other communities like Barnton and Cramond are losing out.
“That’s just not fair – we want to be as inclusive as possible so the move to Barnton makes perfect sense. It’s a win-win.”
Local landowner and Barnton Community Association chairman Fitzroy Arbuckle-Brightly added: “William and I have been chums since we attended Glenalmond together and the idea to move the festival came about after a jolly lunch during our annual skiing trip to Val D’Isere this spring. The more fine wine we quaffed the more sense it all made!
“North Edinburgh Community Festival has been a victim of it’s own success and has outgrown it’s rather small venue in North Edinburgh. It deserves a far grander stage and that is why I suggested the move to my estate in Barnton.
“There will have to be a few changes, of course, including a croquet competition to replace all that noisy music and the introduction of an entrance fee in line with other major festival events, but we’ll announce all the details later. Much later. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that.”
North Edinburgh Community Festival organisers were unavailable for comment, but it’s understood the re-homed festival will take place on 1st April next year.
Community groups in Edinburgh are being invited to apply for funding from a £50,000 pilot scheme by the City of Edinburgh Council to establish new food growing projects.
The “Grow Your Own” community grant initiative will welcome applications from projects aimed at establishing new community growing projects. Applications for funding are invited to help the creation of new growing spaces, supporting the establishment of growing groups, and promoting education around urban food production.
Grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded to constituted voluntary and community groups across the city, with projects running for up to 12 months.
The £50,000 funding has been allocated from the Flood Prevention/Biodiversity (including food growing) budget, which was approved in the Council’s budget on 22 February 2025. This fund aims to provide smaller community groups with essential support to establish community growing initiatives.
Funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Edinburgh communities to get involved in urban food growing.
“The city already hosts over 45 allotment sites with over 1,700 council-managed plots, along with more than 70 community growing projects. Through Edinburgh’s Food Growing Strategy (2021- 2026) and Allotment Strategy (2017 – 2027) we aim to expand local food growing initiatives.
This year’s scheme will operate as a pilot program, and its impact will be assessed. If successful, and funding permitting, we could see this becoming an annual initiative.
To apply, groups must meet the Council’s Standard Conditions of Grants. Full details can be found on the City of Edinburgh website.
The application process will be administered through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Your Voice platform, designed to ensure a simple and efficient application experience.
The deadline for applications is noon on 12 May.
