Almost 826,000 UK families shared £632.2 million in government top-ups towards their childcare bills with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year
Working families urged to sign up now to give their summer plans a financial boost
Supporting the government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change
Nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year. The money helps families pay for their childcare, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to put more money in people’s pockets.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now and give their summer plans a financial boost.
Latest figures from HMRC show in March 2025, 36,095 families in Scotland used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills, an increase of 4,925 families compared to the previous March.
Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child.
Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that’s nursery for younger children, or for older children – wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Summer can be an expensive time if you have children. Whatever you’re planning, Tax-Free Childcare can give your plans a welcome financial boost. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.”
For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards paying for their childcare costs.
Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
A new eyecare hospital offering cataract, glaucoma and eyelid surgery, and a range of specialist ophthalmology services, has opened in Edinburgh offering access to some of Scotland’s leading eye surgeons.
Clarity, located at The Stones at the South Gyle Business Park, provides a comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostics tools and testing equipment, allowing for precise evaluations and personalised treatment plans, as well as the latest lens technologies to offer patients tailored solutions.
The hospital, which opened on 2nd June, will be managed by Andrew Gunn, who worked for Aspen Healthcare and Nuffield Health for 10 years and has held senior operational roles at award-winning hospitals, including The Edinburgh Clinic. A passionate and enthusiastic leader, he says he is committed to making a difference in patients’ lives and strives for excellent outcomes by fostering a positive culture and environment for both staff and patients.
The hospital’s team is made up of seven clinical ophthalmic specialists with decades of combined experience in both NHS and independent care settings.
Amongst others, it includes Dr Naing Latt Tint, considered one of Scotland’s top cataract, lens and refractive surgeons; Dr Andrew Tatham, president of the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society and clinical lead for ophthalmology with NHS Research Scotland; and Dr Mei-Ling Cheng, a Consultant Ophthalmic and Glaucoma surgeon with advanced specialist training in cataract surgery.
Together, they say Clarity offers excellent clinical standards with clear pricing for precise treatment options, and a complete care pathway, from consultation and diagnosis, through to surgery and aftercare. They estimate wait times for treatment will be as little as two weeks from first consultation.
The Edinburgh hospital is Clarity’s first in Scotland, and there are plans to roll out more sites in the future.
Matt Currall, CEO of Clarity, said: “Being able to see your family and friends smile, absorb the depth of different colours in our world, and take in the feast nature offers, are all things many take for granted. Those who can’t enjoy that, due to eye conditions including cataracts and glaucoma, often feel very isolated.
“At Clarity, we believe optimal eye health is essential for enjoying life to the fullest so we’re dedicated to providing transformative eye treatments which restore patients’ vision so they can feel connected to their surroundings once again.
“We’ve curated a team of specialist ophthalmology experts – true leaders in their field – to ensure the people of Edinburgh suffering with eye conditions have access to timely, high-quality care, so they can get back to full clarity of vision.
“Our doors are now open, and we encourage both patients and referrers, including GPs and opticians, to explore everything we have to offer.”
Andrew added: “Joining Clarity Edinburgh is an incredibly exciting opportunity. It marks my return home to Scotland, but more importantly, means I’m able to lead on this new chapter for the city’s eyecare patients, helping them rediscover the wonders of life through our innovative and compassionate service.
“I look forward to making Clarity the hospital of choice in Edinburgh and beyond for eye treatments and surgery.”
A man has been convicted following his involvement in significant disorder within Edinburgh during Bonfire Night 2024.
Jordan McMillan, 24, was found guilty of culpable and reckless conduct after providing fireworks to individuals who then threw these items and other projectiles at police officers and members of the public in Niddrie Mains Road.
He will be sentenced on Monday, 14 July.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “This conviction should send a very clear message that the reckless and dangerous behaviour we witnessed across Edinburgh last year will not be tolerated.
“Further positive court outcomes for those involved in disorder during 2024 are anticipated and we are currently working with key partners ahead of Bonfire Night 2025 to protect our communities from this reckless and dangerous behaviour, which simply has to stop.”
Our charity recently released a new Index into the financial wellbeing of older Scots. Across the country, the results were stark, and closer to home they reveal the tough choices many in later life in the Lothian region are being forced to make.
Our data has shown that, shockingly, in the region, 22% of older people have skipped meals in the last year. Just 20% say that the State Pension is enough to cover basic living expenses.
The Scottish Government recently put forward its Programme for Government, and again, despite rising levels of pensioner poverty, there was no proposed plan to tackle this.
At Independent Age, we know urgent action is needed. A pensioner poverty strategy should include a Pension Credit awareness campaign, which is a vital source of support for older people on a low income that a significant number in the region – 18% – do not even know about.
The results of our Index show the unacceptable financial difficulties many older people in the Lothian are experiencing. This must change. Both the UK and Scottish Government must act.
Debbie Horne
Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age
Independent Age is a national charity supporting older people facing financial hardship. You can access advice on money, housing, health and care at independentage.org or through a free helpline on 0800 319 6789.
The 35th Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (24 May to 1 June) enjoyed a busy year with 87% of all tickets sold and over 17,000 children and their families, school pupils and industry professionals flocking to venues across the city, to enjoy world-class theatre, dance and circus.
Kicking off with a packed Family Day at the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday 24 May, attended by a record audience of 7,460 the Festival continued with a full week of Scottish and international shows attended by families and 3,615 pupils from 41 schools across Edinburgh including nursery, primary and secondary schools.
The shows included work from 7 different countries and the premiere of new commission Tongue Twister created and performed by Scottish artist Greg Sinclair and commissioned in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts.
Imaginate Family Day_National Museum of Scotland_24th May 2025
The show which features Greg attempting to say tongue twisters in as many different languages as possible, delighted its audiences with its language antics and gorgeous costumes. “That was the bestest show in the world!” (child)
Tongue Twister is touring to the Light the Blue Festival this weekend in Aberdeen.
The Festival also enjoyed a run of the 2024 ‘must-see’ Fringe show The Show for Young Men performed by Robbie Synge and young performer Alfie exploring topical ideas around masculinity and male friendship, and finished on a high with 6 sell-out performances of Double You, a raucous and high energy circus production from Belgium hosted in Portobello Town Hall.
Young audiences from infancy to S1 at Edinburgh International Children’s Festival.
As well as families and schools, the Festival welcomed over 310 delegates from festivals and arts organisations in 30 different countries including Australia, Hungary, Thailand and Norway also attended the Festival.
The delegate programme provided a platform for programmers, producers and artists to see and discuss high-quality work, share work in progress and network with peers from all over the world. In addition to the delegates who attended in person, 56 more attended the digital delegate programme online.
Counterflows_6 April 2025
The much-anticipated new commission the Unlikely Friendship of Feather Boy and Tentacle Girl which unfortunately was cancelled at the last minute due to a performer injury, plans to open in August for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase.
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival will return in 2026 from 30 May to 7 June under new direction, following Noel Jordan’s announcement earlier this year that after 10 successful years at the helm, he will be standing down and returning to Australia in November.
Counterflows_6 April 2025
Festival Director Noel Jordan, said: ““From uplifting productions celebrating the diversity of our global sector and centred around the perspective and viewpoint of the child, to incredible industry panel discussions and provocations, what a fantastic week this has been.
“As my final Festival I could not have been prouder. With such an incredible and dedicated team behind it I am sure the Festival will continue to go from strength to strength. Thank you to all our audiences, funders, supporters and performers who make this festival such a joyous experience.”
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) is hosting a ‘Big CHAS Shop, Thrift, Craft, Fun’ event on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Morrison Street.
This exciting event is a chance for shoppers to grab some amazing second-hand and pre-loved treasures while also supporting CHAS to continue providing much needed care to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
There will be lots of different clothing items to choose from including High Street fashion bargains, £1 rails, wedding attire and lots more.
Whether a seasoned thrifter looking for hidden gems or a craft lover eager to get stuck in, this event has something for everyone.
Children attending can get creative at a special craft station or join in a fun craft session.
Workshops include:
An Introduction to Crochet with The Colour Dasher
Tote Bag Lino Printing with The Edinburgh Craft Club
Punch Needle Art Workshop with The Edinburgh Craft Club
Tickets are available for Saturday and Sunday (11 am to 5 pm), with Early Bird entry (10 am) also available, for those keen to beat the crowds and get first dibs on any thrifty finds.
Food and drink festivals, farmers markets and culinary masterclasses are just some of the projects from across Scotland set to benefit from grants of up to £5,000.
The latest round of the Regional Food Fund will support 15 local and collaborative projects helping small food businesses to thrive while promoting local produce.
Scotland Food & Drink manages the fund aimed at elevating the food and drink industry, enhancing food tourism and showcasing the best the country has to offer.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the economy; it is one of the country’s largest employers and is already well-recognised and established across the world.
“Engaging with regional markets is vital in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years. That’s why, through initiatives like the Regional Food Fund, we are providing much-needed support to small projects to showcase the best products that their regions have to offer.
“A wonderful range of projects will be supported through this round, including foraging experiences and masterclasses at Isle of Bute food and drink festival, learning about the turnip being a climate-friendly crop in Fife, or improving their culinary skills at Huntly Hairst’s celebration of local food and drink. I look forward to hearing how each of these exciting projects develops.”
Scotland Food & Drink Head of Regional Food Fiona Richmond said: “We are pleased to be able to support 15 more collaborative food and drink projects around the country with the latest round of the Regional Food Fund.
“Our judging panel were impressed with the level of commitment and creativity shown by the successful applicants, who represent the true passion that makes our vibrant food and drink industry so special.
“We know that local food and drink initiatives play a vital role in the continued growth of Scotland’s food, drink, and tourism sectors. Congratulations to this year’s recipients – we can’t wait to see the projects we have supported come to life.”
Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided over £500,000 to the Fund, which has supported 104 collaborative projects, varying from creative artwork to increase customer numbers, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.
The successful applicants in this round are:
Huntly Hairst, Aberdeenshire. Celebration of local food and drink£2,975
Established 2012, this year will be a collaboration’ theme, producers will prepare meal plans and menus to guide visitors around the stalls, gathering fresh ingredients, listening to masterclasses and demonstrations. Funding will support production of campaign materials and promotion.
Angus Farmers Market, Angus. Appetite for Angus £3,000
The project aims to rescue and revitalise the farmers’ markets in Forfar, Carnoustie and Montrose which are due to close in their current form. Markets provide a vital source of income in the area. Funds will contribute to market rebrand.
Argyll and the Isles. Virtual Farmers’ Market£5,000
Creation of innovative digital farmers’ market to help local producers increase their sales and show their contribution to the local economy, both to visitors and locals. This project will off support to rural businesses struggling with rising costs with funds going towards the creation of assets and campaign delivery.
Alloa, Clackmannanshire. First Sound Bites Festival 2026£5,000
Collaborative, community festival to promote sales of local produce. Funding will help expand food and drink offer following successful trial last year and will contribute to marketing material and stall hire.
Dumfries and Galloway. Nurture from Nature – Local Food Outlet£5,000
Project aims to create a permanent retail outlet for local producers on this working farm. Funding will contribute to development of marketing and promotional costs.
Fife. Food from Fife – Retail Display Project £5,000
Following the successful trial in November 2024 by regional food group, Food From Fife, roll out of more branded units and point of sale material to a wider range of Fife food and drink businesses, providing dedicated in-store marketing and sales space.
North Fife and Tayside. From Tree to Glass £4,500
Delivered by Bioregioning Tayside, creation of producer group to promote and grow the area’s craft cider and perry production, preserving its apple, pear and plum heritage. Funds will support delivery of business to business, consumer and education events and materials.
Fife. Turning the Tide for Turnip Revolution £5,000
led by East of Scotland Growers will deliver a series of partnerships with chefs, retailers and communities to raise awareness and sales of turnip as a modern, delicious, climate-friendly crop. Funding will contribute to branding, marketing and chef costs.
Forth Valley. Forth Valley Five £4,993
Led by regional food group, Forth Valley Food & Drink, this collaborative project will encourage restaurants, cafes, retailers and locals to add feature five local products on menus; stock five new local products on shelves and add five local products to shopping baskets. Funds will support creation of marketing materials and delivery.
Isle of Bute. Isle of Bute Food & Drink Festival£3,240
Three-day celebration of the island’s food and drink via producer stalls; masterclasses; foraging and other experiences, delivered by regional food group, Bute Kitchen, in collaboration with other organisations and businesses.
Love Loch Lomond – A Taste of Loch Lomond Marketing Campaign £4,500
Marketing campaign to promote a new publication, ‘A Taste of Loch Lomond: Stories & Flavours from the Bonnie Banks’, that showcases stories, products and recipes from the area’s local producers and hospitality businesses. Funding will support campaign material production and promotion.
Orkney. Orkney Food and Drink Festival £5,000
Delivered by regional food group, Orkney Food and Drink, this two-day festival will bring together the island’s businesses to sell their products to visitors and locals. Funding will support venue and promotional costs.
Outer Hebrides. Hebridean Fine Food & Drink Festival £3,000
Regional food group, Eat Drink Hebrides, will deliver branding and marketing assets for two food fairs and two networking events including a Food and Drink Awards, increasing sales, promoting local businesses and supporting local supply chains.
Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland – Promoting Scottish Artisanal Cheese £5,000
Project from this collaborative artisan cheese network to improve digital presence and tell a more compelling and cohesive story to increase sales and promotion. Funding will support professional content rebrand including video/photos/Instagram and website.
The Scottish Cider Festival£5,000
New annual event to promote Scotland’s emerging cider industry, delivered by Fife-based cider pioneers, Aeble. Hosted in Edinburgh, it will provide a platform for the country’s producers to sell their craft products, partnering with other local food and drink producers. Funding will support venue, branding and marketing costs.
TOTAL 15 Applicants TOTAL GRANT CLAIM FUNDING£66,208
In advance of the Spending Review, Child Poverty Action Group have joined with other organisations to urge the chancellor to make a firm commitment that the two-child limit and the benefit cap will be abolished as part of the Autumn Budget.
The nationwide Relay Your Way campaign reached the heart of Scotland today with a powerful show of unity, inclusion, and support as leaders of all the main Scottish political parties – including First Minister John Swinney – took part in a special relay stage in Edinburgh.
Hosted in the Scottish Parliament grounds, the event marked a milestone in Relay Your Way, a 2,500km relay celebrating accessibility and inclusion in sport for children with disabilities.
The First Minister was joined by cross-party representatives and children from Oaklands School and Pilrig Park School, alongside representatives from Scottish Disability Sport. Together, they took part in a mini relay event designed to highlight the importance of removing barriers to participation in physical activity.
Jess Camburn-Rahmani, CEO of Cerebra, the charity behind the relay, said: “Cerebra is incredibly proud to be celebrating the power of sport to bring people of all abilities together with Relay Your Way and lead this nationwide movement for inclusion and change.
“Participation in sport should be equally available to everyone, and this relay is a powerful statement that no child should ever feel left out.
“It was also tremendously encouraging to see the enthusiasm and support from Scotland’s political leaders at the launch. Their commitment to championing inclusive sport is vital in helping to create real, lasting change.
“Whether you take part, cheer from the sidelines, or donate, you’ll be helping to create a world where all young people are fully included, supported, and celebrated. We wish the best of luck to everyone taking part.”
With over 10,000 participants expected to take part, the relay shines a spotlight on the three in four disabled children in the UK are not able to fully participate in PE and school sport*. Which is why Cerebra created Relay Your Way, so that no child has to ask: “can I take part?”
The Relay Your Way baton, designed by the Cerebra Innovation Centre to be easily carried by wheelchair users, adapted surfers, and frame runners, will be passed between participants over 301 stages to the finish line at Parallel, Windsor, on July 6.
For more information and to follow the journey live, visit: www.relayyourway.org
