Spending on schools across Scotland has increased by more than £1 billion in real terms over the past decade, official statistics show.
Data published this week shows that local authority funding across Primary, Secondary and Special schools rose to £7 billion in 2024-25, up 19.7% from £5.8 billion in 2014-15.
Average spending per pupil across Primary and Secondary schools also rose by more than £1,000 in real terms over the same period, reaching £8,683.
Local government education expenditure in Scotland in 2024-25 was £8.3 billion, which is 27% higher than in 2014-15 in real terms – a cash terms increase of 71%.
Pre-primary education expenditure has more than doubled in real terms over the past decade to £1.1 billion in 2024-25, up from £516 million in 2015-16, with 95% of this going on the delivery of the 1140 hours early learning and childcare offer.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This investment underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to education, working in partnership with councils, and means Scotland has the best paid teachers in the UK, the lowest pupil-teacher ratio and the highest education spending per head in the UK.
“Schools are delivering literacy and numeracy attainment at the highest levels on record, with a record low attainment gap for literacy and numeracy in primary and secondary schools. Attendance has improved, class sizes are smaller, and there are more teachers in Scotland’s classrooms.
“Last year’s exam results also showed there were more passes at every level compared to 2024, while the total number of Higher entries passed the landmark 200,000 level for the first time since Curriculum for Excellence was introduced in 2010. We have also made strong progress on widening access to higher education regardless of background or circumstance, with record numbers of young Scots in 2025 securing university places in Scotland who will benefit from free tuition.
“As we reflect on progress over the past ten years we are also looking to the future with local authorities and headteachers, to agree how best we might collectively go further and faster.”
SCATHING REPORT ON THE STATE OF ENGLAND’s SOCIAL HOUSING
Raising the standard of social homes in England is essential given the progress at bringing homes up to a minimum standard has almost ground to a halt, says the cross-party Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee in a report published today (Monday).
While most social homes provide tenants with warm, safe and decent places to live, the report finds that too many people living in social housing suffer from appalling housing conditions and do not have their complaints treated seriously.
The report notes that the minimum standard of what is considered a decent home has not changed in twenty years and says, “it is not acceptable that just under 430,000 social homes still fail to meet even this basic standard”.
The Committee’s Housing conditions in the social rented sector report calls for the Government to use the delayed Long-term Housing Strategy to deliver an approach which addresses the twin objectives of building more social homes while ensuring conditions in existing housing stock are improved.
The report recommends the Government establish a new, modern Decent Homes Programme that supports social landlords to raise the standard of social homes, which includes a pooled fund for improvements to social homes and a single housing quality framework to consolidate the regulatory requirements on social landlords.
Florence Eshalomi MP, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee said: “Whether it is residents living in poorly insulated homes, experiencing overcrowding, or enduring housing with damp or mould, it’s vital that Government measures, including Awaab’s Law and the New Decent Homes Standard, bring a meaningful improvement to social housing conditions.
“The Government deserves credit for the steps taken to rebuild the sector’s financial capacity after years of underinvestment. However, we do have concerns about the resources available to social housing providers to meet the Government’s new social homes target while also raising standards over the decade.
“The Government’s Long-term Housing Strategy needs to set out a credible plan to tackle the need to improve existing housing stock while encouraging social landlords to build the new social homes the country needs.”
Too many people are living in dangerous, damp and mouldy homes.
This must stop.
Today Awaab’s law comes into force – social landlords must take urgent action to fix dangerous homes or face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/H8YeUeCoz3
The report agrees with the Government’s decision to rollout Awaab’s Law in phases, focusing on tackling the most dangerous hazards first, but warns that social landlords and tenants need a much clearer roadmap for when the remaining phases of Awaab’s Law will be introduced.
The report calls on the Government to urgently set and publish the timeline for extending Awaab’s Law to all remaining hazards, so that tenants and social landlords have clarity about when they can expect these new regulations to apply.
High energy prices, the report warns, mean households living in homes that comply with the Government’s new minimum energy efficiency standard may still be in fuel poverty, if they struggle to afford to heat their home sufficiently.
The Committee therefore recommends the Government revise the official definition of fuel poverty to reflect this in the forthcoming Fuel Poverty Strategy.
The Government’s proposed changes to the Decent Homes Standard are welcomed, with the report noting that the “current standard has been out-of-date for some time and is in urgent need of reform, given that it was last updated in 2006”.
To demonstrate to tenants and the public that progress is being made, the report recommends the Government put in place interim targets in homes upgrading to the revised Decent Homes Standard.
The report also calls on the Government to introduce a review to update the Decent Homes Standard at least every 10 years to ensure it “reflects the changing needs of the population, environmental pressures, scientific evidence of the hazards to health from poor housing and societal expectations of what a decent home consists of”.
This Children’s Mental Health Week (9 -15 February), Childline is reminding all young people that the service is here to support them with any concerns.
Childline delivered 763 counselling sessions last year to children in Scotland struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings.
As the charity releases this data, it is reminding all young people that the service is there for them for any issues they might be having. Their trained counsellors can support children who are feeling suicidal and need someone to talk to.
Young people reach out to Childline about suicidal thoughts and feelings for a range of reasons, including:
Feeling lost and desperate about their current situation
The result of a mental health condition
Past experiences
One boy, aged 15 from Scotland, told Childline: “For ages now I have been having thoughts about hurting or killing myself.
“I’m absolutely terrified of death and scared my body will make me do it. I’m trying my best to keep myself together but it’s hard.
“I just needed to tell someone who’ll listen and believe me.”
In one in five of the Childline counselling sessions delivered to children in Scotland about this issue, the child was deemed to be actively suicidal, which can include vocalising their clear plan for taking their life or engaging in suicidal actions. The other 80% involved children who were seeking support outside of an immediate crisis.
Some children tell Childline that suicidal thoughts can be a normal part of their life and are a regular – sometimes daily – occurrence.
One child said: “Unless I distract myself, I’m having suicidal thoughts. Even when I think I’m happy or trying to sleep, it’ll pop into my head, ‘why am I here?’. My doctor and mum are trying lots of things to help.
“Telling my friends about it helps; we talk, we resolve it, the thought goes away. I feel quite calm when it happens, not sad like you’d expect, but I am aware that it’s a suicidal thought and I would like it if they stopped.”
The NSPCC is releasing this data as part of Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week, which aims to support the groups and systems surrounding children.
The children’s mental health charity will be encouraging peers, families, schools and communities to create inclusive and nurturing environments, where children and young people feel they belong and can say “This is My Place”.
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said:“These figures reveal the devastating reality about children struggling with thoughts of suicide. Behind each statistic is a young person in pain, often feeling alone.
“But these numbers also represent hope. For every one of these 763 sessions for children in Scotland there was a moment when a child chose to reach out rather than suffer in silence. Our counsellors are there 24/7 because we know that having someone to talk to can be the difference between despair and hope, between isolation and connection.
“Our message to every young person is simple: you are not alone. Whatever you’re going through, however dark things feel, Childline is here. We’re here to listen, to believe you, and to help you find a way through.”
To support adults and children, the charity has released advice on helping young people through these difficult emotions.
If the young person is in immediate danger or wants to act on their thoughts, don’t hesitate and contact emergency services (999) or take them to A&E.
Listen without judgment and let the young person talk openly about how they are feeling. Avoid jumping to conclusions, interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Being there and listening can make a huge difference.
For some people, talking to a young person on this topic can be quite daunting, if you are worried about speaking to a young person about suicidal thoughts and feelings, then suggest they reach out to Childline.
Remind the young person that they are not alone and that there are other people who go through similar thoughts and feelings. Let them know that support is available and that things can get better.
Supporting a young person with suicidal thoughts and feelings is not a one-time conversation. Checking in regularly can remind them that they matter and that they are not alone. They may not always want to talk and that’s ok, you can let them know that you are there whenever they are ready.
Having suicidal thoughts and feelings can be really scary. You might feel alone and like you don’t know how to keep going. But even small change is positive, there are plenty of ways to help you to start to feel better and cope with your feelings. The Childline website has a range of support and information.
It’s really important to speak to someone if you feel suicidal or you’re worried you’ll harm yourself, whether that’s a safe adult in your life or a service, such as Childline.
Work with an adult to create a safety plan. This will help you to know what to do in future when you feel you can’t cope again. Sometimes this is called a mental health first aid kit. This could include people to contact (such a Childline), safe places to go, ways to stay safe and ideas for healthy coping mechanisms.
The Childline website has advice and practical methods on how to cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings. For instance, repeating a positive phrase which reminds you that you can cope with things can often help when everything feels too much.
Adults in your life and services, such as Childline, are here to support you through these difficult emotions, remember that you are not expected to cope with these feelings on your own.
Childline is here for every young person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, trained counsellors can be reached via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.
DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE PLANS COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP
Our community has an incredible opportunity right now: the chance to own the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre and the land around it, and shape it into something truly special for everyone who lives here.
But to make it happen, we need as many local people as possible to fill in the community survey. Your ideas, your hopes, and your experiences matter.
The more responses we get, the stronger our case becomes – and the more likely it is that we, as a community, take ownership of the space and its future.
Imagine what this could mean …
A place where families can spend time together
Safe, welcoming spaces for children and young people
New activities, events, and facilities shaped by you and your neighbours.
A centre and grounds designed around the real needs of local people.
This is about more than a building. It’s about building a better future for Drylaw; a future shaped by the people who live here, who care about the place, and who want to see it thrive.
Research reveals new build homeowners save as much as £420 per year, while household carbon emissions are cut by up to 74%.
To mark New Homes Week 2026, Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of the UK’s leading housebuilder Barratt Redrow, have increased their Part Exchange incentive from £500 to £1,000 for people who are still living in their existing property when it is sold*.
With Part Exchange, when prospective homeowners purchase a new home with Barratt Homes or David Wilson Homes, the housebuilder becomes the guaranteed buyer for their existing property, taking the stress out of selling and helping them to move quicker and more easily.
Now in its 21st year, the annual New Homes Week campaign launched by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) aims to highlight the benefits of new build homes and provide a platform for the home building industry, homeowners and potential buyers to recognise the value of modern developments.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland’s enhanced Part Exchange incentive comes as new research from the Home Builders Federation demonstrates new build homes are far more cost and energy efficient than second hand homes, with homeowners typically saving over £420 a year**.
Based on data from Octopus Energy, the UK’s largest energy supplier, the Watt a Save report shows that energy bills for new build homes are 21% less than typical older properties.
Thanks to increasingly sustainable building practices and technology, the majority of new homes achieve an A or B Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). As a result, new build homeowners spend around £1,574 a year on energy, compared with £1,995 on older homes that typically have a D rating. Meanwhile people living in F and G rated homes – such as some Victorian properties – typically spent 39% more on their overall energy bills last year, compared to the average new build homeowner.
The Watt a Save report has been released today (Friday 6 February) to support national New Homes Week’s ‘Power to Save’ day, providing key evidence for people looking at the long-term running costs of their next home, before they buy.
In addition to cutting running costs, the findings show new build homes are helping to cut household carbon emissions by up to 74% every year, compared to older properties, meaning today’s new build buyers can significantly lower their carbon footprint without changing their habits.
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “At Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, we’re committed to helping people move up or onto the property ladder.
“This New Homes Week, we’re highlighting our enhanced Part Exchange scheme, which removes the need for an onward chain and guarantees the sale of an existing home, taking the stress out of moving and helping buyers secure their ideal home.
“Our new homes across East Scotland are designed with energy efficiency and long-term performance at the forefront. Features such as solar panels, air source heat pumps, and modern insulation reduce running costs and environmental impact. Independent data shows how new-build homes outperform older properties, underlining the clear benefits of choosing a modern, future-proof home.”
Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive at the Home Builders Federation, said:“Buying a home marks a major milestone in our lives, yet for many, achieving that dream has become increasingly challenging.
“This New Homes Week we’re spotlighting the much-needed support home builders provide to make buying a new home more accessible – removing barriers and reducing uncertainty to make the goal of homeownership more achievable.
“By ensuring people understand their options and the benefits of buying a new build, we hope to empower more would-be buyers to take those steps to moving and beginning the next chapter of their lives.”
Barratt and David Wilson Homes are creating a range of new communities across East Scotland, including David Wilson Homes @ St Andrews in Fife, just a stone’s throw from world-renowned golf courses and beaches.
For more information about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit:
In a true testament to its growing international appeal, the fifth annual Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week), running from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, is set to unite Gaelic speakers and learners on a global scale like never before.
From rural Scottish Highland communities to the city of London, and as far away as Australia, the meaningful celebration will take centre stage across continents, highlighting the undeniable vitality of the Scottish Gaelic language.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will showcase a vibrant programme of events in far-flung locations and varying time zones in just over two weeks’ time, centered around the theme Use It or Lose It (Cleachd i no caill i).
The initiative aims toinspire Gaelic enthusiasts everywhere to actively engage with the language and send a powerful message of strength that resonates worldwide.
Highlights include an online gathering for Gaels in Australia, proving that the love for Gaelic stretches halfway around the world. Participants in Australia and neighbouring regions will come together virtually to share language, laughter and culture.
Meanwhile, online step dance workshops led by renowned Scottish step dancer Sophie Stephenson are open to participants on every continent, offering an inclusive, international invitation to celebrate Gaelic culture through movement and music.
The popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day returns on Thursday 26th February, and is once again expected to engage thousands of digital participants from around the globe who want to share their love of Gaelic, or give it a try, on social media.
Gaelic speakers, learners and lovers in London will have multiple opportunities to connect with the language, including through Còisir Lunnainn (the London Gaelic Choir), who are staging a London Ceilidh Club in Camden, and a Gaelic church service in Covent Garden.
Back in Scotland, a rich variety of events offer something for speakers and non-speakers alike.
The Living Lore in Anstruther will share Gaelic song from celebrated singer Mairi McGillivray, Edinburgh’s Guid Crack: To the Gaels with Love event will see storytelling Caroline Carmichael celebrate the rich tales of Gaelic folklore, and an immersive Gaelic Spoken Word Night in Dundee, hosted by Gaelic writer and poet Donnchadh MacCàba, will explore Gaelic culture through poetry and spoken word.
Every year, the World Gaelic Week movement grows stronger. In 2025, more than 170 events attracted 40,000 people from every corner of the world and this year’s Small Grants Fund, which supports the staging of Seachdain na Gàidhlig events, received a record number of applications.
Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said:“With 2026 marking the first edition since Gaelic became an official language of Scotland, World Gaelic Week has never felt more significant or more international.
“There are literally hundreds of activities, both in person and online, scheduled to take place, giving Gaelic communities worldwide countless ways to connect and celebrate. As we count down to this year’s landmark celebration, we can see that across the globe, in both bustling cities and close-knit villages, the enthusiasm for the Gaelic language knows no bounds.”
Supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Scottish Government, and spearheaded by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026 will take place from 23rd February – 1st March 2026. Visit seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
Individuals, community groups and organisations with any level of Gaelic can stage their own events or host an activity in their community that promotes the language. Events can be added to the World Gaelic Week website at seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig is delivered by cultural charity Hands Up for Trad and donations make their work possible.
Latest grants from Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund
Communities from Shetland to Dumfries & Galloway have benefited from more than £19 million in Government funding to help make social housing more energy efficient and cleaner to heat.
Allocations from the latest funding round of the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund published today show that 27 projects across the country made successful applications, bringing clean heating and energy efficiency improvements to around 2,300 social homes.
Improvements range from the installation of external and cavity wall insulation and double or triple glazing to individual and communal heat pumps, solar PV and battery storage.
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided almost £90 million of funding to social housing providers through this fund, helping to make more than 13,000 social homes warmer and easier and cleaner to heat.
“We are absolutely determined to tackle the twin challenges of cutting fuel poverty and reducing emissions from our homes and buildings, which can be particularly challenging with housing that is older or more difficult to heat because of its location or construction.
“I’m therefore delighted that we’ve been able to support so many social landlords to make these vital improvements. Emissions are being reduced and tenants are already benefiting from warmer homes and significant reductions in their energy bills, helping to take many households out of fuel poverty.”
Cloch Housing Association received a grant of £3.1m to support the installation of high-performance doors and triple-glazed windows to more than 550 properties in Inverclyde.
Robert Pollock, Director of Assets, Cloch Housing Association said: “Tenant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents reporting significant reductions in external noise and improved heat retention within their homes.
“These enhancements are making a meaningful contribution to addressing fuel poverty by enabling tenants to heat their properties more efficiently and affordably.
“Furthermore, the resulting reduction in heating demand is delivering welcome carbon savings, aligning with our broader commitment to sustainable and resilient communities. We are grateful for the scheme’s support in enabling these improvements that deliver lasting benefits for our tenants and the environment.”
Tesco is calling on organisations in Scotland running food projects for children and young people to apply for grants of up to £1,500
Schools and community groups across Scotland are being encouraged to apply for funding through Tesco, as the retailer looks to support more local projects helping children and young people access healthy, nutritious food.
The community grant scheme awards up to £1,500, with shortlisted projects going forward to a customer vote in participating Tesco stores. Shoppers receive a blue token and can vote by placing it in the in-store unit for the cause they want to support. Each funding round features three local projects, with grants awarded based on the number of tokens received.
This year, Tesco is particularly keen to hear from initiatives with a clear food focus, including breakfast clubs, holiday food provision, access to healthy snacks for youth groups, community pantries, cookery and nutrition sessions, and food growing projects that help children learn where food comes from.
The call for applications comes as the latest Government diet survey shows that fewer than 1 in 10 children and young people aged 11–18 meet the recommended 5-a-day, with 11–18-year-olds eating an average of around 2.9 portions of fruit and vegetables per day*.
Tesco believes every child should have the opportunity to enjoy healthy food and is committed to backing practical projects that make a difference locally.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Every child deserves the chance to enjoy healthy food and build the foundations for a healthier future, we want to support the brilliant schools and community groups in Scotland helping children and young people access nutritious food.
“Whether that’s a breakfast club, a pantry, cookery sessions or a project that helps children grow and try new foods, we’d encourage local organisations to apply—and we’d love shoppers to get involved when the customer vote comes to their local store.”
Already in Scotland, a number of local causes have benefited from the Stronger Starts blue token initiative, helping to improve children’s access to healthier food and nutrition education,
One example is the Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre in Coatbridge who host the KNC Kids Club, an afterschool club and summer holiday playscheme which supports young people aged five to ten and runs a series of cooking classes two days a week.
Through the classes, the young people learn about eating healthier foods and have the opportunity to prepare their own meals, such as soups, pastas and pizzas. The Stronger Start funding helped the group to purchase more kitchen equipment and ingredients, helping the kids continue their keen passion for cooking, learning new foods to try and discover a love for healthy eating.
Nicola Anderson, from KNC Kids Club, said: “The Tesco Stronger Starts grant made a real difference for the KNC Kids Club.
“It’s helped us to buy ingredients and new utensils in our on-site kitchen for local children and young people to use, and the customer vote gave the whole initiative a real lift. We’d strongly encourage other groups to apply—the funding and local support have made a genuinely positive impact.”
Another group who have benefitted from the grant is Mearns Primary School in Newton Mearns, who received a £1,500 Stronger Starts grant to help support their school’s breakfast club, allowing them to provide pupils with a soft-start routine through a nutritious breakfast every school day.
For more information about Tesco Stronger Starts and how to apply, visit:
More than 860,000 sole traders and landlords need to start using digital tax reporting from 6 April
Software available to help spread tax admin throughout the year, with thousands already testing the system successfully
Rollout forms part of the Government’s plan to transform the UK’s tax system to support economic growth
Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from self-employment and property are being urged to act now with two months left to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.
From 6 April 2026, those eligible will need to use recognised software to keep digital records and send HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) light-touch quarterly updates of their income and expenses. These are not extra tax returns.
HMRC is providing a range of free support to help people prepare, including online guidance, webinars and videos. Those who genuinely cannot use digital tools can apply for an exemption. Further information and guidance are available on GOV.UK
Free software options are available and once income and expenses are recorded, the software generates a simple summary to send to HMRC.
At the end of a tax year, those within MTD for Income Tax will still need to file a tax return by the following 31 January – but the software will already hold the information from the quarterly updates, meaning no last-minute hunt for records or receipts.
Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said:“With two months to go until MTD for Income Tax launches, now is the time to act. A range of software is available and the system is straightforward and helps reduce errors. Thousands of volunteers have already used it successfully.
“This will make it easier for sole traders and landlords to stay on top of their tax affairs and help ensure everyone pays the right amount of tax.
“Spreading your tax admin throughout the year means avoiding that last minute scramble to complete a tax return every January. Go to GOV.UK and start preparing today.”
Thousands of sole traders and landlords have already signed up for MTD for Income Tax, with more than 12,000 quarterly updates successfully submitted through a voluntary testing programme.
Those joining MTD in April 2026 will still file their tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year in the usual way by 31 January 2027, as this covers the period before MTD begins. The first MTD tax return, covering the 2026 to 2027 tax year, will be due by 31 January 2028.
To support the transition, the government has announced that customers joining MTD for Income Tax in April 2026 will not receive penalty points for late quarterly updates, for the first 12 months.
Under the new system, penalty points will be given for each late submission, with a £200 penalty only applied once four points are reached. This means occasional slip-ups won’t result in immediate fines.
