COSLA has responded to the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation for a severance scheme for councillors:
The COSLA President has written to the Deputy First Minister to express COSLA’s ‘profound disappointment’ in the Government’s position that a severance scheme for elected members cannot be implemented ahead of the 2027 local government election.
Commenting on the Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation, Cllr Morrison said: “The Scottish Government’s position represents a significant departure from the expectation created by the Scottish Local Authorities Renumeration Committee (SLARC) recommendation and by the Scottish Government’s own acceptance of the recommendation.
“COSLA is clear that a severance scheme for elected members, which would bring councillors in line with what is already available for MSPs and MPs, is a key part of removing barriers to elected office and increasing the diversity and representation of local government.
“COSLA remains committed to delivering the SLARC recommendations, which includes severance, and working constructively with the Scottish Government to deliver this important reform.
“Scotland’s councillors now require a formal commitment by the Scottish Government detailing how they will take forward this recommendation in future.
“Such clarity would help provide reassurance regarding the Government’s continuing commitment to strengthening local democracy and removing barriers to elected office.”
EH, KY, FK and G postcode residents can enjoy more than 140 Edinburgh Fringe shows for just £6
Gilded Balloon is inviting its neighbours to experience this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe for less with the launch of Postcode Pals – a special ticket initiative offering £6 tickets to local audiences.
Running from 10am on Monday 20 July until 6pm on Friday 31 July, the limited-time offer is available exclusively to residents with EH, KY, FK and G postcodes, giving them access to more than 140 shows taking place between 5–9 August, while availability lasts.
With the cost of living continuing to impact audiences, Gilded Balloon is introducing the scheme as a way of ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy the Fringe on their doorstep.
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said:“As an Edinburgh-based venue, we want to encourage our neighbours to come to our shows. The Fringe is one of the most exciting times of the year, but we know that rising costs can make it harder for local people to take part.
“Postcode Pals is our way of saying thank you to the communities that support us year-round and making it easier for them to discover brilliant comedy, theatre, music, family shows and more.”
The offer covers an exciting cross-section of Gilded Balloon’s 2026 programme, including performances from Jack Docherty, Mhairi Black, Fiona Allen, Kim Blythe, Michelle Shocked, Madeleine Brettingham, Jamie Kilstein and Phil Nichol. Audiences can also enjoy acclaimed musicals includingDoris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas, HR: The Musical and Puck Bunnies: A Heated Rivalry Musical, alongside powerful theatre productions including SLAYand CADEL: Lungs on Legs, and family shows The Kobold Show!, Mama G: The Magic Bookmark and Bring Yer Bairn Comedy plus more than 140 comedy, theatre, music, family and spoken word shows taking part in the promotion.
How to claim the offer
Residents with EH, KY, FK or G postcodes can:
Log in to their Gilded Balloon account.
Ensure the billing address on their account includes a valid eligible postcode.
The fifth annual World Drowning Prevention Day event returns to Loch Lomond Shores on Saturday July 25, 2026
The family‑friendly programme is designed to raise awareness of water safety and support national efforts to prevent drowning.
Event supported by Scottish Water, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, the Darcey Sunshine Foundation, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and Scottish Canals.
Water Safety Scotland will host its annual World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, on Saturday 25 July, 2026, offering a free, family‑friendly programme designed to raise awareness of water safety and support national efforts to prevent drowning.
Now in its fifth year, the event coincides with the launch of Scotland’s new Drowning Prevention Strategy, marking an important step forward in national efforts to prevent drowning.
The event is supported by Scottish Water, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, the Darcey Sunshine Foundation, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and Scottish Canals.
Attendees can look forward to a packed programme of hands‑on, family‑friendly activities, including:
Discovering essential, life‑saving skills through the Water Safety Code
Live rescue demonstrations from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs
Paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions led by Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures
A variety of interactive stands, offering engaging activities and practical safety advice.
The event runs from 11.00am to 3.00pm and is open to all, with families, young people and community groups especially encouraged to attend.
Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and Head of Policy at RoSPA, said:“Raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives.
“With Scotland’s new Drowning Prevention Strategy launched, World Drowning Prevention Day gives us a vital opportunity to help people understand simple actions that can keep them and others safe around water.
“We want everyone to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful waterways, but to do so safely. Events like this offer a fun, supportive way to learn the skills and knowledge that make a real difference.”
Community Safety Minister, Kirsten Oswald, said:“The Scottish Government remains committed to promoting water safety and preventing accidents in our waterways.
“As we enjoy the summer, one that has been particularly warm, heading into the water often feels inviting, so I urge anyone planning to be in or around water to exercise caution and follow the safety advice available.
“The Water Safety Code sets out three key steps: stop and think, spot the dangers; stay together, stay close; and in an emergency, call 999.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it’s particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water.
“We’re delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.”
With Scotland’s abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.”
Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said:“We are pleased to support World Drowning Prevention Day once again and to welcome partners and communities back to Loch Lomond Shores for this important event.
“This year’s gathering comes as Scotland strengthens its national approach to drowning prevention with a new national Drowning Prevention Strategy, highlighting the importance of working together in places like the National Park, where millions of people visit every year.
“Even on the warmest days, Loch Lomond and other open water across the Park remain cold enough to trigger cold water shock, and hidden hazards or sudden changes in depth can impact the strongest swimmers. That’s why planning ahead, understanding local conditions and following the Water Safety Code remain essential for anyone spending time in or around our lochs and rivers.
“We look forward to encouraging people to respect the Loch Lomond Byelaws, to follow simple lifesaving guidance such as ‘Float to Live’, and to look out for one another. We want everyone to enjoy the National Park this summer, but to do so safely and responsibly.”
Anthony Mallon, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander and Community Safety Engagement for Prevention said:“We want people of all ages to be safe around water by understanding the risks and knowing how to prevent drowning.
“Education and drowning prevention remain central to our work to help communities safe. Our firefighters and Community Action Teams engage with community groups throughout Scotland, sharing practical advice on staying safe near water and what to do in an emergency.
“The key message for everyone is to follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and think, stay together, and in an emergency, float.”
Crimestoppers has launched a national campaign to expose the hidden exploitation of children linked to county lines and encourage the public to speak up safely and anonymously.
County lines involves grooming and controlling young people. Children are targeted, manipulated and exploited to transport drugs, money and weapons, often far from home and while facing violence, intimidation and isolation.
*New figures highlight the scale of the issue. Police estimate that up to 11,600 children are at risk of county lines exploitation, with many going missing repeatedly. In the past year alone, more than 2,600 children were identified as linked to county lines activity, though the true number is believed to be significantly higher.
Going missing is one of the clearest warning signs. Each year, there are around 200,000 reports of missing children, many involving repeat episodes that increase the risk of harm. Within county lines networks, young people may be sent to unfamiliar areas and feel unable to seek help because of fear or coercion.
Violence is often part of this exploitation. Young people can be pressured into carrying weapons in the belief it will keep them safe, when in reality it puts them in greater danger.
The impact and harm extends beyond individuals. Communities may experience increased violence and antisocial behaviour, while vulnerable adults can also be exploited, including through “cuckooing”, where their homes are taken over.
Crimestoppers is urging the public to recognise the signs of exploitation and act early. Unexplained gifts, new clothes or phones, secrecy, or frequent absences can all indicate that a young person may be at risk.
Angela Parker, Scotland National Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “County lines exploitation is often hidden in plain sight and can affect any family or community. Children are being manipulated and placed in dangerous situations, while those responsible remain in the background.
“We know people may feel unsure about coming forward, but you can tell us what you know whilst staying completely anonymously. No names, no statements, just information that could help protect a young person from harm.”
Anyone with information about county lines activity, or concerns about a young person, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity. We never ask for your name or personal details, and your information cannot be traced.
You will not be speaking to the police or have any involvement with the courts with you contact Crimestoppers or Fearless.org.
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep has returned to Edinburgh, where one lucky local shopper has raised £437.40 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while also taking home the same value in Aldi favourites.
Inspired by the iconic game show, the popular challenge arrived in Dalkeith on 27 June, where competition winner Rowanne Moir was selected to take part in a five-minute trolley dash in support of CHAS.
In addition to taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the total value of Rowanne’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families.
In 2026 every penny raised through the initiative will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Rowanne Moir, said: “The Aldi Supermarket Sweep was not only a great and fun experience, it was also amazing to be involved in raising money for such a wonderful charity.
“All the staff were amazing and made the experience fun with such fantastic support and encouragement. Thank you to the Aldi team for creating such a memorable experience.”
Rachel Hamilton, Staff Nurse at CHAS said:“Every week in Scotland, three children die from an incurable condition. CHAS supports families through this devastating reality, providing expert care at home, in our two hospices and through CHAS/NHS teams in children’s hospitals across Scotland.
“In the Edinburgh and Lothians area, CHAS supports 131 families with a range of care tailored to their needs, including palliative care, respite, family support, and bereavement and spiritual care, helping families make the most of every precious moment together.”
Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said:“Our Supermarket Sweep continues to be a highlight in the Aldi calendar, and we’re proud to partner with CHAS once again to support the incredible work they do.Congratulations to Rowanne for raising an incredible £437 for CHAS while enjoying a well-earned trolley full of Aldi favourites.
“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts which does invaluable work for families in Scotland. Through initiatives like Supermarket Sweep, we are pleased to help raise both funds and awareness so they can continue delivering care and support where it is needed most.”
This April, CHAS launched its ‘More Than A Hospice’ appeal, seeking to raise £20 million to transform children’s palliative care across Scotland and ensure no family faces their child’s illness or end of life without the right care and support.
The appeal aims to fund the crucial rebuilding and refreshing of CHAS’s hospices, as well as the expansion of care in homes, communities and hospitals, giving families real choice over where and how they are supported when they need it most.
For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:
Would also save the NHS and social care services over half-a-billion pounds
Research shows that 100% take up of key benefits would cut numbers of pensioners in poverty by 280,000
Due to health impacts, full take-up would also save the NHS and social care services in England £790 million a year
Independent Age recommends the UK Government publish a take-up strategy for financial entitlements to ensure all older people are receiving everything they should be
New research from national charity Independent Age shows that full take-up of three key financial entitlements could lift 280,000 older people out of poverty across the UK, reducing pensioner poverty by 15%.
This includes Pension Credit, pensioner Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. The analysis was carried out by the research agency Public First.
The report released today, entitled ‘The only way is up: The impact of improved entitlement take-up on pensioner poverty and healthcare spending’ also shows that increasing take-up of these entitlements to 100% could help improve older people’s health, leading to a reduction in health and social care public spending by up to a colossal £790 million a year in England.
Independent Age is calling on the UK Government to publish an all-entitlements take-up strategy for the UK. This should include a strong commitment and targets to increase take-up.
The number of older people in poverty in the UK is rising, with around 1.7 million in relative poverty in 2024/25, which is an increase of 200,000 compared to the year before. Another one million live close to the poverty line.
Despite this, the charity says that too many eligible older people are missing out on money set aside for them. Over one in three (38%) of those eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving it, and around 230,000 older households are missing out on Housing Benefit.
Official take-up figures of Council Tax Reduction are not produced, however the report analysis indicates that over a million pensioner households could be missing out on this vital support.
The organisation is also calling for the Pensions Commission to agree on what an adequate income in later life looks like, and the UK Government to commit to ensuring everyone receives this.
Concerningly, full take up would also provide an additional 770,000 older people with more vital income, but they would still remain in poverty, indicating that financial entitlements and the State Pension alone is not always adequate to live on.
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Agesaid: “Our social security system was designed as a safety net for all of us but the evidence is clear, it is failing older people in poverty. Money that has been set aside is not reaching the older people who need it and at a time with increasing costs, the impact of this is devastating.
“Through our helpline, we hear often from older people who are having to skip meals or only wash once a week to make ends meet. This is unacceptable.
“Older people on a low income have been left to struggle for too long. That’s why we urgently need a strategy to ensure everyone receives the support they are entitled to and an agreement on what an adequate income looks like in later life for all of us as we age.
“With the upcoming changes in leadership, this is a golden opportunity for the UK Government to reverse the worsening picture of poverty in later life.”
Independent Age’s report found that three groups especially benefitted from increased take-up of these entitlements. These were: older people living alone, older renters and those on the old State Pension. This is due to a combination of likely higher initial costs such as housing or energy, and a lower income.
Valerie’s Story
Valerie, 68, from the Isle of Wight
“Once the rent was paid, along with Council Tax – more than £150 a month even with the single person discount – there wasn’t enough left. I had to cut back on everything. I lived on £1 meals from Iceland because they were cheap and filling, even though I knew they weren’t very nutritious.
I relied on a local community pantry where £5 bought roughly £15 of food. I couldn’t afford to put the heating on. My house is all electric and it was simply too expensive. I spent winters wrapped in blankets, drinking cups of instant soup to keep warm, and sometimes slept downstairs so I didn’t have to walk through cold rooms at night.”
Valerie called Independent Age and, while she wasn’t eligible for Pension Credit, an adviser supported her to start receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, which she hadn’t previously been aware of.
After starting to receive these entitlements, Valerie described the impact this had on her life:
“Life is so much better now. I still budget carefully, but I’m not living on my credit card anymore. I can buy fresh vegetables, cook proper meals and freeze portions so food lasts longer.
“I can travel to the mainland to see family, and I enjoy the things that matter to me, such as going to the local theatre and being part of the choir.
“I called the Independent Age Helpline at a time in my life when I didn’t know where to turn. The support I received has made a dramatic difference to my daily life. I nearly didn’t make that call – but I’m so glad I did.
“Before that call, I was surviving day to day. Now, I feel like I’m living again.”
Around 100,000 disabled people and those with health conditions are closer to work thanks to a voluntary Government programme being delivered in every Jobcentre across the country, according to new figures
100,000 disabled people and those with health conditions have been supported to move closer to the labour market by Pathways to Work advisers.
New figures show landmark Government employment scheme has reached a record milestone.
Part of the Government’s £3.5 billion plan to break down barriers to opportunity and offer disabled people and those with health conditions personalised employment support.
Pathways to Work advisers – first announced in March 2025 – offer free, voluntary, and personalised help for people assessed as having Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA).
Under the previous Government these claimants were left behind with no support, and denied the help the need to move into work and out of poverty.
Based in every Jobcentre across England, Scotland and Wales, the specialist advisers identify the barriers people face, provide skills training – such as IT upskilling – and signpost people to work-based training schemes in sectors including construction, hospitality and manufacturing.
With 2.7 million people on Universal Credit assessed as too sick to work, over 170,000 of whom are aged 16 to 24, Pathways to Work advisers are making a real and lasting difference, helping people into good, secure jobs and boosting living standards across the country.
The achievement sits as part of a larger Government focus on supporting people up and down the country into good, secure work, with 920 thousand more people in employment under this government.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Supporting someone instead of writing them off is life-changing, and I’ve seen firsthand how our Pathways to Work advisers are building people’s confidence and helping them achieve their ambitions.
“The welfare system we inherited left too many people without the skills, support or hope they needed to get on in life and build a career.
“We were determined to change that, and we have. Now 100,000 people living with long-term conditions, disabilities and personal challenges who want to work, have taken crucial steps towards that.”
Previous analysis shows participants are 40% more likely than non-participants to be in work after two years – evidence that the programme is making a meaningful and lasting difference to people’s lives, prospects and helping get the wider economy firing on all cylinders.
The Pathways to Work adviser programme is part of the Government’s wider £3.5 billion investment in personalised employment support for disabled people and those with health conditions.
This includes Connect to Work, which provides intensive, tailored job-search assistance, employer engagement and on- and off-the-job support, and WorkWell, which brings together health and employment support to help people stay in or return to work.
It also follows the launch of the £60 million Pathways to Work Innovation Fund, in which businesses, charities and organisations are invited to present bold ideas to help more people into work.
Deborah, who is deaf and manages several long-term health conditions, had been out of work for 16 years. After connecting with her local Pathways to Work adviser, she received tailored support including help with her CV and identifying her transferable skills.
With the help of a BSL interpreter at her appointments, Deborah went from feeling anxious about returning to work to securing a part-time role as a Support Worker with the Deaf Support Network – a job she began at the start of February. She said:
“I wanted to find work that would help my finances and give me more independence, but after 16 years I didn’t know where to start.
“The support changed everything- my adviser believed in me and helped me see what I could offer.
“Now I’m starting a job supporting other deaf people, and it’s just the beginning. I’m already looking forward to building up my hours and earning more.”
The milestone comes as part of the Government’s broader drive to fix the broken welfare system it inherited, including:
Rebalancing Universal Credit to remove the perverse incentives that push people away from work.
Introducing a Right to Try Work Guarantee, giving everyone who can work the chance to do so without fear of losing their benefits.
Investing £3.5 billion in tailored employment support for sick or disabled people.
Increasing face-to-face assessments for health benefits.
Tackling fraud and error in the benefits system, saving £14.6 billion over this Parliament
Alan Milburn is due to bring his final recommendations later this year on tackling the barriers young people face, and the Timms review is looking at how to make sure PIP is fit and fair for the future.
Participants are 40% more likely than non-participants to be in work after 2 years (an increase from 8.1% to 11.4%).
Children aged 5-12 can enjoy free hands-on sports sessions at Meadowbank Sports Centre and Drumbrae Leisure Centre this July
Edinburgh Leisure is inviting children across the city to get active this summer with Go for Gold Sports Days, two free events taking place at Meadowbank Sports Centre and Drumbrae Leisure Centre on 30 and 31 July.
Designed for children aged 5–12, the events will offer a range of fun, hands-on sports sessions and active challenges, giving young people the chance to try something new, build confidence and enjoy being active during the school holidays.
Go for Gold is funded by sportscotland’s Summer of Sport 2026 and forms part of a wider effort to make sport and physical activity more accessible, helping more children experience the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of being active.
Sessions will include activities inspired by Commonwealth Games sports, with Meadowbank Sports Centre bringing added sporting heritage as a former two-time Commonwealth Games host venue.
Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“Go for Gold is a brilliant opportunity for children to get into the spirit of sport this summer, try something new and have fun in a welcoming environment.
“With activities inspired by Commonwealth Games sports, the events are a great way for children to enjoy being active, discover new interests and see what’s on offer at Edinburgh Leisure.”
Bank bonuses have never been higher in cash terms and have seen their highest real terms quarter since the 2008 financial crisis
Bonuses totaled £25 billion in the financial year ending in 2026 Q1
Record bonuses come on top of banks registering eyewatering profits with the big four banks – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Natwest – making over £1 billion profit a week in Q1
TUC general secretary says huge payouts show that a hike in the bank surcharge tax is “common sense and long overdue”
New analysis from the TUC reveals bank bonuses have hit a post-crash record – as the union body calls for a hike in the bank windfall tax, which it says is “common sense and long overdue”.
Ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech on Tuesday, the TUC is calling for an increase in the bank surcharge tax to permanently cut energy bills for the majority of households through a social tariff.
Across the financial and insurance industry, a total of £25 billion was paid out in bonuses in the financial year ending in March 2026.
Analysis of the first quarter of 2026, when most bonuses are paid, show that bank bonuses have never been higher in cash terms – and saw their highest real-terms quarter since 2008.
Annual growth of bonuses is also escalating and was 16% in the first quarter of 2026. This has only once been higher since 2008 financial crash.
A cap on bank bonuses to curb the excessive risk taking that led to the 2008 financial crash was removed by the previous Conservative government in 2023.
The union body says that “while sky-high bills are looming for ordinary working people, bank bonuses are booming” which is further evidence that banks could easily afford to pay more tax.
Currently the bank surcharge is an additional 3% corporation tax on the profits of banking companies above £100 million, which was reduced from 8% in April 2023 by the Conservatives.
TUC analysis reveals an increase in the bank surcharge could raise between £9bn-60bn over the next four years:
A 16% surcharge, which is doubling what it originally was before the Conservatives cut it, would deliver £24bn over four years.
A 35% surcharge, which would be the same level as the windfall tax the Conservatives imposed on energy companies, would deliver £60bn over four years.
Even just reversing the Tory cuts and setting it at 8% – which the TUC says is the “bare minimum” – would raise £9bn over four years.
Eyewatering profits
The bonus figures come on top of latest profit data which show the big four banks – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Natwest – have made £13.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026 alone, despite HSBC profits taking an unexpected hit because of fraud-related charges.
This comes after the big four banks made profits of £45.7bn in 2025. TUC analysis of the wider banking sector shows profits are 40% higher than in the lead up to the 2008 financial crisis.
The TUC says that an increase in the bank surcharge could raise significant funds over the coming years – particularly given the scale of banks’ current windfalls.
The union body also warns that if – as inflation goes up – the Bank of England holds interest rates at a higher level than previously expected, banks will be set to make even more money.
Bank profits have been turbocharged by the removal of the bank surcharge just as high interest rates meant excess profits for banks.
This has led to higher returns both from net interest (the difference on interest charged to borrowers and paid to savers) and interest paid to banks on reserves they hold at the Bank of England.
Tax banks to cut bills
The TUC is calling for an increase in the bank surcharge tax to deliver a permanent social tariff to cut energy bills to all those on low and middle incomes by up to £559 a year.
The scheme design includes a built-in trigger for support levels to ratchet up during acute energy cost crises – such as the current period – to keep bills manageable.
This will protect living standards and help ensure consumer spending holds up. It will also protect our economy from sustained shocks by keeping energy prices down and helping to reduce inflation.
The TUC says if put into place now, the scheme – including the emergency tariff – would cost £3.4-5.9bn per annum, which could be paid for through increasing the bank surcharge. The union body says this would boost the economy far more than allowing big banks to stockpile excess profits.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “While sky-high bills are looming for working people, bank bonuses are booming.
“Every time there is talk of taxing banks, some of the richest people in the country start whining and try to claim they can’t afford to pay any more.
“But the big banks are making a killing off the back of higher interest rates and mortgage misery across the country. They can well afford to pay more tax.
“The case for an increase in the bank surcharge tax has never been greater. It’s a long overdue common-sense solution – and the government should use to money raised to cut people’s energy bills.”
