A 22-year-old woman has been arrested following a fatal crash involving a car and a pedestrian in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 5.45pm on Monday, 30 December, 2024, on St John’s Road, between the Drumbrae roundabout and Corstorphine Bank Drive.
The pedestrian, an 87-year-old woman was taken to hospital, where she died on Friday, 3 January, 2025.
The 22-year-old woman was released pending further enquiries.
Councillors have agreed to take forward an ‘ambitious suite’ of infrastructure and road safety works in the coming year, worth over £30m.
The Roads and Infrastructure Investment – Capital Delivery Priorities for 2025/26 spreads the capital budget of £25.686m across six different work streams.
Carriageways and footways will receive £18.161m and focus on repairing roads and pavements. Street lighting and traffic signals have £1.220m, which will be used to maintain and improve this network.
Road structures take £1.545m and focusses on road bridges, foot bridges, underpasses, tunnels and gantries. Road operations will get £2.460m and encompasses drainage repairs, bus stop maintenance and surface enhancement. Other asset management and miscellaneous spending amounts to £2.3m.
The additional £12.5m of funding agreed in February’s budget has been integrated into the programme to improve paths, pavements and road conditions.
An extra £12.5m of funding was also agreed last year, with a record 460,000m2 of carriageways and 52,000m2 of footways receiving treatment in that period. The Council’s Road Condition Indicator (RCI), which signifies the percentage of roads that should be considered for investment, also saw a significant improvement in 2024/25.
The council will look to build on these results in the coming year by undertaking a combination of carriageway strengthening, carriageway resurfacing, carriageway surface treatment, footway asphalt, footway flags and footway slurry sealing.
The report also outlines Edinburgh’s Street Lighting Programme and looks further ahead to their Setted Street Priorities in the next six financial years with Frederick Street, Victoria Street and the Shore all featuring for refurbishment.
Edinburgh’s Road Safety Delivery Plan 2025/26 allocates over £6m across the service. As part of this, the Road Safety team will address concerns around the Dalmahoy Junction and prioritise infrastructure improvements for safe school travel, including additional pedestrian crossings.
There will also be provision for Accident Investigation and Prevention (AIP), speed reduction measures and new 30mph and 20mph speed limit reductions over this and the forthcoming year. A full breakdown can be found in Appendix 2 of the report. Road safety progress will be reported to Committee in October, following elected member workshops to drive forward existing priority projects.
These allocations are driven by the council’s main priorities in the year ahead to promote road safety, study road accidents, review our vacant school crossing sites, take preventative measures and offer information, advice and practical training to road users.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m really pleased that these two ambitious and wide-reaching reports have been agreed.
“Our residents have made it abundantly clear that they want and expect continued investment in our roads network. Road safety also goes hand in hand with road condition and investment, with roads that are better maintained equalling safer roads for our children and young people. This is what I’m committed to delivering.
“From carriageway strengthening in Corstorphine and surface treatment in Seafield, to street lighting in Leith and road safety education in Ratho, we’re focussed on fulfilling our commitments and getting to work for the people of Edinburgh.”
A list of definitions for treatment specifications mentioned above in the Roads and Infrastructure Investment – Capital Delivery Priorities for 2025/26 report are below:
Carriageway Strengthening: A substantial treatment with a minimum depth of 100mm. This includes removal of the surfacing and base course of the carriageway. Deeper excavations may be required depending on existing condition. Deeper excavations are required a bus stops.
Carriageway Resurfacing: This treatment removes the surface course only. The depth of treatment is generally 40-50mm.
Carriageway Surface Treatment: A preventative maintenance treatment. A thin treatment that is designed to slow deterioration of the carriageway. It is used primarily on carriageways that are starting to deteriorate. CEC uses two surface treatments: Surface Dressing and Micro Asphalt.
Footway Asphalt: Break out of the existing asphalt footway. Depth will be dependent on existing condition. Kerbs are generally lifted and re-set as part of this treatment.
Footway Flags: Break out of the existing footway with flags (slabs) being installed. Generally, pre-cast concrete flags are used, however, the following material is specified in the World Heritage Site: Old Town: Caithness Stone Flags New Town: Yorkstone Flags
Footway Surface Treatment: A preventative maintenance treatment. A thin treatment that is designed to slow deterioration of the footway.
Millions of pensioners will receive as much as £470 more a year added to their State Pension from today, thanks to the government’s’ ‘ironclad commitment’ to the pensions Triple Lock throughout this parliament
This comes alongside the annual uprating of working-age benefits such as Universal Credit, with people receiving those set to receive an extra £150 on average over the course of this year – an increase set to benefit 5.7 million working-age households. Disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance and child benefits are also set to increase by the same amount.
The Triple Lock – which guarantees that the State Pension increases annually by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5% – means the basic and new State Pensions are increasing by 4.1%, well above the current level of inflation.
These changes come alongside increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, benefiting three million eligible workers across the country. With the National Living Wage increasing to £12.21 for those aged 21 and over and the National Minimum Wage for those aged 18 to 20 seeing a record increase to £10 an hour, three million workers will benefit, with eligible full-time workers set to see an increase in their annual salary of £1,400.
This support is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, which is delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth to put more money in working people’s pockets and rebuilding the NHS.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Our ironclad commitment to the Triple Lock gives pensioners across the country the certainty and security they need to live a full life in retirement.
“We are putting more money in people’s pockets and driving up household income as part of our Plan for Change.”
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “Raising the State Pension and rescuing the NHS – these are this government’s priorities to give all pensioners the dignity they deserve in their retirement. Those who have worked hard throughout their lives, paying into the system, are owed nothing less.
“We’re improving the lives of millions of pensioners through our £7.84 billion additional funding for the State Pension this year.
“That means up to £470 extra in pensioners’ pockets from this week and comes alongside our work to boost Pension Credit uptake, and the £26 billion we’ve invested in the NHS that has seen waiting lists in England fall for 5 months in a row.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “With today’s increase in working-age benefits, and our ironclad commitment to pensioners through the Triple Lock, we are making the decisions that support those who need it in Britain, putting money into people’s pockets and delivering our Plan for Change.“
The uprating of State Pensions and working-age benefits amounts to a cash boost of over £6.9 billion, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring pensioners enjoy the dignity and respect they deserve in retirement, while also supporting low-income families.
It also comes alongside proposals for the biggest welfare reforms for a generation. These measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support they need.
That support also includes help for pensioners. The government’s drive to support low-income pensioners has led to 50,000 extra Pension Credit awards since the summer – an increase of 64% compared to the same period last year.
Pension Credit is worth on average £4,300 a year and also unlocks support including help with Housing Costs, Council Tax and free television licenses.
Support also includes a £742 million extension of the Household Support Fund in England, from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, providing support with the cost of essentials such as food, heating and bills.
Is there a secret formula for maintaining a truly balanced diet? With the constant influx of conflicting advice and trendy diets, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information.
Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist and Lauren Hewitt, Registered Associate Nutritionist at Heart Research UK simplify the concept of a healthy, balanced diet and offer practical advice on how to achieve it:
What is a balanced diet?
We often hear the terms “balance” and “moderation” when discussing healthy eating, yet many of us struggle to find that sweet spot.
A healthy balanced diet is one that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods in the right proportions, providing the body with essential macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals to support overall health, energy, and wellbeing. It emphasises moderation, variety and portion control to maintain long-term health and prevent disease.
What are macro and micronutrients?
When it comes to eating healthy, understanding the role of nutrients in our diet can help us make informed choices about what we put on our plates.
There are different categories of macronutrients. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and are the building blocks of our diet. They provide us with the energy to fuel our daily activities, support growth, and keep our bodies functioning properly.
Lauren Hewitt, a Registered Associate Nutritionist at Heart Research UK, explains: “Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for your body and are most associated with foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, and cereal. But they are also found in other foods such as fruits and vegetables and sugar-sweetened foods and drinks such as cookies and fizzy drinks.
“There are two types of carbohydrates – simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates generally include refined, ‘white’ food like white bread, pasta and rice; these break down quickly into energy.
“Complex carbohydrates should make up the bulk of your intake as they release energy more slowly and these include wholegrains like brown rice and wholewheat bread, beans, lentils and vegetables.
“Fats are the body’s second source of energy, and these are used up when we have depleted our carbohydrate stores or when we are consuming a very low-carbohydrate diet.
“Consuming fat is essential, without fats you wouldn’t be able to absorb vitamins A, D, E and K, which are fat soluble and can only be digested when there is fat present. Fats also provide essential fatty acids that the body can’t make itself; these help your body to regulate the immune and central nervous systems as well as help with skin health, brain function and heart health.
“Choose heart-healthy fat sources such as those coming from nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocados and olive oil.
Lauren continues: “Protein is the body’s last resort for energy, used when carbohydrate and fat stores are depleted. While it’s best known for helping repair and rebuild muscle after exercise, it also supports overall health.
Protein is essential for the growth and maintenance of tissues, keeping bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin strong and healthy. It supports the immune system by forming antibodies to fight infections and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.
“Healthy, high-protein foods include lean meats, fish, eggs and reduced-fat dairy. We can also obtain protein from plant-based sources like chickpeas, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds and tofu. It’s a good idea to include both animal and plant-based options.”
Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals and are needed in smaller amounts than macronutrients, but they are just as important for maintaining overall health, supporting immune function, bone health, energy production, cognitive health and much more. The key to ensuring we consume enough micronutrients is to eat a variety of foods.
How can you achieve a balanced diet?
Eating a varied diet full of different colours can ensure nutrient diversity. Try to include all the colours of the rainbow over the course of each week.
Amie Leckie, Health and Wellbeing Specialist at Heart Research UK, said: “It’s important to understand that we don’t need to cut entire food groups from our diet to eat well and be healthy. All foods can be enjoyed in appropriate amounts, and we should avoid extreme diets that vilify certain foods or whole food groups.
“Eating healthily doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the foods you enjoy, it just means that you should aim to eat everything in moderation.
“By swapping some of your unhealthier choices for healthier ones, you can still enjoy tasty food and keep your heart healthy. You should start by making one or two swaps, and once these become part of your routine then add in a few more. By doing this gradually, you’re more likely to stick to it, form a new healthy eating habit, and stay on track with your healthy lifestyle goals.”
You can swap to lower sugar versions of your sauces to get started, or you can swap from white bread, pasta, cereal, and rice to wholegrain varieties. Take a look at our Healthy Food Swap Cards for some inspiration.
Even if the food we are eating is healthy, we can still eat too much. We’ve created a handy Portion Size Guide to help you understand what healthy portion sizes look like
Mindful eating follows on nicely from the one above. Slowing down and paying attention to our hunger cues can help us avoid overeating and make better food choices.
What does a healthy meal look like?
Building a healthy plate is a simple way to ensure you’re getting the right balance of nutrients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Achieving a balanced diet is a gradual process and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment with different foods to see what works best for your lifestyle, and remember that small, consistent changes lead to lasting results.
Five co-operative independent society members (ISMs) – Scotmid Co-op, Lincolnshire Co-op, East of England Co-op, Southern Co-op and Central Co-op, who led on the deal – have signed a landmark 10-year corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with RWE, the UK’s largest power generator and a global leader in renewable energy, to supply electricity from renewable energy sources to over 400 locations across the UK.
Scotmid has committed to the agreement, which will see around 280 sites including Scotmid stores, Semichem retail outlets and Scotmid Funerals, including those in Edinburgh, supplied by the green energy source.
Starting the 1st of April 2025, the long-term contract will provide up to 53 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity per year, enough to power over 400 retail stores, funeral homes, travel agents and more. Sourced from the London Array offshore wind farm in the outer Thames Estuary, this agreement will see significant savings for the five co-operatives throughout the lifetime of the CPPA. Scotmid has pledged that 50,000 Megawatts of its energy will come from the deal.
This pioneering agreement was made possible with the help of Inspired PLC, the UK’s leading energy and sustainability advisor, who negotiated the CPPA, and Shoosmiths LLP, who led the legal negotiations.Notably, this deal was executed in just three months, less than half the usual timeframe, demonstrating the expertise and efficiency of the partnerships involved.
This agreement is a significant milestone in the co-operative movement’s journey towards sustainability. By securing long-term renewable energy, these five independent co-operatives are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also reinforcing their commitment to ethical business practices and environmental responsibility.
Olaf Lubenow, Head of Commodity Solutions UK, North & South Europe of RWE Supply & Trading, said: “We are pleased to support these five independent co-ops in their ambitious climate protection targets.
“This agreement shows how our clean energy solutions contribute to climate protection in all areas of the economy and ensure cost control by securing a long-term power price.”
Craig Strachan, Chief Financial Officer at Scotmid Co-op, said: “At Scotmid, we are proud to join forces with other co-operatives through this innovative Corporate Power Purchase Agreement.
“This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to sustainability but also ensures we are securing reliable, clean energy at predictable rates for the long-term benefit of our members and communities.
“By working together, we are not only taking meaningful steps towards reducing our carbon footprint but also contributing to the UK’s collective efforts to reach net-zero. This agreement exemplifies the power of co-operation and collective action in driving real change for a sustainable future.”
Karen Hosking, PPA Manager at Inspired, said of the project: “We have facilitated a unique collective Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), bringing together multiple parties to achieve a common goal.
“Typically, such projects take 18 months, but we accelerated execution to just three months, seizing market opportunities—which is a real achievement within our industry.
“By investing in this existing renewable asset, the ISMs secure traceable renewable energy on a long-term basis, support their sustainability targets, and contribute towards the UK’s net-zero journey.”
London Array is operated by RWE and owned by a consortium of four partners: RWE (30%), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Greencoat UK Wind PLC, and Masdar Energy UK Limited. It has 175 wind turbines and an installed capacity of 630 Megawatts. From the time of its fully commissioning in 2013 until September 2018, it was the largest offshore wind farm in the world.
Inspired PLC provides market-leading commercial energy and sustainability advisory services to help clients achieve net-zero and thrive in the future low-carbon global economy.
David Cockshott, Chief Commercial Officer at Inspired, added: “Inspired is proud to have built a long-standing partnership with ISM Co-operatives as their dedicated energy consultant. Together, we are committed to driving sustainability and transforming the lives of their members and local communities.
“Our comprehensive energy management services, including flexible energy buying, invoice validation and data management, alongside supporting with compliance, are helping various ISM Co-operatives work towards their ambitious net-zero goals.
“By working together swiftly and effectively, we’ve achieved something monumental that will help each Co-operative take a significant step forward in their carbon reduction journey.”
Shoosmiths LLP, a leading law firm with 1,500+ colleagues across fourteen locations, provided the legal counsel for thenegotiations.
Head of Shoosmiths’ E&I sector and PPA specialist, James Wood-Robertson said: “It has been a privilege to support this group of independent Co-ops as they take this significant step towards running clean, sustainable operations across hundreds of stores.
“Our firm is committed to helping our clients navigate the shift towards renewable energy and we are thrilled to able to use our expertise in CPPAs to move the dial forward for businesses like these cooperatives that shape our community.”
For over 180 years, co-operatives have championed ethical business, community ownership and sustainability, following the co-operative values and principles that guide their operations. This landmark renewable energy deal reinforces the co-operative movement’s long-standing commitment to fairness, environmental responsibility and collective action.
The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives. This agreement highlights how co-operatives continue to lead by example in tackling global challenges like climate change. By working together, these co-op societies are securing sustainable energy solutions that will benefit their members, customers and communities for years to come.
As the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy, this collaboration sets a precedent for how businesses can work together to drive meaningful change.
Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is calling on thrill seekers across Edinburgh and the Lothians to take on the challenge of a lifetime by climbing the world’s largest equine sculptures on 7 June.
The charity is asking people to take part in a unique adventure and raise funds to give children across Scotland hope and a safer, brighter future.
The exciting feat, which is only open to people raising funds for charities, involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth.
After conquering the Kelpies, participants will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.
Among the brave participants is Children First’s chief executive, Mary Glasgow. She said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and I hope you will join me in taking on this exciting and memorable challenge.
“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
“Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”
Anyone who wishes to sign up to the Kelpie’s Challenge and support Children First can visit childrenfirst.org.uk or call 0345 10 80 111.
‘Seeds of Time: Scottish Gardens 1600 to present day’ is a brand-new exhibition opening tomorrow (Saturday 5 April 2025) at Stanley Mills in Perthshire.
Using material from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives, the exhibition explores the history of gardens in Scotland, delving into what they can tell us about the people who grew them and the world they lived in.
Gardens and green spaces are an important part of life for people in Scotland, providing places in which to relax and reconnect with nature, as well as serving more practical purposes such as spaces to grow food in. Gardens can also offer a window into the past, revealing stories of the people who used and shaped them.
Claire Whitbread, Exhibitions Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “When thinking about our built heritage, castles, buildings and monuments may first come to mind, but our gardens are also a part of that history and provide a sort of living time capsule.
“These green spaces can show us so much about our past, from the grand designs of the aristocracy and the role of empire in revolutionising plant diversity at home, to the vital role city allotments have played in feeding the nation.
“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to explore this exhibition which aims to show what we can learn from the gardens of our past and what we can take from those that continue to grow around us into the future.”
‘Seeds of Time: Scottish Gardens 1600 to present day’ is on at Stanley Mills from Saturday 5 April 2025 to Sunday 29 June 2025.
Entry to the exhibition is included with admission to the site. Tickets can be booked in advance. Entry is free for Historic Scotland members.
For more information and to book tickets, visit historicenvironment.scot/whats-on. /
The exhibition is only accessible via a staircase.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo visited New York City and Washington DC to celebrate Scottish heritage during Tartan Week and performed for the first time at the Washington Tattoo.
Thirty performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo including Pipers, Drummers, Fiddle players and Highland Dancers have accompanied the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, on his visit to the United States.
They kicked off with a performance at Washington’s iconic Capitol building to mark the beginning of Tartan Week.
In the 75th Anniversary year, the Tattoo is playing a key role in promoting the rich culture of Scotland in America and on an international stage.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “In our 75th year, we are absolutely thrilled to be taking the Tattoo state side for some small-scale performances and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders within the US.
“Working with The Washington Tattoo and organisers of New York Tartan Week, our performers are excited to perform alongside some of those US performers we’ve welcomed to Edinburgh over the years.
“In partnership with VisitScotland and Brand Scotland, we’re honoured to be able to represent Scotland. It’s so important for us to highlight Scottish and military tradition around the globe and encourage those across the pond to come and see the Tattoo in Edinburgh for themselves.”
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We’ve travelled with thirty of our Tattoo Performers to take their talent on tour to Washington and New York.
“The opportunity for our performers to collaborate with such a variety of musicians in America, whilst showcasing the rich Scottish heritage, is one we’re all really excited about.
“It’s great to spread the word of the Tattoo across the globe in our 75th year, and the brilliant performance company on this trip is but a fraction of the power of the full-scale Tattoo production people can see this August on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.”
More than 30 percent (around 1 in 3) small animal vets in Scotland saw puppies they believe to have been imported illegally into the country in the last year, according to the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
With increased concerns around the risk to public health from imported diseases such as rabies, BVA calls on the UK Government to urgently put a stop to unlawful puppy smuggling by progressing the Animal Welfare (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill through Parliament and into law without any further delay.
The call comes on the heels of a roundtable in Parliament, hosted by vet and MP Danny Chambers to highlight the potential impact of this legislation, which would introduce crucial measures to clamp down on puppy smuggling, ban the import of pets with illegal mutilations like cropped ears, and secure public health by preventing diseases such as rabies from being imported into the country.
The Bill, which passed its second reading in the Commons in November, has been awaiting a date for the committee stage since then.
Data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that French bulldog puppies were by far the most common breed vets across the UK reported concerns about, with just under half (48%) of vets who had seen suspicious puppies referring to this breed.
The biggest source of suspicion that these dogs may have been imported illegally was the client’s explanation of how or where the puppy was acquired (79% of vets said this). Half of vets who had seen illegal pups (52%) suspected they had been imported illegally because the puppies were too young to have been imported but they had been told they came from abroad.
A third of vets (33%) had suspicions because they found foreign microchips in puppies that were too young to have been imported legally, and a similar proportion (30%) had seen puppies whose age didn’t match the information on the passport.
British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “These new figures from our members who work in small animal practice show that puppy smugglers are continuing to use unscrupulous methods to bring puppies into the country and duping new owners into buying sick or poorly socialised pets.
“Illegally imported puppies have often been poorly bred, without the correct vaccinations or necessary health checks needed, which can result in life-threatening illnesses for the pups and heartache for their new owners.
“In the last few years, we have seen measures to stop puppy smuggling come close to becoming law but disappointingly failing to cross the line. We’re urging Government to progress vet and MP Danny Chambers’ Bill, which has broad support from vets, animal welfare charities, parliamentarians and the general public, into law in this parliamentary session.”
BVA is calling on the public and its members to write to their local MP, urging them to support the Bill at every opportunity.
The template letter and more information about BVA’s campaign against puppy smuggling is available at: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/pet-imports/
The Greeting Card Association’s campaign to keep the Royal Mail service reliable, national and affordable, has received a significant boost as its parliamentary petition reached 10,000 signatures.
Despite Royal Mail’s claims that it should be allowed to reduce second class postal deliveries to as few as two days per week and cut Saturday deliveries altogether, over 10,000 UK voters have now joined the GCA’s call for proper parliamentary scrutiny of any proposed changes.
This petition, which also calls on MPs to regulate the price of first-class mail and mandate the Royal Mail meet existing delivery targets before changing the Universal Service Obligation (USO), now must receive a formal response from the government.
And the crossing of the 10,000-signature threshold is timely – the Royal Mail’s regulator Ofcom is currently consulting on those proposed changes setting a 10 April deadline for responses but has made it clear it can make changes to the USO without any involvement from MPs[1].
That’s why the GCA has also today stepped up its social media campaign with a new hard-hitting series of posts at https://www.instagram.com/share/p/BAWEWRMpDm.
The posts highlight the concern caused by the current uncertainty over Royal Mail’s ownership and the threat to the price and reliability of the postal service if they are allowed to dilute the service.
Royal Mail has failed to meet delivery commitments outlined in the current USO since 2022 but has consistently raised prices. A first-class stamp is now 75 per cent more expensive than three years ago offsetting the £15m-plus fines levied by Ofcom on Royal Mail for missed delivery targets.
The cost of a first-class stamp price is up a staggering 170 per cent over the last decade, and the price rise that takes effect on Monday (7 April) when the price rises to £1.70, will be the sixth in under three years.
GCA members believe the proposed weaking of the USO will lead small businesses and consumers to rely on an increasingly unaffordable, uncapped and unregulated first-class service to ensure cards and important letters are delivered on time.
The GCA, which represents over 500 publishers, retailers, agents, specialist suppliers and distributors that make up an industry worth over £1.5bn to the UK economy now awaits the government’s official response to its petition.
Amanda Fergusson, chief executive of the GCA said: “Our members are deeply concerned that they’re being railroaded into accepting reforms that will make the Royal Mail service they depend on, less reliable and affordable.
“We now look forward to receiving a formal government response to their petition.
“We know a postal service that’s a mere shadow of the service Royal Mail should be delivering, will cause real damage to small businesses, consumers, high streets and communities.”
Petition
The petition can be accessed at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701850 or via the QR Code.
It calls on the Government to amend legislation to require parliamentary scrutiny of any change to the Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation (USO).
It also asks the government to insist any changes to the USO are dependent on:
