Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Report backs benefit boost for 66-year-olds amid State Pension age rise

The cross-party Work and Pensions Committee has backed calls for the Government to increase Universal Credit for 66-year-olds to prevent hardship as the State Pension age rises to 67, in a report published yesterday.

Temporary support urged for pre-pensioners

The Transition to State Pension Age report, says the Government should consult on the change with a view to implementing it by the end of 2026 as a temporary measure, allowing time to develop longer-term support.

The State Pension age is already being gradually increased and will reach 67 by April 2028. A growing number of 66-year-olds may have to rely on the £425-a-month standard rate of Universal Credit for longer, despite worsening health. Pension Credit, which guarantees £1,031 a month, is only available once they reach State Pension age.

This leaves many pre-pensioners, particularly those with health issues, caring responsibilities or long histories in labour-intensive jobs, relying on the savings they may have set aside for retirement until they reach the State Pension age.

Rising poverty and uneven health outcomes

The Committee warns that when the State Pension age last rose in 2020, poverty more than doubled among people in the year approaching it, rising from 10% to 24%, putting 100,000 below the poverty line. With people now waiting a further year, and many already frail, the “impact is likely to be greater this time”.

Meanwhile, only 42% of 66 year-olds are in paid work, while almost a quarter (24%) of the poorest 60-65 year-old pre-pensioners are working while frail, which research has shown deepens health problems. 

Giving further support through Universal Credit to 66-year-olds would cost £600 million of the potential £10.5 billion savings made from the rise. While the impact on efforts to boost employment may be a consideration, the report says, “impact on work incentives being outweighed by the imperative to reduce poverty”.

Concerns over outdated evidence base

In the report, MPs on the Committee raise concerns about “poor policymaking”, after hearing that the most recent impact assessments for the State Pension age increase are more than a decade-old (2011 and 2013), and none are planned until after the rise is complete. This has caused a “significant gap in the Government’s understanding” of the impact of the rise.

They added that “an opportunity to inform mitigations has been missed” after the Government failed to act on committee recommendation last year in its Pensioner Poverty report to conduct an impact assessment ahead of the State Pension age rise.

Work and Pensions Committee Chair Debbie Abrahams said: “We can’t just allow people who are already struggling as they approach pension age to be forced to choose between continuing work in poor health or prolonging their poverty as they wait for their State Pension to kick in. 

“This is not the later life that anyone wants or to see their loved ones endure after providing for decades.

“We should recognise that pre-pensioners have greater needs and greater barriers into employment due to ill-health, age discrimination, lack of opportunity to upskill. More than half of people are not in paid work in their mid-60s, and they’re not likely to get it if they’ve been effectively written off.

“Additional social security payments are essential in reducing the compounding effects of the lottery of life and the state pension age increase.

“The harm has already been done for some planning retirement if policymakers are using out-dated impact assessments in making the changes they are. As a result, we know there will be an impact, but we don’t know how big it will be.

“But it’s not too late; if the Government takes action quickly those who face poverty because they deplete their savings before reaching pension age can be helped.”

Tasty Gardens Ripe for a Visit with the National Garden Scheme

Woodpeckers, Woking, Surrey © Clive Nichols

A plant-based diet is now acknowledged as a major contributor to a healthier life-style but there are other benefits besides eating more fruit and vegetables that can boost your health and wellbeing.

Rather than popping down to the supermarket or ordering on-line, growing your own – organically if you can – brings with it benefits beyond the delicious fresh produce you can enjoy at your dining table.

“The physical creation and tending of your plot – whether it’s a patio container, a corner of your garden, an allotment or a full-blown kitchen garden – can help keep you fit and motivated, and inspire a great sense of optimism”, says National Garden Scheme CEO, Dr Richard Claxton.

“And, if you get your planning and storage right, you can enjoy home-grown produce throughout the year,”

Many National Garden Scheme gardens include greenhouses and vegetable patches where owners produce edibles for their own consumption, others work on a more commercial scale like the stunning Goldstone Hall Gardens in Shropshire – opening 15 July, 12 August and 9 September, or try Thyme in Gloucestershire opening 5 August. 

Situated on the edge of the water meadows, Thyme’s carefully managed kitchen gardens ensure abundance from the land while protecting and maintaining the fertile alluvial soil.

The garden is productive for much of the year and features a herb garden, cutting gardens and polytunnels to extend the seasons. They grow a large variety of flavoursome and unusual varieties to supply their restaurants.

Ryton Organic Gardens in Coventry, which opens on 11 July and 12 September, is an inspirational and sustainable demonstration garden containing a wonderful fruit and vegetable potager, together with several large ornamental flower beds. Packed full of ideas for gardens of all sizes, it features a large glasshouse, polytunnel, composting area, water features, no-dig and container gardens plus two National Plant Collections.

Helen’s Bay Organic in County Down, Northern Ireland also offers visitors a taster of grow your own when it opens on 29 August.

We also open allotment groups where visitors can pick up growing tips from a diverse range of allotment holders.

Here’s a tasty taster for visits through to October:

Moss Park Allotments in Lancashire opens Sunday 12 July
Cheadle Allotments, Stoke-on-Trent opens Sunday 12 July
Shepherd Road Allotments, Lancashire opens 18 July
Hook Cross Allotments, Hampshire opens 18 and 19 July
Aberystwyth Allotments, Ceredigion opens 19 July
Chitts Hill Allotment and Garden Society, London opens 19 July
Imberhorne Allotments, West Sussex opens 6 September as part of East Grinstead Gardens
Golf Course Allotments, North London opens 6 September
Grangetown Kitchen Garden, Cardiff, opens 19 September
Grange Fell Allotments Cumbria opens By Arrangement to end of September
Littleover Lane Allotments, Derbyshire opens By Arrangement until 30 October

And, of the many gardens that also have kitchen gardens, edibles and grow your own, why not try one or more of these delicious options:

Goldsborough Hall, Yorkshire opens 26 July. This historic 12 acre garden and formal landscaped grounds in a parkland setting surround a Grade II, C17 house, the former residence of HRH Princess Mary, daughter of George V and Queen Mary. Gertrude Jekyll inspired the 120 foot double herbaceous borders, rose garden and woodland walk. And a jewel in the crown is the large restored kitchen garden with rill, fountain and large glasshouse which produces fruit and vegetables for the Hall’s commercial kitchens.

If you’re in Wales on August 8 or 9 – visit Cefncoed Uchaf in Dyfed this lovely family garden set around a 200 year-old farmhouse, blends traditional planting with contemporary touches. Features include a newly renovated Dutch barn, raised vegetable beds, perennial borders, pond, greenhouse and shell-mulched area. Designed with sustainability, wildlife and seasonal interest in mind.

Woodpeckers, Woking, Surrey opens on 30 August and 6 September (pictured top, copyright Clive Nichols) and offers a journey through a horticultural designer’s own garden, where plants take centre stage in succession, providing year-round colour and interest.

The garden is divided into three rooms, each with a different planting style and purpose: vibrant colours in the jewel’s amphitheatre, leafy textures and pastels in the social room, and a productive area featuring a glasshouse and ‘grow your own’ space.

For more gardens with grow your own elements CLICK HERE

Find out more at www.ngs.org.uk

NHS 24: Be Aware of Spiking

🍻 Heading out this weekend? Whether you’re at a festival, beer garden, night out or house party, be aware of the signs of spiking.

Spiking is when someone gives another person alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or consent. It can happen anywhere and to anyone.

Signs can come on suddenly and may include dizziness, confusion, unusual drowsiness, memory loss, difficulty speaking or moving, or being sick.

If you think you or someone else has been spiked:

📞 Call NHS 24 on 111 for advice

🚨 Call 999 if it’s a life-threatening emergency

👮 Report suspected spiking to Police Scotland on 101

Search ‘Safer Scot spiking’ for more advice from the experts.

Scots invited to feel a little Norwegian this Saturday 

Watch England-Norway World Cup quarter-final clash on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh

Football fans can witness one of the most talked-about matches of the FIFA World Cup yet in spectacular fashion at Vue Edinburgh Omni as England face Norway in a blockbuster quarter-final clash this Saturday.

Following popular screenings of Scottish group matches at Vue venues across Scotland, fans will now have the opportunity to follow more of the action on the big screen, whether they are cheering on another home nation, or feeling Norwegian for the weekend!

Those wishing to enjoy some quarter-final drama with fellow fans can do so with the ultimate seat, screen and sound by coming along to Vue where every moment will play out on the big screen.

Kicking off at 22:00 BST, England will be aiming to take the next step towards World Cup glory, but standing in their way is a Norway side boasting world-class talent across the pitch.

Norway’s squad is packed with Premier League experience, with a host of players who know England’s stars inside out and will be hoping to use that knowledge to halt the Three Lions’ march to the semi-finals, while players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice will look to do the same.

Harry Kane and Erling Haaland will step onto the biggest stage in world football as they continue their competition for the crown as the world’s best striker. With both the strikers aiming for the coveted golden boot, fans can expect a duel between two generational goalscorers in what promises to be one of the stand-out matches of the tournament.

Rachel Bland, Senior Screen Content Manager at Vue Entertainment, said: “Even though Scotland is out of the championship, we wanted to make sure fans here could continue to follow the action on the big screen after earlier successful screenings.

“No matter who you’re supporting, there’s no better place to experience the drama than at Vue. Our next-level screen and sound technology brings every tackle, every goal and every unforgettable moment to life, making you feel like you’re right there in the stadium.”

Vue’s Big Screen Sports line-up

Saturday: England vs Norway (Quarter-Final) – 22:00 BST

Tickets are available to book now at www.myvue.com.

Gaddle at North Edinburgh Arts

LAST TICKETS SELLING FAST

MONDAY 13 JULY – 2.30 and 4pm

© Eoin Carey

Last few places left for Monday’s performance of Gaggle!

Gaggle is a joyful, non-verbal physical comedy made especially for young audiences with complex additional support needs (ASN), and their families.

Join three lighthouse keepers as they spend three days and three nights watching the sea. By day they work, watch and wait, whatever the weather. By night, lanterns are lit and things get weird, wonderful, and wild.

“We all loved the sensory experience which we could all enjoy together. It was a truly inclusive experience.” – Audience feedback

© Eoin Carey

Monday 13 July, 2.30pm & 4.00pm

Find out more and book tickets at:

https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/whats-on/gaggle

Local MSP questions Scottish Government over it’s commitment to heat networks in Edinburgh Northern

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern Sanne Dijkstra-Downie yesterday questioned the Scottish Government on its commitment to tackling issues affecting heat networks throughout the constituency.

Heat networks are a manner of heating buildings that use a central source of hot water which is then pumped to various different homes or buildings. 

The Liberal Democrat MSP has asked the Scottish Government to comment on when the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) Bill and any associated Heat Network legislation will be introduced, and how the proposals will differ from those previously consulted on.

Sanne has also questioned the government on if assessments have been carried out to properly document the benefits that heat networks can provide toward lowering fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions.

The introduction of comprehensive legislation on heat networks will ensure that the people of Edinburgh Northern have better access to cheaper and more efficient energy methods.

However, for this to happen, the Scottish Government must be proactive in facilitating not only the deployment of heat networks, but also in engaging with local authorities and developers to ensure that any future heat networks are correctly implemented.

Commenting Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Heat networks have the potential to play an extremely important role in delivering cleaner, more secure and more affordable heating for communities across Edinburgh Northern.

“However, this success depends on providing certainty for local authorities, investors and the consumers of heat networks.

“The questions that I have asked aim to establish the Scottish Government’s timetable, funding commitments and legislative intentions regarding heat network deployment.

“This will allow both parliament, constituents and those in the industry to have a clear understanding of how heat network deployment will be taken forward.”

European Movement in Scotland writes to Scottish Labour politicians urging Andy Burnham to take the UK ever closer to the EU

“Closer EU links are critical to our economy and security and to protecting our way of life from political extremism,” says former senior Labour MEP, David Martin

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) has written to all Labour Party MPs and MSPs in Scotland urging them to put pressure on incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, so that he continues Sir Keir Starmer’s policy of putting “Britain at the heart of Europe.”

In a speech in London on 10th May, Sir Keir said: “My Labour Government is delivering on our promise to reset our relationship and put Britain at the heart of Europe. Together we will tackle the cost of living, boost jobs and create opportunities for young people.”

EMiS says in its letter to MPs and MEPs, “Our view is that it is of the most fundamental importance that Mr Burnham not only continues the process of reengagement with the EU but also accelerates and deepens it.” 

David Martin, who was the longest serving Labour Member at the European Parliament, and who is President of the European Movement in Scotland, says Mr Burnham will become Prime Minister at a time of great global instability.

“Andy Burnham cannot afford to ignore the opportunities offered by ever-closer ties with the EU. There are simply no other options available.

“He must move quickly. The stronger the economy of our continent the more we will be able to raise standards of living, invest in public services and build our defences against the enemies of democracy, at home and abroad.

“Closer EU links are critical to our economy and security and to protecting our way of life from political extremism,” says David Martin.

In its letter to MPs and MEPs, EMiS says: “We are at a moment of enormous historical importance.

“A successful Burnham government is critical to our economy and stability and to holding off malign domestic and foreign forces that threaten our way of life. Success will come sooner by increasingly embedding the UK with the economic and political powerhouse that is the EU.

“May we encourage you to let Mr Burnham know that support in Scotland for ever-closer ties with the EU currently stands at over 70%. We hope Mr Burnham listens to Scotland and that his government continues the Starmer administration’s approach to the EU, in words and action.”

Preparations ongoing ahead of Edinburgh Visitor Levy launch

TWO WEEKS TO GO

As Edinburgh prepares for the introduction of the Visitor Levy on Friday 24 July, the Council is providing ongoing support to businesses in the visitor economy.

A new Visitor Levy team has been visiting accommodation providers across the city, answering questions and helping to explain what businesses need to do to prepare for the levy. They have also been encouraging sign-ups to the online platform for submitting levy returns and making their payments, the first of which are due in October.

The Council has also prepared a range of display materials to help businesses to explain the levy to their guests, summarising key information and the benefits the scheme will bring to the city. This includes a Q&A document covering the most commonly asked questions by visitors.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “With two weeks to go until the official introduction of the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, I’m very aware of how our busy the city’s accommodation providers already are and want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to support them.

“We’ve been in regular touch with industry representatives throughout the process and I’m extremely grateful to them for their constructive feedback and support. We know their guests will have questions of their own about the levy, how it works and how the funds will be invested – and we’ve developed a range of materials to share with guests and direct them to the most up-to-date information about the scheme.

“We’re the first city in the UK to introduce a visitor levy of this scale, and we’ve built our approach around engagement and support.

“This is a big opportunity for us all to work together and enhance Edinburgh’s position as one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world.”

Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy scheme was formally agreed in January 2025.

The levy applies to paid overnight accommodation booked after 1 October 2025, if the stay takes place from 24 July 2026 onwards. It is a 5% payment on the accommodation-only cost and applies to the first 5 nights’ stay.

The scheme is projected to raise up to £50 million a year to invest in protecting, supporting and enhancing Edinburgh’s worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live.

The first full set of investment programmes for funding raised by the levy was agreed earlier this year, and will be directed through three well-defined themes: City Operations and Infrastructure; Culture, Heritage and Events; and Destination and Visitor Management.

It’s A Girl! Special delivery at Modern One as five metre baby goes on display

Modern One

Free to visit

Open Daily 10am-5pm

A giant sculpture of a newborn baby by artist Ron Mueck is on display from today at Modern One in Edinburgh.

Measuring over five meters in length, A Girl, captures a newly delivered baby as she takes her first glimpse of the surrounding world. Free to visit, this is just one of over 50 fascinating works from the nation’s spectacular collection of modern and contemporary art that have just gone on show.

It has been fourteen years since A Girl was last exhibited in Edinburgh, having travelled around Europe including to Denmark, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Last on display at Modern One in 2012, visitors flocked to see the impressive fibre-glass sculpture.

Visitors will once again be wowed as they get a chance to experience the extraordinary size of Mueck’s hyper-realistic portrayal of a newly born baby, rendered in painstaking detail.

Australian artist Mueck (born 1958) uses scale as an expressive device to enhance and bring to the fore both the trauma and the miracle of birth. His sculptures deliberately stir emotions and encourage viewers to consider the human body in new ways.

While visiting Modern One, families can book a free basket full of art goodies and spark their own creativity. This year’s Family Art Baskets look to A Girl and other art works from the modern and contemporary collection for inspiration, with each one packed with materials, ideas, and sensory art prompts to help families explore the galleries and their surroundings in new and playful ways. 

Free baskets can be booked in advance here, and are available every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the Scottish school holidays, and can be collected on the day between 2pm-3pm.

Visitors will also be able to explore other new captivating displays at Modern One this summer. Discover recently displayed works, such as Flora Yukhnovich’s mesmerising large-scale painting, A World of Pure Imagination (2024) which recently joined the national collection.

This painting, full of colour and movement, can be seen in a room with Scottish artist Gwen Hardie’s monumental painting, Fist I (1986). Discover Scottish artists of the early 20th century as you explore a major selection of exquisite drawings and paintings by James Cowie, Edward Baird, William McCance, Charles Cameron Baillie and William Crosbie. 

Come face to face with people from all walks of life in the powerful and intimate works of influential American photographer Diane Arbus.

As well as the all-new displays there is even more to discover at Modern One, which is home to the nation’s outstanding holdings of modern and contemporary art. Encounter Louise Bourgeois’s giant Spider (1994), standing at an impressive three metres high.

Encounter surrealist art by leading figures such as Salvador Dalí, Dorothea Tanning, Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, René Magritte and Toyen.

With over 40 surrealist works on display, find bizarre creatures and weird machines, eerie landscapes and curious spaces. Also spot works by Pablo Picasso, Bridget Riley, Sarah Lucas and over 120 more artists. And that’s just inside!

On arrival at Modern One enjoy you will be in awe of the spiralling earth sculpture Landform, designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks.

Pick up a free copy of the sculpture trail for kids or download it before you arrive and enjoy it on your device as you set off to discover sculptural works around the grounds by other major artists including Barbara Hepworth, Joan Miró and Tracey Emin.

With a special trail for all ages and stages – they’ll get your family exploring the galleries, inside and out.

Pack a lunch and take in the stunning grounds of the Moderns, or if the weather isn’t on side, our drop-in picnic and play area, Art Space One, can be found on Level 2 in Modern One.

You can help yourself to art books, big blocks and plenty of materials to make your own works of art – or just take a moment to chill out and eat your snacks.

Anne Lyden, Director General at the National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘We are thrilled to have Ron Mueck’s A Girl back at Modern One, it is always such a hit with visitors, and we love seeing their reaction to the scale and intricate details of the sculpture. It’s really quite spectacular!

“There is something for everyone at Modern One this summer, whether enjoying the grounds in the sun or discovering and re-discovering Scotland’s magnificent collection of Modern and Contemporary art! Families can also get stuck in with trails, Family Art Baskets and artist weekends.

“We want the galleries to be a welcoming environment that everyone feels comfortable in, whether coming with young children, teenagers, friends, family or on your own, this is your collection to discover!’

To find out more, visit Modern One | National Galleries of Scotland.