This Saturday (22 March), The Causey will be brought to life by Folk Tales for New Scots, a one-off exhibition, live storytelling and on-street projection event courtesy of Beetroots Collective CIC and Causey Development Trust.
The exhibition will kick off at 7pm at The Causey (outside Buccleuch and Greyfriars Free Church) and is the result of a series of arts workshops for both locals and the immigrant and asylum seeker communities in Edinburgh, carried out in collaboration with storyteller Claire McNicol and aimed at fostering community ties through Scottish folklore.
Then from 7.30pm a bold and bright animation of this work will light up the historic buildings surrounding The Causey, bringing both the space and Scotland’s myths and legends to life.
Free to attend this is just one in a series of events created by Beetroots Collective CIC, in collaboration with Causey Development Trust, that bring together Edinburgh’s Southside community with locals and visitors from across the city.
The third of its kind in two years the event will also highlight the work of CDT volunteers who have been campaigning for 17 years to transform The Causey into a fine public space that prioritises people and can host community events.
CDT has shovel ready plans to turn The Causey into a safer, greener space that puts the wellbeing of people first with reduced motorised traffic, stylish seating, planters, trees and even a rejuvenated Police Box.
Perhaps most importantly these plans, designed by the award-winning landscape architects Ironside Farrar, will facilitate a much wider range of arts, culture and community events in the future. Members of CDT will be on hand at the event to discuss these plans with visitors.
Sarah Drummond, Chair of Causey Development Trust, said: “We can’t wait to host our first on-street projection event of the year at The Causey thanks to the incredibly talented Beetroots Collective CIC.
“These events exemplify why this space is so important for the well-being of Edinburgh residents, to help foster community spirit and breathe new life into underused parts of our city.
“We are very lucky to enjoy the support of locals and supporters hailing from all kinds of backgrounds and countries, and we are excited to see their work brought to life this Saturday 22 March, at The Causey.”
Drivers are being urged to avoid exchanging unnecessary details after an accident, such as pictures of their insurance certificate and driving licence, following a rise in a new crash for cash tactic involving identity theft – warns the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB).
Since last summer, the IFB has discovered over 1,100 fraudulent motor insurance policies were taken out by moped scammers using stolen details of crash for cash victims, which can result in significant emotional distress and financial hardship for those affected.[1]
The issue links to a £75 million insurance fraud scheme, which to date has seen 4,700 innocent road users deliberately targeted by two-wheel scammers in collisions across London, and more recently, in the South East.[2]
To help protect the public from this devastating new scam, the IFB has launched an awareness appeal to urge road users to watch out for the warning signs and report it to CheatLine.
John Davies, Intelligence & Investigations Manager at the IFB, said: ““This latest trend shows just how relentless moped scammers are, as not only are they putting innocent road users at risk and accusing them of causing collisions, they’re now stealing their details to commit financial crime and it’s having a horrendous impact on victims.
“It’s important to remember, if you’ve had an accident and the other driver wants a photo of your insurance certificate or driving licence, that’s a red flag – you only legally need to share your name, address and vehicle registration number. Don’t be pressured into handing over anything else.
“We’re working closely with insurers and the police to stop this fraudulent activity. Anyone who believes they have evidence of a crash for cash or thinks their details have been stolen for an insurance scam, should report it to CheatLine.”
Detective Inspector Marek Coghill at City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said: “Organised criminal gangs continue to cause collisions with innocent parties’ vehicles for the purpose of benefitting from bogus insurance claims and stealing the identity or policy details of the innocent party.
“These ‘crashes’ often occur at low speed, particularly junctions, incurring minor or no impact, and little damage to either vehicle. The value of the insurance claims is often inflated, for repairs, storage, and replacement vehicles, which makes this lucrative criminal activity attractive for fraudsters. It is important that the public remain alert to this type of fraud, and we encourage communities to share knowledge of this offending.
“If you witness or are involved in a collision and suspect it is Crash for Cash fraud, gather as much information as possible. This could be the make and model of the moped, its number plate, livery, or the clothing that the driver is wearing.
“These details could be invaluable in disproving a fraudulent claim. Report the incident as soon as possible to the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s CheatLine.”
The scale and impact of crash for cash moped scams
Crash for cash moped scams have been on the rise since 2021. They are common across London, and recently there have been growing reports in South-East England; including in Chelmsford in Essex, Hertford, Rickmansworth and St Albans in Hertfordshire.
While anyone can be affected, victims are more often women who are driving alone or with their children, and there have been recent reports of elderly people being targeted.
Unlike traditional crash for cash scams where fraudsters slam on their car brake to cause a collision with the victim behind, moped scammers drive into oncoming traffic. They often hide out of sight in a side road or parking space, then drive into victims as they head towards them, before throwing their moped to the ground, taking photos and accusing the other driver of fault.
In this latest development, moped scammers are exploiting the need to exchange details after a collision, by pressuring victims who may be in a distressed or confused state, into showing a copy of their insurance certificate or driving licence, which is photographed at the roadside.
The fraudsters then steal their details, which can be used in a range of financial crimes. Notably, this includes taking out fraudulent insurance policies, which are used to facilitate bogus claims linked to crash for cash activity.
In one case, a victim of a moped scam who was pressured into showing their details, had over 40 insurance policies taken out using their stolen information, which was discovered after they started receiving letters in the post.
In other instances, the scammers are also using these stolen details to hijack victims’ existing insurance policies and implicate them with fraudulent insurance claims.
The IFB is working closely with the insurance industry and IFED at City of London Police to disrupt the issue, which so far has helped to prevent thousands of fraudulent claims from being paid out. As moped scammers’ tactics continue to evolve and become more aggressive, the public is being urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicions to CheatLine to help bring the fraudsters to justice.
Top tips to stay safe from moped scammers
Look out
Be vigilant of anyone on a moped (or motorcycle) who is lingering unnecessarily or trying to hide out of sight, at the end or sides of roads or behind parked vehicles.
Know the signs
The moped scammer will drive head-on into their victim, may throw their moped down and even drop to the floor to fake an injury, before taking photos of the incident. They might also have an accomplice appear to act as a witness.
Collect information
If targeted, collect as much info about the incident as possible, including details of the other road user, any witnesses, photographs and recordings (local CCTV or dashcam footage).
Do not exchange unnecessary details
After an accident, drivers are only legally required to exchange their name, address and vehicle registration. Do not share further information; including copies of insurance certificates and driving licences.
Report it
If targeted in a suspected crash for cash scam, victims should tell their insurer and contact their local police force. Evidence can be reported to IFB’s confidential CheatLine service via an online form, or phoneline (powered by CrimeStoppers) at 0800 422 0421.
Edinburgh Science Festival, the world’s first festival of science and technology, is pleased to partner with the Royal Academy of Engineering to this year host acclaimed artist Kelly Anna’s sculpture ‘What Makes an Engineer?’ which represents engineer Alice Kan who played a key role in the manufacture of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The sculpture will be displayed at City Art Centre as part of DiscoveryLab, its first display outside of London. Created to mark National Engineering Day 2024, the sculpture was part of an art project to celebrate inspirational engineers and represents Alice Kan, a mechanical engineer who played an important role in the manufacture of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Starting with a production line and team of one, Alice led efforts to grow the team, develop the process, set up manufacture and produce 100 million doses for use in the UK. Her work continues today developing Ebola vaccines.
The pivotal question – what makes an engineer? – rings as strongly today as ever before with women still making up only 15.7% of UK engineering workforce – down from 16.5% in 2023 – and a lack of visible role models is seen as a key factor in why fewer women are considering a career in engineering. By showcasing a story as inspiring as Alice Kan’s, Kelly Anna’s sculpture champions the fact that engineering is for everyone.
The sculpture encapsulates Alice’s remarkable journey, achievements, and personal resilience in engineering and vaccine production.
The central, dynamic figure of Alice stands strong with an empowered posture, symbolizing her resilience, leadership, and unwavering determination. Alice is shown looking upward, representing hope, optimism, and her visionary approach to the future.
The statue is constructed from various blocks and shapes, representing her ability to build teams and overcome obstacles.
These blocks embody persistence and inclusiveness—demonstrating how diverse perspectives come together to create strength.
An accompanying QR code will take visitors to an augmented reality experience created by Atlantic Productions.
Edinburgh Science Festival is the first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals, taking place over the Easter holidays, between 5 and 20 April.
With the 2025 theme of Spaceship Earth, the Festival continues its years-long commitment to Programming for the Planet. It urges everyone to live like an astronaut, a battle to learn from the constraints of living on a space station where resources are impossibly constrained, and every gram of material and watt of energy is precious.
Edinburgh Science Director and CEO, Hassun El-Zafar said: “When programming our Festival we focus on ways to combine art and science, as art is often the most powerful way to bring science to life.
“By engaging the imagination, complex concepts or scientific achievements become all the easier to understand. We’re delighted that the Royal Academy of Engineering has chosen our Festival to showcase What Makes an Engineer? for the first time outside of London – a chance for all our visitors, young and old, to be inspired by Alice Kan’s work saving lives as an engineer.”
Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Engineering is driven by countless unsung heroes and teams who shape our world in profound ways every day.
“the UK, modern engineers—despite their remarkable contributions to our society—remain noticeably absent from public statues and artworks. I am delighted we can bring this sculpture of Alice Kan to Edinburgh Science Festival and I hope it will help to inspire young people to join this creative, rewarding profession, which improves lives every day.”
The worlds of STEM and arts also combine in this year’s Festival programme for a selection of genre-defying events. Hear exclusive first readings at Sci-Fi Futures (8 April), a creative collision of science fiction and science fact, bringing together Scottish writers Martin MacInnes, L R Lam and Eris Young, and Professor of Applied Space Technology and Scotland’s leading space expert Prof Malcolm Macdonald.
This exciting collaboration between Edinburgh Science Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival commissioned three brand new writings envisioning a utopian future truly living within our means.
Theoretical physicist and industrial musician Prof Bob Coecke is here to open our minds and ears with Quantum Music (10 April). Bob illustrates how the coming quantum revolution can be used to compose new kinds of music and will “play his guitar on a quantum computer”. In The Sound of Galaxies (16 April), an interactive sound-forward session, you’ll listen to galaxy data and gain a deeper appreciation for the innovative ways scientists explore the Universe.
Can arid lands be spaces for new ecological world-making? Desert Future (11 April) is a film screening of Wanuri Kahiu’s Pumzi and discussion explores climate fiction, environmental humanities, history of science and Black/Africana studies.
The Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival (19 April) is a celebration of conservation stories from around the world that will inspire, engage, and inform you about some of the many projects helping to protect the world’s biodiversity.
Visit Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium for Planetarium Lates: Earth From Above (10 – 12 April & 17- 19 April) to enjoy an evening of extra-terrestrial entertainment as they screen some of your favourite science films including Gravity, Apollo 13 and The Martian.
Edinburgh Science is a world expert in producing live science events and the 2025 Festival is the prime example of the power of bringing people together to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and maths and arts.
Join us for CREATE calm, an inclusive play sessions for children, this Friday 21st March at 2.45pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Experience the joy of play in a welcoming, supportive space! Our CREATE calm taster sessions are for local families with children aged 0-7 that might benefit from a smaller group and a calm, quieter experience.
This could include children with disabilities or health concerns; autism; neurodivergent; those struggling with school or other learning environments; challenging family or care circumstances; or other social or emotional support needs.
No diagnosis or referral needed – parents, carers, and siblings are welcome!
Safe, accessible play space
Activities tailored to sensory needs and interests
*By ‘local families’ we mean families living in the community surrounding North Edinburgh Arts, which includes areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Granton.
Addressing Men’s Mental Health and Rising Suicide Rates
As we come into the peak of spring, we as a community must come together to battle suicide and the disparate impact of mental health challenges on men that lingers beneath the surface of our society (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).
Mental health remains one of the biggest challenges facing public health in Edinburgh. Despite breaking away from the jaws of the isolating pandemic, suicide is becoming a sadly ever-present part of our lives. With over 792 probable suicides registered by the National Records of Scotland in 2023, an increase of 4% from previous years, the people of Edinburgh are ready for change.
Recent observations by NHS Lothian and local community groups in Edinburgh, such as the Health and Social Care Partnership, point to an alarming trend; men are disproportionately affected by the ongoing mental health crisis that is contributing to rising suicide rates.
Although mental health disorders are less prevalent in men compared to women, the impact on men is typically more severe. Men with mental health conditions are less likely to seek help, leading to greater risks. They face a significantly higher rate of suicide, with men being three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
Societal norms and traditional gender roles contribute to why men are often less inclined to talk about or seek help for their mental health issues. While it is widely recognised that gender stereotypes about women can have harmful effects, it is equally crucial to acknowledge that these stereotypes and societal pressures can also negatively impact men.
Alongside national and local organisations such as Andy’s Man Club and Lothians Speak Their Name, Lothian is working to focus efforts on addressing the challenges surrounding suicide and men’s mental health.
For instance, the local community group Lothians Speak Their Name is creating a mixed-media quilt in memory of people that have died by suicide. Here, we see Lothians residents raising awareness behind the struggles of mental health and remembering those that have sadly lost their lives to suicide.
We also see other groups like Andy’s Man Club, whose mission it is to prevent other families from going through the heartache and grief caused by suicide by encouraging men to speak openly about their issues through Monday night talking groups. And with the Great Scottish Run taking place this October, there is plenty of time to support this great initiative.
Other organisations in Edinburgh, such as iThrive, Change Mental Health, and Samaritans Scotland are also striving towards facilitating change in the Lothian region concerning men’s mental health. Furthered by the non-stop work of health care providers in NHS Lothian, we are determined to bring men together to share their stories.
While these initiatives are essential in order to tackle the challenges posed by suicide and mental health challenges, it is crucial that we follow in the footsteps of those seeking change. We must keep raising awareness of suicide in our region, emphasising more kindness and open conversation.
In Scotland, men should not feel anxious when it comes to discussing mental health issues, yet many still do. This shows we have not fully addressed the problem. This situation mirrors the past, when men were reluctant to talk about prostate health until it was too late, but attitudes have changed. We have been part of that shift and are proud of it. Now, we need to drive similar change for mental health.
We must ask, why do men struggle to open up? The answer lies in the burden of traditional masculinity, just as it did with prostate health. Our goal is a Scotland where men feel comfortable seeking help for any health concern.
We must remember that suicide and mental health can impact anyone, at any time throughout the year. As a community and for our loved ones, let’s begin to transform the agenda that mental health is not unmanly; it is a prevalent virus that can affect us all.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health issues at any time, remember that support is available – you do not have to face it alone.
Older autistic people must be involved in decisions about their health and social care services, a new research project from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and charity Scottish Autism suggests.
The project, titled “Autism, Ageing and Social Care”, used creative methods to begin a wider conversation about the support that autistic people will need when they get older.
The research team worked with autistic film-makers to create a documentary about the hopes, concerns and needs of autistic people as they get older.
Workshops with autistic adults, whose ages range from 45 to 80, and care professionals, led to a series of artworks reflecting on what good support looks like for this population in older age.
Professor Mary Stewart, Director of Social Interaction, Mental Health and Wellbeing at Heriot-Watt University, and member of the University’s Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies, is the academic lead for the project.
Professor Stewart said: “Using filmmaking and art helped us to ask autistic people who communicate in diverse ways to express what’s important to them and how to plan for ageing and change.
“Everybody finds ageing difficult, but it can be particularly challenging for autistic people to access appropriate health and social care provision.”
Dr Joe Long, Director of Practice and Innovation at Scottish Autism, was a co-researcher on the project. He said: “The children Scottish Autism first supported in the 1960s are now reaching retirement age, so we know there’s a real need plan properly for the support that older autistic people will need.
“It’s really important that those future services are shaped by the people who use them, so this project is about starting those conversations and amplifying the voices of older autistic people.”
In the documentary film, autistic adults are interviewed by Iceberg Productions, a group of autistic filmmakers who are supported by Scottish Autism, and The Untold Motion Picture Company, which specialises in filmmaking for the voluntary and community sectors.
In the artworks, older autistic people’s visions of ageing and support are captured in hand-drawn scenes and diagrams by artist Clare Mills of Listen, Think, Draw.
Emma Stanley, a co-researcher on the initiative and a member of the Iceberg Productions team, sadly passed away during the project. Speaking in the films, in which she acted as interviewer, Emma said: “It’s an important project, because no matter what walk of life you’re in, you get old.
“My mum died a couple of years ago and there’s still not enough help out there for autistic people suffering bereavement.
“It will get more important when you get older.”
The researchers say the project provides insights into how to start conversations around what a good life will look like in older age and the need to support understanding of change and loss.
The project also shows the need for creating safer spaces for those dialogues, and for working together to develop a shared understanding of a person’s need – as well as the need for effective care pathways for older autistic people.
The NHS estimates that at least one in 100 people in Scotland is autistic, with some research showing more than double that number. Many older autistic people will not have a diagnosis. Scottish Autism says these figures underline the need to plan properly for inclusive and person-centred services in older age.
The findings of the research will be presented at an event in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood today (Wednesday 19 March).
The event will be chaired by Daniel Johnson MSP and attended by Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd. The event will include a screening of the documentary and display of the artworks created from the project.
As a result of this research, project partners are calling for:
Timely, multi-agency planning for transitions across the lifespan of autistic people, including the transition to older age
Tools and resources to support autistic people to understand the changes they may face and to co-design their care as they age
Holistic care pathways in older age, incorporating multi-disciplinary collaboration and bringing healthcare into familiar and safe environments for autistic people
Data, transparency and accountability relating to the support provided for older autistic people and to the resulting outcomes. This will help maximise the lessons learned, in order to establish best practice.
Welfare Green Paper: what we know and what we don’t know
Work and Pension Secretary Liz Kendall made a statement to the House of Commons yesterday outlining the main areas of ‘Pathways to Work”, the UK Government’s Green Paper that has been in the rumour mill for weeks. The statement contained some well trailed announcements and some new details, although there are also still some significant gaps in our understanding (writes FRASER of ALLANDER INSTITUTE team).
PIP will not be frozen, but eligibility will be restricted
The Secretary of State’s headline announcement was in line with news over the weekend, which suggested that rates will not be frozen. Instead, the criteria for getting the daily living element of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be raised, with a minimum of four points on one daily living activity.
The Green Paper in this section is heavily focussed on the ‘sustainability’ of the disability benefits system, and on needing to make the system more ‘pro-work.’ It’s worth noting, however, that work status is unrelated to being in receipt of disability benefits, which are designed to address the additional costs of living with a disability, whether or not someone is in work.
Sustainability too is a nebulous concept in this space. But while it makes sense to talk about sustainability of the public finances as a whole, it is not immediately clear that a growing area of spending is necessarily unsustainable, especially when responding to a clear need in society. The Government has choices – for example, to raise taxes or to cut other areas of spending. So far from being a macroeconomic imperative, to focus on disability benefits seems clearly a political choice.
There is little in the way of details of how much the UK Government intends to save in the Green Paper, but the Secretary of State mentioned the much bandied about £5bn by 2029-30 that it intends to include in the OBR forecast. We do not know how much of this figure will be generated from PIP rather than other changes.
What we now know is that the whole of the spending reductions on PIP will come from the lower end of the average award, as it is being driven through the raising the bar for claiming. But that also means that all else equal, even morepeople will lose access to the benefit. A quick calculation suggests that for every £1bn a year saved, it could mean around a quarter of a million fewer people receiving PIP, which would be a huge change.
Work capability assessment scrapped from 2028
This is a significant change, and one for which consequences in Scotland are still unknown. At the moment, the work capability assessment (WCA) is used to assess fitness for work. From 2028, the assessment for PIP will instead be used as the basis for universal credit (UC) elements related to health conditions.
This creates an issue in Scotland, because Social Security Scotland runs its own (different) assessment for Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which is the devolved equivalent of PIP. But UC is a reserved benefit administered by DWP, and that means that potential claimants in Scotland would not have access to the PIP assessment that would be used for determining eligibility for health-related UC elements. And with the PIP assessment being tightened, it will be likely further out of step with ADP.
We’ll have to wait and see what solution there will be to this – the Green Paper merely states that “consideration will be needed.” But this is an important issue that requires action on the part of both UK and Scottish departments to ensure access by claimants to this is maintained. It highlights a broader issue of the interaction between the benefits systems which is likely to be put under further strain as systems evolve separately in Scotland.
On a broader point, these proposed changes come at a time when people in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance are due to be migrated to UC by the end of 2026. Our research with people with learning disabilities showed that many are already really concerned about the upcoming changes, and these will be further changes to an already complex system. It will be crucial to clearly communicate all the changes, particularly in accessible formats.
UC rates to be rebalanced, and access to health elements restricted for those under 22
The Secretary of State also announced a big change in the relative levels of the standard and health elements of UC. The health element of UC – which is paid on top of the standard allowance – will be frozen in cash terms for the rest of the decade for those already in receipt of it, and new claims will be paid at around half the current rate (£50/week compared with the current £97/week). Alongside this, the UK Government says it will uprate the UC standard allowance by more than inflation (6% in 2026-27).
The health element of UC will also be tightened in several ways. One is that claimants will be expected to have “much more active engagement and support” in relation to work. The other large change proposed is the consultation on delaying access to the health element of UC until potential claimants are 22, with the justification being the lower likelihood of those in receipt of that element being in employment as well as the fact that those under 22 will be covered by the Youth Guarantee of employment support, training or an apprenticeship.
We note, however, that employability is an area of devolved competence, and indeed a similar scheme already exists in Scotland.
A consultation on a new ‘unemployment insurance’
The UK Government is consulting on an interesting proposal for a unified ‘unemployment insurance’ benefit, which would replace both contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance with a single, time-limited entitlement. This is a step more in the direction of most European systems, in which contributory systems provide a much higher level of income replacement than UC, although for a limited period of time. The proposed rate is much higher than contributory JSA, which has never been a big part of the welfare system in the UK.
Higher income replacement systems are the basis of highly successful active labour market policy systems such as the Danish ‘flexicurity’ approach, and which could help smooth out cliff-edges in the labour market and incentivise retraining, but this proposal – while probably a good idea – falls well short of that kind of system. In any case, it’s also purely consultative – and as it might well cost money on net (at least in the short run), we wait to see if anything will come of this.
‘Right to try’ – a welcome development
One of the measures mentioned in the Green Paper that could have a big positive impact is the announcement of legislation to guarantee that simply starting work will not lead to a reassessment or award review. The fact that this can happen at the moment is acts as a barrier to entering employment, especially if people want to work but are unsure if it will be a good fit for their situation as they might have to reapply for benefits subsequently.
Our research with people with learning disabilities indicates that this ‘right to try’ approach might work well, as the binary ‘can work/can’t work’ doesn’t fit well for them. Many people want to work and just need the right support – so we are hopeful that some of these changes will provide just that.
We know very little about how most of the announcements will affect Scotland
PIP is being replaced in Scotland with ADP, and migration is expected to be concluded this year. None of the announcements therefore affect Scottish claimants of ADP, but they do affect the finances of the Scottish Government. As we discussed last week, the Scottish Government’s block grant adjustment is based on the projected expenditure in England and Wales, and therefore a tightening of access to PIP will (all else equal) make the Scottish Budget worse off. It is then the Scottish Government’s decision to move in lockstep or to find the additional funds from other sources.
Because the Green Paper has no costings for how much of the £5bn a year in savings comes from PIP, it’s impossible for us to say how much this will mean for the Scottish Government’s Budget. But the ready-reckoner we provided last time out – showing an effect of £90-115m for every £1bn reduction in PIP spending by the UK Government – still applies.
As we discussed before, the use of the PIP assessment for health-related UC claims is problematic in the absence of any further action, as this is not available in Scotland and the systems are diverging. The UK Government’s Green Paper says this will require “consideration”, but this is a pretty substantial change that we hope will be solved in good time. Given the proposal is for this to be done from April 2026, it is fairly urgent to get this resolved.
Employability support is a devolved area, but the UK Government says it will include an additional £1 billion to create a guarantee of personalised employment, health and skills support. Given that, we’d expect Barnett consequentials to flow from this, but the Green Paper does not explicitly state that – we’ll wait to see if there are news on this.
The restrictions on health-related UC claims for under 22s will apply in Scotland, as it’s a reserved benefit. Notwithstanding the issues with the PIP/ADP assessment compatibility, this is an area where there has certainly been growth in the past few years: in December 2024, 11,300 people aged 16-21 were in receipt of the health element of UC, compared with 4,600 in December 2019.
This gives us a first glimpse of the amount of people that might be affected by this change if it were to be introduced.
Green Paper delivers tiny income gains for up to four million households, at cost of major income losses for those who are too ill to work or no longer qualify for disability benefit support, says RESOLUTION FOUNDATION
The Health and Disability Green Paper will boost Universal Credit (UC) support for up to four million families without any health conditions or disability by around £3 a week. But these tiny gains are overshadowed by reforms that risk causing major income losses for those who are too ill to work, or those who no longer qualify for disability benefits, the Resolution Foundation said yesterday (Tuesday).
The Green Paper today sets out major reforms on entrances into the benefits system, entitlements within the system, and exits into work that aim to cut spending by £5 billion a year by the end of the decade, and change how people interact with the system.
The main savings are to be achieved through restricting entitlement to PIP – a benefit that is paid regardless of whether someone is in work, to compensate for the additional costs of being disabled.
The Foundation says that if the Government plans to save £5 billion from restricting PIP by making it harder to qualify for the ‘daily living’ component, this would mean between 800,000 and 1.2 million people losing support of between £4,200 and £6,300 per year by 2029-30.
With seven-in-ten PIP claimants living in families in the poorest half of the income distribution, these losses will be heavily concentrated among lower-income households. This looks like a short-term ‘scored’ savings exercise, rather than a long-term reform, says the Foundation, given that Ministers have also said they will look again at how PIP is assessed in the future.
Further savings are to be achieved by cutting the level of the health-related LWCRA element within UC, which is currently claimed by 1.6 million people. The proposed cuts are focused on young people (aged 16-21), who may no longer be eligible for any extra support, and those who fall ill in the future, as their additional support will be halved, from £97 per week in 2024-25 to £50 per week in 2026-27.
Reinvesting some of the cuts to health-related UC into boosting the basic award for UC (which, at around £3 more per week, is roughly a sixth of the temporary £20 a week uplift to UC during the pandemic), and greater support for the newly unemployed should benefit up to four million families who don’t receive health-related UC.
Reducing the financial gap between health-related and basic UC should reduce the incentive for people to claim incapacity benefits (which, for a single adult, is over twice as much as basic UC at present). Along with the additional employment support provided to people on UC, the Government hopes this will boost employment, although figures will not be available until the Office for Budget Responsibility publishes its spring forecast next week.
Louise Murphy, Senior Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said:“The package of measures announced in today’s Green Paper should encourage more people into work. But any living standards gains risk being completely over-shadowed by the scale of income losses faced by those who will receive reduced or no support at all – irrespective of whether they’re able to work.
“Around one million people are potentially at risk of losing support from tighter restrictions on PIP, while young people and those who fall ill in the future will lose support from a huge scaling back of incapacity benefits.
“The irony of this Health and Disability Green Paper is that the main beneficiaries are those without health problems or a disability. And while it includes some sensible reforms, too many of the proposals have been driven by the need for short-term savings to meet fiscal rules, rather than long-term reform.The result risks being a major income shock for millions of low-income households.”
Money and Mental Health Policy Institute: Response to government welfare green paper
The government has published its welfare green paper, which outlines its proposals to reform the welfare system.
In particular, the green paper sets out plans to make it harder for people to qualify for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) — a benefit which people with disabilities and long-term ill-health can claim to help cover the extra costs associated with their disability, and which is not connected to work. In addition, people aged under 22 will not be able to qualify for the health top-up element of Universal Credit.
The government has also announced £1bn additional funding for personalised employment support to help people with disabilities move into work, and that people receiving benefits will be given a “right to try” work without losing their benefits entitlement.
Commenting on the proposals, Helen Undy, Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said:“PIP is an absolute lifeline for thousands of people with mental health problems. It can be the difference between being able to afford basic things like a phone to call your crisis team or help to clean your home, or living in disarray and increasing isolation.
“Making it harder to access will jeopardise people’s financial security and cause serious distress, which won’t set up people to go back into work and to thrive.
“These changes will mean that needing help to wash or get dressed because of your mental health wouldn’t be enough to qualify for PIP.
“The government says it will ensure people with ‘genuine need’ aren’t affected, but we’re really concerned that these new reforms will take us further back to the days when people with mental health problems were treated as less worthy of help than those with physical health issues.
“The new ‘right to try’ a job without losing the benefits is welcome, as is the funding for personalised employment support for people with disabilities or health conditions. But introducing these measures alongside cuts to PIP and stopping young people from getting incapacity benefits will do more harm than good.
“It is a short sighted approach that will have a devastating impact on many people’s finances and mental health, and we urge the government to rethink these plans.”
North Edinburgh Arts presents the first screening for more than 40 years of Heroin, a series of three films by Peter Carr made in North Edinburgh in 1983.
Originally shown over successive nights on prime time national UK television, Heroin is an unflinching fly on the wall glimpse at an often forgotten part of Edinburgh’s social history.
As poverty, crime and drug use in Scotland’s capital was ripping forgotten communities apart, Peter Carr was introduced to Edinburgh’s hidden underbelly by co-founder of the Gateway Exchange, Jimmy Boyle.
Boyle also introduced Carr to SHADA – Support Help and Advice for Drug Addiction – the grassroots organisation set up by what Carr calls “two remarkable women” – Heather Black and Morag McLean – as a lifeline and support network for drug users.
This became the basis of Heroin, which over its three episodes reveals a powerful and moving portrait of a community surviving in the face of institutional neglect and contempt from local authorities who would rather keep it out of view.
After four decades, Peter Carr revisits North Edinburgh for the screenings of his films to take part in a unique event by, for and about North Edinburgh.
Each screening will be followed by a conversation between key figures around the making of Heroin and those around North Edinburgh then and now.
Heroin ‘Uncut’ – The Films of Peter Carr and the Edinburgh Community Stories Behind Them
North Edinburgh Arts
MacMillan Hub
12c MacMillan Square
Edinburgh EH4 4AB
Heroin 1 followed by Irvine Welsh in conversation with ZoëBlack – April 23 – 6.30-8.30pm.
Heroin 2 followed by Dr Roy Robertson in conversation with Victoria Burns – April 24 – 6.30-8.30pm.
Heroin 3 followed by Peter Carr in conversation with Sarah Drummond – April 25 – 6.30-8.30pm.
Running time of each film is 50 minutes, followed by a short break and discussion.
An exhibition of production images from Heroin by Granada TV stills photographer Stewart Darby runs at North Edinburgh Arts alongside Heroin ‘Uncut’, from April 23 to May 17 2025.
A programme for Heroin ‘Uncut’ features a new essay by Peter Carr reflecting on the making of his films alongside Stewart Darby’s images from Heroin.
Heroin ‘Uncut’ is coordinated and produced by Zoë Black, Victoria Burns, Neil Cooper, Sarah Drummond, Graham Fitzpatrick and Kate Wimpress in collaboration with North Edinburgh Arts and Screen Education Edinburgh.
With thanks to Laura Alderman, Alice Betts and Genevieve Kay-Gourlay at North Edinburgh Film Festival, Willie Black, Jimmy Boyle, Morvern Cunningham, Freda Darby and the Darby family, Malcolm Dickson at Street Level Photoworks, Laura Hoffman, Judith Jones and Stephen Kelly at granadaland.org, Jordan at ITV plc, Alan McCredie, Dr. Roy Robertson, Emma Welsh, Irvine Welsh, Bob Winton.
Special thanks to all staff, volunteers and board members of North Edinburgh Arts and Screen Education Edinburgh who made this event happen.
Extra special thanks to Peter Carr.
Heroin was originally produced by Granada Television and screened on the ITV network on November 7th, 8thand 9th1983. All films and photographs are sole copyright of ITV plc, and are shown under licence.
Heroin ‘Uncut’ is dedicated to the memory of Heather Black, Morag McLean and all those friends, neighbours and loved ones who took part in the Heroin films. Though they may no longer be with us, their stories live on.
BBC Scotland will be saying a fond farewell to long-running drama series, River City and the residents of Shieldinch next year after more than 20 years on screen. The drama, which has entertained audiences since 2002, will air its final series in Autumn 2026.
Reflecting a ‘significant change in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs’, the BBC will make a considerable boost in major drama productions set across Scotland, moving the River City investment, starting with three new series – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team.
Forming part of the single biggest investment in drama from Scotland in the past decade, these new dramas – along with existing commissions – will create new opportunities across the independent sector. Total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95m cumulatively (2026-28).
Counsels, Grams and The Young Team were ordered by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland and Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama.
The BBC will also work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in Scotland. A new framework for training will build on River City’s successful training academy and the ongoing work on other series to elevate individuals in to senior creative roles as well as supporting and developing production crews. Further details will be announced in the autumn.
Hayley Valentine, Director, BBC Scotland says: “River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go. The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year.
!But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.
“Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.”
Louise Thornton Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland: “We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision.
“I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present.
“For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go.
“The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we’ve announced will offer further opportunities. However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it’s vital we respond to this.
“Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK … and beyond.
“We’re delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland’s creative industry.”
The new Scottish drama titles are:
Counsels (Balloon Entertainment)
8×60’ – BBC iPlayer / BBC One / BBC Scotland
Counsels is an original high-stakes legal drama co-created by Scottish writers Bryan Elsley (The Crow Road, Skins) and BBC Writers’ Drama Room graduate Gillian McCormack.
Set and filmed in and around Glasgow, Counsels follows five young lawyers who once trained together at one of Scotland’s elite law schools but are now scattered across the profession and find themselves facing each other in the courts of Glasgow.
Some will rise to the top, while others risk losing everything as their careers teeter on the edge when they lock horns in their biggest cases yet.
The ambitious lawyers must navigate a legal battlefield where their friendships begin to fracture, love affairs crumble, and the fight for justice threatens to tear them all apart.
Grams is a darkly comic thriller created, written and directed by the RTS award-winning James Price (Dog Days, Boys Night), Grams is set in Springburn, Glasgow, where James was born and still lives.
Following the death of her beloved grandson Michael, widowed Glaswegian Thana becomes the target of a violent local gang, who Michael apparently crossed.
Thana finds salvation in the form of Connor, a volatile friend of Michael’s with serious anger issues. Grams will see Thana and Connor form an unlikely partnership, as they seek the truth of what really happened to Michael.
The Young Team is the scripted debut from one of Scotland’s most exciting voices in literature, Graeme Armstrong.
The series is adapted from Graeme’s best-selling and award-winning debut novel of the same name and is set and filmed in North Lanarkshire.
Fifteen-year-old Azzy Williams and his pals roam the streets of Airdrie on a Friday night, bottles of Buckfast in hand and techno playing from tinny speakers. Azzy is ready. Ready to smoke, pop pills, drink wine and fight.
He longs to become fully initiated into local gang the Young Team Posse (YTP). But when Azzy, determined to prove himself, makes a bold move, a brutal gang conflict ensues with Azzy very firmly at its heart.
The Young Team will follow Azzy on his journey from boyhood to manhood as he and his mates become postcode warriors in a toxic cycle that threatens to consume them. An unflinching look at the realities of addiction and gang violence, this ambitious series will tell a powerful, visceral story about the realities of life for young, disenfranchised people and the fight for a different future.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “Audience habits are changing and we are responding to that with these plans for three brilliant new dramas made in Scotland.
“BBC viewers love truly authentic stories and we are committed to creating high-impact content from across the UK, so that we can better reflect and represent every part of the country.
“The success of the long running Shetland, coupled with the return of Vigil and Granite Harbour, is a testament to the strength of talent we have in Scotland and we look forward to seeing our three new shows come to life alongside these hugely popular returners.”
The BBC says these new commissions ‘will build on the BBC’s strong track record in drama production in Scotland including award-winning series Guilt and Mayflies, and ratings hits Rebus and Nightsleeper’.
Equity, the UK performing arts & entertainment trade union, is urging the BBC to think again and has launched a petition to save the Scottish soap:
The BBC has shockingly announced they plan to cancel River City, one of Scotland’s most viewed and best loved TV shows.
River City attracts half a million viewers per episode and has an iconic status in Scottish TV culture. This decision is an attack on Scottish-made TV drama, Scottish TV workers, and the soap’s 500,000 loyal viewers.
Sign our petition to reverse the cut and Save River City!
Paul W Fleming, Equity General Secretary, called the move “short-sighted” and a “disaster for Scottish television”, saying the move would have a disproportionately negative impact on Scottish performers – many of whom get their first TV job on River City – and the wider Scottish to production landscape.
‘The £9 million annual budget is excellent value for money given the hours of programming produced throughout the year for a successful show pulling in a regular audience of 500,000 per episode.
‘The Glasgow-based show is well-loved by Scottish audiences, enjoys strong ratings, and won ‘Best Drama’ at the RTS Scotland 2023 awards. It is the only domestic Scottish soap running on TV and outperforms other TV series by more than 2.5 times. It provides work for dozens of Scottish actors every year. River City is thriving and successful in its current format.
‘There is no way that the BBC can replace the level of investment and job creation that River City provides to the Scottish economy and Scottish culture sector. Any alternative proposals the BBC offers will inevitably hurt Scottish culture workers and and TV production.
POLICE are appealing for information to help trace a missing teenager from the Granton area.
Taylor Russell, 18, was last seen around 4.15pm on Thursday, 13 March, 2025, in the West Granton Road area.
He is described as white, 5ft 3in tall, of slim build, with short brown hair. He usually wears a baseball cap and hooded sweatshirts. Taylor has connections in the Edinburgh and Dumfries areas and could have travelled there.
Inspector Kris Harvey, of Drylaw Police Station said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Taylor’s welfare and want to ensure he is safe and well.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen him since last Thursday, or who has any information on his whereabouts, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number1268 of 15 March.
Safe, accessible play space
Activities tailored to sensory needs and interests
Opportunities for family bonding and connection
Families can explore and play at their own pace
Tea, coffee & snacks provided
