North Edinburgh News – Page 20 – The NEN

Over 1,300 arrests in first year of Retail Crime Taskforce

Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce has supported over 1,300 arrests for retail crime offences since it launched in April last year.

The dedicated unit was established following an initial £3m funding allocation from the Scottish Government to address a rise in retail offences, including shoplifting and assault of retail workers.

In its first 12 months of operation, the Taskforce’s four-strand approach to prevent, pursue, protect and prepare has resulted in over 6,400 charges for retail crime, with the detection rate having risen to just under 51%, compared with 49% the previous year.

Despite successes in improving detection rates, increasing arrest numbers and enhancing retailer confidence in reporting incidents to police, Scotland continues to experience an ongoing rise in retail crime, with theft by shoplifting offences having risen by 19% in comparison with last year.

To address this, the Taskforce will continue to work alongside local policing divisions and a range of key partners and stakeholders to improve security on-site for retail premises, enhance the safety of retail workers and use all resources at their disposal to undertake effective enforcement activity against retail crime offenders.

In addition, dedicated Taskforce resources are now in place within Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Tayside to ensure areas most adversely affected by retail crime are being fully supported.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government announced and additional £9m in funding to Police Scotland to tackle retail crime over the next three years, meaning the Retail Crime Taskforce will operate until at least 2029.

Year two for the Retail Crime Taskforce will see significant changes to the way that retail premises can report crime to police, through the use of an online reporting form to directly report incidents of shop theft.

This form was developed by Police Scotland’s Contact, Command and Control Division and allows retailers to report incidents where a shoplifting has occurred and there is no ongoing threat or risk to safety.

Not only will this reduce the time businesses need to wait for reporting a crime, it will also assist in reducing demand on call handling, allowing for priority calls to be better serviced.

Inspector Emma Wright, Tactical Lead for the Retail Crime Taskforce, said: “There have been successes across the country in the first 12 months of the Taskforce as part of our ongoing efforts to tackle retail crime.

“The efforts of the unit and work carried out by local divisions has resulted in a significant number of detections of both shoplifting offences and offences against retail workers.

“While we continue to see an increase in the number of shopliftings reported, there are indications that this is in part due to an increased confidence in reporting from retailers and the resulting police response.

“The additional three years of funding received from the Scottish Government will enable us to continue our efforts to reduce shoplifting and provide support and education to businesses across the country.

“We want to thank retailers for their continued support and engagement as we collaboratively tackle the issue of retail crime.

“We cannot and will not become complacent and we recognise that further work is needed to reduce the number of offences occurring across Scotland. We take these offences extremely seriously and through continued partnership working we strive to make our communities a hostile environment for retail crime offenders.”

Ofgem announces ‘devastating’ energy price cap rise

Changes to energy price cap between 1 July and 30 September 2026

Changes to the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge people on default tariffs for each unit of energy and the daily standing charge. From 1 July to 30 September 2026 energy prices will go up by 13% for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit.

You are not affected by the changes to the energy price cap if you have changed to a fixed rate tariff.

Electricty rates

If you are on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) and pay for your electricity by Direct Debit, you will pay on average 26.11 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The daily standing charge is 57.19 pence per day. This is based on the average across England, Scotland and Wales and includes VAT at 5%. 

Gas rates

If you are on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) and pay for your gas by Direct Debit, you will pay on average 7.33 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The daily standing charge is 29.04 pence per day. This is based on the average across England, Scotland and Wales and includes VAT at 5%.

Unit rates and standing charges

You can get and compare by area 1 July to 30 September 2026 and 1 April to 30 June 2026 energy price cap unit rates and standing charges.

You can also find and compare all the energy price cap (default tariff) levels.

Read about who the price cap protects and how the energy price cap is calculated in energy price cap and standing charges explained.

Why energy prices are changing

This increase is a result of higher wholesale gas prices, caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, prices are still very much below the height of the energy crisis in 2022. The government then put a limit on bills of £2,500.

Managing your energy bills and tariff

You are covered by the energy price cap if you are on a default tariff and pay for your electricity and gas by:

standard credit (payment made when you get your electricity and gas bill)
Direct Debit
prepayment meter
Economy 7 (E7) meter

The actual amount you pay will depend on how much energy your household uses, where you live and the type of meter you have.

You could pay less for your energy by changing your energy tariff or payment type. Find out if you can change or fix your tariff and how to switch energy supplier.  

You could also save money if your supplier offers half price or lower cost electricity at weekends. Most people who have a smart meter or other low carbon technologies can take advantage of these offers.

Tell your energy supplier if you cannot pay your bills. They must help you if you ask. They could set up a repayment plan or provide you with emergency credit.  

Costs included in the energy price cap

The level of the energy price cap is made up of different costs, for example the wholesale cost of gas and electricity, costs to supply energy on the network and VAT. These costs are split within the energy price cap between the unit rate and the standing charge.

Next energy price cap review

We review and set a level on how much an energy supplier can charge for each unit of energy including the standing charge every 3 months. 

The levels for the period 1 October to 31 December 2026 will be published by 26 August. We may publish before this date if we need to because of external reasons. 

Independent Age calls energy price increase “devastating”

Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE said: “Today’s energy price cap announcement will be devastating for the older people in financial hardship we support.

“We now know a typical household energy bill will increase by 13% to £1,862. While this rise comes during the summer months when energy usage is lower, low-income households will already be anxiously looking ahead to October when the cap is expected to remain painfully high.

“In an increasingly volatile world and with prices rising across many everyday essentials, people on low incomes need long-term protection from future spikes in energy costs. The recent extension of the Warm Home Discount is welcome, but as soaring bills continue to stretch budgets, the support should be increased from £150 to £400 to match the high cost of energy and lift people out of fuel poverty.

“Introducing a more comprehensive energy social tariff would lower bills further for customers in financial hardship, helping them keep their homes warm during the coldest months.

“If the UK Government is serious about tackling the high cost of living, it must take quick and meaningful action so no older person is left in the cold this winter.”

Ambitious for Scotland

FM: “I will lead a government that is always on Scotland’s side.”

Prosperity, security and fairness are the principles driving an ambitious vision for Scotland’s future, First Minister John Swinney has said.

In a statement to Parliament setting out ambitious plans that his government will drive forward, the First Minister outlined measures to expand cost of living support, accelerate sustainable economic growth, strengthen public services and to unlock Scotland’s potential by delivering a fresh start with Independence.

Mr Swinney said: “Realising the potential of every part of our country, supporting families with rising costs and securing our nations’ future are at the core of my vision for Scotland. I will lead a government that is always on Scotland’s side.

“Our cost of living support is already the best of any UK nation, but we will go further to protect and expand support for families. I want to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed – regardless of their background – and eradicate the scourge of poverty on our society.

“Strong public services are at the heart of every successful society, and my government will do all we can to make services more effective and easier to access. That includes strengthening our NHS, reducing waiting times and improving more schools and colleges.

Prosperity, security and fairness drive our vision for Scotland's future.

First Minister @JohnSwinney has committed to:

• expand cost of living support
• strengthen public services
• drive forward economic innovation
• deliver a fresh start with independence pic.twitter.com/moDmDvompc
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) May 26, 2026

“Strengthened public services and generous cost of living support must work in tandem with a high-performing economy, one that harnesses our countries resources, potential and talent to boost success and create opportunity.

My government will work to empower our regions to make the most of their economic advantages and streamline regulation to support investment and growth.

“A truly prosperous, secure Scotland can only reach its full potential outside the confines of the United Kingdom.

The recent, emphatic election result, with the largest ever pro-independence majority within the Scottish Parliament, has given the clear mandate for Scotland to decide its own future, which is why this parliament calls on the UK Government to transfer the power to hold a referendum on independence.

“I hope that giving Scotland the legal right to decide its own future will help build the foundations of a fairer, more prosperous nation as an independent member of the European Union.”

Charity warns of ‘digital destruction of childhood’ as almost two thirds of Scottish children admit they spend ‘too much time online’

Almost two thirds (64%) of children and young people said they spend too much or far too much time online, in responses to a new survey published by Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity today.

Warning that ‘Scotland risks sleepwalking into the digital destruction of childhood,’ the charity revealed the figures as it unveiled its strategic priorities for the next five years.

Eighty four percent of the 1032 children and young people aged between 11 and 25 surveyed by Young Scot for Children First felt that being online prevented them from having enough time for other activities they want to do.

Forty six percent of children and young people said being online stopped them from having time to relax without a screen, 43% said it stopped them from sleeping or resting, 36% said it stopped them being active or playing outside and 35% said it stopped them spending time with family.

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said: “Today children are more at risk and childhood is under threat in a way that has never been seen before.

“It is alarming that 84% of children and young people say that being online is stopping them from spending enough time on other activities that are vital to their healthy wellbeing and development. Without more urgent and sustained action across all sectors Scotland risks sleepwalking into the digital destruction of childhood.

“Increasingly digital devices are being placed in children’s hands before they are ready – not just children and teenagers but also babies and toddlers. So at best, a social media ban can only ever be a small part of the answer – we need to go further and faster if we are to protect Scotland’s children and protect childhood.

“At Children First we are committing to do everything we can to protect children from online harm by campaigning for a public health approach that includes stronger regulation, delayed access to devices, better advice and support for parents and caregivers and investment in play, creativity and sport so children have real alternatives to being online.

“Together, we can reclaim childhood and make sure it is protected and celebrated at every stage.”

Ten year old Poppy*, who was one of over 60 children and young people from across Scotland who shared their voices and views to inform Children First’s strategic priorities, said: “Having a phone has ruined my time as a child.

“I still go outside but not as much. Whenever I ask friends to do stuff they are either busy or on their phones too much – a friend once had 16 hours [on their phone].

“When you get off your phone you realise there are so many things you can do.”

Last week with the support of 16 other organisations and national leaders, Children First wrote to the newly re-appointed First Minister and opposition parties to urge them to ‘act swiftly to tackle online harm’ in the first 100 days of the new Parliament calling it ‘the childhood emergency of our time.’

As well as campaigning against online harm, Children First, which has been supporting babies, children and families in Scotland for over 140 years, has set out plans to:

Invest in the Children First support line so that every family in Scotland has somewhere to turn for help.
Strengthen families ability to protect their children by developing and delivering family support and therapeutic support.
Campaign to make sure the United Nations on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and delivery of the promise results in radical transformation for children within family support, health, child protection and justice systems.
Demand sustainable investment in prevention to keep children safe, loved and well with their families.
Improve support for children in need of care, protection and justice by growing their access to Bairns Hoose services.
Expand family group decision making services to make sure no child is unnecessarily removed from their home.

Children First’s support line can provide practical, emotional and financial support to parents and carers across Scotland, including those who are worried about their child being harmed online on 08000 28 22 33 or via webchat at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: Water Safety Warning

It’s important to talk to children and young people about their safety around water. Have a conversation about it today and explain:

• They should never swim in an unsupervised area like lochs, rivers, sea or ponds where there isn’t an adult to help if they get into trouble

• It’s much safer to go to a swimming pool where there’s a lifeguard on duty

• They shouldn’t play with or touch lifesaving equipment like life rings by the side of waterways. That equipment might be used to save someone’s life.

Download our leaflet now: https://rb.gy/oc79bl

More info: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/water-safety/

Keep Scotland Beautiful: Share your views on single-use cups

With our Cup Movement campaign well underway in Edinburgh, we want to know your thoughts on single-use cups.

Whether you live or work in Edinburgh, or just visit occasionally, we’d love to hear from you.

Our short survey should take you less than 10 minutes to complete and it will help us reduce the number of single-use cups used across Scotland.

Take the survey here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx…

National Cup Recycling Scheme

The City of Edinburgh Council

100+ new creative initiatives boosted by £1.6 million Open Fund support

Funding includes collectives tackling gender inequality

Projects aiming to reduce gender inequality will benefit from the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund. 109 projects have received support in this latest round of National Lottery funding, including inclusive literature workshops and enlightening theatre work for young people.

Feminist Exchange Network (FEN) is a Glasgow-based collective of women and marginalised genders who use art and creative practice to explore how feminist economics relate to people’s everyday lived experiences.

At the heart of the FEN programme is a mobile library – a physical structure built in 2021 by artist Hannah Brackston.

Housing a growing collection of books and materials on feminist issues including economics, climate justice, health, labour and community care, the library was designed not only as a collection of resources, but as an artistic and social tool, a catalyst for conversation, collective thinking and creative response, across the communities it visits.

Over the coming months FEN will deliver a series of workshops and events for women and other marginalised genders in the local community, inviting them to explore and respond to the ideas in the library’s collection.

They will be running workshops at Romano Lav, Milk, Amina and with groups of New Scots, as well as a performance and film event as part of the Govanhill Carnival in August.

Ailie Rutherford, Artistic Director of Feminist Exchange Network said: “The funding we have received from Creative Scotland will allow us to deliver a programme of mobile library workshops, feminist exchanges and public events to bring artist-led, participatory activity to community venues across South Glasgow – creating accessible spaces to explore intersecting feminist issues relevant to local concerns such as care, health, labour, climate justice and alternative economic futures.”

I Am Not My Hair is a new dance-theatre work created for black and mixed-race girls aged 8-12 years old. The piece celebrates the history, cultural significance and creativity of black hair, highlighting both the pressures young people face to fit in and the power of embracing who they are.

Drawing on lived experience, the work responds to the lack of representation for young Black audiences in the performing arts. Through vibrant movement, music and storytelling, the piece will create a space where identity is honoured and individuality is celebrated.

The project aims to give young audiences the chance to see themselves reflected on stage, while inviting wider audiences to engage with the richness and meaning of Black hair culture, it aims to foster pride, understanding and a more inclusive artistic landscape.

Developed by Edinburgh-based French-Cameroonian musician, composer and singer-songwriter Marie-Gabrielle Koumenda, Creative Scotland funding will be used to support the development of a preview of the show, to be presented this autumn.

Multi-disciplinary artist Marie-Gabrielle Koumenda. Photo -Hen Hoose Collective.

Marie-Gabrielle Koumenda, Developer of I Am Not My Hair said: “The Open Fund will allow me to develop work that affirms Black identity and culture, and that offers joy, complexity and visibility.

“To me, this is the right moment to bring this work to the stage and that speaks directly to the experiences of Black communities, empowers young people and challenges the limited narratives traditionally seen in theatre. I want young Black and Mixed-Race girls to feel seen, valued, and understood by a wider audience.”

Matrescence is a three-month creative project from Glasgow Library of Synthesised Sound (GLOSS) co-founder and musician, Suzi Cook, exploring the profound physical and psychological shifts known as matrescence – the transition into motherhood. Drawing on her own and others’ experiences, Cook will weave their voices into layered compositions, in part inspired by communal voice traditions including Gaelic psalm singing. “I’m creating music that grows and transforms in real time,” Cook explains, “embracing chaos, paradox and tenderness – much like motherhood itself.”

Cook’s recordings will be processed through granular instruments and effects using their unpredictable textures as a metaphor for growth, surrender, and renewal. Developed over a residency of three months at GLOSS, the resulting body of work will form Cook’s first solo record to be released on her label, Full Ashram, with accompanying parallel artwork.

Part meditation on identity and interdependence and part sonic exploration of creativity within change, Matrescence marks a distinctive new contribution to Scotland’s experimental music landscape.

Musician and Gloss co-founder Suzi Cook. Photo by Lewis Cook.

Suzie Cook, Matrescence Project Lead and musician said: “The Open Fund has allowed me to create a flexible residency for myself: dedicated time to explore the themes of motherhood and matrescence, engage with the stories of other mothers and reconnect with a creative practice that necessarily quietened when I became a parent myself.

“Creativity looks and feels vastly different on the other side of becoming a mother. This residency is how I’ve finally been able to shape the time to respond to it.”

These Open Fund awards are among 109 individual grants made to artists and creative practitioners across Scotland in April 2026.

Other awards spanning artform and location in this round, include:

They Sent A Woman – recording artist Ella Munro will produce an album of Scots, folk and traditional song that centres on the stories and voices of women, both historical and contemporary with original songs included. The project will showcase lesser-known traditional music and highlight work by female songwriters, drawing attention to narratives that are often overlooked in the folk canon.

She Says No – a bold, stylistic monologue play where theatre, spoken word and electronic sound collide. The piece walks the line between liberty and sacrifice, celebrates female rage and asks whether women can ever find freedom in a patriarchal world. She Says No will be developed by SG Theatre Productions, with pilot performances at the Tron and Traverse theatres.

Feed Free – a pop-up exhibition by Hayley Hadden, organised in collaboration with the charity LLL Collective, portraying the realities, diversity, triumphs and challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in Scotland.

Commenting on April’s Open Fund awards, Paul Burns, Director of Arts at Creative Scotland said: “The latest wave of awards expertly illustrates how creatives use Open Funding to champion important themes and rights like gender equality, creating access and representation right across Scotland.

“Thanks to support from The National Lottery, these forward-thinking initiatives will connect audiences to literature, devise original dance and theatre works, and produce boundary pushing experimental music.”

You can find the full list of awards in April on our website.

Changeworks: Energy bills advice session at Corstorphine Library

8th JUNE from 6.30 – 7.15pm

Are you interested in practical advice to help save energy and money?

On Monday 8th June at 18:30, we are hosting one of Changeworks’ free Low Carbon Living sessions, offering bite-sized guidance to help with Saving Energy at Home.

The session offers:

-Home energy-saving tips

-Priority Services Register & Warm Home Discount

-Smart meters & Radio Teleswitch

-Billing concerns and how to speak to your energy supplier

-How to raise a complaint with your energy supplier

-An opportunity to ask energy advice experts questions

-Free, anonymous follow-up through a self-service call back request.

You must register for the event, and will need to include your home address as this is used to provide evidence for future charity funding: