As secondary school pupils start to return to the classroom, those aged 12-15 who have smartphones are being encouraged to download the Protect Scotland app.
The app, extended to include the younger age group in December 2020, will help pupils protect themselves and those in their household from COVID-19, as the part-time return to school gets underway.
The Scottish Government today reminded people of the importance of not only downloading the app, but also ensuring that the code provided is entered if a person tests positive, to anonymously alert those who have been in close contact.
App users who are then alerted are able to isolate quicker, and get tested, to stop the spread.
To date, 1.8 million people in Scotland have downloaded the app, and it has, so far notified almost 40,000 people to self-isolate.
The aim is to increase the app’s reach further, particularly as people start to come together in school settings over the coming weeks, to offer an additional layer of protection and reduce the risk of people spreading the virus unknowingly.
https://youtu.be/rzGzh0msKNA
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney, said: “The Protect Scotland app has been and remains a vital tool in the reducing the spread of COVID-19, particularly with the new, more transmissible strains in circulation.
“Whilst lateral flow testing is in place for senior secondary pupils and will be extended to S1-S3 pupils after the easter holidays, the app runs in the background and adds an additional protection meaning pupils will be notified far quicker if they come into contact with someone who has the virus.
“As pupils start to come back together, the more people that use it, the more effective it will be in slowing the spread of COVID-19.”
Download the free app today at protect.scot and protect yourself, your family, and Scotland against coronavirus.
Education, Children and Families Vice Convener Cllr Alison Dickie writes about support for children with disabilities:
Being everything you can be.
It’s a grand line, and actually one of the aims of our new children’s services plan. In true Council style though, there are more words: ‘It is important to promote and support every child’s aspirations to ensure they can become everything they can be, now and in the future.’
Yip, that all sounds hunky dory but I’m wondering … does that truly include children with disabilities, particularly those with the most complex needs?
Let’s put it this way. Have you ever watched a parent’s eyes well up as they plead for their young person to be given a purpose to get out of bed every morning? Or for recognition of their worth, and their ability to contribute to society in some way?
Or, as fears replace tears, hear them voice their deepest dread …what will happen to them when I am gone?
I have and it’s heart-breaking.
Despite the wide range of dedicated work going on across Edinburgh to deliver for children with disabilities and their families, parents have shared that it can sometimes feel that they’ve had to fight for the right of their child to be everything they can be.
I first questioned the message we send out to young people with disabilities whilst on a tour of St Crispin’s school in my ward. I was appalled at its condition, its failure to reflect the fantastic work of the staff and pupils within, and the story of our value of them. Thankfully, a new chapter has been written and they will, this year, move into their wonderful and much deserved new school at Burdiehouse.
How do you solve a ‘problem’ like … the holiday support programme?
I’m asked this every year, and the education committee discussed it just last week. In the past, it’s been cited as a non-statutory service, even a luxury not afforded by other Councils. But, listen to the stories of families at breaking point, who cry out for this need, and you’re convinced this is vital respite for the whole family and to help young people thrive.
So, whilst there are big issues to be addressed, such as safety and staffing, we aim to return to the pre-covid provision in the summer, and through engagement with parents, look to how we can further improve this service.
And what of those positive destinations…more so, the lack of them, for young adults with the most complex needs?
Here, communication about what is available, earlier and stronger transitional support, an understanding that one size doesn’t fit all, and a more flexible and collaborative approach are all being considered as we explore with parents how to grow these opportunities and give every young person a future.
Some of this will have budgetary implications, and some the need for more innovative thinking, but one thing’s for sure…every young person has strengths, interests and potential to use in their unique way.
Lockdown has been difficult for everyone, but it’s been particularly challenging for these children and their families. As part of the recovery process, let’s push for progress and help all young people to be what they can be.
This article first appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News
Charities write open letter to encourage those with underlying health conditions to come forward for the jab
More than half of cohort 6 have already been vaccinated
Vaccine drive includes NHS text alert sent to more than 2 million people in this group
People with underlying conditions including cancer, diabetes and heart disease are being encouraged to come forward for a Covid-19 vaccine by leading UK health charities.
Frontline charities, including Mencap, Diabetes UK and Lupus UK, have asked those with underlying medical conditions, their carers, and those with learning disabilities on their GP register, to book a vaccination to protect themselves and those around them from coronavirus.
People in cohort 6 have been prioritised for the vaccine because they have conditions that mean they are more likely to become seriously unwell from coronavirus.
More than half of those in cohort 6 have already received their first dose of the vaccine and it’s hoped that the charities’ letter – alongside text messages from the NHS – will help to increase take up further among those in this at-risk group.
The charities who signed the open letter are among 22 who have joined together in partnership to reassure those they support about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
GP services already have been contacting this cohort but those who have not yet received a letter can get a quick and convenient appointment at a vaccination centre or community pharmacy by using the national booking system or calling 119. The NHS have sent text messages to people in this group with a link so they can book their appointment.
The vaccine is safe and effective and very few people are advised not to have it. However, if you have any concerns, you can discuss these if you book over the phone, or with a health professional at your appointment.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The backing of the charities who work every day to support those who are entitled to a jab as part of cohort 6 is a great boost for the vaccine rollout and shows what we can achieve when we pull together.
“This open letter is a hugely important way to reassure those with underlying health conditions, and their carers, about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
“The charities’ support for this national vaccine effort is invaluable in encouraging more people to come forward and helping us to save lives.”
These vital charities support those included in priority vaccination categories, including cohort 6 which covers individuals aged 16 to 64 with certain long-term conditions identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation as being at higher clinical risk from Covid-19.
Underlying health conditions faced by people in cohort 6 include chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, liver disease and neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy, stroke, vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression due to a health condition or treatment, asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen, morbid obesity, severe mental illness, as well as sickle cell, lupus and those on GP learning disability registers.
Cohort 6 also includes carers who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of Covid-19 mortality and therefore clinically vulnerable.
Minister for Vaccines Nadhim Zahawi said: “We have already given a first dose of the vaccine to more than half of those in cohort 6 and I am grateful to the charities who are encouraging more people in that group to come forward.
“The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic and offers the chance to protect yourself and others – that’s why it’s vital that people get their jab.
“This open letter should help to reassure those with any concerns the vaccine is safe and supported by more than twenty of our most trusted charities.
“I would like to thank them all for backing this life-saving campaign and offering their expertise and assistance to support the largest medical deployment in British history.”
Open letter
We are writing today to encourage people living with an underlying health condition in cohort 6 to come forward for a Covid-19 vaccine.
People with these conditions, including their carers, and those with learning disabilities on the learning disability register, have been prioritised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation because they are more likely to become seriously unwell from Covid-19.
The vast majority of you should already have been invited for vaccination and more than half of you have already received your first dose.
Some of you may still be waiting for a letter from your GP.
But the good news is, even if you have not received your letter yet, you can now get an appointment at a vaccination centre or community pharmacy, quickly and easily, by using the national booking system or calling 119 in England.
We are proud to support the vaccination roll-out and are here to support you.
The vaccine is safe and effective and very few people are advised not to have it. However, if you have any concerns, you can discuss these when you book, or with a health professional at your appointment.
Over 20 million people in the UK have had their first dose and great progress has been made by the NHS.
We are very pleased to see the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out providing protection for people, like you, who are most at risk from the virus.
Underlying health conditions in cohort 6 include chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, liver disease and neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy, stroke, vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, due to a health condition or treatment, asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen, morbid obesity, severe mental illness, as well as sickle cell, lupus and those on GP learning disability registers.
Cohort 6 also includes carers who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of Covid-19 mortality and therefore clinically vulnerable.
The vaccines that have been approved for use in the UK have met the strict safety standards set by the medicines regulator on safety, quality and effectiveness.
To protect yourself and your family, friends and colleagues, you still need to follow the current government guidance on social contact after receiving your vaccine.
Please come forward to have the jab. It will help save lives and offers the best form of protection from this terrible virus.
The organisations within the partnership, 18 of which have also signed the letter, are:
ACLT (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust)
Anthony Nolan
Asthma UK
British Heart Foundation
British Liver Trust
British Lung Foundation
Cancer Research UK
Carers UK
Diabetes UK
Epilepsy Action
Kidney Care UK
Kidney Research UK
Lupus UK
Macmillan Cancer Support
Mencap
MS Society
National Kidney Federation
Rethink Mental Illness
Sickle Cell Society
Stroke Association
Terrence Higgins Trust
Versus Arthritis
Unpaid carers are included in cohort 6 providing they:
are eligible for a carer’s allowance
are identified as a primary carer by their GP
are receiving support following a carer’s assessment by their local council or from a local carer’s organisation
are the sole or primary carer who provides close personal care or face to face support for an elderly or disabled person who is clinically vulnerable to COVID-19
The group, which is made up of community activists and trade union representatives, is appealing to Edinburgh residents to share the reports’s findings with their elected representatives:
‘Our full report on The City of Edinburgh Council services and communications has now been published. Please read, share and let your councillors know what you think – and let us know how you get on.’
The Scottish Government’s plans to deliver 100,000 affordable homes over the next decade are set out today in a 20-year housing strategy.
Recognising the importance of everyone having a safe and affordable home that meets their needs, Housing to 2040 – Scotland’s first long-term housing strategy – outlines what the Scottish Government wants housing and communities to look and feel like for the people of Scotland, with actions on how to get there.
Key priorities in the strategy, which will be taken forward subject to the outcome of the election, include:
delivering 100,000 more affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70% of these being for social rent. This target would support about £16 billion in total investment and up to 14,000 jobs a year
setting a single set of standards for housing quality and accessibility, no matter whether a home is owned or rented
tackling high rents in the private sector and supporting fair, accessible private and social rental sectors through a Rented Sector Strategy and Housing Bill
decarbonising heating in all homes in line with Scotland’s climate ambitions, ensuring this is done in a fair and just way, including by adapting and retrofitting existing homes
aiming for all new homes delivered by Registered Social Landlords and local authorities to be zero emissions by 2026
establishing a new fund to help local authorities bring empty homes back into residential use
supporting housing development in rural and island areas, helping to prevent depopulation and enabling communities to thrive
continuing with our updated plan to end homelessness and rough sleeping once and for all
undertaking a comprehensive audit of our current housing and homelessness legislation to understand how best to realise the right to adequate housing.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Homes are not simply bricks and mortar. They support people’s health, wellbeing and life chances, can help to tackle poverty and climate change, and are a major investment in the economy. Housing policy is essential in helping us achieve our ambitions for a fairer, more equal Scotland.
“Housing to 2040 sets out a vision for what we want homes and communities to look and feel like for people regardless of their stage in life or where they live. It is a vision where homes are affordable for everyone, where standards are the same across all tenures, where homes have easy access to green space and essential services, and where homelessness, child poverty and fuel poverty have all been eradicated.
“We have already delivered almost 100,000 affordable homes since 2007, and before the pandemic we were on track to meet our target of 50,000 during this parliament. The pandemic interrupted the housing sector’s ability to hit this target, but we are committed to meeting it as soon as it is safe to do so. From there, we will start our new ambition to deliver a further 100,000 affordable homes by 2032.
“Our strategy shows how we will take this forward while tackling empty homes and poor housing, increasing energy efficiency and working to eradicate fuel poverty.
“In developing Housing to 2040 we have engaged with more than 2,000 people, including at 22 events across Scotland and through nationwide consultation. They told us what a good home and a vibrant community looks and feels like, and I’d like to thank them for their input.
“After a year when we have all seen the value of having a warm, safe place to live, this new long-term strategy will ensure every person in Scotland has a home that meets their needs.”
Sally Thomas, Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said: “This is an ambitious 20-year housing strategy, and there is much to commend. It is SFHA’s ambition that everyone in Scotland has a safe, warm, energy efficient, affordable home, now and in the future, and the Scottish Government’s strategy could help to realise this.
“SFHA has long campaigned for an Affordable Housing Supply Programme commitment beyond one parliamentary term in order to tackle housing need and to maintain progress, so we really welcome the priority to deliver 100,000 more affordable homes by 2032.
“It is vital that our members can also invest in their existing stock, and we are pleased to see the commitment to supporting social landlords to do so, particularly important if all homes are to meet the same quality standards in the future. We welcome the proposal to mainstream standards of accessibility in order to deliver homes that are future proof and adapt to people’s changing needs.
“We look forward to seeing further detail of the strategy’s proposals and to working with the next government to support our members to deliver great quality homes that meets people’s needs and aspirations in the decades ahead.”
Cashback apps and coupon sites can provide a quick boost when times are tough, but how do you sort the savers from the scammers?
Due to the disruption of Covid-19, purse strings are a little tighter right now for many, meaning people are using cashback apps to claw back some much-needed cash.
However, not every app is worth investing your time in, with some not being exactly what they appear.
Watch out for sites that charge a hefty sign-up fee, or that ask for more personal information than you should need to provide. If a site doesn’t have clear, easy to read FAQs that spell out how to get your money and what their privacy policy is, don’t trust them.
To help consumers get the from their apps, the personal finance experts at money.co.uk have provided expert tips on some of the best cashback apps to download now. The definitive guidance will help save money on your online shopping, sorting the must have apps from the technical time wasters.
One of the most popular new reward apps, Shoppix works by building up tokens that can be exchanged for gift vouchers or cash prizes. To earn tokens, users have to take pictures of their receipts on their phone and upload them. Additionally, you can complete surveys each day to collect tokens. Tokens can be exchanged for £5, £10, or £20 prizes on the app, which are paid into your account via PayPal or in gift card format.
Top Tip: Bonus tokens are awarded for scanning receipts on the same day you make your purchase, so snap them quickly to save more!
Unlike other apps which require you to snap receipts, TopCashBack is remarkably low effort. To earn cashback, you simply have to make purchases from select retailers (brands include everything from Carphone Warehouse, to Plusnet, Sky, PrettyLittleThing, RAC and more), and you’ll receive your reward via gift cards or PayPal. The percentage of cashback you receive varies depending on the brand you’re shopping with and can also be affected by seasonal offers – so make sure to check the site regularly for the latest deals.
Top Tip: Cash isn’t always better – the amount you earn using vouchers can be 20% more than the cash equivalent, so check both options before you pick your reward.
Quidco is TopCashBack’s main rival and works in much the same way – giving you cashback on purchases through major retailers. The only real difference between the two apps is the brands that are available: Quidco has a number of household names as partners including Amazon, Argos, Boots, Just Eat and more. If you can, it’s more than worth downloading both Quidco and TopCashBack, to ensure you don’t miss out on any savings.
Top Tip: Check the estimated times on your cashback – some brands take longer than others when going through Quidco to process rewards, so make sure to factor this in when budgeting to avoid being caught short.
SwagBucks is another app that gives you rewards (or ‘SB points’) through online purchases that can then be redeemed for cash or vouchers. The big difference with SwagBucks is that as well as cashback through purchases, SB points can be awarded from completing a huge variety of surveys, games and reviews.
Top Tip: Many of the surveys and video reviews are incredibly short, so you don’t have to dedicate hours in order to save, just check in a few times a day and spend a few minutes on the app each time.
Honey is completely different to other cashback apps, in fact it’s not even an app at all – it’s a free Chrome extension – that automatically searches for discount codes and coupons when you checkout at major retailers. In essence, you don’t have to do any work at all, just download and start saving.
Top Tip: Aside from the discount code function, Honey also sends you rewards such as gift cards based on your purchases – make sure to check your inbox (and your junk) to avoid missing out.
Ask the Expert
On cashback apps, Salman Haqqi, personal finance expert at Money.co.uk says: “Cashback apps make their own money in a variety of ways; some get a commission on transactions made via major retailers, and some sell shopping trends data to third parties to make profit.
“Whichever app you use, make sure you check out their website first to identify how they use your data to check you’re happy with the terms.
“While it is possible to earn hundreds, or even thousands in some cases via cashback apps, the total saving usually boils down to how much time you’re willing to commit to using them.
“If you are time poor, try one of the apps that gives rewards on direct purchases such as TopCashBack or Quidco. However, if you do have the time to organise and scan your receipts, Shoppix or a similar receipt scanning brand will be the most profitable for you in the long run.
“Finally, if you take your rewards in gift card form, always make a note of the expiry dates, as the date might not be the same as a physical card bought in store. If you take your rewards in cash via PayPal, make sure to transfer it into another account immediately, to avoid being caught out by a refund or cancelled transaction.”
For more information on how you can use mobile apps to keep track of your cash, make money or even boost your credit rating, visit this handy guide put together by the personal finance experts at money.co.uk:
As Brits start getting their outdoor spaces ready for summer, garden lovers have been offered five creative ways to zone their space on a budget.
The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have collated some top tips on making the garden work for every member of the household.
Zoning your garden will make the space feel bigger and gives everyone their own space in nature. Relax and unwind in a chill zone, whilst the kids play in theirs.
Dividing the garden up into different areas, with different purposes can make the space feel more organized and is a simple way to make the most of every inch of green space.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “There are loads of creative ways to break up your plot with recycled materials, screens and new plants.
“Seeing your garden as another room of your home is helpful when zoning. Think about what you would like closest to the house. Maybe the kid’s area to keep an eye on them, or the dining area so you can get food straight out of the kitchen.
“Whether you need a relaxing spot to read the newspaper, or a play area for burning off steam, these tips will help you achieve it on a budget.”
Zoning ideas
1. Dining
Carving some space in the garden for an area to eat alfresco will be appreciated in the summer months. Place the area where you have existing hedgerows as they are great at absorbing noise, so you can enjoy dinner without interruption from the outside world. Patio sets are costly but can be found cheap on local community online selling sites, especially during the spring and autumn.
2. Privacy
Creating a privacy screen is the ultimate easy garden DIY project to gain a concealed area. Apart from nails and a hammer, the quirky yet functional partition can be made solely out of out of old doors or wooden pallets. Another alternative is wire fencing, as it is a quick to install and unbelievably cheap. Growing climbing plants like a colourful clematis or ivy up the wire will create a private space and a great place to nature spot.
3. Game zone
Creating an area where kids can let off steam is ideal for those will little ones. Move old outdoor toys into this space to declutter the rest of the garden. Those tight on space could repurpose a pop-up tent as a magical play area or transform an old work surface into a pool table or table tennis.
4. A pause
When zoning your garden, think about where an extra space could be added to relax in. There are nooks of space in most gardens to create a small relaxation area. Hang a hammock in between a pair of trees to unwind in privacy or place an arbour over an existing seating area to create more shelter. Solid wood arbours are quite expensive, so for a cheaper aesthetically pleasing arbour, cover a plastic arch in jasmine, or evergreen honeysuckle climbers.
5. Tidy space
Toys, tools and bikes all make a garden look messy when strewn around. Dedicate a zone to clutter, so it doesn’t interrupt the other areas. Make some extra shelves out of old wood and put them up to keep the shed organised. If the lawn is still covered in items, consider purchasing an external storage box to keep your belongings safe and tucked out of the way.
Leading off-grid energy supplier, Calor, has launched a nationwide search for the very best rural community projects, with £85,000 in grants up for grabs.
On top of this, the Warwickshire-based firm is also launching an exciting new award, the Rural Hero of The Year, which will celebrate those who have gone the extra mile for others during the pandemic.
Designed to provide a helping hand and much-needed funding across the UK to rural community groups who aren’t connected to the mains gas grid, the 2021 Calor Rural Community Fund launched on Wednesday 10th March and entries are open until Wednesday 21st April.
This past year, communities have had to support each other from a distance like never before and in recognition of this, Calor has also launched its Rural Hero of the Year Award so that special individuals could be recognised for the great community work they’ve done.
The award is a separate category within the Rural Community Fund, where people can nominate themselves or someone in their local community who went above and beyond to help others during 2020.
That could be a neighbour who provided Zoom story-telling classes for children in the local village, someone who did the food shopping for the elderly neighbours in their area, or any other deserving initiatives throughout the pandemic that shows how an individual helped their local community out in some way. Entries are open from Wednesday 10th March until Wednesday 23rd June.
The winner of the Rural Hero of the Year award will be presented with a commemorative trophy and special prize from Calor recognising their outstanding contribution to community spirit in 2020.
Andy Parker, Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at Calor, said: “We’re passionate about engaging with and helping rural communities across the UK. Through the Rural Community Fund we are incredibly proud to have been able to support 214 projects with over £460,000 generated through donations and Calor contributions over the last four years.
“This funding is absolutely vital to these projects and it’s been incredible to see these grants bring to life everything from local football teams’ new facilities to outdoor learning centres for primary schools.
“We understand that this past year has been particularly hard which is why we wanted to recognise those individuals who have put their heart and soul into helping others.
“It’s one of the many reasons we launched our Rural Hero of the Year category which will celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to help their community throughout the pandemic. We’re incredibly excited to see all of the entries for this and the Rural Community Fund, over the coming months.”
The Calor Rural Community Fund gives applicants the chance to win funding of £1,000, £2,500 or £5,000 for anything from vital renovations and upgrades to public facilities, through to new equipment for children’s groups in often remote areas of the country.
Applicants for the fund will be listed on the Calor Rural Community Fund website and then encouraged to share their project through social media to gain points. Those projects with the highest number of points in each funding category will become shortlisted finalists, and will be reviewed by a Calor Committee before being announced as Finalists.
To find out more about the Calor Rural Community Fund and the Rural Hero of The Year award, as well as more detail on how to enter and get involved, head to communityfund.calor.co.uk.
Confused.com reveal it will cost you an average of £35,364 to renovate your home
But 2 in 5 (39%) Brits overspent by nearly £8,000 when renovating their homes, on average
The kitchen takes the top spot as the most expensive room of the house to renovate, with people spending £5,219 doing up the heart of the home.
New research by Confused.com found people in York have spent the most money renovating their homes, forking out more than £49,000, on average – nearly double the amount spent in Manchester (£27,217).
Two in five (41%) Brits found that the hardest part of their home renovation was finding the right tradesman, while more than half (51%) found living in the home during the renovation to be the most challenging part.
Confused.com outlines which DIY projects should be declared, as further research(2) shows one in four (25%) UK homeowners don’t know which changes to their property they should let their insurer know about.
British homeowners have spent £34,000 renovating their homes on average, new research reveals. And for two in five (39%) people, this was an eye-watering £8,000 (30%) over budget.
That’s according to new research by Confused.com, which also reveals the areas of the home that are most commonly renovated, and the challenges people face when doing up their homes. You can view the research campaign here.
Nearly half of Brits (47%) have renovated their homes at some point. And nearly one in five (18%) UK adults have renovated their homes during lockdown. But when it comes to renovations, which areas of the home are being invested in and what are the obstacles homeowners face?
What are the most expensive rooms to renovate and how much value do they add?
The kitchen is the most popular room to renovate, according to the research by Confused.com. In fact, most (96%) Brits have renovated their kitchen at some point, spending £5,219 on average.
Not only is it the most renovated room, but it is also the area of the house people have spent the most money doing up, followed by the conservatory and the bathroom. People who have renovated their conservatory (73%) spent £3,550, on average, while the 94% of Brits who have upgraded their bathroom spent £3,340, on average.
Looking more specifically at the different renovation projects people have carried out, nearly three in five (60%) have upgraded their flooring, while more than half (53%) have installed new kitchen work tops or new windows.
As the kitchen is the heart of every home, it’s no wonder it’s also the room most homeowners want to renovate, with more than one in four (27%) UK adults claiming it to be the room they’d most like to do up. This is followed by the bathroom (14%) and living room (11%).
Meanwhile, adding or extending a room tops the list as the most desired renovations, with nearly one in seven (13%) people claiming these as top of their wish list. One in eight (12%) would like to change things in the kitchen by installing new worktops, while for one in 10 (10%) Brits, converting a room, applying new flooring, or changing the windows is the most desired change they’d like to make to their house.
While the kitchen is top of the DIY wish list for some people, it seems it may not be the best room to renovate if you’re on a strict time frame, as the research suggests it’s one of the projects that takes the longest amount of time, along with the back garden and conservatory.
People who have renovated these areas of the home spent more than four months to complete the project. Meanwhile, the living room, master bedroom and bathroom offer the quickest transformations, all taking just over three months to complete, on average.
When it comes to the room that adds the most value, Residential Partner at Bramleys, Paul Keighley, comments on some renovations that have the greatest impact on the price of your home: “The number of bedrooms in a property has a big impact on its value so adding bedrooms will usually add to the sale price.
“Especially if it’s a loft or cellar conversion with an en-suite bathroom. For example, a three-storey detached house with three bedrooms could be worth around 20% less than one with four bedrooms.
“Many people think that merging two smaller bedrooms will increase the value of your property but generally, reducing the number of bedrooms in a property will have a detrimental effect on value and saleability.”
Adding value to their property was a key reason for one in five (20%) people who’ve taken on a renovation project. But changing the value of a home can have an impact on insurance. Any renovators who believe they’ve added value to their home through a DIY upgrade should let their insurer know about the changes.
What UK cities are spending the most renovating their home?
Across the UK, at least three quarters (75%) of people have renovated 11 key rooms in the home – from the kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom, to the study and playroom. But are we spending more or less than others when it comes to transforming our homes?
The top 10 cities spending the most on renovating their home on average include:
Rank
City
Average people spend renovating their home
1
York
£49,056
2
Southampton
£47,512
3
Cardiff
£46,012
4
Birmingham
£45,125
5
Liverpool
£44,928
6
Newcastle
£42,702
7
Leicester
£38,857
8
London
£33,298
9
Leeds
£33,002
10
Manchester
£27,217
York tops the leaderboard as the city spending the most on home renovations, with people in the area forking out £49,056 to do up their home, on average.
In particular, people in York have spent the most on renovating their kitchen, spending £6,167, on average. This is more than double the amount spent by people in Edinburgh (£2,450), and over £1,500 more than people spend renovating their kitchen in Portsmouth (£3,500).
Meanwhile, people in Norwich, Sheffield and Plymouth typically spend the least on home renovations at £17,547, £18,827 and £19,149 respectively, on average.
Despite the capital being the UK’s most expensive city to live in the UK, London home renovators rank 8th in their total average spent at £33,298, which is more than £15,000 less than York.
However, nearly half (46%) of respondents in London admitted to going over budget, with DIY projects costing a whopping £12,533 more than the original budget, on average. This is more than double the amount overspent by people in York (£5,601), where 45% also admitted to going over budget.
What are the biggest challenges we face when renovating our homes?
It’s not always plain sailing when renovating a home, and there are factors that can occur that people may not have considered. These include everything from the weather to cancellations from traders, as well as not quite having enough money!
According to Confused.com’s research, the biggest challenge people faced was living at home while the property was being renovated (51%). Two in five (41%) also said the hardest part was trying to find the right tradesmen.
But for nearly a third (30%), extra cost was one of the biggest challenges they faced when renovating their home. We know people typically go over budget when renovating their home, forking out an additional £7,765 on top of their initial budget, so it is crucial for homeowners to factor in any additional costs that may arise. And one important thing people may not consider is the insurance cover should anything go wrong.
According to expert advice from Confused.com, insurance companies will typically pay out for DIY mishaps, providing it’s a job a person is qualified to do. Attempting to tackle the electrics or plumbing may result in a claim being declined.
There are also certain jobs you should make your insurer aware of, especially if it impacts the value of your home. Although, further research by Confused.com found one in four (25%) UK homeowners are confused about what they should be declaring to their insurer.
According to the guide, DIY in the home, basic DIY jobs including replacing carpets or putting up shelves don’t need to be declared. But anything structural, such as conversions, replacing windows or knocking down walls should all be made known to the insurer.
Jessica Willock, home insurance expert at Confused.com comments: “Renovating your home is an exciting project. It allows us to really make a home our own. And for many, it will increase the value of a property, which is great news in the long run. However, this is something you must tell your insurer about to make sure you have the right level of cover if you need to make a claim.
“Many people are confused about what they should or shouldn’t tell their insurer about, but our guide gives some explanation on what needs to be declared.
“Always check with your insurer before starting any major renovation work to see if you are covered and to what extent. This could avoid any unexpected costs that could arise and as a result will make the process less stressful.”
The Scottish Government is consulting on the detail of plans to pardon miners convicted of certain offences during the 1984-85 strike.
An independent review into the impact of policing on communities during the strike, led by John Scott QC, recommended that the Scottish Government should introduce legislation to pardon miners convicted for certain matters related to the strike, subject to establishing suitable criteria.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has now launched a consultation seeking views on the qualifying criteria for a pardon.
Mr Yousaf said: “I am determined to make swift progress on this matter, given the passage of time since 1984-85. That is why we have acted quickly to publish this consultation now.
“The consultation paper sets out potential criteria – based on the criteria suggested in the independent report – and asks for views. It is important that we have a rationale for the qualifying criteria which is well-thought through and informed by a range of views. That is why I encourage anyone with an interest in these important events to take this opportunity to have a say. The responses to the consultation will help shape the legislation that will implement the pardon.
“The miners’ strike was one of the most bitter and divisive industrial disputes in living memory and I hope that the independent review, this consultation and the legislation for a pardon will go some way to aid reconciliation – and to help heal wounds within Scotland’s mining communities.
“I have again written to the Home Secretary Priti Patel renewing the call for her to instruct a full UK public inquiry into the policing of the strike.”
In 2018, the Scottish Government commissioned an independent review into the impact of policing on affected communities during the miners’ strike 1984-85.
The Justice Secretary announced in October last year that the Government would accept the review’s single recommendation.
People can read and respond to the consultation – which runs until 4 June, on the Citizen Space website.
