Thanks to everyone who came along to LifeCare on Sunday to the repair café and thank you to The Repair Café Champions for all their hard work!
It was wonderful to see such a variety of things coming in for repair, and so many successes. We hope everyone left with new skills, knowledge or confidence to try mending before throwing away. 
Millions of taxpayers are choosing to go digital and check their pay via the HMRC app, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reveals the service was used almost 100 million times last year.
Publishing its Transformation Roadmap – Update, HMRC is setting out how it is transforming and modernising the way taxpayers interact with HMRC’s services, while also making tax easier to understand and simpler to engage with.
The department highlights how its top-ranked app has been used by 7.6 million people in 2025 to 2026 – up 28% on the previous year, with user experience improved in recent months. HMRC has an ambitious target to reach 10 million users by April 2027.
That means one-in-seven Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxpayers have now used HMRC app to check their pay before it lands in their bank accounts, allowing them to plan and understand their finances better.
The HMRC app is driving the digital-first agenda. The app allows customers to check their pay before pay day and check their National Insurance number, tax code, income and benefits, and users can make Self Assessment payments, track letters, get tax estimates and more.
The number of letters HMRC has issued to customers has reduced by 15 million in the last 3 years and call waiting times have almost halved over the last 2 years, down to an average of around 12 and a half minutes.
Speaking at the Institute for Government this week, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Dan Tomlinson MP set out how HMRC is transforming the way it supports its customers. He also announced that HMRC will bring an end to the era of post by default.
From summer 2027, over 100 personal tax letters, that currently account for more than half of the 120 million letters HMRC sends every year, will be available digitally for the first time.
The department has committed to reducing the number of postal letters issued by up to 75% by 2028 to 2029, saving £50 million a year and giving customers faster, simpler ways to manage their tax.
One year on from publishing its five-year Transformation Roadmap, key reforms already delivered include:
More than 350,000 sole traders and landlords have already signed up to MTD for Income Tax. Launched in April 2026, it is the most significant change to how many customers interact with the tax system in 30 years.
Around 2 million businesses already using MTD for VAT have found that keeping digital records means an average saving of 26 to 40 hours on administrative tasks a year.
Dan Tomlinson, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said: “HMRC is transforming so that dealing with the tax system is simpler, faster and more convenient. We’re making big progress, and I hope people will download the HMRC app to see how well it works for themselves.
“There is more to do, but this is an important milestone on our journey towards a modern tax authority that saves people time, supports economic growth and helps ensure everyone pays the right tax.”
JP Marks, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First Permanent Secretary, said: “This roadmap updates on the progress we have made in year one of HMRC’s transformation and openly sets out our plans for the future.
“We are determined to go further, transforming digital customer experiences and strengthening our foundations for a more modern and secure tax, customs and valuation system. We are answering phones faster, collecting more debt, with tax receipts and HMRC yield up at record levels, with more to come.
“We remain focussed on delivering an improved service for our customers and bringing in the revenue that underpins the vital public services on which we all depend, and I hope this roadmap helps explain the progress we have made, and our next steps.”
The roadmap update also highlights how HMRC is investing in AI technologies to identify non-compliance earlier and more precisely. Several private sector organisations are currently on a 12-month programme to test AI-driven solutions to tackle non-compliance and help close the tax gap.
Following the integration of the Valuation Office (VO) into HMRC in April 2026, the VO’s plans to become a digital-first, high-trust organisation are now included in the HMRC roadmap.
The progress HMRC has made during the first 12 months underpins the ambitious plan to deliver a modernised tax and customs system that works for everyone, with planned activity for the year ahead focusing on further improving customer experience and strengthening compliance.
The Transformation Roadmap – Update 2026 can be found on GOV.UK
Lumo has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the communities it serves by providing complimentary rail travel for a group of young interns from Dr Scott Arthur MP’s Edinburgh constituency during a visit to Parliament.
The five interns travelled with Lumo to Westminster as part of an educational visit designed to give them first-hand insight into the UK’s democratic process and the work of Parliament.
By supporting the visit, Lumo helped remove the cost of travel, enabling the group to experience national politics and public service while strengthening connections between communities and decision-makers.
The initiative comes shortly after Lumo was named the UK’s best value train operator, recognising the company’s commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality rail travel while connecting communities across its growing network.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, said: “At Lumo, we’re passionate about connecting communities, not just through affordable and sustainable rail travel, but by helping create opportunities for people across the regions we serve.
“Being recognised as the UK’s best value train operator reflects our belief that rail should be accessible to everyone. Supporting visits like this is another way we can help break down barriers and ensure young people have the opportunity to experience Parliament first-hand, regardless of their background.
“We’re proud to work with parliamentarians and local partners to invest in the next generation, broaden horizons and demonstrate that rail can play a positive role far beyond simply getting people from A to B.”
Dr Scott Arthur MP said: “It was a pleasure to welcome these interns from my Edinburgh constituency to Parliament. Opportunities like this can make a real difference in helping young people see how politics works in practice and understand how decisions are made.
“By supporting their travel, Lumo has helped remove a simple but important barrier and made it easier for them to take part in a valuable educational experience.
“I’m grateful for their support in helping open up access to Parliament and encouraging the next generation to engage with public life.”
Lumo operates affordable rail services connecting Edinburgh, Newcastle and Morpeth with London, with new services also serving Stirling, Motherwell, Carlisle and Preston. Through initiatives such as this, the operator continues to support education, social mobility and stronger links between the communities along its route.
Don’t spend the summer scrolling!
Our youth work team have got a relaxed, fun and FREE summer programme 
Please come and join us us, we’d love to see you! 
#Hereforgood
Here is our holiday programme for WB 6th July!
COST OF LIVING CRISIS – PUBLIC MEETING
SUNDAY 5 JULY at 4pm – ST AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH
Don’t Miss Out – Bookings Are NOW OPEN!
Be part of Edinburgh’s largest volunteer recruitment event and connect with over 1,000 people actively looking to volunteer.
The Volunteer Recruitment Fair is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your organisation, raise awareness of your work and meet enthusiastic potential volunteers face-to-face.
Organisations of all sizes — local and national — are invited to take part in this energetic and inspiring event, bringing together charities, community groups and volunteers from across the city and beyond.
Why Take Part?
About the Fair
Tuesday 1 September
10am – 5.30pm
St Paul’s and St George’s Church, York Place
With free public entry, a welcoming café space and a lively atmosphere throughout the day, the fair continues to be one of the most rewarding volunteer engagement events in Edinburgh.
Secure Your Stall Today
Bookings are quick and easy via our online shop or the red button below.
All stallholder terms and conditions, along with helpful planning resources, are available on our website using the short URL voled.in/fair
Booking deadline: Friday 21 September
For full event details and to secure your stall, visit edvolfair.org.uk
Three Scottish Fire and Rescue Service firefighters deployed to Venezuela remain on the ground supporting ongoing search and rescue operations as part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) response.
Working alongside colleagues from fire and rescue services across the UK, Station Commander Gavin Brown, Crew Commander Ian Hodgson and Firefighter Brian Richards continue to provide specialist expertise in challenging conditions.
The team has worked tirelessly alongside emergency service personnel from a number of countries, combining their expertise, training and operational experience to deliver coordinated search and rescue operations in support of communities affected by the earthquakes.
The UK ISAR team was deployed through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) at the request of the Venezuelan government and includes firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services across the UK. Their ability to collaborate effectively in challenging conditions has been instrumental in delivering assistance to those most in need.
Speaking from Venezuela, Station Commander Gavin Brown said: “There are personnel from a range of fire and rescue services across the UK, and the ability to work together in a close-knit environment and adapt to any scenario has been incredibly important.
“Drawing on the skills we use in our day-to-day roles has enabled us to work effectively as a team and get the job done.”
SFRS Group Commander Andy Buchan, the UK ISAR Team Manager in Scotland, said: “Our firefighters remain in Venezuela supporting ongoing search and rescue operations as part of the wider UK ISAR response.
“The commitment, professionalism and resilience shown by everyone involved has been outstanding.
“What our team are experiencing during this deployment is intense. The scale of the devastation they have encountered is unlike anything they would face in their day-to-day duties back home, and they are dealing with those challenging circumstances every day throughout their deployment.”
Andy continued: “We continue to assess and support our firefighters before, during and after deployment to ensure their needs and overall wellbeing are being met, and that they have access to the right support at every stage of the process.”
Travelodge launches innovative bathroom trial as the nation’s top ‘bright idea’ spots are revealed
New research has uncovered the nation’s best ‘bright idea’ spots, with nearly half of UK adults (48%) reporting that their best ideas come in the shower.
With creativity striking the majority up to four times per day, Brits say their lightbulb moments are also likely to come during more unexpected moments such as when they’re falling asleep (34%), during or after exercising (10%) and even while tending to the garden (15%).
But while creative inspiration (55%), personal decisions (54%) and problem-solving (53%) are among the thoughts most likely to come to mind whilst showering, 65% say they forget their idea before they’re able to write it down.
This is particularly relevant for Britain’s business travellers. In 2025, an estimated 5.1 million business trips took place*, with 60% stating that the ability to capture ideas as they occur would benefit their careers.
To help guests strike whilst the shower is hot, Travelodge has created an innovative solution to maximise creativity, trialling waterproof notepads in the showers of selected hotel bathrooms across the UK.
Designed to capture those lightbulb moments, the waterproof notepads come as more than two-thirds (69%) believe that inspiration strikes in the unlikeliest of places, leaving many scrambling to hold on to their ideas.
Revealing the extreme lengths Brits have gone to keep their ideas top of mind, almost one in five (18%) admit to having repeated a mantra until out of the shower. A further 16% have created a memorable image, whilst 7% have written on a foggy mirror or glass.
The research, which explores people’s creativity, reveals that breakthroughs are most often made in the morning (24%) and late at night (22%).
Dr Jo Hemmings, a Behavioural Psychologist, said: “We tend to think creativity happens when we’re concentrating, but often the opposite is true.
“The best ideas frequently emerge when we step away from our screens and allow our minds to wander. Whether it’s in the shower, walking, on a train or gardening, those moments of mental downtime give the brain permission to make unexpected connections, which is where creativity thrives.”
The UK’s most unexpected places of inspiration:
On average, Brits travel for business four days a month, with four in ten (41%) agreeing they are more creative when away from home. The top three reasons for hitting the road for work include client meetings (22%), conferences or events (19%) and training (17%).
While on the road, business travellers are often struck with creativity, with three in five (64%) saying changing environments helps spark their imagination, suggesting that time away from the usual desk set-up can inspire fresh thinking.
A Travelodge spokesperson added: “Inspiration can strike at any moment and with Britain’s business community spending so much time on the road, our hotels are frequently the backdrop for those vital ‘lightbulb’ moments.
“We know how frustrating it is to lose a great idea before you can find a pen and paper, which is why we’re trialling new waterproof notepads. It is a simple and practical way to make sure our guests’ best ideas don’t go down the drain – so if you want to experience them for yourself, you better get a Travelodge.”
The shower notepads will be trialled at hotels in key business locations on Wednesday 8th, July, including London City, Edinburgh Park, Bristol Abbey Wood, Newcastle Quayside and Chester Central Bridge Street. The notepads can be taken home too so guests can capture their creativity wherever they go.
To get a great deal, check out Travelodge Business – search, book, manage and pay for hotels all in one place, whether you’re at your desk or on the road.
Dear editor,
I am writing as both a concerned member of the public and a loyal customer of UPS regarding what appears to be a significant and rapidly developing issue of UK workforce and one that deserves far more attention than it is currently receiving.
Reports and growing concerns from within the company suggests widespread restructuring across UK operations including depot closures and substantial job losses. It has been claimed that in some areas over 40% of the work force could be affected, with experienced, long serving staff being placed at risk of redundancy.
In addition, there are reports of drivers being offered relatively small one of payments reportedly in the region of 3000 to 5000 as part of redundancy ‘sweeteners’ after many years of service. For workers who have spent decades representing the company on the frontline, this has understandably caused anger, disappointment, and uncertainty.
What makes this situation particularly concerning is that these drivers are not just employees behind the scenes – they are the public face of UPS. They are the final point of contact with customers, the people who build trust in the brand every single day on Britain’s streets.
There is also growing unease that this restructuring signals a wider to shift away from secure employment towards self-employed or contractor-style arrangements, a trend that is increasingly affecting workers across the logistics sector. While companies will argue the need to modernise and remain competitive, the human cost of these decisions appears to be significant.
As a customer, I am genuinely shocked by what has been reported. These are professional, reliable drivers who have delivered a consistent service for years, and the way this transition is being handled raises serious questions about fairness, loyalty, and the long-term impact on service quality and brand reputation.
This is not a workplace issue- it is a public-facing change affecting thousands of workers, countless communities, and the standards we expect from major international companies operating in the UK. I believe this is a far bigger story than is currently being treated, and I hope you will consider bringing wider attention to it.
Yours sincerely,
Mo
