The Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland is calling on housing associations and local authorities to recommit their support for their domestic abuse campaign, Make a Stand, at Scotland’s Housing Festival 2025, opening today (Tuesday 4 March 2025) at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The professional body for people who work in housing is taking the opportunity of its annual conference in Scotland to raise awareness of the housing sector’s responsibility to victims/survivors of domestic abuse.
The Make a Stand campaign was launched in 2018 to encourage social landlords to commit to making positive changes in their practice to support victims/survivors of domestic abuse.
Despite over 70 social landlords in Scotland pledging support to the campaign, we know from our own research that most social landlords do not have an appropriate domestic abuse policy. This means they are not adequately addressing the main cause of homelessness for women.
While the Housing (Scotland) Bill currently being considered by Parliament will require all social landlords to have a policy, CIH Scotland is calling for Scotland’s social landlords to get ahead of the requirement and commit to a policy and approach that will help address the housing emergency for those experiencing domestic abuse.
In his opening address to over 500 housing professionals at Scotland’s Housing Festival 2025, Callum Chomczuk, national director of CIH Scotland will call on delegates to “recommit to Make a Stand to help improve housing outcomes of women and children experiencing domestic abuse.”
CIH Scotland recently submitted to the Social Justice and Social Security Committee’s inquiry on financial considerations on leaving an abusive relationship and within that evidence, cited its 2023 report Policies not Promises which highlighted the need for a consistent approach from social landlords to how victims are supported with financial concerns.
Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland stages its annual Housing Festival to bring housing professionals together from a wide range of disciplines to gain and share learning, collaborate and build relationships.
From motivational keynotes to roundtable discussions and networking activities, the festival provides access to a packed line-up of leaders and academics from a wide variety of disciplines, all committed to supporting everyone’s right to a safe place to call home.
We’d love for you to join us – whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’ve never picked up a pair of knitting needles. We have some pros in our group who can help you learn, or bring along your own project if you would like.
We’ll be having a natter, plenty of cuppas and some lovely pastries too!
Our sharing shelf is also stocked up on this day so it is a great time to be in the centre.
POLICE are asking owners of vehicles to be aware following a number of thefts across Lothian and Borders.
A blue VW Golf R, registration PO15 XVW, was stolen from Onslow Street, Craigshill having been parked and secured on the driveway, at 11pm on Friday, 28 February, 2025. Other items were taken from the property after entry was gained.
About 1.30am on Saturday, 1 March, a white Golf R, registration CE65 RZF, was taken from East Lodge, Uphall. The vehicle was subsequently recovered on the M9 motorway after the occupants have made off in a separate grey Audi S3.
A short time later, around 1.50am, two people entered a business premises in Goschen Place, Broxburn, stealing keys for vehicles however no vehicles were stolen at this time.
Around 3.30am the same day, people wearing balaclavas were seen at the side of a property in Redmill Court, Whitburn. Entry was not gained to the property and they left the area in a white VW Golf R, believed to be the one taken from Uphall.
Around 1.30am on Monday, 3 March, we received a report of the attempted theft of a VW Golf and a Range Rover from Kings Well Crescent in Broxburn.
Later, around 2.50am, a grey Audi was stolen from West Holmes Place in Uphall. This was later traced.
Around 3.10am a BMW and a Jaguar were stolen from a driveway in Forkneuk Road, Uphall. Both vehicles were traced nearby a short time later.
Inspector John Fleming said: “We have officers investigating these crimes as a matter of priority in an effort to disrupt this criminal activity.We are treating these incidents as linked and would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.
“We’d strongly urge the public to ensure security measures are in place to try to protect vehicles.
“If you have a garage, please use it to secure your vehicle out of sight. Ensure your vehicle is locked and all valuables removed when not in use. Trackers and tracking devices are also a form of additional security and can assist recovering stolen cars quickly.
“If you witness any suspicious activity, I would ask you contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Prime Minister Starmer’s statement to the House of Commons: 3 March 2025
Mr. Speaker
Less than a week since I called on this House to show the courage of our predecessors we see clearly before us – the test of our times. A crossroads in our history.
So with permission I will update the House on my efforts to secure a strong, just and lasting peace following Russia’s vile invasion of Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker – it begins in this House where on Tuesday, I announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.
A recognition of the fact that once again, we live in an era where peace in Europe depends upon strength and deterrence.
But also – a rediscovery of the old post-war argument long-held on these benches that economic security is national security.
Because Mr. Speaker, the demands we now have to make of Britain must come alongside a new foundation of security for working people.
The tough choices we made last week, they are not done. We must use the process of getting to 3% of our national income spent on defence to fundamentally rebuild British industry.
Use our investment in military spending to create new jobs and apprenticeships in every part of our country.
And that’s why, last night, I announced a deal that perfectly symbolises this new era.
A partnership with Ukraine that allows them to use £1.6 billion of UK Export Finance to buy 5,000 air defence missiles, manufactured in Belfast. That means UK jobs, UK skills, UK finance , pulling together for our national interest.
Putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position for peace and protecting innocent civilians from the terror of Russian drones.
Mr. Speaker, my efforts continued on Thursday when I met President Trump in the White House to strengthen our relationship with America.
Now, what happened in his subsequent meeting with President Zelenskyy is something nobody in this House wants to see.
But I do want to be crystal clear: we must strengthen our relationship with America for our security, for our technology, for our trade and investment. They are and always will be – indispensable.
And we will never choose between either side of the Atlantic. In fact, Mr. Speaker, if anything, the past week has shown that that idea to be totally unserious. Because while some people may enjoy the simplicity of taking a side, this week has shown with total clarity that the US is vital in securing the peace we all want to see in Ukraine.
So I welcome the opportunity for a new economic deal with the US, confirmed by the President last week, because it is an opportunity I am determined to pursue.
I welcome the positive discussions we had on European security, including his clear support for Article 5 of NATO. I welcome the understanding, from our dialogue that our two nations will work together on security arrangements for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
And I also welcome the President’s continued commitment to that peace which nobody in this House should doubt for a second – is sincere.
Mr. Speaker, I now turn to events this weekend and the moving scenes that greeted President Zelenskyy as he arrived in London on Saturday.
Mr. Speaker I saw for myself that he was taken aback when the crowd in Whitehall cheered at the top of their voices, and they were speaking for the whole of our country.
A reminder – that this Government, this House and this nation stand in unwavering support behind him and the people of Ukraine.
Mr. Speaker, we resolved together to move forward the strong cause of just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
And then on Sunday I hosted European leaders from across our continent, equally committed to this cause including President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, the leaders of NATO, the European Commission and Council and the Prime Minister of Canada, a vital ally of this country, the Commonwealth and Ukraine responsible for training over 40,000 Ukrainian troops.
I also had the privilege beforehand of speaking online to the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – each of whom, as close as they are to the frontline with Russia, stressed the urgency of the moment.
And Mr. Speaker, it was a productive summit. Together, we agreed a clear strategy. That the United Kingdom, France and our allies will work closely with Ukraine on a plan to stop the fighting, which we will then discuss directly with the United States.
It is a plan that has four clear principles, which I will now share in full with the House:
First, that we must keep the military aid to Ukraine flowing, keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia. And to that end, alongside our partnership on air defence we are doubling-down on military aid.
Already this year we have taken our support to record levels but on Saturday we also agreed a new £2.2 billion loan for Ukraine backed, not by the British taxpayer but by the profits from frozen Russian assets.
Second, we agreed that any lasting peace must guarantee the sovereignty and security of Ukraine. And that Ukraine must be at the table when negotiating their future. That is absolutely vital.
Third, we agreed that in the event of a peace deal we will continue to boost Ukraine’s defences and Ukraine’s deterrence.
And finally, fourth.we agreed to develop a “coalition of the willing” ready to defend a deal in Ukraine and guarantee the peace.
After all, the Ukrainian position is completely understandable. For them, the war did not begin three years ago. That was merely the latest and most brutal escalation.
They have signed agreements with Putin, before. They have experienced the nature of his diplomacy and the calibre of his word.
We can’t accept a weak deal like Minsk again, No, we must proceed with strength and that does now require – urgently – a coalition of the willing.
Mr. Speaker – we agreed on Sunday that those willing to play a role in this will intensify planning now. And as this House would expect Britain will play a leading role. With, if necessary and together with others, boots on the ground and planes in the air.
Mr. Speaker, it is right that Europe do the heavy lifting to support peace on our continent. But to succeed, this effort must also have strong US backing.
I want to assure the House I take none of this lightly. I visited British troops in Estonia and no aspect of my role weighs more heavily than the deployment of British troops in the service of the defence and security in Europe.
And yet I do feel very strongly that the future of Ukraine is vital for our national security.
Russia is a menace in our waters and skies, They have launched cyber-attacks on our NHS, assassination attempts in our streets.
In this House, we stand by Ukraine because it is the right thing to do but we also stand by them because it is in our interest to do so. Because if we do not achieve a lasting peace then the instability and insecurity that has hit the living standards of working people in Britain that will only get worse.
And Putin’s appetite for conflict and chaos that will only grow.
So a strong peace, a just peace, a lasting peace, that has now to be our goal.
It is vital, it is in our interest and its pursuit – Britain will lead from the front.
For the security of our continent, the security of our country and the security of the British people we must now win the peace.
And I commend this statement to the House.
UPDATE
Stakes have been raised since Starmer’s announcement to Westminster yesterday. A spokesman for the Trump government announced overnight that the USA is is to ‘pause’ military aid to Ukraine.
Trump’s USA is by far the biggest contributor to Ukraine’s military effort and this latest statement of American intent, if carried out, deals a grevious blow to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian invaders.
Europe’s ‘coalition of the willing’ may have to come up with a revised plan – and quickly.
Lovell Partnerships has officially completed all affordable housing at its Oakwood Edge development in Mayfield, near Dalkeith. The Scottish Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, visited last to mark the handover to Melville Housing Association of the 39 high-quality, affordable homes.
The £7.1 million development, backed by £3.94 million in Scottish Government grant funding, has provided a range of energy-efficient homes for social rent as part of a wider 156-home development.
The mix of affordable housetypes includes 1 and 2-bedroom cottage flats, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom terraced homes and 2 wheelchair-accessible bungalows, ensuring a variety of housing options to meet different needs within the community.
All homes at Oakwood Edge have been designed to meet high energy efficiency standards, with solar PV panels and communal electric vehicle charging points. Four homes have also been enhanced to achieve Net Zero status, featuring air source heat pumps, battery storage and triple glazing.
Beyond providing much-needed affordable housing, Lovell has embedded social value throughout the project, generating an impressive £1.7M in social and local economic value. Initiatives have included community space improvements, education and cost-of-living support.
Key social value contributions include:
• Lovell, in partnership with their suppliers H&C Plumbing, Jordan Electrics, Phoenix Decorators, Tough Construction and JAD joinery, supported local youth charity Y2K and Mayfield & Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT) to improve their community spaces.
• Local primary school students were invited on-site to learn about careers in construction as well as health and safety.
• Every social housing resident will receive an air fryer to help reduce energy bills.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “It was good to have a tour of Melville Housing Association’s new social rented development and meet one of the tenants whose new home is part of Oakwood Edge near Dalkeith.
“What is particularly impressive about this development is the range, quality and energy efficiency of these houses, alongside the existing community facilities in the area.
“We’re pleased to have provided £3.94 million in Scottish Government grant funding for this project and have a good track record in affordable housing, delivering more than 135,000 affordable homes since 2007 including 95,000 for social rent and 26,306 council homes.
“Furthermore, our budget of £768 million for 2025-26 will help tackle the housing emergency while contributing towards our target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032.”
Tony Rankin, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said: “At Lovell, we believe building homes is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating lasting value for communities.
£Oakwood Edge is a great demonstration of how we integrate social impact into every stage of development and we’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved here alongside our partners, Melville Housing Association.”
Donna Bogdanovic, Chair of Melville Housing Association, said: “This development, our second with Lovell, is a fantastic example of how partnerships can deliver real results for communities.
The homes at Oakwood Edge provide much-needed, high-quality social housing in an area of high demand. So far, 11 tenants have moved into their new homes and we’re delighted with the positive feedback we have already received from our new tenants.”
MAEDT Manager Sharon Hill said: “We are incredibly grateful for the contribution Lovell has made to our community projects. Their practical support has strengthened the services we can offer to our community.”
To find out more about Lovell, visit: www.lovell.co.uk
This week marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3rd-7th March), a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the vital role apprenticeships play in supporting people, employers and the economy.
Modern Apprenticeships allow people from diverse backgrounds, no matter their background and abilities, to gain and develop skills for every business, regardless of its size or sector.
The rewards of getting young people who are disabled or care-experienced into work are well worth it. They bring passion, skills, dedication and drive to the workplace.
Recruiting a Modern Apprentice enables employers to fill the skills gaps within their current workforce, as apprentices begin to learn sector-specific skills from day one, developing specialist knowledge that will positively affect the bottom line.
However, as always, we can do more and greater support for businesses and other employers to take on a Modern Apprentice is key.
As we mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week, we would urge Scotland’s employers to look beyond the label and take on a Modern Apprentice who may have an additional need, taking advantage of the excellent skills offered by many of these young people.
LOTHIAN BUSES AND EDINBURGH TRAMS ANNOUNCE 10% FARE INCREASE
Fares will be revised across Lothian’s group of companies – Lothian Buses, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses – from Sunday 6 April 2025.
The last fares revision took place in April 2023 and since then, operating cost pressures have increased significantly. With all fares revenue reinvested into the running of our business, introducing revised fares is required for Lothian to continue to prioritise investment in our fleet, our people, and our wider customer offering.
Lothian’s TapTapCap Pay-As-You-Go product will continue to offer discounted fares via contactless capping versus paper tickets, with the Contactless City DAY cap at £5.00 compared to the £5.50 City DAY ticket.
As part of a service change which will also take effect from Sunday 6 April, Skylink 200 will become Service 17 and Skylink 400 will become Service 18, with regular city fares applying on these routes, even for those travelling to the airport.
There will be no change to our Airlink Airport Single and Return fares.
As part of this review, there will be further harmonisation of products in East and West Lothian to continue the simplification of our ticketing portfolio.
Product
Current Fare
Revised Fare
Validity
Adult Single
£2.00
£2.20
Valid for one journey on a day service.
Child Single
£1.00
£1.10
Valid for one journey on a day service.
Adult DAYTicket (renamed City DAY ticket)
£5.00 £4.80 TapTapCap £10.50 Family
£5.50 £5.00 TapTapCap £12.00 Family
Valid for unlimited journeys on day services.
Child DAYticket (renamed City DAY ticket)
£2.50
£2.75
Valid for unlimited journeys on day services.
TapTapCap – City Week Cap
£22.00
£24.50
Maximum weekly cap for unlimited journeys on day and night services in the city and airport zones. Weekly caps run Monday – Sunday.
Adult NETWORK
£12.00
£12.50
Unlimited journeys on day and NightBus services across our entire network, including Edinburgh Trams.
Adult Ridacard (1 Week)
£22.00
£24.50
Unlimited journeys on day and NightBus services across our entire network, including Edinburgh Trams.
Adult Ridacard (4 Weeks)
£66.00
£73.00
Unlimited journeys on day and NightBus services across our entire network, including Edinburgh Trams.
Adult Ridacard (Monthly DD)
£62.00
£68.00
Unlimited journeys on day and NightBus services across our entire network, including Edinburgh Trams.
Adult Ridacard (Annual)
£650.00
£700.00
Unlimited journeys on day and NightBus services across our entire network, including Edinburgh Trams.
Edinburgh Trams is today announcing an increase in ticket prices, in line with its sister company, Lothian Buses.
This is the first time since 2023 that fares have changed and reflects the increased operational costs faced by the operator in the last two years. Fare changes will come into effect from start of service on Sunday 6 April.
The fare changes will see the cost of an Adult Single fare rise from £2 to £2.20, and an Adult Return fare rise from £3.80 to £4.20. Day Tickets will also increase by 50p, to £5.50.
Proportional fare increases will apply to all tickets, with full details available below.
Image
Lea Harrison, Managing Director at Edinburgh Trams, said: “While every effort has been made to keep fare increases to a minimum, the rise will allow us to meet our commitments to providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly travel across the city.
“We understand that fare rises are never preferred, but demands on the network and on staff have never been higher, with trams now running more frequently every day. These fare changes will allow us to continue to maintain and improve the tram network for the benefit of the customer.”
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Edinburgh Trams provides an award winning and vital service to our city, with over 12 million journeys completed last year alone.
“We’ve all seen the benefits from Trams to Newhaven and it’s fair to say that the arrival of the trams has breathed a new lease of life into the north of the Capital.
“I realise that these fare increases are a difficult reality in the current economic climate. However, it’s vital that we continue to invest in and protect our tram network, whilst continuing with our bold vision for a new tram line from North-South in the future.
“Keeping Edinburgh moving is my priority and I’ll continue to work alongside Edinburgh Trams to make that happen.”
Customers can still buy discounted bundles of tickets on the et app, or pre-book some ticket types on Edinburgh Ticket, to ensure that we can still offer the best fares to our customers.
For details on changes to Ridacard prices, you can check Lothian Buses website here.
NEW RESEARCH REVEALS GROWING APPEAL OF APPRENTICESHIPS AMONG NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS IN SCOTLAND
As one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems has investigated the latest attitudes towards career paths amongst young people to coincide with Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3 – 7 March).
The findings are part of a newly launched Apprenticeship Barometer, which surveyed 2,000 young people (16-24 year olds) to identify views on education, training and pathways to career success.
Main attractions
The survey revealed a growing interest in apprenticeships, with more than 74% of Scottish respondents willing to relocate to a different part of the UK to seize an apprenticeship opportunity and 6 in 10 preferring it as an alternative to university.
The findings highlight a significant shift toward flexibility and apprenticeships being increasingly recognised as a pathway to secure and rewarding careers, with respondents citing job security (31%), high starting salaries (25%) and hands-on training (21%) as the most appealing features.
An overwhelming 85% of respondents agreed that apprenticeships enhance social mobility, offer significant potential to support disadvantaged groups and provide alternatives to traditional higher education routes.
Barriers to access
Despite their appeal, responses suggest barriers such as limited opportunities (30%) and lack of information (41%) continue to hinder access to apprenticeships, highlighting the need for greater awareness and more accessible pathways.
Over half (53%) of the young people surveyed in Scotland said they felt uninformed about apprenticeship opportunities in their field of interest and 85% believed employers should expand apprenticeship programmes alongside graduate schemes to meet rising demand.
STEM leads the way
Industries linked to careers in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) ranked highly in apprenticeship preferences, with over 1 in 4 (28%) of the young people surveyed expressing interest. They also ranked in the top three careers that respondents associated with the greatest job security.
Money matters
More than half (55%) of respondents identified earning while learning as the main reason for choosing an apprenticeship over university, while 25% cited avoiding student debt as a key motivator, reflecting a perceived growing financial awareness.
Richard Hamer, HR Director of Education and Skills at BAE Systems, said: “The Apprenticeship Barometer gives a real insight into the aspirations and values of the next generation of the UK workforce.
“It’s clear there’s a huge appetite for high quality vocational training that provides a clear career pathway, whilst offering financial security.
“I’d encourage anyone interested in apprenticeships to have a look at the thousands of highly valuable opportunities available across the country.”
BAE Systems is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice, undergraduate and graduate roles in 2025,which will result in around 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15% of its UK workforce.
A Scottish Parliament Committee is to examine changes to the way that funding is provided for post-school education and skills training.
The Education, Children and Young People Committee has opened a call for views on the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill.
The Bill introduces changes to funding arrangements for apprenticeships, work-based learning and training for employment.
Currently, some of the responsibilities for ensuring access to Scottish apprenticeships and work-based learning are held by Skills Development Scotland. However, under the proposals, the Scottish Funding Council would take responsibility for this.
The Bill also sets out changes to the procedures and governance of the Scottish Funding Council.
The Committee is keen to hear what Scotland’s colleges, universities, unions, training providers, employers and students make of the changes set out in the Bill.
The Committee’s call for views is open now and will run until 11 April 2025.
Douglas Ross, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee said: “The structure of the post-school education and skills training landscape is critical to Scotland’s employers who are looking to recruit people who are ready to work.
“The changes in this Bill aim to improve the way that funding is provided for post-school education and skills training. Our Committee is keen to understand whether these objectives will be met.
“We would encourage anyone with an interest in post-school education and training to share their views on these proposed changes.”
The Call for Views is available to respond to here:
An application (25/00544/ADV) has been submitted for ‘The Maroon Mile’—a mile-long heritage trail celebrating Heart of Midlothian FC’s history in Gorgie and Dalry.
The trail will feature 15 lamppost banners along Dalry Rd, Gorgie Rd, Ardmillan Terrace, McLeod St, and Newton St, designed to CEC guidelines.
Check out the full details on the City of Edinburgh Council’s planning portal:
