Uncategorized – Page 119 – The NEN

Help to Save customers receive £146 million in bonus payments

Help to Save customers have received £146 million in bonus payments since the scheme launched in September 2018 and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging individuals in Scotland to take advantage of the generous savings scheme this World Savings Day (31 October).

Help to Save is the UK Government savings scheme for low-income earners and offers savers a 50% bonus payment worth up to £1,200 over a maximum of 4 years.

Latest figures reveal that 31,600 customers in Scotland opened a Help to Save account between September 2018 and March 2023, with more than £25.6 million paid into accounts during that time.

It takes less than 5 minutes to open an account. Customers can check eligibility and open an account on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Hundreds of thousands of people are benefitting from Help to Save.

“It’s a great way of saving whatever you can and the UK Government will top up your savings by 50%. It’s quick and easy to apply online or via the HMRC app. Just search ‘Help to Save’ on GOV.UK to find out more and apply today.”

HMRC has prepared a video on YouTube to help customers find out more about Help to Save.

Customers can open a Help to Save account if they are receiving:

Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit and are entitled to Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit and they (with their partner, if it is a joint claim) had take-home pay of £722.45 or more in their last monthly assessment period

Savers can deposit between between £1 and £50 each month. They will earn an extra 50 pence for every £1 saved and bonuses are paid in the second and fourth years of the account being opened. The bonus payment applies to the highest amount saved within the period. Savers who deposit the maximum amount of £2,400 will receive a bonus of £1,200 from the UK Government.

Nearly 383,000 account holders across the UK have made a deposit into their accounts and the average monthly deposit is £48. More than 90% of savers invest the maximum £50 each month. They can make as many deposits they like each month via debit card, bank transfer or standing order. Money can be withdrawn at any time, although this may affect their 50% bonus payments.

Customers can easily manage their savings account online or through the HMRC app. They can check their balance, view savings and bonus details, find out when they’ll be paid a bonus, read any messages, set up a standing order or make withdrawals.

Victoria Todd, Head of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, said: “For those who are able to take part, the Help to Save account is a very attractive savings scheme, especially when the saver is able to maximise their bonuses.

“They can do this by paying in the maximum amount each month and making no withdrawals. Those who are eligible can still get bonus payments, even if they can’t save the maximum. That is why we recently welcomed the extension of the scheme to April 2025.”

video on YouTube

The UK Government is offering Help for Households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support individuals could be eligible for.

Sands’ Starlight Walk Edinburgh is back this year!

Tickets are now available for Starlight Walk at Holyrood Park on Sunday 19 November, in aid of Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity.

Starlight Walk follows a 6km route through the beautiful Holyrood Park and is an opportunity for anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, however recently or longer ago, to remember their much-loved babies by walking alongside other bereaved parents and families.

People taking part in the Starlight Walk have spoken about why they are doing this and what it means to them.

Bereaved mum, Rachel said: “We lost one of our twin girls, Nieve, at 26 weeks due to heart complications and it was the most difficult time of my life.

“Both our girls were delivered 5 weeks later. Nieve was born asleep first with a little helping hand from the amazing midwives and then her sister followed via an emergency c-section a few hours later. As we mourned for our girl, we also had her sister in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit fighting to survive.

“From the very first steps, Sands offered me a helping hand. They helped me find comfort through speaking to other parents and knowing they shared our pain. It was learning from them that helped me. I gained strength from other mums through their experience.

“I am walking to help ensure parents like me, can and do have an organisation such as Sands where they can get support, find comfort and even maybe a little hope just like I did.”

Bereaved sibling, Donna said: “For the last two years, I have taken part in this very special walk for my twin Rick, who died at 13 weeks’ gestation, and have thoroughly enjoyed it since it started in Edinburgh.

“It is a walk of camaraderie, reflection and a lot of love. It feels so good to belong to a group of like-minded people, passionate in raising money and awareness to prevent the pain we all feel, happening to others.

“I walk in memory of my twin brother but also for all ‘womb mates’ and their survivors. However, like many of us, I know so many people who have impacted by baby loss, so I walk for their loved ones too.”

Registration on the day opens at 3pm ready for the first wave of walkers to begin at 3.45pm. Walkers will meet at Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth building before heading down to Holyrood Park and walking around Arthur’s Seat.

Once at 150 metres elevation, the walkers will be able to take in the incredible views of Edinburgh City Centre, looking out towards Duddington Loch, before heading back under magical starlight with their lanterns and torches shining brightly.

Tickets are £17.00 for adults, £12.00 for children (under 16) and free for children under 3 and are now available to purchase online.

Everyone that registers will receive two paper lanterns to carry on the walk, a walking memory card to wear with pride, a Starlight Walk medal once they have crossed the finish line, and a well-earned tea or coffee and cake in reception with an opportunity to add to our wall of remembrance.

Sands’ Events Fundraising Manager, Florence Moffat said: “For those that are unable to attend the event in Bristol on 11 November, there is also a virtual Starlight Walk at Home taking place which can be completed anywhere in the UK on 2 December, on your own or with a loved one.

Sign up for free and stroll through the countryside, march through the town or simply let your feet lead the way as you walk either 5km or 10km for Sands. Like starlight itself, the love for our babies is endless, and together we will walk through the darkness and find the light.”

Every day 13 babies die before, during or shortly after birth. Sands works to understand where and why babies die and why some women and babies are more at risk than others.

Sands is determined to save every life it can and ensure the right care and support is there for every bereaved family, whenever and wherever they need it.

For further information on Sands’ Starlight Walk visit:

www.sands.org.uk/starlight-walk-edinburgh

For further information on Sands’ Starlight Walk at Home visit:

www.sands.org.uk/starlight-walk-home-2023

RoSPA: Stay safe and avoid hazardous costumes this Halloween

Halloween can be fun when you stay safe and avoid hazardous products, that’s the message from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) ahead of the October 31.

The warning comes after several Halloween costumes have been recalled over safety fears relating to serious chemical and fire risks^[1] and flagged by consumer champions Which?.

When purchasing a costume, RoSPA advises:

Look for the appropriate safety marks

In England, Scotland and Wales only buy costumes or toys which carry UKCA or CE marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol along with the UKCA or CE mark.

All parts of a Halloween costume, including wigs and face masks, should be flame-retardant in accordance with EN71 part 2 – the safety standard for flammability of toys.

Additionally, items sold in the UK by a member of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) are likely to have been made to a higher standard of fire safety and labelled with the words ‘This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability.’

Beware when purchasing from unknown brands

Unknown brands or brands you can only find online may not meet the strict regulations around costume and toy safety. This could put you or your child at greater fire risk, or at risk from dangerous chemicals. Therefore, we always advise you only purchase products from known brands.

Keep away from naked flames

As with all clothing, Halloween and fancy-dress outfits should always be kept away from fire, lit candles and all other naked flames. RoSPA advises not to have lit candles as part of Halloween celebrations, and consideration can be given to using battery-operated candles instead of real ones.

Be safe, be seen

Most Halloween costumes are dark, which can pose a risk to children when out and enjoying the festivities. If you can, provide them with a torch and add something reflective to their outfit so they can be seen by vehicles. For maximum safety, children should always be accompanied by an adult.

Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Halloween can be an exciting time for children, and we want to ensure everyone can enjoy the time safely and without any accidents.

“That’s why when it comes to dressing up, we recommend checking a Halloween costume or toy for the appropriate safety marks such as a UKCA or CE mark in England, Scotland and Wales or the UKNI symbol with the UKCA or CE mark in Northern Ireland.

“We also recognise that the darker nights reduce visibility, so advise children out trick or treating carry a torch and piece of reflective clothing to ensure they remain seen and stay safe – and always keep away from naked flames, especially when visiting other people’s homes.”

Payment for young care leavers

Young people transitioning from the care system into adulthood are to receive a one-off Care Leaver Payment of £2,000 to support them to move into more independent living under proposals being considered.

The First Minister announced the proposed payment will be co-designed with care experienced people to ensure it meets their needs and helps reduce some of the financial challenges they face.

This follows findings from the Independent Care Review which highlighted links between those with care experience and the increased risk of poor mental health, addiction, homelessness and exploitation.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise by 2030 to all of our children and young people. This includes making sure that all young people are given the support they need to transition from care into adulthood and more independent living.

“For any young person, at any age, moving away from home can be a challenging time when we rely heavily on family support networks. Many care experienced young people won’t have that luxury which many of us take for granted.

“Care experienced people are over one and a half times more likely to experience financial difficulties and have more than double the chance of experiencing homelessness, mainly before age 30.

“We also know that money management is a top concern for young people moving on from care.

“It is important we provide the right support at the right time for our care experienced young people – and the Care Leaver Payment will provide much needed financial support at such an important moment in their lives.”

RoSPA: Stay safe and avoid hazardous costumes this Halloween

Halloween can be fun when you stay safe and avoid hazardous products, that’s the message from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) ahead of 31 October.

The warning comes after several Halloween costumes have been recalled over safety fears relating to serious chemical and fire risks and flagged by consumer champions Which?

When purchasing a costume, RoSPA advises:

Look for the appropriate safety marks

In England, Scotland and Wales only buy costumes or toys which carry UKCA or CE marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol along with the UKCA or CE mark.

All parts of a Halloween costume, including wigs and face masks, should be flame-retardant in accordance with EN71 part 2 – the safety standard for flammability of toys.

Beware when purchasing from unknown brands

Keep away from naked flames

Phil Le Shirley, Public Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “Halloween can be an exciting time for children, and we want to ensure everyone can enjoy the time safely and without any accidents.

100 days to go to Self Assessment deadline

Self Assessment customers have just 100 days left to submit their tax return ahead of the deadline on 31 January 2024.

And with the clock ticking down, customers can find various types of help from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at the click of a mouse – from webinars to step by step guides.

Anyone who needs support to complete their return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year can access the online help available on GOV.UK. It explains how to access HMRC’s services and ask for help, without having to call us.

Completing a tax return sooner means that customers can find out what they owe and can work out how to pay between now and the deadline.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “My advice for anyone completing their Self Assessment is to get prepared and, if they need extra support, to access HMRC’s free online help and resources. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”

Customers can pay through the HMRC app. If customers cannot pay in full, HMRC wants to help them to find an affordable way for them to pay the tax they owe.

If customers owe less than £30,000, they may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement and do this online without speaking to HMRC.

For a full list of ways to pay any tax owed, visit GOV.UK.

If anyone thinks they no longer need to complete a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, they should tell HMRC as soon as possible to avoid any penalties. HMRC has produced 2 videos explaining how customers can go online and stop Self Assessment if they are self-employed and those who are not self-employed.

Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.

Four Square’s Springboard Project

The Springboard programme is for young adults aged 16-25 who are currently either at risk of homelessness or accessing homelessness services across Edinburgh.

Participants will be able to gain qualifications in Emergency First Aid at Work as well as Elementary Food Hygiene.

We will support the group with employability skills such as CV writing, Job Interview Skills and Job Applications. We also run workshops focused on mental health and wellbeing as well as weekly social outings to encourage participants to form lasting friendships.

The programme also includes a 3-day Residential trip with the Scottish Outdoor Education Centre to allow the participants to try their hand at some adventurous outdoor activities like rock climbing, abseiling, archery and much more!

Bus fare can be covered by Four Square and lunch will be provided on each day of the course.

Self-referrals can be made by emailing springboard@foursquare.org.uk

FM to visit Brechin following Storm Babet

Humza Yousaf will meet people affected and thank those involved in the response

First Minister Humza Yousaf will visit River Street in Brechin today where the River South Esk burst its banks on Friday.

The First Minister is expected to meet residents who have been impacted by the storm and thank volunteers, the local council and the emergency services for their work in supporting people evacuated from their properties.

Angus Council has had an overwhelming response to an appeal for accommodation for those unable to return home because of the damage caused by the floods. In addition, a call for clothing and toiletries led to hundreds of donations.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the First Minister said: “My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives to the extreme conditions caused by Storm Babet during what will be difficult time.

“I want to pass on my thanks to local authorities, volunteers and the emergency services for all their efforts in these extremely challenging conditions.

“The local community in Brechin, like others across Scotland, has come together to offer support to all those affected by the floods with Angus Council receiving hundreds of offers of alternative accommodation for those forced to leave their homes.

“The process of assessing the full amount of damage caused in all areas affected by the storm is now underway. This will take some time and we are working closely with local authorities to support the people and businesses affected.”

Angus Council Chief Executive Margo Williamson said: “I am tremendously proud of Angus’ response to Storm Babet. Working closely with partners from across Tayside we have done our best to preserve life in extremely challenging conditions.

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who supported this effort, particularly our volunteer organisations such as the Red Cross, Voluntary Action Angus, and our Tayside 4×4 drivers who have played a vital part in this operation.

“Our staff in the council, in the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, and our leisure trust ANGUSAlive, have all gone above and beyond, facing challenges on an unprecedented scale.

“I would also like to reassure the residents of Angus, who have shown such community spirit, that their care and support is our absolute priority, particularly those who are displaced. We are now firmly focused on making a full recovery, and this work has already started.”

Celebrating Edinburgh’s care experienced community

A series of activities are taking place across Edinburgh next week to showcase and celebrate the care experienced community in Edinburgh.

Care Experienced Week takes place annually at the end of October with this year’s theme being Lifelong Rights.

The City of Edinburgh Council and partners have come together, in recognition of their role as corporate parents, to host a number of events which highlight the successes and the various avenues of support available for Edinburgh’s care experienced community.

There are challenges experienced too and this week allows us connect with the care experienced community and reflect on what works and what we could do better.

Activities being planned for the week, which runs from Monday 23 until Sunday 29 October, include: creative arts, a children and carers bookbug session, mental health support, a family cookbook event and the launch of a Corporate Parenting e-learning module for council staff.

One of the main events during the week is a special remembrance service in West Princes Street Gardens on Tuesday (24 October, 5.30pm to 6pm) to mark the passing of members of the care experienced community and the official unveiling of a remembrance bench.

It’s an opportunity for people to pay their respects and spend time together remembering the importance of those that have passed away.

The week’s events build on the success of the Edinburgh Champions Board which provides a platform for the care experienced community to talk directly to their corporate parents, local Councillors and service providers. This means they can ensure that decisions which affect their lives are informed by their own experiences leading to improvements in services and support available to them.

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that all care experienced people receive the vital support they need to improve their life experiences and their educational outcomes.

“It’s really important that we listen to the children and young people in our care ,and people who are care experienced, treat them with respect and make positive changes when they speak up.

“Care Experienced Week is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate their successes and inspire the care experienced community to achieve their full potential.”

Almost 7,000 pumpkins picked at Craigies Farm as Halloween events launched

Craigies Farm in South Queensferry has seen nearly 7,000 pumpkins picked so far this October. This comes as they launch their family-friendly Halloween events last weekend.

The daytime Spooky Days and nighttime Haunted Tunnels events invite kids and grown-ups alike to explore the farm, play terrifyingly fun games, meet a colourful cast of characters, and enjoy illuminations at night.

Pumpkin picking is included with tickets to both events, with 6,662 pumpkins having been picked since October 1st.

The Halloween events are the perfect blend of scary and fun, offering families a unique day out this October.

Tickets can be purchased online here: https://craigies.digitickets.co.uk/tickets