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Future of the Post Office to be shaped by postmasters and customers

UK Government launches the Post Office Green Paper, the first comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years

  • First comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years, with customers and postmasters shaping its future.
  • Post Office Green Paper will seek to transform the organisation’s culture in the wake of the Horizon scandal and changing customer demands.
  • Better services at the heart of new £118 million subsidy to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further network investment, moving the organisation closer to delivering growth in line with the Plan for Change.

Postmasters and the public will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Post Office for the first time in 15 years, as the Government sets out its vision for the next decade for the organisation.

The Post Office Green Paper, published today, will move further and faster to deliver a decade of renewal for customers and postmasters, building on the cultural reset being led by Post Office Chair Nigel Railton that will be so crucial to its success.

Working hand in hand with postmasters and the public the Government will ensure the network is put on a path to a strong and sustainable future with Post Office branches remaining at the heart of communities across the UK.

This includes on the Post Office’s ownership model, with concepts including mutualisation on the table for consideration following the publication of the final Horizon Inquiry report later this year.

The report is expected to provide recommendations on improving the structure of the Post Office so that this miscarriage of justice is never allowed to occur again, protecting postmasters whilst also providing reassurance for customers.

This follows an unprecedented period in which the Post Office has faced a series of major challenges, from the Horizon IT scandal to significant changes in consumer behaviour, such as a rise in online shopping and falling demand for traditional post.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said: “Post Offices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities across the country. However, after fifteen years without a proper review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon scandal, it’s clear we need a fresh vision for its future.

“This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Office in the years ahead.

“I look forward to hearing the views of customers, business owners and postmasters so we can build a Post Office capable of serving the public for generations to come.”

The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 6th October 2025. It will examine key areas including:

  • How Post Office services should evolve to meet changing consumer needs
  • Ways to strengthen the relationship between the Post Office and its postmasters
  • Options for modernising the network while ensuring services remain within local reach
  • Ensure the Post Office is well-equipped to adapt to consumer trends
  • How the Post Office can improve and develop the banking services it provides

Research published alongside the Green Paper today also highlights the important role the Post Office still plays in the daily lives of people and businesses, adding social value of around £5.2 billion per year to households and £1.3 billion annually to small and medium sized businesses.

As part of the Government’s commitment to securing the future of this vital national institution, Ministers have also announced plans to award a new subsidy package of up to £118 million to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further investment to improve the network.

This funding will protect key services, including access to cash deposits and withdrawals as well as key government services, such as passport applications and the DVLA, alongside helping the Post Office deliver cost-saving measures in its Transformation Plan, part of the New Deal for Postmasters.

  • The Green Paper and details on how to respond to the consultation can be found here.

Discount of up to £3,750 on electric cars set to slash costs

Car manufacturers can apply for the Electric Car Grant from tomorrow

  • new £650 million grant will slash electric car prices, saving UK households up to £3,750 when they upgrade or switch to electric  
  • car manufacturers to apply through the Electric Car Grant – speeding up access and cutting costs for drivers and businesses  
  • comes as more than 380,000 zero emission cars were registered last year, delivering the government’s Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth and put more money in working people’s pockets

Drivers across the UK will soon enjoy discounts on dozens of new electric car models after the Transport Secretary today (15 July 2025) announced a £650 million grant scheme worth up to £3,750 per car, putting more money back in working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change and making owning an electric car a reality for thousands.  

Supporting the manifesto commitment to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) will back UK and other manufacturers, with eligibility dependent on the highest manufacturing sustainability standards. Discounts up to £3,750 will be available at the point of sale for new eligible electric cars priced at or under £37,000.

Drivers will start to benefit from discounts as soon as manufacturers successfully apply for their zero emission cars to be part of the grant scheme from 16 July 2025, with funding available until the 2028 to 2029 financial year.

With drivers citing upfront costs as a key barrier to adoption, the grant will narrow the upfront cost between petrol and electric vehicles, giving thousands more drivers access to savings of up to £1,500 a year in fuel and running costs compared to a petrol car. The discount means that zero emission cars are now cheaper to buy and run than ever before and comes on top of preferential tax rates, delivering real savings for working families.  

Owning and buying an electric vehicle (EV) is becoming cheaper, with 2 in 5 of used electric cars sold at under £20,000 and 34 brand new electric cars available from under £30,000.

‘Standing firmly on the side of British drivers’, this latest investment is part of the government’s major plan to support motorists, including a record £1.6 billion invested to tackle potholes and freezing the fuel duty at 5 pence until spring 2026, saving the average motorist £50 to £60 over the year.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “This EV grant will not only allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money – it’ll help our automotive sector seize one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century.  

“And with over 82,000 public chargepoints now available across the UK, we’ve built the infrastructure families need to make the switch with confidence. 

“This is our Plan for Change in action. We’re backing British drivers, British jobs and British growth.”

This latest scheme builds on the government’s major £63 million package to support at home charging for households without driveways, transition NHS fleets to electric and create thousands of chargepoints at business depots across the country. 

In total, the government is investing £4.5 billion to turbocharge the switch to EVs, securing Britain’s position as a world-leader in electric vehicle adoption while helping put more money in people’s pockets. Today, the UK is already a global leader in the transition to zero emissions driving, with the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and sales up a fifth on the previous year.

The latest update also comes as the UK hits over 82,000 public chargepoints nationwide – with one added every 30 minutes – giving peace of mind to drivers that they will be able to charge conveniently at home, work or on longer journeys.  

This latest move comes alongside the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero emission vehicles each year. Recent changes to the mandate give industry the certainty, stability and support they’ve been asking for, alongside crucial trade deals with the US, India and the European Union following the recent global economic headwinds.

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: “Within weeks, discounted cars should start appearing at dealerships across the country. And, as the biggest savings will be given to cars with the strongest ‘green’ manufacturing credentials, drivers will be picking models that are not only better for their wallets, but better for the planet too.

“This is further welcome news following last week’s announcement about more funding for pavement gully charging solutions that will enable those without driveways to charge an EV at home. Together, these initiatives should mean more drivers than ever start benefitting from the lower costs of running an electric car.”

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said: “This announcement is brilliant news – for drivers and for the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.

“With a commitment to invest £6 billion through to 2030, the UK’s charging industry has rolled out infrastructure ahead of demand to ensure that when drivers switch, the network is there to make charging as convenient as possible.

“There are now 82,000 public charge points and a new one goes in the ground every 29 minutes on average.

“Hot on the heels of the weekend’s announcement on measures to support charging, including meeting ChargeUK’s calls for improvements to signage on main roads, today’s package is another vital boost to the charging industry, helping it invest with confidence.”

Dan Caesar, CEO, Electric Vehicles UK, said:  “A targeted incentive program is a significant step forward in encouraging consumers to buy battery electric vehicles and to make them more accessible. While battery-only EVs are much cheaper to buy and run than most realise, surveys show that cost misperceptions are the primary reason for hesitance.

“A generous grant of this nature gives a new group of interested buyers, who might have thought that going electric was beyond them, a gentle nudge into what is great tech. More than 9 out of 10 battery EV drivers will never revert, and there’s a reason for that.”

John Lewis, CEO, char.gy, said: “It’s encouraging to see the government stepping up to support consumers in making the switch to electric vehicles. This move brings us closer to a future where driving electric is accessible to everyone – not just the privileged few.

“Combined with the introduction of the price cap and the additional funding for on-street charge points, we can get more affordable cars on the road and more people enjoying the benefits of EVs. The outcome will be cleaner air for all and more cash in the consumer’s wallet as they enjoy the long-term savings of driving electric.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Today’s announcement of the return of government support for the purchase of electric vehicles is a clear signal to consumers that now is the time to switch.

“Rapid deployment and availability of this grant over the next few years will help provide the momentum that is essential to take the EV market from just 1 in 4 today, to 4 in 5 by the end of the decade.

“This announcement is a welcome response to consistent calls from the industry for more support, which will be in addition to the substantive subsidies already provided by manufacturers.

“Taken with recent announcements regarding infrastructure investments and the Industrial Strategy, the UK has the opportunity to maintain its position as a leader in both the manufacture and sale of zero emission vehicles.”

If we could turn back time! 

Brits take a nostalgic look back to the 80s on Live Aid’s 40th anniversary

  • Survey reveals Brits’ most-loved 1980s songs, shows and memories.
  • Research also reveals average ticket prices for concert-goers have increased by over 500%.
  • Simple pleasures like ‘being able to call the doctor directly’ and ‘life without social media’ are much-missed.

Research* conducted by Ambassador Cruise Line has stepped back in time encouraging Brits to reflect on their favourite cultural moments from the 80s and reveal what they miss most about the era.

To mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid on 13 July 2025, the affordable quality cruise line – which is staging a six-night Summer of ‘85 Revisited tribute cruise departing Bristol on Sunday# – asked the nation to share their thoughts on the music, TV and memories that defined a generation*.

From Wham! to Woolworths, caravan holidays to cassette tapes, the results paint a vivid picture of a decade that continues to resonate deeply with the Great British public.

From the silver screen to the radio waves, the 1980s delivered an explosion of creativity that people still just can’t get enough of. When asked to name their favourite entertainment from the era, responses from Brits read like a ‘who’s who?’ of zeitgeist-defining pop culture.

Going for a Song

13 July 2025 is set to mimic 13 July 2025 with blue skies and soaring temperatures, but when it comes to the nation’s most beloved 80s track by a British or Irish artist, it’s Christmas all year round with Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ named the UK’s favourite song according to the research.

There was a four-way tie for second place in the 80s Top 10, with ‘In The Air Tonight’  by Phil Collins – famed for playing both the Wembley and Philadelphia Live Aid shows – followed by Queen’s ‘A Kind of Magic’, taken from the Album of the same name after a Live Aid-driven ‘renaissance’; Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ (originally written for Meat Loaf); and Chris de Burgh’s ‘Lady in Red’ taking up the remaining spots.

The Nation’s Favourite 80s Songs
1Wham!Last Christmas1984
2Phil CollinsIn the Air Tonight1981
3QueenA Kind of Magic1986
4Bonnie TylerTotal Eclipse of the Heart1983
5Chris Be BurghLady in Red1986
6Band AidDo They Know It’s Christmas1984
7George MichaelCareless Whisper1984
8Pet Shop BoysWest End Girls1986
9Dexys Midnight RunnersCome on Eileen1982
10Queen & David BowieUnder Pressure1981

TV Gold

On the small screen, the antics of everyone’s favourite wheeler dealers in Only Fools and Horses reigned supreme, with long-running perennial staples like Doctor Who and EastEnders following closely behind.

Gender preferences revealed that men leaned toward action and bawdy comedies like The A-Team and Blackadder, while women preferred dramas and music-based shows like EastEnders and Top of the Pops.

The Nation’s Favourite TV Show of the 80s
1Only Fools and Horses1981-2003
2Doctor Who1963-1989; 2005-present
3EastEnders1985-present
4Blackadder1983-1989
5The A-Team1983-1987
6Top of the Pops1964-2006
7Dad’s Army1968-1977
8The Young Ones1982-1984
9Grange Hill1978-2008
10The Two Ronnies1971–1987

Firm Film Favourites

The survey found that the magic of 80s movies hasn’t faded one bit over the last 40 years. Brits are still having the time of their lives with Dirty Dancing (1987), dubbing it their favourite film of the decade – with a notable 18% of women giving it top billing.

Action-packed blockbusters and feel-good favourites also made a strong showing, with Top Gun, The Karate Kid, E.T., Back to the Future and Die Hard proving that the 80s were a golden age for unforgettable storytelling, iconic characters and endlessly quotable lines.

The Nation’s Favourite 80s Movies
1Dirty Dancing1987
2The Karate Kid1984
3Top Gun1986
4Back to the Future1985
5E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial1982
6Die Hard1988
7Ghostbusters1984
8The Terminator1984
9The Goonies1985
10Beetlejuice1988

Live Aid Memories: Who Wants to Live Forever?

With Live Aid celebrating its 40th anniversary, the survey asked the British public which moment from the day that ‘rock and roll changed the world’ they’d most like to experience again. The most common responses included ‘Status Quo opening it with ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’; ‘Phil Collins on Concorde’; Paul McCartney performing ‘Let it Be’; David Bowie singing ‘Heroes’; and last, but not least, ‘Bob Geldof’s sweary rant’.

However, it will come as a surprise to absolutely nobody that Queen’s ‘electrifying’ performance ‘which showed other bands how to play to a live crowd’ topped the poll by a considerable margin.  ‘Freddie had the audience in the palm of his hand’ just about sums up the responses, making it clear there’s one band (and more specifically, one moustachioed maestro often cited as the greatest frontman to have ever lived) that people just can’t break free from…

Top Ten Live Aid Moments – Quotes
1One of the best live displays ever – the Queen performance and Freddie Mercury having 100,000 people in the palm of his hand. Awesome!
2Status Quo opening it with Rockin’ All Over the World
3Bob Geldof’s sweary rant
4The sense of togetherness for my family and friends
5When Phil Collins performed in the UK then flew to the USA and performed there
6The enjoyment of all the bands coming together for the good of others
7Paul McCartney singing Let It Be
8U2 – Bono was brilliant!
9David Bowie’s magnificent set and his emotional rendition of ‘Heroes’ – simply amazing
10The incredible amount of money raised for a good cause

Counting the Cost of Legends Live

With many Live Aid performers still touring today, Ambassador compared their ticket prices from the 1980s to the 2020s, and the results are staggering.

The comparison shows just how far the music industry has come – and how the era-defining acts of the 80s are still as relevant and popular today as they were 40 years ago, even if a ticket to see them play live has soared in price!

1980s Ticket Prices:

  1. Queen (1986 – Wembley) – £25
  2. U2 (1987 – Joshua Tree Tour) – £15
  3. Genesis (1986 – Invisible Touch Tour) – £15-£20
  4. Madonna (1987 – Who’s That Girl Tour) – £15
  5. Paul McCartney (1989/90 – The Paul McCartney World Tour) – £20
  6. Phil Collins (1985 – No Jacket Required Tour) – £15
  7. Dire Straits (1985 – Brothers in Arms Tour) – £16
  8. Duran Duran (1984 – Sing Blue Silver Tour) – £12
  9. The Rolling Stones (1982 – Tattoo You Tour) – £18
  10. Simple Minds (1985 – Once Upon A Time Tour) – £12

2020s Ticket Prices:

  1. Queen + Adam Lambert (2023 – The Rhapsody Tour) – £100+ – 300% increase
  2. U2 (2023 – The Sphere Tour) – £120 – 700% increase
  3. Genesis (2022 – The Last Domino? Tour) – £80+ 355% increase
  4. Madonna (2023 – Celebration Tour) – £150+ – 900% increase
  5. Paul McCartney (2024 – Got Back Tour) – £110 – 450% increase
  6. Phil Collins (2023 – Not Dead Yet Tour) – £85+ – 467% increase
  7. Dire Straits (2023 – Mark Knopfler Tour) – £100 – 525% increase
  8. Duran Duran (2023 – Future Past Tour) – £75 – 525% increase
  9. The Rolling Stones (2022 – No Filter Tour) – £130 – 622% increase
  10. Simple Minds (2022 – 40 years Of Hits) – £70 – 483% increase

(Prices based on average tickets with two time periods compared to find mean percentage increases)

Get Back! (to where we once belonged…)

Last, but by no means least, when asked what aspects of 1980’s life they’d most like to bring back to today, Brits overwhelmingly longed for the simplicity and personal connections we enjoyed ‘back in the day’.

The most missed element of daily life was the ability to call the doctor directly to book an appointment, cited by 37% of respondents. This was closely followed by a desire to return to a time of greater respect for elders (34%) and life without the pressures of social media (33%). Nostalgia for the high street was also strong, with 29% wishing for the return of staples like Woolworths.

The survey also revealed a deep affection for holidays in the 1980s, which many respondents described as “simple,” “cheaper,” and “more family-focussed.”

Caravan parks, Butlins, and classic UK beach breaks were frequently mentioned, evoking memories of a slower pace and stronger sense of togetherness.

One respondent recalled “less faff in airports, less pressure to ‘go places’,” while another opined, “We loved caravan holidays. We actually spoke to each other.”.

BBC response to investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace

BBC STATEMENT:

“We welcome the publication of the findings by Lewis Silkin, following the investigation into the conduct of Gregg Wallace. In light of these findings, Banijay UK and the BBC have agreed Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable. The BBC has informed Mr Wallace we have no plans to work with him in future.

“The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us.

“Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour – both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.

“We want to thank all those who took part in the investigation, including those who first raised concerns directly with the BBC in November last year. We apologise to everyone who has been impacted by Mr Wallace’s behaviour.

“Lewis Silkin’s findings include two further allegations which were upheld, relating to other individuals. The BBC takes these findings very seriously and we have asked Banijay UK to take action to address these issues, which is underway. This will be completed as a priority.

“The BBC will not be commenting further at this stage, but we are clear we expect the highest standards of respect at work to be upheld on the production.

““At this stage we are not going to make a final decision on the broadcast of the series that was filmed last year. We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.

“In April the BBC published a detailed response to an independent review of workplace culture, which reinforces expectations around behaviour and that we will act more decisively when standards are not met. This also requires all TV production partners to align with the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) standards.

“We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.”

As far as Wallace is concerned, though, everyone else is to blame …

Emma celebrates graduation after overcoming shock seizure ordeal

The Business Management student has graduated from Edinburgh Napier with first class honours

A new Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) graduate feels as though she has achieved the impossible by graduating with first class honours – after a series of frightening seizures left her studies in doubt.

Business Management student Emma Sullivan suddenly began experiencing convulsive episodes in the summer of 2022, which became increasingly intense and unpredictable. Months of tests and appointments revealed a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder.

After carefully balancing the condition with her studies, Emma has now been formally presented with her degree at the Usher Hall – where she paid tribute to her family for their support.

The 22-year-old from Edinburgh said: “The weekend before starting second year I experienced two out of control ‘episodes’, which I didn’t know were seizures at the time. Me and my parents went to A&E as we could tell something was wrong.

“After undergoing a couple of tests they were unable to detect any abnormalities, and it was put down to stress. I left the hospital feeling more confused than when I went in, as though I had wasted their time.

“I continued to have these ‘episodes’ every few weeks. They were becoming more intense, and I would be very disoriented before and after them.

“It took around seven months to finally have an explanation of what I was going through. I was referred to a neurologist who diagnosed me with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and explained that I was having functional seizures.”

FND affects how the brain processes signals, with symptoms including seizures, fatigue and pain. Treatments focus on managing and improving the condition through rehabilitation therapy.

For Emma, this meant carefully balancing her everyday life. She left her part-time job to focus on her health and her studies.

She added: “Once I had the diagnosis it helped to give some clarity, but I still had to learn how to adapt to this new reality. Other things in my life needed to take a back seat.

“During flare ups I was having multiple seizures a day, which was both physically and mentally exhausting. Through neuropsychology appointments I learned that pacing myself was extremely important, and this has really helped me to continue my studies.

“It was a constant concern whenever I was out of the house that I might have a seizure, which added an extra layer of stress to everyday activities.

“Alongside the seizures I would also experience limb and muscle weakness, muscle spasms, chronic pain, fatigue and dissociation.

“Two months before the first seizures I was also diagnosed with autism. So alongside navigating this new, massive health change, I was also coming to terms with what the autism diagnosis meant for me.

“It has been a lot to process during the past few years.”

Now that she has achieved her degree, Emma hopes to raise awareness of conditions like hers, while championing disability advocacy and support.

Her dissertation focused on the impact working from home can have on autistic employees – and she shared her findings at the Edinburgh Napier’s ENclusion conference in May.

She said: “There were many times during the past couple years that the thought of graduating and finishing my studies seemed absolutely impossible.

“I am extremely proud of myself for getting to the stage, but I absolutely could not have done it without the love of my family. My mum and dad have been an incredible support and have been with me every step of this journey.

“Although it has been incredibly difficult and challenging at times, these experiences have also helped me to grow in resilience, determination and strength.

“Planning for the future can be very difficult due to the unpredictability of my health, but I remain passionate about raising awareness about both chronic illnesses and autism.

“I would love to be part of a movement that drives positive change and supports others facing similar challenges, and helps to build a more inclusive, understanding society.”

World’s largest fund of its kind to support vulnerable families

  • Chancellor launches new £500m Fund to break down barriers to opportunity for up to 200,000 vulnerable children and young people and deliver Plan for Change.
  • World’s largest fund of its kind will boost pupil achievement and could fund programmes to reduce reoffending or provide specialist workers for children struggling with exclusion, mental health or crime.
  • Better Futures Fund will run for ten years, with plans to raise another £500 million from local government, social investors, and philanthropists on top of government’s funding
  • The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

Struggling and vulnerable families and children are to be given a better start in life after a new government fund was announced today (Monday 14 July), which will provide them with the support and funding needed to access a better education, a safe home, and the caring supportive environment they need to flourish.

The Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and their families over the next ten years by bringing together government, local communities, charities, social enterprises, investors, and philanthropists to work together to give children a brighter future.

It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance, behaviour and overall achievement of pupils, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.

The fund, which is the largest of its kind in the world, will be launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves at a visit to a school today in Wigan, hosted by the charity AllChild.

It could fund providing support in schools to improve attendance and behaviour, intervening to free children from a life of crime, and offering employment support to secure their futures.

By investing in early support to tackle challenges like school absence, addiction and re-offending, the fund will help give children the stability and opportunity they need to thrive – delivering on a key part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life.

It comes ahead of the government hosting the first Civil Society Summit this week, where the government will set out a comprehensive plan on how this government will partner with experts from outside the traditional corridors of power to create solutions that work for real people – all through the principles of fairness, collaboration and trust.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “I got into politics to help children facing the toughest challenges. This fund will give hundreds of thousands of children, young people and their families a better chance. 

“For too long, these children have been overlooked. Our Plan for Change will break down barriers to opportunity and give them the best start in life.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This groundbreaking Better Futures Fund represents a major step in partnering with the impact economy, which has long played an important role in strengthening communities and driving inclusive growth.

“As part of the Plan for Change, we’re bringing together government, local authorities, charities, social enterprises and philanthropists to create a powerful alliance that will transform the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

“We owe them the best start in life. Together we will break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring those who need support most aren’t left behind and have the chance to reach their potential.”

Social Outcomes Partnerships have already been used with success across the UK, with over 180 commissioners using the model across the country. The Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (GMBOP), for example, works with young adults in the Greater Manchester area who are at risk of homelessness.

AllChild’s projects have already halved persistent school absences, and 80% of children have improved emotional wellbeing. Other programmes like the Skill Mill offer paid work experience and qualifications, reducing reconviction rates from 63% typically to 8% and three quarters of those in the programme progress to further employment, education or training.

This fund is a big step in the government’s work with the impact economy – unlocking extra resources from philanthropy, social investors and businesses to tackle urgent social challenges. Today’s announcement comes as the government’s Child Poverty Strategy is to be published in autumn to ensure it delivers fully funded measures that tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty across the UK.

The launch is backed today by groups including Save the Children UK, The King’s Trust and Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.

Today’s announcement is informed by consultation with the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group and other representatives from civil society, purpose-driven business, and local government.

Over the coming months the UK Government will build on this and develop a strategic approach to working with the impact economy, who have long played an important role across the UK economy in unlocking innovation, driving inclusive growth and strengthening community resilience.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: “Partnering with impact capital to tackle child poverty was a personal priority for me coming into government – which is why I set up the Social Impact Investment Advisory Group to advise on the development of this brilliant fund, which we’ve been delighted to support as a government.

“I’d like to thank Dame Elizabeth Corley for chairing the group and all the members for their hard work.”

Louisa Mitchell MBE, Chief Executive Officer, AllChild said: “I warmly welcome the government’s Better Futures Fund as a pivotal step toward transforming how we support children and families across the country.

“It’s vital that children engage with the right support and opportunities, at the right time, in the right way. Holistic support that is rooted in each child’s local community, builds on their strengths, and places trust and relationships at the heart of delivery.

“I hope this fund will be a catalyst for a new way of working – one which prioritises prevention, shared accountability for locally identified outcomes, and genuine cross-sector partnerships. This is how we can ensure every child no matter where they live has the support and opportunities they need to flourish.”

Richard Rigby, Head of UK Government Affairs, The King’s Trust said: “At The King’s Trust, we know that timely support can change the course of a young person’s life. Potential is everywhere but opportunity is not.

“The Better Futures Fund is an investment in the potential of young people who are too often left behind. We welcome this commitment to early intervention and collaboration with organisations like ours to tackle inequalities and help young people build brighter, more secure futures.

“By getting behind young people, we can all help to make the UK a healthier, wealthier, more positive and cohesive place.” 

Further details on the fund will be set out in due course. It will be delivered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Center Parcs submit planning application for Borders site

We’re excited to announce that we’ve officially submitted our planning application for a brand-new Center Parcs village in Scotland!💚

Over the past 8 months, we’ve met with nearly 1,000 local people, hosted numerous public drop-in events, and listened closely to feedback.

What could be in store for Scotland:

Up to 700 lodges.🌲

The iconic Subtropical Swimming Paradise. 🌊

A wonderful Aqua Sana Forest Spa. 🌿

Delicious dining and a wide range of activities.

Growing our own forest by planting thousands of native trees.

Up to 1,200 jobs which will be mainly filled by local people. 🙌

Find out more and stay up to date with the project here 👉

https://brnw.ch/21wU66q

Scran Academy launches new youth-led café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People

North Edinburgh-based social enterprise Scran Academy has announced the official opening of its exciting new youth empowerment café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) – the New Sick Kids.  

Scran Academy is an Edinburgh youth work social enterprise on a mission to help young people realise their full potential in learning, work and life. Set within the Edinburgh children’s hospital, the new Scran Café is a key milestone in its drive to open doors for young people in the region.  

Building on four successful years running a popular café at NHS Lothian’s Comely Bank site, Scran Academy’s new café at RHCYP will provide employment and support for dozens of young people across Lothian, giving them opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and grow in confidence within a supportive work environment.

Initially employing six young people, the site will also provide a platform for hundreds of work placements and paid jobs. 

The RHCYP offers world-class healthcare facilities for children and adults both locally and nationally with 600,000 staff, patients and visitors coming through its doors every year. 

The bright youth-led space at Scran Café has been thoughtfully designed to offer a calm and comforting environment for both patients and their families navigating a hospital stay as well as staff taking a break from a busy shift. 

Commenting on the opening, Will Bain, CEO of Scran Academy said: “Getting the keys to our Scran Café at the RHCYP is such huge step for us! We’ve got big plans to make this a brilliant, buzzing youth-led hub that brings young people’s voices and choices to life. 

“Over the next 3 years our café at the RHCYP will provide work and training for over two hundred young staff and volunteers. Every one of these young people will access the opportunities, relationships and experiences needed to help them build their own futures.  

 “We’ve demonstrated our model through our partnership with NHS Lothian in the Comely Bank Centre, where we see dozens of young people step out of their café experiences proud, capable and ready for what’s next. Now we are ready to step it up a gear – and we are so excited to be doing it at the RHCYP, one of the most important places in our city.” 

Aris Tyrothoulakis, Service Director for Women’s and Children’s at NHS Lothian said: ”We are thrilled to be welcoming Scran Café to RHCYP this summer. For our hard-working teams, patients and families alike, the new café will offer a bright and welcoming space to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the hospital.  

“NHS Lothian is proud to be an Anchor Institution. Our mission to deliver world class health and social care is complemented by our desire to make our buildings and service delivery work in ways that support community wealth building and stable, secure employment.

“Building on our partnership with Scran Academy’s successful café at our Comely Bank site, we look forward to working together to increase access to fair work opportunities for young people in the region.” 

Councillor Jane Meagher said “What makes Scran and this cafe unique, is that they really live the principle that every young person has the potential, and the power, to thrive when given the right support. The young staff team here today are shaping their own futures. 

“This is exactly the kind of innovative model we want to champion in Edinburgh, where employability goes hand-in-hand with wellbeing, and where young people are supported not just to work, but to feel happy, valued and confident while doing so. 

“I am especially proud to know that Scran is fully integrated into the Council’s Accredited Pathways Framework for Schools, which means they are a key delivery partner in offering meaningful learning routes that equips young people right across Edinburgh with real-life experience, accredited training, and a strong sense of purpose.” 

Island Games come to Scotland

Games are part of a four-year pipeline of major events

The largest event ever hosted in Orkney begins today, as part of four years of international sport in Scotland which are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors and provide a significant economic boost.

Orkney is welcoming more than 1,600 athletes from 24 island groups for the 20th International Island Games, which run until 18 July. Orkney is the smallest island group to ever host the Games and competitors have come from as far afield as the Falklands, the Cayman Islands, Saaremaa in Estonia and Åland in Finland.

It is the first of a series of high-profile sporting events being hosted in Scotland, which include this weekend’s Genesis Scottish Open, the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2027 Grand Départ of the Tour de France, the 2027 Open Championship and the 2028 UEFA European football championships.

The Scottish Government invests in major events to maximise local and national economic benefits. At the end of 2024, it was revealed that the last Open Championship in Scotland added more than £300 million to the economy, highlighting the scale of opportunity for the next four years.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Orkney Island Games represent a significant opportunity to drive economic growth and build a lasting legacy for people and businesses in Orkney and beyond.

“They also provide a taste of what is to come and illustrate our wider ambition to make sure every corner of Scotland benefits from the prestigious events we are increasingly able to attract.  

“This is a team effort and the benefits go way beyond the events themselves. The global platform they provide enables us to highlight Scotland to tourists, businesses and potential inward investors across the world.”

Information about the Orkney 2025 International Island Games is available online.

AUGB: Kind of Blue

An evening of good music and good company to raise funds for Ukraine.

As we approach 3.5 years of war against Ukraine we are holding an evening of good music to raise much-needed funds.

All for only £10. Please come along and bring your friends.

Register via the link below:

https://buytickets.at/associationofukrainiansingr…/1766067

We hope to see many of you there.