NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is urging people to mark International Self-Care Day by thinking carefully about how they can take care of their own health and wellbeing.
Self-care is anything we do to keep ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy. It could be something as simple as taking a walk, eating healthily or spending time with friends.
International Self-Care Day is observed every year on the 24th of July to underscore the role of self-care as a “24/7” consideration in preventing illness, managing chronic conditions, improving mental health, and helping to support the NHS.
Beatrix Von Wissmann, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Self-care is one of the simplest and most effective ways people can help themselves while also supporting the NHS.
“We often view self-care as a ‘luxury’ and it’s usually the first thing to go when our life or work gets busy, demanding and challenging. However, if we don’t practice and prioritise self-care, we risk our well-being and invite burnout.
“Being active, having a healthy diet and planning ahead are all small steps that can make a huge difference.”
Here are a few simple ways to take care of yourself, and support the NHS:
Get active: Do what works for you. A gentle walk, wheel or some exercise can get you out in nature and fresh air, simple steps that are proven to lift your spirits and boost your physical health.
Eat a balanced diet: Healthy eating is essential for maintaining overall wellbeing. You can find advice here.
Find support: Our dedicated mental health app can help you recognise and manage triggers, be aware of your symptoms, and discover tips for managing your mental health and wellbeing, including sleep, breathing exercises, eating healthy food or starting a new routine.
Quit smoking: You can get support to stop smoking through the Quit Your Way service.
Get the right help when you need it: Getting the right help, from the right place, at the right time is one of the best things we can all do to look after ourselves and to help ease the pressure on the NHS. By doing this, people help us to prioritise care for the most urgent and life-threatening cases, while also being more convenient and simpler for you. Every community pharmacy in Scotland provides the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, which offers advice, support and treatment for a range of minor ailments from coughs and colds to earache and heartburn. Anyone can walk in and be seen by a qualified member of the pharmacy team, with no appointment necessary.
Get ready: Here are some common treatments and can be useful to have to hand to treat minor symptoms. If you are unsure about symptoms or have concerns or questions about taking any treatment, please speak to your local community pharmacist:
Painkillers – paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets for headaches, pain or fever.
Antiseptic cream – to help clean minor cuts and abrasions.
Plasters and bandages – having a small selection to hand will help with a range of cuts and scrapes.
Antihistamines – to treat mild allergic reactions and hay fever.
Practice good hand hygiene to stop the spread of infection.
Choosing self-care where appropriate helps to support a sustainable NHS for everyone. For further information about prioritising self-care, you can download more tips here.
For urgent conditions which are not life-threatening, we would ask people to contact NHS 24 on 111. They will ensure you are referred to the most appropriate service for your condition, which could include a Minor Injuries Unit or our Virtual A&E.
Help is also available in the community, with GPs, pharmacies, dentists and opticians providing a range of services. Accessing the right care is as easy as ABC:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist, or optician offer a range of services.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
Please remember, if you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
For more information on accessing the care you need, please go to:
Children in police custody in Glasgow are being offered confidential support from Childline as part of a new initiative.
The project, being run by the NSPCC, the children’s charity which delivers Childline, and Police Scotland, provides children in custody with information about the support service and offers them the chance to talk confidentially to a counsellor.
Young people who find themselves in custody in Glasgow are being offered to call Childline, where experienced counsellors can give them advice and emotional support in a confidential setting. This is to help the young person through a difficult time and try to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
During the 10-week pilot period in Glasgow, 97% of the 107 young people brought into custody accepted the Childline leaflet.
The initiative was originally launched in Merseyside in September 2023, before being rolled out in Cheshire in March 2024.
Approximately 2,500 young people aged 10 to 17 and 1,000 18-year-olds in Merseyside and Cheshire have been told about the support available from Childline or seen a poster or leaflet with information about Childline.
Being taken into police custody can be a frightening experience for young people, and many of those who have contacted Childline told counsellors they felt scared and alone.
One 14-year-old told Childline*: “I’m in police custody again after arguing with my parents. It got violent, and they called the police. I’ll be released soon and I’m too scared to go home but I can’t leave my siblings there without my protection. Can you help me?”
An 18-year-old said*: “It’s not my first time in custody and one of the hard things is it reminds you how alone you are. I was meant to speak to my young person’s advisor today but missed it because I’m in here. She’s all I have, and I know she’s so close on giving up on me. I know I’m not coping and need options, but I don’t have anyone else to turn to.”
The idea for the scheme came from Deborah Rigby, a retired Merseyside police officer, who is now a supervisor at Childline in Liverpool.
Through her work she realised that many young people who came into custody would benefit from the support that Childline offered. She approached Merseyside Police, and they saw the potential in a collaboration with Childline, then they worked together to make it happen.
When a young person comes into custody, they are given the opportunity to receive emotional support, but they do not always take it because the offer has come from the police. This often results in young people being released without receiving the additional support they may need.
Assistant Chief Constable for Police Scotland Criminal Justice Services Division, Wendy Middleton said: “We welcome this initiative which has been providing additional support to young people who come into custody in Glasgow. We look forward to rolling this out nationally and ensuring that the same support is available across Scotland.
“We acknowledge that police custody can be a daunting and traumatic experience, particularly for children and young people. It is important that they can speak to someone in confidence who can listen to them and potentially help to address wider problems that they are experiencing. Childline is a valuable partner in this regard.”
Adeniyi Alade, NSPCC Scotland Helplines Service Head, who is based at the Childline call centre in Aberdeen, said:“This partnership allows us to reach young people who may feel vulnerable and need someone to talk to for advice at what might be a very difficult time. There are many reasons a young person comes to be in police custody and it’s important they are given all the support they need.
“While we are working with the police, the support we offer young people will be completely confidential. As with all calls to Childline, our support will be independent, and the police will not be made aware of it.”
During the pilot period, children and young people up to the age of 17 brought into police custody were offered a call with a Childline counsellor.
It is hoped that the initiative will be rolled out across Scotland after the NSPCC has assessed its impact in Glasgow.
The police custody centre at London Road, Glasgow, includes six cells which have been modified and decorated to improve the environment when children are detained. Cells have been painted with murals and have chalkboards, jigsaw puzzles, soft toys, books and posters to create a calming experience during a stressful time.
In addition, London Road has a separate discrete charge area with a lower height charge bar for processing children and young people, and other vulnerable detainees.
The transformation of London Road custody centre has acted as a pilot for the modernisation of several other children’s custody suites, which includes Police Scotland’s primary custody facility for Glasgow in Cathcart.
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk.
Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
What impact would a Commissioner for Older People have on Scotland? That is the question a Scottish Parliament committee is exploring as it considers proposals from Colin Smyth MSP.
The Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill aims to give people over the age of 60 a representative who would be tasked with promoting and safeguarding their rights and interests.
Colin Smyth’s Bill proposes that the Commissioner would be responsible for promoting awareness and understanding of older people’s rights, reviewing law, policy and practice as it relates to older people and undertaking research on matters relating to older people.
The proposals share some similarities with the role of the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland, which was established by the Scottish Parliament following a Committee Bill in 2003.
The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee has launched a call for views to find out what people think of the proposal. As part of its consideration, the Committee will also be reflecting on a recently published report that recommended against the creation of more commissioners.
Older people and carers are among the groups whose views the Committee would like to hear as it seeks views on the proposed Commissioner’s role and responsibilities, the age range covered by their remit and how to avoid any duplication with the work undertaken by other commissioners or public bodies.
The call for views will be open until Friday 12 September 2025. The Committee is then expected to hold public evidence sessions on the Bill towards the end of Autumn.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, said: “Over recent decades there has been significant growth in the number of older people living in Scotland, so, in our consideration of this Bill, we’re keen to understand whether having a Commissioner could help address the needs of an aging population.
“In opening this call for views we’d like to hear what older people think of the proposals. We’re also keen to hear the views of carers, Scotland’s third sector, public bodies and anyone with an interest in the proposal.
“Whether you think that a Commissioner would be a great idea or would like to propose another way that older people might have their views considered, we’re keen to hear from you.”
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre is marking the 20th anniversary of its beloved giraffe sculpture, Dreaming Spires, with a line-up of colourful celebrations, including playful party hats, exciting giveaways and a creative community initiative.
Created in 2005 by renowned Scottish artist Helen Denerley, the towering giraffes – affectionately named Martha and Gilbert – have become more than just a striking piece of public art.
Sculpted entirely from scrap metal, they were designed to inspire imagination, spark conversation, and encourage people to look ahead and think big. Over the years, they’ve also become a beloved local landmark and a natural meeting point for friends, families, and visitors alike.
This enduring role as a gathering place has inspired OMNi’s recent brand refresh and new tagline: ‘Let’s Meet at OMNi’. As the centre undergoes a £5 million refurbishment, the giraffes remain a symbol of creativity, connection and community – values that are central to OMNi’s vision for the future.
To kick-start the celebrations, OMNi has adorned the giraffes with colourful party hats complete with playful tassels, just in time for the buzz of Edinburgh Fringe. A new information stand beside the sculpture invites visitors to learn about the giraffes’ story and their place in the city’s cultural fabric.
Eilidh Parker, OMNi Deputy Centre Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate Dreaming Spires’ 20th Anniversary during this exciting time of transformation.
“As OMNi’s refurbishment gets underway, we’re full of anticipation and excitement for what’s ahead. Huge thanks to our partners at Edinburgh Zoo and Helen Denerley for making this moment memorable.
“Here’s to the next 20 years of growth, creativity and collaboration.”
From today, 23 July, OMNi will launch a 4-week social media competition with four Vue cinema tickets, four sets of Edinburgh Zoo tickets and giraffe plush toys up for grabs each week, courtesy of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the wildlife conservation charity which runs the zoo.
A local primary school initiative in August will round off the celebrations with a design project co-created with Helen Denerley and RZSS.
Helen Denerley, Dreaming Spires Sculptor and Scottish Artist, said: “When I was invited to tender for a sculpture at the Omni Centre, the brief was to relate to the history of the site. I decided it would be more fun and interesting to look forward to our future and aspirations, rather than dwelling on the past.
“I always hoped that the giraffes would create their own history, and twenty years on I am delighted to see how much they have been taken to heart by locals and visitors alike.”
Continuing the momentum, OMNi has also announced a 12-month corporate partnership with the wildlife charity to support conservation efforts at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. As part of this collaboration, OMNi is adopting a resident giraffe at the Zoo – further cementing its commitment to wildlife, education, and community engagement.
Phillip Mathis, Learning Manager at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that OMNi has committed to supporting our wildlife conservation charity over the coming year.
“This partnership will not only shine a light on our mission to create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved, but also inspire young people across Edinburgh to think creatively about how they can help wildlife in their everyday lives, recognising the cultural importance of our sites.
“With the exciting design project launching later this summer, we can’t wait to see the incredible ideas local primary schools will bring to life.”
The anniversary celebrations coincide with OMNi’s transformation into a more vibrant, welcoming space. While the refurbishment is underway, OMNi and its brands remain open and fully accessible. Visitors can follow progress and updates via OMNi’s website and social media channels.
OMNi is open 6am – 1am, Monday to Sunday. Individual brand opening times may vary, including Bank Holidays.
More than 180 artists featured in Scotland’s biggest contemporary art and craft market
Scotland’s biggest contemporary art and craft market is set to debut this August at Dalkeith Palace and Country Park.
With 110 stalls and over 180 artists and makers, spanning both the grounds of Dalkeith Country Park and interior of Dalkeith Palace, Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) will showcase a wide range of exciting pieces across from across Scotland.
Part of VAS’s expansion into large-scale art fairs and market events, this landmark event marks the first time VAS has ventured beyond its renowned programme of exhibitions, residencies and awards since launching over 100 years ago.
In addition to maker stalls, the event includes Inches Carr Craft Award interim show, 30×30 affordable art show, VAS graduate showcase and micro exhibitions.
Highlights include:
110 contemporary maker stalls across two floors and the grounds of Dalkeith Palace.
Craft graduate exhibition featuring current work by Rosina Payan Pecorelli (ECA), Isabel Honey Coles (ECA), Duoduo Lin (GCA), Tina Avery (GSA), Morven Aird (DJCAD), Ella Hamilton (DJCAD) and Katie Buchanan (DJCAD).
Inches Carr Craft Award Finalists exhibition featuring Felicity Bristow, Scott Smith, Erin McQuarrie, Richard Goldsworthy, Jennifer Alford, Charles Young, Lynne Hocking, Hannah Keddie and Carol Sinclair.
30x30cm affordable artwork exhibition (under £250) from 100 Visual Arts Scotland members including Jack Conkie, Laura Gressani, Yasmeen Kahn, Judith Shaylor and Genevieve Draper.
Work from across the visual art and contemporary craft spectrum including jewellery, silverware, ceramics, contemporary art, painting, printmaking, cards, sculpture, furniture, photography, homewares, stained glass and textiles.
Tavienne Bridgwater, VAS President said: “We are thrilled to bring Scotland’s biggest artist and maker market to Dalkeith Palace and Country Park next month.
“Having championed craftspeople, makers, designers and contemporary arts practitioners for more than 100 years, this event comes at an exciting time in VAS’s evolution, enabling us to showcase even more innovative work from across Scotland.”
If you are looking to escape the Edinburgh Festivals for a day, why not head to Dalkeith Palace and Country Park where you can explore and buy art, meet makers and enjoy curated exhibitions just seven miles from Edinburgh!
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin has written to Steve Reed calling for a retraction of comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.
The text of Ms Martin’s letter in full:
To: Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP
From: Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin
Dear Steve,
Independent Water Commission
I am writing following the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, and to request that you retract inaccurate and misleading comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.
The Commission’s report notes that 66% of Scotland’s water bodies are of good ecological status as compared with 16.1% in England and 29.9% in Wales. Whilst we of course need to be careful how these figures are used, as they are not calculated on the same basis, it is clear that Scotland has a higher performance.
The report correctly points out that this is, in part, due to population density. However, it is also worth reflecting that much of the improvement is due to significant investment in the water industry to reduce pollution driven by Scottish Water and SEPA and efforts made by SEPA to address pollution from other sources such as agriculture.
I was therefore extremely disappointed to hear you make inaccurate and misleading comments regarding performance in Scotland and to dismiss out of hand the value of public ownership of a key asset like water.
During a Channel 4 News interview last night, when asked about public ownership, you stated:
“In any case, it is not guaranteed to work…and we know that from looking north of the border where, in Scotland, they have a nationalised water company but pollution levels in Scotland are worse than they are in England.”
Leaving aside my slight confusion at a Minister in the United Kingdom government referring to Scotland as ‘they’, I cannot understand how you could make such an inaccurate comment when the very report that you were on the programme to discuss clearly states the opposite.
Your comments sought also to undermine the idea of public ownership in the minds of voters, yet this is clearly what the people of Scotland continue to want. Indeed, it is the very fact of that public ownership and control which has allowed us to keep water bills lower for people, compared to what people with privatised water supplies in England have to pay.
While there is clearly more to do, 87% of Scotland’s entire water environment is assessed by SEPA as having a ‘high’ or ‘good’ classification for water quality – up from 82% in 2014. That is also, in part, due to water being a publicly owned asset, allowing for investment without shareholder returns or the pressure to make profits.
I am therefore asking that you acknowledge that your comments were inaccurate, that you apologise publicly for making them and seek to correct them.
The Commission’s report makes a number of recommendations which may have cross-UK impacts or opportunities which I would welcome further engagement across the four Nations.
I hope this can be done in an attitude of mutual understanding about the collective challenges we face – but also with a clear understanding of what delivers the best outcomes for the public.
Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, has launched 72 new badges offering even more amazing opportunities for girls aged 4-18 to grow in confidence, learn new skills, have fun and adventure, and to know they can do anything.
To help launch this exciting new project, broadcaster and presenter, Angellica Bell has come on board as Girlguiding ambassador. An active voice in the youth sector, the ex-CBBC presenter is dedicated to inspiring the younger generation and helping girls tackle the many challenges they face, all while having fun and adventures along the way.
Among the new badges, Rainbows (age 4-7) can giggle their way towards completing the Laughter badge; Brownies (age 7-10) might share the love for the Kindness badge; Guides (age 10-14) can creepy crawl their way closer to the Entomology badge; and Rangers (age 14-18) will be waxing lyrical about their favourite things with the Fandoms badge.
The 72 new badges were co-designed by more than 20,000 people including over 15,000 girls. Over 4,000 badge design ideas were submitted by girls and volunteers, and 11,000 girls from 753 Girlguiding units across the UK helped to test out the badge activities.
The badge activities were developed with Girlguiding’s youth panel Amplify, which is made up of 30 girls aged 12-18, and seven expert partners: The Royal Horticultural Society (Rangers – Gardening); Children’s Book Project (Guides – Bookworm); University of Reading (Rainbows – Laughter and Courage; Guides – Journalling); Wildwood Trust (Guides – Biodiversity); Bletchley Park (Codebreaking – Guides); the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (Rangers – Guiding world); and Wellbeing of Women (Rangers – My health).
The development of new, and the evolution of existing badges was a response to girls’ requests to add even more choice to the Girlguiding programme given the popularity of the first wave of overhauled badges released in 2018, with a phenomenal 1,551,087 completed across all four Girlguiding sections since then(1).
Coming on board as Girlguiding Ambassador to support the launch of the new badges, broadcaster and presenter, Angellica Bell said:“It was a real blast trying out the new badges with Girlguiding members.
“I know firsthand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside of school to educate but also have fun! As someone who thrives on challenges and is passionate about ensuring girls’ voices are heard, I feel extremely excited be joining Girlguiding as an ambassador.
“Girlguiding offers a safe and welcoming space for all girls, and I am so impressed by the work they do to build girls’ confidence and wellbeing, whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny.
“In a world where the voices of girls and young women are not always fairly heard, I am proud to stand alongside Girlguiding and will be using my voice to speak up for equality and to show that girls can do anything. Bring on the adventures!”
Fresh from her recent appearances presenting BBC One’s coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and as a Celebrity Big Brother housemate, Angellica will bring her adventurous, empowering, and inspiring spirit to the role of Girlguiding Ambassador.
As a trusted voice in broadcast, Angellica will help Girlguiding reach more girls by using her voice to amplify its work in making the world a more equal place for girls.
Girlguiding strives to be a place where everyone is welcome, is free to be themselves and has an equal sense of belonging – whoever they are and wherever they’re from. She will also bring her infectious high energy into supporting girls to have adventures and to break barriers by following their dreams, as she herself has.
Amanda Azeez, Girlguiding Acting CEO said:“The launch of these new badges is a huge moment for Girlguiding. They’ve been designed by girls, for girls which is so important to make sure we are staying relevant to girls’ wants and needs.
“The response from girls and volunteers during the consultation process was incredible and really inspiring. My personal favourite is the Bee rescuer badge for Rainbows – I just love it!
“There’s something for everyone among the new badges and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact these activities have on girls, building their confidence and helping them know they can do anything.”
Fatima, 18, from Girlguiding’s Amplify panel said:“I’m so excited for the launch because these badges reflect the real passions and interests’ girls have today and shows that Girlguiding is always evolving with us.
“Being part of the consultation showed that Girlguiding genuinely cares about what girls think and want. It’s empowering to know our voices help shape what guiding looks like for the future!”
Badges that have never been seen before in Girlguiding’s 115-year history include:
Interior designer: This badge will see Guides planning designing, and decorating. They will discover the skills to transform spaces and let their creativity run wild
Courage:
Rainbows will learn to find their courage and know that trying new things doesn’t have to be scary.
Food critic:
Guides will embrace their inner critic to discover which flavours and foods make their heart sing, and which aren’t their thing.
Calm spaces:
Rangers will find some inner peace and unwind. They will discover what makes them relaxed and create their own calm space.
This year, Girlguiding launched a new strategy to reach more girls where they are, building their confidence when they need it the most, so more girls will know they can do anything. Girlguiding’s programme provides girls and women with the opportunity to learn invaluable skills in the welcoming fun and supportive environment Girlguiding provides. Recent impact research found girls aged 11-18 in guiding to be on average, 28% more confident and 15% happier than UK girls.(2)
As of 20 June 2025, 1,551,087 interest badges have been completed on the new programme
We are excited to announce that The Pitt will be hosting the Brick Journeys LEGO Exhibition this August!
This captivating exhibition promises to inspire creativity and wonder, showcasing intricate LEGO creations from the talented Warren Elsmore.
We are offering special group bookings at a discounted rate for nurseries and schools.
Details of the Exhibition:
Exhibition Name: Brick Journeys
Location: The Pitt Venue
Dates: 31 July – 24 August (For the first week 31 July – 10 August we are open everyday) after this we will be open Thursday – Sundays
Special Group Rate: For every 2 children, 1 adult can enter for free. Child tickets are £4.50. If there is a group of 10 or more children, we will apply for a further discount. Please note we do also have quiet sessions.
Millions of people could benefit from a more secure retirement as the UK Government revives the landmark Pensions Commission to examine why tomorrow’s pensioners are on track to be poorer than today’s and make recommendations for change.
Without action tomorrow’s retirees are on track to be poorer than today’s.
Almost half of working-age adults are still saving nothing with low earners, some ethnic minorities and the self-employed least likely to be pension saving.
Revived Pension Commission will consider the long-term future of our pensions system to make today’s workers better off in retirement.
Millions of people could benefit from a more secure retirement as the Government revives the Pensions Commission to examine why tomorrow’s pensioners are on track to be poorer than today’s and make recommendations for change.
The Commission of 2006 was a huge success, building a consensus for the roll-out of Automatic Enrolment into pension saving that means 88% of eligible employees are now saving, up from 55% in 2012.
However, new analysis shows that there is more to do with the incomes of retirees set to fall over the next few decades if nothing changes:
Retirees in 2050 are on course for £800 or 8% less private pension income than those retiring today.
4-in-10 or nearly 15 million people are undersaving for retirement.
This partly reflects too many working age adults (45%) saving nothing at all into a pension, with lower earners, the self-employed and some ethnic minorities particularly at risk:
Over 3 million self-employed are not saving into a pension.
Only 1-in-4 low earners in the private sector are saving into a pension.
Just 1-in-4 of those from a Pakistani or Bangladeshi background are saving.
New analysis also reveals a stark a 48% gender pensions gap in private pension wealth between women and men. A typical woman currently approaching retirement can expect a private pension income worth over £5,000 less than that of a typical man (just over £100 per week for a woman compared to just over £200 a week for a man).
While the introduction of Automatic Enrolment increased the numbers saving, saving levels have often remained low. Around 1-in-2 workers in the private sector only save around the minimum contribution level (8% or less of earnings).
So the Government has announced it will revive the landmark Pension Commission two decades on, to address these stark findings.
The relaunched Commission will explore the complex barriers stopping people from saving enough for retirement, with its final report due in 2027. It will examine the pension system as a whole and look at what is required to build a future-proof pensions system that is strong, fair and sustainable.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “People deserve to know that they will have a decent income in retirement – with all the security, dignity and freedom that brings. But the truth is, that is not the reality facing many people, especially if you’re low paid, or self-employed.
“The Pensions Commission laid the groundwork, and now, two decades later, we are reviving it to tackle the barriers that stop too many saving in the first place.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “We’re making pensions work for Britain.
“The Pension Schemes Bill and the creation of pension megafunds mean an average earner could get a £29,000 boost to their pension pots. Now we are going further to ensure that people can look forward to a comfortable retirement.”
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “The original Pensions Commission helped get pension saving up and pensioner poverty down. But if we carry on as we are, tomorrow’s retirees risk being poorer than today’s.
“So we are reviving the Pensions Commission to finish the job and give today’s workers secure retirements to look forward to.”
Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the Confederation of British Industry said: “The only route to higher living standards both in work and in retirement is through higher growth, productivity and better savings.
“As we look to the next decade and beyond, finding a consensus across business, government and our society on how to support people to save by building on the Mansion House reforms can create a pathway to a better future.
“Taking the time to review the best pathway to achieve this, whilst pursuing broader measures to support growth, will be needed to make it affordable for employers and workers and crucial to the aim of rising living standards, now and in retirement.”
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress said: “Everyone deserves dignity and security in retirement, but right now many workers – especially those in the private sector – will find themselves without enough to get by on.
“Far too many people won’t have enough pension for a decent retirement, and too many – especially women, BME and disabled workers and the self employed – are shut out of the workplace pension system all together.
“That’s why reviving the Pensions Commission – bringing together unions, employers and independent experts – is a vital step forward. Twenty years ago the Pension Commission played a key role in bringing millions more people into workplace pensions and reducing the risks of pensioner poverty.
“We now have a chance to build on that work by reaching a long-term consensus on extending auto-enrolment to those workers still missing out, and making sure that this system delivers the decent retirement incomes all workers need.”
Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which? said: “Which? research has found that many consumers are concerned that they won’t have the money they need for a comfortable retirement, so it is encouraging to see the government take steps to reverse this trend.
“For some consumers, the idea of contributing more money into their pension pot is both daunting and unmanageable, so it is crucial that this review looks in depth at the challenges savers face, and Which? looks forward to working with the government towards long-term reform of the industry.”
The Pensions Commission will be made up of Baroness Jeannie Drake (a member of the original Commission), Sir Ian Cheshire and Professor Nick Pearce, who will be responsible for steering its work. Drawing on the success of the original Pension Commission in building a national consensus, they will work closely with stakeholders such as the Confederation of British Industry and the Trades Union Congress.
The Commission will make proposals for change beyond the current parliament to deliver a pensions framework that is strong, fair and sustainable. It will build on the Investment Review and Pension Schemes Bill – both of which ensures that people’s savings are working hard to support them in retirement.
Alongside the Commission, the Government has, as required by law, also launched the State Pension Age Review, commissioning two independent reports for Government to consider when deciding the State Pension age for future decades:
Dr Suzy Morrissey will report on factors government should consider relating to State Pension age.
The Government Actuary’s Department will prepare a report on the proportion of adult life in retirement.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director of Age UK said: “We warmly welcome the Pensions Review, which has the potential to lay the foundations for a system of retirement saving that’s fit for the future.
“If we’re to avoid future generations of pensioners experiencing financial hardship, we need reforms that enable more people to build a decent standard of living, and we need them sooner rather than later to maximise the numbers who can be helped.
“Income for pensioners in the UK is based around both State and private pensions working together to help people enjoy a decent lifestyle once retired. The current system of saving has some significant gaps which have left many current pensioners struggling to make ends meet.
“Hopefully this can be avoided in future and particularly disadvantaged groups, including low-paid women and self-employed people on low incomes, can be helped to put money aside when appropriate for them to do so.
“There’s no getting away from the fact that the State Pension provides the bulk of retirement income for most pensioners, with 1.1million (13%) receiving all their income from the State.
“It’s therefore hugely important to consider the future of the State Pension alongside the role of private savings, as only once this is clear will it be possible to say with any accuracy how much people need to put aside to attain a decent standard of living once they retire.
“We look forward to working with the Government and the reviewers in the months to come.”
Jonny Haseldine, Head of Corporate Governance and Business Environment Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: Too few people are saving enough for retirement, affecting millions of employees and the firms we represent. Businesses want to help their staff make the right decisions for their financial futures.
“We welcome the launch of the new Pensions Commission – which is a timely and necessary next step from the original Commission over two decades ago.
“It is essential we have a pensions system that supports both employees to build up savings and employers in managing costs. That’s even more crucial in the current economic climate.
“We also welcome the reiterated commitment that employer contribution rates won’t be increased during this parliament. Any future rises in minimum contributions must be gradual and paused if economic conditions worsen, giving business time to adjust to increased costs.”
Jon Richards, General Secretary of UNISON said: “Every worker needs a pension they can rely upon in their old age. No one should be plunged into poverty when they retire.
“Any initiative that enhances current provision would be a good thing, especially moves to improve equality between men and women.
“With more pensioners falling into poverty as time goes by, it’s vital the commission works quickly.”
António Simões, CEO of Legal and General said: “Saving enough for retirement isn’t just important, it’s urgent to securing individual futures and building a more prosperous society.
“To do this we must tackle adequacy – we need people to be able to contribute the right amount from the first pound they earn, and to build a pot that is invested in assets that will generate returns to support them in later life.
“That’s why the launch of the new Pensions Commission matters. Whether that is gradually increasing minimum auto-enrolment contribution rates or making it easier to access private market investments, like L&G has delivered through its Private Markets Access Fund, it is time to break down the barriers to building a retirement pot that are faced by millions across the country.”
Miles Celic OBE, Chief Executive Officer of The CityUK said: “The Pensions Adequacy Review is another positive step in reforming pensions investment.
“Auto-enrolment has been a policy success, bringing millions into retirement saving, but further action is needed to ensure pension savings are adequate to provide an appropriate level of income for our ageing population.
“Total contributions will have to rise if we are to emulate the successes of, for example, Australia and Canada. This will involve difficult political choices alongside technical changes to policy and regulation, so it is right the appointees to the Commission consider the options thoroughly and, crucially, that they also draw on the industry’s significant expertise.”
Steve Webb, Partner at LCP said: “The first Pensions Commission changed the UK pensions landscape and started the process of reform by getting millions of employees saving for the first time.
“But much work remains to be done, and this new Commission will have to consider reforms against a much more challenging backdrop.
“The Government has selected people who are widely respected in the world of business, the trade union movement and academia, who will be well placed to undertake this vital work, and I look forward to working with them constructively as they map out a new agenda for retirement saving.”
David Raw, Managing Director for Markets at UK Finance said: “We welcome efforts to help ensure people are saving enough to deliver a decent level of income in retirement.
“Boosting financial and pension literacy, continuing to encourage private pension holding, and building on the success of auto-enrolment are key to achieving this.
“Well-functioning capital markets play a key role in a successful pension system and UK Finance looks forward to continuing to work closely with government as it progresses its programme for capital markets and pension reform.”
Chira Barua, CEO of Scottish Widows and CEO of Insurance, Pensions & Investments, Lloyds Banking Group said: “We’ve been mapping trends in the UK’s retirement saving for 20 years and while automatic enrolment has been a gamechanger in kickstarting pensions saving for millions of workers, 39% (around 15 million) still risk facing poverty in retirement and action needs to be taken while there’s still time.
“Bringing all the right groups and the pensions industry together in this way made real progress last time, and we look forward to supporting the Commission in getting closer to cracking the pension crisis.”
