Self Assessment deadline looms: 65% surge in taxpayers paying via app

  • Almost 340,000 Self Assessment filers have already paid their tax bill using the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) app.
  •  It is quick and easy to pay via the HMRC app and set up payment reminders.
  • Taxpayers need to file their return and pay tax they owe by 31 January.

The number of people using the HMRC app to pay their Self Assessment tax bill has increased by nearly 65%.

Almost 340,000 people have used it to pay since 6 April 2025, an increase of 132,788 people compared to the same period last year.

Self Assessment customers need to file their tax return online for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and pay any tax owed by 31 January 2026. HMRC is encouraging those yet to start theirs, to go to GOV.UK and do it now. Anyone who misses the deadline could be subject to an automatic £100 penalty.

Filing tax returns ahead of the deadline means knowing how much tax to pay sooner. It is quick and easy to pay via the HMRC app and set up payment reminders to make sure the deadline isn’t missed.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “The Self Assessment deadline is less than one month away, and thousands of people have already paid their tax bill via the HMRC app. It is quick and easy to do, and you can also see your payment history.

“Search ‘download the HMRC app’ on GOV.UK to access the app and make your Self Assessment payment.” 

People unable to pay any tax owed in full may be able to set up a Time To Pay arrangement, if they meet the eligibility criteria and they owe less than £30,000.

Alternative options include paying directly through a bank account, direct debit or paying online via GOV.UK. A full list of payment options can be found on GOV.UK.

HMRC expects more than 12 million tax returns to be filed by the deadline. Those who miss the deadline will be issued with a penalty:

  • an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time 
  • after three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900 
  • after six months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater 
  • after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater 

There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, six months and 12 months. If tax remains unpaid after the deadline, interest will also be charged on the amount owed, in addition to the penalties above.

Customers who need assistance to complete their Self Assessment can access support and guidance online 24/7, including YouTube videos, webinars, digital assistant and step-by-step guidance covering different sections of a tax return. Most queries can be resolved online.  

Customers who need to speak to an adviser can call HMRC, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Phone lines close on Friday 30 January and reopen on Monday 2 February – after the deadline. For full phone support, contact HMRC before Friday 30 January. On Saturday 31 January, HMRC will offer webchat support through its Online Services Helpdesk.

The new High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) PAYE digital service means thousands of Child Benefit claimants who are only in Self Assessment to pay HICBC can choose to pay the charge back through their tax code.

Eligible customers can call HMRC before the filing deadline to say they want to be removed from Self Assessment to use the digital service. Where a tax return has already been filed, customers can choose to stop from the following tax year. HMRC will then amend their tax code and they will be registered to pay HICBC through PAYE.

Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating payment in Scotland, on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.

Self Assessment customers are sometimes targeted by criminals 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.

B-I-N-G-O!

Strachan House Care Home residents have a trip to Club 3000 Bingo

Residents and staff from Strachan House Care Home in Blackhall were in for a treat with a visit to the Club 3000 Bingo hall after residents asked to take their bingo skills out into the community.

Residents from the home were accompanied by the life enrichment staff team, they had an amazing time with 1 resident even winning one of the games bringing home £16. Ivy, one of the residents who hasn’t been to the bingo for many years said she was so excited to go and would love to go back.

Ivy refused to share her winnings with the team, sadly! 

General Manager, Fran Fisher said: “Our residents and staff had a wonderful time at the Bingo, it’s something we often play here particularly on our first-floor community so it was a real treat to go out and play with other members of the local community.

“We do our best to provide a wide range of activities and entertainment at Strachan House as part of the lifestyle enrichment programme for residents, and this was one of our favourites!”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing and dementia nursing care for  83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Strachan House has built up an excellent reputation within its local community for regularly holding events and activities for its residents and surrounding neighbours.

LifeCare announces January Activity Programme for all ages

LifeCare invites locals to get together with a packed programme this winter 

LifeCare Edinburgh is inviting local people to stay connected with a full programme of free and welcoming community activities at its thriving Community Hub in the heart of Stockbridge.

January can feel long and isolating, but LifeCare’s hub offers a warm, friendly space for people of all ages to come together. From relaxed social groups to creative and wellbeing activities, the charity’s timetable is designed to lift spirits and build connections during the winter months.

The popular Chatty Café runs every Monday from 11am–1pm, offering a relaxed space for anyone who fancies a blether and a cuppa. Tables are set aside specifically for people who want to meet others and enjoy friendly conversation. Join us next Mon 19th to help celebrate our Chatty Café’s 2nd birthday complete with a piece of cake!

Families are welcome at the Pop-Up Play Area for Under 5s, available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am–2pm, allowing parents and carers to relax in the café while children enjoy safe, fun play.

Creative types can join Craft in the Café on Tuesdays from 12.30–2.30pm. These informal sessions welcome knitters, crocheters and crafters of all abilities, with no need to book.

Wednesday afternoons from 1.45–3pm offer a Games Afternoon, with board games and puzzles including Scrabble, chess, dominoes and cards. The Community Natters discussion group will also be returning soon, with details to be announced.

At weekends, LifeCare’s Saturday Social runs from 12.30–3.30pm offering games, conversation and a hot lunch and drinks.

All these activities are provided for free thanks to our volunteers and funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

LifeCare also provides a range of free, accessible health and wellbeing activities for unpaid carers, supported by the Short Breaks Fund. Carers are welcome to bring along the person they care for.

For full details visit:

https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/2026/01/08/brighten-up-your-january-at-lifecare 

or call 0131 343 0940.

New campaign warns young drivers in Edinburgh that speed kills

“Real Roads Don’t Reset”, warns a powerful new gaming-themed campaign to tackle speeding among young drivers, launched today by the Scottish Government, Road Safety Scotland and Police Scotland. 

Around 1 in 5 newly qualified drivers are involved in a collision within the first year behind the wheel, while nearly 1 in 3 drivers killed while speeding are aged 16-25.

Spanning TV, streaming services, cinema, outdoor and digital advertising, supported by content from influencers, football and rugby partnerships and PR, the campaign reminds young people that unlike their favourite games, there are no second chances on real roads and the consequences of dangerous driving can be devastating. 

It also highlights the tougher legal penalties for drivers in the first two years after passing their tests. 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “When you speed, you’re risking not only your own life but those of your passengers and everyone else on the road.

“A collision can happen no matter how good a driver you think you are. One moment of lost control can cost you everything – leaving you with a life-changing injury, the loss of someone close, or even a prison sentence.

“A single avoidable mistake can leave you with a lifetime of regret.” 

Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, said: “Skills behind the wheel of a car in a racing game have absolutely nothing to do with your ability in a real car.

“In real life, countless factors are at play including the weather, road conditions, weight of the car, number of passengers and the behaviour of other drivers on the road. Even a small error of judgement could have permanent consequences.” 

He emphasised the particular dangers of speeding on rural routes: “Young drivers often assume country roads are quieter and safer but that’s far from the reality. Rural roads are unpredictable, with blind bends, hidden dips, farm vehicles, animals, poor lighting, and sudden hazards. 

“Don’t assume you won’t be caught speeding because the road seems empty. Our officers are on patrol across the country, and you could face a fine, points, or you may have your license revoked. Don’t be the driver no one wants to get in the car with.” 

An initial phase of the campaign focused on the dangers of drink and drug-driving, tying in with Police Scotland’s annual festive enforcement campaign.  

For more information visit roadsafety.scot. 

Scotland Demands Better briefing on the Scottish Budget 2026/27

Budgets reflect the choices and priorities of our Governments. Our political leaders have a responsibility to use them to build an economy and society in which all people the income necessary to live in decency and dignity.

In October 2025, thousands of people from across Scotland took to the streets of Edinburgh in the Scotland Demands Better campaign march and rally, the largest anti-poverty demonstration our country has seen in decades.

They stood together to demand that politicians build a Scotland free from poverty, creating the conditions for better jobs, better investment in life’s essentials and vitally, better social security.

In this briefing, we set out how MSPs can build a better future for Scotland’s children:

Scotland-Demands-Better-Briefing-on-Scottish-Child-Payment-for-Scottish-Budget-January-2026Download

download it here.

Criminal surcharge used to support victims

Hospital violence charity among 19 to share in £1 million fund

Medics Against Violence (MAV), a charity operating across 10 hospital Emergency Departments, is among 19 organisations to receive a share of more than £1 million from the Victim Surcharge Fund, which is financed by penalties imposed on offenders who received a court fine. 

The funding will support MAV to offer practical assistance and essential items to people arriving at hospital after experiencing violence or exploitation. It will also enhance the charity’s Navigator programmes, which support people to make positive changes and connect them with community organisations.

This is the sixth round of payments from the Victim Surcharge Fund – which was established in November 2019 to provide practical help directly to victims of crime. This takes the total awarded to date from the Fund to £3,486,972.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown announced the latest funding allocation as she visited MAV’s Glasgow headquarters to learn more about its work. Ms Brown said: “It is only right that the people who commit crimes contribute towards helping victims and their families recover from trauma.

“I am pleased that since the first awards were made in January 2021, the fund has helped more than 7,000 people affected by crime, distributing almost £3.5 million in support to organisations that support victims of crime.

“The Victim Surcharge Fund allows organisations such as Medics Against Violence to respond quickly and compassionately by providing practical, immediate help to victims of crime when they need it most.”

David Duncan, Chief Executive Officer at Medics Against Violence, added: “Support from the Scottish Government’s Victim Surcharge Fund will be used directly to strengthen the help we provide to victims of crime through our Navigator programmes.

“This investment enables us to offer immediate practical assistance to people arriving in hospital after experiencing violence or exploitation, short‑term wellbeing support in the days that follow, and specialist, age‑appropriate care for children and young people who have been harmed.

“It also allows our Navigators to work alongside victims as they regain stability -advocating for access to housing, mental health services, financial advice, and community support.

“By reducing barriers for those who may feel isolated, frightened, or unsure where to turn, this funding ensures we can respond quickly, compassionately, and in a trauma‑informed way at the moments when victims of crime are most vulnerable. It makes a tangible difference to safety, recovery, and long‑term wellbeing.”

Debbie Adams, Director of Development and External Affairs at Victim Support Scotland, said: “We are extremely grateful to be recipients of the Scottish Government’s Victim Surcharge Fund. The VSF ensures that the fines received by offenders go directly towards helping people impacted by crime.

“In Victim Support Scotland’s case, the VSF goes towards our Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF), which provides a lifeline for people who are in urgent need of financial help as a result of a crime. It can provide life-essential things like emergency household goods, groceries, travel to a place of safety, costs to repair damaged items, and security equipment. 

“In 2024-25, the EAF distributed £538,974 worth of funds to people in need. One EAF recipient said that the items they received enabled them to “safeguard our household“, highlighting how it can help people take back control after experiencing crime. This funding will enable us to provide ongoing direct, immediate assistance for those in urgent need.”

Victim Surcharge Fund: guidance – gov.scot

The following organisations are set to benefit from this latest funding round of the Victim Surcharge Fund:

  • Victim Support Scotland                                                                 £525,000
  • Abernecessities                                                                              £102,000
  • Migrant Help                                                                                   £80,386
  • Grampian Women’s Aid                                                                  £70,000
  • Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland                                    £49,954
  • Kibble                                                                                             £32,594
  • Edinburgh Women’s Aid                                                                 £25,000
  • STAR Centre – Rape Crisis Ayrshire                                              £24,736
  • JustRight Scotland                                                                          £21,646
  • Dumbarton District Women’s Aid                                                    £20,900
  • East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid                                                 £20,000
  • Action Against Stalking                                                                   £16,000
  • Medics Against Violence                                                                 £15,000
  • Committed to Ending Abuse                                                           £12,469
  • Edinburgh Youth’s Café                                                                  £5,000
  • Jubilee House                                                                                 £5,000
  • Inverclyde Women’s Aid                                                                  £5,000
  • Caledonian Women’s Service                                                         £5,000
  • Central Advocacy Partners                                                              £5,000 

The total fund award for this round is £1,040,685.

Following this latest round, a total of 27 different victim support organisations will have received awards from the Fund.

Pair arrested and charged following attempted robberies

An 18-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man have been arrested and charged in connection with two attempted robberies in Edinburgh.

Around 9.30am yesterday (Monday, 12 January, 2026), Police received a report from a premises on Colinton Mains Drive. Later, around 9.50am, a second report from a premises on Oxgangs Road North was received.

There were no injuries.

An 18-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man have been charged in connection with the incidents. They’re due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Tuesday, 13 January.

Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “I want to thank members of the public who assisted with these incidents before officers arrived and the local community for their support during our enquiries.”

Immigration Enforcement raids ‘at the highest level in UK history’

Record number of arrests and raids of illegal workers across the UK

Illegal working arrests and raids have reached the highest level in UK history thanks to ‘relentless activity’ by the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement teams. 

Latest figures reveal the number of raids have soared by 77% in the UK since the government came into power, leading to an 83% rise in arrests (July 2024 to end of December 2025). 

There were 695 raids across Scotland leading to around 400 arrests.

Over 17,400 raids were made to dodgy businesses – such as nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops – targeting those attempting to undercut honest workers and hide in plain sight.  

The major uplift, which led to more than 12,300 arrests, was made possible by a £5m funding boost last year for Immigration Enforcement, to target and pursue illegal working criminality. 

In Northern Ireland, 187 raids were carried out in 2025, leading to 234 arrests – a 76% and 169% rise respectively compared to 2024.  

The crackdown on illegal working builds on this Labour government’s work to restore order to the immigration system and end the lure of illegal working that gangs use to sell spaces on small boats. 

The activity sits on top of the government’s wider work to remove and deport 50,000 illegal migrants from the UK  – a 23% increase under this government. 

Today’s figures come after the Home Secretary set out sweeping reforms to the immigration system – making it less attractive for illegal migrants to come to the UK and easier to deport and remove those with no right to be here.   

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:  ”There is no place for illegal working in our communities. 

“That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide. 

“I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.”

Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, said: “Illegal working undercuts honest businesses across Northern Ireland and fuels the criminal gangs who profit from human exploitation.

“This Government has increased enforcement to record levels, and the message is clear: there is no place for those flouting the law.”

The new figures come as Immigration Enforcement officers across the UK are now equipped with body worn video technology.

Following the start of the launch in September last year, all teams are now benefitting from this capability which will help bolster arrests and prosecutions further.   

Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Lead for Northern Ireland, Paul McHarron, said:  “Illegal working is against the law and will not be tolerated. 

“My teams will continue working around the clock to ensure those involved face the full force of the law.”

During illegal working raids last year, officers visited a range of sectors including restaurants, construction sites and nail bars:  

  • An immigration enforcement visit was conducted at VN Nail & Spa Salon in Belfast City Centre on 1 May. Three workers of Vietnamese nationality were arrested for illegal working. As a result, one individual was detained for removal.  
  • On 28 June, officers visited Europa Car Wash in Bangor. Four individuals of Romanian, Ethiopian and Jordanian nationality, were arrested for illegal working, with two detained for removal from the UK as a result.  
  • On 25 October, officers visited Beijing House in Londonderry. Three illegal workers of Chinese nationality were arrested. A Civil Penalty Referral Notice was served on the business owner.  Further inquiries to establish any liability and the liable employer will now take place. The liable employer could face a substantial fine if it’s found they employed illegal workers and failed to conduct relevant pre-employment checks.

And through the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, the government is expanding right to work checks, so they cover the gig, casual, subcontracted and temporary worker economy, ensuring there is no hiding place for illegal workers to flout the rules. 

On top of this, the Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce is bringing together law enforcement and government partners, including the National Crime Agency, National Police Chiefs Council, Border Security Command and Immigration Enforcement, to use every available tool to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal smuggling gangs operating in the UK. 

Over the last 12 months, there has been a 33% surge in disruptions related to migrant smuggling – with nearly 4,000 disruptions since July 2024 – and a landmark deal with France means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.  

To further ensure people can only work in the UK if they have permission, the government announced last year it will be introducing digital ID, which will be mandatory to prove someone’s right to work by the end of Parliament.   

This will create a simpler, more consistent way for employers to check someone’s  eligibility to work. The move will make it harder for illegal migrants to find work and allow the government to identify rogue business owners who are failing to conduct checks.  

This work combined forms part of the government’s ‘laser focus’ to secure the UK’s borders and end the false promise of work used to sell spaces on dangerous small boats.

STUC: Budget must prioritise ‘Scotland not political survival’

Scotland’s largest trade union body has urged the Scottish Government to prioritise the ‘people of Scotland and not political survival’ in their budget today (Tuesday).

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) are calling on the Scottish Government to take the “bold decisions” on reforming property, land and wealth taxes in their budget and to avoid “short-term electioneering” ahead of the election later this year.

Last year, on behalf of Tax Justice Scotland, the STUC published research showing Scotland’s five richest families hold more wealth than an entire quarter of Scotland’s population.

The research further showed that a modest 2% tax on all those with assets over £10 million could raise almost £500,000,000 for public services.

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer implored the Finance Secretary Shona Robison “do what is right” and deliver for Scotland’s workers during the budget.

Ms Foyer said: “Today, the Scottish Government must do what is right and prioritise the people of Scotland not political survival.

“With the election looming large, this budget can’t sacrifice the long-term wellbeing and growth of our nation on the altar of short-term political survival. We must see bold decisions from the Finance Secretary on reforming tax on property and land, along with the introduction of wealth taxes, not more of the same measures designed to prioritise short-term electioneering.

“STUC research has shown that modest wealth taxes on Scotland’s richest few can benefit the many with almost £500,000,000 raised for the public coffers in the process.

“These are the measures the Scottish Government must prioritise if they want the support of Scotland’s workers.

“This isn’t about the next four months; if the government wishes to re-take office for the next five years, we urge them to do what is right and stand beside Scotland’s workers tomorrow, prioritising public services, job security and decent pay in their budget measures.”

STUC research ‘Taxing Wealth for a Fairer and Greener Scotland’ can be viewed here:

https://taxjustice.scot/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/STUC-Taxing-Wealth-for-a-Fairer-and-Greener-Scotland.pdf

Edinburgh Zoo appoints Sodexo Live! as catering and hospitality partner

With a food and beverage plan built around conservation, community, and engagement, early priorities to be delivered by the team will focus on improving quality and consistency across the site, refreshing menus with seasonal produce in collaboration with local suppliers, and embedding a service culture that mirrors the zoo’s educational and conservation values. 

Adding to the list of iconic Sodexo Live! client partners across Scotland, including V&A Dundee, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Signet Library and Hampden Park, this collaboration will celebrate and strengthen the zoo’s unique identity, making food and drink an integral part of its story. 

Claire Morris, CEO of Sodexo Live! UK & Ireland, said: “Edinburgh Zoo is a world-class visitor attraction, and this partnership gives us the unique opportunity to really transform the catering offering to reflect RZSS’s vision.

“By positioning Edinburgh Zoo as a place of global exploration and education – a living classroom for all – we want to create a sense of culinary adventure and discovery through exciting, diverse global flavours aligned to the animals’ natural habitats.

“We want our food to be more than just a service – we want it to add joy and make visitors’ zoo experience even more immersive and meaningful.” 

Ben Supple, RZSS Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We want to provide visitors to Edinburgh Zoo with the very best experience as this will encourage more people to learn about and protect our natural world.

“Catering is an essential part of that and we are looking forward to working in partnership with the Sodexo Live! and Heritage Portfolio team to develop an exceptional offer which celebrates local, high quality and sustainable produce.”

The collaboration represents a truly local partnership, combining extensive Scottish hospitality knowledge with RZSS’s mission to ‘protect, value and love nature.’ Inspired by the zoo’s animals and their habitats, a ‘Feeding Natural Curiosity’ philosophy will be implemented, guiding menu development, emphasising global flavours, from-scratch cooking, zero-waste initiatives, and community partnerships. 

Sodexo Live! supports some of the UK’s most iconic music, cultural and sporting events, plus conference centres and airport lounges, by delivering world class hospitality and food services. Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates.

Globally, partners include The Scottish Open, Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, and exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, Hard Rock Stadium, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. 

For more information see  www.sodexolive.co.uk