Don’t miss out: 10 days to claim pension credit and qualify for extra £324

The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,500 a year and those who claim by 18 December could also be entitled to an extra £324 cost of living payment

  • Minister for Pensions Laura Trott urges pensioners to check if they qualify for Pension Credit
  • Claims can be made online and over the phone, with the Pension Credit calculator on hand to help pensioners see if they’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive.

Minister for Pensions Laura Trott is today calling on pensioners across the country to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit as soon as possible to ensure they stand the best chance of qualifying for an extra £324 cost of living payment.

Checking eligibility and applying by 18 December 2022 – just ten days away – will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules.

This is because successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to 3 months – as long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.

The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,500 a year and even a small Pension Credit award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits – such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills – in addition to the extra cost of living payments.

Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said: “The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, but one thing to make sure that’s on your list over the coming days is to find out whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit.

“Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 per year – is reaching everyone who needs it.”

Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.

It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £182.60 per week for single pensioners and to £278.70 for couples.

To ensure that a successful backdated claim falls within the qualifying period for the extra £324 cost of living help, eligible pensioners are being urged to claim Pension Credit by no later than 18 December 2022.

Currently, around 1.4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit. However, many are still not claiming this extra financial help.

One of those who recently claimed is Arthur from Lincolnshire. After learning about Pension Credit from his neighbour, Arthur successfully applied by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Arthur said: “Highly delighted with the Pension Credit award we received – the money was quicker arriving than expected and all in all very pleased with the result. I’d really encourage other pensioners to check if they’re eligible – it’s made a real difference to me.“

Pension Credit can be claimed by phone and online, ensuring that older people can apply safely and easily, wherever they are. The online Pension Credit calculator is also on hand to help pensioners check if they’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive.

Homeless Project Scotland to hold peaceful protest this morning

“It is said that the mark of a civilised society is how we treat our most vulnerable citizens; what does this say about our society?“

Homeless Project Scotland are holding a peaceful protest outside the Glasgow City Chambers in George Square this morning at 10:00 am.  

A spokesperson for the campaign group explained: “The aim of the peaceful protest is simply to demonstrate to elected members that Homeless Project Scotland’s call for a building will not be ignored. Our soup kitchens are now becoming a service operating 7 days per week and are attracting over 200 members on average. 

“We have asked Council Leader Susan Aitken and Scotland’s First Minister to bring our most vulnerable and those experiencing homelessness in doors to have warmth, care, compassion and nourishment that is essential to us all to survive. The time for talking is over. It is now the time to cut the keys. 

“We are hearing time after time from people on social media outlets that we are bringing people into the city centre, in actual fact it is the council.

“Since 2020 the council has had 4 Glasgow Hotels all located walking distance from our current unit under the Central Station Bridge and indeed, the removal of dinner from these accommodations is, among the cost of living and the COVID-19 pandemic, to a sharp incline. Poverty is now becoming the fastest spreading epidemic and we need action now. 

“Our peaceful assembly is welcome for everyone to come and partake in and is potentially going to the circuit Scotland’s Streets.

“Homelessness is not invisible, these are people, it is ridiculous that in this day and age that people are pushed to choose heat or eat. There is a tenfold increase in the number of service users we are seeing and a tenfold increase in the number of street outreach clients. 

“It is said that the mark of a civilised society is how we treat our most vulnerable citizens; what does this say about our society? “

There will be refreshments and a good old fashioned Scots Broth Soup for those in attendance.

Two years of Covid-19 vaccines

More than 14.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccination have been administered in Scotland since the first jab was given exactly two years ago.

The initial effort to protect people from the deadly virus was the biggest logistical operation Scotland had seen since the Second World War. 

Thousands of volunteers signed up to help NHS staff, mass vaccination centres were rapidly assembled in major cities and mobile units toured the country.

This rapid deployment meant a million Scots were jabbed within three months – averting 27,656 deaths, according to the World Health Organisation, which noted Scotland’s quick uptake.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “On this day we must first remember all those who have lost a loved one to this virus and reflect on what has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone. 

“As a nation we can be incredibly proud of our world-leading vaccination programme. 

“This could not have happened without the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers across the country. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has not gone away, and I continue to urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccination when they become eligible. Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness from the virus.

“Appointments can be booked online at NHS Inform and a number of drop-in clinics are now in operation – details of these are available on local NHS board websites and social media posts.

David Speirs volunteered to help the vaccination effort in March 2021 and is still involved in the national programme. He said: “I applied for the vaccinator training programme when I saw the advert in March 2021.

“I wanted to do something to give back. When I passed the training in May 2021, I felt accomplished and really proud of what we all had achieved being part of the first group. It’s been brilliant to be part of an incredible process to protect people. I maybe the person holding the needle, but behind me there are thousands of others getting us all to this point.”

54 year old Chris Mackinnon is due to receive his winter booster today. He said: “I want to do all I can to stay safe for myself, friends, and family this Christmas. I have been fortunate in that I have not had COVID-19 and I want it to stay that way.”

33 year old Francesca McDonald is also due to be vaccinated today and said: “As someone who is immune-compromised, I’ve been pretty timely at keeping up to date with my vaccinations throughout.

“I have just had a baby so I am delighted be getting this additional protection against COVID-19 so I can enjoy Christmas with my new arrival without worrying about the virus.”

Winter vaccines | NHS inform

Scots have no faith in UK government to restore pension security

Less than one in five pension planners have confidence in the new government

Scots do not think the government is capable of restoring pension security, according to new research from My Pension Expert. 

The at-retirement adviser surveyed 2,000 adults aged 40 and above. It found that nearly half (44%) of Scottish pension planners think the government will be unable to stabilise the pensions market, despite Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt’s attempts to restore faith in the UK economy. Just 14% have confidence in the government’s plans. 

Almost half (47%) of those surveyed believe the current financial crisis has negatively impacted their retirement strategy. Nearly a third (30%) said they had now lost confidence in their pension scheme.

70% said that the recent turmoil in Westminster is distracting from the cost-of-living crisis. 

As winter approaches, rising energy bills were listed as the greatest financial concern amongst 67% of Scottish pension planners. The majority of those surveyed have already started implementing a range of cost-cutting measures[1].

Nearly two thirds (63%) have avoided turning on their heating, despite temperatures dropping. Over two fifths (41%) have taken fewer showers or baths, while 1 in 5 (21%) have even gone as far as to skip meals.

Andrew Megson, CEO of My Pension Expert said: “Inflation is at record levels and expected to remain in double figures for the foreseeable future. Adding increased interest rates and constant chaos in Westminster, people are understandably desperate for reassurances. It is little wonder that public confidence has plummeted. 

“The government must take action to protect retirees and pension planners. Being consistent with its policies would be a strong start. So too would providing Britons with the right tools to understand their financial situation and safeguard their hard-saved money – prioritising the launch of the pension dashboard and granting individuals access to affordable independent financial advice would be a positive step in this regard. Such action would help people to understand their financial situation and take steps to improve their financial situation. 

“As winter arrives, people are understandably concerned about their immediate and future finances. So, the government must prioritise outlining a clear plan to support retirees and pension planners to understand their financial situation. That would mark a powerful statement that the government is putting savers first and even begin to reinstate some public confidence.”

Top of the League: Rashford is most influential member of England squad

  • Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is the most influential member of the England squad, earning up to £37,950 per sponsored Instagram post
  • Team captain, Harry Kane is the second most influential member of the squad whilst Raheem Sterling is the third most influential.
  • Midfielder Conor Gallagher has the most dedicated fanbase, with the highest engagement rate on Instagram among the team at 18.92%

A new study has revealed the most influential members of the England squad for the Qatar World Cup, with Marcus Rashford taking the top spot.

The research, conducted by online casino comparison experts KingCasinoBonus.uk, analysed marketing tools and the social media profiles of the England team to determine which England player is the most influential.

Marcus Rashford took first place earning up to a whopping £37,950 per sponsored Instagram post. This is thanks to his follower count of almost 13 million and an engagement rate of 3.28%. The Manchester United forward has been praised on social media for his work around providing free school meals for children across the UK, creating a dedicated fanbase ahead of the World Cup.

The England captain, Harry Kane, is the second most influential member of the England team. Kane, who boasts 13.3 million followers, can charge up to £36,997 per sponsored Instagram post. Interestingly, Kane has the lowest engagement rate of any member in the England squad at just 0.36%.

The third most influential member of the England team is Raheem Sterling. The Chelsea forward can charge up to £27,661 for a single post on social media. Sterling has 10 million followers on Instagram and an engagement rate of 1.27%.

Trent Alexander Arnold is the fourth most influential player in the England team, earning £22,308 per sponsored post on social media, whilst Phil Foden is the fifth most influential player, earning £15,565 per Instagram sponsored post.

Jack Grealish ranks sixth thanks to his follower count of 5.4 million and an engagement rate of 4.69%. Grealish can charge up to £14,971 per sponsored post on Instagram.

Midfielder Conor Gallagher has the highest engagement rate with fans at 18.92% whilst Jude Bellingham receives the most average likes per Instagram post at 481,008 likes.

Those who play up front also top the leader board with forwards occupying five of the top ten spots – Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. Manchester United produces the most influential players with three of the top ten coming from the club – Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.

England’s most influential players
RankPlayerInstagram UsernameFollower countPotential Instagram earningsEngagement rateAverage likes per post
1Marcus Rashfordmarcusrashford12,975,093£37,9503.28%422,632
2Harry Kaneharrykane13,306,943£36,9970.36%47,879
3Raheem Sterlingsterling710,030,643£27,6611.27%126,421
4Trent Alexander Arnoldtrentarnold668,148,889£22,3084.19%334,731
5Phil Fodenphilfoden5,765,258£15,5657.17%400,271
6Jack Grealishjackgrealish5,405,916£14,9714.69%251,745
7Mason Mountmasonmount5,215,031£14,5147.17%372,925
8Jordan Hendersonjhenderson5,104,144£14,1722.09%105,905
9Luke Shawlukeshaw234,308,064£11,9784.89%209,536
10Harry Maguireharrymaguire933,889,842£10,3802.58%99,737

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson from KingCasinoBonus.uk said: “The past success of the England team at the 2018 World Cup and the Euros last year brought the country together and catapulted many of the players to a bigger level of stardom.

“It will be interesting to see who gains the most followers throughout the World Cup tournament, particularly if England go on to do well.”

NHS 24 launches new advice app

NHS 24 Online – a new way to access health advice and wellbeing services in Scotland

Feeling unwell? If you or someone you care for is under the weather you can now find out more about your symptoms, when you can self-care and what to do if your condition worsens and you need medical help via a new, easy to use mobile app from NHS 24.

The NHS 24 Online app allows people to check symptoms to find out what to do next. There is also a chatbot function to answer questions and find out how to get further advice for a range of issues including running out of medicine or help for:

  • Eye problems
  • Flu-like illness
  • Lower back pain
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

The App can also help people find their nearest health and care services using postcodes or location data. It will detail how far away each service is, if it is open or closed, and the contact details for that service.

‘NHS 24 Online’ is available for both Android and iOS devices and free to download now.

Dr Laura Ryan, NHS 24’s Medical Director said the app offers people more choice in the way can get the help and advice they need: “Mobile devices have changed the way we do lots of things on a day-to-day basis and we hope the new NHS 24 Online app will make it easier for people to check their symptoms, and if they need further help to find local services at the press of a button.

“By downloading NHS 24 Online, people in Scotland will be able to get health advice from a trustworthy source in a fast and convenient way. And if more help is needed, the app will also provide information on where to access the right care in the right place.”

Please note this is a first iteration of the app – future developments and enhancements are planned for 2023.

The NHS 24 Online app is available to download for free on the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices.

https://nhs24.info/app-apple

https://nhs24.info/app-android

Scottish children’s service providers urge budget for mental health

One third of children not being seen within waiting time target

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist children’s services, has called on the Scottish Government to deliver a budget for mental health as new waiting time figures out yesterday (6th December) highlight that a third of children and young people are not being seen within its waiting time target.

Figures published by Public Health Scotland indicate that over the quarter covering July to September 2022, a third (32.1 per cent) of children and young people had been waiting more than 18 weeks from referral before starting treatment at child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).1

The Scottish Government target is that 90 per cent of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS.

A total of 4,990 children and young people started treatment at CAMHS in the quarter ending September 2022, an increase of 30.2 per cent from 3,833 starting treatment in the quarter ending September 2021.

The figures however come on the back of a planned £38 million cut to planned mental health spending by the Scottish Government in its forthcoming budget, to be revealed on 15th December.

This cut in spending is despite a mental health emergency, which is set to worsen given the cost-of-living crisis and services already at breaking point.

The SCSC has called on the Scottish Government to reverse its decision and prioritise mental health spending, avoiding a potential lost generation of children and young people with mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and self-harm.

Even before the pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support. The Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have further exacerbated this situation.

The SCSC also noted that without increased spending it is unlikely the Scottish Government will be able to achieve its target, as outlined in the NHS Recovery Plan, to clear waiting lists by March 2023 and ensure that at least 90 per cent of children and young people referred to CAMHS start treatment within 18 weeks.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that a third of children and young people are not being seen within the Scottish Government’s 18-week waiting time target is extremely alarming.

“Since the pandemic, demand on services has increased and the cost-of-living crisis is only going to make matters worse, creating a potential lost generation of vulnerable children and young people.

“We are facing a mental health emergency and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels because of the effect of the cost-of-living crisis.

“However, this concerningly comes against a background of a proposed cut to mental health budgets, meaning that some of our children and young people simply won’t get the help they desperately need, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

“We would urge the Scottish Government to reconsider its proposed cuts to the mental health budget and make this a budget for mental health.”

1 Public Health Scotland, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Waiting Times in Scotland, Quarter Ending September 2022, 6th December 2022.

Available at: https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs-waiting-times/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs-waiting-times-quarter-ending-september-2022/  (accessed 6th December 2022).

Council aims for zero road fatalities

A proposed Road Safety Action Plan for Edinburgh that sets out an ambitious target for zero fatalities on the city’s roads by 2030 will be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

The Draft Road Safety Action Plan for Edinburgh to 2030 updates on the previous plan, approved in 2010, which commits to providing a safe and modern road network for the 21st century. Since then, there has been an overall downward trend in collisions resulting in injuries in Edinburgh.

The renewed plan, to be considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday, has been developed to align with objectives contained in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030, published by the Scottish Government in 2021.

By adopting the same safe systems approach to road safety, Edinburgh’s action plan aims to further reduce the number of personal injury collisions in the city.

The targets set out in the draft Action Plan, to be met by 2030, either meet or exceed the targets set out in the national Road Safety Framework. Edinburgh’s proposed targets are:

  • Zero fatalities
  • At least a 50% reduction in people seriously injured
  • At least a 60% reduction in children and young people (under 18 years old) seriously injured
  • At least a 40% reduction in pedestrians seriously injured
  • At least a 30% reduction in cyclists seriously injured
  • At least a 30% reduction in motorcyclists seriously injured
  • At least a 20% reduction in road users aged 65 and over seriously injured
  • At least a 70% reduction in road users aged between 18 to 24 seriously injured

Actions to achieve these targets will be set out in a Delivery Plan, updated annually. On Thursday, councillors will be asked to approve the first Delivery Plan to 2024, which comprises of more than 100 actions, including proposals for new pedestrian crossings, speed limit reductions and further speed reduction measures.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Any injury resulting from a collision on our roads is one too many. We have a responsibility to create safe and welcoming streets for all, and the Road Safety Action Plan is key to achieving this.

“I am keen to work with residents to ensure routes to schools are made safer, traffic short-cutting through residential communities is reduced and physical measures are introduced to cut speeds.

“Thankfully, over the last decade, the number of collisions resulting in injury has continued to fall – but there is clearly much more to be done. The plan sets out a series of targets to significantly reduce the number further and, ultimately, attain ‘Vision Zero’ for Edinburgh.

“Safer, calmer streets are much better places to spend time, walk, wheel and cycle, in turn supporting the City Mobility Plan’s vision for a safer and more inclusive net zero carbon transport system.”

By creating safer streets, the Road Safety Action Plan supports the objectives of Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan (CMP), which envisions a well-connected, safe and more inclusive net zero carbon transport system for the Capital. It is one of several plans being progressed to deliver the policies set out in the CMP and, if approved, these will be collectively presented for public consultation in early 2023.

The latest Draft Road Safety Action Plan has been developed in partnership with the Council’s road safety partners, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Engagement with partners will continue throughout the duration of the Action Plan to ensure co-operation towards meeting targets.

Read the full report, Draft Road Safety Action Plan – Delivering City Mobility Plan, online. 

Watch Transport and Environment Committee discuss the report live from 10am tomorrow – Thursday, 8 December – via webcast.

Draft-Road-Safety-Action-Plan-Delivering-the-City-Mobility-PlanDownload

Battle of the Bakes

Aldi Scotland Takes on Greggs with New Range of Savoury Bakes

At just 84p, Aldi’s steak bake is almost half the price of the equivalent from the UK’s most popular high street bakery

Aldi is bringing a new range of tasty filled savoury bakes to Scotland at incredibly low prices.

Each of its ‘Frasers Bakes’ are just 84p, almost half the price of similar products in Greggs, which retail for around £1.40.

Available across all 104 stores, the golden pastries are full of delicious flavour and locally produced in Scotland.

Customers can choose from a range of enticing fillings, including Steak; Macaroni; Cheesy Bean; Cheese and Onion; and Chicken Curry. At just £1.69 for a pack of two, the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket* is once again bringing customers unbeatable deals on quality Scottish food and drink.

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our mission at Aldi Scotland is to bring as many exciting Scottish-made products to the market for amazingly low prices. Our new range of savoury bakes is an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of locally produced items.

“With a delicate and light coating, and sumptuous selection of flavourful fillings, it’s no surprise that the savoury bake is a household favourite for many across the country.

“We expect these to be incredibly popular amongst our customers, who can now pick up a pack of two for just £1.69, nearly half the price of the popular high-street bakery.”

To find out more about your local Aldi Store, please visit www.aldi.co.uk

Scotland Demands Better: EIS supports STUC’s tax reform campaign

The EIS, the country’s largest teaching union, has welcomed the publication of the report Scotland Demands Better: Fairer taxes for a fairer future by the Scottish Trade Unions Congress (STUC).

The report highlights how progressive tax reform could raise an additional £3.3Billion by 2026, including £1.3Billion of tax reforms by April 2023 to help fund public services and public sector pay.

Commenting following the publication of the report, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “The EIS welcomes the publication of the STUC report Scotland Demands Better, which represents an important contribution to debates around tax reform and the funding of quality public services.

“The report demonstrates ways in which the Scottish Government could, if it so chooses, engage in progressive reforms to ensure that public services can be properly funded.”

Ms Bradley added, “Scotland’s teachers are currently in dispute over the succession of real-terms pay cuts that have been offered to them this year.

“Since teaching unions submitted their pay claim at the start of the year, a succession of sub-inflationary offers – at 2%, 3.5%, 5% and then 5% again – have been made by the Scottish Government and COSLA, and rejected by Scotland’s teachers.

“With inflation currently sitting at between 11% (CPI) and 14% (RPI), the latest rejected offer would have meant a real-terms pay cut of between 6% and 9% for classroom teachers, and even greater cuts for promoted staff such as headteachers and deputes.”

Ms Bradley added, “Fundamentally, the funding of quality public services and fair pay for public sector workers are a matter of political priorities. Just last week, we saw an Audit Commission report highlighting that the Scottish Government had underspent on last year’s budget by two billion pounds.

“That was a political choice by the Scottish Government, and one that has profound implications for our public services. If the Scottish Government is serious about protecting our public services and valuing public sector workers, they must commit to funding our public services properly and paying our public sector workers fairly.”

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