HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is accepting tax relief claims for working from home due to coronavirus during 2021/22. More than 550,000 employed workers have already claimed and are benefitting from the tax relief.
If employed workers were told to work at home by their employer because of coronavirus and, as a result, their household costs have increased, they are eligible to claim the working from home tax relief. It is quick and easy to claim via HMRC’s online portal.
HMRC received more than three million claims across the UK for the tax relief for the 2020/21 tax year.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Half a million people have already reduced their Income Tax this year by up to £125, by claiming tax relief on their working from home expenses.
“We want everyone who’s eligible to benefit, so we’ve made it quick and easy to do online. Check if you’re eligible and apply at GOV.UK by searching ‘working from home tax relief’.
“HMRC is continuing to help and support people affected by the pandemic.”
From 6 April 2020, the amount employers have been able to pay tax-free without employees having to provide evidence of an increased bill is up to £6 a week.
Employees who have not received the working from home expenses payment direct from their employer can apply to receive the tax relief from HMRC.
Eligible customers can claim tax relief based on the rate at which they pay tax. For example, if an employed worker in Scotland pays the 21% intermediate rate of tax and claims tax relief on £6 a week, they would receive £1.26 a week in tax relief (21% of £6 a week) towards the cost of their household bills.
Higher rate taxpayers would therefore receive £2.46 a week (41% of £6 a week). Over the course of the year, this could mean customers can reduce the tax they pay by £65.52 or £127.92 respectively.
To claim for tax relief for working from home, employees can apply directly via GOV.UK for free. Once their application has been approved, the online portal will adjust their tax code for the 2021/22 tax year. They will receive the tax relief directly through their salary until March 2022.
If employees were required to work from home last year but did not claim for the tax relief, they have not missed out; HMRC will accept backdated claims for up to four years. They will receive a lump sum payment for any successful backdated claims.
Using an agent to apply for the working from home tax relief, and other similar schemes, could result in customers paying unnecessary fees or commission.
Using the GOV.UK service is free, and customers will receive 100% of the tax relief that is due. Agents will not be able to use the online portal to apply for the relief on a customer’s behalf.
Renowned talent management and theatre training programme, Stagebox, will be hosting its Edinburgh auditions at Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, on Sunday (16th May 2021).
If you know a young performer aged 8-18 years old who is looking to take their talent to the next level, Stagebox is inviting auditionees to take to the stage at this weekend’s in-person audition workshops.
Successful talent will enjoy the exclusive award-winning performance training programme during the school holidays, as well as benefitting from the talent management at Stagebox.
For the first time, auditions are free of charge, with Stagebox founders keen to encourage everyone with a love of theatre to come along and audition.
Stagebox recently released a video featuring its Edinburgh cast performing an original medley from Disney’s The Little Mermaid on YouTube, so hopeful auditionees can envision just what it’s like to be part of the Stagebox world. The video has already amassed an impressive 5,000 views in less than a week.
With Stagebox alumni starring on stage and screen, many securing lead roles for Disney, Netflix, in the West End and beyond, Stagebox offers rising stars the chance to train smart, build industry connections and gain unrivalled opportunities in theatre, television and film.
Stagebox’s General Manager, Jasmine Quinlan Gardner, said: “It’s been a turbulent period for the performing arts industry to say the least, and we’re so delighted to be holding the free auditions in Edinburgh.
“Stagebox is about opportunity, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating the country’s budding talent.”
Kirsti Bagger, Head Agent at Stagebox said: “We’re looking to meet new performers with passion, ambition and star quality.
“We’re very passionate about accessibility and inclusivity which is why we’re removing audition fees this May – we welcome children from all backgrounds, from newcomers all the way up to advanced level and we can’t wait to see what the young people of Edinburgh have to offer!”
These auditions are guaranteed to fill up fast and limited spaces apply. To register your spot for the Edinburgh audition date, please visit Eventbrite.
A team of amateur footballers from an east Edinburgh neighbourhood are seeking a permanent place to call home and are asking the council for help.
Bingham Athletic Football Club has submitted a bid to The City of Edinburgh Council to take over the lease of the Bingham Pavilion, and are crossing their fingers for a positive result next week.
The Pavillion’s lease is currently held by a private club who have refused to share the facility with the local Bingham lads. But the Bingham team believe that people from the local area should have access to and ownership of this local resource.
Team manager Reece Taylor explained: “The team currently has no access to the Pavilion as the lease is exclusively held by a private football club which charges fees to join. That means we have had to lead quite a nomadic and precarious existence, practising in places that just aren’t fit for purpose.
“As most people know, Bingham is one of the most deprived areas in Scotland, so it isn’t an option for most of these lads to pay membership fees or travel further afield to other areas. By gaining permanent access to the Pavillion, the group will have the opportunity to practice in a proper area and play games which friends, family and the local community can actually attend.”
The club is being supported by the Scottish charity Community Renewal who have been active in the area since 2016.
Community Renewal’s Cris Thacker said: “Everything we do in the neighbourhood starts with listening to what the community of Bingham, Magdalene and The Hays want for their area and then supporting them to achieve those aspirations themselves.
“We have been working closely with the football club and have assisted them in writing the bid. We will also provide ongoing support should their bid be successful.”
The bid has also received a massive show of support from Scottish international footballer, local lad Marc McNulty.
Marc said: “As a budding footballer growing up in Bingham, I know how important it is to have something that is accessible, so I fully support the bid.
“I hope that maybe some of these young guys can go on to have the career I have enjoyed.”
Reece, Cris and all the team now have their fingers crossed that the tender will be awarded in their favour: “It would mean the world to us to have this great resource for the local club. But they won’t be the only ones who benefit.
“This will be a place for the whole community to meet socially and come and support their local team. Plus, we will work with other local clubs and organisations in the hope that they too can make use of the premises.
“We really believe that we can make this a real asset for the community of Bingham.”
Police officers will be carrying out focused patrols following a recent increase in antisocial behaviour at Ocean Terminal
Community Inspector Colin Fordyce of Craigmillar Police Station said: “We’ve seen an increase in antisocial behaviour incidents at Ocean Terminal recently involving groups of youths.
“One of our priorities in Edinburgh is dealing with disorder and antisocial behaviour. We will be focusing our patrols in and around Ocean Terminal to tackle the issue with a zero tolerance approach. Enforcement action will be taken if anyone is identified as being involved in any criminal behaviour.
“Our local residents and businesses have had a tough enough time recently, and it’s not acceptable for them to have to put up with the reckless behaviour of a small minority of youths intent on causing trouble.
“I ask that all parents and carers speak with their children and young people about the impact that antisocial behaviour has on others.
“If you see any criminality in the area, call 101, or 999 in an emergency to help us hold offenders to account. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A school feels ‘under attack’ when put at the bottom of a narrow-focused league table, says Craigroyston headteacher Shelley McLaren
Each year the release of newspaper school league tables for Scotland is a day I dread, and the publication of the 2021 results yesterday was no different. The language of the headlines – “Which school is the best in Scotland?” and “Scotland’s schools ranked best to worst” – is both incredibly damaging and demoralising for staff, pupils, parents and school communities across the country, not to mention the reputational harm it can cause for years to come (writes SHELLEY McLAREN).
The stories will continue today in the local news, where it feels like we need to put on our armour and prepare for attack. No matter how much we’ve done in all other parts of school life throughout the year, the focus to determine our worth and whether we are a “good” school seems to rest singlehandedly on the one measure of how many young people achieve five Highers in one sitting.
As a school, we pick up the pieces from this for months to come – only for it to come around again next year. It is not, of course, that we do not focus on trying to improve by the measure of five Highers, but, because of context and, indeed, probably our own vision and values, we will always be near the “bottom”.
I congratulate those top-performing schools where up to 86 per cent of young people have achieved the “gold standard” of five Highers. It is an incredible achievement and should be celebrated – but everything is about context, and schools should and need to be measured on so much more.
I am not shirking accountability or responsibility as a headteacher – the measure of five Highers is important – but if closing the attainment gap simply meant improving this one measure, and that determined whether we were a “good” or “bad” school, we would have used our Pupil Equity Fund (PEF) and Scottish Attainment Challenge funding very differently – and probably not made that many gains.
I could concentrate on the fact that 70 per cent of our young people live in SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) 1 and 2 or that 20 per cent of each cohort arrive at us with a reading age of 8 or below, or that nearly 40 per cent of our students are on free school meals. This would make it easy to excuse why we are one of the “worst” schools in the league table – but I won’t, because that is not what we base our views of children on.
What I will focus on is that, in 2020, nearly 95 per cent of our young people left school to go into a positive destination – above the national average of 93.3 per cent – and that last session 100 per cent of our young people in S4 achieved five or more national qualifications (nobody was “left behind”, regardless of any barrier) and that this year 23 of our young people (almost a third of the cohort) are heading off to universities across the country – the same group of young people who didn’t achieve five Highers in one sitting.
I implore you, please don’t judge our incredible young people or our amazing school, filled with dedicated, passionate staff, on this one measure of five Highers – know that we are doing everything possible to ensure that our students are given a gold-star service to prepare them to have the best life possible after school, with or without the achievement of the “gold standard”.
Are we one of the “worst” schools in the country? Of course we’re not – and I would vehemently challenge anyone who considers this to be the case.
Shelley McLaren is headteacher at Craigroyston Community High School
The newly re-elected MSP for Edinburgh Western, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has been sworn in to Parliament, following a record breaking victory in last week’s election.
Mr Cole-Hamilton held his seat with a majority of 54.7%, up from 41.9% in 2016. In the process Mr Cole-Hamilton received 25,578 votes, which is the highest amount of votes ever received by a candidate in the history of the Scottish Parliament.
Alex Cole-Hamilton said yesterday:“It is a huge privilege to be returned to Scottish Parliament for the constituency that I love and that has been my home for the last ten years.
“My constituents have been and always will be my first consideration in this job.
“Five years ago the people of West Edinburgh put their trust in me to serve them in parliament, last week, they restated that trust in a truly remarkable way. It is a responsibility that I take extremely seriously and I will not them down.”
Dealing with the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling the climate emergency and the post-Brexit devolution settlement will feature heavily in the work of the new Scottish Parliament, according to a new paper by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe).
Published as our new MSPs return to Holyrood, the Key Issues for Session 6 paper outlines the challenges facing MSPs as they confront the scale of the COVID-19 recovery, with researchers stressing a balancing act is required to promote recovery while keeping new variants at bay.
Following Brexit, MSPs will also have to contend with the new constitutional arrangements and the impact on the powers of the Scottish Parliament. SPICe also highlight the ‘twin crisis’ of climate change and biodiversity loss, with significant changes expected in coming years to tackle this emergency across all sectors of the economy and society – raising the challenge of how Parliaments can best engage with and scrutinise disruptive change.
The briefing explores 26 key issues alongside the three themes, covering each major area of devolved policy – from mental health provision and changes in family law, to the business base in Scotland and changing car use.
Speaking as the briefing was published, Clerk and Chief Executive of the Scottish Parliament David McGill said: “The Key Issues for Session 6 briefing is an example of the vital work that SPICe produces for parliamentarians. It outlines the key subjects likely to be of particular interest for the new Parliament with tailored, impartial analysis of the issues that matter to MSPs.
“While the new Session will deal with a range of issues over the next five years, SPICe has identified the broad themes likely to feature heavily in the work of the Parliament as well as the key issues from across all areas of devolved policy.
“This briefing can either be read from cover to cover or readers can dip into whichever issues interest them the most. I hope it proves to be both a thought provoking and useful reference tool in the months and years ahead.”
Latest Childline data reveals there has been a 17% rise in counselling sessions about mental or emotional health with children under 12 from Scotland over the past year
As lockdown eases and we look forward to a brighter summer, the NSPCC launches Childhood Day and invites people in Scotland to come together to play, raise money and help keep children safe
During the pandemic, Childline held 243 counselling sessions with children of this age group about their mental and emotional health, compared with 207 sessions in the previous year – an increase of 17%.
Now the NSPCC is asking families and friends to celebrate childhood by organising a play event on June 11th to raise money for the charity and help keep more children safe.
Since April last year, Childline has carried out a total of 3,664 counselling sessions with children in Scotland about their mental or emotional health.
In 1,748 mental health-related counselling sessions young people mentioned anxiety or stress; in 1,006 they discussed low mood; in 569 they talked about confidence issues; and in 496 they spoke about depression.
Mental health has remained the top reason young people have got in touch with Childline, with these four issues ranking as the most commonly discussed topics. In over 200 counselling sessions, children in Scotland talked of their worries about the world, which is more than a two-fold increase from the previous year (81).
Over the past year, councillors have heard from children attempting to navigate the closure of schools, the introduction and easing of lockdowns, concerns about the virus and social isolation.
At the start of the pandemic the change in daily routines, being stuck at home and the removal of professional support from schools caused great worry and anxiety in young people, particularly those who were already coping with other issues in their lives.
The start of the year and the January lockdown presented another particularly challenging time for young people, as COVID death rates rose and schools closed down for a second time.
The charity’s Childline volunteer counsellors, as well as supporters and partners worked incredibly hard to ensure the service could stay open and young people had somewhere to turn. Analysis of Childline’s online services shows many children have taken proactive steps to support their emotional wellbeing during this time.
Now, as lockdown continues to ease, the charity is calling on people everywhere to play their part in giving children a great summer and brighter future – as it launches its landmark Childhood Day with a new film that encourages people to sign up.
Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of Childline, said: “Throughout this pandemic, children and young people have had to deal with so many difficult new challenges, many knowing that their families were struggling with health worries and financial issues, some locked down in unsafe homes, deprived of their schools which may have been their only refuge.
“Many have told Childline that they have struggled to cope and their mental health has suffered as a result.
“Childline’s counsellors have been tremendously impressed by the resilience of so many young people during the pandemic, supporting themselves and each other. Nevertheless, we are all only too aware that not only education has suffered, but so has the opportunity to play.
“My grandchildren have told me how much they have missed their friends during lockdown. Play is such an important part of childhood, building confidence and creating relationships.
“After the year we’ve had, I am really looking forward to joining my own family on Childhood Day. I do hope as many families as possible will be able to do the same, to enjoy each other’s company and have fun and play together.
“I want to remind children everywhere that Childline is always there for them, no matter how big or small their problem, offering comfort and support which is free, confidential, on the phone or online.”
NSPCC supporter Dr Ranj Singh said: “Young people have experienced so many different challenges to their mental health this year. Lots will have played less because they’ve been stuck at home, but as restrictions ease and opportunities for play increase it’s important we recognise its benefits.
“Play can help children work through difficult emotions, encounter new experiences and build resilience, confidence and self-esteem. In light of this, I’m backing the NSPCC’s Childhood Day and encouraging families up and down the country to get playing on the 11th of June.”
Earlier this year, a 10-year-old boy told Childline: “I’m feeling really sad and upset that I can’t spend time with friends and play with them because of another lockdown. I’m not returning to school for another 5 or 6 weeks and the news about the number of deaths from COVID-19 has made me more scared. I don’t feel like I can tell my mum how I feel inside as it will upset her.”
https://youtu.be/Kt9O0xe8z9A
Childhood Day
The NSPCC’s Childhood Day, which was previously piloted in specific areas and will be held on the 11th June this year, is being launched today with a refreshed look and feel and a renewed ambition to celebrate childhood by getting the UK playing after a really challenging year.
The charity has launched a new film that encourages people to play their part for children by signing up, downloading a fundraising pack and organising a play event to fundraise for the NSPCC. Whether you’re 5 or 85, the charity is encouraging everyone to get involved to play with family, friends or workmates.
Childline online
Despite the challenges of the past year, as well as seeking support from our counsellors, young people accessed Childline online resources, information and tools to support their mental health in ways and at times that were most convenient and helpful to them.
Childline saw huge increases in the number of young people using the website to access information, advice and resources. The week the March 2020 lockdown began there were over 10,000 page views of the Childline’s Calm Zone, which offers breathing exercises and activities to help let go of stress.
New research reveals nearly two thirds (67%) of people in Scotland support car-free zones outside schools to help more families walk to school.
It comes ahead of Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (17-21 May) when thousands of children will take to their feet for the journey to school.
New research reveals the majority of people in Scotland are in favour of measures to make it easier for families to walk to school.
Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking carried out the research ahead of national Walk to School Week (17 – 21 May 2021).
The YouGov poll found that nearly two thirds of people in Scotland (67%) support car-free zones outside schools, with support also for safer crossings (57%), a ban on pavement parking (55%) and lower speed limits (47%).
One in four cars on Britain’s roads at peak times are on the school run, generating half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. The charity is urging families to leave the car at home for the journey to school and is urging local authorities to make it easier for families to choose cleaner, sustainable travel.
Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:“We’ve seen the huge improvements on offer to health and air quality when we drive less and walk more. We need to ensure families feel safe and confident to walk to school so we can keep enjoying these benefits.
“We work in over 2,000 schools across the UK and parents tell us they are put off walking because of speeding vehicles, unsafe crossings and cars parked on pavements. By making school streets car free, we remove those barriers – and our new research shows that most people back these changes.
“We want at least one School Street – closed to traffic at drop off and pick up times – in every ward to help more families enjoy the fresh air, freedom, friendship and fun that walking to school brings.”
Thousands of children across the UK will celebrate the benefits of walking during Walk to School Week (17 – 21 May 2021).
Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking as part of their National Walking Month campaign each May.
Families will be encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
Alison Johnstone MSP has been elected as the Scottish Parliament’s sixth Presiding Officer. Ms Johnstone is the first Green MSP to be elected to the role.
In her acceptance speech the new Presiding Officer thanked her colleagues for electing her to the position in what she called an “opportunity and a privilege”.
She later added: “I am so proud to have been elected as the Parliament’s sixth Presiding Officer.
“This is an incredibly important time for the country and I want to ensure that the Parliament is a place of open debate but we do that in an environment of mutual tolerance and respect.
This afternoon, MSPs elected @AlisonJohnstone as Presiding Officer of @ScotParl for Session 6 of the Parliament.
“The Parliament is such an important place for not just me, but for people across Scotland. This is our most diverse Parliament yet, but there is still more to do, and I want to make sure that the Parliament is representative of all the people it serves.
“There is no doubt that we face some major challenges ahead including the pandemic and of course climate change. I want to ensure this Parliament and all its Members have the opportunity to work together to address these vital issues.”
The election took place following a secret ballot of newly elected Members. Ms Johnstone was the only nomination for the post.
Alison Johnstone was first elected to represent the Lothians Region in 2011, and was a Councillor on City of Edinburgh Council before her election as an MSP.
She is a qualified athletics coach and previously held the East of Scotland titles for the 800m and 1500m.
Edinburgh Green branch has congratulated Alison Johnstone MSP on her election as the Scottish Parliament’s first Green Presiding Officer.
Although Alison will now have to suspend party affiliation for the parliamentary term, she will continue to represent people throughout Lothian and manage casework.
Her election comes on top of a record result for the Greens in both Scotland and Lothian last week and is a further sign of how central Green politics now is to Scottish political debate.
Newly-elected Green MSP for Lothian Lorna Slater said: “I congratulate Alison on her election, and I know that she will be an even-handed moderator as Parliament addresses the pressing challenges that Scotland faces over the next five years.
“As only the second woman Presiding Officer, Alison is also well-placed to break new ground in defining the role of a PO in this more diverse parliament. I am confident that she will use it to increase the reach of Parliament and make it even more welcoming for people of all backgrounds.
“With the COP26 global climate summit coming to Scotland later in the year it will be good to have someone with strong Green credentials representing our parliament. Throw into the mix the forthcoming independence referendum and it’s clearly going to be a challenging role at a challenging time.”
