Pensioners urged to be alert to Winter Fuel Payment scams

  • Winter Fuel Payments paid in winter 2025 will be recovered from pensioners with income above £35,000
  • Check if your payment will be reclaimed at GOV.UK – you don’t need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • Scammers may try to trick customers into handing money over

Pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month.

Almost two million people are expected to repay their winter 2025 payment due to their annual income being more than £35,000 – for most, an automatic process.

HMRC saw more than 25,000 Winter Fuel Payment scam referrals over the last 12 months and is warning that scammers may now use the recovery process as a hook to use texts, emails and phone calls to target this group.

For most, the payment will be recovered through a change to their PAYE tax code from this month (April 2026) with no need to contact HMRC.

For those in Self Assessment who file online, the payment should be pre-populated in their 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027. Customers should check and add it manually if it is not shown.

Paper filers will need to add it on their tax return, due by 31 October 2026. 

This applies across the UK – including in Scotland, where the payment is known as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and in Northern Ireland, where payments were made by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive. In all cases, recovery is handled by HMRC.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: ““Criminals are great pretenders and often use fake letters, emails, calls and texts to impersonate HMRC and trick people into giving them money.

“I’d encourage anyone who’s unsure to use our online tool at GOV.UK to check whether and how their payment will be recovered – there’s no need to call us”

HMRC will never contact people by text or email to ask them to repay their Winter Fuel Payment, or to request bank details.

People can use HMRC’s online checking tool at GOV.UK to see whether their payment will be reclaimed and how.

Man convicted of attempted murder of police officer

A 29-year-old man has been convicted of the attempted murder of a police officer in Edinburgh.

Thomas Malone pleaded to guilty to attempted murder, dangerous driving and abduction charges at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday, 14 April).

The incident took place at a petrol station on Stenhouse Road on the evening of Tuesday, 9 July, 2024.

The officer was struck by Malone, who was driving a stolen Mercedes GLE, while on foot attempting to bring the vehicle to a stop. Malone had stolen the vehicle from the Gorgie Road area earlier in the evening.

A 16-year-old boy was a passenger within the vehicle at the time it was stolen but escaped prior to the crash with no injuries.

The officer was met with immediate assistance from colleagues and Malone was arrested.

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment to serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Detective Inspector Alan Sharp said: “This was a terrifying incident for the officer involved, who was left with serious injuries as a result of Malone’s actions, and our thoughts remain with those involved.

“The courage and determination shown by the officer and his colleagues, who were simply doing their job, led to the swift arrest of Malone and ensured that the threat he posed to officers and the community was quickly contained.

“I hope this conviction brings some comfort to the officer and his colleagues, as well as the boy involved, and sends a message that this type of violent behaviour against police officers and staff will not be tolerated.”

Superintendent Andrew Barclay, of Road Policing, said: “I want to express my thanks and gratitude to those involved for their bravery and professionalism when faced with such danger.

“Every officer has the fundamental right to come home from each shift unharmed. This type of incident shows the unpredictable and dangerous situations police officers can face, while doing their utmost to keep people safe.”

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Free fun at West Pilton Park

EDINBURGH and LOTHIANS GREENSPACE TRUST

Looking for some free fun this Easter holiday in your local park?

Head along to any or all of these workshops all about nature in West Pilton Park!

Takeaway cup recycling made easier in Edinburgh

Recycling takeaway cups in Edinburgh is now easier thanks to a collaborative scheme Keep Scotland Beautiful has launched with the National Cup Recycling Scheme and City of Edinburgh Council.

Dedicated cup bins will be deployed on Market Street, Waverley Bridge and outside Haymarket Station to collect single-use cups in a new trial to test the effectiveness of on-street cup recycling and see if it is possible to boost the number of cups being recycled in Scotland – currently 4% – and prevent them from ending up as litter or in landfill.  

Furthermore, the partners have teamed up with retailers including Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero, Greggs and McDonald’s to launch Take It Back in Edinburgh. 

This is the first time our Cup Movement campaign has taken place in Edinburgh and will build on the previous success and learnings of trials in Glasgow and Dundee. 

More than 30 stores in Edinburgh are participating in Take It Back, allowing customers to take a single-use cup back to any of the above retailers to be recycled.  

Heather McLaughlin, Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Campaigns Manager, said: “Single-use cups make up a huge percentage of the items polluting Scotland’s environment. 

“More than half of people in Scotland (59%) often see littered single-use cups. In Edinburgh alone a recent bin audit of on-street bins outside Waverley Station found that single-use cups made up 59% of the drinks waste. 

“The reality is that these single-use products are already ending up as litter. We need to address our over consumption of single-use products and make an effort to choose reusable options. 

“However, we know that reuse is not always possible or practical. This scheme will make it easier for people who use single-use cups to ensure they are recycled properly.” 

Hannah Osman, National Cup Recycling Manager at Valpak Ltd, said: “Transport hubs are some of the highest footfall locations in Scotland, and we know from our data that a significant volume of single-use cups are consumed on the go.  

“By targeting key commuter routes, this trial allows us to test how dedicated infrastructure in the right locations can capture more material and significantly increase recycling rates. 

“Through this partnership, we’re using real-time data and evidence from previous trials to understand what works, measure contamination levels, track capture rates, and build a scalable model for on-street cup recycling. 

“The goal is simple: make cup recycling visible, convenient and data-driven so it can be rolled out effectively across other cities in Scotland and beyond.” 

Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, City of Edinburgh Council’s Environment Convener, said: “Increasing recycling rates in the city is one of our key priorities. 

“It’s important we support targeted projects like this to make it easier for people to dispose of takeaway cups, which have become so popular in recent years and the prominent locations of these three new dedicated bins will hopefully do that. 

“I’d also always encourage residents and visitors buying a regular cuppa to wherever possible take their own cup into takeaway stores to cut down on the need to use the disposable ones at all.” 

Typical single-use hot drink cups cannot go into standard recycling bins or be recycled at home. To avoid cups ending up in landfill, it is really important to #TakeItBack.  So, even if you forget your reusable cup, you can still help reduce the negative environmental impact of single-use cups if you #TakeItBack. 

Find the participating Edinburgh stores on our interactive map.

Read more on our website and remember to #TakeItBack next time you’re in Edinburgh: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/…/takeaway-cup…/

Operation Portaledge: Man convicted of machete attack in Edinburgh

A 50-year-old man has been convicted following a violent offence in Edinburgh.

Anthony Brown pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday (Tuesday, 14 April, 2026), to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.

Officers were made aware of the attempted murder of a 54-year-old man on Pitcairn Grove in Greenbank around 9.20pm on Thursday, 22 May, 2025.

Brown was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Friday, 4 July, 2025, following the execution of a warrant.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “Another individual has been convicted in relation to this violent incident.

“This conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.

“Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”

Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

Scotland’s Bishops say it’s not too late to get behind SCIAF’s WEE BOX appeal

The Archbishop of Edinburgh and St Andrew’s Diocese Leo Cushley, together with Scotland’s other Bishops, has given his blessing to SCIAF’s WEE BOX annual fundraising appeal and the issue of access to safe water.

SCIAF – the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund – is the official relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland. Compelled by Christ’s love, it works with those in the world’s poorest places to end poverty, protect our common home, and help people recover from disaster. SCIAF inspires loving action in the Scottish Catholic community to sustain its work. 

Staff from SCIAF visited the Bishops as they gathered for regular conference at the Schoenstatt Retreat Centre. 

Chief executive Lorraine Currie said: “We are so grateful to the Bishops of Scotland and Catholics across the country for their support already this Lent. Our supporters in Scotland are so generous and their support for people living in poverty around the world is really overwhelming.

“This year’s WEE BOX campaign aims to highlight the issue of access to clean water and the transformational work that SCIAF supporters are funding. It is genuinely changing lives. Bringing clean water close to people’s homes helps kids get to school and improves the health of the whole family. It was amazing to see the difference basic things like taps and wells can make for people’s lives.”

Bishop Brian McGee is SCIAF’s Bishop President. He said: “What can be more unjust that not being able to access clean, safe water?  We are so lucky here in Scotland and we just take it for granted that the water from our taps will always be there.  

“Thanks to the generosity of people across Scotland, SCIAF has been funding local organisations in Ethiopia to bring clean water to communities and help people help themselves out of poverty. And we need their help again to continue to do this. Please give what you can.” 

Please use your WEE BOX to make a BIG CHANGE. Your support can show young people around the world that a better world is possible – one where they can survive, thrive and flourish.  

For more details on how to donate, please visit www.sciaf.org.uk/weebox.

To donate £10, please text SCIAF to 70580. Texts will cost £10 plus your standard network charge.  

Teddy Bears’ Picnic at LifeCare Centre

4th MAY from 11am – 1pm

With Spring in full bloom, we are inviting you to our Teddy Bears’ Picnic!

Bring your little ones (and their favourite teddy!) along for a fun-filled morning of lunch and children’s entertainment.

The picnic will be held at The LifeCare Centre, our fully accessible community hub on the 4th of May 11am – 1pm. Children under 12 months go FREE of charge.

Don’t forget to bring your teddy bear for the full picnic experience! We hope to see you there.

Grab your tickets now: [https://events.humanitix.com/teddybears-picnic]

Judy Murray OBE backs digital detox to protect Scotland’s children from online harm

Judy Murray OBE is backing On-Mute May, Children First’s new campaign, which urges people across the country to step away from social media this May to raise vital funds and awareness of the growing dangers children face online.

Research from Scotland’s national children’s charity reveals harmful online content is the biggest threat children and young people say they face today.

In Scotland, 79% of young people report feeling worried about encountering harmful content online and 78% say they are anxious about the impact social media has on their lives. Smartphone use has also emerged as a major concern for both children and parents.

Children First warns that while phone and social media use has become deeply ingrained in everyday life, children cannot protect themselves from harmful or disturbing content and adults must take urgent action to keep them safe.

Judy Murray OBE said: “I’m delighted to be backing Children First’s On-Mute May campaign. Together we’re shining a light on the serious online harm facing children across Scotland while raising vital funds for the charity.

 “I have always championed the power of sport for the life skills it develops as well as the obvious physical and mental health benefits. So, I’m encouraging everyone to take part in this digital detox and get active. It’s a great opportunity to switch off, reconnect and have fun together in whatever way you choose. 

“By taking a break from social media in May, you’re not just supporting your own wellbeing, you’re helping protect Scotland’s children.”

Children First helps protect children from harm, supports families to recover from trauma, and offers guidance through its national support line and local services. Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications said: “We are hugely grateful to Judy for lending her support to this important campaign.

“Across Scotland, our teams work with children and young people every single day who have experienced devastating harm online. 

“Children can’t protect themselves from online dangers. We need your help. Please join On-Mute May and give up or take a break from social media to raise funds to help protect Scotland’s children.” 

Young people have expressed significant concerns about online harm to Children First, underlining the importance of protecting childhood in a digital world. Sam, age 10, shared: “People in Scotland are worried about staying safe online… whether people are who they say they are.”

Erin, age 18 who has been impacted by online harm in the past said: “Being online all the time can take a toll on how you feel about yourself, how you see the world and even how people treat one another. The rise of toxic influencers, bullying in group chats, people sharing harmful content … it all adds up.

“Taking a break doesn’t mean unplugging forever. It just means giving your brain space to breathe. If you’re thinking about doing something worthwhile, join in the challenge.”

“It’s also a great opportunity to switch off and connect with your children and family and spend quality time making memories together.”

Anyone wishing to take part in On-Mute May can sign up through the Children First website: www.childrenfirst.org.uk/onmutemay

The charity’s support line is also available for anyone who is worried about a child’s online safety, call 08000 28 22 33, 365 days a  year.

The Shared Housing Surge: UK HMO market grows by 40%

  • New data reveals a 40% jump in HMO licence applications since 2018, with over 57,000 applications received in the last year alone 
  • Edinburgh, Oxford and Bristol named UK’s HMO hotspots, with highest annual application rates 
  • Rising investment regions, including Sandwell and West Lancashire, reported application growth of nearly 1,000% 

The UK’s House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) market has seen a remarkable surge in growth, with new data revealing a 40% increase in license applications since 2018. The research suggests that landlords are increasingly pivoting towards shared housing to meet the soaring demand for affordable, high-quality living spaces. 

The study, from specialist landlord insurance provider Just Landlords, analyses data obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests from local councils across the UK. It found that since 2018, the number of annual HMO applications has climbed from 41,162 to a record-breaking 57,725. 

How does the HMO market differ across the country? 

While growth has been steady throughout the UK, the situation varies from one city to the next. Edinburgh was named the UK’s HMO capital, with an average of 5,158 applications each year. 

Areas with the Highest Annual Application Rates 

  1. Edinburgh – 5,158 
  2. Oxford – 2,458 
  3. Bristol – 1,491 
  4. Southwark – 1,412 
  5. Tower Hamlets – 1,394 

Sandwell, in the West Midlands, reported the highest rate of growth, seeing applications jump by 964%, from 28 in 2018 to 298 in 2024. 

Areas with the Highest Application Growth 

  1. Sandwell – 964% 
  2. West Lancashire – 886% 
  3. Tower Hamlets – 750% 
  4. Guildford – 742% 
  5. Waltham Forest – 481% 

Clark Ross, Managing Director of Just Landlords, comments: “We’re witnessing a major evolution in the UK rental market. An increasing number of landlords are moving away from traditional lets in favour of HMOs, to help meet the growing demand for flexible, affordable housing solutions. 

“We’re also seeing an interesting geographical shift in investment. While London remains a cornerstone of the market, there has been huge growth in the Midlands and the North, with some areas seeing application numbers increase by nearly 1,000% since 2018.” 

As the sector grows, the data also points to an increasing focus on quality and compliance. Across the UK, council inspections of HMOs have risen by 83% since 2018, while enforcement actions, including improvement notices and prosecutions, have jumped by 180%. 

Areas for Improvement 

While the national picture is one of growth, the data also identifies areas where the market is still adjusting to new regulations. 

Areas like Blackpool and Fenland saw over half of their annual applications refused, while landlords in Lewisham, Wandsworth and Liverpool saw higher than average numbers of enforcement actions. 

Areas with the Highest Application Refusal Rates 

  1. Blackpool – 70% 
  2. Fenland – 51% 
  3. Sandwell – 48% 
  4. Armagh – 26% 
  5. Norwich – 24% 

Areas with the Highest Number of Annual Enforcement Actions 

  1. Lewisham – 288 
  2. Wandsworth – 146 
  3. Liverpool – 141 
  4. Denbighshire – 141 
  5. Camden – 117 

Despite increased enforcement in some areas, the overall picture of the UK HMO market remains one of strong growth and professionalisation. As more landlords enter the sector and councils continue to improve oversight, standards across shared housing are expected to continue rising. 

For professional landlords, the growing demand for shared accommodation presents a significant opportunity, particularly in high-demand university cities and growing regional investment hubs. With the right licensing, compliance, and insurance in place, HMOs remain one of the most resilient and high-yielding areas of the rental market. 

Clark Ross, Managing Director of Just Landlords, comments: “While our findings reveal an environment of tightened regulation, this should be seen as a positive step for the market.

“Higher standards protect the reputation of the sector and ensure that dedicated, professional landlords aren’t being undercut by sub-standard operators. As the sector continues to grow, the most successful landlords will be those who treat their compliance and insurance as the bedrock of their business strategy.”