‘Historic Places, Breathing Spaces’ campaign launches today to help boost wellbeing through connection to heritage
60% of people say their wellbeing improved because of visiting a HES site
Leading Scottish influencers support campaign for wellbeing heritage
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
It comes after a recent HES survey* found 60% of people reported improved wellbeing because of visiting a HES site, and 74% of people felt a sense of connection to the sites after visiting.
Now HES is working with wellbeing organisations, influencers and communities across the country to encourage more people to visit heritage sites and discover the benefits it can bring for mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Historic Places, Breathing Spaces is the latest action from HES to encourage community participation in heritage to support wellbeing.
As part of the initiative, people are invited to submit their photos and videos expressing how heritage makes them feel to hes.scot/wellbeing. HES will create an online exhibition to further inform and develop the role of heritage sites in supporting wellbeing.
To inspire those looking to explore Historic Scotland sites in new ways this summer, staff have recommended their favourite walks to help the public discover some of the lesser-known areas at local landmarks. HES has also curated playlists inspired by Scotland and its cultural impact for visitors looking to further enhance their walks with an auditory experience, available now on Spotify.
This national initiative follows regional work by HES and partners to encourage heritage engagement to boost health and wellness.
Laura Macdonald, a public health researcher specialising in place-based health inequalities at the University of Glasgow, worked with HES in 2023 to lead research revealing the important links between heritage and mental wellbeing*.
Speaking about Historic Places, Breathing Spaces Laura Macdonald said: “Our research has found that people living near to local heritage sites, who actively visited them, reported significantly better mental health.
“Many heritage sites, particularly historic parks and gardens, provide valuable access to green space, creating a powerful combination of cultural and natural assets that work together to reduce stress and promote mental health.
“Community engagement initiatives play a vital role in making these benefits more accessible – by raising awareness of local heritage through activities such as guided walks and heritage volunteering, communities can help more people interact with heritage and experience the mental health benefits it can provide.
“It will be fascinating to see how the Historic Places, Breathing Spaces campaign will bring further awareness of this on a national level.”
As the national body in Scotland responsible for investigating, caring for and promoting Scotland’s historic environment, HES plans to use information gathered through this latest initiative to explore the social value of heritage sites, and how that can support the country’s wider wellbeing agenda.
The Historic Places, Breathing Spaces initiative is endorsed by Black Scottish Adventurers; a community dedicated to encouraging participation of ethnic minority individuals to enjoy and engage with Scotland’s outdoor environment.
Alistair Heather, known online as “Historic Ally”, is also participating in the campaign to encourage more people to connect with heritage and history in Scotland.
HES Director of Marketing and Engagement, Stephen Duncan, said: ““We are proud to launch Historic Places, Breathing Spaces to encourage people to boost their wellbeing by visiting heritage sites across Scotland.
“We want people across the country to share their stories about what heritage means to them, and how their wellbeing is boosted by connecting with it.
“Scotland’s historic sites attract visitors from around the world to discover and learn about our rich history, but what heritage can also offer is a place to reflect and reconnect with ourselves in the modern world. We want to collaborate with more organisations and individuals to encourage people to explore our sites in news ways and connect with their local heritage.
“Our research shows that 60% of people who have visited HES sites report improved wellbeing from engagement with the historic environment. This summer we want to encourage everyone to engage with heritage and discover for themselves the wellbeing boost it can bring, and to be part of a national exhibition that celebrates Scotland’s historic environment in a new way.”
Charities of all sizes in Scotland are being encouraged to sign up to a new volunteering platform, to help recruit more volunteers to support their invaluable work.
Leading volunteering charity, Royal Voluntary Service, has created a digital volunteering platform, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to help charities across the country to connect with would-be volunteers in their communities.
Local and regional charities are vital to the fabric of the country, and many rely on the time and support of volunteers, yet charities across the board are seeing fewer people step forward in recent years.
However, research by Royal Voluntary Service found that people in Scotland are interested in volunteering their time, if they could fit it around their lives. 48%1 of people in Scotland agreed that an app or platform offering the ability to volunteer on an ad-hoc-basis and fit in and around their life would make them more likely to volunteer, suggesting there’s an untapped pool of potential volunteers.
When combined with the finding that making a valuable contribution to society or local community was a leading motivator for people to volunteer, a positive picture is painted for local causes looking to recruit.
The platform will launch to the public in the autumn, when potential volunteers will be able to browse, search, filter, click and connect with causes and charities they care about.
Charities across the region are able to sign up to the platform now completely free of charge and will be invited to upload roles to test the platform from June onwards, ahead of the full launch to local people in the autumn.
It is hoped that the platform will be a hub of flexible, accessible digitally-enabled volunteering, and a resource that local charities can tap in to, to supercharge their volunteer recruitment.
Charities of all shapes and sizes, from sporting or arts charities, to those supporting people living with health conditions, and environmental causes to animal charities, are urged to sign up and consider uploading as diverse a range of volunteer roles as possible in the coming weeks and months.
Ensuring volunteering opportunities are varied and inclusive, from one-off, remote and flexible roles, to team-based, skilled, and traditional volunteering roles will help to broaden access to volunteering and inspire a new generation of volunteers for the benefit of causes and communities across the country.
Charities will also be able to benefit from welcoming new volunteers, whilst reducing the costs and admin associated with recruitment.
The goal of the platform’s simple ‘on-board once’ process for volunteers will mean that once a person has registered and completed an identity check, they will be able to move seamlessly between volunteering opportunities, charities and causes through the platform, without the need to re-register and repeat basic assurances.
Eventually, charities will also be able to utilise free criminal record checking, which will be introduced to the platform at a later date.
Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We have shaped this exciting new platform in partnership with charities big and small across the country, to make sure it’s valuable for causes of all sizes.
“Together we can make volunteering more accessible and empower more people to give their time to support the host of invaluable charities and causes they care about, across Scotland.
“The platform addresses what we know to be barriers for would-be volunteers and makes fitting volunteering in to modern life easier than ever. Thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players we are on the cusp of a volunteer revolution, and I am passionate that as many charities and causes be a part of it as possible.”
Clara Govier, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We work with a range of amazing charities and we understand the fundamental part that volunteers play in their operations and in civil society.
“Thanks to our players’ support, Royal Voluntary Service is creating a platform which makes it simpler for volunteers to find the opportunities that suit them, either where they live or online.
“Just think what could be possible for our communities if new generations of people start to volunteer their time. I’d like to thank everyone who plays People’s Postcode Lottery for their support in making this possible.”
Partnerships for Wellbeing is a Highland charity best known for its community transport, health walks and friendship groups. It also organises the annual festival of walking and wheeling.
Jeff Zycinski, Manager at Partnerships for Wellbeing, said:“Small community-based charities like ours are always looking for new ways to recruit volunteers.
“It’s been so great to be involved in the early development of this project which has the potential to be a game-changing tool for people looking for ways to include an element of voluntary work in their lives and so make a difference to the lives of others.”
The platform is entirely free for charities to use, including identity checking of volunteers.
Charities interested in participating in workshops and webinars, or registering to upload their volunteering opportunities to the platform can find out more and sign up at royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.
With hot weather conditions in Scotland this week, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and to act quickly if they spot early signs of heatstroke.
Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, some of which can sadly be fatal.
Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating.
Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal. Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature. Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk.
Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.
British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said:“Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn.
“Unfortunately, these can often be fatal. With heat warnings in place, make sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.
“When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, don’t take them out during the heat of the day- stick to early morning or late evening walks- and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, contact a vet as quickly as possible as heat-related illnesses can be fatal.
“It’s important to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pets’ lives. In dogs, signs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.
“Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
“If you suspect heatstroke, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink if possible, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.”
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey during 2022’s record-breaking heatwave revealed that half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness. Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions reported by 51% of small animal vets, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%).
BVA has shared the following top tips to keep pets safe in this heat:
Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. Provide them with a cool mat and fan and keep frozen water bottles covered in towels in their living space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can provide extra shade by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels. Lightly misting rabbits’ ears with cold water is also an effective way to help cool them, as long as this doesn’t stress them.
Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for five seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.
If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet.
Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out shallow bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.
Everyone is invited to LifeCare’s free Summer BBQ tomorrow – Friday 20th June, from 12 noon to 4pm at theLifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.
Come along for a fantastic afternoon of free food, a bouncy castle, delicious cakes (thanks to Soderberg!) and a wide range of fun activities for all ages.
This special event is part of the Love the LifeCare Hub campaign, celebrating 50 years of LifeCare supporting local people – from young children to older adults – through affordable, accessible community services. The hub welcomes over 47,000 visits each year and runs more than 80 weekly classes and activities. It’s a place where people connect, share, and thrive.
As LifeCare faces rising running costs, donations are being welcomed to help safeguard this much-loved community space. Every pound helps ensure LifeCare can continue to offer vital support and joyful connections for generations to come.
So bring your friends, family, and neighbours for an afternoon of summer celebration – and help support one of Edinburgh’s most cherished community hubs.
Proposals to support pensioners in Scotland this winter
All pensioners in Scotland with an income of less than £35,000 will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payments this winter of either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed.
This means pensioners in Scotland will be better off compared to those in the rest of the UK.
Pensioner households with no-one aged 80 or over will receive £203.40, rising to £305.10 for households with someone aged 80 or over.
Following the UK Government’s recent change to winter fuel payments, the Scottish Government will withdraw the current amendment regulations before the Scottish Parliament, which were previously lodged in order to protect pensioners in Scotland against the UK Government’s planned cuts to winter fuel payments.
The move will now see over 720,000 Scottish pensioners benefit.
Ms Somerville said: “The UK Government’s decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment last winter was a betrayal of millions of pensioners, and their recent U-turn is welcome if belated.
“Following careful consideration of the options available, the Scottish Government will mirror the approach taken by the UK Government. We will bring forward regulations to ensure that, from this winter onwards, all pensioners will receive either £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age.
“We are in discussion with the UK Government to extend the proposed arrangements in England and Wales to recover payments from those pensioners with an individual income of more than £35,000 through the tax system.
“The intention is that the payment will be recovered automatically, and pensioners will not need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.
“This approach ensures a higher level of support which those most in need will receive. Over 720,000 Scottish pensioners are estimated to benefit from the higher payment.”
Leading pensioner poverty charity welcomes decision on Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “We welcome today’s confirmation from the Scottish Government that all older people with an income of less than £35,000 a year will receive the higher rate of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
“This decision will provide some comfort to the hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland who live in fuel poverty.
“In a compassionate and wealthy society, no one should struggle to stay warm in the winter due to cost. The commitment by the Scottish Government to uprate the PAWHP annually is also welcome and key to ensuring the payment does not lose its value due to inflation.
“This means the payment will now be worth £203.40 or £305.10 per household, depending on age, with the payment recovered through tax from those with an income over £35,000.
“We welcome this decision and hope the Scottish Government continues to take steps to reduce financial hardship, including the creation of a strategy to tackle pensioner poverty.”
The launch of Scotland’s National Day of Movement marks a new chapter in championing inclusive activity for people living with long-term health conditions
The Scottish Government’s public health minister yesterday (18th June) joined participants representing Scotland’s third sector in enjoying the benefits of physical activity to help celebrate Scotland’s first-ever National Day of Movement.
Held outside the Scottish Parliament and led by the Movement for Health Coalition, the event attracted community and health leaders, political and government representatives, academics, and people living with long-term conditions to celebrate movement in all its varied forms.
The event formed part of a wider day of celebrations focused on all forms of physical activity in Scotland by charity partners, government, and academia.
The National Day of Movement is a celebration of all forms of movement and the benefits this brings to our physical, mental, and social health.
It shines a spotlight on a more inclusive approach to physical activity, especially for the nearly 50% of adults in Scotland living with at least one long-term health condition who often face unique barriers that make reaching global physical activity guidelines difficult.
Today we celebrate those who fight through the pain, tiredness and other challenges, to find happiness and health in any movement they enjoy, big or small, and reminds us that all steps forward count.
The third sector, community and local government organisations play a vital role in turning movement into something enjoyable and achievable.
Movement for Health coalition members and partners are leading the way, supporting those that live with minor and limited movements due to their health conditions through inclusive, welcoming, and social physical activity programmes across the whole of Scotland.
This year’s National Day of Movement showcased just how empowering, joyful and accessible these activities can be, including breath work, gardening, and seated sports such as Boccia.
The event also shone a light on the importance of rest and pace for people living with chronic pain and fatigue conditions. Messaging supporting physical activity needs to reflect this knowledge to reach Scotland’s least active communities successfully.
Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Scottish Government, said: “I am delighted to celebrate Scotland’s first-ever National Day of Movement with the Movement for Health coalition today. We know that building more movement into our daily lives benefits us physically, mentally and socially.
“We want to do more to support people with disabilities and long term health conditions to move more, but we need to make sure that we do that in a way that is based on an understanding of the individual challenges that people face.
“The Movement for Health coalition provides an invaluable forum to provide insights into these challenges across a range of health conditions. We must continue to use these insights, both nationally and locally, to ensure that we are providing the right support and creating a culture of movement that is accessible and welcoming to all.”
James Jopling, Scotland Director at Parkinson’s UK said: “Movement really makes a difference. By coming together and celebrating moves, big and small, we are collectively saying – This is important.
“Supporting people living with a huge variety of health conditions to benefit from movement is something that needs greater investment and prioritisation to sustain and improve the nations’ health.”
Emma Anderson, Movement for Health Manager, said: “The National Day of Movement is a powerful reminder that all movement matters.
“Whether it’s a short walk, a gentle stretch, or dancing in your kitchen, it’s about celebrating what people can do. That’s how we create a more active, inclusive Scotland – by making space for every kind of movement.
“Our coalition members and partners see every day how movement transforms lives.
“Today was a chance to showcase just that – highlighting the joy, connection, and confidence that come when people are supported to move in ways that feel right for them.
“We’re grateful to everyone who joined us today to celebrate our achievements and hope that, together, we can continue to champion inclusive movement across Scotland.”
Queensferry Road will be closed in both directions between Drumbrae North and Clermiston Road North from 10pm on Thursday, 19 June until 1am on Friday, 20 June, 2025.
The closure is to allow for a collision reconstruction as part of enquiries into a crash which happened on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025.
Diversions will be in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.
Police Scotland thank the public for their patience and their understanding.
We’re saddened to share that our community garden—lovingly tended by local children and dedicated volunteers—has been taken, and many of the vegetables we’ve grown together are gone.
This garden is more than just plants; it’s a space for learning, connection, and giving back. We’re asking for your help to spread the word and protect this special place.
Please share this post with your friends and family.
If you see or hear anything, let us know.
Let’s work together to keep our garden safe and thriving.
TRUSSELL: The new Universal Credit and PIP bill will push nearly HALF A MILLION more people into severe hardship and towards the doors of food banks
Additional protections for millions of vulnerable people on benefits are set to be written into law, under new measures being introduced to Parliament yesterday [18 June 2025].
New welfare legislation to ensure there are robust protections in place to support the most vulnerable and severely disabled.
Nearly 4 million households to benefit from uprating of Universal Credit standard rate, the largest, permanent real-terms increase to basic out of work support since 1980, according to the IFS.
More than 200,000 people with most severe, lifelong conditions to be protected from future reassessment for Universal Credit entitlement.
13-week period of financial support for those affected by PIP changes as part of upcoming welfare reforms.
Comes alongside £1 billion employment support package that will unlock opportunity and grow the economy as part of the Plan for Change.
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will provide 13-weeks of additional financial security to existing claimants affected by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who their lose eligibility to Carers Allowance and the carer’s element of Universal Credit, according to the UK government – but charity Trussell says the bill will push nearly HALF A MILLION more people into severe hardship.
The 13-week additional protection will give people who will be affected by the changes time to adapt, access new, tailored employment support, and plan for their future once they are reassessed and their entitlement ends.
This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.
The Labour government says it inherited a broken social security system, with costs spiralling at an unsustainable rate and millions of people trapped out of work. The case for change is stark:
Since the pandemic, the number of PIP awards has more than doubled – up from 13,000 a month to 34,000 a month. That is around 1,000 people signing on to PIP every day – that is roughly the size of Leicester signing up every year.
The surge has been largely by driven by a substantial increase in the number of people who report anxiety and depression as their main condition. Before the pandemic (in 2019), 2,500 people a month were awarded PIP for these conditions, this has more than tripled to 8,200 a month in 2023.
Almost 1 million young people – 1 in 8 – are not in education, employment or training.
1-in-10 people of working age are now claiming a sickness or disability benefit.
Without reform, the number of working age people on disability benefits is set to more than double this decade to 4.3 million.
Spending on working age disability and incapacity benefits is up £20 billion since the pandemic and is set to increase by almost that much again by the end of this Parliament, to a staggering £70 billion a year.
Labour says that’s why, through the introduction of this Bill; the government is fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot – putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it.
“This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity.
“This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot – putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
As part of our (i.e. the Westminster govertnment’s) commitment to protect the most vulnerable and severely disabled, peace of mind will also be given to 200,000 individuals in the Severe Conditions Criteria group – individuals with the most severe and permanently disabling conditions who will never be able to work – as they will not be called for reassessed for Universal Credit (UC) under new legislation.
Those protected from reassessment will also be paid the higher rate of UC health top up of £97 per week, so they can live with dignity and security, knowing the reforms to the welfare system mean it will always be there to support them.
In the coming weeks, legislation will also be drafted for a Right to Try Guarantee. This will ensure that trying work will not, in and of itself, lead to a reassessment or award review, breaking down barriers to employment.
Reforms being delivered by the legislation introduced today go hand in hand with a £1 billion employment support package to support more people with health conditions back into work, unlocking opportunity and growing the economy as part of the Plan for Change.
Funding will offer personalised employment and health support for individuals on out of work benefits, with 500,000 people having already been supported into employment. This is a quadrupling the level of annual spend on supporting sick and disabled people into work, from the £275m in 2024/25 we inherited, to over £1bn in 2029/30.
Nearly 4 million households will also receive an income boost with the main rate of Universal Credit set to increase above inflation every year for the next four years – estimated to be worth £725 by 2029/30 for a single household 25 or over. This is around £250 higher than an inflation only increases.
The Bill will also rebalance Universal Credit rates by reducing the health element for new UC claims to £50 from April 2026, fixing a system which encourages sickness by paying health element recipients more than double the standard amount.
To open up opportunities to work, everyone affected by changes to the UC health element from April 2026 will be offered support from a dedicated Pathways to Work adviser, with 1,000 advisers in place across Britain.
All of those affected by reforms will be actively contacted and given the offer of a conversation about their support needs, goals and aspirations; offered one-to-one follow-on support, and given help to access additional work, health and skills support that can meet their needs.
The reforms build on the Get Britain Working White Paper that will overhaul Jobcentres, empower Mayors and local leaders to tackle inactivity, and deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning, as part of the Government’s ambition to deliver an 80% employment rate.
Additional information
The Bill will introduce a new additional eligibility requirement for the daily living component of PIP so that a minimum of 4 points must be scored on at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component. It will also rebalance Universal Credit.
Based on current forecasts, the rebalancing mean single households 25 or over, will see their standard allowance rise to around £106pw by the end of this parliament.
Current UC health top up is more than double the UC standard allowance for a single claimant.
There are 4 criteria for the healthcare professional to consider, all of which must apply for the claimant to meet the SCC, namely whether:
The individual’s level of function will always meet LCWRA
The individual’s condition will last for the rest of their life
There is no realistic prospect of recovery of function, and
The condition has been diagnosed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional in the course of the provision of NHS services.
Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary: “Scrap damaging welfare reforms”
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has urged the UK Government to protect and enhance social security rather than making cuts.
The UK Government’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill has been published today, which includes the details of the first set of changes to ill-health and disability benefits. The Scottish Government will not mirror the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) changes in Adult Disability Payment in Scotland.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The UK Government’s proposed reforms will be hugely damaging to those who rely on social security support, particularly during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“These plans have yet to be passed at Westminster, so there is still time for the UK Government to step back from this damaging policy and I strongly urge them to scrap their harmful proposals.
“The UK Government’s own analysis highlights how the proposals will push 250,000 more people across the UK into poverty – including 50,000 children. With around half of all children in poverty in Scotland living in a household with a disabled person, the changes threaten to undermine the progress that we are making to reduce child poverty, and the work of the UK Government’s Child Poverty Taskforce.
“That the UK Government is prioritising deep cuts to disabled people’s support is made even worse by their failure to abolish the two-child limit, which is estimated to have pushed more than 35,000 children into poverty since July last year.
“The reforms do not reflect the Scottish Government’s values. We will not let disabled people down or cast them aside as the UK Government has done. We will not cut Scotland’s Adult Disability Payment.
“The UK Government should follow our lead and protect the social security safety system, rather than dismantling it. If they do not, then disabled people can draw no other conclusion than the UK Government remain content to balance the books on the backs of the most vulnerable.”
Responding to the publication of the bill, Helen Barnard, Director of policy at Trussell said: “The UK government’s new Universal Credit and PIP bill, put before Parliament today, does almost nothing to ease the concerns of hundreds of the thousands of disabled people who fear that their social security support will be ripped from them.
“In fact, this bill will push nearly half a million more people into severe hardship and towards the doors of food banks.
“It is easy to see why so many MPs have voiced concerns about the damage this bill will do. What has been published today offers little for MPs deeply concerned about the impact of these cuts on their constituents.
“The last minute details on protections offer something for a small proportion of people, but even they will still see a real-terms cut. The reality of this bill is still record cuts in support for disabled people, and the biggest cuts to social security since 2015.
“It is shocking that MPs are being asked to vote through cuts without a full assessment of their impact, and especially worrying as we know that already three in four people referred to the Trussell community are disabled or live with someone who is.
“We know hunger and hardship already pushes up public service costs alone by £13.7 billion. MPs are being asked to vote for a Bill that will drive up hunger and hardship and undermine the UK government’s promises on economic growth and ending the need for emergency food.”
Today, the UK government published a bill, aimed at reforming the benefits system. Unfortunately, as it stands, this will be a disaster for disabled people – and is likely to worsen people’s living conditions, undermine their mental health, and increase the risk of suicide, says Mental Health Foundation.
These plans will not help reduce the number of disabled people out of work. Instead, they are counterproductive and cruel.
A more effective alternative for the government would be to move forward with its progressive policies that encourage people to return to work, such as the Right to Try scheme and improvements to support in job centres, and look at how well those work, without cutting support for disabled people.
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