UK Government confirms increase to Scottish Government borrowing

Scotland Act Order approval will increases borrowing resource to fund vital public services including schools, hospitals and key infrastructure to boost growth

More money to fund vital public services will be at the disposal of the Scottish Government after a motion passed in the House of Commons yesterday that will see their borrowing powers increased in line with inflation.

Scotland Office Minister John Lamont secured the approval of a Scotland Act Order that increases the Scottish Government’s resource borrowing limit from £1.75 billion to £1.78 billion and the capital borrowing limit from £3 billion to £3.05 billion in 2024-25, enabling them to invest further in schools, hospitals, roads and other key infrastructure that will help to grow the economy and create better paid jobs and opportunity in Scotland.  

The move upholds the UK Government’s commitment to the new Fiscal Framework agreed in August 2023 between the UK and Scottish governments which included annual uprating and gives the Scottish Government certainty over borrowing limits for the 2024/25 financial year.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “We have listened to calls from the Scottish Government for greater certainty and flexibility to help them manage their budget. This is a great example of devolution in action and how we can deliver for people of Scotland when our two governments work together.

“The wider Fiscal Framework deal – worth billions of pounds to Scotland over the coming years – builds upon work to support economic growth and provide more high-skill jobs, investment and future opportunities for local people, such as through Investment Zones and Freeports in Scotland. 

“The UK Government has made great strides in growing the economy and by halving inflation sooner than forecast. With our direct investment in Scotland now standing at more than £3billion, we are creating opportunities right across the UK.”

In addition to the changes made to the cumulative borrowing limits through today’s Order, the Fiscal Framework agreement also saw the permanent doubling of the resource borrowing annual limit from £300 million to £600 million.

Limits on how much can be withdrawn from the Scotland Reserve to spend in future years was also removed. This boosts spending through borrowing by £90 million in 2024/25. All future limits will increase in line with inflation. 

The new arrangements compare with the previous Fiscal Framework, where the Scottish Government’s capital borrowing limit was £450 million per year within a £3 billion cap, as well as receiving a Barnett-based share of UK Government borrowing. Going forward these amounts now rise with inflation instead, which supports additional investment across Scotland and lays the foundations for economic growth. 

The funding arrangements for tax continue, with the Scottish Government continuing to keep every penny of devolved Scottish taxes while also receiving an additional contribution from the rest of the UK.

Background:

  • Scotland act orders in the UK Parliament fully support devolution by facilitating amendments to be made to UK legislation affecting Scotland, to enable Scottish legislation to have full effect, or additional powers to be transferred to Scottish Government ministers.
  • On average, seven Scotland Act Orders are made each year and more than 250 have been passed since the start of devolution.
  • The target date for the order to come into force is 17 June 2024, subject to the date of signing.

Swinney to outline priorities for Scotland

Eradicating child poverty is FM’s central mission

First Minister John Swinney is to set out the priorities that will underpin the work of his government today (Wednesday, 22 May), focused on a central mission to eradicate child poverty.

In a statement to Parliament, the First Minister is expected to commit the Scottish Government to eradicate child poverty and to work with business and industry to grow the economy, invest in net zero and deliver stronger public services.

The First Minister will also make clear the need for bold and collaborative action across the Parliament, focused on the priorities of people in Scotland.

Ahead of the statement, the First Minister will meet pupils at a new breakfast club in Kirkcaldy in Fife. There he will see the impact of innovative school-age childcare services in contributing to the eradication of child poverty and growing the economy – by helping parents and carers access vital childcare to help find and sustain good jobs.

The First Minister said: “Eradicating child poverty will be the single most important objective of my government – and work in other priority areas will support and drive that mission.

“I intend to build on our record of delivery. Since 2007, economic growth, per head, and productivity have been stronger in Scotland than the rest of the UK, Scotland’s core A&E units are the best performing in the UK, and measures such as our Scottish Child Payment are estimated to keep 100,000 children in Scotland out of relative poverty this year.

“I am acutely aware of the economic and fiscal realities that we face and I want to take forward measures that will help people and their families to get on in life: to enable the people of Scotland to live happier, healthier lives.

“One of the benefits of long service in politics is having witnessed the Scottish Parliament when it is functioning at its very best. That happens when parties work constructively together.

“My government will do everything in our power – working with Members from across parties – to make child poverty a thing of the past.”

Don’t lose out – extend Child Benefit for your 16-19 year-old

More than a million parents will receive reminders from this week to extend Child Benefit for their teenagers if they are continuing their education or training after their GCSEs.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending more than 1.4 million Child Benefit reconfirmation letters to parents between 24 May and 17 July. The letters will include a QR code which, when scanned, directs them straight to GOV.UK to update their claim quickly and easily online.

Child Benefit is worth up to £1,331 a year for the first or only child, and up to £881 a year for each additional child. Payments will automatically stop on 31 August on or after the child has turned 16 unless parents renew their claim where their child is continuing in education.

If their 16 to 19 year-old intends to continue in approved education or training, parents can use the online service on GOV.UK or the HMRC app so they do not miss out.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Child Benefit is an important financial support for many families, so make sure you don’t miss out on any payments if your teenager intends to continue approved education or training.

“You can quickly and easily extend your claim online or via the HMRC app, just search ‘Child Benefit when your child turns 16’ on GOV.UK.”

Parents have until 31 August to take action or their payments will automatically stop. Letting HMRC know digitally that a child is continuing in education is the quickest way to get it sorted, with no need to contact us by phone or post.

If a customer has not received their letter by 17 July, there is no need to worry – if eligible, they can still extend their Child Benefit claim via GOV.UK or the HMRC app.

Child Benefit can continue to be paid for children who are studying full time in approved non-advanced education, which includes:

  • A levels or Scottish Highers
  • International Baccalaureate
  • home education – if it started before their child turned 16, or after 16 if they have a statement of special educational needs and it was assessed by the local authority
  • T levels
  • NVQs, up to level 3.

Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses:

  • in Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme
  • in Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work
  • in Scotland: Employability Fund programme and No One Left Behind

If a child changes their mind about further education or training, parents can simply inform HMRC online or in the HMRC app and payments will be adjusted accordingly.

Parents will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to use HMRC’s online services. If they do not have one already, they can register on GOV.UK  and will just need their National Insurance number or postcode, and 2 forms of ID.

Further information:

More information on Child Benefit for 16-19 year olds.

Eligible customers will be unable to update their claim until their letter has been issued by HMRC. All letters will be issued by 17 July. If you have not received a letter by then, the service will be open online or in the HMRC app for all eligible customers.

Parents cannot claim Child Benefit if their child is taking a course that is part of a job contract.

Parents can view and manage their claim quickly and easily online or on the HMRC app. This includes viewing payment information and proof of their claim, adding additional children and updating their details – all without needing to call HMRC.

HMRC uses QR codes in letters and correspondence. The QR code will always take you to GOV.UK or the HMRC app. When you are logged into your HMRC account, we may use QR codes to redirect you.

For example, to take you to your bank’s login page. If we’re using QR codes in communications you’ll be able to see them on the genuine HMRC contacts page.

To help fight phishing scams, send any suspicious emails containing QR codes to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk then delete them.

Fernieside death: Man arrested and charged

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of a 78-year-old woman in Edinburgh today – Tuesday, 21 May, 2024.

Around 8.25am, police were called to a disturbance within a house in Fernieside Crescent. Police and Ambulance attended and a 78-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death and enquiries continue.

This was an isolated incident and officers remain in the area to provide public reassurance and anyone with concerns should speak to officers.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Charity Dog Walk Wins GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Title

  • Agria Dog Walk, in partnership with English Heritage, has achieved the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title of the “Largest Dachshund Dog Walk” at Marble Hill House, London 
  • 342 dachshunds took part, with more than 1500 dogs participating in the Agria Dog Walk across the UK
  • A total of £20,000 will be donated to support rescue centres and animals in need 

It’s Dachshunds galore! Agria Dog Walk UK has made an incredible splash with its inaugural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS achievement, breaking the record for Largest Dachshund Dog Walk on Saturday (18th May) with 342 dachshunds in attendance. 

The record was broken at Marble Hill House, London, and required a minimum attendance of 250 Dachshunds to cross the finish line. Supporting the event and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt, animal welfare activist and TV personality Jodie Kidd joined with her dog, Sausage, encouraging owners to bring their precious pups along to help smash the record in the name of animal welfare.  

Vicki Wentworth, CEO at Agria Pet Insurance, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. It’s an incredible achievement, and it was an absolute pleasure to watch so many passionate people and pups come together to help support a great cause.

“We had a fantastic turnout, and we’d like to thank everyone who showed up to walk the walk in the name of animal welfare.”​

Committed to supporting dogs in need, Agria, one of the world’s leading animal insurers, will be donating an impressive £20,000 for rescue and rehoming centres as a result of the charity Dog Walk, which took part at three English Heritage locations across the UK, as well as Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, where Agria also provides pet insurance.​

In partnership with English Heritage’s Dog-Friendly Days Out and supported by The Kennel Club, the day was filled with family-friendly fun, with approximately 1500 dogs taking part, attending official sites across the UK or participating through the Digital Dog Walk. 

Those who participated in Agria’s Digital Dog Walk generated donations by sharing a picture of their pup on social media, tagging @agriapetinsurance and using #AgriaDogWalk2024.  

Visit agriapet.co.uk/agria-dog-walk for information on Agria Dog Walk. 

Woman who walked to Rome and met Pope calls on people to clock up miles to Malawi for Mary’s Meals

Geraldine McFaul, who travelled 2,000 miles on foot from Glasgow to Rome, is taking part in the charity’s From Dalmally To Malawi challenge in June

A woman who took on an epic walking challenge in 2023 is urging people in the UK to join school feeding charity Mary’s Meals’ active challenge, From Dalmally To Malawi, this June.

Last year, Geraldine McFaul, 55, walked all the way from her home in Glasgow to Rome, travelling 2,000 miles on foot in six months. During her amazing adventure, she raised more than £7,500 for Mary’s Meals. To top off Geraldine’s extraordinary journey, she even met The Pope on her arrival to Rome!

Mary’s Meals feeds more than 2.4 million children in 17 countries across the world. The promise of a daily school meal encourages desperately poor children into the classroom where an education is the key to their dreams of a brighter future.

Geraldine says: “Last summer I walked to Rome and met The Pope, now I’m ‘walking’ to Malawi for charity!

“I’ll really be walking around my local area, but our cumulative miles will equal the 7,000 miles from Dalmally to Malawi. Mary’s Meals is an incredible charity and I’m so pleased to support them again this year.

“I’d love for you to join me in June because you can easily turn your miles into meals for hungry little ones!

“The key thing to an active challenge is not to worry about how fast or far you’re going because every step adds up. It’s an amazing sense of achievement when you reach your goal and I can’t wait to share that feeling with you all!”

By signing up to the challenge, participants will take part in a virtual journey from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded, to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals. 

Participants can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose, whether walking, running, swimming or cycling. The money raised through sponsorship from family and friends will help to feed hungry children living in the world’s poorest countries.

Dan McNally, Head of Grassroots Engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “We were all so inspired by Geraldine’s walk to Rome last summer and I hope that she can inspire you to take on From Dalmally To Malawi this June.

It only costs £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a school year – that’s 10p a meal – so any amount of money you can raise makes a real difference to the children we feed!”

By taking part, people can change the lives of children like Lapukeni from Malawi.

She says: “I like eating phala (porridge) here at school because it gives me freedom from hunger and worries. I am confident that I will work extra hard in class because of the peace of mind that I get from Mary’s Meals.”

To sign up for From Dalmally To Malawi, please visit:

www.marysmeals.org.uk/dalmally-to-malawi

Let’s get Scotland’s workers walking

Charity calls on businesses to see the benefits of walking at work

SCOTLAND’s walking charity is calling on businesses to get walking at work as part of National Walking Month this May, with a scheme that recognises the importance of staff being active during the working day.

The Paths for All Walk at Work Award recognises and celebrates employers across Scotland who help to promote everyday walking in their workplace, creating a healthier work force, both physically and mentally.

Aimed at encouraging workplaces around the country to explore different ways to get staff active, in and around the working day, the award scheme also promotes wellbeing and a green environment in the workplace.

The charity recently awarded the 50th certification to East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, who used the scheme to encourage their staff to remain active during the working day by providing a programme of lunchtime Health Walks for staff.

As part of the programme, it also provided links and information which were made readily available to staff through a dedicated a wellbeing website, as well as facilities for staff who travel actively to and from work.

Councillor Katie Pragnell, East Renfrewshire Integration Joint Board Vice-Chair and Convenor for Health and Social Care accepted the award on behalf of the Partnership.

She commented: “We are delighted to have received the Walk at Work Award, and being the 50th organisation to do so, makes it even more special.

“Staff wellbeing is incredibly important to the HSCP. Our weekly walks have brought people from across services together and have been a positive addition to our programme of activity. We will continue to encourage more people to take part and enjoy a stroll over the summer.”

With the 50th certification being awarded, Paths for All hope that more workplaces around the country will now want to get involved with the scheme.

Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Paths for All stated: “Walking a little more each day has proven benefits to mental and physical health, which is why it’s important that we recognise the workplaces who have received the Walk at Work Award.

“We hope that the work East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership has done will help to inspire other businesses to get certified, and help them become a happier and healthy workplace.

“The Walk at Work Award is an important scheme, which can benefit businesses across the country to not only get fitter but also help to improve the environment.

“By choosing to walk for short trips instead of driving, an individual is improving their health while also reducing air pollution and emissions that are damaging the planet.”

Paths for All’s mission is to support Scots to have the opportunity to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle every day, creating a happier, healthier and greener Scotland and is celebrating National Walking Month by encouraging everyone to put a “Spring in your Step” this May. 

For workplaces, Paths for All provides support which includes a free Workplace Walking online course and bespoke Step Count Challenges. The national spring Step Count Challenge, run by Paths for All, kicked off on Monday, 29th April, with over 800 teams taking part.

The charity works to create more opportunities and better environments for everyone in Scotland, no matter who they are or where they live, to stay active through walking, wheeling, scooting or cycling.

For more information about the Walk at Work Award, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/walk-at-work-award

For more information about Paths for All, visit: www.pathsforall.org.uk

Pennywell Gardens serious assault: Police issue witness appeal

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious assault in North Edinburgh. The incident happened around 9.15pm yesterday (Monday, 20 May, 2024) on Pennywell Gardens.

A 62-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.

The first suspect was wearing a blue hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers, with a blue backpack. The second suspect was wearing a black cap, a black long sleeved top, black shorts and black trainers with a white sole.

Detective Sergeant Alan Sharp said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything to contact officers.

“We also ask anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage of the area at the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 3965 of 20 May, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

1 in 3 Scots don’t understand Low Emission Zones ahead of new charges coming into force

  • New research from Carwow reveals almost half (45%) of Scottish motorists don’t know where the current Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are operating, while almost 1 in 4 (24%) aren’t sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant 
  • More than half (55%) of Scots also think now is the wrong time to introduce new LEZs and 59% think there are ‘better ways’ to combat air pollution
  • However, most are in support of LEZs, think EVs are the future and would buy a cleaner vehicle if they could afford to switch
  • Carwow is supporting motorists with a series of new tools to help motorists check if their car is LEZ / CAZ compliant

Ahead of the launch of three new Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh,* new data from Carwow reveals almost a third (30%) of Scottish motorists are not sure they understand LEZ rules.

Carwow’s survey also reveals that only half (55%) of drivers in Scotland are confident they know where the current zones are operating while almost one in four (24%) are not sure if their own vehicle is LEZ compliant or not.

Even in the cities where the LEZs are due to be introduced, understanding is low; in Dundee, for example, 29% of drivers are not sure if they know how LEZs work, rising to 33% in Edinburgh and 34% in Aberdeen while four in ten drivers in Aberdeen (44%) and Dundee (42%) – and half in Edinburgh (50%) – are not sure where the current zones are.

Furthermore, a quarter of drivers in all three cities worryingly do not know if the car they are driving is LEZ compliant, despite the fact the charging rules are coming into force in the coming weeks.

Broad support for Low Emission Zones but ‘now is not the time’

Carwow’s figures show that while the majority (52%) of Scottish drivers are in support of LEZs and think electric vehicles (EVs) are the future, most (53%) think now is the ‘wrong time’ to introduce new LEZ or expand current ones, rising to 56% of drivers in Aberdeen.

However, the data suggests that this lack of support for the imminent introduction of new LEZs is driven by cost rather than willingness; most (54%) Scottish drivers say they’d like to own an EV in the future – and 61% would switch now if they could – but can’t afford to. 

In fact, of those Scots who currently own a non-LEZ compliant vehicle, a third (33%) say they cannot afford to upgrade, rising to almost one in four (37%) drivers in Dundee..

Sally Foote, Chief Commercial Officer – Sell my Car at Carwow said:“There are two clear issues that have come to light here; firstly, that more needs to be done to educate and inform drivers about LEZs, and secondly, it is cost and not lack of willing that is preventing drivers from making the switch to cleaner vehicles such as EVs and hybrids.

“We therefore need to tackle the lack of understanding amongst motorists about Low Emission Zones in Scotland – where the current ones are, where the new ones will be and which cars are compliant, because, without better knowledge, millions of drivers are at risk of being fined.

“There is also much more that needs to be done in terms of affordability. Most drivers want to do what they can to drive more cleanly – in fact, most want to own an EV –  but it is just not economically viable at the moment.

“At Carwow, we are working hard to help drivers navigate LEZ; our new range of new tools can help drivers understand LEZs and check if their cars are LEZ compliant, giving motorists confidence to drive in areas and on roads without fear of charges or fines.”

Carwow has a range of tools available to help motorists who drive in any CAZ or LEZ across the country check if their vehicle is compliant:

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Lib Dems select Mike Andersen for Edinburgh North and Leith

The Scottish Liberal Democrats formally announce the selection of Mike Andersen as their candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith in the upcoming general election. Originally hailing from South Africa, where he practiced as a litigation attorney, Mike now lives in Canonmills with his husband and their dog.

Mike’s passion for his chosen country and his commitment to community service led him to join the Liberal Democrats, where he has become an active and engaged member.

“I love having the opportunity to get out on the streets of Edinburgh North and Leith to connect with constituents, listen to their views, and understand their concerns.

“I am additionally immensely proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the committed Liberal Democrat Councillors of Edinburgh North and Leith. Their relentless dedication mirrors our party’s steadfast commitment to serving the community and driving real, positive change.”

Raised in a household where service and community were paramount values, Mike’s upbringing instilled in him a profound sense of duty and accountability.

“From a young age, with my father serving in the military, I can remember being taught to do the right thing and not only the easy thing. I resolutely believe that ethics and accountability in public service are non-negotiables. Ethics should not only be talked about but should be seen and shown in action.”

Mike’s decision to stand as a candidate reflects his desire to enact meaningful change, placing the needs of Edinburgh North and Leith front and centre. He envisages a future where promises are kept, voices are heard, and every individual has an opportunity to reach their potential, embodying the core principles of the Liberal Democrats.

“Scotland is filled with talented, good, hardworking people. People who are simply seeking a fair deal in life, the deal they were promised through their hard work. The Liberal Democrats are the only party working to fulfil this promise of a fair deal.”

As the candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, Mike presents a vision of a United Kingdom that embraces a role as a global leader in human rights and culture, while fostering an environment where both individuals and businesses can flourish.

“We can have a UK that is again proud to hold its head high on the global stage, as both a voice for Human Rights and a cultural superpower. We can have a UK which helps the vulnerable in society while providing the space for people and businesses to flourish.

“We can have a UK where voices are heard and Scotland sits as an equal partner. It is this vision I am fighting for and it is a vision which can become a reality but only if we vote for actual change”

Mike Andersen embodies the spirit of change, offering a fresh perspective and a steadfast commitment to Edinburgh North and Leith, Scotland and the United Kingdom, say the Lib-Dems.