14,520,670 PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED BY NHS LOTHIAN LAST YEAR – SAVING HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF OVER £400
On the 14th anniversary of prescription charges being scrapped by the SNP Scottish Government, Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted that the policy saves the average household in Scotland over £400 a year.
Latest figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that over 113 million prescriptions, including 14,520,670 by NHS Lothian, were dispensed in Scotland in 2023/24 – meaning that on average people in Scotland received 20.8 prescriptions.
This means that based on the £9.90 charge currently in place in England, the average household in Scotland saved £436.72 in 2023/24 thanks to the policy.
In one of his first acts as Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay outlined his plans to re-introduce charges if he ever came to power – a move which would cost each person £206 per year on average.
A report by Trussell Trust last year showed that in England, 68% of working households receiving Universal Credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication due to the costs involved.
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The SNP is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Edinburgh has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.
“The SNP believe that healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone. The prescription charges, which Russell Findlay plans to re-introduce, were nothing more than a tax on ill health.
“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite Labour’s promise to bring them down, people across the city are still living through a cost-of-living crisis – making it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost.
”With Labour continuing to hint at an increased level of private healthcare involvement in the NHS, only the SNP can be trusted to put the people of Edinburgh first and protect them from having to pay for their vital medication.”
On Wednesday (April 2nd), Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert presented the Community Alcohol Partnership award to the North East Edinburgh division for their Innovative Youth Engagement and Community Impact efforts at an event at Westminster.
A partnership set up to tackle underage drinking has been rewarded for its work. The North East Edinburgh Community Alcohol Partnership was named ‘CAP+ of the Year’ by national organisation Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) at its annual awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament on 2nd April 2025.
CAP sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.
Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I was honoured to present the 2025 CAP+ Award to North East Edinburgh.
“It’s fantastic to see their hard work and dedication being recognised, especially in light of the remarkable achievement of a 56% reduction in weekly alcohol consumption among 13-15 year olds in Edinburgh and Orkney. This progress is a direct result of the strong local partnerships that have been established.
“These services are vital for our young people. CAPS’ commitment to working alongside them has produced incredible outcomes.
“I want to extend a huge congratulations to all the divisions across the UK for their remarkable achievements.”
North East Edinburgh CAP was recognised for its exceptional efforts in addressing underage drinking and fostering positive change among young people in the local community.
Led by Police Officers Lauren Munro and Ania Morrison, the CAP has demonstrated outstanding creativity and dedication in tackling complex youth-related issues.
Lauren and Ania commented: “We had another great year working with CAP. With the invaluable mentoring and continuous support from the national CAP team we were able to come together with other partner agencies to deliver numerous projects over the course of 2024.
“We’re really honoured to accept this award.”
Kate Winstanley, Director of Community Alcohol Partnershipssaid: “The North East Edinburgh CAP, under the leadership of PC’s Munro and PC Morrison, is a brilliant example of innovation and effectiveness.
“Their creative initiatives and unwavering commitment to engaging with vulnerable young people have made a real difference in their community. This award is a well-deserved recognition of their outstanding work.”
Work is nearing completion on the creation of a Covid memorial art trail in the Wardie Bay area, designed to honour the experiences and resilience of the local community during the pandemic.
The art trail along McKelvie Parade is intended to arouse curiosity and invite those using the space ‘to pause and be present’.
The project, funded entirely by the Scottish Government and Greenspace Scotland through the Remembering Together initiative, is part of a national effort to reflect the diverse impacts of Covid across Scotland’s 32 local authorities.
Across Scotland, local communities have engaged with commissioned artists and creative organisations to develop unique memorials that capture the collective and individual experiences of the pandemic.
For Edinburgh, Greenspace Scotland has been working in collaboration with artist Skye Loneragan, supported by Artlink and the City of Edinburgh Council. The project has explored experiences of the pandemic, with the goal of highlighting the challenges faced by disabled people, while also celebrating their resilience and potential.
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “Creating this Covid memorial pathway in Wardie Bay is an important step in acknowledging the shared experiences and challenges faced by our communities during the pandemic.
“This project provides a meaningful space for reflection for us all, and particularly for individuals with learning disabilities and their carers, who were disproportionately affected.
“Through collaboration with local artists and community groups, we are ensuring that these voices are not only heard but commemorated. This pathway will stand as a testament to the resilience, compassion, and strength shown by all during those difficult times.”
During Phase 1 of the project Skye, supported by artist Stewart Ennis collaborated with participants from the Maple Project and Lung Ha Theatre and reached out to the wider community through public interventions on the Granton Western Breakwater (Wardie Jetty).
Participants were invited to share their memories, thoughts, and feelings about the pandemic and to develop ideas around how we process loss and create spaces for people to come together and reflect.
The creative process focused on making sure the final art trail design was relevant, inclusive, and reflective of the varied experiences of the community. Concepts that emerged during the engagement phase include themes such as “getting away from it all but having somewhere to come back to,” “the tidal flow of the pandemic,” and “making hard things soft and rough things smooth.”
The art trail at McKelvie Parade is a combination of several interventions along the route that arouse curiosity and invite those using the space to pause and be present.
Art pieces have been created to reflect the tidal flow of the pandemic and include Leith West breakwater stones inscribed with words people told artists they would gift themselves if there were another pandemic (cash, giggles, music).
The trail is book-ended by halved stone boulders placed apart and includes a smoothed patch of stone seawall with the invitation ‘Lean on me’, poetry at the entrance to the Bay, a Someone Missing bench co-created with a wheelchair user who described feeling held if there were grooves in the pavement, and a Something Missing Half with 2m distanced Stone seed.
The trail includes twin milestone plaques that describe Time as a Feeling, and Distance as a relationship to friends and family.
Lead artist Skye Loneragan said: “Processing loss is so important. Covid often kept us (and still keeps many of us), at a distance with those we loved and might have been losing, or parts of ourselves we lost, or something and somewhere we love and might be unable to reach.
“This project deliberately seeks to work with people whose experiences are often excluded and I am always interested in how we can nurture our collective sanity, together, our interconnected well-being, through the huge diversity of life experiences that make up what is.”
Construction is expected to be completed today – Friday 4 April.
The Business and Trade Secretary’s statement to Parliament on the imposition of US tariffs
With your permission Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the United Kingdom’s economic relationship with the United States.
The UK has a strong and balanced trading relationship with the US worth £315 billion which supports 2.5 million jobs across both countries. This is second only to the EU where our trading relationship is worth £791 billion.
Yesterday evening, the United States announced a 10% reciprocal tariff on UK exports and have today imposed a 25% global tariff on cars. This follows the application of tariffs of 25% on US imports of steel, aluminium and derivative products that was announced on 12 March.
No country was able to secure an exemption from these announcements, but the UK did receive the lowest reciprocal tariff rate globally. And though this vindicates the pragmatic approach this Government has taken, we know that while these tariffs are still being levied, the job is far from done.
We are, of course, disappointed by the increase in tariffs on the UK, and on other countries around the world. The impact will be felt amongst all trading nations. But I would like to update the House on how the UK can navigate these turbulent times, acting in our national interest and for the benefit of all our industries.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my American counterparts, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Special Envoy Mark Burnett for their engagement over the last few months. While any imposition of tariffs is deeply regrettable, from the beginning, they promised to make themselves available and have been true to their word, and I look forward to our continued engagement over the days ahead.
As Members will know, since the new US administration took office, my colleagues and I have been engaged in intensive discussions on an economic deal between the US and the UK. One that would not just avoid the imposition of significant tariffs but that would deepen our economic relationship. On everything from defence, economic security, financial services, machinery, tech and regulation there are clear synergies between the US and UK markets. And this is reflected in the fair and balanced trading relationship that already exists between our two countries.
I can confirm to the House that those talks are ongoing and will remain so. It is this Government’s view that a deal is not just possible, it is favourable to both countries. And that this course of action serves Britain’s interests as an open-facing trading nation. I have been in contact with many businesses, across a broad range of sectors including those most affected, who have very much welcomed this approach. It is clear to me that industry themselves want to grasp the opportunity a deal can offer and they welcome this government’s cool-headed approach.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in increasingly insecure times – I have heard some Members cling to the security of simple answers and loud voices. I understand the compulsion, but I caution members of this House to keep calm and remain clear eyed on what is in our national interest not to simply proclaim that we follow the actions of other countries.
The British people rightly expect this Government to keep our country secure at home and strong abroad. An unnecessary, escalating trade war would serve neither purpose.
True strength comes in making the right choices at the right time. And thanks to the actions of our Prime Minister, who has restored Britain’s place on the world stage, the UK is in a unique position to do a deal where we can – and respond when we must.
It remains our belief that the best route to economic stability for working people is a negotiated deal with the US that builds on our shared strengths. However, we do reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary if a deal is not secured.
To enable the UK to have every option open to us in the future, I am today launching a request for input on the implications for British businesses of possible retaliatory action.
This is a formal step, necessary for us to keep all options on the table. We will seek the views of UK stakeholders over four weeks until 1st May 2025 on products that could potentially be included in any UK tariff response. This exercise will also give businesses the chance to have their say, and influence the design of any possible UK response.
If we are in a position to agree an economic deal with the US that lifts the tariffs that have been placed on our industries, this request for input will be paused, and any measures flowing from that, will be lifted.
Further information on the request for input will be published on gov.uk later today, alongside an indicative list of potential products that the Government considers most appropriate for inclusion.
I know this will be an anxious time for all businesses, not just those with direct links to America. Let me say very clearly that we stand ready to support businesses through this. That starts by making sure they have reliable information. Any business which is concerned about what these changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on great.gov.uk where there is now a bespoke webpage.
Madam Deputy Speaker, this Government was elected to bring security back to working people’s lives. At a time of volatility, businesses and workers alike are looking to the Government to keep our heads, to act in the national interest and navigate Britain through this period. And while some urge escalation, I simply will not play politics with people’s jobs.
This Government will strive for a deal that supports our industries and the well-paid jobs that come with them, while preparing our trade defences and keeping all options on the table.
It is the right approach to defend the UK’s domestic industries from the direct and indirect impacts of US tariffs in a way that is both measured and proportionate, while respecting the rules-based international trading system.
As the world continues to change around us, British workers and businesses can be assured of one constant: that this is a Government that will not be set off course in choppy waters. So the final part of our approach will be to turbo boost the work this government is doing to make our economy stronger and more secure including our new industrial strategy. We will strike trade deals with our partners, and work closely with our allies for our shared prosperity.
We have a clear destination to deliver that economic security for working people.
We are progressing a deal that can do that, we are laying the foundations to move quickly should it not, and we are ensuring British businesses have a clear voice in what happens next. And I commend this statement to the House.
Acas publishes new guidance on neonatal care leave
Workplace experts Acas has published new guidance on neonatal care leave to coincide with a change in the law this weekend.
Working parents are now entitled to additional time off while their babies are sick in hospital.
The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 comes into effect on 6 April 2025, providing a new leave and pay entitlement for parents with a baby in neonatal care.
Acas’s advice provides information on what neonatal care is, who is eligible and the rights of parents who take it.
Acas Interim Chief Executive Dan Ellis said: “Becoming new parents can be an incredibly stressful time, especially if their baby requires care in hospital for a while.
“Any employee that requires time off to help care for their child in these circumstances should be treated with compassion and understanding.
“Our advice provides employers and managers with guidance on how they can support staff members who need to take neonatal care leave.”
The new law aims to give parents the right to have up to 12 weeks leave and pay depending on how much time their baby is in neonatal care. This is in addition to other time off and pay.
The right to take neonatal care leave applies from the first day of work. Eligible parents can take neonatal care leave once their child has been in neonatal care for at least 7 consecutive days.
Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive of Bliss, a charity that supports families with neonatal babies, said: “The most supportive employers have always sought to help parents in these circumstances, but without a clear statutory framework, they’ve had to rely on measures like sick leave and compassionate leave or other improvised solutions, creating challenges for HR teams to navigate.
“This new entitlement creates a clear and defined statutory provision, recognising that the most important place for both parents to be when their baby is in neonatal care is at their cotside.”
Time off for neonatal care is available to anyone birth parent, father or partner, spouse, civil partner or adoptive parent.
When it comes to informing their employers, parents need to self-declare and provide some extra information. Employees should contact their workplace HR representatives to go through specifics relating to their personal situation.
Parents who have a baby admitted to neonatal care up to the age of 28 days might be eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave and it must be taken within 68 weeks of the baby’s birth.
NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub is open to all ages. If you are in Scotland and have an urgent mental health need, there’s support available to get you the right care in the right place.
Find out more about NHS 24’s mental health services:
Award-winning swim school Puddle Ducks is making a splash with the launch of its lessons in Edinburgh.
Launching at Nuffield Health New Mart Road and Nuffield Health Edinburgh Fountain Park, children from the local community will now be able access Puddle Ducks’ unique child-led programme on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays.
The launch comes as owner of Puddle Ducks Edinburgh Ellie Cawdell, saw an opportunity to expand her existing business into Scotland.
Ellie, who also runs successful Puddle Ducks franchises in York and Cambridge commented: “Edinburgh is such a beautiful, family friendly city, I wanted to be able to offer the Puddle Ducks programme to families across this amazing location.
“Our swimming lessons are well loved in York and Cambridge, and I wanted to bring this to Edinburgh. I’m excited to welcome lots of local families through our doors”.
With plans to expand into more pools in the area, Ellie is hoping her business will become part of the local community and has hired two swim teachers from the area. Libby and Isla, both from Edinburgh will be leading the classes and are excited to see the children develop and thrive in the water.
Libby commented: “Being from the local area myself, it’s really exciting to see such a recognised, well established and much-loved brand arriving in our community. I’m delighted to join the team and provide the life-saving skill of swimming to local children; it’s such an honour!”.
Founded in 2002, Puddle Ducks is a multi-award-winning baby and child swimming school; the only 100% child-led swim school in the UK, offering classes from bump through to 10 years of age and all teachers are STA qualified.
Puddle Ducks Edinburgh is looking for more pools across the area to run classes, as well as having upcoming opportunities for more teachers and assistants to join their growing team.
To find out more about Puddle Ducks Edinburgh’s swimming lessons, visit:
“Older victims of abuse were locked in and left behind”– that’s the stark warning from Richard Robinson, Chief Executive of Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse of older people, as he spoke to the Domestic Abuse Support and Safeguarding roundtable today.
Attending the Inquiry’s final investigation into the societal consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, Richard Robinson is highlighting the often-overlooked impact of the pandemic and government restrictions on older victims of domestic abuse—many of whom were trapped with their abusers, cut off from support, left out of crisis planning, and their needs ignored in pandemic guidance and restrictions.
Calling for dramatic change, he is urging policymakers to ensure older people are no longer an afterthought at times of national emergency.
The roundtable session, part of the Inquiry’s final investigation (Module 10), took place today, bringing together leading voices from across the domestic abuse and safeguarding sectors to examine the societal consequences of the pandemic, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations.
Speaking ahead of his attendance, Mr Robinson said: “We must be clear: the pandemic intensified existing inequalities, isolating older people and placing many in harm’s way. At Hourglass, we saw a sharp rise in abuse cases as victims were locked in with perpetrators and cut off from help.
Older people in general were left behind – not just in policy, but in protection – and older victim-survivors of domestic abuse were almost entirely ignored. That must never happen again.”
Hourglass data, which Mr Robinson presented to the Inquiry, includes:
A 33% rise in calls to its helpline in 2020/21, with a further 22% increase the following year.
A surge in psychological and sexual abuse cases, and a doubling of reports involving abuse by neighbours.
Widespread concern about neglect and loneliness, with nearly half of the public believing older people became more vulnerable to abuse during lockdown.
Evidence that 43% of adult family homicide victims during the pandemic were aged 65 or over.
Mr Robinson is calling for urgent and lasting change, including a Violence Against Older People Strategy to sit alongside the existing VAWG framework; a comprehensive Safer Ageing Strategy to tackle abuse, ageism, and structural neglect; and ring-fenced, multi-year funding to expand the UK’s critically under-resourced support services for older victims.
He added: “The Covid-19 Inquiry as a whole is a vital opportunity to shine a light on what went wrong and why. But it’s also the moment to commit to doing better.
“Today’s roundtable should highlight that older people must no longer be an afterthought in crisis planning. Their safety, rights and dignity must be central to how we prepare for the future.”
The roundtable is chaired by Kate Eisenstein, Director of Policy, Research and Legal at the Inquiry, and includes representatives from national and specialist organisations across the domestic abuse, justice, and safeguarding sectors.
The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.
Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
Thanks to our friends from R2, we will have enough rubbish picking equipment for everyone. if you have any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk
HMRC is encouraging working parents to open a Tax-Free Childcare account to save on their childcare costs for the Easter holidays.
Tax-Free Childcare is a UK Government funded top-up scheme for working parents and can be used to pay for approved childcare for children aged 11 or under, or up to 16 years old if the child has a disability. Parents can save up to £2,000 per year per child or £4,000 if their child is disabled. The funds can be used to pay for a before- or after-school clubs, a childminder or an activity club during the holidays.
For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it by £2 which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months to help pay their childcare costs.
Latest figures show 34,440 families in Scotland saved thousands on their childcare in December 2024, an increase of nearly 5,000 compared to the previous year.
In December, parents across the UK received a total of £49.7 million in government cash to save on their childcare bills.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if:
they have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive tax credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
