New high street unit set up in nationwide blitz on ‘dodgy’ shops

Organised crime gangs will be hit with raids, shop closures, and cash seizures in a £30 million crackdown on dodgy high street shops

Organised crime gangs operating across Britain’s high streets will be hit with a major police offensive in a new nationwide crackdown on dodgy shops.

Rogue barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops linked to organised crime will face raids, closures and cash seizures under a new £30 million crackdown targeting money laundering, tax evasion, and illegal working over 3 years.

£20 million of funding will go towards an enhanced law enforcement response, including establishing a new multi-agency co-ordination cell based out of the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Police officers will also be uplifted across forces in hotspot regions. Altogether, 75 new police officers will be recruited across the NCA, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police and a joint Kent Police and Essex Police Unit, to build intelligence at a national level and increase the number of dedicated officers tackling organised crime on the ground.

Trading Standards will also be backed with £6 million in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities. New officer training will be rolled out to identify suspicious businesses, strengthen business compliance, and boost enforcement.

A new High Street Organised Crime Unit has also been established to bring together government departments, policing partners, and Trading Standards. Together, the additional funding and new unit builds on strong enforcement action such as Operation Machinize, to boost the national and local response to targeting criminal networks operating in plain sight on Britain’s high streets.

Overseen by the Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, the unit will be responsible for identifying what more is needed – from stronger powers to better co-ordination – to stop this criminal activity from happening in the first place.

A rapid review of local responders’ powers is underway to explore how these can be strengthened, starting with a consultation on extending the duration of closure orders, where appropriate, to shut criminal businesses down for longer.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Criminal gangs have exploited our high streets to launder their dirty money and undercut honest businesses.

“We are hitting back with a nationwide crackdown to shut these fronts down, seize dirty cash and drive organised crime off our high streets and put bosses behind bars”

It comes as the NCA estimate at least £12 billion of criminal cash is generated in the UK each year, with £1 billion laundered through high street businesses like mini-marts, barber shops, vape stores and sweet shops. Some businesses are also connected to the sale of fake goods, tax evasion, illegal working, and illegal drug supply.

Thousands of businesses are expected to be raided, hundreds of arrests made and millions in cash seized as a national intensification campaign will be put on permanent footing annually to drive co-ordinated enforcement across the country.

Sal Melki, Deputy Director of Illicit Finance at the National Crime Agency, said: “For the past 18 months, the NCA, in conjunction with policing partners, has led Operation Machinize, the largest operation against economic crime on our high streets.

“By bringing together policing, HMRC, Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, and other partners in a co-ordinated approach, over 950 people have been arrested and over £10 million worth of criminal value seized.

“This criminal activity makes our communities less safe and less prosperous. It undermines legitimate business, deprives public services of tax revenues, and fuels a range of predicate offences such as the drugs trade, illicit goods, trafficking, and organised immigration crime.

“We will not stop and having the support of the High Street Organised Crime Unit to grow the Machinize partnership will enable us to target and disrupt more high harm offenders.

“The HSOCU will be key to a whole of government response, where enforcement action is backed up with the laws, policies and powers required at all levels to get this criminal element out of our high streets.”

Lord Bichard, Chair, National Trading Standards, said: “Organised high street crime, including the illegal sale of tobacco and counterfeit goods, is damaging communities across the country.

“These criminal networks undercut honest businesses, draw money away from local economies and expose consumers to unregulated and potentially unsafe products. They are also often linked to wider offending, including money laundering, exploitation, and violence.

“The creation of a new High Street Organised Crime Unit will help drive a co-ordinated national response while strengthening local enforcement capability through additional support and funding for Trading Standards, police and partner agencies on the ground, who will work together to disrupt organised offenders, protect the public and support honest businesses that play by the rules.”

The latest Operation Machinize in November saw 2,734 premises visited and raided, 924 individuals arrested, over £13 million of suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained, and more than £2.7 million worth of illicit commodities destroyed. It builds on the £300 million in criminal assets recovered by law enforcement last year, with money invested back to the front lines to support agencies leading the fight against crime.

The new National Police Service will go further by bringing together the National Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Policing, and regional organised crime units’ capabilities to strengthen the response to serious and organised crime.

Deputy Commissioner Nik Adams, City of London Police and National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Financial Investigation and Asset Recovery, said: “Our high streets should be places where legitimate businesses can grow, not places where organised criminals hide behind shopfronts.

“This task force will harness the efforts of the National Crime Agency, national economic crime leads, local community policing, specialist officers and partners to target the businesses being used to launder criminal money, recover criminal assets and protect legitimate traders.

“Operation Machinize has shown that the most effective response comes when neighbourhood officers, financial investigators and national agencies work as one team. Local officers understand their communities and can identify suspicious activity, while financial investigators, the City of London Police as national lead force, and the NCA help connect that activity to the organised crime groups and the money flows behind it.

“The message to organised criminals is clear. If criminal cash is being pushed through high street businesses, policing and our partners will act. Through the High Street Organised Crime Unit, we will use intelligence, asset recovery and financial investigation to turn local disruption into lasting national impact.”

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The new High Street Organised Crime Unit will be welcome news for people across the country.

“Illegitimate businesses and retail theft are major issues and too often linked to criminal gang activity. Stolen goods are commonly funnelled through illicit supply chains and resold through unscrupulous businesses, helping fund further criminality. This harms businesses, puts colleagues at risk, and pushes up prices for honest shoppers.

“Tackling it requires prioritisation from police and government, and co-or2dination and intelligence sharing between retailers, law enforcement, and local partners. We look forward to working together to deliver real progress.”

John Herriman, Chief Executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, (CTSI), said: “CTSI welcomes the introduction of the High Street Organised Crime Unit, which will bring together partner agencies – including Trading Standards – to tackle organised criminality on our high streets.

“The proliferation of so called “dodgy shops” puts consumers at significant risk and undermines the legitimate businesses who drive economic growth across the UK. The new unit will bring a much-needed focus to help clamp down on a blight on our high streets and communities.”

Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive Ed Woodall said: “Local shops tell us that rogue traders on high streets are causing massive damage to their businesses and the wider community, so we strongly welcome this Government action to back responsible retailers and crack down on the organised crime gangs that are fuelling the illicit trade.“

Man jailed for murder of Ndata Bobb in Edinburgh

A 56-year-old man has been jailed following the murder of a woman in Restalrig. Momodou Bobb was given a life sentence, with a minimum of 16 years and eight months, at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Tuesday, 19 May, 2026), following the death of Ndata Bobb.

Around 1am on Thursday, 28 August, 2025, officers were called to a report of a disturbance at a property on Restalrig Avenue in the city.

Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, where she died a short time later.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Ndata at this extremely difficult time.

“This was a heartbreaking and senseless crime that took the life of a much-loved woman and devoted mother.

“We remain committed to bringing those who commit such violent acts to justice.”

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “We understand that such a tragic incident has had a profound effect on Ndata’s family and friends, and it is important we continue to provide support at this difficult time.

“Our community advisors and community representatives helped shape our response during and after this incident, providing invaluable insight into Gambian culture and helping us to understand their needs.

“Crimes of this nature can also impact the wider public and we extensively engage and work directly with communities to address any concerns and provide reassurance.

“We are committed to continuing to strengthen our positive relationships with African communities in Edinburgh and ensuring that all the people we serve have trust and confidence in policing and feel able to speak to us, whether it is to report a crime or share information.”

Filmhouse celebrates 1st Birthday

ACROSS JUNE AND JULY, SCOTLAND’S FLAGSHIP CINEMA, FILMHOUSE IN EDINBURGH CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF ITS DOORS BEING REOPENED

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE IAN RANKIN AND JUSTIN JOHN DOHERTY IN CONVERSATION ON NIC ROEG’S ICONIC DON’T LOOK NOW

SPECIAL SCREENINGS OF BIG SCREEN CLASSICS 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY IN 70MMAND CINEMA PARADISO AND NEW HOMEGROWN GEMS INCLUDING THE FALL OF SIR DOUGLAS WEATHERFORD

A FILM LOVERS PARADISE WITH PROJECTION BOX TOURS, LIVE MUSIC AND SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ACROSS THE CINEMA’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse is marking one year of its doors being reopened to the public with a special series of birthday events which celebrate the big screen experience.

Across June, the cinema’s 1st birthday day weekend of 26th – 28th June and into July, Filmhouse will screen an extra special selection of films and events showcasing all that the cinema has to offer and is loved for.

Stanley Kubrick’s seminal 2001 A Space Odyssey (1968) will screen from 5 June in eye-popping 70mm alongside new cinematic visions screening in June including the darkly funny and eccentric new feature The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford from Edinburgh-born filmmaker Sean Robert Dunn starring Scottish screen legend Peter Mullan.

Other new films coming to the cinema soon include Steven Spielberg’s hotly anticipated Disclosure Day, Rohan Kanawade’s beautifully romantic Cactus Pears and back on the big screen, Paul Thomas Anderson’s cult hit Boogie Nights.

Audiences will also be treated to the first film that screened at the cinema when it reopened in June last year: an ode to the beauty of the cinemagoing experience, Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso (1988).

On 3 July, Filmhouse is excited to present a special screening of Nic Roeg’s iconic film Don’t Look Now followed by novelist Ian Rankin in conversation with writer Justin John Doherty to discuss Justin’s new book described as a ‘literary love letter’ to the film, Don’t Look Now and Then.

The discussion will not only touch upon their mutual love and fascination for the film, but also the detective work behind putting this sort of book together, finding the people who were there 50 years ago and uncovering never before seen archive and images that were thought lost to time.

The cinema’s recently launched We’ve Got a Cinema and We’re Not Afraid to Use It strand will see members vote on classic films that they are most excited to see on the big screen alongside the Team Birthday Picks strand which showcases staff favourites as well as highlights from across the programme since the cinema’s doors reopened.

Across the birthday weekend, cineastes can also get a glimpse into the hallowed ground of the Filmhouse’s projection boxes and there will be evening birthday party celebrations with live music. There will be special discounts on food and drink over the birthday weekend to coincide with the launch of a brand-new menu in the Filmhouse Bar Café.

Exclusive rewards will also run up to and across the birthday weekend for Filmhouse members, including the chance to be entered into a draw to win a Filmhouse lifetime membership. Special themed children’s screenings, craft activities, family face painting and games will take place as well as lots of birthday cake!

Filmhouse reopened to the public on 27 June 2025 after a remarkable three-year campaign to save the historic cinema backed by film lovers in Scotland and around the world and by A-list film talent including patrons Jack Lowden and Charlotte Wells, as well as Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson.

Filmhouse continues to be celebrated as a cultural cornerstone, showcasing world cinema in all its brilliance and diversity, from crowd-pleasing favourites and to avant-garde arthouse works, restored classics, and curated retrospectives.

With, a total capacity of 350 seats, the four-screen cinema is a hub for film enthusiasts, offering a cutting-edge cinematic experience, a vibrant social space, and a platform for film lovers and filmmakers to engage with the very best in global cinema.

Filmhouse’s technical capabilities include 70mm, 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, and digital projection. The cinema also includes a Clipster Unit for creating Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) required for festival and theatrical distribution.

Built in a repurposed church on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road, Filmhouse has been a cinematic landmark since 1978. Following a £2 million refurbishment, Scotland’s leading independent cinema has been thriving since its reopening under new leadership and a vision which builds on the venue’s legacy as a space for learning and discovery, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for this iconic cultural landmark.

The completely refurbished Filmhouse Bar seats 100 people for lunch and dinner, with drinks available throughout the day, catering for many different communities with a welcoming atmosphere, and an emphasis on produce from Edinburgh and Scotland, offering great food and drink alongside environmental sustainability.

The glorious story of Filmhouse continues.

Andrew Simpson, Executive Director of Filmhouse, said:”The first year of the new Filmhouse has been quite a ride. Since June 2025, 125,000 people have sat down to watch a film here, and more than 200,000 have walked through the doors of our building.

“Re-establishing Filmhouse as a place for people to meet, socialise, eat and drink, enjoy themselves, and most thrillingly of all, experience the magic of cinema in all its forms has been a very special experience for all of us here.

“We welcomed the public back to the new Filmhouse ten days after finishing the first part of a huge refurbishment project, with a lot of work, including the opening of the brand-new Screen 4, carrying on after we had opened the doors.

“That we’ve delivered an enormously varied programme of films, events, educational work, and hosted dozens of festivals – from EIFF and the BFI London Film Festival to the French and Spanish Film Festivals, the Jali African Film Weekender, Take One Action, and many more – is a massive testament to our team, all the people we work with, and our brilliant audience.

“We’ve got lots of things we want to improve and build upon, and we’ve got big ambitions for the future. The first birthday celebrations are an important marker for us on that journey, and we want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past year, and to extend an invitation to those who are yet to try out Filmhouse, by inviting you all to party with us in June.

“There’s something for everyone, and it’s going to be a lot of fun, and we hope to see you there (we’ll bring the cake). Cinema lives. ‘mon the hoose!”

Lymphoma Action: Live your Life workshop comes to Edinburgh

On Wednesday 17 June Lymphoma Action will be holding an in-person Live your Life workshop for anyone in Edinburgh who has been affected by lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

Lymphoma Action’s Live your Life workshops have been developed to support people who have come to the end of their treatment for lymphoma, or who are being monitored by their healthcare team as their lymphoma doesn’t need treatment straight away (also known as ‘active monitoring’ or ‘watch and wait’.)

These unique and interactive workshops are led by someone with a personal experience of lymphoma, and aim to provide support in managing the emotional aspects of the condition, as well as treatment side effects.

They also provide useful information around staying active, nutrition and practical tips to support the general wellbeing of those living with and beyond lymphoma, and give people the chance to talk to others and to share their experiences.

Attendees are welcome to bring a friend or family member to the workshop too.

Whilst the in person Live your Life event is free to attend, booking is essential. Please note that these workshops are not recorded, so the only way to experience them is to be there!

To find out more, or to book a place, or to book a place, visit:

https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/events/live-your-life-workshop-edinburgh

Lymphoma Action is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma, the most common blood cancer. We are here for everyone affected by lymphoma and provide expert information, dedicated support and a community that understands – right from day one.

This year marks our 40-year anniversary, and we are grateful to all those who have supported us along the way in our mission to make sure no one has to face lymphoma alone.

For further information visit: https://lymphoma-action.org.uk/events/live-your-life-workshop-edinburgh

Edinburgh Green Group announce new Co-Convenors following election success

Edinburgh Green Councillors have announced a new team to serve as their Co-Convenors. Cllr Alys Mumford and Cllr Ben Parker were chosen by their fellow Green councillors to lead the group for the final year of this council term at a group meeting on Monday 18 May.

The announcement comes after serving Co-Convenor Cllr Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill stepped down from the role after being elected an MSP, while her colleague Cllr Chas Booth came to the end of his two-year term.

Edinburgh Green councillors have a two-year term limit on convening the group, in order reflect the principle that power should not be concentrated, that diversity of experience and skills is an asset, and that everybody should have the opportunity to take on leadership positions.

Alys and Ben have previously acted as Co-Convenors for the group from 2022-2024.

Incoming Co-Convenor Cllr Alys Mumford said: “We are entering a pivotal year for the Green group, as we hope to build on the success of the Holyrood election and see the biggest group of Green Councillors in the chamber in 2027.

“At the same time, we need to continue our strong record of holding this failing ultra-minority Labour administration to account and fighting for our constituents to have the public services they deserve.

“Over the past four years, Green Councillors in Edinburgh have secured massive investment in social housing, protected our residents from the worst of the cuts to public services, and won long-overdue action to tackle the climate crisis.

“I’m delighted that the group have put their faith in me and Ben to be their co-conveners once again and we can’t wait to get to work on some of the pressing issues facing this Council.”

Fellow incoming Co-Convenor Cllr Ben Parker said: “Coming off the back of a fantastic set of election results for Holyrood, I’m excited to take over the reins as Co-Convener with Alys.

“Having already worked together as group Co-Conveners in the first couple of years of this Council term, I’m sure we will be able to pick up where we left off. I also want to say a big thank you to outgoing Co-Conveners Chas Booth and Kayleigh Kinross O’Neill who have left big shoes to fill.

“We have an exciting year ahead preparing for the Council elections in 2027. Already, we have an excellent pipeline of candidates and a fantastic manifesto in development. With less than a year to go before polling day, momentum is with the Greens and I’m excited to see where the next year (and beyond) will take us.”

Outgoing Co-Convenor Cllr Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill said: “Co-convening with Chas has been a pleasure in this Council term and I have immensely enjoyed having oversight of our brilliant Green group.

“Being elected to Holyrood is such a privilege and knowing that the Green group are in such good hands for the next year means I can cheer on from the sidelines as we come towards May 2027.“

Outgoing Co-Convenor Cllr Chas Booth said: “I’m delighted that Edinburgh Green Councillors have selected such a strong team to take over from Kayleigh and I and to steer the group towards the council elections in 2027.

“Following the Green surge at Holyrood less than a fortnight ago, this is an exciting time to be a Green councillor and I’m looking forward to supporting the incoming co-convenors as we prepare for the council elections next year.“

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to co-convene the group alongside Kayleigh for the last year. Her hard work, strategic wisdom and dry sense of humour have brought passion and insight to the role. The Green Group’s loss is Holyrood’s gain and while she will be missed as co-convenor, I am delighted she is staying on as a councillor for the remainder of the term.”

Britain is undersaving for retirement, warns Pensions Commission

The Pensions Commission has today (19 May) published its interim report on the state of retirement saving in the UK, setting out the key challenges facing the current system and where it will focus its work next.

  • Interim report highlights key challenges in retirement saving across the UK with 15 million people currently undersaving for retirement.
  • Findings sets direction for further work to improve retirement outcomes ahead of final recommendations in 2027.
  • Commission set up as part of government’s wider reforms to pensions system to help more people retire with dignity.

The Pensions Commission has today (19 May) published its interim report on the state of retirement saving in the UK, setting out the key challenges facing the current system and where it will focus its work next.

The report highlights that many people are not saving enough for retirement, particularly among low and middle earners, the self‑employed and women, and points to the need for the system to evolve to meet modern working lives.

There are currently 15 million people under saving for retirement which could reach 19 million without action, leaving large groups across the UK facing a severe cliff-edge when they retire, according to a new report from the Pensions Commission.

Set up by the Government in July 2025, the Commission aims to address a savings challenge that has been building for decades, examining why tomorrow’s retirees’ risk being worse off than today’s and making recommendations to reverse this.

This follows the success of the 2002 to 2006 Commission which built a consensus for the roll-out of Automatic Enrolment into pension saving, resulting in 89% of eligible employees now saving into their pensions, up from 55% in 2012.

Its findings include:

  • Low and middle earners are most at risk, with around half saving only at minimum Automatic Enrolment levels with little else to fall back on.
  • 45% of working-age adults – around 18 million people – are not saving into a pension at all, despite nearly half of them being in work.
  • Where employers are contributing about the statutory minimum this is largely benefiting higher earners.
  • Just 4% – one in 25 – of wholly self-employed workers are saving for retirement, and it’s even lower among younger self-employed people.
  • On current trends around 3 in 10 private pension pots are accessed at the earliest possible opportunity with half of all pots taken out in full. Nearly half of these are spent on large expenses like a car, holiday or renovations.

The Commission examined why tomorrow’s retirees are on track to be poorer than today’s with too many working age adults are saving nothing at all into a pension. A final report with recommendations will follow in early 2027.

Pensions Commissioner, Baroness Jeannie Drake said: “Over the past two decades since the Turner Commission there is no doubt pensions reform can be described as a success. Yet the second Pensions Commission is looking forward and seeing many people not saving enough and millions not saving at all.

“This demands a renewed national settlement on pensions.

“Achieving this will require clarity of purpose, but it also offers a moment of opportunity; to renew a social contract that commands confidence across the country.

“The recommendations we present in our final report will address the need to secure adequate income in later life and a pension system that is fit for decades to come.”

The Commission will set out the course to improving future outcomes whilst ensuring the system is fair and sustainable within and between generations.

Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell MP, said: “Britain has got back into the pension saving habit, but the job is only half done with tomorrow’s pensioners still on track to be poorer than today’s.

“The Pensions Commission sets out clearly the scale of the challenge: not enough people are saving for retirement, and many of those that are aren’t saving enough.”

The Commission warns that without action millions more people could be at risk of becoming reliant on state support in retirement.

It adds that there is much for public policy to do to shape the future of pensions, whilst maintaining the broad political consensus pensions has had since the Turner Commission in the 2000s. The Commission is clear that change must happen in the right way, with any recommendations for change implemented gradually.

The Government has ruled out any changes to Automatic Enrolment contributions this Parliament.

Dr Yvonne Braun, ABI Director of Long-Term Savings Policy said: “The report makes a powerful case for a new national settlement for pensions. Automatic enrolment is a sturdy foundation, but must evolve to meet the scale of the challenges ahead.

“We and our members stand ready to work with the Commission to deepen saving, extend coverage and support better decisions in retirement, so that everyone can look forward to greater financial security in later life.

“Over the next year the Commission will hear a wide range of views before presenting its final report and recommendations in early 2027. A call for views from all interested parties has also launched today.

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which? said: “Which? welcomes this interim report from the Pensions Commission and the valuable evidence it brings together on the UK’s pension adequacy challenge.

“It is very encouraging to see recognition of the need to increase private pension saving rates and coverage, while also acknowledging the financial pressures caused by the cost of living crisis.

The report rightly highlights that too many working people are projected to reach later life without sufficient savings, and that women, carers, the self-employed and many ethnic minority groups continue to face structural barriers. It is also promising to see a strong focus on how to support people to use their pension savings throughout retirement.

“Which? looks forward to continuing to work with the Commission, industry and wider civil society groups to help drive the reforms needed so people are better prepared for retirement.”

Julian Mund, Chief Executive of Pensions UK, said: “Pensions UK welcomes the breadth and ambition of this report, and shares the Commission’s view that we need a new national settlement on pensions.

“Evidence presented in the report clearly strengthens the case for more pension saving over longer working lives, alongside systemic change that delivers sustainable incomes – building on welcome reforms in the Pension Schemes Act.

“We look forward to working with Government to explore how that diagnosis can be turned into a practical roadmap for reform, well before the next generation fall short of the retirement incomes they expect and deserve.”

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK: “We welcome this new report from the Pensions Commission, which provides an excellent analysis of the problems facing our pensions system today.

“This is the first and necessary step for ensuring the pensions system of the future enables tomorrow’s older people to have a decent standard of living.

“There’s a clear need to improve the way the State Pension and private pension systems work together; otherwise people on low incomes are at risk of falling through the cracks and hurtling towards their retirements without the required funds, or the time to make up the shortfall.

“We look forward to working with the Commission as it explores the best solutions for future pensioners.”

Aside from the commission, the government is also reforming the pension landscape and improving retirement for today’s workers. The Pension Schemes Act, passed this month, will benefit 22 million workers by up to £29,000 by the time they retire, driving down costs, boosting returns and enabling the automatic consolation of small pension pots to ensure every pound saved works harder for working people.

Louise Hellem, Chief Economist, CBI, said: “The publication of the Pensions Commission’s interim report is an important step towards building a long-term framework that delivers adequate living standards in retirement. Getting this right requires the government, businesses and individuals all to play their role in supporting better saving.

“As the debate progresses, it is vital that retirement adequacy is considered hand in hand with the UK’s growth ambitions. Strong economic growth underpins sustainable pension outcomes by supporting employment and higher sustainable wage growth, enabling individuals to save, and driving stronger investment returns over time.

“It is only growth that can sufficiently reduce difficult trade-offs and maintain political, public and business support for change.”

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Workers deserve a pension system that guarantees against poverty in retirement and enables them to maintain their standard of living.

“Although millions more people are now building up workplace pensions, far too many on low and middle incomes are not heading for a decent retirement – with women, Black and minority ethnic and disabled workers, and those in the gig economy at highest risk.

“The Commission must now develop a bold plan to fix this, which will need to include higher employer contributions and a fair deal for those currently missing out.”

Nausicaa Delfas, Chief Executive of The Pensions Regulator, said: “The pensions system is still unfinished business with too many people on track for an inadequate retirement income.

“That is why we welcome the Pensions Commission report, and look forward to continuing to work with the Commission, Government and industry to create a system which delivers what matters most: a sustainable income in retirement for everyone.

Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE reacts to the Pension Commission’s interim report: “We welcome the Pension Commission’s interim report, which clearly sets out the challenges future pensioners will face in securing an adequate income.

“It is positive that the Commission recognises the vital role of the State Pension and social security entitlements in supporting those on low incomes. The findings that certain groups, including women and disabled people, are at greater risk of under-saving are concerning, but not unexpected. They echo our own research, which shows that these groups are more likely to experience poverty in later life.

“With 1.7 million older people currently living in poverty and 1 million more hovering precariously on the edge, it is clear change is needed to ensure a future where everyone in later life has a dignified and financially secure older age.  

 “We look forward to continuing to work with the Commission as it develops its final recommendations.”

Appeal after driver failed to stop on A720 Edinburgh city bypass

POLICE are appealing for information after the driver of a van failed to stop after colliding with a man standing on the verge off the A720 Edinburgh city bypass near the Sheriffhall roundabout.

The incident happened around 3pm yesterday (Sunday, 17 May), following a minor crash at the roundabout.

The occupants were exchanging details when a white van collided with the 29-year-old man at the side of the eastbound carriageway. He sustained an arm injury but did not require hospital treatment.

The driver of the vehicle, described as a Citroen Relay style van, did not stop and enquiries are ongoing to trace them.

Constable Stewart Logan said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to find the driver of this vehicle and we are asking anyone who saw the incident to get in touch.

“If you were driving in the area around this time please also check any dash-cam you have to see if it has captured what happened.

“I am also appealing to the driver to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1833 of Sunday, 17 May, 2026.

121 affordable homes proposed for former Livingston leisure site

Cruden submits planning to transform former Xcite site 

Five-star housebuilder Cruden has submitted plans for a major new affordable housing development at Almondvale Parkway in Livingston.

The proposals would transform the former Xcite Livingston site into 121 high-quality affordable homes, alongside new landscaping, parking and improved walking and cycling connections through the area.

Located within Livingston town centre, the 1.2-hectare brownfield site was previously home to the popular Bubbles Swimming Pool, which closed in 2023 and was demolished last year. Cruden’s plans would bring the vacant site back into use and create a new residential community in a highly accessible location.

The development includes a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, including retirement housing and wheelchair-accessible homes, helping to meet growing demand for affordable and energy-efficient housing in West Lothian.

Designed with sustainability and connectivity at its core, the plans would retain a large area of mature woodland while introducing additional planting, biodiversity features and new green spaces throughout the site. Enhanced pedestrian links would also improve connections between Almondvale Boulevard, nearby cycle routes and the football stadium beyond.

The homes have been designed to maximise natural light and energy efficiency, with the majority benefiting from south-facing living spaces. The development includes low-carbon technology, including heat pump systems and roof-mounted solar panels.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to West Lothian, Cruden recently completed a 146-home development at Almondvale for West Lothian Housing Partnership, alongside projects at  Sydney Street in Livingston and in East Calder.

Andrew Duncan, Land Director of Cruden, said: “Our plans will transform this prominent brownfield site into a high-quality affordable housing development that will bring new life into this part of Livingston town centre.

“The former Xcite site holds strong memories for many local people, and we want to create a development that delivers lasting benefits for the community through much-needed affordable homes and high-quality green space.

“Environmental considerations have been incorporated into the scheme through measures such as woodland retention, active travel connections, and energy-efficient homes that can help reduce running costs for residents.”

The planning application follows a detailed design and consultation process with West Lothian Council and the local community. Subject to planning approval, Cruden intends to begin work on site in early 2027.

Pepsi launches THREE new “sippable” Ice Cream flavours

Ice Cream is now Sipped! Pepsi® has unveiled its new Ice Cream Zero Sugar Flavour range, with three new delicious cola flavours, made to refresh you with a smooth taste and zero-sugar sweetness—perfect for a summer treat. Should you lick it, bite it, scoop it? No, you sip it!

The new flavours are set to launch exclusively in Tesco from 18th May, with Cherry & Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour and Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Flavour rolling out nationwide from 14th July onwards.

This trio has been meticulously crafted for a generation that has mastered the art of intentional treating. In an era defined by constant hustle, Pepsi is reframing the ‘Treat’ moment.

Pepsi’s unique new flavours double up as the ultimate sweet treat to cool the summer heat. Cold, bold and surreal, the new flavours reimagine and remix the ice cream and Pepsi combination, bringing a whole new vibe to treating yourself – with zero sugar. With a classic Pepsi base, the new flavours add a creamy, sweet kick to the iconic cola recipe, twisting your senses.

Life today is lived in micro-moments, those blink and you’ll miss it victories – like finally hitting “send” on an email, replying to those messages that have been on read for weeks, or simply making it through a long Monday. These quiet wins are the real status symbols of Gen Z culture, and Pepsi is here to make sure they don’t go unnoticed, by redefining the treat moment for a new generation.

The new trio of delectable new zero sugar flavours include:

  1. Cherry & Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour: A smooth, sweet, and totally indulgent taste sensation
  2. Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Flavour: A tangy, creamy, nostalgic dream – in a can.
  3. Salted Caramel Ice Cream Flavour: The ultimate flavour flex. Sweet meets salty in a fizzy, treaty collision!

Natalia Fillipociants, SVP and General Manager Europe International Beverages, PepsiCo , said: ‘’At Pepsi, we know it’s the small moments that can feel like a win and deserve something refreshing.

“Our new ice cream-inspired flavours are made to be a fun, zero-sugar summer treat that’s a little unexpected in the best way. We hope people enjoy cracking one open, trying something different, and making it their go-to refreshment this summer’’.

The new Ice Cream flavours come as an expansion of Pepsi’s Treats range, following the craze surrounding the launch of Strawberries & Cream and Cream Soda flavours last year.

The irresistible new range will be available to buy in four different formats – individual 330ml cans, an 8 can multipack, plus 500ml and 1.5 litre bottles.

For more information on the new flavours and brand news, visit Pepsi UK on Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and X.