End of rent protections will punish households in Edinburgh, says Green MSP

The Scottish Government’s decision to end renter protection will harm households and families in Edinburgh. says Lorna Slater the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian region. 

The protections, which ended this week, were introduced by the then Green Minister Patrick Harvie following the year long rent freeze. This mechanism potentially allows rent increases to be limited to no higher than 12% if a tenant applies to a rent officer for a decision. 

The Scottish Government had said the system would support the transition away from the rent freeze and to the forthcoming system of Rent Control Areas, avoiding a ‘cliff edge’ for renters and protecting them from excessively large increases. 

The cost of renting a two bedroom home in Scotland’s capital is £1,358, which is an increase of 14% since 2010. 

Lorna Slater MSP said: “Households and families all over the citywill be getting notices hiking up their rents with little chance to appeal. Meanwhile rogue landlords will be celebrating in the knowledge that they are no longer being constrained.

“It doesn’t need to be like this. The Scottish Government can stop it. The protections that the Scottish Greens secured can be extended, offering renters supporters from the most predatory landlords. 

“People in Edinburgh have already seen their costs soaring and this decision will only make that worse and will make further price hikes inevitable. 

“All parties agree that we are in a housing emergency. The last thing we should be doing is allowing rents to be increased without limit. 

“We need a robust and permanent system of rent controls that can support renters and offer protection and stability. 

“Homes are for living in, not for profiteering. We need fundamental change if we are to ensure everyone in the city and beyond has a warm, comfortable and affordable place to call home.” 

RCEM demands clear government strategy as Scotland’s EDs record worst-ever February performance

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has asked ‘where are the tangible plans for Emergency Care?’ after Scotland’s A&Es experienced the worst February on record for performance.  

The figures, released yesterday (1 April 2025) by Public Health Scotland comes just a day after the Scottish government revealed its ‘operational improvement plan’ which RCEM says ‘missed the mark’ in tackling extreme and dangerous long stays in A&Es.  

The new PHS data shows that in A&Es in Scotland in February, 6,072 patients waited 12 hours or longer before being admitted, discharged or transferred.  

They also reveal just how much long waits have increased since the 2010s.    

Since February 2018, for example, the number of people waiting four hours or more in major EDs has increased by 3.4 times (10,979 to 37,274) eight hours or more by 13 times (1,023 to 13,638) and 12 hours or more by almost 35 times (174 to 6,072).    

Patients are often experiencing these extreme long stays on trolleys in corridors due to the lack of available in-patient beds.  

People in these beds are often stuck in hospital, despite being well enough to be discharged, because there is no appropriate social care support.  

So called ‘delayed discharges’ meant there was an average of 1,986 patients in hospital each day, waiting to be discharged, even though they are well enough to leave. This is the highest number for the month of February since 2016, when guidelines changes.  

Responding to the data, Dr Fiona Hunter, Vice President of RCEM Scotland said: “Scotland’s Health Secretary has said he is ‘encouraged’ by a weekly improvement to the four-hour target for admission, treatment or discharge – but our members and their colleagues certainly don’t feel encouraged when you look at the bigger picture.  

“Across the board – four, eight and 12 hour waits – were the worst on record for the month of February. 

“This should sound alarm bells to politicians and galvanise them to act before A&Es delve into an even deeper crisis.  

“This data comes hot on the heels of the government’s NHS improvement plan, which did little to reassure burnout Emergency Medicine clinicians that they won’t be treating patients, who have endured a stay on trolley in a corridor for 12 hours or more, in the weeks, months and years to come.  

“It was a golden opportunity, and it missed the mark.  

“It’s left us asking, where are the tangible plans for Emergency Care? 

“Time is ticking for the government to act and #ResuscitateEmergencyCare.” 

Yesterday’s data also comes after the release of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Review, published last week, which clearly evidenced the systemic problems in Urgent and Emergency Care across Scotland, and set out national recommendations.  

Statement on organised immigration crime

Statement from the representatives of the governments of Albania, China, Sweden, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam

We, the representatives of the governments of Albania, China, Sweden, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, united as an international community in the fight against organised immigration crime (OIC), meeting within the framework of the Border Security Summit hosted by the United Kingdom, hereby affirm our collective responsibility to address the threat posed by organised criminal groups exploiting online platforms for the facilitation of irregular immigration including human trafficking.

Acknowledging the scope of the threat

We recognise the role that online platforms can play in the facilitation of OIC. Organised criminal groups are exploiting these platforms to advertise and facilitate illegal immigration services, generating illegal profits at the expense of vulnerable migrants. Inaccurate information is spread online, with claims to guarantee passage with shared ‘success stories’ of being able to remain in country despite illegal entry.

These stories are shared despite the increasing risk of fatalities from clandestine entry by boats and lorries. As online platforms evolve, criminal networks adapt their methods, making a co-ordinated global response essential. We recognise the harm that irregular migration can cause nations’ citizens.

Commitment to collective action

The fight against OIC requires collaboration across borders, sectors, and jurisdictions to effectively counter the global scale of the threat. No single government can combat this threat alone. We call upon all governments, international organisations, and industry partners to join us in this endeavour to work together to prevent the misuse of online platforms for illegal immigration services.

Disrupting the facilitation of OIC

The online environment should not be permissive for immigration crimes.  We call on industry partners to design out from platforms opportunities for exploitation and to prevent the proliferation of glorifying illegal migration. Fatalities as a result of people smuggling are increasing globally and we must ensure those seeking illegal entry are aware of the grave risks.

A collective responsibility to prevent exploitation

We commit to strengthening our collective efforts to prevent, disrupt, and degrade the capacity of organised criminal groups to exploit online platforms for OIC. Online platforms should not enable facilitation of organised crime, and we are committed to working together to prevent this.

International governments, industry partners, and international organisations should join forces in a global effort to stop criminals from exploiting online platforms.

Platforms should invest in strong detection and moderation tools, while governments must back them with effective laws and international cooperation.

Collaborative framework for action

We commit to share trends in use of the online environment by organised criminal groups and the principle approaches for detecting and disrupting the facilitation of OIC online. Following this summit, the UK will provide opportunities for global collaboration, learning from the approach taken to other tech-enabled harms.

Towards a secure digital environment for all

Looking ahead, we recognise that addressing OIC in the digital age requires innovation, prevention, and sustained cooperation. Only through collective action can we prevent criminal groups from exploiting online platforms for irregular immigration. Together, we will work to ensure that online spaces remain secure and safe for everyone and do not provide the opportunity for people smuggling services to be advertised and accessed by vulnerable migrants.

A call to action

In conclusion, we call for ongoing dialogue and swift action to address the challenges posed by OIC online content and the threat it presents to the integrity of our borders. We reaffirm our commitment to a global response that prevents the exploitation of online platforms for criminal purposes.

We call for global action to prevent the spread of OIC content and protect the integrity of online spaces. By acting decisively, we can safeguard vulnerable people and uphold the security of our collective borders.

Support for people in priority groups to buy a house

Home ownership scheme reopens

A scheme to help people in priority groups buy a home on the open market has reopened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme will be available to people across Scotland who can’t afford the full price of a home from groups which include social renters, disabled people, people aged 60 and over, members of the armed forces and veterans.

Applicants can apply for between 60% and 90% of the property’s value without having to purchase it in full, with the Scottish Government owning the remaining share.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The cost of living crisis, high energy prices, inflation and interest rates make it increasingly difficult for some people to buy their own home.

“We want to give people in the priority groups the same opportunity as other buyers to own their home and I would encourage anyone looking to buy a home to apply to the scheme.

“Giving more people the chance to buy an affordable home also plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness and eradicating child poverty in Scotland.”

Applications to the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme can be made on the Link Housing website.

Offences against retail workers: Two women face Court

The East Retail Crime Task Force has launched following increased offending against retailers.

Two women (both 42) arrested in separate incidents will appear in court facing 25 charges including theft, police assault, breach of bail and offences against retail workers.

Essential bills “eating away” at incomes of lowest earners

As consumers brace themselves for the higher prices kicking in from today across bills including energy, water and broadband, those on the lowest incomes are running out of options, Citizens Advice warns.

Households in the lowest 10% for income already spend around two fifths (41%) of their earnings – after housing – on water, energy, broadband and car insurance bills. This compares to 11% for those on middle incomes, with those in the top 10% for income spending just 5%. 

These latest findings come from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), as part of a Citizens Advice led-partnership with IPPR, abrdn Financial Fairness Trust and Policy in Practice looking at social tariffs. 

Their research found single-adult households, and particularly those with children, are more likely than other groups to be spending 20% or more of their post-housing income on these bills, leaving them more exposed to price shocks.

If well-targeted social tariffs and bill support schemes were rolled out across water, energy, broadband and car insurance markets, the IPPR found that could save households hundreds of pounds a year.

For example, if social tariffs reduced these essential bills by 25%, for those in the lowest 10% for income, it could bring in savings of around £13 a week or £680 a year. This would be equivalent to a boost of income (after housing costs) of around a tenth for a typical household in this group.

Sara’s story

Citizens Advice sees the difference social tariffs can make. The charity supported Sara [not her real name], whose disability, medical conditions and her son’s needs make it vital for her to have a phone and internet. 

She said: “Citizens Advice gave me advice on benefits, food banks and utility bills – how to cut down on them with social tariffs for water, phone and broadband. I can’t let go of my phone and the internet.

It’s very important because of my illness. I’ve got a special telecom alarm for when I fall, so I need wifi in the house. It helps a lot.”

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said: “After years of cost-of-living pressures, households across the country are about to feel the extra shock of rising essential bills. But for those on the lowest incomes, these unavoidable costs are already eating away at their finances, leaving their budgets stretched beyond breaking point.

“Social tariffs could be an effective safety net and put money back in people’s pockets, but the government and providers must work together to make sure nobody struggling to make ends meet misses out.

“We want to see people eligible for bill support automatically enrolled to receive it. This change can’t come soon enough.”

Professor Ashwin Kumar, Director of Research and Policy at IPPR, said:  “Essential bills are leaving lowest earners with little room to breathe and causing huge anxieties.

“Well-designed social tariffs and bill support – across water, energy, broadband and insurance markets – could save households hundreds of pounds a year and provide a vital lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people across the country.”

Deven Ghelani, Director of Policy in Practice, said: “Leading utility companies are showing the benefits of data-sharing to support auto-enrolment and streamlined assessments.

“The government can take action today that makes straightforward access to social tariffs and bill support the core and expected response from utility companies to customers facing affordability issues.”

University of Edinburgh: Money Mangement for Students

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Poppyscotland launch brand new Battalia Fit

Sign up to help raise awareness and funds for Scotland’s veterans

Looking for a new challenge? Or to push yourself further in 2025? Then why not sign up to take part in Poppyscotland’s brand new Battalia Fit.

Battalia Fit is our very own hybrid fitness competition, mirroring other contests such as the hugely popular Hyrox, Spartan, and DEKA FIT.

Taking place at Crossfit gym, within Airdrieonian’s Albert Bartlett Stadium, on Saturday 21st June, Battalia Fit is made up of 10 stations with 500m runs in between (5km in total).

Each station is based on activities those serving in the military must carry out in their training and will include burpees, press ups, box jumps, squats, a 1km row and more, pushing your fitness ability to the core.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning said: “This is our inaugural Battalia Fit and we cannot wait to get along to Crossfit in Airdrie and see all of the wonderful people who have come out to participate in our first ever fitness competition and show their support for our charity.

“This event will raise so much awareness of Poppyscotland and the work we do supporting the Armed Forces community at times of need, including help with housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.

“A huge thank you to the team at Crossfit Airdrie for allowing us to stage Battalia Fit at their gym and for the ongoing support.”

Registration for this event costs just £60 and entry Includes: a coveted finishers medal, hydration station, official event time, a workout plan to get you ready to battle, event photos and free parking.

Or participants can choose a free entry place and commit to fundraise a minimum of £150 to help us make a vital difference to our Armed Forces community.

For further information or to book a place please visit:

www.poppyscotland.org.uk/battalia-fit

BBC ALBA explores the hidden depths of the Hebrides with ‘real-life’ mermaid

BBC ALBA is taking a deep dive into the mystical waters surrounding the Western Isles with the Islands’ ‘real-life’ mermaid in a brand-new series of Miann na Maighdinn-mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra.

The new three-part series follows 28-year-old sea swimmer, Kate Macleod, as she brings ancient Hebridean folklore to life, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the waves while wearing her monofin and tail. Joined by her father, Murray, the pair travel over 150 nautical miles on the family boat to explore the Monach Isles and Uist before heading south towards Barra and Vatersay. 

Kate’s passion for swimming has long seen her explore life under the sea but now, with custom-made mermaid tails, she is able to dive even deeper to get a closer look at the wildlife lurking on the seabed.

Careful not to disturb the natural environment, Kate follows a curious seal off the shores of the Monach Isles, and even spots a shoal of sand eels while hidden amongst the seaweed. Beneath the waves of South Uist, Kate comes across a flounder resting among coral and cautiously ensures the fish isn’t caught in netting, before watching it glide away.

Kate, from Uig on the Isle of Lewis, comments: “The sea is a second home to me; it’s a precious place. Sea swimming is very peaceful.

“Under the water it is so quiet, calm and the colours are so bright and unlike anything you see above the surface. There is sea life and different kinds of seaweed – you see something different each time.”

On dry land, Kate goes in search of hidden treasures around the southern islands of the Western Isles. Here, she samples local delicacies, including cockles and seaweed, and hears the traditional Gaelic selkie songs sung by local musician, Pàdruig Morrison, that can be traced back hundreds of years.

Along her journey ashore, Kate learns more about mermaids in Scottish folklore and how the mythical sea creatures are said to be an unlucky sign to sailors.

At Lochboisdale Harbour, Kate meets PhD researcher Liam Crouse who has a keen interest in the history of the Outer Hebrides. Kate learns that over 100 years ago, herring fishermen spotted a mermaid at the mouth of Lochboisdale – an event which was immediately marked as a bad omen. Thankfully, Kate is reassured her tail is safe from bad luck.

Kate adds: “My tail always takes me to interesting environments beneath the sea, and I am fortunate enough to bring BBC ALBA viewers along for the journey around the southern Hebrides in this new series.

“Expect a whole new perspective on life under the sea, complete with stories from locals across the islands as we sail to some well-known spots and tranquil locations – most, rarely even seen by islanders. From land to sea, this series showcases the magical wonders of the Outer Hebrides.”

Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Miann na maighdinn-Mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra S3 premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Tuesday 8 April at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000t8kj

Child Benefit boost for millions of families

  • Child Benefit payments to increase from next week
  • Parents encouraged to claim and manage Child Benefit via the HMRC app
  • 1.2 million parents have used the digital service to claim their Child Benefit

Families who claim Child Benefit will see an increase in their payment next week, says HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From 7 April 2025, parents will receive £26.05 per week – or £1,354.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week – or £897 a year – for each additional child. Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks and will automatically be paid into a bank account. There is no limit to how many children parents can claim for.

The quickest and easiest way for parents and carers to claim, view and manage Child Benefit payments is by downloading the free and secure HMRC app. A new function in the app means they get a notification once their claim is received and payment in as little as 3 days.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Extra pounds count and Child Benefit can give your household budget a boost.

“Claiming online or managing your Child Benefit payments via the HMRC app is quick and easy so, if you haven’t already, go to GOV.UK to start your claim today.”

Families have used the app more than 6 million times in the last year to manage their Child Benefit payments, including:

  • making a new claim
  • updating a change in circumstances  
  • amending personal or bank details
    • adding additional children to a claim 
  • viewing or printing Proof of Entitlement to Child Benefit
  • telling us their children are continuing in full time, non-advanced education or approved training

Over 1.2 million parents have claimed their Child Benefit through the HMRC app or via the digital service, since the service went online in May 2023. More than 87% of claims are now digital.

Families are encouraged to claim Child Benefit as soon as they can after their baby is born as it can only be backdated up to 3 months.

To make a claim for Child Benefit, parents will need to create an online HMRC account and will need:

  • child’s birth or adoption certificate
  • bank details
  • National Insurance number for themselves and their partner, if they have one
  • child’s original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document, for children born outside the UK.

HMRC has released a new youtube video explaining how new parents can make a claim.

If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive, and what the charge may be.

In the Spring Statement, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves announced a new service as part of the government’s Plan for Change, that will cut red tape for eligible employed parents who are liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

From the summer, families will have the option to report their Child Benefit payments and pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return.

The new digital service will be optional and those who choose to pay the charge through their Self Assessment can continue to do so.

Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app.

A person living in a household subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge will still receive National Insurance credits if they claim Child Benefit but choose to opt out of receiving payments.