UK Government announces Action Plan to build stronger communities

The government has launched a ‘rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom’

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS

Millions of families, friends and neighbours will feel a stronger sense of community, unity and national pride thanks to renewed efforts to stamp out extremism, hate and division announced yesterday.

Today the government is launching a rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom – a place where neighbour continues to look out for neighbour and people come together with a shared sense of values, pride, and belonging.  

The action plan follows decades of rapid change – technological advancements, demographic change, local industries collapsing, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services. This has caused a strain on social cohesion. Bad actors, including from abroad, have sought to stoke community tensions and promote toxic division and extremist ideology in our communities. 

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed told the House of Commons:  ”Today, through the publication of Protecting What Matters, we set out the first steps towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom.

“This plan is what patriotism means to this government. We choose to celebrate our national successes and historic achievements, we choose to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, and we choose to take on those who try to divide us.”

This publication – Protecting What Matters – puts the emphasis on healing divided communities, setting out clear expectations around what it means to live together and integrate into society, tackling those trying to subvert our shared values and ultimately promoting pride, unity and tolerance.   

This comes as the latest statistics show that hate crime is rising, with Jewish people disproportionately more targeted by hate crime than any other group.  

To tackle antisemitism head on, the government is investing at record levels to scale up security at synagogues and schools, clamping down on antisemitic extremism, and rolling out training on antisemitism in the workplace.  

Religious hate crimes targeted at Muslims are also at record levels, with almost half of these crimes targeted towards the Muslim community and many living in fear that they will be targeted because of how they look or assumptions over where they come from.  This government has a duty to act but cannot tackle something that has not been defined.  

The UK government is taking the historic step of adopting a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility which makes it clear what is unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim.   

Crucially, this definition protects the fundamental right to freedom of speech while protecting people from unacceptable abuse and violence. A special representative on anti-Muslim hostility will also be appointed to support action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response.   

This sits alongside a new suite of measures to bring communities across the country together:  

  • Tough action on extremism with stronger powers to shut down charities promoting extremism and transformed capability to disrupt extremists, including stopping hate preachers entering the UK, and an annual State of Extremism report.   
  • Clear expectations will be set around integration for people looking to settle in the UK, focused on shared language, local participation and respect for shared values. To support this, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently.   
  • A £500,000 investment in community-led school linking projects will bring children from different backgrounds together, helping them forge friendships and understand what they have in common. And tougher oversight of home education – including the first-ever mandatory register of children not in school – will ensure no child misses out on the shared values and experiences that bind communities together. 

This all builds on the £5.8 billion committed to hundreds of areas through the Pride in Place programme, with power put in the hands of local people. 

New Acas survey on the Employment Rights Act reveals that sick pay changes will have biggest impact on employers in Scotland

More than half (53%) of Scottish employers say changes to statutory sick pay will have a significant impact on their business, according to a new survey.

Workplace expert, Acas, commissioned YouGov to ask which changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 will have the biggest impact on bosses in Scotland

New rights on sick pay topped the polls, with Scottish employers ranking new rules around unfair dismissal and flexible working second.

The valuable insights gained from the results will help Acas target its support for workers and bosses where they need it the most.

Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “The Employment Rights Act is a major shake-up in employment law and will impact businesses and workers in Scotland.

“It’s crucial that both employer and employees get to grips with the new rules, and Acas remains best placed as independent experts helping everyone at work throughout this period of change.

“Acas will be working with employers, workers and their representatives on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act and we will be updating our advice and training.”

The survey results revealed that:

        More than half of Scottish employers (53%) said that workers getting sick pay for the first day of illness rather than the fourth day would have the biggest impact on them.

        Employers also said flexible working rules (19%) and new protections around unfair dismissal (39%) would likely have an impact.

New rules, brought in by the Employment Rights Act, regarding paternity leave and sick pay will come into force on 6th April 2026.

From 6 April, employees will be eligible for paternity leave from the first day of employment. Currently employees must have worked for their employer for 26 weeks before they are eligible.

From 1 January 2027, employees will be protected from unfair dismissal if they have worked for their employer for at least six months. Currently an employee must have two years continuous service to be able to claim unfair dismissal.

A dismissal may be considered unfair by law if there was no fair reason for the dismissal; the reason was not enough to justify dismissing them; or the employer did not follow a fair procedure.

In 2027 new measures will come into force intended to improve access to flexible working.

Flexible working can involve a change to when, where or how someone works. Employers and employees should follow the Acas Code of Practice on flexible working when handling a request.

Acas has an online roadmap of when all the new expected law changes in the Employment Rights Act are likely to come into effect, which includes webinars and training: Employment Rights Act 2025 – Acas

Support to prevent child poverty

£5.8 million to charities and partners to bolster whole family support across 2026-27

Seven projects delivering in communities will share £5.8 million of funding to drive transformation in whole family support.

First Minister John Swinney announced the funding during a speech on eradicating child poverty at Centrestage in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. He highlighted the need for charities and government to streamline collaborative efforts to eradicate child poverty, making it easier for people to access support.  

The seven recipients of the grant will provide support for families, scale up efforts to tackle child poverty, and improve early child development.

This support is part of the £50 million Whole Family Wellbeing Funding allocation for 2026-27, building on the Scottish Government’s significant investment of £148 million in that Fund since 2022.

The Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will set out further actions to reduce child poverty, will be published on Thursday.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Eradicating child poverty is my top priority and as a result of our bold action, child poverty rates are lower in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.

“No child should have to worry about essentials such as food or a warm home because of circumstances beyond their control. While child poverty has reduced, even one young person growing up in poverty is one too many.

“My government is focused on building a support system that is seamless and tailored, that responds flexibly and quickly to people’s needs – and offers the right support at the right time.

“A total of £5.8 million in Whole Family Wellbeing funding will be directed to seven projects that exemplify the type of transformational support required for families across Scotland.

“I am proud that the experiences of children and families are at the heart of our forthcoming Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will be set out in Parliament this Thursday. We are charting a path to work in harmony with charities and the third sector so that systems come together as one, providing a brighter future for children across the country.”

Dundee City Councillor and Convener of the Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure committee Steven Rome spoke about the Dundee Pathfinder Fairer Futures Partnership, which is among the recipients of this latest funding.

He said: “The Dundee Pathfinder is a collaborative effort to support families experiencing poverty. By drawing on local expertise, the Pathfinder has brought more than £2.4 million into households since October 2022.

“This is helping many people move into employment and training, improving the lives of entire families.”

Thousands of tickets sold in pre-sale surge for Glasgow round of UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup

  • Huge demand in first ticket phase with rush to see world-class international cyclo-cross in Great Britain
  • General sale now open for this premier UCI round in December. Don’t miss out on tickets! 

After extraordinary demand saw thousands of tickets sold in the pre-sale, tickets are now on general sale at an early bird rate for the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup round taking place in Glasgow, Scotland on Sunday 13 December 2026. 

As announced last week, international cyclo-cross will return to Great Britain with a round of the 2026-27 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, to be hosted at Kelvingrove Park. 

This major sporting spectacle will see the very best cyclo-cross stars arrive in Glasgow for a world-class event. 

The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – run by the UCI and Flanders Classics – is the premier series of the UCI Cyclo-cross international calendar, bringing the world’s best riders to a spectacular festival of cycling each winter, attracting thousands of spectators to experience the thrill of fast and furious racing in challenging terrain and across varied obstacles. 

Darren Henry, Managing Director of British Cycling Ventures, said: “It is incredible to see the strong early demand for tickets for this event. Selling thousands of tickets in the pre-sale is phenomenal, and has given the event an early boost, and we expect demand to continue to rise as tickets go on general sale today. 

“This event will be a spectacle not to be missed, and we look forward to seeing people from across the UK and internationally descend on Glasgow this winter for this world-class event.”  

Four-time British champion Cameron Mason, said: “Having a Cyclo-cross World Cup in my home country is career-defining stuff. I am so excited to race against the world’s best riders on home turf and show them what UK cyclo-cross is all about. 

“Seeing tickets are going fast is incredible, and I know Glasgow will deliver an incredible atmosphere, so I’d encourage people to get their tickets as they will not want to miss out. 

“It’ll be a real honour to be the current British champion lining up on the start. I know there’s so much more to gain from an event like the Glasgow World Cup than just performance. I see the support that the cyclo-cross has every weekend, and just how special the sport is. 

“It’s going to be so cool that the people of Scotland get to see it for themselves. It will add another layer to what will hopefully be a really good season next winter.” 

Tickets are now on general sale, with strong demand expected. Fans are encouraged to secure their places early! Get tickets now at an early bird rate!  

Fans can stay up to date with latest news and announcements from the event on Instagram, Facebook and the British Cycling website. 

20 Years of civic pride: nominations open for Edinburgh Award 2026  

The capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for this year opening today (Monday 9 March).

Now in its 20th year, the Edinburgh Award continues to recognise exceptional individuals whose achievements have not only brought distinction to the city but have helped shape Edinburgh’s future as a global capital of ideas, culture, innovation and compassion.

Since its inception in 2007, the Award has honoured individuals whose work has left a lasting legacy. From acclaimed artists and pioneering scientists to sporting heroes and social changemakers, each recipient has helped put Edinburgh on the national and international map. Their handprints are permanently cast into the flagstones outside the City Chambers, a lasting tribute at the heart of the capital.

In 2025, the Edinburgh Award was presented to Ali Bowden, the first Director of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature who, whilst in her role, created a diverse and engaging range of projects and programmes to enhance our literary city and played a key role in connecting Edinburgh with other literary cities around the world.

Edinburgh has four weeks to nominate for the 2026 award, before a recipient is selected by the Civic Awards Committee.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge has urged individuals and businesses to nominate: “The Edinburgh Award gives us a chance to honour the individuals whose work and achievements continue to make Edinburgh the extraordinary city we all know and love.

“I am continually inspired by the way Edinburgh’s people support one another, and this award reflects that community spirit.

“As we mark the 20th Edinburgh Award this is an opportunity to not only reflect on the outstanding individuals who have shaped our past but also to recognise those whose work is influencing our future.

“I encourage everyone to consider who inspires them, who goes above and beyond to make Edinburgh stronger, fairer, more innovative and has made a difference to our city and please submit a nomination.”

Nominations open today Monday 9 March and close at 12 noon on Friday 10 April 2026.

To find out more and submit nomination please visit our website.

Potterrow incident: Do you know these men?

Police Scotland has released images of two males who they believe may be able to assist with their ongoing inquiries into an incident that occurred between 9.40pm and 10.05pm on Friday, 16 January 2026, at a building in the Potterrow area.  

The first man is described as white, between 18-25-years-old and of slim build. He was wearing a white tracksuit with the hood over his head, dark sunglasses, a grey and blue striped scarf and black and red Nike basketball-style trainers.

The second man is described as white, between 18-25-years-old and of slim build. He had short dark-coloured hair and was wearing black framed glasses, a dark coloured baseball cap with a white motif on the front, a light-blue denim jacket with a grey t-shirt underneath, light coloured trousers and light brown ‘Ugg’-style boots.

Police Constable Neil Mackay said: “As part of our investigation we are eager to trace the two men pictured. They are believed to have left the Potterrow area in the direction of West Nicholson Street. I’d ask anyone who can help to come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 1217 of Saturday, 17 January 2026. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Bank of Scotland announces £2.5 billion new finance commitment for businesses in Scotland

Over £2.5 billion of new finance can be available to businesses across Scotland in 2026, helping them grow, invest and create new jobs.

This forms part of Lloyds Banking Group’s plan to make over £35 billion of new finance available to companies operating and investing across the UK in 2026.

Businesses look to invest and grow in 2026

New research from Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer reveals Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth as introducing new technology such as AI, automation or digitalisation (51%), investing in their team such as training (35%) and entering new markets (32%) in the next six months.

Martyn Kendrick, Scotland Director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Bank of Scotland is proud to make £2.5 billion of new finance available to local firms in Scotland, helping them grow their businesses, invest in innovation and create new jobs.

“Whether it’s supporting a small company taking its first step into exporting, or a larger firm scaling up to meet growing demand, we’re committed to helping businesses turn their potential into growth.”

This comes as Lloyds and CBI convene business leaders, policymakers and experts from across the financial services sector in Scotland to explore how to drive sustainable growth under the UK’s Industrial Strategy.

Backing ambitious businesses across Scotland

Organisations across Scotland are already benefiting from Bank of Scotland’s support. Albyn Housing Society, one of the largest housing associations in the Highlands, has received a £10 million funding package.

The business has begun work on the first 125 homes as part of its mission to build 600 affordable homes over the next five years.

The development responds directly to Highland Council’s 2024 Housing Challenge, which calls for 24,000 new homes to be built across the region by the end of the decade.

Andrew Martin, Executive Director at Albyn Housing Society, said: “Albyn was established over 50 years ago to provide housing for workers at the Invergordon smelter.

“While the challenges have changed, our purpose hasn’t. We’re here to make sure people across the Highlands have access to good, affordable homes in the communities they live in.

“Our five-year plan is ambitious, and it reflects what local people have told us they need. Support from Bank of Scotland means we can start right away – putting plans into action and delivering the kinds of places people want to live.”

Committees say Parliament should continue close scrutiny of approach to tackling drug deaths and drug harm following election

Members of three Scottish Parliament committees have urged that a joint approach to the scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s work to reduce drug deaths and tackle drug harm must continue following May’s election.

A legacy report from MSPs on the Criminal Justice, Health, Social Care and Sport and Social Justice and Social Security Committees outlines that meeting together allowed the Members to consider the impact of policy changes more broadly and more effectively.

In the report, one MSP explains that the approach emphasised the importance of the shift from seeing drug problems in Scotland as a crime and justice issue to seeing them as a health and social issue.

The committees worked together during this parliamentary session to look at the impact of the measures recommended by the Scottish Drugs Deaths Taskforce.

As part of their work, the committees commissioned, and worked with, a people’s panel, which called for “brave and bold action” to reduce the harms created by drug use in Scotland.

The Members’ report praises the benefits that this approach had on communication between committees, collaboration on tackling this important issue, and the breadth of scrutiny.

Audrey Nicoll MSP, Convener of the Criminal Justice Committee said: “Taking a cross-committee approach to the issue of how to tackle drug deaths and drug related harms has brought everyone’s expertise to the table.

“It has been encouraging to see so many members working together to tackle this issue of urgent national importance.

“However, this issue is not resolved. As our legacy report makes clear, our committees’ work must continue next session.”

Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Sport and Social Care Committee, said: “Thank you to everyone who helped inform our scrutiny of these vital issues, including the members of the people’s panel, who collaborated so well to help recommend what further steps can be taken to prevent drug deaths and harms.

“Cross-party and cross-remit working in the next session will be essential if we are to effectively tackle these issues, and ultimately end the pain caused by drug harms and drug deaths in Scotland.

Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “I am pleased with the impact that our committees’ work has had this session, and it was good to see the recommendations of the people’s panel that we commissioned be agreed to and acted upon by the Scottish Government.

“Drug deaths are not abstract statistics. My heart goes out to every single family that is affected. MSPs must continue to work together next session and do everything possible to tackle this issue.”

Read the Committees’ report

Spring sees welcome return of St Columba’s Compassionate Gardeners

The gardening season has officially begun at St Columba’s. After a winter pause, our Compassionate Gardeners gathered for the first time this year — and they’re ready to get going.

These generous volunteers offer time, care, and plenty of TLC to the gardens of our community patients who need a little extra help. It’s practical support, yes — but it’s also about kindness, dignity, and helping outdoor spaces feel cared for again.

Gloves are on, tools are out, spirits are high… and the weeds have been warned.

Thank you to our Compassionate Gardeners for all you do — quietly making a difference, one garden at a time.

Welcome to Your Vote Week

YouthLink Scotland

@YouthLinkSco It’s Welcome to Your Vote Week! Use the @ElectoralCommUK‘s impartial resources to explore why voting is important to your young people and to discuss the impact their vote can have on their everyday life.

More info https://bit.ly/4rUcmdX

This year’s theme is ‘why voting matters’ – supporting young people to discover the difference voting makes and how they can have their voices heard.

Use the Electoral Commission’s impartial resources to explore why voting is important to your young people and to discuss the impact their vote can have on their everyday life.

Every year The Electoral Commission invite schools, youth groups, and local elections teams to join them in celebrating democracy by running activities that help young people understand how it works and how to get involved.

The Electoral Commission aim to support young people to develop the knowledge and confidence they need to cast their vote and discover other ways to get involved in democracy.

With thanks to the brilliant ideas of their youth voice network, the theme for Welcome to Your Vote Week 2026 will be ‘Why Voting Matters’.

Discover the difference voting makes and how young people can have their voices heard. With your young people, use the impartial resources to explore why voting is important to them and discuss the impact their vote can have on their everyday life.

Welcome to Your Vote Week is an opportunity to discuss the importance of voting and democracy in your area. Explore questions like ‘What issues are important to you?’, ‘What are different levels of government responsible for?’ and ‘How could your vote make a change?’.

How to get involved

More than half a million young people took part in Welcome to Your Vote Week 2025. We want even more young people to learn about democracy and voting this Welcome to Your Vote Week.

Everyone is welcome to get involved. Feel free to be creative, ask your students and young people for their ideas, and deliver activities which best suit you and your group.

You could:

  • Hold a vote in your school or youth group on an issue young people can have a say in.
  • Run a voter registration drive for young people.
  • Deliver lesson plans or short activities about voting and democracy.
  • Support young people to engage with their local representatives.

Welcome to Your Vote Week is an opportunity for those who work with young people to start a conversation about democracy and voting.