As the tax year draws to a close, couples who are married or in civil partnerships could be due a financial boost by sharing unused tax allowances.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed March is the most popular month for Marriage Allowance applications, with almost 70,000 couples across the UK applying in March last year.
And with the option to backdate their claim for the previous four tax years, eligible couples could receive a lump-sum payment worth more than £1,000, in addition to reducing their tax bill for the 2023 to 2024 tax year by up to £252.
Marriage Allowance saves couples money by allowing the lower or non-earner to reduce the amount of tax their partner pays by transferring up to £1,260 of their Personal Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner.
The easiest way to claim Marriage Allowance is online via GOV.UK.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:“Marriage Allowance keeps money in your pocket by reducing the amount of tax you and your spouse pay by up to £252 a year.
“You can check your eligibility and apply on GOV.UK. Search ‘Marriage Allowance’ to find out more.”
To benefit from the tax relief in Scotland, one partner must have income less than the Personal Allowance of £12,570, and the higher earning partner’s income must be between £12,571 and £43,662.
The UK Government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out what financial and practical support, including income support, people could be eligible for.
A man who committed a number of sexual assaults on women and girls in the 1980s and 1990s has been jailed.
At the High Court in Livingston yesterday (Tuesday, 27 February), John O’Flaherty (67) was sentenced to an Order of Lifelong Restriction with a minimum punishment part of five-years in prison for the offences, which took place in the North and South West of Edinburgh.
He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
The survivors were aged between 7 and 32 and after reporting the crimes to police in 2018, officers from Edinburgh’s Public Protection Unit spent more than two years gathering evidence against O’Flaherty.
He was initially arrested in June 2020, with further charges added over the following months.
Chief Inspector Jonny Wright said: “Our response to sexual crime is victim centred, with the safety and wellbeing of victims at the heart of what we do. I hope the conviction and sentencing of John O’Flaherty highlights that time is no barrier to investigating offences and we will respond to all reports we receive.
“I wish to thank the women he targeted for coming forward and reporting the attacks to police.
“Their continued support of our investigation and their testimony during the trial ultimately led to O’Flaherty’s conviction.”
A bold new government-backed review has set out a vision for workplace culture changes to support autistic people to start and stay in work
Review sets out 19 recommendations to support more autistic people to start, stay and succeed in work.
Despite most autistic people wanting to work, just 3 in 10 are currently in employment due to stigma and lack of understanding of their needs.
More neuro-inclusivity in the workplace can help fill vacancies and grow the economy by unlocking the potential of thousands more people.
A bold new government-backed review has set out a vision for workplace culture changes to support autistic people to start and stay in work.
DWP figures show only around 30 percent of working age autistic people are in employment, compared with half of all disabled people and 8 in 10 non-disabled people, despite the majority saying they would like to be employed.
Commissioned by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride and led by Sir Robert Buckland KC, the Review’s 19 recommendations for businesses and government include:
signing up for the Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index to access guidance on designing inclusive processes and procedures
encouraging career progression by developing packages of training focused on autistic staff
improving recruitment by ensuring careers advisers can provide appropriate advice to autistic jobseekers
supporting autistic people who are already in the workplace by producing “autism design guides” to create appropriate premises, furnishings and equipment
working with software suppliers to develop IT systems that meet autistic people’s needs.
The Buckland Review of Autism Employment was supported by charity Autistica and includes the views of hundreds of employers and autistic people.
It sets out how businesses and government can work together over the next five years – whether that is showcasing the successes of autism employment, developing pilot programmes in national and multinational companies, or providing tailored support for autistic staff at work.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, said: “I want autistic people to have every opportunity to benefit from work, and recognise that businesses and government must come together if we are to create the cultural change needed to move the dial.
“Backed by the extra employment support provided through our £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan, this report provides employers with practical and inexpensive steps to open up workplaces to autistic people, boost employment rates and, above all, change autistic people’s lives.”
Sir Robert Buckland KC MP said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to compile this report, and to hear from hundreds of autistic people about their experiences. This is all about them, and we couldn’t have done it without their help.
“The review can make a truly radical difference to the lives of autistic people and their families. I call on employers and government to lead this change and make these recommendations a reality.”
It is all part of the Government’s long-term plan to build a stronger economy – which has seen unemployment compared to 2010 decline, with four million additional people in work.
The Government has already succeeded in getting one million more disabled people into employment by 2027, five years ahead of schedule, with tailored support helping claimants realise their potential.
Access to Work grants worth up to £66,000 made working easier for nearly 50,000 people last year. The Government’s flagship Universal Support programme is set to provide up to 25,000 people with highly personalised employment support, working closely with employers to navigate any workplace adjustments required to accommodate individual needs.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Mims Davies MP, said: “There are so many benefits and positives autistic people can bring to the workplace, and this is matched by what employment can bring to them. We must make sure they get the work opportunities they want and deserve.
“This welcome and important review will help ensure autistic people can thrive and progress in the labour market. I am keen employers get behind these recommendations, and partner with us to truly make our workforce more inclusive and welcoming.”
Minister for Social Care, Helen Whately MP, said: “We want autistic people to have equal opportunities to flourish in society and contribute to the economy.
“For too long there have been too many barriers for them in the workplace; this review is a major step to changing that.
“This builds on our five-year autism strategy and shows our continued commitment to helping autistic people are able to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”
The review is the latest milestone in the Government’s mission to make the UK the most accessible place in the world, following the publication of the Disability Action Plan earlier this month, the launch of the Lilac Review, which will investigate the barriers disabled entrepreneurs face, and the longer-term National Disability Strategy, which will transform disabled people’s everyday lives for the better.
It also builds on the Government’s employment and welfare reforms – including the new £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan which will help thousands more disabled people and people with health conditions to start and thrive in work.
POLICE are appealing for information after a 25-year-old man was seriously assaulted on Pilrig Street, yesterday (Tuesday, 27 February, 2024).
Around 2.05pm, police were called to the entrance to Pilrig Park. The injured man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where is being treated for stab wounds. Hospital staff describe his condition as serious.
Detective Inspector Dougal Begg said: “We would urge anyone who was in the area at the time who witnessed this serious assault take place, or who has any information that may assist our investigation to come forward.
“Enquiries are continuing and officers are gathering and viewing CCTV footage for more information. I would also urge any drivers with dash-cam footage or those with personal footage to contact us as soon as possible.”
Information can be passed to 101 quoting reference number 1698 of 27 February. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
A Holyrood Committee has today welcomed the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill but said that the Bill on its own is not enough to make the systems-wide changes needed to create a truly circular economy.
The Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee says the Scottish Government must look at additional opportunities to act. In particular, the Committee says that tackling consumption and encouraging repair and reuse should be given further prominence in the Bill.
The report makes a number of recommendations to help Scotland move to a circular economy which would cut waste, carbon emissions and pressures on the natural environment. In recognition of the scale and urgency of action required to deliver a circular economy, the report says the setting of targets should be an obligation of the Scottish Government, not an option.
In order to support people to properly dispose of their household waste, the Committee recommends a uniform approach to kerbside collections across Scotland be brought forward to help the public recycle more.
The report also makes clear that plans within the Bill to introduce additional charging for single-use items must go hand in hand with proposals to encourage more use of reusable items, making this the social norm and a positive choice.
The Committee believes that the costs for change must not all be borne by the consumer, and that producers have a huge role to play in reducing waste.
Committee Convener, Edward Mountain MSP said:“The aims of this Bill are well intended and will, on the whole, have positive impact. But with an estimated 98% of Scotland’s material use derived from virgin materials, progress towards a circular economy must pick up pace.
“We need fundamental systems-change which realises the value of products and supports reuse, repair and recycling. The Bill is a step in the right direction – both speeding up the process and helping to establish circularity as society’s new ‘norm’.
“This is a wide-ranging Bill, which will affect individuals, businesses and communities. Making important changes, such as making recycling bins the same colour across Scotland, would have a huge impact on behaviour and make a real difference.”
The Committee also welcomes measures to reduce fly-tipping and littering but emphasises that penalties must be proportionate and given only when other options have been exhausted.
Because this is largely ‘framework’ legislation, the Committee says that the Scottish Parliament must be given more time to scrutinise and consult, at times widely, upon future regulations brought in by the Scottish Government as a result of the Bill’s enabling powers.
The Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 13 June 2023. More information on the Bill can be found here.
Labour Lothians MSP, Sarah Boyack, highlighted new research from Sight Scotland, which reveals that a quarter of all Scotland’s sight loss population, live within council areas served by Edinburgh’s Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.
Edinburgh’s Eye Pavilion was deemed not fit for purpose, by the NHS, in 2014 and has been the subject of a long running campaign to have it replaced.
In this time, waiting times have skyrocketed, with research from Sight Scotland highlighting that the number of ongoing waits has increased by over 10,000 since 2014.
With reports of appointments cancelled or delayed due to maintenance issues, it is likely this will only increase as the facility deteriorates further.
These numbers illustrate the extent of the crisis hitting eye care on the East coast of Scotland.
All this comes as the Scottish Government has backtracked on their election commitment to replace the current Eye Pavilion.
The Scottish Government’s recent budget froze capital spending for a minimum of two years, ensuring the new Eye Hospital could not go ahead and throwing its long-term future into doubt.
Sight Scotland have identified safety risks for both patients and staff due to the dilapidated state of the current facilities.
There is also a lack of clarity regarding what actions will be taken in the interim to ensure that the 45,000 people with sight loss, in the Pavilion’s remit, are able to receive the adequate care they require.
Commenting on the figures, Ms Boyack said: “We knew there was a crisis in eyecare, but now we know the full extent of it.
“The fact that a quarter of all those with sight loss are having to rely on not fit for purpose facilities is a national disgrace.
“And now the Scottish Government is subjecting them to unknown delays due to SNP budget cuts.
“Patients don’t just deserve a new hospital, they need one.
“If the Scottish Government does not act soon, there will be dire long-term consequences for Edinburgh’s sight loss population.”
Peter Scobbie, a long-time patient of the Eye Pavilion, added: “I’ve been going to the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion for 18 years now and the building is in shocking condition.
“The layout is completely inaccessible with the patient support services on the top floor and the pharmacy on the bottom next to the waiting area.
“Half the time the lifts are out of order, so I’m forced to use the stairs which I don’t feel safe doing as the handrail is very low and a straight drop down to the ground.
“I’d go as far to say it’s dangerous, especially for people with no to low sight.
“The decision not to fund a new hospital is therefore incredibly disappointing and I’m worried for other patients and the growing number of people who will need specialist eye care soon – what will they do?”
Move to restrict promotions on unhealthy food and drink
The public is being asked for views on proposals to restrict the promotion of food and drink high in fat, sugar and salt.
The consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, will outline the detail of proposed regulations aimed at creating a food environment which better supports healthier choices.
Proposals include restricting multi-buys, unlimited refills or selling at locations such as at checkouts and front of store.
Feedback on the proposals will help to inform regulations to be laid before the Scottish Parliament, subject to the outcome of the consultation.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Improving health and supporting people to eat well and have a healthy weight is a public health priority.
“We need to address the high levels of excess weight, obesity and poor diet we know are contributing to worsening trends in Scotland’s health. The association between these issues and health outcomes such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers has been established for some time.
“We want to ensure Scotland is a place where we eat well and have a healthy weight. The Scottish Government is committed to restricting promotions of foods high in fat, sugar or salt at the point of purchase as research shows this is when people make decisions about what and how much to buy, for themselves and their families.
“This consultation, together with our Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan, demonstrates the ambitious and wide-ranging action we believe is needed to address this challenge, and support improvements in diet and health and wellbeing in Scotland.
“The consultation will run in parallel with an extensive programme of inclusive stakeholder engagement, to improve the process of developing, implementing and reviewing regulations to meet our long-term public health and economic aims.”
The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 21 May 2024.
As part of the Council’s ongoing partnership with charity Fields in Trust, residents can now enjoy improved access to 19 newly protected parks across the city.
Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker visited one of these at Cavalry Park this week, alongside John and Gail from the Friends of Cavalry Park. The pioneering agreement takes the total of protected parks in the city to 55. This represents an area of over 500 hectares, equivalent to some 700 football pitches.
Crucially, this means that over two-thirds of our residents are now within a ten-minute walk of a protected space.
This initiative comes as pressure on existing green space is set to rise, with the population of Edinburgh predicted to increase by 10% over the next 20 years.
Protection is a legal agreement between Fields in Trust and a space’s landowner that they will retain it for use as a green space in perpetuity. Ownership and management of the space remains locally with the existing landowner, ensuring the local community remain fully involved with the space.
“It was fantastic to meet John and Gail today at Cavalry Park and hear what their local protected space means to them.
“Through our partnership with Fields in Trust we’re ensuring that a high proportion of our residents are within a ten-minute walk of a protected greenspace.
“These spaces are essential for mental health, wellbeing, leisure, and community building and remain a key priority for us as part of our response to the climate and nature emergencies. As part of our Edinburgh’s Thriving Green Spaces 2050 strategy, we are committed to doing everything we can to safeguard, preserve and improve these spaces.
“I hope other towns and cities will follow Edinburgh’s example and work with Fields in Trust to create better greenspaces for all.”
Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, Helen Griffiths said:“Edinburgh boasts some really beautiful parks and green spaces and Fields in Trust has been incredibly proud to partner with the City of Edinburgh Council to make sure that even more of them are protected forever.
“Parks are the heart of Edinburgh, providing focal points for people from all communities to gather, relax or enjoy nature. Protecting them means they will help to fight the climate crisis and always be there to support residents’ health and wellbeing.
“The Council has done a truly remarkable thing for the people of Edinburgh, and generations will benefit from the actions they have taken today.”
The 19 newly protected parks are listed below:
Baronscourt Park
Buckstone Park and Woods
Cavalry Park
Clermiston Park
Cramond Walled Garden
East Pilton Park
Fairmilehead Park
Gyle Park
Inch Park
Jewel Park
Joppa Quarry Park
Muirhouse Park
Parkside Park
Pikes Pool
Ratho Station Park
Roseburn Park
Seafield Recreation Ground
Sighthill Park
Spylaw Park
About Fields in Trust:
Fields in Trust champions and supports our parks and green spaces by protecting them for people to enjoy in perpetuity. Because once lost, they are lost forever. Fields in Trust is an independent charity with almost 100 years’ experience of protecting parks and green spaces.
Working with landowners, community groups and policymakers, they champion the value of parks and green spaces to achieve better protection for their future at both the local and national level.
The Scottish Budget has been approved by Parliament, ensuring funding can be targeted towards the missions of supporting public services, growing the economy and tackling poverty.
MSPs have passed the 2024-25 Scottish Budget Bill, with spending commitments including:
£13.2 billion for frontline NHS boards, over £1.5 billion for policing and nearly £400 million to support the fire service
Over £5 billion to help create jobs, support businesses, aid the transition to net zero and fund public transport to provide viable alternatives to car use
£6.3 billion for social security benefits, £200 million to help tackle the poverty-related attainment gap and £1.5 million to cancel school meal debt
Over £14 billion for local authorities – the highest settlement yet delivered for local government
At the heart of #ScotBudget is the social contract between this government and the people of Scotland.
Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “I am pleased that Parliament has approved our Budget, allowing us to enact our spending plans in the face of a deeply challenging financial situation.
“This is a Budget which stays true to our progressive values: investing in services, growing our economy, protecting vulnerable people and tackling the climate emergency.
“We have taken decisions which prioritise funding in the areas that have the greatest impact on the quality of life for the people of Scotland – despite the challenges caused in large part by the UK Government’s failure to invest in public services and infrastructure.
“Our block grant funding from the UK Government has fallen in real terms since 2022-23. Our capital spending power is due to contract by almost 10 per cent in real terms over five years – that’s around £1.6 billion in total, equivalent to the cost of building a large hospital.
“I have written to the Chancellor urging him to change course, using next week’s Spring Budget to increase funding for public services and infrastructure instead of cutting taxes.”
Scotland’s local government umbrella body Cosla fears the Budget will mean more misery for cash-strapped councils.
In a recent survey by marketing agency FATJOE, 3000 Brits chose their top three annoyances from a list of ten typical British problems.
The findings give us a clear look at what bothers people in the UK the most, from strict rules about queuing to how tea is made!
Queue-Jumping: The Unforgivable Breach
An astonishing 68% (2040 respondents) cited queue-jumping as one of their top three irritants. In Britain, the queue is more than a way to wait; it’s a symbol of fairness and order, making queue-jumpers public enemy number one.
Unsolicited Advice on Social Media: The Digital Irritant
Social media missteps snagged the second spot, with 63% (1890 respondents) flagging unsolicited advice as a top annoyance. It seems the British reticence for confrontation extends into the digital realm, where unasked-for opinions are unwelcome.
Public Transport Etiquette: The Communal Test
The trials of public transport etiquette were highlighted by 59% (1770 respondents), underscoring the communal desire for consideration and personal space in shared environments.
Neighbourhood Noises: Disturbing the Peace
Close behind, 55% (1650 respondents) lamented over neighbourhood noises, from late-night parties to early morning DIY projects, proving the British home is indeed one’s castle, expected to be free from invasion by sound.
Environmental Disregard: Spoiling the Landscape
Littering and environmental neglect concerned 52% (1560 respondents), a testament to the value placed on the UK’s green spaces and the collective responsibility felt towards preserving them.
Customer Service Frustrations: The Expectation of Excellence
Customer service failures vexed 49% (1470 respondents), reflecting the high standards Brits hold for service interactions, where efficiency and politeness are paramount.
Tea Making Rituals: The Proper Brew
In a nation of tea lovers, 45% (1350 respondents) were irked by improper tea-making techniques, showcasing the deep cultural roots of this daily ritual. It’s worth noting, 35% of these respondents were northern…
Weather Conversations: A Predictable Pain Point
Surprisingly, 42% (1260 respondents) expressed mild annoyance at the omnipresent weather chat, hinting at a complex relationship with one of the nation’s most enduring conversation starters.
Political Discourse: The Inescapable Topic
Political discussions, including the fatigue from constant debate and division, frustrated 38% (1140 respondents), indicating a desire for respite in a highly politicised era.
Dining Etiquette: The Social Minefield
Lastly, dining etiquette, from phone usage to bill splitting, was a concern for 35% (1050 respondents), illuminating the nuances of social conduct in public spaces.
Joe Davies, from FATJOE says: “This survey offers a clear snapshot of life in Britain, showing how much people value respect, order, and tradition.
“From the importance of queuing to how tea is made, the results explore the things that really annoy Brits. They show a society that prioritises fairness, privacy, and good manners.
“As we go about our everyday lives, it’s these common frustrations that truly reveal who we are as a nation.”
