This month marks a true milestone for the UK benefits system: the end of the thirteen-year rollout of Universal Credit that has brought together all means-tested working-age benefits.
This moment is an opportunity to consider how the system can be improved
Scottish Government benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland are being increased by 3.8%, in line with inflation as measured by the annual rate of September 2025 Consumer Prices Index.
The earnings limit for Carer Support Payment will also be increased to £204 per week.
These increases will take effect from tomorrow – 1 April 2026.
More information is available on the Scottish Government website.
Almost a third (32%) of bosses report stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems as a reason staff give for sickness absence.
A YouGov survey, commissioned by workplace expert Acas, asked employers what the top three reasons employees give for being off sick from work.
Almost two-thirds (62%) said that workers report their absences as being due to minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds and the flu, while nearly a quarter (23%) said that the absences are due to headaches and migraines.
The poll was commissioned ahead of new changes to statutory sick pay that will take effect in a few weeks’ time due to new rules introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
From 6 April, workers will be eligible for statutory sick pay for their first day of illness rather than the fourth day and workers will no longer need to earn a minimum amount to be eligible
Acas Head of Inclusivity, Julie Dennis, said: “Our findings reveal that 1 in 3 bosses report mental health problems as a key reason for staff absence. It’s a surprising result alongside the top reason for sickness being coughs, colds, flu and other minor illnesses.
“Bosses need to ensure that their work environments are healthy places to work as well as prepare for the new rules on sick pay that will coming in a few weeks’ time.
“Workers should also look after their own health and wellbeing too. If they are experiencing stress, they should talk to their manager as soon as they can. Acas has good practice advice and training in this area.”
Acas has good practice advice to help bosses manage sickness absence at work:
Providing training for managers on how to support employees through periods of illness can help with absence rates.
Employers that offer flexible working can also help promote a healthy work environment and prevent high levels of sickness absence.
Good mediation services at work can help resolve any issues that is sparking sickness absence among staff.
Easily accessible illness and absence policies will make it clear what’s expected of both employers and workers if someone needs time off work.
Acas has updated its advice on sick pay to reflect the new changes in the law from the Employment Right Act 2025 that will apply from 6 April and how they compare to the current rules: Statutory sick pay – Sick pay – Acas.
Acas also has training courses for employers on managing absence.
More than 80 grassroots initiatives across Scotland will share in over £3 million funding to help deliver more ambitious community projects and activities and enable them to generate their own income.
North Edinburgh’s Heart of Newhaven and R2 are among the projects to be awarded Strengthening Communities Programme funding.
To date the Strengthening Communities Programme has helped hundreds of organisations to develop and improve their work with local communities and boost local economies.
This latest tranche of funding for 2026-27 will back community organisations to deliver local projects including spaces for business, improving access to employability and skills services, family and young people’s activities, and health and wellbeing support.
The First Minister announced the funding on a visit to the Usual Place in Dumfries – a charity that supports young people with learning disabilities to develop skills, gain qualifications and access employment.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Local organisations are best placed to understand what their communities need and how to deliver it. This programme helps to support and empower community initiatives to deliver what their area needs most – whether that is spaces for small businesses, culture and sport activities, or employability support.
“By providing this funding, we are helping organisations to become more financially resilient and develop the means to generate income for themselves. This will not only help boost local economies, but in turn help these projects generate more funds to serve wider community needs.
“The Usual Place is a fantastic example of this type of initiative. Their work to support young people with additional support needs to build community connections and friendships, and develop the skills needed to access employment, helps to improve peoples’ lives and future opportunities. I was pleased to visit the charity and see first-hand the difference it is making for people in Dumfries.”
Craig McEwen, Chief Executive at The Usual Place said: “Following a very difficult year for The Usual Place, we are now in a much better financial position.
“With the interim funding found to give us breathing space and now the success in securing funds through the Strengthening Communities Programme, we have the space to create capacity to implement some strategic changes, decided by the Board of Trustees, to enable us to diversify our income streams to ensure a more stable future for The Usual Place. Over the past ten years we have put back into the economy of Dumfries and Galloway £9.8m, so our value speaks for itself.
“We thank the First Minister personally, and the Scottish Government for believing in the work we do in reducing the disability employment gap here in Dumfries & Galloway and beyond.”
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME
FUNDING BY ORGANISATION 2026/27
Organisation Name / Funding 2026/27
Active Communities £39,461
Annan Harbour Action Group £47,000
Antonine Sports Centre £44,980
Ardrossan Community Development Trust £40,679
Arisaig Community Trust £46,604
Assynt Development Trust £17,000
Belhelvie Community Trust £26,325
Bluevale Community Club £51,952
Bute Community Land Company £17,760
Campsie Memorial Trust £21,750
Castlemilk Community Football Trust £53,000
Community Development Company of Nesting £25,300
Comrie Development Trust £53,000
Cromarty Community Development Trust £33,100
Culbokie Community Trust £30,277
Dalbeattie Community Initiative £53,060
David Livingston Trust, Blantyre £31,500
Development Coll £41,597
Dufftown and District Community Association £18,825
Dunvegan Community Trust £26,661
Eday Partnership £18,000
Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (GURCA) £8,500
Glengarry Community Woodlands £20,000
Go Golspie £40,000
Gorebridge Community Development Trust £48,169
Grow 73 £18,688
Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust £40,647
Heart of Newhaven £47,356
Helmsdale & District Development Trust £30,000
IG – Great Bernera Community Trust £39,048
Inspired Community Enterprise Trust (ICET) (The Usual Place) £25,402
Isle of Canna Community Development Trust £12,537
Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust £25,355
Isle of Luing Community Trust £27,000
Kilmadock Development Trust £10,049
Kinloch Historical Society £35,000
Kinlochleven Community Trust £24,110
Kinning Park Complex £42,500
Kirkcolm Community Trust £9,500
Kirkcudbright Development Trust £32,500
Kirknewton Community Development Trust £35,000
Lesmahagow Development Trust £60,504
Linlithgow Community Development Trust £34,885
Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust £25,773
Lockerbie Old School £53,500
Maslow’s Community SCIO £44,847
Midsteeple Quarter, Dumfries £56,420
Minginish Community Association £24,000
New Cumnock Development Trust £44,563
Nith Valley Trust £32,444
North Edinburgh R2 Co-ordinator £56,205
North Glasgow Community Food Initiative £29,388
North Ronaldsay Trust £23,000
One Dalkeith £36,057
Pollok United Nethercraigs CIC £46,498
Portgordon Community Trust Limited £28,723
Possilpark People’s Trust £32,700
Rannoch Community Trust £43,722
Roseneath Pennisula West CDT £44,500
Ruchazie Growing 21 £40,000
Sandness Community Development Group £22,028
Scalloway Community Development Company £38,468
Scourie Community Development Company £12,000
Shapinsay Development Trust £20,000
SHAX £50,500
Sleat Community Trust £38,601
South Islay Development Trust £20,000
South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust £33,990
Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry SCIO £10,000
Stow Community Trust £36,382
Stranraer Development Trust £47,000
Stranraer Water Sports Association £35,690
South West Arts & Music Project (SWAMP) £20,000
Take a Bow Development Trust £48,320
Tayport Community Trust £48,638
The Furniture Project, Stranraer £40,500
The Pavilion, Glasgow £37,987
Three Kings Cullen Association £40,800
Tiree Community Development Trust £22,650
Torridon and District Community Association £46,090
Unst Partnership £37,288
Whitburn Community Development Trust £37,195
Wick Development Trust £26,030
Please note that all funding amounts are subject to due diligence.
HEART RESEARCH UK HEALTHY TIP
When we think about heart health, we often focus on cardio exercises like walking, running, or cycling. But did you know that your bottom, AKA the glutes, can play a surprisingly important role in keeping your heart healthy?
Your glutes are the largest and most powerful muscle group in the body. They are essential for everyday movement, posture, and balance. When they are strong, being active feels easier and is sustainable, which supports long-term heart health.
In this month’s Healthy Tip, Luca van Cleemput, Healthy Heart Coach at Heart Research UK, explains why strengthening your glutes is about much more than aesthetics, and discusses how it can help protect your heart.
Why do glutes matter for heart health?
Strong glutes power everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, or carrying shopping. When these muscles are weak, other parts of the body, like the lower back or knees, often compensate. Over time, this can lead to discomfort and reduce daily movement.
Regular activity is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart. Research shows that even small increases in daily movement, like walking more, are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Strong glutes make movement feel easier, which helps you stay active consistently.
Luca explains: “Cardio is essential for heart health, but muscle strength is often overlooked. Strong muscles support heart health, bones, balance, independence, and long-term quality of life.
“For best results, include regular cardio along with at least two strength-training sessions per week. Since the glutes are the body’s largest muscle group and support everyday movement, they’re a great place to start.”
Glutes, energy, and metabolism
Because the glutes are such a large muscle group, strengthening them has benefits beyond movement alone. When muscles work, they generally use glucose for energy. Therefore, doing strength training regularly helps improve blood sugar control and supports insulin sensitivity, which is important for overall health and specifically heart health.
Luca adds: “People often think strength training has to be time-consuming. In reality, even simple glute exercises done regularly can help your body manage blood sugar and support heart health over time.”
Maintaining muscle mass as we age is also important for supporting a healthy metabolism. From mid-life onwards, we naturally begin to lose muscle, a process called sarcopenia. Because muscle burns more energy than fat, even at rest, losing muscle gradually lowers the body’s resting metabolic rate. This means we burn slightly fewer calories over time at rest, which can make gradual weight gain more likely, even if eating habits remain the same.
Luca explains: “Even simple glute exercises done consistently can support your metabolism and help you burn more calories at rest. Strong glutes aren’t just about aesthetics, they support your heart, weight management, and independence as you age.”
Carrying excess weight, particularly around the waist, is linked with higher blood pressure, cholesterol, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Keeping large muscle groups like the glutes strong helps preserve overall muscle mass. This supports weight stability, a higher resting metabolic rate, and better long-term metabolic health.
While glutes are the largest muscles, strengthening other major muscle groups, including the legs, core, and back, complements glute strength. Building overall muscle mass supports everyday fitness, makes daily movement easier, and reduces the strain on joints.
Stronger glutes make exercise feel easier
When your glutes are doing their job properly, activities like walking, cycling, or climbing stairs require less effort from smaller muscles. This reduces fatigue and improves movement efficiency.
Lower-body strength also helps your body cope better with aerobic exercise. Strong muscles make everyday activities feel easier and more manageable, even at the same pace or intensity. This makes it easier to maintain moderate-intensity activity, the level most strongly linked with improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall cardiovascular fitness.
In simple terms, when movement feels easier, you are more likely to do it regularly. And when it comes to heart health, consistency matters more than intensity.
Strength training works best alongside regular aerobic activity such as walking, cycling, or swimming. Together, they provide the strongest protection for heart health.
Posture, balance, and injury prevention
Weak glutes can contribute to poor posture, such as slouching or excessive arching of the lower back. Over time, this may make daily activities feel more tiring.
Strong glutes play a key role in balance and stability. They help control movement at the hips, which is essential for staying steady when walking, turning, stepping up or down, or getting out of a chair.
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength if it isn’t regularly challenged. Reduced lower-body strength increases the risk of falls, a major cause of injury and loss of independence in older adults. Even short periods of inactivity following an injury can negatively affect heart health, as people often move less and lose confidence in their ability to stay active.
Luca adds: “Glutes play a surprisingly big role in preventing falls. Keeping them strong stabilises your hips, which can help you move safely and more confidently every day, especially as you age.”
Maintaining glute strength improves balance, reduces the risk of falls, and supports long-term independence. Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference.
Simple ways to strengthen your glutes
You don’t need a gym or heavy weights to start strengthening your glutes. Simple exercises at home can be adapted to suit different abilities.
The UK physical activity guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. These sessions do not need to be long and can use bodyweight alone.
Examples of glute-strengthening exercises:
As your strength improves, exercises may feel easier. Gradually increasing repetitions, adding an extra set, or introducing light resistance (from a resistance band or dumbbells) helps maintain progress. Small, steady increases are safer and more effective than sudden large jumps in intensity.
A good rule of thumb is that the last few repetitions of an exercise should feel challenging, but you should still maintain good form and breathe steadily.
Luca explains: “Strength training should feel challenging, but not overwhelming. Start at a level that suits you and build up gradually.
“Choose exercises you can perform without pain and focus on perfecting your technique before increasing intensity. This is the best way to get all the benefits of a specific exercise.”
Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily large muscles. It’s to maintain strength, support everyday movement, and protect long-term heart health.
Bringing it all together
Strong glutes are more than just an aesthetic goal. They:
Incorporating glute exercises into a total-body strength routine provides maximum benefits for your health, both now and in the long term.
Download Heart Research UK’s Free Resource
To help you get started, we’ve created a ‘Glute Strength for Everyday Movement’ exercise sheet. It includes simple, step-by-step exercises to support mobility, balance, and heart-healthy movement, with options for different ability levels.
These exercises focus on movements that strengthen not just the glutes, but other important lower-body muscles too, helping you build functional strength that supports everyday life.
Download the free resource and take the first step towards stronger glutes and a healthier heart:
Families are to benefit from over £50 million to help people pay for the rising cost of heating oil. With winter drawing to a close, and families struggling with the rising price of heating oils, this government is committed to helping ensure that vulnerable families are able to heat their homes and access hot water.
Scotland will receive £4.6 million.
The price of kerosene – the fuel used for heating oil - has been particularly impacted by the conflict in the Middle East and is currently double that of crude oil.
In Great Britain, unlike gas and electricity customers, those who heat their homes with oil are not covered by the energy price cap, meaning they are exposed to more immediate energy price hikes.
Many, including some of the most vulnerable households, will need to pay an upfront lump sum to top up their tanks in order to maintain their heating and hot water.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Heating oil prices have spiked sharply, and I know that for families in rural communities that is a real and urgent problem.
”That’s why we’re putting over £50 million of support to help the people who need it most, including funding for the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver support in Northern Ireland where this issue hits hardest.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “This government is committed to fighting people’s corner in tackling cost of living pressures. With this investment, alongside new measures to protect customers against any unfair practices, we are standing up for the British people.”
To bridge the gap, the Chancellor is announcing over £50 million of targeted financial support, helping low-income households in rural communities who have no choice but to top up their tanks at a time when prices have risen so significantly.
In England, funding will be distributed by local authorities via the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which comes into effect from 1 April, targeted areas with higher rates of oil heating.
This is a particular issue in Northern Ireland, where a greater proportion of homes rely on heating oil, and we have allocated £17 million to support them. England will receive £27 million, Scotland £4.6 million and Wales £3.8 million.
This funding has been allocated based on census data, reflecting where the greatest need is, and it will be allocated directly to the devolved governments, with the expectation that it will be used to support vulnerable households.
Heating oil is different from other sectors in the energy market as it does not have the same consumer protections and is not regulated by Ofgem. The government intends to introduce new consumer protections for heating oil customers and is rapidly exploring new ways to step in and ensure households are better protected.
This includes:
In addition, the Chancellor earlier this week wrote to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to ask that it remains vigilant across heating oil prices and supports CMA action to tackle unjustified price increases.
The government will not tolerate profiteering or unfair practices and urge customers to share any evidence of price manipulation with the CMA.
Vulnerable households who are facing immediate financial difficulties as a result of rising heating oil prices are encouraged to contact their local authority to find out what support may be available to them.
Clearer access to advice and support, including better information on financial help and allowances are central to a newly-published national ‘vision’ for supporting Kinship Carers who look after children who cannot be cared for by their parents.
The importance of family group decision-making (FGDM) has been underlined in the final ‘Vision for Kinship Care’ that has been unveiled during Kinship Care Week, while Ministers have also lodged proposed amendments to the Children (Care, Care Experience, and Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill to strengthen the role of FGDM.
If agreed by Parliament along with the wider Bill, the amendments would give children and families the legal right to ask for FGDM to be considered as part of agreeing care arrangements for a child or young person where it is in their best interests. Local councils would have a duty to tell families about the option of FGDM during discussions over a child’s care, or during a review of existing kinship arrangements.
Meeting kinship carers at Children First’s offices in Edinburgh, the Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “Helping children to stay in their families where safe to do so is central to our aims to Keep the Promise, and I am hugely grateful to kinship carers who make an incredible difference by providing stable homes for children within their family network.
“The care, energy and commitment shown by Scotland’s kinship community is truly moving, and their input has been vital in shaping our National Vision for Kinship Care.
“When used in the right way, family group decision-making brings families together, helps children to be heard, and allows wider family networks to take part in planning and decision-making. This can help build stronger, more lasting plans, support earlier and more effective action, and reduce the need for things to be escalated.
“The stronger focus on family group decision-making in the final Vision for Kinship Care reflects what carers and their representative organisations have told us. The Children (Care, Care Experience, and Service Planning) Bill, if approved by Parliament, will further strengthen its place as one of a range of early options when considering how a child should be cared for.”
Chief Executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “Children First have supported the development of the Vision and worked closely with the incredible kinship carers we support to make sure their experiences shaped it.
“We were pleased the Minister could join us to celebrate Kinship Care Week and to connect with kinship carers. We warmly welcome the Vision and the plans to strengthen provision of family group decision making which are a crucial step towards ensuring all children can grow up safe, loved and connected to their wider family and community.”
One Kinship Carer, Iris*, said: “I have been a kinship carer for my seven-year-old grandson since he was four months old and I very much appreciate the Scottish Government’s attempt to make life better for kinship carers and the children they care for.
“I am very happy my grandson lives with me and, with help from my husband, my aunt, friends, family and neighbours, I am trying to give him the best possible life. But it’s not easy. Being a kinship carer is hard, often lonely, and involves rethinking your life, your career and your future.
“Kinship carers need, and deserve, all the support that can possibly be provided. Financially, practically and emotionally.”
*Name has been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.
Young Carers Action Day is an annual event that raises public awareness of young carers, the challenges they face and the extra support they need to balance their caring responsibilities and ensure they can have a Fair Future.
The day is led by Carers Trust in collaboration with its network of 135 local services that support unpaid carers. Young Carers Action Day is not only about celebrating their incredible contributions, but also about taking action to make sure young carers are given the support they need to thrive.
This year, young carers across Scotland are highlighting how caring impacts their education and calling for practical changes, including a designated Young Carer Lead in every school, college and university, to help ensure their needs are recognised, supported and understood.
Heavy caring responsibilities for young carers
Across the UK it’s estimated that over one million children and young people have caring responsibilities, with thousands in Scotland supporting parents, siblings or other relatives.
A recent UK wide survey by Opinium, published by Carers Trust, highlights the scale of responsibility many young carers hold; from helping relatives with personal care to managing medication and supporting household tasks. These findings mirror what young carers and services tell us every day.
The same research found almost half (44%) of young carers spend around 3 to 4 hours a day on their caring role, severely restricting the time they have for homework. And over one third (36%) told the survey caring had left them tired or worn out at school.
Impact of caring responsibilities on young carers’ education and attainment
Young carers in Scotland consistently tell us that caring has a significant impact on their learning. Many describe struggling to balance schoolwork with caring responsibilities, often feeling tired, stressed or unable to complete homework because of the demands at home.
Education staff, local young carer services and families also report that young carers may arrive late, miss lessons or find it harder to focus in class, not because of a lack of ability or motivation, but because of the pressures they carry.
These experiences show why greater recognition, flexibility and support in education settings are essential. Young carers are determined, capable and ambitious, but they should not have to overcome unnecessary barriers to succeed.
That’s why young carers across Scotland are calling for a Young Carer Lead; a designated member of staff who identifies and supports young carers in every school, college and university. Evidence shows that a trusted lead in education settings can make a significant difference, ensuring young carers are understood, supported and able to thrive.
Young carers take centre stage at Edinburgh Zoo
Carers Trust Scotland is partnering with The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to host a Young Carers Action Day Hustings, a lively event bringing together over 150 young and young adult carers from across Scotland.
The hustings gave young carers the chance to speak directly with candidates ahead of the Scottish Parliament Election, ask questions and highlight the importance of Young Carers Action Day in their own words.
Alongside the discussion, attendees can enjoy a well earned break in a fun, supportive setting surrounded by others who understand their experiences. The RZSS Edinburgh Zoo event was the heart of the day, a chance for young carers to be heard, celebrated and connected.
Young carers were also involved in a Scottish Parliament exhibition and evening event. Head of External Affairs, Carers Trust Scotland, Paul Traynor said: “Young carers take on responsibilities far beyond what most of their peers will ever experience. Some of these tasks are incredibly demanding; physically, emotionally and mentally.
“Too often, we assume young carers are coping because they stay quiet, keep going and try to manage as best they can. But behind that strength can be exhaustion, worry and pressure no child or young person should carry alone.
“One of the biggest challenges we see is that many young carers aren’t recognised or identified early enough. When their caring role is invisible, so are their needs, and that’s when young people can slip through the cracks.
“Young carers tell us time and time again that being understood at school makes an enormous difference. When education settings know who their young carers are, recognise the realities of caring and offer flexibility and support, it helps young people feel seen, respected and able to focus on their own futures.”
Erin, a young adult carer, said: “I’ve been a carer from my mum since the age of 8. Young Carers Action Day is such an important occasion for us young carers as it is a day to give us a voice and it can make us finally feel heard.
“What decision makers do on this day has a lasting impact on us and our futures and that is something we are so grateful for.”
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
The Child Poverty Action Group (UK) – CPAG are carrying out research to understand the impact of the two child policy on children and family life prior to abolition of the policy in April.
This is so they can conduct further comparative research later in the year on the impact of getting rid of the policy.
It would really help them if you can spare a few minutes to answer some questions about your experience of the two child limit.
They want to hear from parents who are not receiving tax credits or universal credit for a child born after April 6 2017.
The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
No information will be used that could identify anyone involved.
Take the survey here: https://f.mtr.cool/mvoinbqtdb
You can find more information about the Child Poverty Action Group here – https://f.mtr.cool/pambkzwiyp
If you can spare a few minutes we’d be really grateful 
Foysol Choudhury MSP visited Kids Operating Room in Edinburgh last week to see first-hand the charity’s pioneering work improving access to safe surgery for children globally.
During the visit, the MSP met with Project Manager Kristyna A. Rycovska and members of the Kids Operating Room team to discuss the urgent global need for paediatric surgical care and the role Scotland can play in addressing this challenge. Millions of children worldwide still cannot access the operations they need, leading to preventable deaths or lifelong disability.
Kids Operating Room, a Scottish global health charity dedicated exclusively to children’s surgery, works with partners across Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to design, build and equip dedicated paediatric operating rooms in low-resource settings.
The charity also trains local surgical teams and supports biomedical engineers to maintain vital medical equipment.
To date, the organisation’s work spans 38 countries, with 125 dedicated paediatric operating rooms, creating capacity for more than 780,000 surgical procedures for children who would otherwise struggle to access life-saving care.
In Scotland, in addition to its Edinburgh office and Glasgow headquarters, Kids Operating Room also has a presence in Dundee, where the organisation supports biomedical engineering and the preparation of equipment for operating rooms deployed internationally.
This facility plays an important role in ensuring that surgical equipment is ready for use in partner hospitals.
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “It was inspiring to visit Kids Operating Room and see the incredible impact this Scottish charity is having around the world.
“No child should be denied life-saving surgery simply because of where they are born. Their work shows how Scottish expertise and commitment are helping give children the chance to grow, thrive and reach their full potential.”
