There are now an estimated 860,000 fuel-poor households in Scotland following the latest increase in energy bills on 1 October
As more and more people across the country continue to worry about the cost of living, Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie wants people living in Edinburgh to know that free impartial advice and financial support is available to help make home energy improvements.
Home Energy Scotland’s ‘Warmer Homes Scotland’ programme could provide funding of up to £5,000 to help support homeowners in Edinburgh to make their homes warmer, greener and more efficient to heat. This latest Scottish Government campaign aims to raise awareness of the support available to tackle energy bills and fuel poverty.
Commenting on the launch of the Home Energy Scotland 2022/23 campaign, Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said: “Many people across the country including Edinburgh continue to worry about the cost of living crisis and the big rise in energy bills caused by surging gas prices.
“Our latest estimates indicate that there are around 860,000 fuel-poor households in Scotland, of which 600,000 will experience extreme fuel poverty, following the latest increase in energy bills on 1 October.
“We are making sure that anyone in Edinburgh worried about or struggling to pay their energy bills can get the right support and advice.
“Our Home Energy Scotland service, delivered by the Energy Saving Trust, provides free and impartial advice, support and funding to help households in Scotland to better insulate their homes saving on energy costs while at the same time reducing their impact on the environment.
“The Home Energy Scotland team are on hand to advise how our Warmer Homes Scotland programme could provide funding of up to £5,000 to help make your home warmer, greener and more efficient to heat.
“A range of measures – big and small – to improve energy efficiency around your home are likely to be available, and I’d urge all households to find out more and get advice as soon as possible.”
A forward thinking national charity scheme which aims to improve quality of life and independence for young disabled adults aged 18-24, is calling for families to apply for the much-needed support.
Faced with three times higher costs to raise a disabled child or young adult, the current cost-of-living crisis is deeply challenging for families – now finding it even harder to afford the things their disabled young person needs to transition to adulthood- including technology, training and leisure activities.
National charity Family Fund is urging families with an 18-24 year old young adult to apply for wide-ranging grants through its Your Opportunity scheme, set up three years ago to help young disabled adults lead more fulfilling lives and realise ambitions.
The scheme has so far supported over 2,000 families and funds are available to help over 1,000 more young adults by next spring.
Family Fund, is the UK’s largest grant-making charity for families living on a low income, raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people.
Cheryl Ward, Family Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Raising a disabled or seriously ill child is three times more expensive than raising other children .When a child reaches 18, we know they lose an average of 57% of the support and benefits they had before they reached adulthood so costs are even higher for families.
“This financial cliff-edge can be very tough for parents and carers of young adults, but when the cost of living is rising ever higher, and families are having to cut down on essentials like food and heating, there is little room for the extras which improve a young person’s quality of life.”
Your Opportunity grants include:
· computer or tablet grants to support young people with further education, online hobbies and the overall building of independence;
· transport costs for bus fares for appointments, or to support independent travel to clubs or hobbies;
· help with the cost of membership fees, season tickets, computer games, and music systems to promote recreation and days out;
· help with the costs of buying a provisional driving licence, and other learning materials to support driving ambitions;
· white goods to help with independence, or help make mealtimes easier for carers;
· sports, or lightweight, wheelchair to enable participation in sport activities, or access to activities that would not be possible with a day-to-day wheelchair.
The Your Opportunity scheme was initially set up in 2019 by Family Fund with a donation of £500,000 over five years from the Edward Gostling Foundation. The Foundation has committed to continue the funding for the next ten years.
The success of the scheme has also led to the Pears Foundation providing grants of £600,000 over two years.
Cheryl Wardadded: “We are extremely grateful to The Edward Gostling Foundation and the Pears Foundation for recognising the need to plug the gap in support and we are proud to be working with them to improve the lives of so many young people.
“We are committed to continue to grow this income further.”
Families are eligible to apply if the young person lives at home with their parent or main carer.
Families interested in making an application for a young person should go to:
Since 6 April 2022, almost 21,600 Self Assessment customers, who were unable to pay their tax bill in full, have set up a payment plan to spread the cost into manageable monthly instalments – an increase of around 3,900 customers on the previous year – HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
The deadline for customers to submit their tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2023 and HMRC is encouraging anyone yet to complete their return to do it early. Those who have already completed their Self Assessment know what they owe and can budget to make payments on time.
Filing early also means customers, who are unable to pay their tax bill in full by the deadline, will have plenty of time to access support and advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan.
In the 12 months to 5 April 2022, almost 142,000 customers chose to use self-serve Time to Pay to pay any tax owed for the 2020 to 2021 tax year, spreading the cost of around £475 million into monthly instalments.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We’re here to help customers get their tax right and if you are worried about how to pay your Self Assessment bill, help and support is available. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘help pay Self Assessment’ to find out more.”
Using HMRC’s self-serve Time to Pay facility means customers benefit from a tailored payment plan via monthly direct debits.
This means they can spread the cost of their tax bill based on how much is owed and the length of time they need to pay. Self Assessment customers can apply on GOV.UK if they:
· have filed their tax return for the 2021 to 2022 tax year
· owe less than £30,000
· can pay in full within 12 months
If customers owe more than £30,000, or need longer to pay, they should call the Self Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822.
Help and support is available on GOV.UK for those completing their Self Assessment tax returns. There is also a series of videos on YouTube.
All Self Assessment customers need to be alert to the risk of criminals emailing, calling or texting claiming to be from HMRC. Scams come in many forms – some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a tax rebate.
Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing and HMRC advises customers to take their time and check scams advice by searching for ‘HMRC scams’ on GOV.UK. HMRC also urges customers never to share their HMRC login details. Someone using them could steal from the customer or make a fraudulent claim in their name.
The team at Amazon in Dunfermline recently celebrated Halloween by inviting the local community to take part in trick-or-treating at the fulfilment centre.
Families from the local area were invited to visit the fulfilment centre for a Halloween themed fancy dress event. Members of the Amazon team also celebrated the day with sweet treat giveaways and a charity raffle in support of CHAS.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “We all had such a great evening and loved seeing so many children dressed up for Halloween. The atmosphere was fantastic and it’s even better that we could support CHAS in the process.”
Lara MacDonald, Senior Corporate Partnerships Executive at CHAS, said: “I want to say thank you to the Amazon team for supporting us through the site’s Halloween event. Every donation means so much to us and we always appreciate Amazon in Dunfermline’s support.”
The donation to CHAS was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK.
A host of stars and influencers, such as Sophie Ellis Bextor, Anneka Rice and Sammy Winward, are showing their support for Remembrance Day this year by backing a national poppy pebble painting initiative, led by the Forces Employment Charity.
The Poppy Pebbles project invites schools, veterans and the public alike, to paint a poppy on a pebble and place it on a war memorial, or headstone of a veteran, as a way of commemorating Remembrance Day.
Those taking part are encouraged to undertake research into identifying and visiting local war graves in their area via the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, finding out information about the veteran who was buried there.
Colin Back, National Manager of Project Nova at the Forces Employment Charity who devised the initiative says:“The Poppy Pebbles project initially started life as a mindfulness activity during lockdown for some of our more vulnerable veteran clients, who we support into employment.
“However, we found that the idea really struck a chord with the public more generally and now sees people taking part all over the country, from all walks of life, as their way of commemorating Remembrance.
“We are delighted that this year the Poppy Pebbles project has also captured the imagination of some famous faces too, who are helping us encourage more people than ever to get involved.”
Families of more than 83,200 children are saving around £5,000 per eligible child per year, thanks to the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) offer.
Latest figures show a year-on-year increase in children accessing funded ELC.
The number taking up the full offer of 1,140 hours a year is also up from this time last year. If families paid for this themselves, it would cost them around £5,000 per eligible child per year.
A total of 93,902 children aged two to five were accessing funded ELC at the start of September – a 3% rise from the same time last year. Of those, 83,237 – 89% – were benefiting from the 1,140 hours offer.
Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said: “Scotland is the only part of the UK to offer 1,140 hours a year of funded early learning and childcare to all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds.
“This offer saves families a significant amount of money, which is particularly important at a time when so many are struggling with cost of living pressures. It also supports parents into work, training or study.
“High-quality ELC benefits children, too, by enriching their early years and giving them the confidence and skills they need to prepare them for school.
“We intend to expand our childcare offer even further, including building a future system of school age childcare and a new early learning and childcare offer for one and two-year-olds, starting with those who need it most.”
COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “I’m pleased that today’s figures confirm that nearly 94,000 two to five-year-old children are accessing funded Early Learning and Childcare delivered by Scotland’s Councils and their partners, which represents a 3% increase on the position a year ago.
“A greater proportion of children are accessing the full 1,140 hours entitlement, compared with April this year. The increased availability of funded ELC is allowing children more time to play and learn, and more opportunities for parents and carers to work, study or volunteer, as well significant financial savings for families at a time when this is so desperately needed.”
LocalIndian restaurant, The Cove, is celebrating after winning ‘Asian Restaurant of the Year, Edinburgh’ for the second year in a row at the Asian Restaurant Awards.
The ceremony, held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Tuesday 1 November, saw restaurants from all over the Capital and the rest of Scotland compete for the coveted trophies.
The eatery, located in Blackhall, opened three years ago and has proved popular with locals and tourists alike.
Masum Uddin, owner said: “I was surprised but delighted when The Cove won the award last year, but to win two years in a row is just amazing. Thank you to the panel for choosing us!
“To win this award is testament to the team we have at The Cove and our loyal customers who have supported us.
“We always strive to go that extra mile, both with our menu and our customer service and it’s lovely to see that hard work pay off.”
The awards are organised by the Asian Catering Federation, representing more than 30,000 restaurants.
Foysol Choudhury MSP: “It’s time to give Scotland’s restaurants the support they deserve”
Responding after the successful 6th Annual Asian Restaurant Awards, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on the 1st November, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The restaurant industry is facing a devastating crisis.
“Whilst it was amazing to congratulate all of our nation’s fantastic winners and taste some delicious food on Tuesday night, it also became evident that urgent action is needed to prevent Scotland’s restaurant industry from being buried underneath the rubble of the cost-of-living crisis.
“It was an honour to be asked to speak on Tuesday night and to present awards to some of Scotland’s most prestigious, delicious and well-loved restaurants.
“At a time when the sector is facing significant challenges with staff shortages, along with rising energy and food prices, it is important that we acknowledge excellence and celebrate the success of Asian Restaurants across Scotland.
“I would like to congratulate Mr Yawar Khan, the Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation, and his hard-working team for organising the 6th Asian Restaurant Awards in an amazing venue.
“However, as well as celebrating achievements, we also need to offer the restaurant industry concrete support and solutions to the problems they are facing.
“There is no doubt that restaurant and catering businesses in Scotland have suffered during COVID-19 and now the cost-of-living crisis.
“Even before this, problems with recruiting staff were also a prominent issue in the industry. On Tuesday night, some winners of awards weren’t able to attend as they couldn’t find cover.
“I know from speaking to many of the restaurateurs on Tuesday night that they desperately need the Government’s support and guidance-with VAT and business rates, with energy costs, with staffing.
“I will be writing to both the UK Government and the Scottish Government to see what collaborative approach can be taken so that Scotland’s restaurant industry can receive the supportive scaffolding that it is desperately asking for.
“I’ll also be asking for meetings with the appropriate Scottish Ministers and lodging a motion of congratulations, to support the amazing success and provision of our nation’s restaurant industry.
“It’s time to give Scotland’s restaurants the support that they deserve.”
Youth Negotiator Programme will help give global youth a voice at climate talks
Young people from some of the countries already facing the worst impacts of climate change are being given the opportunity to attend COP27 in Egypt as part of the Scottish Government’s work to widen access to climate negotiations.
The Climate Youth Negotiator Programme will support 35 young people from countries including the Solomon Islands, Liberia and Bhutan to attend the UN climate negotiations, which take place from 6-18 November. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the Future Leaders Network, with financial backing from the Scottish Government.
The programme will fund their participation and training with the aim of giving young people a voice in the talks and developing their negotiations and leadership skills.
The Scottish Government is also providing funding to help women from the Global South participate. The Women’s Delegate Fund, delivered in partnership with the Women’s Environment Development Organisation, will support four women from Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic and Timor-Leste to take part in discussions at COP27.
The Scottish Government will be hosting an event at COP27 with attendees from the Climate Youth Negotiator Programme and Women’s Delegate Fund.
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “At COP26 in Glasgow, one of our biggest achievements was raising awareness that the people least responsible for global warming are often the ones suffering its worst consequences.
“Young people in the global south are all too aware of this injustice – they have not caused this crisis, but their lives are already being impacted by its consequences. That is why it is so important that their voices are heard at COP27 and I am proud that Scotland is able to help make that happen.”
Sophie Daud, Chief Executive Officer of the Future Leaders Network and Co-founder of the Youth Negotiators Academy, added: “For too long, young people have been systematically underrepresented in climate change negotiations.
“Recent developments have seen young people as powerful motivational speakers, but are often tokenistic and continue to exclude youth from decision making. The Scottish Government’s transformative support will help to change this – by enabling 35 young negotiators from the global south to take their rightful seats at the decision making tables at COP27.
“We are delighted to partner with them, and look forward to seeing the positive impacts of meaningful youth participation this COP.”
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Granton Youth and LifeCare are among today’s big winners
Over £11 million of National Lottery funding will help to keep vital local facilities and services running across Scotland, as 299 community projects today (Tuesday 1 November) share in share in grants from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The funding, made possible by National Lottery players, means that many community and voluntary sector groups will be able to continue their support to individuals, families and communities who have been disproportionately affected by increased cost-of-living pressures.
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre is one of the recipients announced today. Drylaw Community Association, the voluntary organisation that oversees the centre, has been awarded £94,000.
The windfall is welcome news for the cash-strapped organisation, which earlier this year was facing closure due to a funding crisis.
This grant will fund a variety of community activities within Drylaw which community members can engage with. This project will support 1650 community members and provide 150 volunteering opportunities for the local community over two years.
Granton Youth, currently based at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, has been awarded nearly £128,000. The group will use the funding to work with 60 young parents and parents of teenagers within the North West of Edinburgh.
This project will also provide fifteen volunteer opportunities through the work of the project. A range of support will be provided to parents and families which will consist of one to one support, group work sessions/workshops, counselling and family mediation.
Another youth organisation celebrating today is The Junction, who receive almost £150,000.
The Leith group will use the funding to provide a counselling service for young people aged 12 to 21 years, reaching 250 young people, supported by 30 volunteers.
There’s welcome news for North Edinburgh’s older people, too. LifeCare has been awarded over £180,000.
The Stockbridge-based organisation celebrated it’s 80th birthday last year and will continue providing support to isolated older people within Edinburgh by matching people over 60 years (known as VIPs) to volunteers with shared interests, creating friendships and improving wellbeing.
Group activities at LifeCare include a choir group ‘ Vocal Vibes, a Film Group, a Sewing Bee, and Bingo.
Over three years the project will support 420 older people and 450 volunteers.
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL)was established in 1991 to help disabled people to live independently and take control of their lives.
For over 30 years the organisation has provided independent advice, advocacy and support to disabled people and an award of £131,306 means this service will continue for another three years.
Callum Odgen, Disability Information Services Co-ordinator, LCiL, said:” This funding will allow us to build on our successful services and do more to support disabled people, people with long-term conditions and older people to live independently, access essential services and maximise their income through comprehensive advice and support.
“With the cost-of-living crisis adding to the existing social and financial impact of COVID-19 felt by people across Scotland, this award will help ensure that we continue to be at the forefront of providing support to those who need it in Edinburgh and the Lothians.”
Other big winners are The Welcoming Association (£140,000), Grassmarket Community Project (£80,000) and ACE IT (£198,000), while other local projects to receive small grants include Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, who receive £9999, Citadel Arts Group (£6600) and bereavement charity Held in our Hearts, who receive £4126.
Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fundsaid: “This latest round of funding is one of the ways we are directing our National Lottery funding to support people and communities facing difficult circumstances.
“Our message to community groups across Scotland is that we are here for you and our role, as a funder, is to continue to listen and to be flexible and responsive to the challenges and pressures you are facing.
“It’s all thanks to National Lottery players that we are able to help give charities and community groups throughout Scotland greater certainty during this critical time.”
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
Scottish Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack, has called on the Tory UK Government to get on with delivering their cost of living support package as who do not have a domestic electricity contract are still waiting for details of the support they will receive, despite payments already being made to residents with a domestic energy contract.
People without domestic electricity contracts are still waiting for confirmation that they will receive the £400 Energy Bill Support and how this will be paid to them
In a policy paper, the UK Government confirmed that the support will be provided to those who do not have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier – however, there is still no clarity about the process.
Sarah Boyack, Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian, said: “While there is revolving door for Prime Ministers and Ministers, the Tories are failing to deliver for local residents here in Edinburgh.
“Local residents who do not have a direct relationship with their energy supplier are still waiting for the clarification on how and when they will receive the £400 Energy Bill Support, as the winter weather starts to come in.
“The cost of living emergency is already starting to bite as more and more families are having to make the choice between heating and eating.
“I have written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to announce details as soon as possible which will provide certainty to families.”
