News Archive

Improving communities' mental wellbeing - £30 million for grassroots projects for adults

Community-led mental health and wellbeing projects are to benefit from £30 million Scottish Government funding over the next two years.   The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults - first launched in 2021 - supports local groups to deliver programmes for adults which build resilience and tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities.  

World's largest quango scrapped under reforms to put patients first

Changes to NHS England will reduce bureaucracy, make savings and empower NHS staff to deliver better care for patients.   Major reforms to empower NHS staff and put patients first Changes will drive efficiency and empower staff to deliver better care as part of Prime Minister's Plan for Change Move will reduce complex bureaucracy and undo the damage caused by 2012 reorganisation.  

UK and China restart meaningful climate change dialogue

Energy Secretary visits Beijing to urge continued action from China - the world's biggest emitter - to tackle the climate emergency.   Miliband expected to say there is no route to keeping future generations safe from climate threat without engaging China in responsible climate leadership.  

Highland Council approves £2 million investment in environmental and community services

As agreed at The Highland Council's budget meeting on Thursday 6 March, more than £2 million has been approved for investment in environmental and community services throughout the Highlands including a community development fund, a community-focused operating model, Access Rangers and grass cutting maintenance.   Councillor Bill Lobban, Convener of Highland Council, said: "These investments reinforce our commitment to working with communities to create a resilient, sustainable and nature-positive Highland.  

Ukraine enters a perilous phase of fighting and talking with no assured end in sight

Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire in principle.  But conflicts often intensify when a pause in fighting is being negotiated.  

Pension Age Disability Payment replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland

Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland.    Social Security Scotland has begun transferring the awards of 169,000 people in Scotland who currently receive Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.   People do not need to take any action; the transfer will happen automatically in phases throughout 2025.  

Boost for side-hustlers as 300,000 people to be taken out of tax returns, government announces

Tax admin changes to mean up to 300,000 taxpayers will no longer be required to file a tax return.   Up to 300,000 people, including those with side hustles, will no longer need to file a Self-Assessment tax return, tax minister James Murray is expected to announce in a speech later today.  

Record farmers in SFI schemes as government successfully allocates sustainable farming budget  in Englanf

More than 50,000 farm businesses are benefitting from farming schemes and more money is being spent through the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) than ever.   SFI24 has reached its completion, and the Government are stopping accepting new SFI applications on 11 March 2025.  

Speech at the Pension and Lifetime Savings Association Conference 2025

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell Speaks at the Pension and Lifetime Savings Association Conference 2025 in Edinburgh.   Thank you to the PLSA for the invitation to speak...  

Timetable for Scottish Students to Apply for Funding

Once you get into the university or college application process, there are some deadlines you should be aware of.  Depending on what you're studying, you can find more details on UCAS.