Latest news with #Scotland-only
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Delay to Child benefit payments next month for parents with specific postcodes
The bank holiday at the start of August will only affect parents and guardians in Scotland. Some parents and guardians due Child Benefit or Guardian's Allowance in the first week of August will see payments delayed by 24 hours. The bank holiday on Monday, August 4 is recognised in Scotland-only and means scheduled payments will not land in accounts until the following day, Tuesday August 5. Online guidance from HM Revenue and customs (HMRC) confirms the change in payment day will only affect those with a Scottish postcode. It's important to be aware the Scottish bank holiday will not affect any other benefit payments and is due to suspended banking transactions north of the border, and nothing to do with HMRC. Another bank holiday later in the month - August 25 - will result in Child Benefit, Guardian's Allowance and other benefit payments due on that date to be issued early, on Friday August 22. HMRC and Social Security Scotland have already confirmed changes to payments due on that date while the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected to do so nearer the time. HMRC is in the process of sending reminder letter to parents of teenagers aged between 16 and 19-years-old between now and the end of this month, urging them to extend their Child Benefit claim before a crucial deadline In August, or payments will automatically stop. Payments will end on August 31, 2025 if the online account is not updated to extend the claim. Those who need to update it include parents with teenagers continuing their education or training after their Scottish Nationals. Parents can extend their claim quickly and easily via the HMRC app or online on The letters also contain a handy QR code which takes parents straight to the digital service on Child Benefit is worth £26.05 per week - or £1,354.60 a year - for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week - or £897 a year - for each additional child. More than 870,000 parents extended their Child Benefit claim for their teen last year with the majority confirming online or via the HMRC app in minutes. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: 'Child Benefit is an important boost to families. As soon as you know what your teenager is planning to do, extend your claim in minutes to guarantee your payments continue in September. Simply go to or the HMRC app to confirm today.' Child Benefit can continue to be paid for children who are studying full time in approved non-advanced education, which includes: A levels or Scottish Highers International Baccalaureate home education - if it started before their child turned 16, or after 16 if they have a statement of special educational needs and it was assessed by the local authority T levels NVQs, up to level 3 Child Benefit will also continue for children studying on one of these unpaid approved training courses: Scotland: Employability Fund programme and No One Left Behind Wales: Foundation Apprenticeships, Traineeships or the Jobs Growth Wales+ scheme Northern Ireland: PEACEPLUS Youth Programme 3.2, Training for Success or Skills for Life and Work If a child changes their mind about further education or training, parents can simply inform HMRC online or in the app and payments will be adjusted accordingly. If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive, and what the charge may be. As part of the UK Government's Plan for Change, families will have the option to use a new digital service to pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return. The new service will cut red tape for eligible employed parents who are liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge but those who choose to pay the charge through their Self Assessment can continue to do so. Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app. Teenagers turning 16 can take control of their Child Trust Fund savings account, which could be worth thousands of pounds, and can withdraw the money once they turn 18. Child Trust Funds were set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. If teenagers or their parents and guardians know who their Child Trust Fund provider is, they can contact them directly. If they don't know where their account is, they can use the free online tool on to find out who their Child Trust Fund provider is.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
So you want progressive taxes, SNP? Fine: start with a land tax
Stories about wealthy people fleeing to avoid taxes are scarcely a novelty. Some of Scotland's most feted thespians and entrepreneurs have been following that route for decades. The others seem to have survived and feel no envy for the departed brethren, boring each other in sun-kissed places. The 'scare story' keeps running, however, as a deterrent to any government initiatives which might inconvenience the greediest. Never mind that it was Brexit which prompted more such departures than anything else. According to the Tax Justice Network, an average of 30 press articles a day appeared about 'the non-existent millionaire exodus in 2024', fed by lobbyists hired to promote the fiction. Read more by Brian Wilson In fact, many wealthy people want to do the right thing, particularly if they have acquired that status by creating businesses and employment to match. A fractional increase in taxation is not going to send them scurrying for their passports. As entrepreneurs, they are likely to be more concerned about the impact of business taxes than personal ones. The old statistic which gave rise to a theatre company, when seven per cent of the people owned 84 per cent of the wealth, is seriously in need of updating. Now, the richest one per cent own more wealth than the bottom 70 per cent while, according to Oxfam, billionaires pay 'effective tax rates close to 0.3 per cent of their wealth'. It's a pretty compelling case for starting to redress that gross imbalance while also contributing a few billion to the public finances, but it won't happen overnight or by grand announcement. Putting in place new structures which would be fair and effective, without unintended consequences, will be extremely complicated and take time, in the teeth of fierce resistance. That doesn't mean it shouldn't be embarked upon. Where better to start than in Scotland, which should be looking creatively at its own revenue options, beyond ritual moans about not being sent enough money or by raising income tax rates for people who are not at all wealthy. The number caught in Scotland-only higher tax rates has almost doubled in three years to over 700,000 and that particular well is running dry. People don't need private jets to escape a 48 per cent rate of income tax. The Scottish Affairs Select Committee at Westminster delivered a report this week which said the Barnett Formula is working well for Scotland and also that the Scottish Government should have more borrowing powers. I endorse both conclusions, but we can surely be more progressive than that? As one would expect, the SNP's contribution to the committee's work was based on their constitutional objective under the guise of Full Fiscal Economy, which nobody – including themselves – takes seriously. They just feel obliged to keep making that noise while, in real life, taking the money Barnett delivers, even more generously since the election of a Labour government. The area in which a radical Scottish Government could do immediate work is by replacing the council tax which is a regressive system introduced by the Tories in 1991 and causes no inconvenience whatsoever to the wealthiest in the land, particularly if their wealth is related to that very commodity – land. Eight years ago, SNP ministers asked for a report from their own Land Commission on the option of a Land Value Tax. In theory, this should be attractive to them because it plays into other stated objectives on which, otherwise, nothing is happening – land reform through greater diversity of ownership, land being freed up for housing, derelict land being brought into use, and so on. The Land Commission spelt out potential benefits of a Land Value Tax. 'Aside from raising revenue, one of the main theoretical benefits of land value taxation is that it should encourage land to be used more productively. This is because it is based on the value of land in its optimum use as opposed to its actual use. 'Taxing land value should also be an efficient approach to taxation because the supply of land is relatively fixed so taxing it should not affect supply. Whereas income taxes reduce incentives to work and corporation taxes reduce incentives to invest, taxing the value of land should not affect the amount of land available'. Funding arrangements for the Scottish Parliament are again under review (Image: Newsquest) For good measure: 'Taxing land is also attractive for administrative reasons because land cannot be moved so land value taxes should be difficult to avoid or evade.' At the end of all that, one wondered: 'What is there not to like?'. To be fair, the Commission added the caveat: 'The research did not find unequivocal evidence that proves they definitely deliver the various benefits often claimed of them. Any further steps toward implementation must therefore be taken with caution.' That was the get-out clause which the Scottish Government gratefully accepted. Whereas there is 'unequivocal evidence' that the existing system is deeply regressive, leaves large areas of Scotland untaxed and local government near bankrupt, there is no 'unequivocal evidence' that trying something else might produce better results. So after 18 years of SNP government, the Tory solution of 1991 – based on not offending the wealthy – remains undisturbed. Under the devolution settlement, the Scottish Government could only apply radical reform to funding councils rather than to national taxation. But it would be a start which would signal a genuine commitment to redistribution. And maybe if they tried it, working closely with the UK Government, it could become not just the most radical and interesting outcome Holyrood has ever delivered, but also a stepping-stone towards delivering a fairer tax system for the whole country. Or is it easier just to shout 'wealth tax' while avoiding even the smallest advance towards that objective? Brian Wilson is a former Labour Party politician. He was MP for Cunninghame North from 1987 until 2005 and served as a Minister of State from 1997 to 2003.
Sunday Post
18-05-2025
- General
- Sunday Post
Foster carers transform lives, says charity as it urges families to help
Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Something went wrong - please try again later. Sign Up Fostering is on the brink of crisis with a shortage of carers stripping children of the chance to live with a family, according to a leading charity. Aberlour Children's Charity is urging more Scots to consider fostering to help bridge the widening gap between the number of children in need of a home and the number of available carers. Nicola Fearon, the charity's head of fostering, confirms applications to become foster carers have dropped in recent years and believes there are a variety of factors for why that is the case. She said: 'In recent years, there have certainly been more carers leaving and fewer coming in. There are many reasons, from an ageing population and people caring more for elderly relatives to the cost-of- living crisis.' Aberlour, which has been delivering foster care for more than 20 years, believes the pool of potential carers is wide and diverse. Fearon said: 'Our vetting will be thorough but there are few things that would automatically rule out potential carers. Children come from all sorts of backgrounds and carers come from all sorts of background too. It's about empathy, not experience. We would encourage anyone who has ever thought about it, however briefly, to pick up the phone or send us an email.' Care Inspectorate data covering the five years up to 2024 revealed only 178 new foster carers registered in 2023, the lowest number in five years, while 405 households came off the register. Almost half of potential foster carers, with most receiving at least £20,000 to care for a child, were approved within six months. Fearon said while the responsibility of providing foster care can seem daunting to potential carers, it has the power to change the lives of children and carers alike. She said: 'The lives of fostered children can be transformed but so can the lives of carers and their own children and grandchildren. Our carers say the same things again and again. They will talk about giving something back, of giving a child a family and a home. They will say it's challenging but the sense of making a real difference to a child's life far outweighs the rest.' Aberlour, marking its 150th anniversary this year in partnership with The Sunday Post, is the biggest Scotland-only children's charity delivering more than 50 frontline services for children and their families across the country. Lynne O'Brien, chief officer for children and families, believes wide-ranging expertise allows carers to receive exceptional support so they do not feel out of their depth. She said: 'Our foster carers are highly valued and we can draw on different services and expertise from across Scotland. Flexibility is key and we have the ability to be creative to tailor support for children and families.' 'It's about belonging and love' It has not always been a bed of roses but, according to Aberlour Children Charity's first foster carers, that's kind of the point. 'It's about being a family for children and every family will have ups and downs,' said Shona Stewart. 'You enjoy the good times and get through the bad times and you do it together as a family. It's about belonging and love. That's all it's about, really.' Shona and husband David were Aberlour's first carers when the charity launched its fostering service in 2004. Experienced in social work and residential care, they were still surprised by the positive impact of fostering. Shona and David (not their real names, to protect the privacy of their children) said fostering was life-changing for everyone. Shona, 56, said: 'When I was training as a social worker, we were told that if there's one person crazy about you then you are more likely to succeed. 'We just wanted to be the people crazy for these kids.'
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Pensioners urged to check for under-claimed DWP income boost worth £700 on average
New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) shows that one in 10 Pension Credit claimants are missing out on their share of around £100 million due to failing to provide the Department with accurate information. Retirement specialist Just Group is urging those claiming Pension Credit - the main benefit available to help people over State Pension age on a low income - to check the information they provide after the DWP estimated claimants in Scotland, England and Wales are missing out on about £100 million a year, estimated to be around £700 per household. Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group, said: 'About 10 per cent of claimants did not get their full entitlement in 2024/25 compared to 8 per cent the previous years. The amount being unde-rclaimed was also higher at £100 million compared to £80 million previously.' He added: 'There are about 1.4 million claimants overall, suggesting 140,000 households missed out on an average of about £700, which is a significant sum for those struggling on low incomes.' He said that the DWP put the underpayments down to claimants failing to provide accurate or up-to-date information, mainly in three areas: a reduction in financial assets a non-dependant moving out a fall in income from private pensions Mr Lowe continued: 'It's important to understand what changes in circumstances can impact the amount of benefit being paid because the system relies on accurate course, a far bigger issue is that of people failing to claim at all. 'Pension Credit is a good example. Only 65 per cent of those eligible received it in 2022/23 with about 760,000 households missing out on an average of £1,900 a year or £1.5bn in total.' He advised those on benefits to promptly report changes in circumstances and to periodically review the information they have given. But he also warned: 'You could be eligible for more, but you also must guard against accidentally overclaiming and then having to repay the money later which can cause serious hardship.' The DWP recently confirmed that 77 per cent of all new claims for Pension Credit were processed - from initial application to award decision letter - within the target timeframe of 50 working days last year. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell recently said that the current, average processing time is 52.8 working days - just over 10 weeks. This means older people on a low income making a new claim this month, especially those who are no longer entitled to the annual Winter Fuel Payment, could receive their first payment and any arrears by the end of July. Older people making a successful new claim for Pension Credit before September this year will qualify for the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment and the higher rate of the devolved Pension Age Winter Hating Payment (Scotland-only). Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including more than 125,000 living in Scotland, are currently receiving the means-tested benefit that could provide an average of £4,300 in extra support during the coming months. Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. However, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it, how much you could get and where to get help filling in the form. Who can claim Pension Credit? There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be State Pension age (66). Your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple - this amount could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only get Savings Credit if: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it How much could you receive from DWP? Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to: £227.10 for a single person £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting) You might be able to get more than this if you're disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can give you up to: £17.30 a week for a single person £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting). The exact amount you'll get depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. How to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on here. pic Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
