New calls to extend cost of living payments to all students in higher education

The annual benefits uprating was approved in Parliament last week, which means that most benefits and State Pension will rise by 10.1 per cent in April. During the debate before the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2023 was submitted to the House of Commons, several MPs called on the UK Government not to forget the plight of WASPI women.

A new online petition is calling on the UK Government to “urgently work” with charities and the veterinary industry to introduce targeted animal welfare support across the country to prevent pets from being abandoned or euthanised as owners struggle to cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Over 60,000 instances of fly-tipping were recorded in Scotland last year, leading to calls for law changes.

EXCLUSIVE: British drama house New Pictures has expanded its management team.

Peacock’s upcoming gladiator drama Those About to Die has added seven names to its cast, with Marco Kreuzpaintner (Beat) now signed up as co-director and exec producer.

Earlier this week, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that more than 8 million families across the country will receive the first part of the 2023/24 £900 means-tested cost of living payment this Spring. Over the next financial year, the UK Government will pay out £1,350 in cost of living support to those on a low-income, people claiming disability benefits and pensioner households.

A new online petition is calling on the UK Government to require all energy firms to offer a fixed monthly rate for older people and those with a disability. The petition also calls for “no per unit charges for gas and electricity” for those household groups.

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in May last year there were 936,766 people receiving weekly payments of £69.70 for Carer’s Allowance, including 81,682 living in Scotland.

The annual benefits uprating was approved in Parliament earlier this week, which means that most benefits and State Pension will rise by 10.1 per cent in April. During the debate before the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2023 was passed, the SNP’s David Linden pressed for change within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

EXCLUSIVE: Vardy vs Rooney: A Courtroom Drama, Channel 4’s dramatization of the notorious Wagatha Christie case, has sold to BritBox in North America and networks in Australia and New Zealand.

A bold thief has been captured on CCTV stealing from a small business in Glasgow. Mr Ali, who owns Mobile Planet, on Saracen Street in Possilpark was appalled to find out that a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note, worth £650 was nicked by a customer while he was assisting them.

Ewan McGregor and his daughter Clara are starring in their first feature film together which is set to premiere next month.

Chief Productions Sets Kashmiri Beekeeping Doc ‘Pot of Gold’Chief Productions, the UK-based indie, today announced the production of a new documentary titled Pot of Gold in partnership with global humanitarian relief and development charity Human Appeal. The film marks the first fully foreign film to be shot in the mountainous region of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. The film follows beekeeper Shakeel Khan who has committed his life to learn about the nature of bees and their delicate work. However, his story takes a turn following the impact of the most destructive earthquake the region has ever seen. The film is produced by Billy Offland and directed by Olivier Richomme. Colin Offland is Exec Producer, and Alan Hamilton is the writer. Colin Offland, CEO and executive producer at Chief Productions described the story as “poignant and distinctive.” He said: “It has been an eye-opening and fulfilling experience to be welcomed as the first fully foreign production team in Kashmir, and we’re grateful for the team at Human Appeal for allowing us to bring this story to the screen.”

An online petition calling on the UK Government to set a minimum level for weekly State Pension payments of £416.80 for everyone over the age of 60, arguing that the new rates from April are “far too low”, has passed the 10,000 signature threshold which triggers an official response. More than 17,330 people have already shown their support for the proposed changes.