Report on the CSPA National AGM 2025.
The 71st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance was held in the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th October 2025. Scotland Branch was represented at the AGM by Christine McGiveron, on the Executive Council, Michael Kirby as the Branch delegate and Linda Kirby as Sponsored Representative. The […]
UK Banks confirm new withdrawal limits for over 67’s from 27 September.
U.K. banks have announced new withdrawal limits for customers aged 67 and over, starting from 27 September 2025. This move is part of wider measures to enhance financial security, prevent fraud and encourage safer banking habits among older customers. Banks say the changes are designed to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure smoother banking experiences, What […]
4.7% increase in State Pension likely from April 2026
State Pensions are due to rise by 4.7% from next April under the triple-lock in line with annual earnings growth , as announced today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This will mean the basic rate of State Pension (pre-2016) will rise by £431.60 to £9,607 (£184.75 per week), from 6 April 2026. The […]
National Entitlement Card
In Scotland, all people with a disability, and those aged 60 and over are entitled to a National Entitlement Card. Depending on people’s circumstances, and the region in which they live, this Entitlement Card can give access to a concessionary fare, or free train travel. National Entitlement Card for people living in the Strathclyde region […]
Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill
The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee is seeking views on a Bill which will establish a Commissioner for Older People in Scotland. Those views will inform the Committee’s scrutiny. About this call for views The Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill was introduced by Colin Smyth MSP on 2 April 2025. According to […]
Scottish winter fuel payment ‘not less than UK rate’ – Swinney
Winter fuel payments for Scottish pensioners will not be less than those being paid by the UK government south of the border, John Swinney has said. The first minister made the announcement after Chancellor Rachel Reeves U-turned on a highly controversial cut. The Scottish government had already said it would provide at least £100 to […]
Scottish assisted dying bill passes first vote
A bill to legalise assisted dying in Scotland has passed an initial vote at Holyrood. The proposals would allow terminally-ill, mentally competent adults to seek medical help to end their lives. A vote on the bill’s general principles passed by 70 votes to 56. It would need to clear two more phases of parliamentary scrutiny […]
Why Scotland could be hardest hit by RTS meter switch off
A worrying deadline is looming for nearly 135,000 Scottish homes that have old-style RTS electricity meters installed. From 30 June, the radio signal that controls them will start to be switched off – with a risk customers could be left without heating and hot water. Another scenario is that heating could start running all the […]
The towns bearing the brunt of bank closures
More than one in three of the latest branch closures announced by the Bank of Scotland will affect the south of the country. Five towns – Annan, Moffat, Peebles, Thornhill and Sanquhar – are earmarked to see their facilities shut later this year or early in 2026. The Lloyds Group says most people now bank […]
Lloyds to close 136 branches as people shift to apps
Lloyds Banking Group is to shut another 136 branches by March next year, arguing that customers are increasingly using digital channels for their day-to-day banking. It is the latest in a string of branch closures, external, with the bank – and its rivals – already working through previously announced closure plans. The latest announcement will see 61 […]
