Latest Branch Newsletter
Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest edition of the Scotland Branch newsletter. I do hope you have survived the horrible cold and wet weather that seems to have been around for such a long time. In recent days the temperature has risen, so the cold bite of the wind has disappeared. I hope you had […]
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 […]
John McGiveron 1951 – 2024
It is with a heavy heart that the Branch Officers’ have to announce the passing of John McGiveron after a short illness John served 26 years as a Customs and Revenue Officer, beginning in the Liverpool parcel post, then the South One, Gladstone docks (Liverpool container terminal). He then ‘emigrated’ to Scotland in 1974 and […]
Civil Service Pensions to rise by 1.7%
Civil Service Pensions will rise by only 1.7% from 7 April next year, following today`s ONS announcement of the September increase in the Consumers Prices Index (CPI). This will be the lowest year on year increase for over 4 years. Civil Service pension increases are determined each year by her the September CPI figure, underpinned […]
Scotland scraps universal winter fuel payments for pensioners
The Scottish government has confirmed it will follow the UK government in no longer providing winter fuel payments to all pensioners. The UK benefit is due to be replaced by a Holyrood-run alternative – but ministers have confirmed it will be means tested, while the roll out has been delayed. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville […]
30 July 2024
The Chancellor is restricting the Winter Fuel Payment Chancellor Rachel Reeves addressed the House of Commons on Monday 29th July, outlining the Treasury’s spending review findings, and setting out several ways in which the new Government plans to address the “black hole” left in public finances by the estimated £22 billion pound overspend of the previous […]
Independent Age State Pension Survey
Independent Age are keen to hear about people’s attitudes towards the State Pension and how important it is as a source of income and are asking for anyone aged 66 or over to complete their questionnaire and help shape their future work and campaigns. Over 2 million pensioners in the UK are living in poverty […]
Summer Outing, Wednesday 12 June
This year’s Summer outing is to the Kelpies, Callendar House and the Falkirk Wheel. We will be hiring East Renfrewshire Community Transport’s “Wee Red Bus” which holds a maximum of twelve passengers, so to guarantee a seat contact Michael Kirby on 07969 405263 or Michael.Kirby@cspa.co.uk. The bus will leave from the King’s Theatre, Bath Street, […]
WASPI
We’re sure you saw the news last week that the report from the Parliamentary and Health Service (PHSO) has recommended that the #WaspiWomen are compensated for the injustices they have faces. The PHSO found that DWP fell short in its handling of changes. Enough is enough immediate action is needed now. We will continue to […]
