Scotland, Wales and NI news in 2024
8 stories, newest first.
- December 2024
Welfare Supplementary Payment schemes extended to 31 March 2028
The Minister for Communities has extended Northern Ireland's Welfare Supplementary Payment mitigation schemes, which were due to end on 31 March 2025, for a further three years to 31 March 2028.
SPICe publishes Scottish Budget 2025-26 taxes infographic
The Scottish Parliament has published an infographic of the Scottish Fiscal Commission's 2025-26 tax forecasts alongside the proposed Scottish Income Tax bands and rates set out in the Scottish Budget.
- November 2024
Cold Weather Payment 2024 scheme opens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Cold Weather Payment scheme for 2024 has opened in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with eligible households receiving payments during periods of very cold weather.
Winter Heating Payment replaces Cold Weather Payment in Scotland
Scotland's Winter Heating Payment has replaced the DWP Cold Weather Payment, paying £58.75 automatically to people on qualifying low-income benefits, with payments expected each February.
- October 2024
Climate Adaptation Strategy for Wales published
The Welsh Government published its Climate Adaptation Strategy for Wales in October 2024, setting out its commitment to responding to the changing climate, including equitable insurance coverage for households and businesses.
- June 2024
Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill completes Scottish Parliament passage
The Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill completed its passage through the Scottish Parliament on 6 June 2024, requiring Scottish Ministers to create a moratorium on debt recovery against people with a mental illness.
- March 2024
Scottish tenant protection measures expired
Scotland's temporary rent cap and eviction moratorium, introduced in 2022 under the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act, ended on 31 March 2024, with rent adjudication modified for one year afterwards.
- February 2024
Best Start Foods amendment regulations come into force in Scotland
Scottish regulations amending Best Start Foods came into force on 26 February 2024, setting the basic weekly rate at £4.95 and widening eligibility to partners, dependants and children under three.