May 2025 | Fair Point | abrdn Financial Fairness Newsletter

New Briefing and Analysis Fund – Scottish Parliament Election

The Financial Fairness Trust and The Robertson Trust are partnering on a joint call for project proposals to inform policy and public debate related to the financial well-being of people living on low-to-middle incomes in the run-up to the Scottish Parliamentary Elections of 2026.  Applications for the joint call will be considered for work to produce independent economic analysis, social research and policy work addressing the key challenges in relation to living standards in Scotland, as well as the opportunities, barriers and costs to doing so.

Applicants must meet Financial Fairness Trust funding criteria. Proposals for project funding between £15,000 - £50,000 are due by noon on Wednesday 9th July.  

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Pension credit and carers allowance 

A report from Carers UK earlier this month found 65,000 low-income older carers looking after disabled, older and ill relatives and friends could be missing out on Pension Credit and potentially other key entitlements.

The report found that a complex and confusing application process for an extra payment for unpaid carers is stopping low-income pensioners from claiming extra financial support they are entitled to, which could be worth up to £2,412.80 extra per year for an older carer. It is especially concerning that carers are not receiving the support they are entitled to as Pension Credit is a gateway to additional help such as the Winter Fuel Payment.

Read more.

Personal finances and mental health

At the Trust we understand that financial problems can considerably impact people’s mental health. Debt and low levels of financial resilience (such as having no savings) can cause various problems such as difficultly sleeping, anxiety and stress, often having a compounding effect. People experiencing mental health problems are also more likely to run into financial issues. Check out our blog post for Mental Health Awareness Week here.

How can the centre-right build a credible and compelling programme for improving living standards?

If there’s one advantage to political opposition it’s that it gives parties a chance to take stock, look around, and rediscover their purpose. The Conservative Party, after 14 years embroiled in the compromises of governing, is now out of power with decisions to make. Last month, with our partners at centre-right think tank Bright Blue, we held a conference which aimed to start looking at the questions the party faces, and how it might back policies which improve living standards in Britain. Read our blog to find out how it went.

Are you interested in developing a career in charity comms? Do you have an eye for detail and a keen knowledge of all things digital?

Then you might be just the right person to support our communications function at abrdn Financial Fairness Trust.

You’ll play a big part in helping to achieve the Trust’s goals by:

• Supporting the Head of Communications to administer the external relations function of the Trust
• Focussing on social media assets, website content and digital communications
• Establishing and maintaining processes to ensure the comms functions run smoothly and efficiently.

As someone with an awareness of communication activity, a solid admin background and a keen interest in social policy, you will ensure the smooth running of the comms department and report to the Head of Communications.

Find out more.