Peebles and District Citizens Advice Bureau

31/10/2026

Have a great Halloween everyone!!

Heading out guising tonight? 🎃

Children should be with an adult, or if they're going out independently, they should stay with friends and make sure someone knows where they'll be.

💡 Stick to well-lit routes, make sure you can be seen, and take care when crossing roads.
🚪 Only knock on doors that are taking part, and respect any signs asking not to be disturbed.
🚗 If you’re driving, slow down and look out for children around residential streets.

Have a great night and look out for each other 👻

29/10/2026

Take care this Halloween.

Battery operated candles or torches are the safest way to light up spooky things at Halloween. 🎃

However if you do have naked flames around, make sure they are well away from anything that can burn including costumes that might catch fire.

We have more safety advice online 👉

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/halloween-candle-safety/
Download our leaflet: https://tinyurl.com/96km7a3m

29/10/2026

We will ensure that eligible households in Scotland benefit from the £100 payment for energy bills support, announced in the UK Budget.

While we welcome these measures, we believe the UK Government needs to take more action to support households.

More: https://www.gov.scot/news/uk-budget-delivers-real-cut-to-scotlands-funding/

28/10/2026

Important information for anyone registered at both practices at Hay Lodge Health Centre - especially if you will be requiring a repeat prescription in November.

26/10/2026

Flu can be serious

23/10/2026

Discover the range of essential grants we provide to families living in Scotland raising a disabled, or seriously ill, child on low income.

11/10/2026

We are able to help you check eligibility and/or perform a benefit check to make sure you are receiving all you’re entitled too. Get in touch with a member of our team for advice.

Do you have 3 or more children? You could now be eligible for Universal Credit - even if you're working.

Changes introduced from April mean some larger families who previously thought they wouldn't qualify, may now be entitled to Universal Credit.
• You don't need to be out of work to claim
• It's worth checking, even if you've been refused before

A quick benefit check could help you access money you're entitled to Benefits calculators - https://ow.ly/OMo450ZVTjx

09/10/2026

We can help check entitlements to benefits at the bureau as well either in person or over the phone.

If you are a parent on a low income, you could be missing out on vital financial support.

View our online family support directory, bringing together local and national services to help all parents and carers find the support they need. The directory is easy to use and includes information on a variety of support services, including:

- finance and benefits
- health
- additional support needs
- early years provision

You can find the directory here: https://ow.ly/w3JP50ZVT7T

08/10/2026

🚨 Scottish Borders retailers: new to***co & va**ng laws are coming

Local retailers are being urged to get ready for a number of important changes to to***co, va**ng and ni****ne laws over the next few months.

📅 1 October 2026 – A new Va**ng Products Duty has come into force, charging £2.20 per 10ml of va**ng liquid, regardless of ni****ne strength. New requirements also apply to existing stock and va**ng duty stamps.

📅 1 January 2027 – A major change comes into effect: it will become illegal to sell to***co products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. Adults born before this date who can legally buy to***co will continue to be able to do so.

The changes form part of the UK Government’s To***co and Vapes Act, aimed at reducing young people’s access to to***co and ni****ne products and supporting the creation of a smoke-free generation.

👉 Scottish Borders Council Trading Standards is urging retailers to make sure staff, systems and age-verification procedures are ready for the changes.

📢 If you sell to***co, vapes or ni****ne products, now is the time to check that your business is prepared.

More here: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/news/article/5034/scottish-borders-retailers-urged-to-prepare-for-major-to***co-and-va**ng-law-changes

***co **ng ****ne