Funding gap will raise costs

Childcare: Families could face higher childcare bills if a major gap in funding for free places continues, campaigners warned yesterday.

The government’s scheme to offer free care for young children is in “crisis,” it is suggested, as the money available does not cover the cost of providing good quality places.

As a result, nurseries and pre-schools are being forced to make up the difference out of their own pockets, the Pre-School Learning Alliance is warning.

Davidson attacks online trolls

Social media: Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson spoke out yesterday to shame online trolls who bombard her with homophobic abuse through social media.

The openly gay politician highlighted abusive messages she has been sent on Twitter and Facebook to show young people that it is not acceptable to bully lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Call for an end to sewage dumping

Trains: Union reps yesterday issued a call for rail chiefs to end the “disgusting” practice of dumping sewage on railway tracks.

At a meeting with Transport Scotland and Network Rail, rail union RMT urged all partners to put pressure on new Scottish operator Abellio to fit trains with toilet waste retention tanks by December 2016. The company currently says it will do so by the following year.