Autistic adults will be supported to reach their full potential through a £2.5 million, multi-year fund.
The Autistic Adult Support Fund is available to third sector organisations providing services to autistic adults – promoting wellbeing and helping them to understand what neurodivergence means for them.
Since 2023, £1.5 million has been allocated to 15 organisations, including those helping autistic adults enter, remain, and thrive within employment.
This latest round of funding is now open to applications and will provide £2.5 million for the period from October 2025 to end of March 2028.
Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd said:
“We know the third sector plays a crucial role in improving the lives of autistic people, and this fund will support organisations to help the autistic people they work with lead fulfilling, independent, and active lives.
“The grants will be used to support autistic adults to thrive, helping them access services and improve general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel a part of their community.
“Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow, and ensure that the quality of support they provide is as high as it can be.”
Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said:
“We are pleased to be managing the application process for the new phase of the Scottish Government’s Autistic Adult Support Fund.
“We know from working in this area, there is a real need to provide support to autistic adults around diagnosis or to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.
“We look forward to hearing from applicants that meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design and delivery of the activity to improve live chances for autistic adults in Scotland.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Rollout begins on new Employment Support programme with £40 million boost to West London.
West London will today become the first of 47 areas across England and Wales set to receive dedicated five-year funding aimed at helping disabled people and those with health conditions and additional support needs into work.
West London becomes first area granted funding as part of DWP’s ‘Connect to Work’ programme, which will ultimately support 100,000 people per year.
The £42.8 million cash injection will fund five years of support for local disabled people and those with health conditions, and complex barriers to employment to find a suitable pathway into a job.
Follows record £1 billion employment support package, announced by Work and Pensions Secretary last month, to unlock work for sick and disabled people, encourage financial independence, and boost living standards as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
West London will today become the first of 47 areas across England and Wales set to receive dedicated five-year funding aimed at helping disabled people and those with health conditions and additional support needs into work.
As many as 100,000 people a year are set to receive tailored support nationally – including one-to-one employment advice and skills development – as rollout begins of Connect to Work, a new programme dedicated to help those facing some of the greatest barriers to work.
Over the next five years, a partnership of Local Authorities in West London will receive a total of £42.8 million to provide targeted help to up to 3,500 people by:
matching people with job opportunities that suit their needs and circumstances,
providing essential skills training to help people get into and on at work,
working with employers to recruit and retain disabled workers.
West London will receive almost £9 million of the £115 million already committed to run the programme in its first year – a downpayment on their full five-year deal, allowing local leaders to hit the ground running on tackling inactivity in their area.
Work and Pensions Secretary Rt. Hon Liz Kendall MP, said:
As part of our Plan for Change we are fixing the broken welfare system – getting more people into work, putting more money in people’s pockets, and putting the benefits bill on a sustainable footing.
The welfare system we inherited has shut too many talented people out of the workplace – with no support, no prospects, and no opportunities.
We are changing this. That’s why I’m delighted to see our Connect to Work programme kick off, with over £40 million of funding so local leaders in West London can give people in their area the tools they need to get in and on at work in a way that’s right for them.
The Work and Pensions Secretary is set to visit a community hub in Shepherd’s Bush to meet people already helped into work by West London’s existing support offer, including:
Arman who had to step away from his job as a bookmaker due to his mental health. With support from West London Alliance Programme, he attended mental health workshops, got help to boost his CV, and found volunteering opportunities, before ultimately landing a new job.
Midula who has learning and speech difficulties. West London Alliance Programme is improving her prospect of getting into work through tailored interview prep and giving her the confidence boost she needs to succeed.
Bill who has been able to keep working at Harrow Council for 40 years, despite his physical heath deteriorating, thanks to adjustments made so he could stay in his job.
David Francis, Director of West London Alliance, said:
The West London Alliance Boroughs are proud to be at the forefront of the ‘Connect to Work’ initiative, demonstrating the strength of our partnerships and our dedication to improving employment outcomes for West London residents.
This programme provides vital and tailored support to those facing challenges in the labour market, helping them to secure sustainable employment and build better lives.
The Connect to Work Programme is one of a number of initiatives being launched to help towards the government’s aim for an 80% employment rate.
Work has already begun on the plan to Get Britain Working, with South Yorkshire becoming the first of nine ‘inactivity trailblazers’ across the country to launch their community-led effort to help people into a job.
This comes as the government unveiled sweeping welfare reforms – backed by a record £1 billion to deliver tailored job support for sick and disabled people – opening doors to opportunity, giving people a chance at financial independence, and boosting living standards, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
With 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health – one of the highest rates in the G7 – the government is also combating health-related inactivity at its root by investing £26 billion in the NHS and delivering 2 million extra appointments to reduce medical waiting lists, giving people and the economy a chance to get back on track.
Additional Information:
The West London Alliance Partnership covers Ealing, Barnet, Harrow, Hillingdon, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Hounslow Local Authorities. Their Connect to Work service will be delivered under contract by Shaw Trust.
The West Midlands and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities received a year’s funding for employment support as part of their Integrated Settlements – giving Mayors the power to make funding decisions in their area.
Guidance issued on 26 November 2024 invited areas covering all of England and Wales to develop their plans to deliver Connect to Work over the next 5 years. Last autumn’s Spending Review confirmed £115 million for year 1 (25/26), subsequent funding for the programme will be confirmed through Spending Review 2025.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
Tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation: update
Minister Phillips today delivered a speech on the government’s plan to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation.
With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement updating the House on government action to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation and on progress on the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry.
Child sexual abuse and exploitation are the most horrific and disturbing crimes – an abuse of power against those who are most vulnerable, leaving lifelong trauma and scars.
Best estimates suggest that 500,000 children are sexually abused every year. Analysis by the police found that there were 115,000 recorded cases of child sexual abuse in 2023, 4228 group-based offences identified by the CSE Taskforce, of which 1125 were family abuse, and 717 were sexual exploitation cases. In a growing number of recorded cases the perpetrators themselves are under 18.
The House will be aware that, in its first year of operation up to March 2024, the Grooming Gangs Taskforce contributed to 550 arrests across the country. I can tell the House that – in the last nine months of 2024 – the Taskforce contributed to 597 arrests, in other words it surpassed in that nine month period what it has achieved in its first full year of its operation. Data for the first three months of this year is currently being collected from forces and will available early next month, but all round, we are making progress at every level to increase the number of investigations, increase the number of arrests, and most importantly, increase the number of victims who are seeing their attackers brought to justice.
Yet despite the seriousness and severity of these crimes, there has been a shameful failure by institutions and those in power over many years to protect children from abuse or exploitation. So we are today setting out a progress update on action the government is taking to tackle Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation to get support and justice for victims to ensure perpetrators are caught and put behind bars.
CSA Measures
Action on CSA since the election means we are introducing:
A new child sexual abuse police performance framework, including new standards on public protection, child abuse and exploitation;
Legislating targeting online offending, including abuse and grooming enabled by AI (Artificial Intelligence);
New powers for Border Force to detect digitally held child sex abuse at the UK border
New restrictions preventing registered sex offenders from changing their names to hide the threat they pose
Increased investment in law enforcement capability, through the Police Undercover Online Network and the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme.
In the Home Secretary’s statements to the House in January, she also set out what we are doing to crack down on grooming gangs. And today I can provide an update:
Baroness Casey’s 3-month National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is ongoing. It is building a comprehensive national picture of what is known about child sexual exploitation, identifying local and national trends, assessing the quality of the data, looking at the ethnicity issues faced for example by cases involving Pakistani heritage gangs, and reviewing police and wider agency understanding.
We are developing a new best practice framework to support local authorities which want to undertake victim-centred local inquiries, or related work, drawing on the lessons from local independent inquiries like Telford, Rotherham and Greater Manchester. We will publish the details next month.
Alongside this we will set out the process through which local authorities can access the £5m national fund to support locally-led work on grooming gangs. Following feedback from local authorities, the fund will adopt a flexible approach to support both full independent local inquiries and more bespoke work, including local victims’ panels or locally led audits into the handling of historic cases.
The Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Gavin Stephens, has – at the Home Secretary’s request – urged the Chief Constables of all 43 police forces in England and Wales, to reexamine their investigations into group-based child sexual exploitation which resulted in No Further Action decisions.
And, as of 1 April, the Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel can review child sexual abuse cases which took place after 2013. Victims and survivors can now ask the Panel to independently review their case if they have not already exercised their Victims Right to Review.
I can also announce that we intend to expand the Independent Child Trafficking guardians’ scheme across all of England and Wales, providing direct support to many more child victims of sexual exploitation and grooming, which to date has only been available in selected areas.
These measures will enable more victims and survivors to receive the truth, justice, improvements and accountability that they deserve – and put more vile perpetrators of this crime behind bars.
IICSA Inquiry
Much of this crucial activity builds on the vital work of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse undertaken between 2015 and 2022. Let me – on behalf of this whole House –thank again Professor Alexis Jay for chairing that seven-year National Inquiry with such expertise, diligence and compassion.
IICSA revealed the terrible suffering caused by child sexual abuse and the shameful failure of institutions to put the protection of children before the protection of their own reputations.
The Inquiry drew on the testimony of over 7,000 victims and survivors and considered over 2 million pages of evidence.
Its findings, culminating in the final report published in October 2022, were designed to better protect children from sexual abuse and address the shortcomings which left them exposed to harm.
The publication of that final report two and a half years ago should have been a landmark moment. But instead, the victims and survivors were failed again.
None of the Inquiry’s recommendations were implemented or properly taken forward by the previous government in the twenty months they had to do so.
Progress update
As part of today’s Progress Update, the Government is setting out a detailed update and timetable on the work that is underway on the IICSA recommendations as part of our action on child sexual abuse. I can announce to the House that;
To prioritise the protection of children and improve national oversight and consistency of child protection practice, this Government will establish a new Child Protection Authority.
Building on the national Child Safeguarding Review Panel, the Child Protection Authority will address one of IICSA’s central recommendations by providing national leadership and learning on child protection and safeguarding. Work to expand the role of the Panel will begin immediately and we will consult on developing the new Authority this year
We have also asked Ofsted, HMICFRS and the CQC to conduct a joint thematic review of child abuse in family settings starting this Autumn.
Mr Speaker, the IICSA report recommended the introduction of a new mandatory duty to report – something the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and I have all supported for more than a decade
In the Crime and Policing Bill we will now be taking forward the new mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse for individuals in England undertaking activity with children – and crucially, a new criminal offence of obstructing an individual from making a report under that duty.
Mandatory reporting – will create a culture of openness and honesty rather than cover-ups and secrecy. It will empower professionals and volunteers to take prompt, decisive action to report sexual abuse. It will demonstrate to children and young people that if they come forward, they will be heard. And anyone who seeks deliberately to prevent someone fulfilling their mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse will face the full force of the law.
Today’s update also sets out how the government is supporting victims and survivors in accessing support and seeking justice:
We are tasking the Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates to carry out a targeted inspection on the experiences of victims of child sexual abuse in the criminal justice system
We are instructing the Information Commissioner’s Office to produce a code of practice on the retention of personal data relating to child sexual abuse.
In some cases where there have been serious institutional failings which contributed to the abuse, those institutions have provided financial redress schemes or compensation to victims and survivors who are affected. We continue to support those schemes as recognition by those institutions that they badly failed children in their care.
On the IICSA proposal for a wider national redress scheme for all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in institutional settings, the scale of that proposal demands that it is considered in the context of the Spending Review later this year, and we will make further updates at that stage.
But one crucial area where we want to make immediate progress is on the provision of therapeutic services for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. We will therefore bring forward proposals in the coming weeks to improve access to those services, with further details to be set out following the upcoming the Spending Review.
Also ahead of the Spending Review, I can announce that – in this financial year – the Home Office will double the funding it provides for national services supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse, providing more help to those adults who are living with the trauma of the horrific abuse they suffered as children.
Finally, we want to speed up progress to make it easier for victims and survivors to get recompense directly from institutions that failed them. We are therefore removing the three-year limitation period on victims and survivors bringing personal injury claims in the civil courts and shifting the burden of proof from survivors to defendants, thereby protecting victims from having to relive their trauma to get compensation they are owed.
Next steps/conclusion
Mr Speaker, today’s update – building on the measures the Home Secretary announced in January – demonstrates this Government’s steadfast commitment to tackling child sex abuse.
The measures we are implementing will protect more children, find more criminals, and deliver support and justice to more victims and survivors.
But this is not the end point; it is just the beginning. We will continue to drive forward reforms to protect more children from abhorrent abuse and support more adult survivors of these traumatic crimes.
And as we pursue our Safer Streets Mission, we will use every available lever to drive progress on these issues across government and beyond.
I want to finish with a word for the victims and survivors.
No one should go through what you did.
And while the failings of the past cannot be undone, we can, we must and we will strain every sinew to prevent them being repeated.
It surprised many Australians when the Coalition announced a plan straight from the progressive side of politics: force large gas companies to reserve gas for domestic use – at a lower cost than they could sell it for overseas.
As a populist move during a cost-of-living election, it’s a good one. Australia’s gas producers sell 70% of gas extracted on the east coast overseas under long-term contracts, even as southeastern states such as Victoria face possible gas shortages. Western Australia has long had an effective policy requiring up to 15% of offshore gas to be reserved for domestic use.
After a fortnight’s delay, the Coalition has now publicly released the modelling behind its policy. Undertaken by Frontier Economics, the modelling indicates that reserving 50 to 100 petajoules of gas in the first year would cut wholesale prices by 23%. This would mean a 15% drop in prices for large-scale users – but only a 7% fall for household gas bills and a 3% fall in electricity bills.
This doesn’t sound like much, because it isn’t. Gas prices soared during the Ukraine war and haven’t yet returned to their pre-war levels. Labor has dubbed the plan “gaslighting”, and will rely instead on a gas policy released last year to open up more gasfields and build import terminals. Gas producers don’t like the Coalition’s plan, and neither does billionaire Liberal benefactor Gina Rinehart. Dutton’s plan isn’t crazy – it’s just not likely to make a big difference.
The Coalition has proposed what it calls an East Coast Reservation Scheme, with the goal of progressively decoupling Australia’s east coast gas market from the volatile international market.
It has two parts. First, it would require new exporters, in the first year of operation, to reserve an additional 50–100 petajoules for the domestic market. Second, it would create a gas security charge, to be imposed on gas producers seeking to export “additional” (non-contracted) gas on the international market.
This would give gas producers an incentive to sell non-contracted gas to the domestic market, because they would get greater profits selling in Australia, even at a lower base price.
Further, the policy would prevent gas producers from charging domestic buyers international prices, setting a competitive price.
In effect, the gas security charge is akin to a levy or a reverse tariff. The levy can be avoided if producers supply up to 100 petajoules to domestic markets. That’s about as much gas as New South Wales’ gas pipelines deliver each year – 101 petajoules (PJ) as of 2022–23, or the equivalent of 26 full liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, which hold about 3.8 PJ on average.
What are the issues with this plan?
There are legitimate concerns. First, the policy does not directly address domestic gas pricing and won’t help with the cost of living crisis. Over time, it could create a more competitive domestic market, but the fact producers could make marginally more money selling gas on the domestic market doesn’t guarantee change.
Second, the policy does not directly address the looming gas supply crisis. That’s because existing gas producers would not be legally obliged to commit to more gas domestically – they could still export it. The obligation to commit an additional 50-100 petajoules to the domestic market only applies to gas exporters in their first year of operation.
If policymakers want to solve the supply crisis, they would be better served by imposing direct export controls in the form of a clear gas reservation mandate. This works, as Western Australia’s long experience shows.
How did we get here?
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, it led to huge spikes in global gas prices and shortages in Europe as the world moved away from Russian gas.
In the 2010s, Australia had already been ramping up gas production. But in the wake of the Ukraine war, Australia became a major gas exporter. Producers traded as much gas as possible on the international market, selling it for over A$40/GJ. Meanwhile, Australia’s coal production was falling.
Domestic gas demand shot up, and prices went from $8 to $30 a gigajoule. In response, the Albanese government introduced an emergency price cap for the wholesale gas market, prohibiting producers from entering into supply contracts with domestic purchasers for prices above a cap, currently set at $12/GJ. While the cap did partly insulate domestic consumers, it was always intended as a temporary measure.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recently predicted a gas supply shortfall of up to 40 petajoules in the southern states as early as September due to declining production in Victoria and South Australia as well as higher demand. Without access to uncontracted Queensland gas, supply will run very low. This is a significant energy security risk, and one the Coalition’s gas policy doesn’t directly address.
Victorian residents are more reliant on gas than other states – and shortfalls are looming. M-Production/Shutterstock
What’s next?
Australia is one of the world’s top three LNG exporters. The fact a gas giant could be facing domestic shortages is both unnecessary and embarrassing. Reaching this point represents decades of policy failure.
Reserving gas for domestic use works for the west coast, and it would work for the east. But the Coalition’s plan is not quite a gas reservation scheme. It doesn’t create a comprehensive reservation mandate and questions remain about its capacity to address domestic pricing and supply.
At present, it seems like a lot of effort without great benefit. Will households really notice their gas bill is 7% cheaper?
Samantha Hepburn does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Police investigate serious pedestrian crash in Hobart’s CBD
Wednesday, 9 April 2025 – 11:40 am.
Police are continuing to investigate a serious crash involving a pedestrian and a vehicle in Hobart’s CBD last night.Police and emergency services were called to the scene in Davey St near the intersection of Hunter St just before 8pm.Initial investigations suggest that a 75 year old man and a 73 year old woman were crossing the road just down from the traffic lights when the man was hit by a vehicle travelling along Davey St.Upon arrival, the man was provided with medical assistance and then taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for further treatment. He remains in a critical condition.The woman was not physically injured but was taken to hospital as a precaution.Two lanes of Davey St were blocked for 2.5 hours while specialist resources including crash investigation and forensics attended the scene to carry out examinations.Police are calling for witnesses or anyone who has CCTV or dash cam footage to contact police on 131444.
Woman, youth charged by Taskforce Raven during CBD patrol
Wednesday, 9 April 2025 – 11:56 am.
An 18-year-old woman and 17-year-old girl have been arrested following an incident in the Launceston CBD yesterday afternoon. Members of Taskforce Raven were conducting routine patrols of the CBD at the time, and arrested the 18-year-old who was wanted in relation to outstanding shoplifting matters. She was charged with five counts of stealing, unlawful possession of property believed to be stolen, and possessing and consuming liquor in a public place. She will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date. The youth will be proceeded against by summons for possessing and consuming liquor in a public place. Taskforce Raven is continuing to target recidivist offenders, including youth offenders, through routine patrols and proactive investigations. Anyone with information should contact the taskforce on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
The City of Greater Bendigo is developing Environmental Management Plans for Kennington Reservoir, Riley Street, Ryalls Lane and Crusoe Reservoir and No. 7 Park Natural Reserves and is inviting the community to have input into the plans.
City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Michelle Wyatt said the purpose of developing the plans is to establish a set of goals for the protection and enhancement of local biodiversity.
“The plans will identify the values and threats of each site and establish goals and actions aimed at enhancing environmental and passive recreation opportunities for the community,” Ms Wyatt said.
“The community has a wealth of knowledge of the flora, fauna and ecological communities and use many of the natural reserves we manage. Their feedback is important to help us understand how they use the sites, what is important to them and how the City can enhance the values and use of each site.”
Community engagement is currently underway to gather information on how the community uses the following reserves and their priorities for future management:
Crusoe Reservoir and No.7 Park (Big Hill) Home to Box-Ironbark forest, reservoirs, walking and cycling trails and abundant native flora and fauna, including 190 species of bird
Kennington Reservoir (Kennington) This site supports recovering Box-Ironbark forest and a reservoir which is home to three species of turtle, abundant birdlife and several fish, frog and mammal species
Ryalls Lane and Sheepwash Creek (Owl’s Roost Reserve) (Strathfieldsaye) This site encompasses parts of Sheepwash Creek and a number of smaller tributaries that support creekline grassy woodland and plains woodland vegetation communities. The Ryalls Lane site was a recent acquisition and is a popular roosting spot for the endangered Powerful Owl
Riley Street Natural Reserve (East Bendigo) This former quarry has been transformed into an important urban natural reserve, supporting threatened fish species and providing a haven for frogs, reptiles, mammals and birds. Formed tracks allow walking and nature watching
Residents can have their say on the City’s Let’s Talk website until 5pm on Friday May 9, 2025.
Overdue bushwalker rescued from state’s west coast
Wednesday, 9 April 2025 – 10:40 am.
An overdue 81 year old Victorian bushwalker has been rescued from Mount Murchison on the state’s west coast early this morning.Police were notified about 8.30pm last night, with Search and Rescue ground crews safely locating the man about 2am.Inspector Andrew Hanson said that the man was an experienced bushwalker and had taken appropriate steps to prepare, including notifying his family of his expected return.“It’s pleasing that the man took steps to prepare, which enabled his family to raise the alarm when he became overdue,” he said.“It’s a timely reminder for everyone of the dangers of the Tasmanian wilderness.”Police advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices. A two-way messaging emergency device is preferred.• Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.• Research your intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.• Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon but be aware that they are a one-way communication device.• Be flexible. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.
Police are investigating an isolated incident on Finlay Street, Bridgewater around 8pm last night where a firearm was discharged into a residence. Two people were home at the time but were not injured as a result of the incident. If you were in the area around the time and witnessed suspicious activity or have dash cam or CCTV footage, please phone 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote OR771722.
Police are investigating a break-in at a McLaren Vale business in the early hours of Tuesday 1 April.
Just before 5.30am on Tuesday 1 April, a shed on Main Road, McLaren Vale was broken into and a number of surfboards, 20 wetsuits, and power tools, including a Makita sander, lawnmower and whipper snipper were stolen.
CCTV captured a small blue hatchback towing a caged trailer travelling east along Main Road, McLaren Vale before turning onto Tatachilla Road and entering the rear of the property via a laneway.
Anyone who recognises the vehicle or has any dashcam or CCTV footage from the area that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Headline: Automotive Component Manufacturer Selects Scotland County for Southeast Operation, Adding 35 New Jobs
Automotive Component Manufacturer Selects Scotland County for Southeast Operation, Adding 35 New Jobs lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced Bailey Manufacturing Company (BMC), a manufacturer of stamped metal automotive parts, will add 35 new jobs in Scotland County. The company will invest more than $4.3 million in a new production facility in Laurinburg.
“Bailey Manufacturing’s decision to locate to Scotland County is more proof that North Carolia is a top state for businesses across all industries,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state’s manufacturing legacy and longstanding commitment to innovation will continue to attract growing companies to every corner of the state.”
Bailey Manufacturing supplies stamped metal components for the automotive industry. In addition to metal stamping, the New York-based company also offers machining, welding, and assembly services for its list of customers, including automotive manufacturers such as General Motors and many others. BMC produces and ships 13 million parts annually throughout the United States, Mexico, China, and South Africa. The 50,000-square-foot facility in Laurinburg will double production capacity for BMC and offer more manufacturing, warehousing, and administrative space.
“Bailey Manufacturing is excited to join the growing list of automotive suppliers in North Carolina. Our new southeast facility will allow us to better serve our growing customer base,” said John Hines, President of Bailey Manufacturing Company. “I want to thank North Carolina, Scotland County, Scotland County EDC and the City of Laurinburg for their assistance in making this project a reality and look forward to a prosperous future together.”
“BMC is a great addition to our automotive supply chain of more than 250 manufacturers,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “North Carolina is home to 20 of the top global OEM suppliers, the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and one of the largest state-maintained transportation networks to get parts to customers all over the world.”
While wages vary by position, the annual average salary for the new positions will be $52,000, exceeding Scotland County’s average of $46,708. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.8 million for the region.
A performance-based grant of $120,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company locate to North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“I am pleased to welcome Bailey Manufacturing Company to Scotland County,” said N.C. Senator Danny Earl Britt. “Our hardworking people are ready to help the company establish its operation in Laurinburg that will lead to future success.”
“These new jobs and investment are welcome additions for our community,” said N.C. Representative Garland E. Pierce. “This decision by Bailey Manufacturing Company validates Scotland County as a great place for growing companies to do business.”
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Richmond Community College, North Carolina’s Southeast, Scotland County, Scotland County Economic Development Corporation, and City of Laurinburg.
A man has been arrested after crashing a stolen car and injuring two people in the northern suburbs yesterday afternoon.
About 4.45pm on Tuesday 8 April, police were called to Spruance Road at Elizabeth East after reports of a man in possession of a machete.
The man was seen to get into a silver VW Gold bearing stolen registration plates. Northern District patrols spotted the car travelling on Chillingworth Road at Elizabeth East and attempted to stop it however it took off at speed. The car was followed onto Midway Road and police lost sight of the car on Fletcher Road.
Just before 5.10pm police received reports of a car crash on Halsey Road. The grey VW Golf allegedly collided into another car and the driver was seen running from the scene.
Patrols were quickly in the area and saw a man jumping a fence on Spruance Road. The suspect was arrested shortly after without incident.
A 20-year-old man from Elizabeth East was arrested and taken to hospital where he was treated for minor injuries caused by the crash.
The Golf collided with a Nissan Dualis, both the driver, a 64-year-old woman from Salisbury North, and passenger, a 91-year-old man from Hillbank, were taken to hospital where they are being treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Major Crash officers attended the scene to consult with Northern District patrol members who are investigating the crash.
Checks on the VW Golf revealed it had been stolen from an Elizabeth South address earlier in the week.
The Elizabeth East man has been charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, driving dangerously to avoid a police pursuit, two counts of driving dangerously causing harm, driving at a speed dangerous and leaving the scene of a crash after causing harm. He has been refused bail and will appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court today (Wednesday 9 April).
Secure and affordable housing is a fundamental human right for all Australians.
Therefore, it is unsurprising the election campaign is being played out against a backdrop of heightened voter anxiety about rental stress and housing affordability. A growing number of people are unable to access housing that meets their needs.
And it’s not just low-income earners who are affected by housing pressures. It is also the millions of people who make up middle Australia; the very group that will help determine the election outcome.
The solution to Australia’s housing problem is complex. We need to start thinking differently about what reform might look like.
No cheap rents
For most Australians, housing is their biggest and most unavoidable bill.
The average national weekly rent for a unit is A$566 a week. It is even higher in capital cities. To afford this comfortably, renters need an annual income of $130,000.
But for someone on the median income of $72,592 (or $58,575 after tax) half their pay packet is being swallowed by their weekly rent.
This significantly exceeds the 30% benchmark that is a useful measure of housing affordability stress.
Million-dollar homes
The raw numbers are just as eye-watering for home ownership.
The mean price of a residential dwelling in Australia is around $977,000. For house hunters in New South Wales, the figure is even higher at $1.2 million.
Rapidly rising house prices over the past few years have contributed to larger home loans and more people with a mortgage.
Only 13% of homes sold in 2022–23 were affordable for a median income household, with housing prices increasing more rapidly than wages.
The cascading price pressures mean first home buyers are finding it harder to save for a deposit.
Policy options
There is an urgent need for housing reform to overcome the affordability and accessibility challenges. There is no shortage of options available to policymakers.
For starters, planning rules and zoning regulations could be eased to facilitate more construction. Vacant commercial properties and office spaces could be repurposed as housing.
Another option includes removing barriers to constructing prefabricated homes, which are more efficient and affordable to build.
Time to be bold
Housing reform often involves debate around negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions for property investors. There are mixed results regarding how they would impact housing affordability and accessibility. The unpopularity of such policies at the 2016 and 2019 elections have since hindered any changes.
But more radical reforms could be considered. They include applying negative gearing to first home buyers, who would benefit by claiming the mortgage interest on their property against their income. The United States allows home-owner couples to claim mortgage interest on the first US$750,000 (A$1.19 million) of their loan to help them secure a home.
The US policy highlights how high housing costs are not exclusive to Australia.
We could learn from other initiatives adopted overseas. For example, a bylaw passed in Montreal, Canada, requires new developments to include 20% social housing, 20% affordable housing and 20% family units.
Further, Vienna is known for its progressive social housing policies, which include rental caps and housing security. The housing is high quality and often includes access to communal pools, child care, libraries and other facilities.
Here in Australia, the major political parties are mindful that the high cost of housing is political kryptonite. They are fighting the May election armed with policies aimed at improving affordability and availability. But will these policies go far enough?
Labor plans to increase housing supply by 1.2 million homes over five years by changing zoning and planning rules. This includes 20,000 social housing homes and 10,000 affordable rentals for front-line workers such as police and nurses. It will also increase tax incentives for the build-to-rent program to increase rental supply.
These policies are likely to improve affordability and accessibility for lower income earners. However, there will be a wait while homes are constructed. It is also expensive at around $10 billion.
To increase supply, Labor will invest in prefabricated and modular homes, including a national certification system to streamline approvals.
Labor will also expand the Help-to-Buy scheme so more Australians can purchase their first home, although this may push-up prices through increased demand.
The Liberal Party’s policy centrepiece is $5 billion to fast track essential housing infrastructure such as water and sewage, to unlock up to 500,000 homes.
The Coalition is also vowing to free up more housing by reducing immigration by 25% and capping the number of international students.
For first home buyers, the Liberals want to allow early access to superannuation of up to $50,000, but studies suggest this could backfire by increasing house prices and hurting retirement savings.
Dream turns to a nightmare
Voters may find merit in one or more of the proposed policies, but bipartisanship will be essential if we are to solve the housing crisis, regardless of the election outcome.
And genuine reform involves more than sugar-hit policies that might find favour during election campaigns. It requires bold, decisive action with investment in areas that benefit those most in need.
Without genuine reform, even more Australians will struggle to put a roof over their heads. The ramifications will be devastating to Australia’s social and economic future.
The Australian dream of owning a home will be at risk of becoming an even bigger nightmare.
This is the third article in our special series, Australia’s Policy Challenges. You can read the other articles here and here
Michelle Cull is a member of CPA Australia, the Financial Advice Association Australia and President Elect of the Academy of Financial Services in the United States. Michelle is an academic member of UniSuper’s Consultative Committee. Michelle Cull co-founded the Western Sydney University Tax Clinic which has received funding from the Australian Taxation Office as part of the National Tax Clinic Program. Michelle has previously volunteered as Chair of the Macarthur Advisory Council for the Salvation Army Australia.
Brian Neil Joseph Glover, the new Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. Glover had been working as a Barrister at the Glover Chambers from 2021 to 2025. He was a freelance consultant and trainer on equal opportunities, anti-discrimination, human rights, right to privacy, civil rights and data protection from 2016 to 2021. From March 2012 to April 2016, he served as Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission of Mauritius. He worked as a Barrister in Mauritius from 1992 to 2012.
Mr. Glover has a bachelor’s degree in laws from the University of Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom. He was called to the Degree of the Utter Bar of England and Wales at Middle Temple Inns of Court, London, United Kingdom in 1992 and was called to the Mauritian Bar in 1992. He was born on 22 July 1969 in Mauritius and is married with one child.
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Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.
Within the scientific community, peer review has become the process norm for which an author’s research or ideas undergo careful examination by other experts in their field. It encourages each scientist to meet the high standards that they themselves, as writers and reviewers, have aided in setting. It has become essential to the academic writing practice. Historically, the peer review process has been limited to higher education and scholars more established in their academic careers. It has been required by only the more reputable publications, which can mean that lesser-known journals that don’t require this rigorous peer review process contain lower quality or less reliable information. In an effort to give scientists of all ages the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the advancement of human knowledge in a meaningful and reliable way, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) began publishing Findings from the Field, a journal of student ecological and environmental science, launched in 2017. Students conduct authentic scientific inquiry, subject their research to the peer review process, and submit their revised work for editorial board review before publication—the same process a NASA scientist must go through! This hands-on, real-world experience in scientific communication sharpens these young scientists’ skills and immerses them in the collaborative nature of research—an essential foundation for the next generation of scientists. After 7 years and 7 published volumes, Findings from the Field was ready to expand, and the Findings Student Research Symposium was launched. The Symposium was a success from the start, with 65 student scientists joining the event the first year and attendance climbing to 95 for year two. On March 10, 2025, GMRI (the anchor institution for the NASA Science Activation program’s Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) project) welcomed nearly 100 young scientists, ranging from grades 5-12. These students, representing eight schools across Maine and New Hampshire, came together to share their research and engage in an evolving, intergenerational scientific community—one that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and scientific discovery. Students presented their research through posters and live presentations, covering topics ranging from invasive green crab species, to the changing landscapes of Ash and Hemlock trees, and more. By connecting students with professional researchers, fostering peer discussions, and providing a platform for publishing legitimate scientific work, the Findings Symposium is a launch pad for the future of the scientific community. One important element of the Symposium is the opportunity for young scientists to dialogue with professional scientists. Students engaged with researchers from Markus Frederich’s lab at the University of New England, volunteers from local organizations like Unum and Avangrid, and expert staff from GMRI. Student Madalyn Bartlett from Sacoppee Valley Middle School shared, “It makes me feel really proud, because I get to talk to professional scientists that have a lot of experience in this, and it make me feel like I am contributing to something bigger than my school and my community.” These interactions emphasize that science isn’t confined to white coats and labs—it’s about curiosity, observation, and shared knowledge. The keynote speaker, Kat Gardner-Vandy from a former NASA Science Activation project team, Native Earth | Native Sky, reinforced this message, inspiring students to see themselves as vital contributors to science and our collective knowledge about the world. The Learning Ecosystems Northeast project is supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AB94A and is part of NASA’s Science Activation Portfolio. Learn more about Learning Ecosystems Northeast: https://www.learningecosystemsnortheast.org/
The Highland Council welcomes the positive Care Inspectorate Inspection report following a recent unannounced inspection visit to Ben Wyvis Early Learning Centre (ELC), Conon Bridge, Dingwall.
Following the inspection, Ben Wyvis ELC received the following:
How good is our care, play and learning? – 5 Very Good
How good is our setting? – 5 Very Good
How good is our leadership? – 5 Very Good
How good is our staff team – 5 Very Good
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The recent unannounced inspection at Ben Wyvis ELC, Conon Bridge, Dingwall from the Care Inspectorate received a very positive report, reflecting the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the caring staff at the setting to create an inclusive, safe and nurturing ethos for all pupils attending.
“The report found significant strengths in aspects of the care provided and how these supported positive outcomes for children, the child centred approach by all staff, with supportive and highly skilled leadership and robust quality assurance processes that enable the ELC to deliver high quality care and support tailored to meet children’s and families’ needs.
“I’d like to congratulate the staff at Ben Wyvis ELC for their continued dedication and very good inspection report.”
Key messages from the report:
Children’s overall wellbeing was supported through effective use of personal planning enabling staff to provide high quality care.
Snack and mealtimes were calm, sociable, enjoyable experiences for children, where staff consistently sat eating with children, which promoted positive relationships and learning from discussions.
Children experienced a very good balance of high quality planned and spontaneous play and learning experiences which were interesting, fun and stimulating.
Children’s health and wellbeing benefitted from well-established and effective infection prevention and control routines.
The approach to staff deployment was outcome focused which meant that staff were meeting the needs of children through effective individualised support and supervision.
Following the conclusion of the public consultation on the possible introduction of a visitor levy for the Highlands, the Council Convener has thanked everyone who submitted responses and confirmed the next steps to be taken.
The Council held a series of webinars, community drop-in events, face to face public sessions and business events as part of the consultation process.
Around 4,000 responses have been received.
Convener Bill Lobban said: “Firstly I want to thank everyone who has taken part, their feedback is very much appreciated. People feel deeply and this is reflected in the high number of on-line form submissions we have received.
“The visitor economy is a key industry for the Highlands but to keep the area as a top visitor attraction we need to consider the reality that many services used by visitors and shared with residents are not a statutory duty of the Council to deliver and are under threat from shrinking public budgets. If a visitor levy was introduced, investment from it could benefit local communities and visitors, as many services used by visitors are shared with residents.
He added: “I know there are very mixed views on the introduction of the visitor levy. Any decisions need to be informed which is why we wanted as many people as possible to have the chance to pass on their views and suggestions as part of our consultation.
“The council will now take time to fully consider all responses received. There is no fixed timetable at this stage for the findings to be presented to members or considered at committee. The Council will be working with accommodation providers through the Visitor Levy Reference Group to review the proposal and to try and address concerns in the most positive way possible.”
Although the consultation is over, all the documents associated with the Visitor Levy consultation, including helpful FAQs can be accessed on the Council’s website
Green Party NI Leader Mal O’Hara said “The environmental policy of these 5 executive parties is like fake grass. It only looks like the real thing from the distance. When you get close, you realise it’s actually detrimental to the environment.
Lough Neagh is dying before our eyes, with the responsibility lying at the feet of these 5 parties that pursued industrialised farming on behalf of big agri-food. The Executive plan for recovery is focused on awareness and education rather than fines and enforcement. They have rowed back from the commitment in New Decade New Approach to establish an Independent Enviornmental Protection Agency in their newest Programme for Government. Northern Ireland emits higher per capita emissions than anywhere else on these islands. Our air is toxic. Our soil quality is deteriorating and none of our rivers, lakes and coastal plains meet a good standard. Northern Ireland is the 12th worst place in the world for species loss. That is the responsibility for those that have been in power for 27 years and have done precious little to address it.”
Mal continued ‘It is welcome that today the Assembly voted for the creation of a Climate Commissioner, which should hold government to account on its environmental record. This is a key part of the Climate Act that Green MLAs ensured happened in 2022. Let’s hope today is a sea change in approach from the Executive parties.”
All renters should have the right to make a house a home.
More in Housing
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman has lodged a proposal that would allow renters to use their outdoor spaces for growing plants and vegetables without needing permission from landlords.
Ms Chapman’s proposal to the Housing (Scotland) Bill is a much needed boost for nature restoration. It would mean plants such as wildflowers and small bee hives can be cultivated in renter’s gardens to help repopulate the bees and other insects that are vital for ours and our ecosystems survival.
Allowing more people to grow their own fruit and veg will also help bring sustainably homegrown, seasonal, fresh produce into more households and helps towards our climate action targets.
“In built-up areas where green space is limited to public parks and a few allotments, this is a much needed change for people and planet.
“Renters’ rights to use the spaces they pay for should extend to their gardens.
“Growing food sources or plants for pollinators is a great way to enjoy and access outdoor spaces. They should not have to ask permission from private landlords to do so when this is a move that benefits both people and planet.
“This is a small but significant change for renters to make the homes they pay towards feel like their own, and to do some good for the environment and their families.
“Outdoor spaces attached to properties should be there to enjoy and to utilise for good causes and this Bill must ensure that this is enshrined in law.”
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging TASEAN LEMAR BROWN, 35, and STANLEY CHARLES, 44, both of Stamford, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
The indictment was returned on April 3, 2025, and Brown and Charles were arrested yesterday. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven, entered pleas of not guilty to the charge, and were ordered detained.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Brown and Charles were using the U.S. Mail to traffic fentanyl into Connecticut and distribute it in southwestern Connecticut. The investigation included the seizure of two parcels that Brown mailed to Charles from California and Arizona, the first containing approximately one kilogram of fentanyl powder, and the second containing approximately three kilograms of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.
If convicted of the charge in the indictment, Brown and Charles each face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Connecticut State Police, and the Stamford, Greenwich, Bridgeport, Danbury, Stratford, and Norwalk Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
BOSTON – Three men pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston in connection with their participation in a North Shore-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed tens of thousands of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine and laundered the proceeds.
Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr., 34, of Saugus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams of more of methamphetamine; five counts of possession with intent to distribute various weights of fentanyl, methamphetamine and oxycodone; one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; and one count of money laundering conspiracy U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Aug. 5, 2025.
Gino Castillo, 34, of Salem, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 8, 2025.
Samuel Saillant, 38, of Lynn, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit money laundering. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2025.
Nagle, Jr., Castillo and Saillant were among 27 individuals charged, beginning in October 2022, in connection with a wide-ranging conspiracy to traffic counterfeit prescription pills. Nagle, Jr. was charged by complaint in October 2022 and later indicted. Castillo and Saillant were charged by indictment on April 24, 2024. All 27 individuals have pleaded guilty.
The DTO, led by Nagle, Jr. and his brother, Christopher Nagle, distributed counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, among other drugs, to individuals in the Lynn area. In January 2022, a search of Christopher Nagle’s apartment recovered more than 74,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, weighing more than 24 kilograms. On Oct. 25, 2022, a search of Nagle, Jr.’s home in Saugus and two homes he used to store narcotics—one of which was inhabited by Castillo—resulted in the seizure of more than 7.8 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 650 grams of methamphetamine. In addition, two Glock firearms and ammunition were recovered from Nagle, Jr.’s house in close proximity to oxycodone pills. At the time, Nagle, Jr. was a felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Nagle, Jr. purchased the home in Saugus in August 2020 with the cash proceeds of his drug trafficking activities. Saillant was Nagle’s real estate agent in connection with the purchase. On the morning of Aug. 21, 2020, Nagle, Jr., Saillant and a coconspirator traveled to banks and money-transmitting services in the Lynn area to exchange Nagle’s drug money for money orders and cashier’s checks. Saillant attended a property closing later that day at which the money orders and cashier’s checks were used to fund the downpayment on the house.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Beverly, Everett, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus and Swampscott Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys K. Nathaniel Yeager, Samuel R. Feldman and John O. Wray of the Criminal Division and Alexandra Amrhein of the Asset Forfeiture Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation
8th April 2025
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, has announced the publication of the Powering Prosperity Implementation Progress Report for April 2025, which highlights significant milestones in Ireland’s journey towards becoming a global leader in offshore renewable energy.
Ireland has set ambitious targets to deliver at least 37GW of offshore renewable energy by 2050. The availability of abundant, reliable green energy will drive clean, sustainable growth in energy-intensive sectors, together with numerous opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment launched Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy in March 2024, setting out to capture the value of the country’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) supply chain and maximise the economic impact of Ireland’s renewable energy goals. Over the past 12 months, substantial progress has been made, with 38 of the 40 actions outlined in the strategy either completed or underway.
The Implementation Progress Report, which was launched at WindEurope in Copenhagen, a major event in the wind energy industry attracting around 16,000 delegates each year, provided status updates on Powering Prosperity actions such delivering long-term funding options to support the scaling of Irish offshore wind supply chain companies. Notably, two significant projects received funding packages of over €1 million and €2 million, respectively.
It also highlighted how the development of an Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence (OWCE) is well underway, with initial funding allocated and a steering group formed to drive the project. An annual joint offshore renewable energy event has been established with Scotland, with the inaugural event “Advancing the Offshore Wind Opportunity: Bridging Irish and Scottish Perspectives” held in Dublin and Cork in June 2024.
Another key action was the Offshore RD&I Showcase and Access to Finance Event, which highlighted supports available to organisations along the offshore wind supply chain, promoting participation in research, development, and innovation programmes.
Highlighting the significant progress made and work underway to deliver Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions, Minister Burke said
“Powering Prosperity’s first Implementation Progress Report is a strong signal of the momentum that is gathering behind Ireland’s offshore wind sector. Considerable progress has been made over the last year in Irish offshore wind, and our strong enterprise base in this sector is continuing to grow. It is vital that this work continues at pace across Government to ensure that we are well positioned to capture the full economic, environmental and regional development benefits offered by this significant opportunity, and that we overcome any remaining challenges that might impede our continued progress. This Government will continue to work alongside industry and the research community towards our shared goal of a successful, resilient Irish offshore wind sector.”
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien said:
‘‘Developing an offshore wind sector requires an all-of-Government approach and a whole-of-economy mobilisation. By implementing an offshore wind industrial strategy, our colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are ensuring that Ireland will be in strong position to build a successful and resilient supply chain for offshore wind. Ahead of expected growth in the offshore sector in the coming years, it’s vital that expertise in areas such as research and development extend to the offshore wind sector, so we can take advantage of Ireland’s offshore wind potential.
‘‘It’s clear that the implementation of actions in this progress report, along with the implementation of actions from the ‘Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy Policy’, published by my own department last year, will help Ireland deliver its ambitious long-term targets for offshore wind.’’
Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, who will be attending the WindEurope Annual Event later this week, said:
‘‘Ireland is already a global leader for installed onshore wind power capacity and for the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid. The publication of this progress report comes on the back of a number of significant milestones achieved in Ireland’s offshore wind sector, including; the publication of Ireland’s first spatial plan for offshore wind – the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan; and the agreed terms and conditions of Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, which will take place later this year. In the coming weeks, we will also publish a ‘Roadmap for Future Designated Maritime Area Plans’, which will provide additional certainty for the offshore renewable sector.”
Work will continue on implementing the remaining actions by the end of this year, as set out in Powering Prosperity.
Ireland has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world, providing a strong and consistent wind supply. To fully harness the vast potential for clean, renewable energy from our seas, a suite of policies across Government have been, or are in the process of being developed, to ensure offshore renewable energy (ORE) projects are delivered in line with the target to deliver at least 37GW of ORE capacity by 2050. A key enabler of these targets is the work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. DETE, in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, leads on the work of Workstream 7 under the OWDT, which is focused on the supply chain, and also participates in a number of the other Workstreams, feeding into their work and the overall work of the OWDT.
Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy was published in March 2024 to ensure that Ireland maximises the economic benefits associated with Government ambitions to deliver its 2030, 2040 and 2050 offshore wind targets.
Powering Prosperity aims to build a successful, vibrant and impactful offshore wind energy industry in Ireland, ensuring that the sector creates as much value as possible throughout Ireland. Powering Prosperity includes 40 actions to be implemented by the end of this year.
The strategy is anchored on 4 core pillars:
Offshore wind supply chains: to build capacity and capability to develop the offshore wind farms that deliver on the 37GW target and give Ireland an edge in exporting products and services related to offshore wind energy;
Research, development and innovation: to give Ireland a competitive cutting edge in new technology and know-how for the sector;
Balanced regional economic development opportunities: to drive growth from offshore wind energy in line with the Programme for Government priority of enabling all parts of Ireland to thrive so that Ireland as a whole can prosper; and
Future demand and end uses for offshore renewable energy: for example, to develop new Green Energy Industrial Parks, which can attract major foreign direct investment, establish new indigenous green businesses and serve as test beds for green technological innovation to power the Irish economy of the future.
Powering Prosperity sets out an intention to publish progress reports, beginning in 2025. A first implementation progress update report was published in April 2025. This report outlines the status of each of the Industrial Strategy’s 40 actions, providing detail on progress made by April 2025.
Of the 40 actions, 38, or 95%, are complete or in progress. Of these, 11 have been delivered as set out in the Strategy, with a further 3 completed by alternative means, or insofar as possible. A further 24 are currently in progress, though 5 of these are delayed. Of the final 2 actions, 1 is not yet initiated, and 1 will not be completed due to external circumstances.
Wales well-placed to benefit from increased spending on defence
Latest figures show the Ministry of Defence spends £290 for every person in Wales.
Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith at Teledyne Qioptiq.
Wales a key player in the defence industry providing critical technology and innovation
Latest figures show the Ministry of Defence spends £290 for every person in Wales and directly supports over 7,000 jobs
Increased spending on defence recently announced by the Prime Minister boosts national security and drives economic growth
The cutting-edge work being carried out by defence sector firms in Wales has been highlighted on a visit by a UK Government Minister to North Wales.
Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith visited Teledyne Qioptiq Ltd in St Asaph today (Thursday 3rd April).
The firm specialises in advanced electro-optic technology which is integral to a wide range of defence programmes including the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft and Challenger 2 tanks. The firm also plays a key supporting role for the infantry through the STAS contract.
Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said:
The defence industry is a cornerstone of our national security and economic prosperity.
All of the Ministry of Defence’s top five suppliers have a footprint in Wales and so we are well placed to benefit from an increase in defence spending.
> “Companies like Qioptic are not only driving innovation but also providing high-quality jobs and contributing significantly to our local and national economy.
The UK Government’s number one mission is kickstarting economic growth. By investing in the defence sector we safeguard our national security, create new jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.
Peter White, Managing Director of Qioptiq said:
It is a privilege to continue to play our part in keeping our troops and society safe.
Wales plays a key role in the UK’s defence industry with over 160 companies employing more than 20,000 people and is well placed to benefit from increased defence spending.
Last month, the Prime Minister made a commitment to increase UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.
According to the most recent figures the UK Government’s Ministry of Defence spent £914m in 2023-24 with industry and commerce in Wales, an increase from 2022-23 of £86m and directly supported 7,700 jobs in the country.
In the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor committed £975 million over the next five years to the aerospace sector, with £49 million already confirmed for projects in Wales.
While in North Wales, Dame Nia also visited Wagtail UK in Mostyn.
Wagtail is an award-winning company which provides detection dogs and dog trainer handling and supplies bodies including UK Border Force, HM Revenue & Customs, Police, Trading Standards and Armed Forces.
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The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, has written to Oldham Council responding to their request to revoke the Places for Everyone Joint Plan as it applies to the borough of Oldham.
A district council in England has passed a motion to grant its local river the rights to flow freely, to be free from pollution and to enjoy its native biodiversity. The move by Lewes District Council in East Sussex to recognise the fundamental rights of the River Ouse is the first of its kind in the UK.
The Ouse (not to be confused with larger rivers of the same name in Yorkshire and East Anglia) flows southwards for 35 miles into the English Channel and suffers from the usual problems afflicting many rivers in the UK: chemical pollution, sewage dumping and so on.
As a legal academic who researches exactly these sorts of rights, I was excited to see the news from Lewes (even if the council’s motions ultimately can’t overrule national laws). But simply granting a river some rights isn’t enough. We now need to think about who will actually defend these rights.
This may mean appointing someone to represent the rights of the river. Who these representatives are, and how they think about nature and conservation, can be as important as the granting of these rights in the first place.
Appointing representatives who care about their own personal and property interests would be a grave mistake, as would appointing anyone who prioritises the rights of humans to a healthy environment over a more intrinsic right of nature (remember: the idea is that the River Ouse has rights in itself and shouldn’t need to demonstrate its worth to humans).
As further rivers, lakes, forests and more are granted rights like the Ouse, we’ll need to train up an army of people willing to represent the rights of nature.
Natural entities should have legal rights
The law professor Christopher Stone pioneered the rights of nature concept back in the 1970s. He argued that natural entities, like rivers or forests, should have legal rights and that a “guardian” or representative should be appointed to defend those rights in court when they are threatened.
Some legal systems have adopted this model. For example, in New Zealand, the Whanganui River was granted legal personhood, and two “human faces” were appointed to act and speak on its behalf. Their duties are outlined in a 2017 act, which specifies that these representatives must have the skills, knowledge and experience needed to effectively advocate for the river’s rights.
But even as rights of nature are being considered in many countries, there is still little consideration of who will represent these rights effectively. For instance, back in 2008 Ecuador became the first country to grant the rights of nature in its constitution. However the constitution states that “all persons” are representatives of the rights of nature. This is simply impractical: we can’t expect every citizen to truly care about the rights of nature.
Efforts to apply the rights of nature in Ecuador have often failed. Legal challenges can become highly politicised and there is little legal infrastructure beyond general constitutional principles.
For example, in a case brought after road builders had dumped material into the Vilcabamba River, plaintiffs claimed to represent nature in court. However, they were not genuinely advocating for the river’s rights – their main concern was protecting their downstream property.
An ecocentric perspective
Ultimately, defending the rights of nature in court will be a struggle if the nature in question – the river, forest or lake – is not represented by someone with an ecocentric perspective. That means prioritising the intrinsic value of nature itself, rather than focusing on how it can serve human interests.
Ecocentric advocates have proved to be the most effective defenders of the rights of nature in many court cases. For example, in lawsuits involving Ecuador’s Los Cedros cloud forest and its marine ecosystems, ecocentric arguments helped secure stronger legal protections and even inspired the courts to grant further rights of nature.
One of the most common legal frameworks involves appointing “all persons”, “a person”, or “a resident” as representatives or protectors. For instance, Uganda’s National Environment Act 2019 states that anyone has the right to bring an action before a court “for any infringement of rights of nature”.
Similarly, the city of Toledo, Ohio, tried to introduce the Lake Erie bill of rights which stated that the city or any resident could act on behalf of the lake’s ecosystem. (The bill was declared unconstitutional by a federal court in 2020 and did not become the law).
Having such broad representation can make these legal protections less effective. This is what Stone, the law professor, envisioned back in the 70s: representatives should be trained to view nature as having intrinsic value – the very reason it is granted rights – and to protect it on that basis.
There are some promising examples. Guardians were appointed to protect the Magpie River in Canada, for instance, after it was granted legal personhood in 2022. Their responsibilities include participating – on behalf of the river itself – in any consultations on projects that might affect the river.
When the River Atrato in Colombia was also granted legal rights, the court required the formation of a commission (with representatives from the state and local communities) to train and oversee the work of the guardians.
Moves to give rights to nature are promising. But from Colombia to Canada to Sussex, we’ll need a whole army of nature protectors to actually enforce those rights.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cecilia Manosa Nyblon, Director – We Are the Possible Programme, University of Exeter
Imagine heading into space, landing on the moon and walking in the dust. As you adjust to the weightlessness, you see something unexpected on the horizon. You’re looking back at the Earth, experiencing the “overview effect”. How would you feel? What would you see, hear, touch, taste and smell?
We asked these questions when we launched a creative writing workshop to harness the beauty and power of storytelling, education, theatre, and music to inspire a greener, healthier and fairer world for future generations.
One of us, Cecilia Mañosa Nyblon, brought together a team from the University of Exeter, the Met Office and international experts including marine scientists, poets, soundscape artists, musicians, playwrights and children’s authors who recognise the power of the arts to bridge the gap between science and society.
In 2021, our team launched We Are the Possible. This international award-winning programme brings together artists, scientists, educators and health professionals to connect hearts and minds. Together, we develop creative content and performances that are presented to policymakers and the public at annual UN climate summits and other public events.
As Kathleen Jamie, Scotland’s makar (national poet), said during the 2021 UN climate summit in Glasgow: “We can’t have that massive event around nature and environment without a poetry presence there.”
Since 2021, this programme has engaged more than 16,000 people in the UK, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. Our projects have reached more than 33 million people worldwide through mainstream media, social media and online platforms. By inspiring global and local audiences, we hope to mobilise communities to care for and protect our planet.
“We Are the Possible” collaborated with artists, scientists, educators, musicians and schoolchildren to perform at Cop28, the UN climate summit, in Dubai in 2023.
The project’s creative lead, Sally Flint, weaves the words of climate scientists, health professionals, storytellers, artists, youth, educators and translators into an anthology of 12 poems or stories for the 12 days of each UN climate summit, showing what people value most and what’s at stake in our changing planet.
In our anthology for Cop28 (the 2023 climate summit in Dubai), Christiana Figueres, the Costa Rican diplomat who spent years negotiating for climate action at the UN summits, shared that “while this remains vital, I have also realised that connecting with people from the heart and with love is the most powerful place to start.”
Scientists have the data. We have the technological solutions. But governments and leaders are failing to act with urgency. The climate crisis is our biggest communication failure.
Culture has the power to help people imagine and inspire action through dialogue, images, storytelling and shared experiences. But for far too long, the arts, cultural heritage and creative industries have been absent in climate policy frameworks. In 2024, ministers of culture and education gathered in Abu Dhabi to establish a framework which recognises the transformative power and impact of culture and arts education [for sustainable development]https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/WCCAE_UNESCO%20Framework_EN_0.pdf).
Since Cop28, our team has been working with our partner, a not-for-profit called the Emirates Literature Foundation, to involve Indigenous poets through visual artforms. This involvement shines a light on the importance of Indigenous knowledge in our climate conversations to heal and restore our planet.
We have also collaborated with a sustainable theatre company called The Theatre of Others to deliver The Earth Turns and Bright Light Burning. These immersive theatre performances (inspired by We Are the Possible anthologies) and panel discussions involve both policymakers and the public. After one of the performances, Jonathan Dewsbury, director of capital operations and net zero at the UK government’s Department for Education, told us: “If we don’t grab the arts, the poems, the music and embed them into our top policy thinkers, our top decision-makers, we are not going to make the right choices, the right solutions.”
Carpet weaving is an important part of Azerbaijan’s cultural identity. At Cop29 (the 2024 UN climate summit in Azerbaijan), one group of academics and students at Khazar University in Baku wove a traditional “Chelebi” carpet. This conveyed a message of unity and environmental stewardship through symbolic patterns inspired by We Are the Possible’s anthology.
Ocean-literate cultures
Around 50% of countries have no mention of climate change in their school curriculum, according to Unesco. Most teachers (95%) feel that teaching about climate climate change is important but less than 30% say are ready to teach it. Meanwhile, 75% young people around the world say they are frightened about their future.
Schools Across the Ocean, the education strand of We Are the Possible, is addressing this climate education gap. Led by our colleague, senior lecturer in education Anita Wood, this initiative has already connected more than 2,000 schoolchildren (aged 8-13) and more than 100 teachers in the UK, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan and other countries.
Inspiring children to put their words and artwork of hope about the ocean.
This six-week programme involves providing a toolkit for teachers plus activities and online workshops that engage children in science, art, storytelling and action for the ocean. The goal is for more children to understand why we all need a healthy ocean, develop their sense of agency and inspire others in their local communities to take action too.
Wendy Wilson, headteacher St Anne’s School in Alderney on the Channel Islands, found that Schools Across the Ocean meant that her students were not just learning about climate change. She said they were also “becoming active, global citizens who are climate literate, empowered and full of hope.”
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
We Are the Possible programme has been funded by the University of Exeter, Met Office, British Council, British Embassy Gulf Strategy Fund, British Embassy Azerbaijan, UKRI, AHRC, Knowledge E Foundation,Arts Council England and supported by Emirates Literature Foundation, American University in Cairo, Khorfakkan University, Khazar University, BIMM University, Extreme Hangout, Banlastic, Ocean Generation, Tahrir Cultural Centre, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Cygnet Theatre, among others.
We Are the Possible programme has been funded by the University of Exeter, Met Office, British Council, British Embassy Gulf Strategy Fund, British Embassy Azerbaijan, UKRI, AHRC, Knowledge E Foundation, Arts Council England and supported by Emirates Literature Foundation, American University in Cairo, Khorfakkan University, Khazar University, BIMM University, Extreme Hangout, Banlastic, Ocean Generation, Tahrir Cultural Centre, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Cygnet Theatre, among others.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
School children in Stockton-on-Tees inspire nature recovery
The activity, centred around Tilery Park, encouraged engagement from residents and schools to understand how the local community view and use green spaces.
Children at Tilery Primary School unleash their inner plants and animals to help boost long-term, local nature recovery.
Children at Tilery Primary School have unleashed their inner plants and animals by putting on a wildlife parade to help boost long-term nature recovery in Teesside.
Delivered through the Tees Nature Recovery Partnership (NRP), the project, aims to encourage engagement from residents to understand how they use or don’t use Tilery Park and to explore barriers to access, plus community-led future aspirations for local green spaces.
The children in Year Five and Six designed animal costumes based on their interpretation of Tilery Park and worked with Teesside University and local artists to design what they would like their green space to look like in 100 years, to remind them about the importance of protecting habitats for local wildlife now.
They worked with photography, textiles and art materials, design and imagination to see, listen and explore Tilery Rec next door to the school. Local community groups also shared their memories and joined in with activities such as bingo and sculpture-making.
Pupils had the chance to show off their work as part of a green space parade which also formed part of their geography curriculum and highlights the school’s dedication to environmental issues.
The parade was filmed by Teesside University’s Sarah Perks and Paul Stewart (working together as Forms of Circulation). They were joined by local artists including Annie O’Donnell, Wil Jackson, Christo Wallers and Lizzie Mckeone for this project.
Children in Year Five and Six designed animal costumes based on their interpretation of Tilery Park
Emma Carter, a teacher at Tilery Primary School, said:
Our Year Five and Six children had a wonderful time learning about Tilery Rec and how it was used in the past, how it is used now and how they would like to see it being used in the future.
It has been great for our children to be out and about in our community. They are incredibly excited about the parade and are looking forward to seeing the photos taken for Natural England. Tilery Primary pupils have really benefitted from this project and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take part.
Vicky Ward, Natural England Senior Project Manager for the Tees Estuary Nature Recovery Partnership said:
It is fantastic to see young people’s creativity, passion and enthusiasm in helping to protect our natural habitats here in Teesside.
Good quality green and blue spaces have an important role to play in our urban and rural environments for improving health and wellbeing, nature recovery and climate resilience. Along with addressing issues of economic growth, social inequality and environmental decline.
This project has utilised imaginative approaches to explore how local children, and other residents, perceive and use Tilery Park and the surrounding green spaces. Being able to co-create meaning through the arts, enables residents to participate by sharing their hopes and aspirations on how their local green spaces can be used and valued.
Professor Sarah Perks and Dr Paul Stewart, from Teesside University’s Institute for Collective Place Leadership led the creative project and communities’ engagement for this project as part of their research in curatorial and artistic practice.
Professor Perks, Professor of Curating in the University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries said:
We are dedicated to engaging communities with local nature and connecting with living ecosystems, as part of our work as curators and academics.
Dr Paul Stewart, Principal Lecturer in Research and Innovation in the University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, added:
We felt inspired by the multiple ways the schoolchildren involved in the project worked collaboratively.
The Tees NRP started in January 2023 and covers an area of 17,200 hectares where Natural England and the Environment Agency, Hartlepool Borough Council, Groundwork NE&C, National Trust, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, RSPB Saltholme, Stockton Borough Council, Teesmouth Field Centre, Tees Rivers Trust, Tees Valley Nature Partnership and Tees Valley Wildlife Trust are developing projects that will deliver nature recovery on the ground as well as improve people’s access and connection to local spaces.
The aim is to create a place which is greener, cleaner and climate resilient, where nature growth is prioritised, cultural heritage is celebrated, and everyone has easy and accessible ways to connect to nature for now and always.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she helped to celebrate the 100th birthday of a woman from Queens who miraculously escaped the horrors of the Holocaust in Europe.
Meng visited the Flushing home of Hanna Slome yesterday where the Congresswoman honored her with an official congressional proclamation and proclaimed this Friday, April 11 – the actual date of her birthday – as Hanna Slome Day throughout New York’s Sixth Congressional District.
Slome was born on April 11, 1925 in Czechoslovakia. She was one of 669 children rescued by Sir Nicholas Winton’sKindertransport in 1939, escaping Nazi persecution and beginning a new life in England before immigrating to the United States at the age of 19 aboard a wartime freighter. She was unaware of who was responsible for her escape but learned decades later that it was organized by Winton, a British stockbroker.
After settling in New York City, Slome married and moved to Flushing, raising two children and ultimately welcoming seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Slome was actively involved in local religious institutions including Temple Gates of Prayer in Flushing as well as serving on the PTA of Junior High School 185 where she also served a term as its president. In addition, she has spoken to school groups about her experience during and after the Holocaust.
“I am proud to commend and recognize Hanna for a century of courage, service and inspiration,” said Meng. “Her message of resilience and hope continues to inspire generations and will do so for many years to come. It is an honor and privilege to wish her a very happy 100tth birthday and I send her my warmest congratulations.”
This past January, Meng introduced a bipartisan resolution on International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorating 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and recommitting to combatting all forms of antisemitism. She also helped to reintroduce the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act in January that seeks to increase Holocaust education efforts in public schools.
As a specialty registrar in paediatric dentistry, I’ve seen first-hand the pain children experience because of poor oral health. Tooth decay happens when teeth are damaged by acids produced by oral bacteria breaking down sugar from foods and drinks – and although it’s largely preventable – it’s the most common reason for hospital admission in children aged between five and nine in England.
Tooth decay in children is also linked to obesity. Childhood obesity increases the risk of developing other diseases throughout childhood and into adulthood, including diabetes, high blood pressure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
My research, conducted with colleagues at Loughborough University, explores how acceptable and feasible it is for dental teams to offer weight checks and support, such as referral to weight loss programmes, to patients during routine appointments. In my job as a paediatric dentist, I discuss weight and health with families and offer referral to local healthy lifestyle services.
The World Health Organization estimates that 43% of children have decay worldwide and 20% of children aged 5-19 years are overweight or living with obesity.
In England, 29.3% of five-year-olds have tooth decay and 21.3% of four and five year olds are overweight or living with obesity. A diet high in sugary foods and drinks increases the risk of developing both conditions. and evidence suggests that children who are overweight or living with obesity are more likely to have tooth decay.
Mouth disease is also linked with disease in other parts of the body. Gum disease, for example, is an infection of the tissues that support teeth, which has links with type 2 diabetes. When one disease is poorly controlled, it can make the other worse. The number of children with type 2 diabetes is increasing, with excess weight increasing the risk of developing this condition.
Given the links between diet, tooth decay, obesity, type 2 diabetes, as well as other diseases that can develop when living with obesity, dental teams may be ideal professionals to tackle both tooth decay and obesity. It can be difficult to see an NHS dentist in the UK but NHS dental teams do see millions of children every year and already advise families on reducing sugary foods and drinks in the diet to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Dental teams taking body measurements is not new. Height and weight measurements to calculate body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat, are already collected by some dental teams. These measurements are helpful when prescribing medication and for planning dental treatment for children who need a general anaesthetic or sedation.
Some hospital dental teams, such as in Edinburgh and Dundee in Scotland, also offer weight and height checks for children and young people as part of routine appointments. The child’s weight is discussed with the child’s parent or carer in a sensitive way and families are offered referral to a local service to support healthy lifestyle changes.
This opportunity to support a child with their oral health as well as weight aligns with the NHS initiative, Making Every Contact Count. Making Every Contact Count calls on all health care professionals to take every opportunity within their appointments with patients to help improve patient health.
Children living in more deprived areas of the UK are at least twice as likely to be living with overweight and obesity. They’re also three times as likely to have tooth decay. The NHS aims to reduce these inequalities among children and has chosen oral health and diabetes as two key areas to improve care for children and young people.
The public have shown support for dental teams to talk about weight at dental visits and offer guidance to lose weight and improve health when done in a supportive way. Research published in 2024, found that over 80% of the public supported weight measurements being taken by dental teams and a discussion of weight at dental appointments. Most of the studies in this review came from the USA.
A UK based survey asked parents and carers if they would feel comfortable with their child(ren)’s weight and height being taken at a dental appointment in a dental practice. The survey found 58% of parents and carers would feel comfortable and a further 12% might feel comfortable with this approach.
This was very similar to how adults completing the survey felt about having their own height and weight measured at a dental appointment with 60% reporting they would feel comfortable and a further 10% saying they may feel comfortable.
Discussing weight can feel uneasy and dental teams say they worry they will upset patients if they talk about weight. Some studies have found dental teams are also concerned they do not have enough time to talk about weight and that they have not had training on how to do this.
However, studies have found when weight checks and support are offered to families by trained dental teams, help is well received and lack of time rarely a problem.
Dental decay and obesity are preventable in many cases. Both conditions can continue into adulthood with the risk of developing other health problems.
Research shows that dental teams are willing to provide support and that children and their families are open to receiving help for obesity. Dental teams do have an important role to play, as well as GPs and allied healthcare professionals, in tackling obesity in children as well as tooth decay.
Jessica Large does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
