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Category: Great Britain

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young people to benefit from creative education boost

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Young people to benefit from creative education boost

    New package announced to support young people to access high-quality arts education and enrichment activities as well as AI and tech opportunities.

    Young people across the country will have greater access to high-quality arts education, wider creative and sporting activities as well as opportunities to gain in-demand skills in AI and tech under plans announced today (18 March) by the Education Secretary.

    The announcements will help deliver the government’s Plan for Change to break the link between background and success, driving high and rising school standards so every child can achieve and thrive. 

    The plans include the development of a National Centre for Arts & Music Education which will promote opportunities for children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school – including through the government’s network of music hubs. An Enrichment Framework will also be developed in collaboration with a panel of experts, covering a wide range of extra-curricular activities from sport to debating and volunteering. Alongside this, a new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group made up of sector and digital experts will advise the government on what changes can be made to prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future.

    It comes as the curriculum and assessment review expert panel, led by Professor Becky Francis, publishes its interim report and sets out its next steps to develop a curriculum and assessment system that will set young people up with the essential knowledge they need for life and work. 

    The Education Secretary has also confirmed today that compulsory tests, checks and assessments that ensure children leave primary school with solid foundations in reading, writing and maths will remain a core part of the curriculum and assessment system. This is in recognition of the role they play in providing crucial information to schools, parents and government on pupils’ progress and helping to close the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    I welcome the important progress Becky Francis and her expert review are making to drive forward work to take the curriculum into the modern era and help deliver on the government’s Plan for Change.

    That means keeping what’s working and evolving what’s not. The report is clear on the importance of primary school assessment, which are simply non-negotiable if we are going to keep pushing standards up for every child and close the attainment gap.

    High standards must also mean greater opportunities and a curriculum fit for the world of today and tomorrow. Our new National Centre for Arts and Music, alongside a renewed focus on giving young people the AI and technical skills they need, are significant steps on the path to making sure every child, wherever they grow up, leaves school truly ready for life and work.

    Plans announced today include:

    • The appointment of a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education to support the delivery of high-quality arts education through a new online training offer for teachers, promoting opportunities for children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school – including through the government’s network of Music Hubs – and boost partnerships between schools and cultural providers.
    • To support schools to offer pupils high-quality creative and other extra-curricular activities, a new Enrichment Framework will be developed in collaboration with a panel of experts. The Framework is expected to cover a wide range of activities which could be anything from sport to gardening, board games to school bands, or debating to volunteering.
    • A new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group made up of sector and digital experts will also be established. The group will advise the government on what changes can be made to improve the AI and digital skills talent pipeline, prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future, and drive better teaching and learning through the use of AI and Technology. The group will report to the Education Secretary before the end of the academic year.

    Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: 

    Arts and music bring people together and are enjoyed by communities across the country. We want every child and young person to have equal opportunities to access a high quality arts and music education, to ensure creativity can be explored by all and not just the privileged few.

    The government’s new National Centre for Arts and Music Education will ensure more children and young people’s untapped potential can be unleashed, improving the pipeline of talent for our world class creative industries.

    Darren Henley CBE, CEO of Arts Council England said:

    This bold innovation will nurture England’s next generation of creators, performers and audiences, levelling the playing field for all young people whatever their background. Subjects like art and design, dance, drama and music are central to every child’s education. They come with the added bonus of equipping young people for life by boosting their creativity, their confidence and their social skills. A National Centre for Arts and Music Education is a vital initiative, and we welcome it wholeheartedly.

    Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-CEO, National Theatre 

    Access to excellent arts teaching and experiences at school should be a right for all young people to fuel a creative nation. The National Theatre welcomes today’s announcement from the Department for Education that it will establish a new National Centre for Arts & Music Education, recognising the need to support high quality arts provision in schools. We look forward to consulting with the DfE on the remit of the new Centre and its relationship to the arts sector. It’s brilliant to see the Government’s clear focus on the value of the arts in schools and the need to ensure equity of access for all young people.

    Ruth Marvel OBE – CEO The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

    Enrichment activities and high-quality personal development are a crucial part of a well-balanced, enriched education for all young people – helping them to develop essential skills for life and work, explore their individual interests and talents, and build meaningful relationships with trusted adults and peers. 

    We are therefore delighted that Government has responded to calls from DofE, NCS and our partners across the youth and education sectors and today announced it will develop an enrichment framework. The framework, together with best practice guidance and benchmarks, will support schools and colleges to deliver a high-quality enrichment offer for all young people. We look forward to working with the Government, alongside other expert partners, to develop this essential framework.

    The plans come alongside wider measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to deliver high-quality teachers in every classroom, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change by breaking down barriers to opportunity and giving every child and young person the best life chances.

    Last year the government launched a Review of the curriculum and assessment system, led by Professor Becky Francis, to look closely at the key challenges to attainment for young people, and the barriers which hold children back from the opportunities and life chances they deserve – in particular those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, or with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). 

    The curriculum and assessment review interim report highlights the value of primary assessment, citing its importance in supporting children’s transition from primary to secondary, establishing whether children have learned the national curriculum and the role of assessment in holding schools to account.

    Alongside the review, the government is also continuing to drive high and rising school standards so every family can be confident they have access to a good local school for their child.

    This includes through the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which will ensure there are high-quality teachers in every classroom, there is a floor on pay and no ceiling, so all teachers can rely on a core offer and all schools can innovate to attract and retain the best talent.

    These measures, alongside new regional improvement teams and Ofsted reforms, will make sure every child has an education as good as the best.

    The bill will also ensure that, once the curriculum has been revised to take account of the recommendations of the review, all state schools – including academies who currently do not have to follow the national curriculum – will be required to teach the national curriculum up to age 16. This will give parents certainty over their children’s education and allow all children to benefit from the strengthened curriculum, whatever type of school they go to.

    Notes to Editors

    • Primary school tests and assessments include the phonics screening check (taken in year 1 at age five or six), the multiplication tables check, (taken in year 4 at aged eight or nine) as well as maths, reading and grammar, punctuation and spelling tests and assessments taken in year 6 (aged 10 or 11 just before pupils leave primary school).

    • The National Centre for Arts and Music is expected to be established in September 2026, with a delivery lead appointed through an open procurement. It will be expected to:
      • Promote arts education – including signposting to industry-backed careers guidance, and to opportunities to support children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school, including through our national network of Music Hubs.
      • Support excellent arts teaching – through a new online CPD offer for primary and secondary school teachers, and support to access the brilliant teacher development provision available from cultural providers.
      • Support partnerships – bolstering collaboration between schools and the many arts and cultural organisations with fantastic offers for children and young people, to maximise those opportunities for the most children, no matter where they live.
    • The DfE, working closely with DCMS, has committed to publishing the new Enrichment Framework by the end of the year. Building on the work of the sector, we will develop the framework alongside a working group consisting of experts from schools, youth, sports and arts organisations and research bodies. The framework will highlight effective practice on enrichment by:
      • identifying and reflecting practice in the best schools to set out what a high-quality enrichment offer looks like – we will consider with the sector whether standardised benchmarks and tools can form a useful part of that support.
      • providing advice for schools with how to plan a high-quality enrichment offer more strategically and intentionally and how to make use of specific programmes to increase access to sport and arts
    • The new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group will advise on how  the school and college education system in England can ensure that every child and young person is equipped to thrive in an AI and digital world, creating strong foundations for access to more specialist AI and digital pathways and making the most of the opportunities to use AI and educational technology to drive better teaching and learning. We intend that this work will commence shortly and conclude before the end of the academic year.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian National Arrested for Selling Fake Social Security Cards and Green Cards

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Brazilian national, residing in Woburn, was arrested today for allegedly selling fraudulent Social Security cards and Legal Permanent Resident cards, often referred to as “Green Cards.”  

    Liene Tavares DeBarros, Jr., 39, is charged with one count of unlawful transfer of a document or authentication feature. Tavares DeBarros was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester. 

    According to the charging documents, Tavares DeBarros sold a Social Security Number Card and a Green Card to an undercover officer in October 2024 in exchange for $250. In December 2024, Tavares DeBarros allegedly sold two more Social Security cards and Green Cards to the undercover officer in exchange for $500. 

    The charge of unlawful transfer of document or authentication feature and unlawful production of document or authentication feature provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and  Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The facts about the Colum Marks case

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV party secretary Ann McClure:

    “This is yet another report from the Police Ombudsman which is seriously lacking in balance. One might have hoped that she would have learned from the recent High Court judgement which should have called time on her desire to always play to the anti-police gallery but clearly not. Then of course the Ombudsman would have resigned in light of that judgement. She didn’t and is still delivering ridiculous findings which attempt to blacken the good name of the RUC.

    “The facts of this case are stark. Colum Marks was a member of a proscribed terrorist organisation and actively involved in a terrorist act when he was thankfully neutralised by a brave RUC officer.

    “There is no dispute about the fact that Marks – had he not been shot – would have been involved in a mortar attack which was designed to result in murder.

    “No finding by the discredited Ombudsman should be permitted to obscure the reality driven home simply by restating the facts of the case.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Siân Berry’s message to Labour: stop scapegoating and stigmatising those in need

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Reacting to the statement from Liz Kendal’s to parliament today on proposed cuts to welfare benefits [1], Siân Berry MP said:

    “I’ve heard nothing today that reassures me the Government will stop scapegoating and stigmatising those in need, while impoverishing them to the tune of £5 billion. Young and disabled people should have the support and backing of the Government but instead they have been badly let down this month with the active trailing of terrifying plans.

    “It’s clear that these plans were plotted without the input of those whose lives will be most impacted. Disabled people must be listened to before any changes are made, and I hope that Labour backbenchers will join me in being their fiercest defenders and fight off the worst of these plans.

    “The Chancellor must listen as well, to growing calls from Green MPs, the public and even many millionaires for a wealth tax. How can she stoop as low as any Conservative Chancellor and take money away from disabled people rather than get a grip on the obscene wealth being hoarded in this country? This morally indefensible choice will have devastating consequences, and the Government should be ready to answer for it.”

    Notes

    [1] Deep cuts, Pip and ‘right to try’ work: the key changes in UK benefits overhaul | Welfare | The Guardian

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The UK has closed its flagship sustainable farming scheme, choosing short-term cuts over long-term security

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emma Burnett, Honorary Research Associate, TABLE, University of Oxford

    EMJAY SMITH / shutterstock

    The UK government’s decision to abruptly close all applications for its flagship nature-friendly farming scheme has shocked many of the country’s farmers and environmentalists.

    The sustainable farming incentive (SFI) is one of a series of schemes which pays farmers in England to nurture the soil and wildlife and improve water quality. It is far from perfect.

    People have criticised its complexity and lack of clarity, its financial viability or its impact on how farms operate and how this would change the balance between producing food and reaching environmental goals.

    It’s too early to tell if these critics were correct, but the SFI certainly provided some stability for British farmers after EU farm subsidies ended post-Brexit. It seemed poised to make some positive impact.

    The government says a revised version will be announced in the coming months, but it will be hard to regain the trust of farmers. The decision to close the scheme for now throws a stark light on a broader issue: the tendency to prioritise immediate financial needs over the long-term health of both the farming sector and the environment.

    This is a classic example of what economists call “future discounting”, and it’s a dangerous game to play when it comes to vital services.

    Essentially, future discounting means we value things more in the present than we do in the future. If you are promised £100 today, or £110 in two months, which would you take? Sometimes there’s no right or wrong answer – do what you think is right for you with that £100. But sometimes… well, sometimes there is a right answer.

    The value of now, the value of the future

    The SFI scheme offers vital support for sustainable practices that, while crucial, often require upfront investment. This includes cover cropping, for example, where a crop is grown simply to cover a field rather than to be harvested.

    Cover cropping can help rejuvenate soils and is good for insects, but there are costs attached to purchasing the seeds, sowing them, and missing out on income by not growing a commodity crop.

    Other investment examples might involve creating grassland or ponds and ditches to hold back rainwater and prevent floods. These things have an immediate impact on farm output and activities, but with an eye to longer-term benefit.

    Investment in soil health might lower yields in the short run, but should pay off in the long run.
    William Edge / shutterstock

    The sudden closure of the scheme creates an immediate financial vacuum for those who missed the (unannounced) window. Thankfully, farmers with existing agreements will continue within the scheme, and applications that had been submitted prior to the sudden closure will still be assessed.

    However, even for those who are currently enrolled, this about-face instils fear that support will be withdrawn in the years to come – long before something like an expanded woodland has come to fruition.

    The government says that it has run out of money for the current budget cycle. Rather than celebrating the fact that so many farmers want to be involved, want to do adopt better farming practices and act as custodians of nature, it instead panicked and shut people out.

    Too much demand for a nature-friendly future, not enough cold hard cash. And now we can see how the discounting works – the perceived urgency of cashflow today overshadows the long-term benefits of healthy soil, thriving biodiversity, and a resilient ecosystem.

    There are specific actions that SFIs are meant to support, including soil health, water quality, biodiversity and pest management. Each of these requires investment to manage, and to rectify when things go wrong (see the huge fines for water companies).

    For example, it is easier to address issues of water quality by supporting better land use – reduced agri-chemicals, more grassland, tree cover, and so on – than to treat poor water quality downstream.

    But farmers operate both within tight financial margins and on long time-scales. They need security of income to plan land use, including whether they can afford to implement alternative strategies. But they do want to. That’s why there’s been so much demand for SFIs.

    A false economy

    Sympathy could be rustled up for the government, trying to manage complex budgets in a complicated time. But it has made one misstep after another in relation to both food and farming (farmer protests over inheritance tax, for instance) and the environment (such as the planned Heathrow airport expansion)).

    So while immediate fiscal prudence is important, ignoring the long-term consequences of environmental degradation is a false economy. We have a responsibility to value the future as much as the present. Failing to do so will have serious consequences for our environment, our food security, and the well-being of future generations.

    Rather than discounting futures, we should be doing the opposite – negative futures discounting. It sounds upside-down, but it boils down to this: we should value the future more, not less.

    In particular, we should be focused on nurturing good farming and environmental protection. These should take centre stage as mission critical things that we need, and not just for now, but always.

    The sustainable farming incentive shutdown is another chance to reflect on the fact that farming and environmental sustainability are not luxuries, but necessities. We cannot afford to continually discount the future, sacrificing the future of farming and the environment for the sake of short-term finance. It’s time to re-evaluate our priorities.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Emma Burnett has previously received funding from sankalpa. She also works as a sustainability researcher for a whisky company.

    – ref. The UK has closed its flagship sustainable farming scheme, choosing short-term cuts over long-term security – https://theconversation.com/the-uk-has-closed-its-flagship-sustainable-farming-scheme-choosing-short-term-cuts-over-long-term-security-252326

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Exploring the link between school exclusion and crime – new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Iain Brennan, Professor of Criminology, University of Hull

    The rate of children permanently excluded from school in England rose against last year and is higher than before the pandemic.

    A recent BBC documentary by actor Idris Elba pointed out that being excluded from school can be a tipping point that pushes a child towards serious violence. This observation is backed up by convincing evidence.

    Data in a joint report by the Ministry of Justice and Department for Education shows that the risk of being cautioned or charged for a serious violence offence by age 18 is 15 times higher in children who had been excluded from school.

    Crucially, though, exclusion and violence have many risk factors in common. Children who have special educational needs, have grown up in deprivation or have been in care, for instance, are more at risk both of being excluded from school and of committing a violent offence.

    This makes the job of teasing out the impact of exclusion on violence challenging. Research needs to account for the contribution of these other factors.

    We carried out research to isolate the effect of school exclusion on serious violence, trying to do so in a way that just focused on the impact of exclusion.

    The best way to know whether or not something has caused a change is to split a group of people at random and give one group something and not the other, be that a medicine, a programme or anything else. This is known as a randomised controlled trial.

    Finding a cause

    By randomly splitting the group, any other risk factors – ones that we know about and ones that we don’t – are shared equally across the two groups, so if we see a difference between the groups, the only explanation is the difference introduced by the researchers.

    However, there are lots of situations where randomisation would be unethical. We could never randomise people to start smoking to test if it causes a disease, nor could we randomise skydivers to not wear parachutes. School exclusion is a situation like this. Excluding some children but not excluding others in the name of science would be a dangerous experiment.

    Instead of this unethical coin toss, we used a new technique from medical research, known as a target trial emulation. This approach seeks to mimic the circumstances of a randomised controlled trial.

    It does so by ensuring that the study only includes people who meet the “eligibility” criteria for the study, that the two groups are as similar as possible and that they are followed up for identical periods.

    It is important to define who is “eligible” for exclusion. While in theory, any children can be excluded, they are only truly eligible if they have done something “exclusion-worthy”.

    There are many common risk factors for exclusion and violence.
    polya_olya/Shutterstock

    Finding groups of people who meet these criteria and where some have been excluded and others have not is challenging. Fortunately, in 2020, the Department for Education linked the records of over 15 million people to criminal records held by the Ministry of Justice and anonymised them. This data set is just the type of “big data” we need for this question.

    We identified every record of a child who had been excluded between 2006 and 2016 – over 20,000 children. We then matched these records against those of other children from the same data set who had the same background, educational experience and history of suspensions and (non-violent) offending, but who, crucially, were never excluded.

    Following those cases from the time of the exclusion and comparing them, we found that, within a year, the excluded children were more than twice as likely to commit serious violent crime than their not excluded peers.

    A doubling of risk of the most serious violence in an already high-risk group points to exclusion being an important factor in youth violence.

    But because we cannot rule out other factors and because we can’t know if the comparison group were truly “eligible” for exclusion, this may be as close as we can get to understanding the causal influence of exclusion.

    Cut back on exclusions?

    The evidence on a link between exclusion and future violence might suggest that it would be a good idea to limit exclusions from schools. But this is an extremely contentious issue.

    Limiting or preventing exclusions risks schools having to spend a great deal of precious resources keeping a small number of children in school. The Department for Education and many teachers state that exclusions are necessary when a child’s behaviour becomes a risk to their classmates and teachers or harms the potential to learn.

    On the other hand, continuing with increasing rates of exclusions risks letting down the most vulnerable and traumatised children – as well as potentially creating victims of crime and heaping pressure on prisons later on.

    Critics of exclusions argue that, as well as increasing risk of offending, exclusions unfairly target children from ethnic minorities and children with special educational needs, and should be avoided as much as possible.

    We may never truly know the causal effect of exclusion on violent offending. But perhaps we do not need to. Addressing the common causes of exclusion and violence should be the greater priority.

    The warning signs for a child’s exclusion and violence will have been clear in many cases but too often schools and teachers lack the time and resources to help and include a child showing these signs, falling back on disciplinary policies that may be doing more harm than good.

    It would be better to introduce an inclusive system that views schools as being part of a system that does not just respond to violence but can prevent it. However, although exclusion from school may be a trigger and a predictor of serious violence, preventing such violence cannot be the responsibility of schools alone.

    Iain Brennan receives funding from Economic and Social Research Council, Home Office, College of Policing, Youth Endowment Fund and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.

    Rosie Cornish receives funding from the UK Medical Research Council, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Youth Endowment Fund, the Home Office and the Avon and Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership.

    – ref. Exploring the link between school exclusion and crime – new research – https://theconversation.com/exploring-the-link-between-school-exclusion-and-crime-new-research-252122

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions speech to the House of Commons on Pathways to Work reform

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Speech

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions speech to the House of Commons on Pathways to Work reform

    The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions the Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP delivered the below speech to the House of Commons on the 18 March 2025.

    INTRODUCTION

    Mr Speaker

    This Government is ambitious for our people and our country.

    And we believe that unleashing the talents of the British people is the key to our future success.

    But the social security system we inherited from [political content removed] is failing the very people it is supposed to help, and holding our country back.

    The facts speak for themselves.

    1 in 10 people of working age now claiming a sickness or disability benefit.

    Almost 1 million young people not in education, employment or training – that’s 1 in 8 of all our young people.

    2.8 million out of work due to long term sickness. 

    And the number of people claiming Personal Independence Payments set to double this decade, from 2 to 4.3 million…

    … with the growth in claims rising faster among young people and mental health conditions. 

    … and with claims up to 4 times higher in parts of the Midlands, Wales and the North where economic demand is weakest. Places that were decimated in the 80s and 90s, written off for years by successive Tory governments, and never given the chances they deserve. 

    And the consequences of this failure are there for all to see. 

    Millions of people who could work trapped on benefits… denied the income, hope, dignity and self-respect that we know good work brings.

    And taxpayers paying millions more on the costs of failure, with spending on working age sickness and disability benefits up £20 billion since the pandemic, set to rise by a further £18 billion by the end of this Parliament to £70 billion a year. 

    And it is not like this in most other comparable countries where spending on these benefits since the pandemic is either stable or falling – whilst ours continues to inexorably rise. 

    [political content removed]

    And today, Mr Speaker, we say – no more.

    Since we were elected, we have hit the ground running to get more people into good work through our Plan for Change. 

    We’re investing an extra £26 billion into the NHS to drive down waiting lists and get people back to health and back to work.

    We’re improving the quality of work and making work pay with our landmark Employment Rights legislation and increases in the national living wage.

    We’re creating more good jobs in every part of the country in clean energy and through our modern industrial strategy.

    And we are introducing the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation, with our £240 million Get Britain Working plan.

    Today, our Pathways to Work Green Paper sets out decisive action to fix the broken benefits system.

    Creating a more pro-active, pro-work system for those who can work. 

    And so we protect it for those who cannot work; now and for the long-term.

    Mr Speaker, I know as a constituency MP for 14 years, that there will always be people who can never work, because of the severity of their disability or illness. 

    Under this Government, the social security system will always be there for people in genuine need. That is a principle we will never compromise on.

    But disabled people and people with health conditions who can work should have the same rights, choices and chances to work as everybody else. That principle of equality is vital too.

    Because –  [political content removed] – many sick and disabled people want to work, with the right help and support.

    [political content removed]. 

    Mr Speaker, our first aim is to secure a decisive shift towards prevention and early intervention.

    Almost 4 million people are in work with a work limiting health condition, and around 300,000 fall out of work every year.

    So we’ve got to do far more to help people stay in work, and get back to work quickly – because your chances of returning are 5 times higher in the first year. 

    Our plans to give statutory sick pay for 1 million of the lowest paid workers and more rights to flexible working will help keep more people in work.

    The Work Well programme is trialling new approaches like GPs referring people to employment advisors, instead of signing them off sick.

    And our Keep Britain Working review, led by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield, will set out what government and employers can do together, to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces. 

    So we help more employers offer opportunities for disabled people, including through measures like reasonable readjustments, alongside our Green Paper consultation on reforming Access to Work so it is fit for the future. 

    And today I can announce another step. 

    Our Green Paper will consult on a major reform of contributory benefits …

    … merging contributions-based Jobseekers Allowance and Employment Support Allowance into a new time limited Unemployment Insurance, paid at a higher rate, without having to prove you cannot work in order to get it 

    … so if you have paid into the system you’ll get stronger income protection, while we help you get back on track.  

    Our second objective is to restore trust and fairness in the benefits system … 

    …. by fixing the broken assessment process and tackling the perverse incentives that drive people into welfare dependency.

    Now Members  [political content removed]  have long argued that the Work Capability Assessment is not fit for purpose.

    Going through the WCA is complex, time consuming and often stressful for claimants, especially if they also have to go through the PIP assessment.

    And more fundamentally, it’s based on a binary can / can’t work divide, when we know the truth is that many people’s physical and mental health conditions fluctuate.

    The consultation on  [political content removed] WCA proposals was ruled unlawful by the courts.

    So today I can announce we will not go ahead with their proposals.

    Instead we will scrap the WCA in 2028.

    In future, extra financial support for health conditions in Universal Credit will be available solely through the PIP assessment…

    .. so extra income is based on the impact of someone’s health condition or disability, not on their capacity to work.

    … reducing the number of assessments that people have to go through

    … and a vital step towards de-risking work.

    And, Mr Speaker, we will do more …

    by legislating for a ‘right to try’, guaranteeing that work in and of itself will never lead to a benefit reassessment. 

    Giving people the confidence to take the plunge and try work – without the fear this will put their benefits at risk.

    Mr Speaker, we will also tackle the perverse financial incentives –[political content removed] – which actively encourage people into welfare dependency.

    [political content removed]

    As a result, the health top up is now worth double the Standard Allowance, at more than £400 a month.

    And in 2017, they took away extra financial help for the group of people who could prepare for work. 

    So we’re left with a binary assessment of can or can’t work and a clear financial incentive to define yourself as incapable of work….

    …something the OBR, IFS and others say is a likely factor driving people onto incapacity benefits. 

    Today, we tackle this problem head on. 

    We will legislate to rebalance the payments in Universal Credit from April next year …

    … holding the value of the health top up fixed in cash terms for existing claimants and reducing it for new claimants

    … with an additional premium for people with severe, lifelong conditions that mean that they will never work – to give them the financial security they deserve. 

    And alongside this, Mr Speaker, we will bring in a permanent, above inflation rise to the standard allowance in Universal Credit… for the first time EVER, a £775 annual increase in cash terms by 2029/30. 

    And a decisive step to tackle the perverse incentives in the system.

    We will also fix the failing system of reassessments.

    [political content removed]  failed to switch reassessments back on after the pandemic, so they’re down by more than two thirds, with face to face assessments going from 7 in 10 to only 1 in 10.

    We will turn these reassessments back on at scale, and shift the focus back to doing more face to face, and we will ensure they are recorded as standard – to give confidence to claimants and taxpayers that they’re being done properly.

    And Mr Speaker I can also announce …

    … for people on Universal Credit with the most severe disabilities, and health conditions that will never improve, we want to ensure that they are never reassessed, to give them the confidence and dignity they deserve. 

    And we will fundamentally overhaul the DWP’s safeguarding approach to make sure all our processes and training are of the highest quality so we protect and support the most vulnerable people. 

    Mr Speaker, alongside these changes we will also reform disability benefits, so they focus support on those in greatest need and to ensure the social security system lasts for the long-term, into the future.

    Social and demographic change means more people are now living with a disability.

    But the increase in disability benefits is double the rate of increasing prevalence of working age disability in the country.

    With claims amongst young people up 150%.  For mental health conditions, up 190%. And claims for learning difficulties up over 400%, according to the IFS. 

    Every day, there are more than 1,000 new PIP awards. 

    That’s the equivalent of adding a population the size of Leicester every single year. 

    Mr Speaker, that is not sustainable long-term, above all, for the people who depend on this support. [political content removed]

    So today I can announce this Government will NOT bring in  [political content removed]  proposals for vouchers – because disabled people should have choice and control over their lives.

    We will not means-test PIP. Because disabled people deserve extra support, whatever their incomes.

    And Mr Speaker I can confirm we will not freeze PIP either.

    Instead, our reforms will focus support on those with the greatest needs.

    We will legislate for a change in PIP so people will need to score a minimum of 4 points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of PIP from November 2026. 

    This will not affect the mobility component of PIP and only relates to the daily living element.  

    And alongside this, we will launch a review of the PIP assessment … 

    … led by my Right Honourable Friend, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, in close consultation with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts

    … so we make sure PIP and the assessment process is fit for purpose, now and into the future. 

    And Mr Speaker, this is a significant reform package that is expected to save over £5 billion in 2029/30. And the OBR will set out their final assessment of the costings next week.

    Our third and final objective is to deliver personalised support to sick and disabled people who CAN work to get the jobs they need and deserve.

    We know  [political content removed] young people and the long-term unemployed – the difference that proper employment support can make.

    And more recent evidence – from the Work Choice programme and Additional Work Coach time – shows support can make a significant difference in the number of people getting work, keeping work, and improving their mental health and wellbeing too.

    This   [political content removed] Government believes that an active state can transform people’s lives. We know this because we have done it before.

    So today I can announce we will invest an additional £1 billion a year for employment support with the aim of guaranteeing high-quality, tailored and personalised support to help people on a Pathway to Work. 

    The largest ever investment in opportunities to work for sick and disabled people. 

    And alongside this – for those on the UC Health top up – we will bring in an expectation to engage and a new Support Conversation to talk about people’s goals and aspirations, combined with an offer of personalised health, skills and employment support. 

    And because being out of work or training when you’re young is so damaging for your future prospects, we will go further.

    In addition to funding our Youth Guarantee through the £240 million Get Britain Working plan…

    … we will consult on delaying access to the health top up in Universal Credit until someone is aged 22, with the savings reinvested into work support and training opportunities.  

    So every young person is earning or learning, and on a pathway to success. 

    CONCLUSION

    Mr Speaker  [political content removed]  … a broken benefit system that’s failing the people who depend on it, and our country as a whole.

    The status quo is unacceptable. 

    But it is not inevitable.

    We were elected on a mandate for change. 

    To end the sticking plaster approach… and tackle the root causes of problems in this country that have been ignored for too long. 

    Because we believe in the value and potential of every single person. 

    That we all have something positive to contribute and can make a difference. 

    Whether that’s in paid work, in our families or communities alongside our neighbours and friends. 

    We will unleash this potential in every corner of the land. 

    Because we are as ambitious for the British people as they are for themselves. 

    Today, we take decisive action. And I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: An artist traces her choices under Putin’s Russia – from resistance to retreat to exile – one mural at a time

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Stephen Norris, Professor of History; Director of the Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies, Miami University

    ‘Atlases,’ Victoria Lomasko’s mural at Miami University Used by permission of Victoria Lomasko

    Victoria Lomasko, a graphic artist and muralist, has spent her career documenting how authoritarianism took hold in Vladimir Putin’s Russia. What she has illustrated – as well as the personal journey she has taken – affords a chance to see how dictatorship can develop and strengthen across a decade.

    In 2019, I invited Lomasko – who goes by Vika for short – to Miami University, where I teach Imperial Russian and Soviet history. The Havighurst Center for East European, Russian and Eurasian Studies was holding a semester-long series on “Truth and Power” that also included two other Russian dissidents: Leonid Volkov, then chief of staff for opposition leader Alexei Navalny; and Mikhail Zygar, who helped found the independent news station TV Rain in 2010.

    I asked Lomasko to paint a mural illustrating the consequences of telling the truth in Putin’s Russia – a theme she has explored in all her works. Her completed mural, “Atlases,” depicted the struggle individuals face between desires to protest or to turn inward under authoritarianism.

    Taking action

    Lomasko first gained acclaim for “Other Russias,” which was published in English in 2017. The book is a collection of what she terms “graphic reportage”: comic-style art combined with current events.

    In it, she covered Russians who are largely invisible: activists, sex workers, truckers, older people, provincial residents, migrants and minorities. She wanted to represent them as “heroes” in their own lives, giving them agency and visibility.

    Her heroes came into the public spotlight in 2011 and 2012, when mass protests began in Russia after fraudulent elections and Putin’s return to the presidency. Lomasko attended the protests and sketched the participants. The rallies of 2012 seemed to signify that Russian citizens from a wide range of backgrounds could unite to resist creeping authoritarianism.

    A protester in Moscow asks a police officer, ‘Are the police with the people?’ in an illustration from ‘Other Russias.’
    Used by permission of Victoria Lomasko

    In addition to publishing her drawings, Lomasko also exhibited her work in Moscow and St. Petersburg – a seeming sign that censorship could not prevent an artist or ordinary citizen from voicing their frustration.

    This hope did not last long. Over the next few years, the Kremlin passed a series of laws that designated organizations, then media outlets and eventually individuals as “foreign agents” if they received any funding from abroad.

    Led by then Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky, who was appointed by Putin in 2012, the Russian state also began to demand “patriotic” culture supporting the government, and label anyone who resisted as “unpatriotic.”

    In these years, Lomasko documented how protests shrunk to local levels – truckers who decried a new tax, Muscovites who lamented the destruction of local parks, and urban activists who protested plans to tear down Soviet-era apartments. She still depicted participants as everyday heroes, yet she also noticed how protesters’ brief sense of power through collective action faded into disillusionment after the Kremlin went ahead with its plans.

    An illustration from ‘Other Russias’ of a truckers protest camp in 2016 in Khimki.
    Used by permission of Victoria Lomasko

    Changing tack

    “Other Russias” introduced Lomasko to a worldwide audience. By the time the book came out in 2017, however, she began to question the very basis of her graphic reportage.

    The protests that had inspired hope in 2011 and 2012 had not prevented a more aggressive, more oppressive form of Putinism from taking hold. After the protests, the Kremlin further concentrated power and employed propaganda to stifle dissent, becoming what the scholars Sergei Guriev and Daniel Triesman have called “spin dictators.”

    Was it enough for an artist to document social change? Lomasko concluded that the answer was no – art should offer solutions. She decided to paint murals that would move beyond graphic reportage.

    This new trajectory informed her Miami University project. By the time she arrived in March 2019, Lomasko had completed her first two murals: one for a gallery in England and a second in Germany.

    The first, “The Daughter of an Agitprop Artist,” featured her father, who had worked as a propaganda poster artist in her hometown of Serpukhov in the 1980s. In the mural, her father gazes at his work, the rituals of government-sponsored marches, and Lenin posters plastered everywhere. Young Vika stands with her back to her father, holding a red balloon. She stares at her future self, a woman covering the grassroots protests of 2012.

    Victoria Lomasko’s mural at the Arts Centre HOME in Manchester, England.
    Used by permission of Victoria Lomasko

    “Our Post-Soviet Land,” her second mural, depicted the ways some former Soviet states, particularly Ukraine, were distancing themselves from their communist past after independence – while others, particularly Russia itself, seemed to be increasingly nostalgic for the Soviet era.

    Two paths

    Lomasko spent two weeks on campus at Miami University here in Ohio, completing a mural that built on these themes.

    The central feature are two figures representing contemporary versions of Atlas, the titan who held up the world in Greek mythology. One faces left, toward a group of people praying in front of an Orthodox icon of Jesus. Here Lomasko depicts one path Russians took in response to the oppressive nature of Putinism: turning inward, retreating to a spiritual life.

    The second Atlas gazes upward, holding an artist’s brush. Below this figure a series of people take to the streets, protesting. They hold flags and banners representing a number of causes, including the 2011 “Occupy” movement in the United States. Lomasko’s message seems clear: This is a second path to take to resist authoritarianism – one that might succeed if participants see themselves connected across borders.

    Victoria Lomasko stands with her mural ‘Atlases’ at Miami University.
    Stephen Norris

    Art in exile

    After unveiling “Atlases,” Lomasko mentioned that she was still trying to retain hope for her country and for humanity. Once again, it did not last long.

    During the first two terms of Putin’s presidency, and that of Dmitry Medvedev, the government had largely left citizens’ speech alone, though it controlled information through state media. In 2018 and 2019, however, Russia passed laws that clamped down on internet access and mobile communication.

    Lomasko could no longer exhibit her work in Russia and was increasingly unable to find paid work as an artist. As she told me, the state considered her unvarnished depictions of ordinary Russians to be distasteful, while publishers and gallery owners considered her works politically dangerous.

    When the country began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, these changes allowed the government to criminalize opposition. Lomasko made the difficult decision to flee Moscow. She took her cat and as many artworks as she could carry, but she had to abandon most of her possessions. She documented this new journey the only way she knew: through a series of art panels titled “Five Steps.”

    “Isolation” encapsulates how Lomasko and dissidents like her grew ever more cut off from the rampant patriotism espoused by Putin. “Escape” shows her leap into the unknown, fleeing her country because she feared arrest, while others are caught up in war and political repression.

    “Exile” depicts Lomasko starting anew in a different country. “Shame,” the most powerful, seeks to capture her emotions at having to flee, as well as the shame she felt for what Russia was doing to Ukraine. “Humanity” retains the artist’s attempt to preserve her optimism – her sense that humans have more in common than they have differences, and that seeing oneself within a larger, global community might give power to the invisible.

    ‘Humanity,’ by Victoria Lomasko.
    Used by permission of Victoria Lomasko

    Tens of thousands of Russians have left the country since the start of the war, many of them artists and activists. Zygar and Volkov – the two other Russian citizens on campus for our university’s 2018-19 series – have also had to flee.

    Lomasko’s art helps trace how authoritarianism took hold in Russia across the past decade. I believe her responses to Putin’s dictatorship, including her decision to flee her homeland, offer us all something to ponder.

    Stephen Norris does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. An artist traces her choices under Putin’s Russia – from resistance to retreat to exile – one mural at a time – https://theconversation.com/an-artist-traces-her-choices-under-putins-russia-from-resistance-to-retreat-to-exile-one-mural-at-a-time-250486

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions speech to the House of Commons on welfare reform

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions speech to the House of Commons on welfare reform

    The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions the Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP delivered the below speech to the House of Commons on the 18 March 2025.

    INTRODUCTION

    Mr Speaker

    This Government is ambitious for our people and our country.

    And we believe that unleashing the talents of the British people is the key to our future success.

    But the social security system we inherited from [political content removed] is failing the very people it is supposed to help, and holding our country back.

    The facts speak for themselves.

    1 in 10 people of working age now claiming a sickness or disability benefit.

    Almost 1 million young people not in education, employment or training – that’s 1 in 8 of all our young people.

    2.8 million out of work due to long term sickness. 

    And the number of people claiming Personal Independence Payments set to double this decade, from 2 to 4.3 million…

    … with the growth in claims rising faster among young people and mental health conditions. 

    … and with claims up to 4 times higher in parts of the Midlands, Wales and the North where economic demand is weakest. Places that were decimated in the 80s and 90s, written off for years by successive Tory governments, and never given the chances they deserve. 

    And the consequences of this failure are there for all to see. 

    Millions of people who could work trapped on benefits… denied the income, hope, dignity and self-respect that we know good work brings.

    And taxpayers paying millions more on the costs of failure, with spending on working age sickness and disability benefits up £20 billion since the pandemic, set to rise by a further £18 billion by the end of this Parliament to £70 billion a year. 

    And it is not like this in most other comparable countries where spending on these benefits since the pandemic is either stable or falling – whilst ours continues to inexorably rise. 

    [political content removed]

    And today, Mr Speaker, we say – no more.

    Since we were elected, we have hit the ground running to get more people into good work through our Plan for Change. 

    We’re investing an extra £26 billion into the NHS to drive down waiting lists and get people back to health and back to work.

    We’re improving the quality of work and making work pay with our landmark Employment Rights legislation and increases in the national living wage.

    We’re creating more good jobs in every part of the country in clean energy and through our modern industrial strategy.

    And we are introducing the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation, with our £240 million Get Britain Working plan.

    Today, our Pathways to Work Green Paper sets out decisive action to fix the broken benefits system.

    Creating a more pro-active, pro-work system for those who can work. 

    And so we protect it for those who cannot work; now and for the long-term.

    Mr Speaker, I know as a constituency MP for 14 years, that there will always be people who can never work, because of the severity of their disability or illness. 

    Under this Government, the social security system will always be there for people in genuine need. That is a principle we will never compromise on.

    But disabled people and people with health conditions who can work should have the same rights, choices and chances to work as everybody else. That principle of equality is vital too.

    Because –  [political content removed] – many sick and disabled people want to work, with the right help and support.

    [political content removed]. 

    Mr Speaker, our first aim is to secure a decisive shift towards prevention and early intervention.

    Almost 4 million people are in work with a work limiting health condition, and around 300,000 fall out of work every year.

    So we’ve got to do far more to help people stay in work, and get back to work quickly – because your chances of returning are 5 times higher in the first year. 

    Our plans to give statutory sick pay for 1 million of the lowest paid workers and more rights to flexible working will help keep more people in work.

    The Work Well programme is trialling new approaches like GPs referring people to employment advisors, instead of signing them off sick.

    And our Keep Britain Working review, led by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield, will set out what government and employers can do together, to create healthier, more inclusive workplaces. 

    So we help more employers offer opportunities for disabled people, including through measures like reasonable readjustments, alongside our Green Paper consultation on reforming Access to Work so it is fit for the future. 

    And today I can announce another step. 

    Our Green Paper will consult on a major reform of contributory benefits …

    … merging contributions-based Jobseekers Allowance and Employment Support Allowance into a new time limited Unemployment Insurance, paid at a higher rate, without having to prove you cannot work in order to get it 

    … so if you have paid into the system you’ll get stronger income protection, while we help you get back on track.  

    Our second objective is to restore trust and fairness in the benefits system … 

    …. by fixing the broken assessment process and tackling the perverse incentives that drive people into welfare dependency.

    Now Members  [political content removed]  have long argued that the Work Capability Assessment is not fit for purpose.

    Going through the WCA is complex, time consuming and often stressful for claimants, especially if they also have to go through the PIP assessment.

    And more fundamentally, it’s based on a binary can / can’t work divide, when we know the truth is that many people’s physical and mental health conditions fluctuate.

    The consultation on  [political content removed] WCA proposals was ruled unlawful by the courts.

    So today I can announce we will not go ahead with their proposals.

    Instead we will scrap the WCA in 2028.

    In future, extra financial support for health conditions in Universal Credit will be available solely through the PIP assessment…

    .. so extra income is based on the impact of someone’s health condition or disability, not on their capacity to work.

    … reducing the number of assessments that people have to go through

    … and a vital step towards de-risking work.

    And, Mr Speaker, we will do more …

    by legislating for a ‘right to try’, guaranteeing that work in and of itself will never lead to a benefit reassessment. 

    Giving people the confidence to take the plunge and try work – without the fear this will put their benefits at risk.

    Mr Speaker, we will also tackle the perverse financial incentives –[political content removed] – which actively encourage people into welfare dependency.

    [political content removed]

    As a result, the health top up is now worth double the Standard Allowance, at more than £400 a month.

    And in 2017, they took away extra financial help for the group of people who could prepare for work. 

    So we’re left with a binary assessment of can or can’t work and a clear financial incentive to define yourself as incapable of work….

    …something the OBR, IFS and others say is a likely factor driving people onto incapacity benefits. 

    Today, we tackle this problem head on. 

    We will legislate to rebalance the payments in Universal Credit from April next year …

    … holding the value of the health top up fixed in cash terms for existing claimants and reducing it for new claimants

    … with an additional premium for people with severe, lifelong conditions that mean that they will never work – to give them the financial security they deserve. 

    And alongside this, Mr Speaker, we will bring in a permanent, above inflation rise to the standard allowance in Universal Credit… for the first time EVER, a £775 annual increase in cash terms by 2029/30. 

    And a decisive step to tackle the perverse incentives in the system.

    We will also fix the failing system of reassessments.

    [political content removed]  failed to switch reassessments back on after the pandemic, so they’re down by more than two thirds, with face to face assessments going from 7 in 10 to only 1 in 10.

    We will turn these reassessments back on at scale, and shift the focus back to doing more face to face, and we will ensure they are recorded as standard – to give confidence to claimants and taxpayers that they’re being done properly.

    And Mr Speaker I can also announce …

    … for people on Universal Credit with the most severe disabilities, and health conditions that will never improve, we want to ensure that they are never reassessed, to give them the confidence and dignity they deserve. 

    And we will fundamentally overhaul the DWP’s safeguarding approach to make sure all our processes and training are of the highest quality so we protect and support the most vulnerable people. 

    Mr Speaker, alongside these changes we will also reform disability benefits, so they focus support on those in greatest need and to ensure the social security system lasts for the long-term, into the future.

    Social and demographic change means more people are now living with a disability.

    But the increase in disability benefits is double the rate of increasing prevalence of working age disability in the country.

    With claims amongst young people up 150%.  For mental health conditions, up 190%. And claims for learning difficulties up over 400%, according to the IFS. 

    Every day, there are more than 1,000 new PIP awards. 

    That’s the equivalent of adding a population the size of Leicester every single year. 

    Mr Speaker, that is not sustainable long-term, above all, for the people who depend on this support. [political content removed]

    So today I can announce this Government will NOT bring in  [political content removed]  proposals for vouchers – because disabled people should have choice and control over their lives.

    We will not means-test PIP. Because disabled people deserve extra support, whatever their incomes.

    And Mr Speaker I can confirm we will not freeze PIP either.

    Instead, our reforms will focus support on those with the greatest needs.

    We will legislate for a change in PIP so people will need to score a minimum of 4 points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of PIP from November 2026. 

    This will not affect the mobility component of PIP and only relates to the daily living element.  

    And alongside this, we will launch a review of the PIP assessment … 

    … led by my Right Honourable Friend, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, in close consultation with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts

    … so we make sure PIP and the assessment process is fit for purpose, now and into the future. 

    And Mr Speaker, this is a significant reform package that is expected to save over £5 billion in 2029/30. And the OBR will set out their final assessment of the costings next week.

    Our third and final objective is to deliver personalised support to sick and disabled people who CAN work to get the jobs they need and deserve.

    We know  [political content removed] young people and the long-term unemployed – the difference that proper employment support can make.

    And more recent evidence – from the Work Choice programme and Additional Work Coach time – shows support can make a significant difference in the number of people getting work, keeping work, and improving their mental health and wellbeing too.

    This   [political content removed] Government believes that an active state can transform people’s lives. We know this because we have done it before.

    So today I can announce we will invest an additional £1 billion a year for employment support with the aim of guaranteeing high-quality, tailored and personalised support to help people on a Pathway to Work. 

    The largest ever investment in opportunities to work for sick and disabled people. 

    And alongside this – for those on the UC Health top up – we will bring in an expectation to engage and a new Support Conversation to talk about people’s goals and aspirations, combined with an offer of personalised health, skills and employment support. 

    And because being out of work or training when you’re young is so damaging for your future prospects, we will go further.

    In addition to funding our Youth Guarantee through the £240 million Get Britain Working plan…

    … we will consult on delaying access to the health top up in Universal Credit until someone is aged 22, with the savings reinvested into work support and training opportunities.  

    So every young person is earning or learning, and on a pathway to success. 

    CONCLUSION

    Mr Speaker  [political content removed]  … a broken benefit system that’s failing the people who depend on it, and our country as a whole.

    The status quo is unacceptable. 

    But it is not inevitable.

    We were elected on a mandate for change. 

    To end the sticking plaster approach… and tackle the root causes of problems in this country that have been ignored for too long. 

    Because we believe in the value and potential of every single person. 

    That we all have something positive to contribute and can make a difference. 

    Whether that’s in paid work, in our families or communities alongside our neighbours and friends. 

    We will unleash this potential in every corner of the land. 

    Because we are as ambitious for the British people as they are for themselves. 

    Today, we take decisive action. And I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Visit Winchester team showcases Jane Austen during English Tourism Week

    Source: City of Winchester

    A Morning of Jane Austen was led by Visit Winchester – which is managed by Winchester City Council’s Economy and Tourism team – to mark English Tourism Week, showcasing some of the local author-related highlights.

    2025 is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and a range of special events are taking place including the first-ever public access to the house in College Street where she died.

    Winchester’s year-long birthday celebration includes partners from across the city and surrounding district, who have come together to devise a series of over 35 special events, tours, and exhibitions to celebrate Austen’s life and works.

    The showcase, on Saturday 15 March, included a visit to Winchester Visitor Information Centre, and a themed Jane Austen tour by one of Winchester Tourist Guides which took in the key landmarks to Austen’s time in Winchester including College Street and Winchester Cathedral, where the author is buried, before finishing at Winchester City Museum.

    Visit Winchester has also recently launched a new self-guided trail around the city which highlights all places the author would have visited during her time in the city and gives visitors an insight into Winchester’s Georgian history. The trail has launched as part of English Tourism Week and is available to download on the Visit Winchester website or from the visitor information centre.

    Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Culture Councillor Lucille Thompson said: “Winchester district’s first-class tourism offering brings in millions for our economy each year, supporting thousands of jobs and driving growth into our local communities. A thriving visitor destination is also a welcome benefit for local residents, who can also access a year-round vibrant programme of experiences and events right on their doorstep.

    “This English Tourism Week we have a lot to celebrate – not only are we celebrating 250 years since the birth of one of the world’s most famous authors, but also all the hard work our visitor economy does, welcoming our visitors and showcasing Winchester to the world.”

    Louise West, Chair of Collections Committee and Trustee at Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “Jane Austen was a Hampshire girl through and through, with an inextricable link to Winchester. 250 years on since her birth, her life, literature and legacy continue to be an irresistible draw to visitors from all over the UK and beyond. We are proud and honoured to have the privilege of counting some of her personal possessions among the collections that we care for, and are looking forward to showcasing these, along with our full programme of Austen-themed events, to visitors to the city throughout the year.”

    Dr Danny Chambers, MP for the Winchester Constituency, said: “Jane Austen’s novels and film adaptations have been enjoyed by fans for decades and bring so many people from around the whole world to Winchester. We’re fortunate to have a literary superstar bringing people to our city. Winchester City Council and other organisations across the city, including the amazing tour guides, have done an excellent job to promote this 250th anniversary celebration, and I thank them for showing me the work they’ve put in to make it happen.”

    To see a full list of Winchester’s attractions and businesses taking part in Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary celebrations, visit www.visitwinchester.co.uk/jane-austen-250.

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors

    Over eight million people visit the Winchester district every year, spending over £370 million in the local area and supporting over 5,760 jobs, both for local residents and those living nearby, making it one of Winchester’s largest and most valuable industries. – The Economic Impact of Tourism on Winchester, 2022, Tourism South East

    Visit England’s English Tourism Week – 14-23 March 2025 – celebrates this diverse, exciting and vibrant sector, and highlights the quality and value of English tourism. 

    Jane Austen was a Hampshire girl through and through, with an inextricable link to Winchester. 250 years on since her birth, her life, literature and legacy continue to be an irresistible draw to visitors from all over the UK and beyond. We are proud and honoured to have the privilege of counting some of her personal possessions in the collections that we care for, and are looking forward to showcasing these, along with our full programme of Austen-themed events, to visitors to the city throughout the year. For further information, please email tourism@winchester.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How to challenge your Council Tax band: a step-by-step guide

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    How to challenge your Council Tax band: a step-by-step guide

    Find out how to challenge your Council Tax band with clear steps to guide you through the process.

    The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for making sure that 27 million properties across England and Wales are in the correct Council Tax band.

    As Council Tax bills are being issued, we expect to see an increase in people challenging their band over the coming months.

    If you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax bill, you should first contact your local council. They may be able to offer support, such as discounts, exemptions, or payment plans.

    If you’re thinking about challenging your Council Tax band, there are a few areas to consider. These include your legal rights and the evidence you’ll need to provide.

    Our step-by-step guide will help you learn more about the process and decide whether making a challenge is right for you.

    Understanding your options

    There are two types of band challenges – proposals and band reviews. The type of challenge you can submit depends on your circumstances:

    • Proposals – you can make a proposal if you have been paying Council Tax on your property for less than six months, if the VOA has changed your band in the last six months, or if there has been a physical change to your local area. By law, we must review your band if you submit a proposal. You can also make a proposal if you want to remove a property from the Council Tax list, more guidance about this can be found on GOV.UK.

    • Band reviews – if you have been paying Council Tax for more than six months and think your band is wrong, you can request an informal band review. While there’s no legal requirement for us to consider these, we want to do our best to make sure customers are in the right band. We take forward band reviews where there is strong supporting evidence that shows a band is wrong.

    If you’re thinking about challenging your band, there are some key steps to follow.

    1. Check your Council Tax band

    Begin by checking both your and your neighbours’ Council Tax bands on GOV.UK.

    This will help you spot any differences.

    Keep in mind that differences do not always mean your band is wrong. There are a few reasons for this.

    Council Tax bands cover a range of values. This means properties of different types and values can be placed in the same band.

    Some properties that look the same from the outside may have been improved and not yet sold or have different characteristics inside, keeping them in the same band.

    2. Collect evidence to support your challenge

    Our goal is simple: we want every customer to be in the correct Council Tax band. But that doesn’t mean everyone has a legal right to challenge their Council Tax band, or that we are required to consider every request that comes in.

    If you don’t have a legal right to challenge, you can only request a band review. If you are requesting a band review, you must provide evidence which shows your band is wrong.

    This helps us identify band reviews most likely to result in a change. We can then review any potential errors and deal with cases effectively.

    This evidence is usually up to five properties similar to yours (sometimes called comparable properties).

    To decide whether properties can be compared, we consider four main details:

    • location
    • type
    • age
    • size

    For more guidance on what makes a property comparable, read our evidence blog.

    You can also use sales information as evidence. The sale of your property or a similar property must have taken place between the following dates to be valid evidence:

    • for England: 1 April 1989 and 31 March 1993
    • for Wales: 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2003

    Read more about using evidence from house prices.

    You must provide strong supporting evidence for us to accept a band review request. Without it, we will not be able to review your band.

    You don’t need to submit evidence to support a proposal. If you are making a proposal because your property’s band needs to be deleted, read our deletion guidance for more information.

    3. Submitting your challenge

    Once you’ve gathered your evidence, you can submit your challenge. You can do this through our online service.

    You can also submit your challenge by email or letter.

    Our online form is available for those making proposals.

    4. Wait for a decision

    After submitting your challenge, we will review your evidence and make a decision.

    Challenges have three outcomes; your band can go up, down, or stay the same. We may also review the bands of similar neighbouring properties to check that they are correct, which means their Council Tax bands could be moved up or down too.

    Any changes to your bill will be handled by your local council.

    At this time of year, we receive a high volume of Council Tax queries. We prioritise proposals as these are cases where customers have a legal right to challenge their Council Tax band. Find out more about the time it is currently taking us to deal with Council Tax proposals and band reviews.

    While you wait for a decision, you must continue paying your Council Tax bill as normal. Not paying could lead to penalties or enforcement action by your local council. You will be refunded for any overpayments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Biggest shake up to welfare system in a generation to get Britain working

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Biggest shake up to welfare system in a generation to get Britain working

    Largest welfare reforms for a generation to help sick and disabled people who can and have the potential to work into jobs – backed by a £1 billion investment, unveiled by the Work & Pensions Secretary today [Tuesday 18 March]. 

    • Work Capability Assessment to be scrapped and “right to try” work guarantee to be introduced in drive to tear down barriers to work
    • Changes will unlock work, boost employment, and tackle the broken benefits system to unlock growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change

    Record £1 billion employment support measures announced to help disabled and long-term sick people back into work.

    The new measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill, while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support they need as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    This will end years of inaction, which has led to one in eight young people not currently in work, education or training and 2.8 million people economically inactive due to long term sickness – one of the highest rates in the G7. 

    The number of people receiving one of the main types of health and disability benefit, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), has also risen rapidly and is becoming unsustainable. 

    Since the pandemic, the number of working-age people receiving PIP has more than doubled from 15,300 to 35,100 a month. The number of young people (16-24) receiving PIP per month has also skyrocketed from 2,967 to 7,857 a month. Over the next five years, if no action is taken, the number of working age people claiming PIP is expected to increase from 2 million in 2021 to 4.3 million, costing £34.1 billion annually. 

    All this has driven the spiralling health and disability benefits bill, forecast to reach £70 billion a year by the end of the decade, or more than £1 billion a week. This is equivalent to more than a third of the NHS budget, and more than three times as much as is spent on policing and keeping communities safe.

    Speaking in Parliament today, Liz Kendall announced a sweeping package of reforms to overhaul the system, so it better supports those who need it while tearing down barriers to work including:

    Ending reassessments for disabled people who will never be able to work and people with lifelong conditions to ensure they can live with dignity and security

    Scrapping the controversial Work Capability Assessment to end the dysfunctional process that drives people into dependency – delivering on the government’s manifesto commitment to reform or replace it

    Providing improved employment support backed by £1 billion – one of the biggest packages of employment support for sick and disabled people ever – including new tailored support conversations for people on health and disability benefits to break down barriers and unlock work

    Legislating to protect those on health and disability benefits from reassessment or losing their payments if they take a chance on work. 

    To ensure the welfare system is available for those with the greatest needs now and long into the future, the government has made bold decisions to improve its sustainability and protect those who need it most, including:

    • Reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and aren’t indefinitely written off.
    • Targeting Personal Independence Payments for those with higher needs by changing the eligibility requirement to a minimum score of four on at least one of the daily living activities to receive the daily living element of the benefit, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria.
    • Rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit to improve the Standard Allowance. Raising it above inflation by 2029/30, adding £775 annually in cash terms.
    • Consulting on delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22 and reinvesting savings into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    We inherited a fundamentally broken welfare system from the previous government. It does not work for the people it is supposed to support, businesses who need workers or taxpayers who foot the bill.

    This government will always protect the most severely disabled people to live with dignity. But we’re not prepared to stand back and do nothing while millions of people – especially young people – who have potential to work and live independent lives, instead become trapped out of work and abandoned by the system. It would be morally bankrupt to let their life chances waste away. 

    When I talk about opportunity for all, I mean it. That’s why we are bringing forward the biggest changes to the welfare system in a generation and improving support for those who need it. Ensuring those who can work do work is not only right, but it will also improve living standards and drive growth, the number one priority in our Plan for Change.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:

    Our social security system must be there for all of us when we need it, now and into the future. That means helping people who can work to do so, protecting those most in need, and delivering respect and dignity for all. 

    Millions of people have been locked out of work, and we can do better for them. Disabled people and those with health conditions who can work deserve the same choices and chances as everyone else.

    That’s why we’re introducing the most far-reaching reforms in a generation, with £1 billion a year being invested in tailored support that can be adapted to meet their changing circumstances – including their changing health – while also scrapping the failed Work Capability Assessment.

    This will mean fairness for disabled people and those with long term health conditions, but also for the taxpayers who fund it as these measures bring down the benefits bill. 

    At the same time, we will ensure that our welfare system protects people. There will always be some people who cannot work because of their disability or health condition. Protecting people in need is a principle we will never compromise on.

    In her statement to Parliament, the Work and Pensions Secretary outlined the clear case for change to the welfare system and set out her commitment to ensuring that disabled people and those with a health condition have the same opportunities to work as anyone else.

    In particular, she highlighted that the UK has one of the highest reported rates of working-age people out of work due to ill health in Western Europe and the UK is the only major economy whose employment rate hasn’t recovered since the pandemic – exacerbated by a broken NHS with millions of people on waiting lists. 

    The government has already made huge progress to fix the NHS, including by hitting the manifesto commitment to deliver over two million extra elective care appointments seven months early, and bringing forward a wider programme for NHS reform through the rollout of community diagnostic centres and 10-year plan. The Health Secretary has also sent crack teams spearheaded by top clinicians into areas of high economic inactivity, and the latest data shows waiting lists in these areas have reduced at almost double the rate of the rest of the country. 

    The reformed system will be built on a straightforward guarantee: any disabled person or person with a long-term health condition who is claiming out of work benefits will be able to access high quality, tailored help into a job. It will also mean that those who cannot work will always get the support they need. In Scotland and Wales, we will work closely with the devolved governments as we develop this package of support.

    The reforms are based on five key principles:

    Protecting disabled people who can’t and won’t ever be able to work and supporting them to live with dignity by:

    • Income Protection: Those currently in receipt of UC health will benefit from the increased standard allowance and will not be affected by plans to reduce UC health in future. 
    • Extra Financial Support: For people who receive the new rate of UC health in the future system, we are proposing a new premium for individuals with severe, life-long health conditions who will never be able to work. The details, eligibility criteria and rate of this premium will be set out in due course.
    • Ending Reassessments: Reassessments for disabled people and people with life-long conditions who will never be able to work will be scrapped.
    • Improving Safeguarding Practices: The government will look at how safeguarding practices for the most vulnerable can be improved and improve experiences with the system, working with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. 

    Delivering better and more tailored employment support to get more people off welfare and into work. This includes: 

    • £1 Billion employment package to deliver tailored support for disabled people and those with long-term conditions.
    • New Support Conversations to provide earlier opportunities for people with health conditions to discuss work goals and available help.
    • Investing in the Youth Guarantee by delaying access to UC health element until age 22 and reinvesting savings into work support and training for young people.

    Stopping people from falling into long-term economic inactivity through early intervention and support by:

    • Access to Work Scheme: We will consult on improvements to help people start and stay in work with reasonable adjustments including aids, appliances and assistive technology. These would be the first substantive changes to Access to Work since its introduction in 1994
    • Unemployment Insurance: We will reform contributory benefits (ESA and JSA) into a single, non-means tested, time-limited benefit for those who have paid into the system to ensure people get the support they need to find a new job that makes the most of their skills, contributing to a dynamic and productive economy.

    Restoring trust and fairness in the system by fixing the broken assessment process that drives people into dependency on welfare by:

    • Scrapping the WCA to end the labelling of people as either ‘can or can’t work’ and consulting on a new single assessment. Under the new system, any extra financial support for health conditions (including PIP, ESA or UC health) will be assessed via a new single assessment which will be based on the PIP assessment – considering on the impact of disability on daily living, not on capacity to work.
    • Increasing Face-to-Face Assessments for PIP and the WCA to improve the quality of assessment decision while ensuring we continue to meet the needs of those with who may require a different method of assessment.
    • Longer term reform of the PIP Assessment – In the long term we will set out broader reforms to the PIP assessment, and intend first to carry out a review involving experts and stakeholders to adapt and improve it.
    • Right to Try Guarantee: which will ensure someone trying work or on a pathway towards employment will never lead to an immediate reassessment or award review.
    • Restarting Mandatory Reassessments: We will reintroduce reassessments for incapacity benefits, with exceptions for those who will never work and those under special rules for end-of-life care. Reassessments have largely been switched off since 2021, leaving people stuck on benefits when they could be helped into work and to improve their quality of life.

    Ensuring the system is financially sustainable to keep providing for those who need it most by:

    • Changing PIP Eligibility:  PIP will be targeted more on those with higher needs by requiring a minimum of four points on one daily living activity, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria.. DWP will work with DHSC to ensure that existing people who claim PIP who may no longer be entitled to the benefit following an award review under new eligibility rules have their health and eligible care needs met. The government is consulting on how best to achieve this.

    • Rebalancing Universal Credit: by improving the Standard Allowance to provide more adequate support. The government plans to raise the Standard Allowance above inflation by 2029/30, adding £775 in cash terms annually. This aims to avoid people having to choose between employment or adequate financial support. This change addresses the current issue where the health element rate is double that of the standard allowance, creating an incentive for people to prove they are unfit to work to claim the health element and access greater financial support.

    Further Information

    • This is a significant reform package that is expected to save over £5 billion in 2029 to 2030. The government will publish OBR-certified costings of individual measures at the Spring Statement on 26 March. 
    • The UC standard allowance increase of £775 per year is for a single person aged 25 or over. Equivalent percentage increases will be applied to the standard allowances of couples and those aged under 25.
    • This consultation applies to England, Wales and Scotland. Note that the proposals in the consultation will only apply to the UK Government’s areas of responsibility in Scotland and Wales.
    • We will bring forward primary legislation this session to enable delivery of the PIP additional eligibility requirement and UC rebalancing reforms from 26/27, subject to parliamentary approval. The Right to Work Guarantee will be delivered through separate primary legislation which will be introduced in due course. 

    • In Scotland, some elements of support for disabled people and people with health conditions remain reserved (for example, the health element in UC) and some have been devolved to the Scottish Government (for example PIP and DLA). The proposals in this paper would only apply directly to UK Government areas of responsibility in Scotland. The interactions between the reserved and devolved systems will need to be fully considered before they are implemented.

    • DWP and the Scottish Government both have powers to provide different types of employment support in Scotland. Some elements of our employment support offer will apply across Great Britain. We will respect the Scottish Government’s devolved powers in relation to skills, health and employment support and work with the Scottish Government as we work through the details of the package and what this will mean in terms of additional funding and delivery in Scotland.

    • In Wales, DWP is responsible for social security and employment support. Welsh Ministers also have powers to provide employment support outside Jobcentre Plus. Some elements of our employment support offer will apply across Great Britain. We will respect the Welsh Government’s devolved powers in relation to skills, health and employment support and work with the Welsh Government as we work through the details of the package and what this will mean in terms of additional funding and delivery in Wales.

    • Social security and employment support are transferred in Northern Ireland, although the UK government and the Northern Ireland Executive work closely together to maintain parity between their respective social security systems. However, the consultation welcomes comments from individuals and organisations in Northern Ireland, which will then be shared with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor announces new £6 million fund to support survivors of domestic abuse

    Source: Mayor of London

    • New £6 million investment from Mayor will help ensure thousands of victims and survivors of domestic abuse get the help and support they need to reach safe accommodation, and rebuild their lives for the long term
    • Since its launch in 2021, the Mayor’s Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation (DASA) programme has ensured more than 23,500 victims and survivors have received support
    • Additional funding builds on Sadiq’s record £233 million funding to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms
    • Mayor visits voluntary organisations Refuge, Solace and Asha in Lambeth to see first-hand how his Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation (DASA) programme is supporting the most vulnerable in London’s diverse communities

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a new £6 million package of funding to support grassroots community organisations delivering life-changing support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence across the capital.

    The funding will be used to fund keyworkers, helplines, advocates who can help support victims find new housing, legal advice, counselling and specialist play therapy for children alongside a range of other initiatives.

    It is part of Sadiq’s £54 million investment in his Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation (DASA) programme1 which funds vital support and services for survivors and their children in safe accommodation. 

    The additional £6 million announced today builds on the record support the Mayor has already provided for domestic abuse services in London, which includes the delivery of 81 vital services for domestic abuse survivors between 2022 and 2024.2

    Since it launched in 2021, the Mayor’s DASA programme has helped more than 23,500 survivors of domestic abuse, including vulnerable men, women, and children from across London’s communities rebuild their lives. Thanks to new City Hall investment, it is expected that thousands of more victims and survivors will benefit over the course of the Mayor’s DASA programme.

    The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) found that an estimated 2.3 million people aged 16 or over in the UK had experienced domestic abuse in the last year ending March 2024.3 In London there were 86,863 police recorded domestic abuse offences in the 12-month period to February 2025.4

    Sadiq is continuing to work in partnership with community organisations, government, charities, the police and other partners to support victims of domestic abuse access safe housing and one-to-one support to cope and recover from trauma and abuse.

    However, victims and survivors are still facing barriers in receiving the help they need and the situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis which is forcing many people who have been impacted to stay with abusers or face financial hardship.

    The Mayor is determined to ensure that all Londoners in need are able to access the domestic abuse support they need, in a way that benefits them. To help achieve that, Sadiq has today set out a new refreshed approach to Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation which will create more safe spaces for victims and survivors from minority backgrounds – included faith-based communities and those with more complex needs. The new approach will help communities from London’s diverse communities feel more comfortable reaching out for support. 5

    Today, the Mayor visited voluntary organisations Refuge, Solace and Asha in Lambeth to see first-hand how his funding will continue to help dedicated staff deliver high-quality care and support for survivors of domestic abuse and their families.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Domestic abuse refuges and community organisations are a lifeline for so many Londoners in need. Despite caseloads growing, grassroot support groups are struggling to survive due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and years of underfunding from the previous government.

    “So I’m pleased to be working with partners to fund vital support services for thousands of survivors of domestic abuse and violence who need safe accommodation across our city.

    “The investment I have announced today will build on my record £233 million funding to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms and help community organisations continue their life-changing work with some of the most vulnerable people experiencing domestic abuse so we can build a safer and fairer London for everyone.”

    Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “The Mayor’s funding for domestic abuse victims and survivors is changing lives. Since 2021, the DASA programme has ensured more than 23,500 victims and survivors have received the support they need to move forward.

    “This latest investment and refreshed strategy will help us do even more and ensure Londoners of all backgrounds can access the vital one-to-one care they need to rebuild their lives. All of this is happening alongside record funding for the police to go after the worst domestic abuse offenders and better education and public campaigns to tackle the root causes of misogyny and domestic violence.”

    Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, said: “This vital new investment from the Mayor will ensure thousands of victims and survivors of domestic abuse in safe accommodation receive the help they need to rebuild their lives.

    “This will enable grassroots community organisations to continue delivering life-changing services for victims, including helplines and therapy, as we build a safer London for all.”

    London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, said: “It’s absolutely critical that victims and survivors affected by domestic abuse and violence receive the support and help they need to access safety and rebuild their lives.

    “I know first-hand from my work with victims across the capital just how important these specialist services are; safe accommodation offers survivors a lifeline and ensures they can escape their abusers. Whilst there is a still a lot more work to do to tackle the root causes of domestic abuse, I hope this new funding from City Hall will support the most vulnerable victims and survivors in our diverse communities.”

    Cllr Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council, said: “We are proud of Lambeth’s leading work to support women and girls who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse and to work with the Mayor of London on our shared ambitions to keep women and girls safe.

    “This visit recognises Lambeth’s long history of strong local funding, partnerships and expertise. We are committed to tackling gender based violence in all its forms in our borough and have protected these services from the deep funding cuts our sector has faced over many years. Lambeth Council’s strategy for tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) has been in place since 2021 and sets out how the council works with its partners on the issue over the following five years. It builds on previous strategies and a decade of work to establish effective services, partnerships and processes that support victims and survivors and their children and hold perpetrators to account.

    “Lambeth council funds 52 refuge bed spaces, which is the highest number of commissioned domestic abuse safe accommodation beds in any London borough, and twice as many as the London average. The majority offer culturally specific support in recognition of the evidenced benefit of tailored support for women and their children fleeing abuse. There is also specialist community-based support for victims and survivors of all genders and ages who are at risk of gender based violence through our free, confidential and independent service, the Gaia Centre. We look forward to working with the Mayor and his team on a fair and sustainable offer for those fleeing domestic abuse across London.”

    Martina Palmer, Head of Services at Refuge, said: “Refuge is delighted to welcome a new strategy for domestic abuse safe accommodation from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Violence against women and girls (VAWG) in London remains at ‘endemic’ levels, and funding for safe accommodation for survivors is an integral part of what’s needed to make good on the Government’s pledge to halve VAWG within the next decade.

    “Refuges play a lifesaving role for survivors by giving them the space, safety and support required to rebuild their lives free from abuse. We are proud to be continuing our work with Lambeth and other expert partners to deliver a co-ordinated approach to domestic abuse that is inclusive, accessible and tailored to each survivor’s individual needs.”

    Nahar Choudhury, Chief Executive of Solace, said: “Safe and accessible accommodation is a lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse, and we welcome the Mayor’s commitment to improving provision across London. Solace has been proud to contribute to the consultation on this strategy, which takes important steps to expand safe accommodation, strengthen specialist support, and remove barriers for those most in need.

    “We are particularly pleased to see a focus on grant funding for ‘by and for’ services, improving sanctuary schemes, expanding move on housing, and investing in psychologically informed environments. We look forward to continuing our work with the Mayor’s Office and partners to ensure every survivor in London has a secure place to rebuild their life.”

    Ila Patel, Director of Asha, said: “We welcome the Mayor’s new strategy for Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation, which is an important step in ensuring survivors have the support they need.

    Specialist by and for organisations like Asha play a crucial role in supporting women who are often the most vulnerable and least visible.

    “Working together with our Lambeth partners, we have delivered quality support to survivors, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and empowered to rebuild their lives. As a small organisation, this achievement was made possible through the DASA funding, which has been vital in enabling us to provide this essential support.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Choose loose fruit and veg to reduce food waste

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    ABC Borough Council is thrilled to support Food Waste Action Week, running from March 17- 23 which will focus on buying loose fruit and vegetables.

    The campaign, which is the flagship annual event delivered by WRAP’s (Waste and Resources Action Programme) Love Food Hate Waste, helps households develop the tools they need to cut food waste at home.

    This year, Food Waste Action Week will continue to raise awareness of the benefits of buying loose fruit and veg. With food waste costing on average £1,000 for a household of four every year, Food Waste Action Week will help shoppers to save money and waste less food by shopping for loose produce.

    WRAP’s research has identified the potential to reduce household food waste by removing the packaging on uncut fresh fruit and veg, enabling us to buy closer to our needs as well as the ‘bonus’ benefit of eliminating a significant amount of unnecessary packaging.

    Recently, WRAP has called for a packaging ban on 21 fruit and veg items, to be developed via a formal consultation process. This recommendation has been created in consultation with industry stakeholders from across the supply chain. Selling these 21 items loose has the potential to save in the region of 100,000 tonnes of edible fruit and vegetables from being wasted annually in people’s homes as well as saving 13,000 tonnes of plastic film.

    Jackie Bailey, Senior Campaign Manager Love Food Hate Waste, said: “We know buying loose fruit and veg has the potential to significantly cut the amount of food ending up in the bin – now is the time for retailers and shoppers to make that a reality. Increasing loose fruit and veg offerings in store will not only reduce hard to recycle plastics, it will also enable shoppers to buy closer to their needs, slashing waste and stopping tens of thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions.”

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Cllr Sarah Duffy said simple choices can make big impacts.

    She said: “As a council, we want to support this campaign by encouraging local shops and residents to switch to loose fruit and vegetables as this can make a huge impact on reducing food waste and plastic as well as reducing costs.”

    To find out how you can play your part please visit – www.wrap.ngo/take-action/love-food-hate-waste

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council cash boost welcomed for Health and Social Care partnership

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen City Council’s budget approval of an additional £9.536 million in funding for the city’s Health and Social Care partnership was welcomed at today’s (Tuesday 18 March) meeting of the Integration Joint Board (IJB),

    The additional funding agreed at the Council’s Budget meeting on 5 March brings the local authority’s investment in the IJB to £140m for the coming 12 months and helps the Partnership balance its 2025/26 budget, deliver frontline services and transform its operations.  

    Councillor Alex McLellan, the Council’s Finance and Resources Convener, said: “Aberdeen City Council’s 2025/26 budget allocated a record £140 million, including an additional £9.5 million to protect services, to the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership to deliver health and social care services on behalf of the Council.”

    “These additional funds have ensured vital services, which are provided to some of the most vulnerable people in Aberdeen, by the Aberdeen City Health and Social Partnership are protected.   

    “There is clearly a need for the Integration Joint Board to go through a period of transformation, to reduce spend, embrace digital technology and find efficiencies but this approach needs to be a compassionate one and through a period of transition.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry food business sentenced for filthy conditions

    Source: City of Coventry

    A Coventry food business operator has been given a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to food hygiene offences.

    Mrs Liang Zheng, the former Food Business Operator of Chef Wang, 4 Torrington Avenue, Coventry pleaded guilty to 3 hygiene offences at Coventry Magistrates Court on 12 March 2025.  

    Mrs Zheng was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £3,377.58 as well as a victim surcharge of £26.

    Food & Safety Officers visited the business to undertake an unannounced food hygiene inspection on 7 June 2023. During this visit, filthy conditions were found throughout the kitchen. The standard of cleaning was well below standard – both day to day cleaning such as touch points, as well as deeper cleaning.

    Officers found:

    • Wash hand basins were not in use, either being obstructed or not provided with soap and hygienic hand drying facilities.
    • Dirty and deteriorated cloths were in use for cleaning.
    • Staff not wearing clean protective clothing.
    • Flies throughout the food preparation and handling areas.

    Officers worked with the food business to ensure conditions were improved and it was safe to operate.

    On 27 July 2023 following a paid for request for a re-rating revisit, a rating of 3 (hygiene standards are generally satisfactory) was achieved.

    When questioned about the poor conditions found in June 2023, Mrs Zheng did not appear to understand the gravity of the situation and did not think the conditions found by officers were poor, thus demonstrating that Mrs Zheng’s baseline cleaning standards do not match those of food hygiene law.

    Mrs Zheng pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations in respect of the following identified issues:

    •         Failure to keep the premises clean.

    •         Failure to protect food from contamination.

    •         Failure to implement and maintain a permanent procedure or procedures based on the HACCP (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points) principles.

    The business has been subject to several inspections since the poor conditions were found in 2023.

    In June 2024, an unannounced food hygiene inspection led to a rating of 1 (major improvement is necessary) being issued and following payment for a rating revisit, a further unannounced inspection was carried out in August 2024 which resulted in a food hygiene rating of 4 (hygiene standards are good).

    Councillor Khan, Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities said:

    “It is vital that people running food businesses in Coventry are running clean and safe establishments all of the time to ensure the safety of the food they sell to customers.”

    “This is a reminder to all Food Business Operators to ensure they have a clean kitchen with suitably trained staff undertaking regular and thorough cleaning every day to prevent a problem like this occurring and putting customers at a risk to their health”

    Davina Blackburn, Strategic Lead for Regulation and Communities in the city, said:

    “We take a staged approach to enforcement and prosecution is a matter of last resort. Wherever possible officers will always try to work with businesses offering advice and guidance but will take the necessary actions if they feel there is a risk to health.”

    We would encourage all residents to report unsatisfactory food hygiene conditions found in food businesses in Coventry to ehcommercial@coventry.gov.uk or call 08085834333.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Members of the Committee on Fuel Poverty reappointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Members of the Committee on Fuel Poverty reappointed

    Caroline Flint (chair), Gordon McGregor, Belinda Littleton and Anthony Pygram have been reappointed to the Committee on Fuel Poverty (CFP).

    Caroline Flint has been reappointed to the Committee on Fuel Poverty (CFP) in the role of Chair. This reappointment took effect from 31 January 2025 and will last for 3 years.

    Belinda Littleton, Anthony Pygram and Gordon McGregor have also been reappointed to the Committee. Gordon McGregor’s reappointment takes effect from 17 May 2025 for 2 years. Belinda and Anthony’s reappointments each take effect from 3 May 2025 for 3 years.

    The Committee on Fuel Poverty advises on the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing fuel poverty and encourages greater co-ordination across the organisations working to reduce fuel poverty.

    Biographies

    Caroline Flint

    Caroline has a wealth of experience in politics as a Labour MP for Don Valley, from 1997-2019. She was the first woman MP for Don Valley and a Minister in 5 government departments, developing legislation and leading major policy initiatives, before serving in Her Majesty’s Opposition Shadow Cabinet from 2010 to 2015. During her significant political career, she led the Smoke Free England legislation, led Opposition strategy on energy market reform and climate change, has contributed to multiple All-Party Parliamentary Groups and committees, including the Commons Public Accounts Committee and Intelligence and Security Committee.

    Caroline was appointed chair of Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust in 2021 and has been re-appointed for a second term. She was a member of the UK Commission on COVID Commemoration which reported to the government on how our collective experience of the pandemic should be remembered. Caroline is an Advisory Board member for the thinktank Reform, works with Dods delivering training on how government and Parliament works and is a broadcaster and commentator on news and current affairs. She won Celebrity Mastermind in 2021 with her specialist subject the movie ‘Alien’ raising money for the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA). She lives in Doncaster.

    Belinda Littleton

    Belinda Littleton works for National Grid and is currently Head of Asset Engineering Assurance, Electricity Transmission. She is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Belinda’s work at National Grid has included:

    • leading a team of specialists to deliver appropriate system upgrades that provide value to the consumer during the clean energy transition
    • focusing on enabling a net zero future that doesn’t leave anyone behind
    • setting out National Grid’s strategic perspective on the decarbonisation of transport

    Previously working as an economist at Ofgem, Belinda looked at the impact of the smart meter rollout on vulnerable customers.

    Belinda has also previously worked at PwC. During this time she worked with the former Department of Energy and Climate Change to develop their Household Energy Efficiency Strategy considering the carbon reduction contribution that could be made by households.

    Belinda is passionate about designing inclusivity into future policy that delivers against net zero commitments within the UK.

    Anthony Pygram

    Anthony Pygram is a regulatory expert. He was the Director of Conduct and Enforcement at Ofgem (where, amongst other things, he oversaw the development of Ofgem’s Consumer Vulnerability Strategy). He was subsequently a specialist adviser to the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee for its Ofgem and net zero inquiry, and more recently a Senior Manager at the Payment Systems Regulator.

    Anthony is Lay Vice President and a member of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, a Lay Member of the Regulatory Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, and the independent Chair of the Code Change Committee for the non-household water market.

    Gordon McGregor

    Gordon has worked for over 3 decades in the energy and utilities sector. He has a depth of experience working in retail, distribution, generation and corporate management. Most recently, he has helped lead a number of highly innovative companies that have a strong focus on energy efficiency, renewables and clean technology.

    Gordon was a founding member of the Electricity Association Taskforce on Fuel Poverty, working on how energy regulation and industry structures could improve energy efficiency and affordability. Throughout his career, he has helped design energy efficiency programmes, developed affordable payment approaches, created social action initiatives and has helped design tariffs that help priority and vulnerable customers. He has also been involved in market design and managed the implementation of regulations to support new renewable targets. As a director of a vertically integrated utility, he helped lead the transition from a largely fossil fuel based portfolio towards a lower carbon alternative.

    Gordon is Chief Sustainability and Digital Officer for Sweco UK & Ireland, a leading European engineering and architecture consultancy. Gordon also sits on the Natural Environmental Research Council and is a member of the UKRI Advisory Board for Building a Green Future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on Lay Members on the Security Vetting Appeals Panel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Update on Lay Members on the Security Vetting Appeals Panel

    An update on the term of four Lay Members who sit on the Security Vetting Appeals Panel.

    Four Lay Members on the Security Vetting Appeals Panel (SVAP) have had their terms extended until 31st March 2027.

    The Lay Members are Claire Stokes, James Barron, Nicholas Griffin and Sally Berlin, whose terms were due to finish on 31st March 2025. Their terms have been extended for continuity of board expertise.

    The Security Vetting Appeals Panel reviews decisions to refuse or withdraw National Security Vetting and the process involved. You can find out more about what the Panel does here.

    The Panel currently has 15 sitting members: a Chair, a Deputy Chair and 13 Lay Members. 

    There are no statutory limits on the number of terms a Lay Member can serve. However, the Governance Code for Public Appointments sets out that no individual should serve in a single role for more than two terms or ten years.

    Claire Stokes was Risk Management Lead Partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and is currently an Independent Contractor with PwC Global. 

    James Barron is a former senior civil servant and prior to retirement was Chief Executive of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

    Nicholas Griffin QC founded the QEB Hollis Whiteman Public Law Group and is the head of Chambers’ Business and Human Rights Group. He is Trustee of Anti-Slavery International; UK Anti-Doping board member and Former Assistant Commissioner for the Boundary Commission for England. 

    Sally Berlin is Director of Casework Operations at the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Awaab’s Law to come to Scotland

    Source: Scottish Government

    Further enhancing protections for social housing tenants.

    Social housing residents in Scotland will be given greater protection against issues of disrepair in their homes such as damp and mould through the introduction of Awaab’s Law.

    Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale.

    The Scottish Government intends to introduce amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that will broaden Ministers’ powers to impose timeframes on social landlords to investigate disrepair and start repairs, through regulation, following engagement with the sector.

    The regulations will build on provisions already in the Bill on strengthening tenants’ rights and Scotland’s existing legal protections for social tenants such as the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and the Right to Repair Scheme.

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

    “Introducing timescales and expectations for repairs aims to make sure this never happens to a child or their family ever again.

    “Everyone in Scotland deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair. We already have a strong set of rights and standards that have been improving in Scotland.

    “However, these measures will go even further and give power and confidence to tenants that any issues identified and repairs started in a timely manner, so any issues do not have a detrimental impact on their health.

    “Our Housing Bill already contains proposals to improve tenants’ rights, and these measures will strengthen those even further to make sure their home is safe for them and their families.”

    Background

    Housing (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

    Registered social landlords are required to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) which requires housing to be free from rising or penetrating damp, to have satisfactory ventilation and meet minimum energy efficiency standards.

    Just like the social rented sector, the Scottish Government is committed to and will consider how to implement Awaab’s Law for private tenants, using existing powers, after engagement with the private rented sector.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Expansion of Disease Reporting Requirements

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Expansion of Disease Reporting Requirements

    From April 6, 2025, UKHSA requires medical professionals to report 8 more diseases, while labs must report 10 new pathogens to boost surveillance.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expanded the list of notifiable diseases and pathogens that registered medical professionals and diagnostic laboratories in England must report.

    The updated Health Protection Notification Regulations (HPNR) requirements, which come into effect from 6 April 2025, will strengthen local and national surveillance and improve outbreak response capabilities for infectious diseases.

    Medical professionals will now be required to report 8 additional conditions, including Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and zoonotic influenza strains. Likewise, laboratories processing human samples in England must report ten new causative agents.

    These changes are the result of a public consultation and assessment conducted jointly by UKHSA and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to enhance surveillance capabilities for current and emerging infectious diseases.

    Aside from existing infections, registered medical professionals will be required to report suspected cases of:

    • Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
    • Influenza of zoonotic origin
    • Chickenpox (varicella)
    • Congenital syphilis
    • Neonatal herpes
    • Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) or acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)
    • Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI)
    • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

    Diagnostic laboratories testing human samples in England will also be required to report an additional 10 pathogens, including:

    • Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
    • Non-human influenza A subtypes
    • Norovirus
    • Echinococcus spp
    • Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)
    • Toxoplasma (congenital toxoplasmosis)
    • Trichinella spp
    • Yersinia spp
    • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
    • Candidozyma auris

    Dr William Welfare, UKHSA Director of Health Protection Operations said:

    These expanded reporting requirements will strengthen our ability to detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks quickly and effectively. Robust disease surveillance is vital for effective public health response and the data gathered through this system is crucial for developing and implementing timely public health interventions and protecting communities across England.

    When registered medical practitioners report certain diseases, UKHSA’s Health Protection Teams will take action. This might include giving antibiotics to people who’ve been in contact with patients, offering vaccines, or advising people to self-isolate. For other diseases, the reports help UKHSA track how illnesses spread and how effective interventions are.

    UKHSA recently introduced an electronic NOIDs system, allowing medical professionals to submit notifications online. This digital system is faster than the old paper-based method, helping UKHSA respond more quickly to health threats and reducing the burden of reporting for healthcare professionals.

    All shared information is confidential and protected under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). UKHSA only uses this information to track and prevent the spread of diseases.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charter committing to openness, transparency and accountability

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Charter committing to openness, transparency and accountability

    Welsh public organisations pledge new approach focused on the bereaved and survivors of public tragedies.

    Organisations across Wales have signed a charter which commits them to responding to public tragedies with openness, transparency and accountability.

    The Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy calls for a cultural shift in public bodies’ engagement with bereaved families, ensuring the lessons of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath are learned to prevent those who are affected by public tragedy in the future from having the same experience.

    Organisations across Wales – including Welsh Government, local authorities, police forces, Welsh Ambulance Service, fire and rescue services, and the Mining Remediation Authority – have all signed up to support bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident, with a clear commitment to people and to providing services that meet their needs before, during and after an event.

    A launch event will be held in Merthyr Tydfil today (Tuesday 18 March 2025), attended by Bishop James Jones KBE, who wrote the charter as part of his report on lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy.

    He will be joined by the bereaved and survivors of public tragedies, including Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena and Aberfan, which stands only a few miles from the launch.

    Bishop Jones said:

    Today the nation of Wales is leading the way with more than 50 of its public bodies signing the charter. In doing so the culture of the organisations has begun to change and there is a renewed commitment to public service and to respecting the humanity of those we are called to serve.

    The charter represents a promise that after any future tragedy no one will be left to navigate their grief and survival alone. That no one will endure again the ‘patronising disposition of unaccountable power’.

    This is a pivotal moment in the life of the nation as we embrace the principles of the charter and pledge to respect the humanity of all its citizens which should be at the heart of all public service.

    North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx, chair of the Joint Emergency Services Group in Wales, said:

    We recognise that co-operation when supporting families affected by public tragedy is vital for ensuring the wellbeing and resilience of our communities.

    By working together we can use our collective expertise and resources to provide meaningful support to those in need during times of crisis and beyond.

    South Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Travis added:

    By signing the charter, each and every organisation is making a public statement to learn the lessons of the Hillsborough disaster and other tragedies to ensure that we never lose sight of the perspective of bereaved families and ensure that they are treated with care and compassion, not only at the time of emergency and tragedy but in the weeks, months and years after.

    While today is a landmark, the real challenge is to embed the charter into our training and culture to ensure it becomes an integral part of our response to any public tragedy.

    The involvement of the bereaved and survivors of public tragedy has been a driving force in bringing about today’s momentous step forward.

    Julia Draycon, Environment Director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

    As a 24/7 emergency response organisation, with staff across Great Britain ready to respond to incidents, we are proud to sign up to the charter For Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy and we’re committed to upholding the principles within it.

    We act with integrity, respect and empathy; we take pride in the way we are dedicated to delivering for the communities we serve.

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Renewables are cheap. So why isn’t your power bill falling?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tony Wood, Program Director, Energy, Grattan Institute

    Steve Tritton/Shutterstock

    Power prices are set to go up again even though renewables now account for 40% of the electricity in Australia’s main grid – close to quadruple the clean power we had just 15 years ago. How can that be, given renewables are the cheapest form of newly built power generation?

    This is a fair question. As Australia heads for a federal election campaign likely to focus on the rising cost of living, many of us are wondering when, exactly, cheap renewables will bring cheap power.

    The simple answer is – not yet. While solar and wind farms produce power at remarkably low cost, they need to be built where it’s sunny or windy. Our existing transmission lines link gas and coal power stations to cities. Connecting renewables to the grid requires expensive new transmission lines, as well as storage for when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining.

    Notably, Victoria’s mooted price increase of 0.7% was much lower than other states, which would be as high as 8.9% in parts of New South Wales. This is due to Victoria’s influx of renewables – and good connections to other states. Because Victoria can draw cheap wind from South Australia, hydroelectricity from Tasmania or coal power from New South Wales through a good transmission line network, it has kept wholesale prices the lowest in the national energy market since 2020.

    While it was foolish for the Albanese government to promise more renewables would lower power bills by a specific amount, the path we are on is still the right one.

    That’s because most of our coal plants are near the end of their life. Breakdowns are more common and reliability is dropping. Building new coal plants would be expensive too. New gas would be pricier still. And the Coalition’s nuclear plan would be both very expensive and arrive sometime in the 2040s, far too late to help.

    Renewables are cheap, building a better grid is not

    The reason solar is so cheap and wind not too far behind is because there is no fuel. There’s no need to keep pipelines of gas flowing or trainloads of coal arriving to be burned.

    But sun and wind are intermittent. During clear sunny days, the National Energy Market can get so much solar that power prices actually turn negative. Similarly, long windy periods can drive down power prices. But when the sun goes down and the wind stops, we still need power.

    This is why grid planners want to be able to draw on renewable sources from a wide range of locations. If it’s not windy on land, there will always be wind at sea. To connect these new sources to the grid, though, requires another 10,000 kilometres of high voltage transmission lines to add to our existing 40,000 km. These are expensive and cost blowouts have become common. In some areas, strong objections from rural residents are adding years of delay and extra cost.

    So while the cost of generating power from renewables is very low, we have underestimated the cost of getting this power to markets as well as ensuring the power can be “firmed”. Firming is when electricity from variable renewable sources is turned into a commodity able to be turned on or off as needed and is generally done by storing power in pumped hydro schemes or in grid-scale batteries.

    In fact, the cost of transmission and firming is broadly offsetting the lower input costs from renewables.

    Transmission lines are essential – but building them is sometimes fraught.
    Naohisa goto/Shutterstock

    Does this mean the renewable path was wrong?

    At both federal and state levels, Labor ministers have made an error in claiming renewables would directly translate to lower power prices.

    But consider the counterpoint. Let’s say the Coalition gets in, rips up plans for offshore wind zones and puts the renewable transition on ice. What happens then?

    Our coal plants would continue to age, leading to more frequent breakdowns and unreliable power, especially during summer peak demand. Gas is so expensive as to be a last resort. Nuclear would be far in the future. What would be left? Quite likely, expensive retrofits of existing coal plants.

    If we stick to the path of the green energy transition, we should expect power price rises to moderate. With more interconnections and transmission lines, we can accommodate more clean power from more sources, reducing the chance of price spikes and adding vital resilience to the grid. If an extreme weather event takes out one transmission line, power can still flow from others.

    Storing electricity will be a game-changer

    Until now, storing electricity at scale for later use hasn’t been possible. That means grid operators have to constantly match supply and demand. To cope with peak demand, such as a heatwave over summer, we have very expensive gas peaking plants which sit idle nearly all the time.

    Solar has only made the challenge harder, as we get floods of solar at peak times and nothing in the evening when we use most of our power. Our coal plants do not deal well with being turned off and on to accommodate solar floods.

    The good news is, storage is solving most of these problems. Being able to keep hours or even days of power stored in batteries or in elevated reservoirs at hydroelectric plants gives authorities much more flexibility in how they match supply and demand.

    We will never see power “too cheap to meter”, as advocates once said of the nuclear industry. But over time, we should see price rises ease.

    For our leaders and energy authorities, this is a tricky time. They must ensure our large-scale transmission line interconnectors actually get built, juggle the flood of renewables, ensure storage comes online, manage the exit of coal plants and try not to affect power prices. Pretty straightforward.

    Tony Wood’s superannuation fund may have shares in companies positively or negatively affected by the issues covered in this article.

    – ref. Renewables are cheap. So why isn’t your power bill falling? – https://theconversation.com/renewables-are-cheap-so-why-isnt-your-power-bill-falling-252391

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Aboriginal Cultural Learning Hub to empower students in Botany Bay

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: New Aboriginal Cultural Learning Hub to empower students in Botany Bay

    Published: 18 March 2025

    Released by: Attorney General, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty

    A new learning space to help foster employment opportunities and Aboriginal cultural connection has been launched at La Perouse Public School, thanks to a $99,000 ‘Community and Place’ grant from the Minns Labor Government.

    Grant recipient IndigiGrow is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated social enterprise which operates nurseries at La Perouse and Matraville Sports High School, reviving, growing, and delivering native plants and bush tucker across Sydney.

    The development of the cultural learning space on Bidjigal Country in Botany Bay is part of IndigiGrow’s broader efforts to grow jobs and broaden cultural knowledge.

    The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, attended the launch with school students, staff, parents and carers to celebrate the transformation of an unused school space, into a thriving hub for hands-on education in native plants, cultural knowledge, and connection to Country.

    The launch featured a demonstration on how to propagate banksia pods using fire, given by IndigiGrow’s Peter Cooley.

    The NSW Government’s Community and Place Grants has funded $35 million to support community-led programs that advance Closing the Gap outcomes since 2022.

    For more information on IndigiGrow visit: https://indigigrow.com.au

    Attorney General and Member for Maroubra, Michael Daley said:

    “The cultural learning hub will help strengthen young Aboriginal people’s connection to culture.

    “Programs like this are crucial to improving outcomes for Aboriginal students and empowering the next generation of community leaders.”

    Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

    “The NSW Government is proud to support community-led initiatives that provide opportunities for students to deepen their cultural knowledge, learn from Elders, and gain practical skills that connect them to Country and community.

    “Projects like this demonstrate the power of Aboriginal knowledge and leadership in shaping meaningful educational experiences for young people in NSW.

    “By supporting IndigiGrow’s work, we are helping ensure the next generation can access cultural learning in a way that strengthens identity, wellbeing, and opportunity to help close the gap.”

    Peter Cooley from IndigiGrow, said:

    “Having these cultural educational learning facilities in the school environment is so important.

    “They provide pathways for our young people to learn cultural knowledge and skills in a culturally safe, supportive and familiar learning environment, enhancing social and emotional wellbeing.”

    Lisa Maller, Principal of La Perouse Public School said:

    “IndigiGrow shares invaluable knowledge about bush tucker and significant local plants, deepening students’ awareness of the natural world and its cultural significance.

    “The creation of the yarning circle will provide a vital communal space for cultural exchange and connection, offering students profound learning experiences that celebrate both environmental and cultural heritage.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minns Government seeks energy bill relief for cyclone region

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Minns Government seeks energy bill relief for cyclone region

    Published: 18 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Minister for the North Coast, Minister for Small Business

    The Minns Labor Government has written to energy companies asking them to defer electricity bills and waive a fee for NSW households and businesses hit by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, to further ease the pressure on those recovering from the natural disaster.

    Residents and business owners in northern NSW have experienced substantial disruptions to their power supply due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. It delivered heavy rain and severe winds to large areas of Northern NSW, causing extensive damage to the area’s electricity distribution network.

    A total of 84,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages across various communities from Tweed Heads to Grafton, and west to Armidale. Some lost power multiple times.

    Essential Energy will waive the daily access charge for customers for the period they were without power.

    While energy retailers have not played a role in relation to the power disruptions, Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe has written to 22 companies requesting their cooperation in supporting customers who live in local government areas included in the natural disaster declaration. The Minister has asked them to:

    • waive the daily power supply charge for customers for the period they were not supplied electricity (by passing on the waiver being provided to retailers by Essential Energy)
    • defer any electricity bills that are due to be sent to customers for 14 days
    • defer any disconnections or repayment requirements for 14 days for affected customers in debt or with any amount owing on their account
    • provide additional information about payment plan options and NSW Government financial support if customers find they are unable to pay their bill as a result of the cyclone impacts.

    The NSW Government along with the Australian Government is working together to provide support to the affected area. A personal hardship grant with payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 per family is available through Service NSW for essential costs such as food, clothing, medicine and emergency accommodation. To be eligible, individuals must have been subject to an evacuation order or have experienced a power outage of more than 48 hours.

    Customers whose ability to repay their energy bills has been impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can also apply for NSW Government Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) support to help pay their energy bills. EAPA helps people experiencing difficulty paying their electricity and/or gas bill due to a short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergency to stay connected to essential services. EAPA can only be applied to current, unpaid energy bills.

    Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

    “It is important we provide as much support as possible to households and business owners who are recovering from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

    “I have written to energy retailers asking them to join Essential Energy in providing relief to customers in the natural disaster zone, and thank them in advance for any assistance they can offer.”

    Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

    “Every bit of support counts for families, households and businesses doing it tough in the wake of this natural disaster.

    “Thank you for your consideration of this request during this difficult time for the residents and businesses of the Northern Rivers and North Coast.”

    Further information:

    • Essential Energy is one of three distribution network operators in NSW. Essential Energy, Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy are responsible for the distribution lines in a specified region:
      • Essential Energy – Riverina, South Eastern region, Northern NSW and Central Tablelands
      • Ausgrid – Sydney’s north, Central Coast and Newcastle
      • Endeavour Energy – Blue Mountains, Western Sydney, Illawarra and South Coast
    • Energy retailers such as Origin Energy, AGL, Red Energy and EnergyAustralia buy electricity from the market pool and contract with generators to manage prices.
      • Retailers then sell electricity to households and businesses. Most customers only ever interact with their retailer, which sends them their quarterly bill.
      • There are 22 energy retailers with customers in the region affected by the natural disaster from 3 March 2025.
    • To assist customer recovery from the impacts of ex-cyclone Alfred and the extended periods of time without power, Essential Energy is offering financial and non-financial support. For more information visit the Essential Energy website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Ray James appointed Veterans’ Representative to the Anzac Memorial Board of Trustees

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Ray James appointed Veterans’ Representative to the Anzac Memorial Board of Trustees

    Published: 18 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Veterans

    Ray James OAM has been appointed as Veterans’ Representative to the Anzac Memorial Board of Trustees.

    Minister for Veterans David Harris, in his capacity as the Premier’s proxy and the Chair of the Trustees, appointed Mr James who was welcomed by the Trust at its regular meeting at the Memorial on Thursday, 13 March.

    Mr James’ long military career includes 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy, service in the Vietnam War and a further 26 years in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve.

    He is the most recent past President of RSL NSW, where he worked tirelessly to revitalise and rebuild RSL NSW.

    He has also served as a Trustee of the Anzac Memorial for a previous three-year term between 2020 and 2023.

    Mr James has remained an active member of RSL NSW since his term ended at that organisation in 2023 and continues to be a strong advocate for the veteran community.

    The Veterans’ Representative is nominated by the President of RSL NSW and joins the Trust Board which comprises the NSW Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Lord Mayor of Sydney, State President of the RSL NSW, the Government Architect, the State Librarian, the Secretary of the Department of Education, an Australian Defence Force representative, and community representative, as legislated Trustees under the Anzac Memorial Building Act 1923. 

    Mr James will hold the position on the Board of Trustees for three years.

    For more information on the Board of Trustees visit https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/board-trustees

    Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

    “I am delighted that Mr James is joining the Trust and I look forward to working alongside him once again. He has a wealth of Defence and Government experience that he can bring to the Board.

    “Mr James is an active member of the veteran community and a tireless advocate for veterans. Since his tenure as President of RSL NSW ended in 2023, he has continued to raise awareness of the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.

    “On behalf of the Trustees, I congratulate Mr James on his appointment and wish him well in the position.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Builder appointed for Moree Hospital Redevelopment

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Builder appointed for Moree Hospital Redevelopment

    Published: 18 March 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health

    The Moree Hospital Redevelopment is a step closer, with the main works contractor appointed and the next stage of work on track to begin in the coming months.

    The NSW Government is investing $105 million in the hospital redevelopment to deliver new health facilities and upgraded health services for Moree and the surrounding communities to ensure their health needs continue to be met well into the future. 

    Hutchinson Builders has been awarded the contract following a competitive tender process. 

    The $105 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment will include construction of a new Acute Services Building on the existing hospital campus, which will house:

    • An emergency department
    • Operating theatres
    • Medical imaging
    • A birthing and inpatient unit
    • Pathology
    • A new main entry for the new hospital building.

    The appointment of a builder follows the recent statutory planning approval for the project. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months.  

    The Moree Hospital will continue to operate during construction as a District Hospital, providing care for the Moree and surrounding communities, and will remain networked to Tamworth Hospital for access to specialist services. 

    Extensive consultation with staff and the community has been carried out throughout planning for the redevelopment to ensure the new hospital building creates a welcoming environment that reflects the heritage and culture of the region. 

    A Language Reference Group is working to inform the inclusion of Aboriginal language and storytelling into signage and wayfinding into the redevelopment, while planning is underway for Arts projects which will be included in the new acute services building.  

    For more information about the Moree Hospital redevelopment visit: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/moree 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:  

    “We’ve reached a significant milestone in the delivery of the redevelopment which will deliver enhanced healthcare facilities for Moree and surrounding communities. 

    “The Moree Hospital Redevelopment will provide staff, patients, families and carers with a modern facility to support the health needs of the community now and into the future.

    “All hospital services will continue to operate during construction, which follows significant planning and design work in collaboration with staff, stakeholders and the community.” 

    Quotes attributable to Government Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose: 

    “The $105 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment is estimated to support approximately 150 direct jobs, with the potential to support hundreds of indirect jobs over the life of the project. 

    “This will provide a huge boost to the local economy, and I look forward to seeing work progress in the coming months.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Here’s what’s different about Slinda, the single-hormone contraceptive just added to the PBS

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University

    areeya_ann/Shutterstock

    From May 1, the oral contraceptive Slinda (drospirerone) will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means the price will drop for the more than 100,000 Australian women who currently use it – from around $A320 a year to around $94.

    It’s the third contraceptive pill the federal government has added to the PBS this year, after Yaz and Yasmine. But these two are combined oral contraceptives – meaning they contain both the hormones oestrogen and progestogen – whereas Slinda is progestogen-only.

    So, Slinda is a little bit different – here’s how it works and what it will cost.

    What is Slinda and how does it work?

    Oral contraceptive pills contain active ingredients based on the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone to prevent pregnancy.

    Contraceptive pills with both hormones are known as combined-contraceptive pills. Progesterone only pills are often referred to as mini-pills.

    The active ingredient in Slinda is a progestogen, which is a synthetic derivative of progesterone, which makes the medication a mini-pill.

    Slinda works by stopping ovulation (the ovary doesn’t release an egg) and making the mucus in the cervix thicker so sperm cannot get into the uterus from the vagina.

    Both combined contraceptive pills and mini pills effectively prevent pregnancy, but their suitability varies for different women. Mini-pills, including Slinda, can be 99% effective if used perfectly – but with typical day-to-day use, they provide only around 93% protection.

    Who will find Slinda useful?

    Slinda may be a particularly beneficial alternative for people who can’t use contraceptives containing oestrogen.

    This may include women who are older, overweight, or prone to migraines. This is because oestrogen is known to increase the risk of blood clots which lead to deep vein thrombosis – already a higher risk for older and overweight women.

    Similarly, combined pills containing oestrogen aren’t appropriate for those who’ve had a baby in the last 21 days or are breastfeeding. Lower levels of oestrogen are needed in a woman’s body post-birth as it stimulates prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Taking an oestrogen-based pill can potentially interfere with that.

    Slinda can be taken at any time after childbirth, including while breastfeeding, and generally remains a safer option for people with a history of blood clots or migraines.

    Slinda also has advantages over other, older generations of progestogen-based contraceptive pills. Mini-pills such as Microlut and Noriday have no pill-free days, whichs means if a woman misses taking the pill by even a few hours it can increase her chance of becoming pregnant.

    The pill-free window for Slinda is 24 hours. This means if you are less than 24 hours late it’s considered a late pill, not a missed pill. If you take the late pill as soon as you remember, and then the next pill at the normal time, you should have effective protection from unwanted pregnancy.

    Slinda has a 24-hour ‘missed pill’ window.
    SeventyFour/Shutterstock

    What are the risks or potential side effects?

    The potential side effects for Slinda are similar to other contraceptive pills. Women may find that their period may stop altogether, or they may experience bleeding irregularities or spotting, as well as breast tenderness.

    It is not currently recommended for those with breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or severe liver disease, in line with recommendations for all mini-pills.

    The pill may also not work effectively if it’s not taken correctly every day, or if it is taken with other drugs, such as the anti-viral ritonavir and anti-seizure medication phenytoin.

    If a woman is suffering from vomiting or severe diarrhoea, Slinda may not be effective and she should use back-up contraception such as condoms.

    There are other progesterone-only contraceptive options available on the PBS, such as levonorgestrel pills and implants, including the intrauterine devices, Mirena and Kyleena.

    Why was Slinda added to the PBS?

    Slinda has been available in Australia since at least 2004, but not at a subsidised price.

    In November 2024, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended Slinda’s listing on the PBS. The committee cited several reasons, including advice from doctors, the need to provide women with more contraceptive options and Slinda’s longer pill-free window.

    At a stakeholder meeting in October 2024, doctors stressed the need for more choice for women, when choosing a pill.

    They highlighted women starting an oral contraceptive pill for the first time will often first use PBS-subsidised medications, even though a non-PBS product may be more suitable for them. Slinda’s listing makes it a more accessible first choice for women.

    As Slinda is a prescription-only medication, if you wish to change pills or start on the drug you will need to consult your doctor. If you do change, from May 1 and based on similar PBS medications, you can expect to pay around $31 for a four-month supply.

    Nial Wheate in the past has received funding from the ACT Cancer Council, Tenovus Scotland, Medical Research Scotland, Scottish Crucible, and the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Nial is the chief scientific officer of Vaihea Skincare LLC, a director of SetDose Pty Ltd (a medical device company) and was previously a Standards Australia panel member for sunscreen agents. Nial regularly consults to industry on issues to do with medicine risk assessments, manufacturing, design, and testing.

    Jasmine Lee and Shoohb Alassadi do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Here’s what’s different about Slinda, the single-hormone contraceptive just added to the PBS – https://theconversation.com/heres-whats-different-about-slinda-the-single-hormone-contraceptive-just-added-to-the-pbs-252385

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Workers compensation reform to address psychological safety

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 18 March 2025

    Released by: Treasurer

    Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will today warn parliament that the State’s workers compensation system is unsustainable without reform to how it deals with workplace psychological injury.

    Mr Mookhey will set out plans to make greater use of workplace health and safety laws to prevent psychological injuries, instead of relying solely on the state’s workers compensation system as the main response. 

    In a Ministerial Statement, the Treasurer will also advise Parliament that:

    • If claims continue growing at recent rates, the State insurer icare expects an additional 80,000 people will make psychological injury claims over the next five years,
    • For every $1 needed to care for injured workers, the State’s main workers compensation scheme currently holds only 85 cents in assets, and
    • Without reform, premiums for businesses facing no claims against them are forecast to rise by 36 per cent over the three years to 2027-28.

    Mr Mookhey will outline a program of consultation with Business NSW and Unions NSW, as well as other interested parties, to create the reform. The model he will outline will see NSW:

    1. Give the NSW Industrial Relation Commission a bullying & harassment jurisdiction ahead of requiring those claims to be heard there first before a claim can be pursued for compensation. This will allow the Commission to address psychological hazards, fostering a culture of prevention.
    2. Define psychological injury, as well as ‘reasonable management action’, to provide workers and businesses with certainty – rather than let the definitions remain the subject of litigation.
    3. Align whole-person-impairment thresholds to standards established in South Australia and Queensland.
    4. Adopt some of the anti-fraud measures recently enacted by the Commonwealth to protect the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
    5. Respond further to the recommendations retired Supreme Court justice Robert McDougall made in his independent review of Safe Work NSW.

    The Treasurer has been working closely with Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib on the reform.

    Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

    “Our workers compensation system was designed at a time when most people did physical labour – on farms and building sites, in mines or in factories.

    “A system that approaches all psychological workplace hazards the same way as physical dangers, needs to change.

    “Allowing the system to stay on autopilot will only trap more employees, employers, and the state of NSW to a fate we can avoid.

    “We must build a system that is fit for purpose – one that reflects modern workplaces and modern ways of working.”

    MIL OSI News –