A number of ‘Community Support Hubs’ offering confidential help, support and advice for residents, as well as a warm welcome and cup of tea, will open up to the public in November.
Organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, these Community Support Hubs will give residents an opportunity to meet with key support organisations who will give advice and guidance around matters relating to housing, food, fuel, universal credit, advice provision and more.
The Hubs will also offer information on home safety, waste management, training and employability, health and wellbeing, as well as signposting to the correct support organisations to ensure people can access the right help for their circumstances.
“These new Community Support Hubs aim to provide a one-stop-shop for those within our borough who need advice and support around a number of issues as we try to navigate our way through the continued cost of living crisis,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy.
“It can be incredibly overwhelming to try and understand who can help you with what, so we are bringing as many key organisations as possible under one roof to make this process simpler and to ensure our residents can access all of the advice they need.
“The Hubs are also a great way for people to come and enjoy a cuppa and a chat in a warm and safe environment.”
The Hubs will take place in Lurgan Town Hall, Portadown Town Hall and Dobbin Street Community Centre, Armagh.
To help protect and maintain an important cultural asset for the city, York Mansion House will undergo £1.2 million maintenance, accessibility and safety improvements.
It will reopen in 2025, 300 years after its original construction began.
One of the earliest civic buildings to be built in the classical style in England, the Mansion House is the official seat of The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, and holds an important collection of items connected to the history of the city over the past 800 years.
Work to build the house began in 1725 and was completed in 1732. The last major restoration was completed in 2015 to 2017, and the upcoming works will be a significant investment in the House.
This refurbishment aims to address essential maintenance tasks which include repairing wear and tear to the building and to prevent any further deterioration in the historic roof, walls and windows. It will also include important upgrades to the lift to improve the accessibility and environmental performance of the historic building, and decoration works will also refresh the interior where structural work is required.
The Mansion House will close temporarily on Sunday 10 November, when the contents will be safely stored. This will be done with the help of students who will gain valuable practical experience of working in a historical building. Staff will oversee the work, continue with outreach education work and carry out research on the House and its contents.
Starting in early 2025, the works will be overseen by Buttress Architects which will provide specialist heritage consultancy and conservation architecture. During the project they will lead a team of experts including conservation architects and mechanical, electrical and structural engineers.
The Rt Hon, The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells, said:
Investing in this beautiful historic building ensures it will continue to serve the city and its residents.
“It’s temporary closure will allow other historic venues to take part in the civic life of the city, such as holding citizenship ceremonies in the elegant Register Office on Bootham, and using Medieval Barley Hall to host the Sheriff’s Ridings.”
Pauline Stuchfield, Director of Housing and Communities, said:
The Mansion House has been an essential part of the York landscape for almost 300 years, and it’s important it continues to be available for future generations of residents and visitors.
“We’re able to carry out these essential works to weather another 300 years of being key to the civic life of the city, a base for our civic party and ready to welcome royalty as it has for centuries.
“For hundreds of years the Mansion House has hosted some of the most important and significant events in the city and, once these improvements are made, the House will continue to play that role for decades to come.”
The last major works were carried out in 2015 when £1.2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund helped deliver the most significant upgrades since the building first opened. The works included restoring the original kitchens, improving displays, developing an integrated environmental and conservation plan and preparing a detailed oral history project.
Hannah Bellerby, the project architect from Buttress Architects, said:
As we approach the Mansion House’s 300th anniversary, it is a privilege for Buttress to lead the efforts in safeguarding this vital piece of York’s civic heritage.
“Our work focuses on not only preserving the building’s historical integrity but also working to ensure it remains accessible, sustainable, and fit for future generations. Through these planned restorations, we are ensuring that this significant landmark continues to enrich York’s cultural landscape for years to come.”
The project is due to be completed part way through next year, when it will reopen in time for Yorkshire Day on Friday 1 August 2025 and a season of great events including the popular Georgian Festival. Meanwhile more of the city’s treasures can be admired at the Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery.
This information letter follows the Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings and Consequential Amendments) (England) Regulations 2024 coming into force on 1 November. This provides an update on the changes which have been introduced in these regulations and the guidance the government has issued for councils and taxpayers.
This November, art enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados are invited to immerse themselves in POP LIFE, an exhibition that explores the intersection of popular culture and contemporary figurative drawing, challenging traditional distinctions between high and low art.
Opening on Saturday, 2 November, POP LIFE features works by 13 Scottish and international artists, many of whom will be exhibiting in Scotland for the first time. Each artist uniquely engages with popular culture, referencing diverse influences such as music, film, fashion, literature, social media, and celebrities. The exhibition highlights this interplay, using familiar language to delve into themes that expand traditional drawing practices.
Co-curated by artists Euan Gray and Witte Wartena, POP LIFE is a travelling exhibition previously showcased in Sweden (2022-23) and the Netherlands (2023). This iteration has been tailored to include Scottish artists and underscores the enduring allure of the human form as a reflection of identity and societal norms, drawing inspiration from art history, socio-political movements, and cultural shifts over the past six decades.
Visitors can look forward to works by renowned and early-career artists including Marcel van Eeden, Euan Gray, Paul McDevitt, Charlotte Schleiffert, Sandra Vásquez de la Horra, Witte Wartena, David Shrigley, Andrew Cranston, Laura Bruce, Marc Brandenburg, Donald Urquhart, Jamie Fitzpatrick, and Fiona Michie—all of whom draw inspiration from the imagery and messages of pop culture.
Over 80 works will be presented, with several new pieces created specifically for this exhibition.
Marc Brandenburg has transformed a room of the gallery with UV light, to explore unseen sides of Tiergarten Park in Berlin, whilst Laura Bruce accompanies her drawn tributes to country music icons with vocal renditions of their biggest hits. Edinburgh-based artist Jamie Fitzpatrick is showing his large-scale drawings alongside a new monumental sculpture, looking critically and who in society is publicly memorialised. Internationally renowned artist David Shrigley will present 16 brand new drawings, showcasing his absurd and humorous work.
Culture and Communities Convener, Val Walker said:
I’m delighted that the City Art Centre can showcase this fantastic iteration of the POP LIFE exhibition featuring the works of 13 exciting artists. I’m especially proud that it will mark the first time some of these artists have displayed in Scotland, and that we will be presenting works created especially for the exhibition.
I’m sure visitors will be captivated by these pieces and engage with the ever-changing dynamics of art within society.
Curator Euan Gray, said:
In an era dominated by computer generated images, AI and 3D printing, this exhibition offers us a wonderful opportunity to champion the enduring appeal of traditional drawing, wholeheartedly embrace the language of pop culture and promote a remarkable group of Scottish and international artists for whom the human form remains an essential motif.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Cold Weather Payments take effect from today as low-income households set to get £25 during cold snaps.
Comes alongside the £150 Warm Home Discount to support eligible customers with energy bills and extension to Household Support Fund
Pensioners urged to check eligibility for Pension Credit to claim Winter Fuel Payment
From 1 November, households receiving certain benefits including Pension Credit could be eligible for extra money to help keep warm during the cold weather until the end of March 2025.
DWP’s Cold Weather Payments are an automatic bank top-up of £25, triggered to be paid to eligible households when the average temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to an eligible person’s postcode.
The £25 payments will be paid automatically to households receiving certain benefits including, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest.
The money will appear in bank statements within 14 days of each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025, with the payment reference starting with the customer’s national Insurance number followed by ‘DWP CWP’ for people in England and Wales.
Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds said:
As we head into the winter months, I want to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are getting the support they need, and that’s why we have a range of measures targeted at helping low-income households, such as Cold Weather Payments and the Warm Homes Discount.
With the dire state of the public finances, we have had to make some tough choices, including means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment so that it goes to those most in need.
And while these choices were not made lightly, this Government is doing everything it can to ensure maximum take-up of Pension Credit while also continuing to support pensioners through our commitment to the Triple Lock which will mean an increase in the full state pension of up to £1,700 over the next 5 years.
The £150 Warm Home Discount scheme has also been extended as we continue to stand behind households in, or at risk of, fuel poverty with direct energy bill payments as well as other financial and energy-related support.
On top of this, struggling households can receive further help with their bills and essential costs through the extension of the Household Support Fund – adding to the six months already announced, an additional £1 billion, including Barnett impact, will be invested to extend this support by a full year, and to maintain Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales.
Anyone struggling to heat their homes or afford other essential items over the colder months should contact their local council to see what support may be available to them.
Many councils also use the Fund beyond emergency support, including working with local charities and community groups to provide residents with key appliances, school uniforms, cookery classes, and items to improve energy efficiency in the home.
Eligible pensioners can also receive up to £300 for the Winter Fuel Payment which is set to land in bank accounts in the next two months. We continue to urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to Pension Credit to check now.
This could be worth up to £3,900 a year on average and open the doors to other benefits including help with housing costs, council tax reduction as well as a Winter Fuel Payment, and all eligible Pension Credit claims can be backdated.
Winter support is part of the government’s wider drive to support vulnerable households with the cost of living, as we continue our work to fix the foundations of the economy.
This includes working closely with Local Authorities to bring together the administration of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit as soon as operationally possible.
As confirmed in the budget earlier this week, millions of pensioners will also receive an increase of 4.1 percent to their State Pension, which means the full rate of the new State Pension will rise to over £12,000 a year, while Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee will soon be worth £227.10 a week for a single person and £346.60 for a couple.
Working age people on Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, and other vital benefits will also see their incomes protected, as they are set to increase by 1.7 percent, ensuring incomes of the most vulnerable aren’t outstripped by inflation.
More than one million households will get a £420 boost thanks to the introduction of the Fair Repayment rate, a cap the amount that can be cut from benefit payments each month to repay short-term loans and debts.
The Chancellor has also confirmed a 6.7 percent increase in the National Living Wage to over 3 million workers, which will boost the National Living Wage from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour from April 2025 and will be worth £1,400 a year for an eligible full-time worker. It is a significant step towards delivering the manifesto commitment to make sure the minimum wage is a genuine living wage, helping unlock opportunity and potential in every area of the country.
The cost of bus travel will also be kept down at £3 for an additional year – saving up to 80% on some routes – to ensure fares remain affordable.
This Government will continue to provide that safety net for the most vulnerable as it ushers in the biggest reform to employment support in a generation to get people into work and make work pay. This includes by overhauling jobcentres, introducing our employment rights bill, delivering a Youth guarantee so every young person is learning or earning, and new work, health and skills plans to tackle inactivity.
Additional information
The new rates for benefits and the State Pension will apply from 7 April 2025.
The Warm Home Discount is applied automatically on energy bills in the majority of cases. If a household believes they are eligible, they should first wait to see if they receive a letter, letters will arrive with households between October and January
If they have not received a letter by early January, they should check their energy account to see whether they have received the rebate automatically and, if not, they should contact the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322. Eligibility can be checked on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-eligible-for-warm-home-discount
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“It was marvellous to see the huge turnouts at today’s Farmers’ Protest over the Government’s punitive death tax on family farms.
“I attended the Ballymena protest in which over 300 tractors took part. It was great to see the determination among farmers to keep the pressure on the government over this vital issue.
“I will continue the fight on their behalf despite the size of the government’s majority, believing that in the end this ruinous policy is unsustainable. With farmers united across the United Kingdom on the issue, the government must be made to continue to feel the pressure until they retreat from burying family farms under the weight of their greedy death taxes.”
Council continues to work with local agencies in the ongoing emergency response to Storm Éowyn which has resulted in some damage to roads and property throughout the City and District.
Staff continue to be on site carrying out health and safety inspections and providing services from early this morning. Teams from across all Council services have been meeting and co-ordinating efforts throughout the weekend and this work will continue over the coming days.
The health and safety of both staff and the general public is our first priority and for that reason we would encourage the public to be patient and to expect some delays to services.
As we continue to work with partner agencies work to assess and remedy damage caused by Storm Éowyn members of the public should exercise caution when close to obvious debris and damage, including power lines. The public are also advised to take note of further yellow weather warnings in place over the weekend relating to winds, snow and ice and to take the appropriate measures to keep them and their property safe. Please follow the Met Office for updates.
Bin collections
Refuse Collection crews are out working today servicing bins that were missed from Fridaydq. For any bins not emptied today the advice is to make contact with our Customer Services Team on 028 71 374107 on Monday morning or by email at refuse&[email protected] and arrangements will be made to have them emptied as soon as possible.
Cemeteries and outdoor sites
The City Cemetery, Ballyoan, Altnagelvin and Strabane Cemeteries are all open to the public. Users are strongly advised to take due care and attention at all facilities both for fallen trees and for slippy pathways. The public are urged not to visit historical sites. Our staff are on site to clear all main arterial routes at our facilities as a priority.
Recycling Centres
All of our recycling centres, with the exception of Plumbridge, are open.
Leisure Centres
All Council Leisure centres are open as normal.
Community Assistance
All of our Leisure Centres are open and available to the public who are without power or water and who require assistance with heat, tea/coffee and phone charging and shower facilities. We have extended the opening hours at Templemore, Melvin and Derg Valley Leisure Centre to 10pm tonight, Saturday.
Tomorrow Sunday, Templemore, Foyle Arena and Melvin will be open from 9am – 6pm while Riversdale and Derg Valley Leisure Centres will open from 1pm – 6pm
Council facilities
The Guildhall, Tower Museum and the Alley Theatre are open and operating as normal.
Street cleansing
Our street cleansing teams have been out and about from this early morning servicing the city and towns and working with grounds maintenance teams to make sure Council facilities are safe to access.
Grass pitches
All Council grass pitches and 3g pitches will remain closed for the weekend. User groups are being contacted.
Parks and play parks
Ongoing health and safety inspections are ongoing today to get as many of our parks, play areas and greenways open to the public. There are several trees down at the Bay Road and Strathfoyle greenways and a number of other parks, we have teams out on site carrying out clearance and repair works. The public are asked to avoid areas where there are trees and to take due care and attention as there may be debris or fallen branches etc.
Again, the public are asked to be patient and expect some delays to opening of facilities after the storm to allow these checks and possible clean-up work to be carried out.
Looking ahead
Please take note of further weather warnings in place over the weekend including a YELLOW warning for SNOW & ICE for Northern Ireland between 1800hrs on Saturday 25th and 1000hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts and a YELLOW warning for WIND for Northern Ireland between 1000hrs and 1900hrs on Sunday 26th January 2025: MEDIUM Likelihood of LOW Impacts
Strong winds affecting Northern Ireland, potentially disrupting transport and infrastructure
Dundee City Council is providing an update on its services on Saturday (Jan 25) following a day of disruption due to Storm Eowyn on Friday.
Families are being advised that all local authority nursery, primary and secondary schools are preparing to open as normal on Monday January 27.
Some damage has been reported at Grove Academy which means that the swim and sport centre operated by Leisure & Culture Dundee will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Work will be carried out over the weekend so that Grove Academy opens on Monday as normal.
Saturday operating arrangements are in place for Council services and buildings, and council buildings will open as usual on Monday.
Any changes to the above arrangements will be shared via our social media channels.
Re-arranged waste collections will also be put in place from Monday after services were stood down on Friday.
These are:
Grey bin (general waste) collections that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now be collected on Monday January 27.
Any bulky uplifts that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now be uplifted on Monday January 27.
Blue bin (paper/cardboard) collections that were scheduled for Friday January 24 will now take place on Wednesday January 29
Burgundy bin (metals, plastics, cartons) and food waste collections will be uplifted at the next scheduled pick-up day.
Commercial waste (including recycling) collections will also be uplifted at the next scheduled date.
Baldovie & Riverside Household Waste Recycling centres re-opened on Saturday.
Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remain in place for the city on Saturday.
For the latest updates on all our services, please visit our Storm Éowyn page.
Updates will also be posted on our social media channels, including Facebook and X.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance has updated Parliament on proposed amendments to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill.
The Justice Secretary told MSPs that, having listened to the cross-party Criminal Justice Committee and a wide range of other views, a plan to enable a time-limited pilot of single-judge trials for rape and attempted rape cases will not be pursued.
The Government also plans to amend the Bill, subject to MSPs’ approval, to enable more detailed research into jury deliberations, including how rape myths may affect verdicts.
The Bill includes measures to remove Scotland’s ‘not proven’ verdict and to increase the current simple majority required for a criminal conviction to a two-thirds majority of jurors. However, in line with committee recommendations, proposals to cut the jury size from 15 to 12 will be dropped.
Victims of crime are to receive improved support, advice and information as part of planned reforms to the Victim Notification Scheme – to be delivered through the Bill – as announced earlier this month.
Ms Constance said:
“This Bill proposes a significant package of reforms to ensure victims are placed at the heart of Scotland’s justice system, such as creating a specialist Sexual Offences Court, establishing a Victims & Witnesses Commissioner and abolishing the ‘not proven’ verdict.
“I want to build as much consensus as possible for this important legislation. Clearly there is not enough parliamentary support at this time for the proposal to enable a time-limited pilot of single-judge trials for cases of rape and attempted rape, so we will no longer pursue this.
“I remain concerned by the substantial evidence that juries may be influenced by rape myths and I will introduce amendments to the Bill to allow for more detailed research into jury deliberations. We will undertake further work with justice partners to agree how to challenge and reduce the impact of rape myths. This might include, for example, further interventions or educational resources for jurors and the wider public.
“I believe that the most prudent approach to jury reform, including the abolition of the ‘not proven’ verdict, is to seek support for a model with two verdicts – ‘guilty’ and ‘not guilty’ – 15 jurors, and a two-thirds majority requirement for conviction.
“I look forward to working with partners and colleagues across Parliament to deliver what I believe is a shared ambition to ensure victims and witnesses are placed at the heart of the justice system and treated with compassion.”
BOSTON – Nine men have been arrested for fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking.
Ernesto Arberty Mendez Herrera, 43, of Roxbury; Ricky Junior Rodriguez Reynoso, 24, of Boston; Cristofel Baez Guerrero, 25, of Dorchester; Luis Castillo, 24, of Dorchester; Yomerli Mendez Arias, 22, of Lawrence; Estarling Perez Almonte, 28, of Roslindale; Raidyn Hernandez Montero, 24, of Dorchester; Ricardo Canela Soto, 20, of Dorchester; and Waldo Lara Arias, 19, of Boston are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. All nine defendants made their initial appearances in federal court in Boston and Bangor, Maine on Oct. 29, 2024.
According to the charging documents, the defendants were part of a drug trafficking operation that regularly transported fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine from areas in Boston, Lawrence and Malden, Mass. to locations in Waldo County, Maine. It is alleged that the defendants distributed the narcotics in Maine and then return to Massachusetts with the narcotics proceeds. During the course of the investigation, approximately 10 kilograms of fentanyl and multiple firearms were seized.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Hampshire State Police, Maine State Police; Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; Waldo, Maine County Sherriff’s Office; Boston Police Department; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hassink of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Scottish Government must reverse the cuts it made to key budgets.
More in Climate
The First Minister must use any new funding from Westminster to reverse the damaging cuts that the Scottish Government has made to climate and nature budgets, says Scottish Green Co-leader Lorna Slater.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Ms Slater underlined the importance of nature restoration and walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure in hitting Scotland’s climate targets.
“Yesterday the UK Government presented a budget that they claim will put £1.5bn back into the Scottish Government’s budget for this year.
“This money should ensure that some of the most damaging cuts announced by the Scottish Government earlier this year should not now need to go ahead.
“Spending on the climate and nature emergencies is essential to ensure our planet has a liveable future. Whilst the Scottish Greens were in government, climate and nature spending reached record levels.
“Will the First Minister commit to using the additional funding announced yesterday for this financial year to restore the funding cuts to the Nature Restoration Fund and active travel budgets, and does this mean that the Scottish Government no longer needs to use up all of the ScotWind funding which was supposed to be invested in our Green future?”
Following an answer from the First Minister, in which he did not commit to reversing the vast in-year cuts that have been made, Ms Slater called for the First Minister to halt his recent U-turn on rolling out universal free school meals for all primary school pupils.
Ms Slatersaid:
“That’s very disappointing to hear about this year, I’ll ask the First Minister about next year.
“One of our proudest moments for the Scottish Greens during our time in Government was rolling out free school meals for all children in primary 4 and 5, because we know it’s a simple and effective way to address the impacts of child poverty and make sure every child has the best chance at school.
“We were on course to expand that to every child in primary school by the end of this session of Parliament, until the Scottish Government put in an indefinite delay on the rollout in this year’s programme for Government.
“Given the predicted £3.4bn due to be added to next year’s Scottish Budget, will the First Minister reinstate the promise to deliver free school meals for the remaining pupils in primary 6 and 7 by 2026, as endorsed by this Parliament just a few weeks ago?”
Early October saw the first official ‘coming together’ of the new Birmingham Cultural Compact Board.
A cross-sector partnership designed to support the city’s cultural sector and enhance its contribution to development, it has a special emphasis on cross-sector engagement beyond the cultural sector itself.
The Cultural Compacts model was born out of the UK Cultural Cities Investment Inquiry 2019 and their implementation in towns and cities across the country has been supported by Arts Council England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Chaired by Professor David Mba (Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University) with Councillor Saima Suleman (Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism at the city council) as Deputy Chair, the Birmingham Cultural Compact brings together stakeholders from the local authority, culture, business, education, healthcare and allied sectors with the aim to help culture thrive and grow in the city and, in turn, increase the city’s health, wellbeing, resilience, economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.
Chair of the Birmingham Cultural Compact Professor David Mba said “It is an immense privilege to lead Birmingham’s Cultural Compact Board. We hope to offer the strategic vision for the future that represents the voices of all local communities. Birmingham has a unique and diverse culture that has global impact. We saw this through the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and, more recently, the city’s successful bid to host the Serendipity Arts Festival. Our work will put the preservation and celebration of culture at the forefront of regional decision making.”
Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and tourism and Deputy Chair of the Birmingham Cultural Compact, stated: “The establishment of the Birmingham Cultural Compact marks a pivotal moment for our city. By uniting diverse sectors—culture, business, education, and healthcare—we can cultivate a thriving cultural landscape that not only enriches lives but also drives economic growth and community wellbeing. Together, we will ensure that Birmingham’s cultural sector flourishes for generations to come.”
Erica Love, Chief Executive Office of Culture Central said “We know the power Culture has on people and places and we believe in the power of working collectively. Culture Central are excited to be supporting Birmingham’s Cultural Compact and the collaborative approach to the Cultural strategy. It’s great to see the importance of Culture recognised and the vital role it plays in the City. We look forward to working with the Compact to advocate for, develop and celebrate the vibrant and varied cultural ecology of Birmingham.”
One of the first actions for the Birmingham Cultural Compact is to lead and oversee development of Birmingham’s new Cultural Strategy 2025 – 2035. Creative Concern, a creative and strategy agency that works on local and regional projects across the UK has been commissioned to deliver the new ten-year arts and culture strategy for Birmingham, supported by its partner consultancy Hatch. Their work will build on the previous extensive consultation that resulted in the city’s Cultural Statement of Intent but also build on the considerable cultural successes that Birmingham has demonstrated to date. The outcome of the project will be an action-orientated framework strategy that supports culture and the arts across Birmingham for the next ten years.
Founder and Director of Creative Concern, Steve Connor, said: “Culture is the lifeblood of any city and never was that more the case than for Birmingham. We’re delighted to be working collaboratively with a range of partners from across the city to develop this new strategy, which will re-affirm the importance of culture and the transformative role it can play in delivering civic pride, greater prosperity, wellbeing and of course, joy, happiness and entertainment.”
Tim Fanning, Director at Hatch, said: “Culture makes life worthwhile, and we at Hatch spend a lot of time helping institutions and places make the case for it. We are very happy to be supporting partners in Birmingham to ensure that its cultural strategy is built on firm socio-economic evidence.”
An amendment to the Housing Bill will set out how rent increases will be capped in areas where rent controls apply, subject to the approval of Parliament.
In response to stakeholder feedback, rent increases would be limited to the Consumer Price Index (a measure of inflation) plus 1%, up to a maximum increase of 6%. If approved, the rent cap will apply to rent increases both during the term of a tenancy and in between tenancies, and will only apply in areas where rent control is applied.
Where it applies, the rent cap will stabilise rents – supporting tenants and helping to tackle poverty, whilst providing appropriate protection for the property rights of landlords and supporting investment.
A consultation in Spring 2025 will seek views on how powers that allow exemption from rent controls or rent increases above the cap could be used by Scottish Ministers.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said:
“The Housing (Scotland) Bill includes a package of reforms which will help ensure people have a safe, secure, and affordable place to live.
“Eradicating child poverty remains this government’s priority and having a home can make a direct contribution to achieving this. This is why ensuring families can have secure and affordable homes that meet their needs is part of our approach to tackling the housing emergency.
“There is a consistent view that Scotland needs a thriving private rented sector – one that offers good quality, affordable housing options and values the benefit that investment in rented property delivers. This announcement provides certainty for tenants and continues to encourage investment.
“Setting out the form of the rent cap in this way – with CPI as the basis – allows for a reflection of the costs to landlords of offering a property for rent whilst offering protection for tenants in terms of limiting more significant rent increases.
“We are bringing forward a system of rent control that works for Scotland – a system that supports stabilisation of rents for tenants, whilst ensuring there can be a balanced approach that provides appropriate protection for the property rights of landlords and supports investment in the development of rented homes.”
The Centre for Local Economic Strategies, (CLES) recently released ‘Powering Up Planning’, a report investigating different councils’ approach to using the planning system to deliver better outcomes for their towns and cities and how the planning system builds community wealth.
The findings in the report, were compiled through roundtables and conversations with local authority representatives, planners and planning authorities from across the UK, interested in sharing insights on how their work is demonstrating the social value impact that can be achieved by applicants within the existing planning system.
In the report’s case studies, CLES took a deep dive into Preston, Salford, Islington and Scotland’s approach to creating Community Wealth Building through the planning system and how it benefited the community.
Preston was commended for becoming a champion for Community Wealth Building in 2012, when the Council and anchor partners adopted a more active approach to using their procurement spend, land and other assets, and role as major employers to support the development of a more inclusive local economy.
In 2017, Preston City Council adopted the Central Lancashire Employment and Skills Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to deliver its ambitions for Community Wealth Building, particularly with regards to local employment and skills. As a requirement, the SPD insists that planning applications for major commercial, employment and residential developments must include an Employment and Skills Statement (ESS).
Aligning with the SPD, Preston City Council developed Building Foundations, a bespoke and innovative partnership with Calico Enterprise Ltd, a social enterprise based in East Lancashire. Planning applicants can choose to pay Calico to act for the Council and review an ESS which they (the applicant) have prepared; or engage Calico directly to prepare an ESS on their behalf. The cost of monitoring the delivery of all approved ESSs is met through the Section 106 agreement1.
Building Foundations connects developers with local partners and the Council’s Community Engagement team to encourage the promotion of employment, training and skills to local residents, helping to meet targets approved in ESSs.
Since Building Foundations was established in November 2021, three developments in Preston East, have been completed under the new partnership, all of which have met or exceeded the targets set out in the ESS.
There are now 17 signed Section 106 agreements, which require a developer contribution to monitor the delivery of the approved ESS.
Highlighting the success of this initiative, in June 2024, Preston City Council and Calico were commended for their Building Foundations partnership at the Royal Town Planning Institute North West Awards in the “Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy” category.
The Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building, Councillor Valerie Wise said:
“The inclusion of Building Foundations in the CLES report and the project’s commendation at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s North West Awards provides more evidence of how Community Wealth Building is benefiting local people by improving access to good jobs and training. We look forward to seeing more jobs and apprentices on sites across the city as more developers start delivering their employment and skills commitments.”
This new report highlights good practice in applying the principles of Community Wealth Building in innovative ways at Preston and other local authorities to deliver benefits to residents.
Council Leader Cammy Day has today repeated his calls for a complete ban on the public sale of fireworks and tougher sentences for those misusing them and causing public disorder.
Councillor Daysaid:
We all remember vividly the shocking scenes we saw last year with emergency services being attacked while trying to do their jobs. And more recently the appalling reports of violence and antisocial behaviour with buses and cars coming under attack. Whilst this isn’t an issue unique to Edinburgh, or indeed Scotland, I’m clear that this sort of behaviour has no place in our city.
It’s long been my view that we need to ban the public sale of fireworks, given the potential risk to health, if misused, but also the unnecessary fear and alarm they cause in our communities. I will be writing to my colleagues in the UK Government to request a review of the legislation, as well as the Crown Office to ask for tougher sentences for those found guilty of committing these crimes.
I’m determined to do everything within our power to prevent a repeat of last year. Earlier this week I chaired the latest multi-agency meeting with colleagues, the police and fire service as part of our ongoing preparations, and the implementation of our firework control zones, which come into effect tomorrow (1 November). In addition to FCZs, we’re also increasing patrols from our waste services to collect items that could potentially be set alight.
Bonfire Night should be an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate and spend time together. I would urge everyone in the city to only attend organised displays and look out for one another. Please work with us and our fantastic emergency services to help make it a safe and enjoyable occasion this year. If you witness any criminality, please call the police on 101.
I want to thank our emergency services once again for the professional and measured way they carry out their duties under the most difficult of circumstances. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics have a tough enough job already without being subjected to violence and abuse. Please show them the respect they deserve this Bonfire Night.
Chief Inspector Mairi Creanoradded:
We know that certain areas of Edinburgh experienced unprecedented levels of disorder during Bonfire Night last year, and because of this a significant number of officers responding to the incidents that arose sustained a range of injuries.
The unacceptable actions of a minority of individuals left communities in a state of alarm and put the safety of emergency service workers at serious risk of harm.
Such offences cannot and will not be tolerated and detailed planning has been undertaken since last year to ensure we have appropriate resources in key areas and can provide additional support should they be required.
It is an offence to use fireworks in any manner within a Fireworks Control Zone and we will take appropriate action against anyone in breach of an FCZ over the Bonfire Night period.
This is just one of the tools at our disposal and we’ll continue to work with key partners to keep our communities safe and bring those intent on causing harm to justice.
Further Information
Firework Control Zones will come into effect in four areas of the city – Niddrie, Calton Hill, Seafield and Balerno – from 1 to 10 November, making it a criminal offence to use fireworks (excluding sparklers and indoor fireworks) unless part of a licensed display.
The district will evaluate drinking water system improvements
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 31, 2024 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $38,000 Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Grant to the Scotland County Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1. The district will use the funding to evaluate its drinking water system.
The department’s Drinking Water Emerging Contaminant Grant program offers funding for qualified communities to assess their system and identify improvements to address emerging contaminants in the drinking water. Emerging contaminants are substances that are known or suspected to pose risks to human health but are not yet regulated under environmental laws. The district will evaluate potential improvements including remediation, destruction technologies, treatment options, regionalization or alternate water sources. Improvements will enable the district to continue operating a drinking water system that meets drinking water standards and provides reliable water service to customers.
Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support a community’s health and economic vitality. Through this grant, qualified communities have an opportunity to assess their drinking water treatment system and identify improvements for greater efficiency, effectiveness and capacity, as well as satisfy public health and safe drinking water regulations. This helps them determine what actions are needed to address current drinking water needs and plan for future growth and development.
The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Minister Anderson discusses UK Government’s plans for investment and growth in Northern Ireland which follows the Budget’s largest real terms settlement for Northern Ireland since devolution.
Minister Anderson with SUKI TEA co-founder, Oscar Wooley.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson MP, highlighted Northern Ireland’s crucial role in delivering the Government’s missions of kickstarting economic growth and making the UK a clean energy superpower during today’s (Thursday 31 October) visit to Lisburn-based global tea exporter SUKI TEA.
Minister Anderson met with SUKI TEA’s co-founder, Oscar Woolley and took part in a tour of the factory and a tea tasting, enjoying blends which included SUKI TEA’s own Northern Ireland-grown tea. SUKI TEA uses fair trade products and as a result, are an ethically responsible company.
The Minister and Mr Woolley discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the company, including the £500k investment SUKI TEA has made in its eco-friendly headquarters, and the Government’s Industrial Strategy, “Invest 2035”.
Reflecting on the “Invest 2035” Industrial Strategy, which will be developed in lockstep with local and regional leaders, the Minister highlighted how it will enable innovative and enterprising companies like SUKI TEA adapt and grow in key areas to support Net Zero, regional growth and economic security and resilience. The public consultation on this strategy closes on 24 November.
Speaking after the visit, Minister Anderson said:
SUKI TEA is a perfect example of the crucial role Northern Ireland businesses play in delivering this Government’s missions to kickstart economic growth and make the UK a clean energy superpower.
Yesterday’s Budget was the biggest real terms settlement for Northern Ireland since devolution.
Stability is the foundation for growth, and I am wholly confident that yesterday’s Budget will provide a strong foundation for growth and stability for real change in Northern Ireland.
This is why we are working closely and collaboratively with the Northern Ireland Executive to unlock greater investment, put more money in people’s pockets and boost opportunities and outcomes for everyone across Northern Ireland.
Following today’s visit, Co-Founder of SUKI TEA, Oscar Woolley, said:
SUKI TEA was delighted to welcome Minister Fleur Anderson to our new Eco Factory today, discussing the essential role SMEs play as the backbone of Northern Ireland’s economy, driving growth, innovation, and resilience across the region.
We also had the unique opportunity to taste SUKI’s locally grown tea, the first tea cultivated on the island of Ireland.
Notes to editors:
For further details on the implications of the Chancellor’s Budget on Northern Ireland, see here.
To view the open consultation on Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy, see here.
The Secretary of State has given notification of the start of the democratic consent process, as referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the declaration by His Majesty’s Government concerning the operation of the ‘Democratic consent in Northern Ireland’ provision of the Windsor Framework made on 17 October 2019.
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Dear Edwin,
NOTIFICATION UNDER SCHEDULE 6A NORTHERN IRELAND ACT 1998
Under Schedule 6A of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, it is my duty as Secretary of State to give notification of the start of the democratic consent process, as referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the declaration by His Majesty’s Government concerning the operation of the ‘Democratic consent in Northern Ireland’ provision of the Windsor Framework made on 17 October 2019.
This notification marks the day immediately before the start of the final two months of the current continuation period. The first day of the new continuation period will be 1 January 2025. Before that date, this Government must notify the European Commission of the outcome of the democratic consent process established by Schedule 6A in relation to the continued application of Articles 5 to 10 of the Framework during the new continuation period.
I can confirm that for this upcoming democratic consent process, the default democratic consent process will apply, as set out in Part 3 of Schedule 6A.
Schedule 6A prescribes the text of the motion to be tabled, and has remained unamended since December 2020 such that it refers to the former Northern Ireland Protocol. As you will know, the arrangements laying down the Windsor Framework at the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee included agreement that references to the ‘the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland’ (such as that prescribed in the motion) will be read by the Government to mean the Windsor Framework. I would be grateful if this could be put to Assembly Members should there be doubt as to the validity of a motion.
I am copying this letter to the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill & Emma Little-Pengelly.
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Letter from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, beginning the democratic consent process on Articles 5-10 Windsor Framework in accordance with Schedule 6A NI Act 1998.
Dear Edwin,
NOTIFICATION UNDER SCHEDULE 6A NORTHERN IRELAND ACT 1998
Under Schedule 6A of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, it is my duty as Secretary of State to give notification of the start of the democratic consent process, as referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the declaration by His Majesty’s Government concerning the operation of the ‘Democratic consent in Northern Ireland’ provision of the Windsor Framework made on 17 October 2019.
This notification marks the day immediately before the start of the final two months of the current continuation period. The first day of the new continuation period will be 1 January 2025. Before that date, this Government must notify the European Commission of the outcome of the democratic consent process established by Schedule 6A in relation to the continued application of Articles 5 to 10 of the Framework during the new continuation period.
I can confirm that for this upcoming democratic consent process, the default democratic consent process will apply, as set out in Part 3 of Schedule 6A.
Schedule 6A prescribes the text of the motion to be tabled, and has remained unamended since December 2020 such that it refers to the former Northern Ireland Protocol. As you will know, the arrangements laying down the Windsor Framework at the UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee included agreement that references to the ‘the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland’ (such as that prescribed in the motion) will be read by the Government to mean the Windsor Framework. I would be grateful if this could be put to Assembly Members should there be doubt as to the validity of a motion.
I am copying this letter to the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill & Emma Little-Pengelly.
Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)
BOSTON – A Dedham, Mass., man who served primarily as the “booker” for an interstate prostitution network that operated sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston.
Junmyung Lee, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution; and one count of money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Feb. 12, 2025. Junmyung Lee was arrested and charged in November 2023 with co-defendants Han Lee, 42, of Cambridge, Mass. and James Lee, 69, of Torrance, Calif. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. Han Lee pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 20, 2024.
From at least January 2022 through and including November 2023, Junmyung Lee knowingly conspired with Han Lee and, allegedly, James Lee to operate an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia designed to entice women to travel interstate to engage in prostitution. Junmyung Lee and his alleged co-conspirators also knowingly conspired with one another, and others, to launder the proceeds of the prostitution network by concealing that the money was derived the prostitution conspiracy.
Junmyung Lee was recruited to work for the prostitution network in approximately late 2021 through early 2022, as the business expanded. His main role in the conspiracy was that of the appointment “booker” and assisted with various tasks to maintain the prostitution network. In exchange, Han Lee paid Junmyung Lee $6,000-$8,000 per month.
As “booker,” Junmyung Lee was responsible for vetting sex buyers, booking appointments, as well as communicating directly with vetted customers via at least two cell phones – for Massachusetts and for Virginia, respectively. These brothel cell phones each contained over 2,800 verified customers of the prostitution business. An additional known cell phone containing additional contacts for the Virginia brothel was never recovered. Junmyung Lee also helped transport women to and from the airport, with some women working at the brothel locations on multiple occasions and in multiple states.
The defendants allegedly rented high-end apartments in Massachusetts and Virginia to serve as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. In June 2022, Junmyung Lee leased one of the brothel locations in Cambridge, Mass. under his own name. In exchange for the lease, Junmyung Lee received a large cash payment of prostitution proceeds from Han Lee. A portion of the cash payment went towards the purchase of a Corvette.
Additionally, Junmyung Lee collected the cash proceeds from the various brothel locations at the direction of Han Lee. Junmyung Lee would then conceal the proceeds via structured deposits into personal bank accounts. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at the brothel locations.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The charge of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine or twice the value of funds laundered, whatever is greater. 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.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central District of California and the Eastern District of Virginia; the U.S. Postal Service; and Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye, of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steve Schifferes, Honorary Research Fellow, City Political Economy Research Centre, City St George’s, University of London
Perhaps the most important long-term change announced in the first Labour budget are the new rules the government has set itself to fund the expansion of public services and increase public investment. These fiscal rules, which set out how much the government can borrow and spend, are seen as critical to reassuring the markets and the public that the government is sensibly managing the economy.
Labour has long claimed that former prime minister Liz Truss casting aside the rules to introduce unfunded tax cuts in 2022 wrecked the British economy and left families worse off with higher mortgage and borrowing costs. Chancellor Rachel Reeves came into office determined to show that Labour would be fiscally responsible.
The government says this budget will make working families better
off. In its own analysis, it shows that only the top 10% of the income distribution are made worse
off (by 1%) by the plans. The poorest households gain the most (by 5%). However, this analysis counts benefits from the big increase in public spending on areas like health and education, which tend to be used more (relative to their income) by poorer households.
Actual cash income offers a different picture. Spending watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) argues that 75% of the change to employers’ national insurance will be passed on to workers in lower wages (although the minimum wage will be boosted by 6.7% to £12.21 an hour). And there is very little for the working poor or those outside the labour market on universal credit (although pensioners have been protected).
This budget was delivered against the background of two big challenges that need urgent action: the parlous state of the public sector after years of austerity, and the very slow growth of the UK economy, which has meant little increase in real incomes.
To deal with these two issues, Reeves made some big changes to the previous government’s fiscal rules. This will give her space to borrow more money to finance public investment – spending on things like roads, hospitals and emerging industries that should feed into economic growth.
Finding the money
She has done this firstly by changing the so-called “fiscal mandate”, which relates to how much the government can borrow in any individual year. Under the new rule, within three years the government must get as much back in taxes as it spends (excluding investment).
It is the need to meet this rule that means the government has to raise taxes by £40 billion (more than half from the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions) to fund the spending needed to run the NHS, education and other public services.
But the government has another rule to prevent the total amount of government debt becoming too large compared to the size of the economy as a whole (GDP). Here the chancellor has chosen to change how government debt is defined, adding some more government financial assets, such as money put aside for local government pensions and student loans, to set against the outstanding amount being borrowed.
This has given her the room to borrow an extra £50 billion a year for investment, although she plans to use only half of that. The hope is that more public investment will both boost the economy (for example, by providing more roads and green energy) and improve public sector productivity (by providing things like more schools, health centres and scanners).
The OBR has judged that Reeves will meet her self-imposed rules within three years, despite the huge £70 billion increase in government spending. But it warns that the margin for error is quite small for both measures. The OBR also suggests that the economic benefits of increased public investment could take a long time to materialise, well beyond the five-year forecast period.
There are other risks to Reeves’ strategy. The cost of borrowing could go up if those financial institutions that lend the government money demand a higher interest rate.
The OBR projects that the government will be spending £100 billion a year on debt interest payments for each of the next five years. While the large increase in government spending and borrowing will initially boost the economy, it also means inflation is likely to stay slightly higher as more money is pumped into the economy. This, of course, could slow the rate at which the Bank of England cuts interest rates.
Gains for the population as a whole over the five-year parliament appear to be modest, with the second smallest rise in household income of any recent parliament of just 0.5%. This is driven by OBR projections that the budget will not initially boost growth very much despite greater borrowing.
And if the economy does not grow as much as hoped, the government may need more money to meet its day-to-day costs – especially as much of the new money has been front-loaded to be spent in the next two years. This would necessarily increase taxes even further.
The fiscal rules mirror Labour’s political dilemma, the need for short-term pain in order to get long-term gains in improved public services, a more productive economy and higher incomes and living standards. What is not clear is how long the public will wait to see results.
If, by the end of the parliament, people don’t feel like they have more in their pockets despite all the additional spending then Labour’s credibility could be in jeopardy.
Steve Schifferes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sean Cullen, Lecturer in Engineering Manufacturing, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University of London
In the past, spaceflight was the preserve of government-funded astronauts who had to meet stringent physical, cognitive, psychological and social requirements for selection. But in recent years, that has all been changing.
In September 2024, two non-professional astronauts completed the first privately funded spacewalk, using the Crew Dragon spacecraft built by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX. Meanwhile, Houston-based private company Axiom Space is conductingregularflights to the International Space Station (ISS), carrying a mixture of government-funded astronauts and paying customers.
In the last few years, nearly 100 people have become private astronauts through the space tourism companies Blue Origin, operated by Jeff Bezos and Virgin Galactic, by Sir Richard Branson. While the price of a seat on these vehicles remains out of reach for most of us, prices are expected to drop as more players enter the market.
Despite the rapid growth in the number of space travellers, underrepresented population groups are still left behind, particularly those with disabilities. So how can space agencies and “space tourism” companies make spaceflight more inclusive for disabled astronauts?
The European Space Agency (Esa) recently recruited John McFall, who lost his right leg aged 19, as the world’s first disabled astronaut. McFall, who is a surgeon and former paralympic sprinter, will participate in a feasibility study to improve understanding of, and overcome, the barriers that spaceflight presents for astronauts with physical disabilities.
Esa’s most recent selection of astronauts was entirely of white European background, showing how far things still have to go. But its move to recruit McFall marked a significant milestone towards a more inclusive approach to spaceflight.
Designing effective systems for the inclusion of disabled people is a longstanding challenge on Earth – and space presents a whole new paradigm. The very specific demands of spaceflight mean we can’t assume that traditional adjustments and assistive technology will work beyond Earth’s atmosphere. So, making spaceflight more inclusive requires looking at each step of going into space.
Astronaut training is a complex process, designed to simulate the space environment and enable candidates to perform well under a variety of conditions they may encounter in orbit. But in many cases, the training facilities are not well designed for individuals with physical or sensory impairments.
For example, in order to get on the plane that flies in an arc to simulate microgravity (colloquially referred to as the “vomit comet”), astronauts must climb a set of stairs, which presents a hurdle to anyone with a mobility impairment. Ironically, impairments that restrict the use of stairs on Earth might be much less of a restriction once in space.
Spacecraft and space suit design will be another key focus. The space suits onboard the ISS were originally designed with male astronauts in mind, meaning that female astronauts have to “make do” with what is there. This has caused challenges as the number of female astronauts has risen.
Older spacesuits were designed with male astronauts in mind. Nasa / Mike Hopkins
In 2019, Nasa had to postpone the first all-female spacewalk because the torso of a space suit was too large for one of the spacewalkers. The Moon suit developed by Axiom Space in collaboration with Italian fashion house Prada is a step towards inclusivity, with anthropomorphic sizing to accommodate a wide range of crew members. Yet, future disabled astronauts might still encounter challenges if they have differences in their limbs or impairments to their dexterity.
Interestingly, the new SpaceX Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) suits have something called “embedded modularity” – each section of the suit is customised to the intended astronaut, and all sections fit together. While intended to help with joint positioning, these suits present a unique opportunity to support disabled astronauts with limb differences.
Inclusive suits could include a single fixed leg portion for individuals with paralysis, and removable parts for those with limb differences. Haptic gloves could provide tactile feedback through the space suit for astronauts with limb differences.
For individuals with visual impairments, incorporating augmented reality (AR) heads-up displays (transparent displays that show the user data overlaid over their environment) and AI-powered image-to-voice software that can translate purely visual information into audio explanations could make a huge difference.
Technological support similar to the app “Be My Eyes”, pairing sighted assistants with visually impaired people to help explain their environment, could also find uses in spacesuits.
Exercise equipment need adjustments to allow them to be used by disabled astronauts. NASA
Thriving in space
An often overlooked part of astronaut life is maintaining physical fitness through intensive exercise regimes. Exercise is required because both muscle and bone waste away quickly in microgravity – but the fitness equipment aboard the ISS, such as the treadmill and bike, is difficult to adapt for disabled people. Both require use of both feet to operate.
Re-engineering the systems for exercise, eating, working, going to the toilet and other essential activities is critical for enabling disabled astronauts to thrive in space.
Assistive technologies that could be used inside a spacecraft, as opposed to within a spacesuit, are continually evolving and taking many forms. As such, there are always opportunities to improve the environment on a space mission to make it more inclusive for disabled astronauts.
Examples could include virtual reality (VR) for use in ground training, smart prosthetics that enable the completion of complex tasks, and computer vision with AI guiding visually impaired astronauts.
Policies implemented by space agencies have traditionally been exclusionary, focusing on able-bodied individuals and ignoring the potential of those who are different. And while some space agencies are establishing advisory committees and promoting diversity, this work is often limited to narrow purposes within these agencies.
Despite the UK and many other countries having specific laws to reduce discrimination in the workplace, the international nature of the space sector can cause difficulty. For this reason, policies mandating inclusion and equity across the space sector are crucial. Most importantly, space agencies should ensure adequate funding and resources to support any inclusion initiatives and work with disability advocacy groups.
Often, the root causes of inclusion barriers are a lack of understanding or awareness of disabilities. In many cases, consulting and involving disabled people in decision-making processes reduces these barriers. It is essential the space sector recruits individuals from diverse backgrounds to begin with.
Although the concept of “diversity quotas” has historically been divisive, the first place to start is to understand the diversity both of current and potential space travellers. Publicising diversity statistics can help hold agencies accountable, and encourage initiatives aimed at greater inclusion.
There remains a lot to do, but with a collaborative approach, the new commercial space race could act as a shining example to the rest of the world in its approach to disability.
Sean Cullen receives funding from the Engineering Design and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). This project specifically was funded through the Brunel Research Interdisciplinary Lab (BRIL). He is affiliated with the Space 4 All community.
Ezgi Merdin Uygur receives funding from the Marketing Trust and the British Academy / Leverhulme.
Vanja Garaj currently receives funding from Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Research England.
Every tenants deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home.
More in Housing
The SNP will be betraying tenants across Scotland if it goes ahead with plans to water down rent controls and impose above inflation rent hikes, say the Scottish Greens.
The comments from the party’s social justice spokesperson, Maggie Chapman, follow a Ministerial Statement by the Housing Minister, Paul Mclennan, which announced proposals that would allow rents to be increased above inflation and by up to 6%, even in rent control areas.
The bill was originally published by then Scottish Green Minister Patrick Harvie and followed an emergency rent freeze. The announcement comes just five months after MSPs declared a Housing Emergency.
Ms Chapman said:
“This is a shameful betrayal of tenants. It will impose above inflation rent hikes on households all over Scotland.
“Stabilising rents at unaffordable levels is no use to anyone, apart from profiteering landlords. If the SNP goes ahead with these disastrous plans they will be selling-out renters and entrenching a broken and unfair system.
“Everyone should have a warm, secure and affordable place to call home, but what the Minister is proposing flies in the face of that aspiration. These proposals do not tackle unaffordability and would not give tenants in the private rented sector the security or stability they’ve been promised.
“The landlord lobby has had a disproportionate voice in the corridors of power for far too long. This has created a desperate situation where tenants across our country are living with fear and anxiety because they don’t know if they can continue to afford their homes.
“This is yet another example of an SNP government that is shedding its progressive credentials. I urge them to rethink their proposals and work with us to deliver a Housing Bill that transforms housing in Scotland and gives tenants the security, stability and peace of mind that everyone deserves.
“Homes should be for living in, not for profiteering.”
‘Today Highland Council took an important step forward in its plans to sustain care provision in the Lochaber Area. In a confidential paper to council, various options were considered that could ensure that there is minimum disruption to residents of Moss Park Nursing Home.
While there are a lot of sensitive matters still to deal with and no guarantees at this stage, there is now hope that a solution can be found by the partnership between Highland Council and NHS Highland.
As there are still so many issues remaining unresolved, NHS Highland’s core team and its partners will continue to ensure that everyone is focused on the best interests and well-being of all residents.
Further communications regarding progress on this important matter will be provided in due course, with communications with residents and families being our key priority.’
A revised financial forecast for the Highland Council, taking account of already agreed savings and other measures, suggests a remaining budget gap of £38m-£54m over the coming three years, 2025/26 to 2027/28.
As part of the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Plan, agreed in February 2024, Council agreed a package of £54.6m of budget savings, and the use of a range of financial flexibilities and use of reserves, to address the projected £113m gap over a 3-year period 2024/25 – 2026/27.
A revised forecast, before taking account of agreed savings and other measures, and factoring in financial assumptions, is a budget gap over the next three years (2025/26 to 2027/28) ranging from £116m-£132m.
After allowing for budget savings and other decisions already made by the Council, and other assumptions, these scenarios suggest the figure of a residual budget gap of £38m-£54m over the three years.
It is clear that there are significant and additional financial pressures and challenges facing Governmental budgets in the current and next year, with it being expected these will ultimately translate to a potentially more challenging budget settlement and financial outlook for Scottish Local Authorities. There remains uncertainty regarding the impact of national decisions, which may in turn impact the scenarios reported to Members.
While inflation and cost pressure estimates are expected to exceed the likely level of funding that may be available to the Council, there is an inevitable need to plan for further additional savings.
Convener of the Highland Council, Bill Lobban said: “Decisions already made by the Council in February 2024 provide a very solid foundation to the Council’s financial planning. It is essential the Council continues to apply a multi-year, strategic approach to its financial planning and financial sustainability, and makes the necessary decisions to ensure expenditure plans are in line with funding levels.
Leader, Raymond Bremner said: ““We will do everything we can to mitigate the impact on our residents in our decision making. At the same time as making savings, and making best use of public funds, we have been able to plan supporting our ambitious Highland Investment Plan through our revenue budget decisions, which could see £2bn of capital investment across the Highlands over the next 20 years and which will leave a valuable legacy for communities well into the future.
“Public and staff engagement in the lead up to our last budget was extremely helpful in shaping our thinking and decisions. The Operational Delivery Plan also provides a helpful mechanism for monitoring progress with the delivery of agreed savings and this will continue to be useful moving forward as part of our financial planning process.”
Chair of the Council’s Resources Committee, Cllr Derek Louden commented: “The important thing for us to remember this is a very early stage in budget setting, with a great deal of uncertainty at this time. Looking at the direction of travel and considering income generation, budget reduction and use of reserves in line with the Council’s strategy for the coming years will be part of our planning for budget setting in March 2025.”
A further report will be brought to the Council meeting in December.
Members considered a report on Lochaber Care Provision at the meeting of the Highland Council on 31 October.
HC-One informed NHS Highland of their intention to close Moss Park Care Home on the 18 September 2024. A contractually standard notice period of 13 weeks was given.
Since that announcement, NHS Highland and The Highland Council have been working together to identify a solution to support the continuation of care in the area.
Work is ongoing at present to find an alternative solution to this closure, but in the interests of the welfare of residents, and with no such process concluded at this stage, the core team are actively planning, as a contingency, for the relocation of all residents.
Chair of the Council’s Health and Social Care Committee, Cllr David Fraser said: “We understand that this is a worrying time for residents, relatives and all involved, while we continue to pursue potential solutions for Mosspark residents.
“This is a challenging situation. Across Highland, our focus remains on working with NHS Highland in reducing delayed discharges and accelerating our work towards a new care model which would support people to live more independently for longer in their own communities and shifting the balance of care from acute to sustainable community provision.”
Further updates will be provided to all residents, staff, stakeholders, including the local community, once we have further information and progress will be reported to the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee.
The report was discussed in private session due to the nature of sensitive and confidential information contained in the report.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)
Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Western New England University (WNE) President Dr. Robert E. Johnson, Western New England University Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. S. Hossein Cheraghi, students, faculty, and staff to announce an $850,000 earmark for the establishment of WNE’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS).
The allocation was made possible through Congressionally Direct Spending (CDS) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2024 spending bill that was signed into law by President Biden on March 9, 2024. This funding will allow WNE to establish CAMS which will serve as a hub for industry-university collaboration, focusing on training and retraining a workforce in advanced manufacturing techniques.
“In an ever-changing society fueled by innovation and technological developments, the importance of workforce development cannot be understated. As a result, higher education has come to play a prominent role in training the next generation of workers. That is why I was proud to fight for Western New England University to secure funding that will benefit their students for years to come,” said Congressman Neal. “As one of the top engineering programs in the nation, WNE continues to invest in programs that will lead to immediate job placement upon graduation. This funding will play a critical role in ensuring their students are equipped with the skills needed to meet the demands of our region’s workforce, stimulating economic growth and opportunities.”
Contributing $2.8 trillion to U.S. GDP in 2023, the manufacturing sector accounts for nearly 12% of the U.S. economy, more than half of which is attributed to advanced manufacturing. Once a manufacturing hub in the northeast, Springfield has witnessed a steady decline in its manufacturing workforce since the early 2000s. This project will help address that decline by revitalizing the sector through partnerships with local companies, public schools, and other higher education institutions to provide workforce training, internships, and research opportunities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Neal for his steadfast support and leadership in securing this $850,000 earmark for Western New England University to establish the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS) within our College of Engineering,” said President Johnson. “With updated facilities and tools, we will enhance our educational experience for students, ensuring that future graduates are equipped to meet the immediate needs of our industry partners. Western New England University remains committed to preparing our students for the future of work and this funding will allow us to stay at the forefront of innovation.”
Funding for CAMS will allow WNE to launch new academic programs and certifications in advanced manufacturing while continuing to foster partnerships with local manufacturers to drive technology adoption and innovation, including Advance Welding, Nitor Corporation, American Steel and Aluminum Corporation, and Mestek, Inc. These partnerships will support WNE’s goals of establishing CAMS, including:
Providing 20 MA companies with access to a state-of-the-art incubator and training laboratory for workforce training on advanced welding and product characterization and prototyping;
Incubating two Springfield, MA startup companies a year working with advanced manufacturing techniques and equipment;
Educating the current and future workforce in the use of cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, and improving manufacturing processes through four industry-focused workshops a year; and
Providing 200 K-12 students an experiential opportunity at the Center around advanced manufacturing processes each year.
Under guidelines issued by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, members of Congress requested CDS funding for projects in their state for Fiscal Year 2024. CDS requests were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments, and eligible non-profit entities, were permitted to receive CDS funding.
This project is one of thirteen CDS projects submitted by Congressman Neal, totaling nearly $15 million in investments throughout the First Congressional District of Massachusetts.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Richard Neal (D-MA)
Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) West-East Rail Director Andy Koziol to highlight the substantial federal and state investments made in Compass Rail, including West-East Rail, following the latest $36.8 million CRISI grant awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
This announcement comes one year after Congressman Neal joined Governor Healey to announce a $108 million CRISI grant to support West-East Rail, the third largest award in the nation for FY2022. This funding will facilitate two additional daily round trips between Springfield and Boston and support infrastructure improvements that will increase train speeds, allowing one trip to be completed in under two hours. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which was drafted in the House Ways and Means Committee under Congressman Neal’s chairmanship, marked the nation’s largest investment in infrastructure in more than six decades and more than tripled the funding for the CRISI program.
“Throughout my career, I was steadfast in my belief that Springfield Union Station would not meet the wrecking ball. Since its reopening, the investments that have been made in passenger rail have been extraordinary. Today, we celebrate another one of those investments, one that brings us one step closer to making West-East Rail a reality,” said Congressman Neal. “I take great satisfaction knowing that Massachusetts continues to be a great benefactor of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, much of which was drafted in the House Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship. With the substantial progress that has been made with West-East Rail, the Commonwealth is well positioned to pursue additional funding for years to come.”
Promising to rehabilitate and reopen Springfield Union Station during his campaign for City Council in 1977, Congressman Neal secured more than $75 million to support the $103 million redevelopment of Springfield Union Station. The station officially reopened on June 24, 2017, a milestone that reestablished Springfield as the crossroads of New England and positioned the Commonwealth to begin ramping up investments to improve and expand passenger rail. Since then, more than $200 million has been allocated towards West-East Rail, including:
$11 million from MassDOT for Platform C at Springfield Union Station
$1.75 million from the FRA CRISI program for the Springfield Track Reconfiguration Project, with a $1.75 million match from MassDOT
$108 million from the FRA CRISI program for the Inland Route, with an $18 million match from MassDOT
$4 million from MassDOT for Palmer Station Planning and Design
$8 million from MassDOT for Pittsfield Track Capacity
$36.8 million from the FRA CRISI program for the Springfield Track Reconfiguration Project, with a $9.2 million match from MassDOT
This does not include the $75.7 million awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program in 2010 to restore the Vermonter. This funding, coupled with $20 million for the West Springfield flyover anticipated in the state’s Capital Investment Plan, along with the state of good repair work that has been completed along the Knowledge Corridor, brings the total investment in Compass Rail to nearly $300 million.
“We are grateful to Congressman Neal, other members of our congressional delegation, legislators, and local officials for helping us expand and enhance passenger rail service in Massachusetts,” said West-East Director Andy Koziol. “The Healey-Driscoll administration has been and will continue to be persistent in pursuing federal grant opportunities to support capital projects which will create a state transportation system which is equitable, resilient, and meets the needs of all communities.”
One of 122 projects funded by the FRA, the latest award from the CRISI program totals $36.8 million. Funding will support the Springfield Track Reconfiguration Project, which is designed to increase capacity to accommodate both freight and increased passenger rail service. The project will include building new crossovers and layover tracks, upgrading platforms around Springfield Union Station, and modernizing track and signal systems. The project is being advanced by MassDOT in coordination with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, Amtrak, CSX, and other railroads that operate in Springfield.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate our continued progress in advancing West-East Rail,” said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “The Healey-Driscoll administration pulling out every stop to bring home more federal funding so we can continue to achieve our transit goals. Thank you to the Biden-Harris Administration, Secretary Buttigieg, and to our outstanding Congressional delegation for making today’s award possible.”
Springfield Union Station saw more than 2 million visitors come through its doors during FY2023, much of which can be attributed to an increase in rail passengers. Amtrak witnessed a 24% increase in ridership nationwide during FY2023, with a 29% uptick in the northeast alone. Amtrak’s New Haven-Springfield route, which includes the Valley Flyer, saw 442,028 riders, a 36% increase from FY2022, while the Vermonter saw nearly 100,000 riders, a 14.5% increase.
November is the 200th anniversary of the Great Gale of 1824. It killed nearly 100 people and destroyed villages along the south coast of England.
There is a free public exhibition about the impacts of the Great Gale on the Dorset coast.
The Environment Agency, Dorset Coast Forum and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are raising awareness of extreme weather and flooding as they mark the 200th anniversary of the 1824 Great Gale.
On the night of 22 November 1824, a devastating storm struck England’s south coast and raged for two days. Winds reached hurricane force, with gusts exceeding 100 mph, causing widespread damage. Houses were severely flooded, whole villages destroyed, ships lost at sea and nearly 100 people were tragically killed.
Trail of destruction
The Dorset coast was hardest hit, but the storm’s impact stretched from Land’s End to Dover. Inland communities did not escape devastation from wind damage and it took many years for affected communities to recover.
At Plymouth, the storm sunk 22 vessels and swept away over 200,000 tons of stone from the city’s new breakwater which was under construction. While, at Abbotsbury, seawater surged over Chesil Beach, reaching astonishing depths of up to 6.9 metres.
Watch our animation about the Great Gale’s trail of destruction Great Gale of 1824.
Rare combination created Dorset’s worst storm
The Great Gale, considered the most destructive storm ever to strike the Dorset coastline, was caused by a rare combination of factors. Hurricane force winds, spring high tides, extreme low pressure and towering waves created unprecedented conditions for the storm. Its severity was so extreme it is estimated to have a 1 in 10,000 chance of recurring each year.
Recent events like Storm Boris in Europe, Typhoon Yagi in Asia and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in North America highlight the ongoing threat of severe weather – and, as climate change increases the energy driving these storms, the importance of being prepared.
How to prepare for extreme weather
This post is nearly 7m high and shows the 1824 storm’s high water mark which reached 22ft 8in at the Swannery, Abbotsbury, Dorset.
Andrea Summers, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager for Wessex, said:
As we remember those who tragically lost their lives 200 years ago, this anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the devastating impact flooding can have on communities.
Needless to say, we are much more resilient now than we were then, with major innovations in forecasting, warning and defence systems. But our climate is changing, sea levels are rising and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.
The Environment Agency is investing to better protect people from flooding and extreme weather. The £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes is working in partnership with local authorities nationwide to develop, test and implement innovative ways of improving resilience and adapting to the impacts of flooding, coastal erosion and climate change.
Additionally, the new Floods Resilience Taskforce is driving government efforts to accelerate the development of flood defences and bolster the nation’s resilience to extreme weather events.
How to see The Great Gale of 1824 exhibition
As part of the bicentenary commemorations, the Environment Agency has worked with Dorset Coast Forum and BCP Council to bring together a free public exhibition to explore the impacts the Great Gale left on the Dorset Coast. For more information, including dates and venues, please visit the Dorset Coast Forum website.
