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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reserved places policy for Perth and Kinross schools to be agreed

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Reserved places are the spaces held back in schools to accommodate children from families moving into new catchment areas, ensuring that pupils can attend their nearest schools.

    Reserved places are crucial for managing school admissions, particularly in areas experiencing population growth or residential developments.

    By holding back a designated number of spaces, Perth and Kinross Council aims to ensure that families moving into the catchment area during the year can enrol their children in their local school.

    If children have to attend school outside the catchment area it can incur additional transport costs for the Council and create inconvenience for families.

    Historical patterns of migration, residential developments, and anticipated population shifts have been carefully analysed to determine the reserved places for the next school year.

    While the reserved places system has been in place since 1997, it is reviewed annually to reflect changing demographics and ensure fairness. The success of this system is evident in the high percentage of pupils able to attend their first-choice schools in recent years.

    Councillors will also discuss adjustments to reserved places at certain schools due to fluctuations in rolls, new housing developments, and changes to school infrastructure.

    Councillor John Rebbeck, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning and Families Committee, said: “Planning for reserved places is essential to ensuring pupils can attend their nearest school.

    “It is a hugely complicated but vital process and I am sure parents and carers appreciate this work as much as I do.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New mobile phone policy for Perth and Kinross Schools

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Digital technology is an integral part of the lives of many children, young people and families across Perth & Kinross.   

    Used responsibly, devices such as phones and tablets can be powerful tools to support learning and teaching, communication and social experiences.  

    However, they can also cause disruption to learning and when used inappropriately can impact children and young people’s health and wellbeing.  

    This policy is designed to provide clear information and guidance on the safe, responsible and legal use of mobile technologies in schools, while protecting staff, children and young people from the consequences of inappropriate use or abuse.  It will support calm and inclusive learning environments that are fully focussed on learning and teaching. 

    Learning and Families Committee convener Councillor John Rebbeck said: “This policy will allow our school leaders to work with their individual communities to ensure that everyone is clear on if, when and how mobile technology can be used.

    “Safeguarding the wellbeing of our children and young people is our priority and this policy provides a framework to support the development of responsible citizens, recognising and respecting children and young people’s rights, and will support the development of positive relationships and behaviour. 

     “We can’t uninvent mobile phones but it is important we set boundaries for behaviour during class. 

    “We spoke to teachers, parent councils and, importantly, pupils themselves about mobile phones and what sort of learning environments are best for our children and young people. 

    “This new policy gives schools the flexibility to adopt an approach that is right for them.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient SA: FY 2024 results: Solid 1st year delivery of “Elevate to 2030” strategic plan, with Digital Solution achieving €267m in revenue and 61% EBITDA growth to €47m

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Quadient FY 2024 results:
     Solid 1st year delivery of “Elevate to 2030” strategic plan, with Digital Solution achieving €267m in revenue and 61% EBITDA growth to €47m

    Key highlights

    • FY 2024 financial targets achieved
    • Two operating profitability milestones reached:
    • Digital EBITDA margin at 17.5%, up 5.7pts yoy, reflecting strong profitability improvement
    • All three solutions are EBITDA positive
    • Consolidated sales of €1,093 million, up +2.8% on a reported basis, including the contribution of the latest acquisitions
    • FY 2024 subscription-related revenue up +10.2% in Digital and up +11.5% in Lockers
    • FY 2024 subscription-related revenue of €777m, representing 71% of total revenue, up +€30m yoy,
      vs. +      €90m 2026 target
    • FY 2024 Group current EBIT of €146 million, up +2.2% organically
    • Proposed dividend of €0.70 per share, up by €0.05 for the fourth consecutive year
    • FY 2025 outlook: acceleration both in organic revenue growth and in current EBIT organic growth vs. 2024

    Paris, 26 March 2025

    Quadient S.A. (Euronext Paris: QDT), an Intelligent automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, today announces its 2024 fourth-quarter consolidated sales and full-year results (period ended on 31 January 2025). The full year 2024 results were approved by the Board of Directors during a meeting held on 25 March 2025.

    Geoffrey Godet, Chief Executive Officer of Quadient S.A., stated: “We have delivered a solid first year of our Elevate to 2030 strategic plan.

    Our Digital Automation platform has reached the record level of c.€270 million in revenue thanks to both the addition of 2,600+ new customers and the contribution from the increased usage and upsell from our existing 16,500 customer base. This strong revenue increase has been delivered together with a significant improvement in profitability with EBITDA rising by 61% to reach €47 million. We are now in a good position to exceed the 20% EBITDA margin ambition set for 2026.

    2024 also saw the highest level of Digital cross-sold deals into our Mail customer base while at the same time our Mail business continues to outpace competition. In Lockers, investments made over the past couple of years are paying off, contributing to a strong performance in H2 with double digit growth in revenue thanks to increased usage of the locker base across all regions. In addition, Lockers have reached EBITDA breakeven over the full year and profitability will further improve as we continue to increase the size of our network, grow its usage and take advantage of the recent addition of Package Concierge in the US residential sector.

    At Company level, this solid performance translates into a €30 million increase in annual recurring revenue, well on track to deliver the €90 million increase targeted by 2026. Based on this solid start to the strategic plan, we are confident in our ability to continue building a €1bn recurring revenue platform by 2030, generating €250 million current EBIT. Therefore, we are proposing to increase our dividend for the fourth consecutive year in a row, to €0.70.

    While macro uncertainties have recently been growing, we are expecting an acceleration of organic growth in revenue and current EBIT in 2025 against 2024 levels.”

    Comments on FY 2024 performance

    Group sales came in at €1,093 million in FY 2024, a +2.8% increase on a reported basis, and +0.4% organic growth compared to FY 2023, in line with Quadient’s expectations. The reported growth includes a positive currency impact of €2 million and a positive scope effect of €24 million, which is related to the acquisitions of Daylight (September 2023), Frama (February 2024) and Package Concierge (December 2024).

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, reported revenue growth stood at +4.1% and organic revenue growth was broadly flat, at -0.2%, compared to Q4 2023.

    Subscription-related revenue reached €777 million in FY 2024, growing +1.6% organically, and representing 71% of total sales. This represents a €30 million increase year-on-year (compared to the +€90 million target by 2026), progressing toward the €1 billion subscription-related revenue target by 2030. Performance in the fourth quarter of 2024 was steady, up 2.1% organically against Q4 2023, driven by a double-digit organic increase in Digital and in Lockers. Non-recurring revenue declined by 2.4% organically in FY 2024, including a 5.1% decline in Q4 2024, essentially due to a high comparison basis in Mail hardware sales.

    By geography, North America (58% of revenue) continued to outperform other regions with a +2.8% organic growth achieved in FY 2024.

    Consolidated sales and EBITDA by Solution

    FY 2024 consolidated sales

    In € million FY 2024 FY 2023 Change Organic change
    Digital 267 245 +9.1% +7.7%
    Mail 732 729 +0.4% (2.5)%
    Lockers 94 88 +5.7% +4.3%
    Group total 1,093 1,062 +2.8% +0.4%

     

    EBITDA and EBITDA margin

      FY 2024 FY 2023
    In € million EBITDA EBITDA margin EBITDA EBITDA margin
    Digital 47 17.5% 29 11.8%
    Mail 200 27.4% 218 29.9%
    Lockers 1 0.6% (3) (3.0)%
    Group total 247 22.6% 244 23.0%
     

    Digital

    In FY 2024, revenue from Digital reached €267 million, up 7.7% organically (+10.1% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023) and up 9.1% on a reported basis (including the contribution from Daylight) compared to FY 2023.

    This solid performance was driven by a strong 10.2% organic growth in subscription-related revenue in FY 2024 (+10.5% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023), including a good contribution from North America and continued positive commercial trends across the platform with further solid cross-selling and up-selling. In FY 2024, subscription-related revenue was representing 82% of Digital total sales, a further increase compared to 80% in FY 2023.

    At the end of FY 2024, annual recurring revenue (ARR), which is a forward-looking indicator of future subscription-related revenue, reached €232 million, up from €206 million at the end of FY 2023, representing a 12.7% organic growth.

    EBITDA for Digital was €47 million in FY 2024, up +61% year-on-year. EBITDA margin was at 17.5%, a strong improvement of 5.7 points compared to FY 2023. In H2 2024, EBITDA margin further improved, reaching 19.1%, after 15.7% in H1 2024. This positive evolution in profitability reflects the combination of subscription-related revenue growth and platform maturity. The Digital solution is well on track to reach its target of EBITDA margin greater than 20% in 2026.

    As part of its customer acquisition strategy, Digital continues to demonstrate strong commercial momentum. Over
    2,600 new customers were added     in FY 2024 thanks in particular to robust cross-selling with Mail, especially in North America. Digital experienced a dynamic fourth quarter, with several key deals secured in the US. Additionally, a new partnership was established with Avaloq to deliver Customer Communications Management capabilities to the financial services industry.

    As part of the customer expansion process, the focus continues to be on further increasing up-selling, notably in financial automation process. Several platform innovations have been made, to bring added value to customers, including the ramp-up and extension of Repay for direct supplier invoice payments in the US and Canada, and new electronic invoice formats (UBL, CII, Factur-X) to align with upcoming European e-invoicing regulation.

    In Quadient’s core geographies, the addressable demand for its Digital automation platform is set to grow from
    c.€6 billion in 2023 to c.€9 billion in 2027, representing a +10% CAGR, creating substantial growth opportunities in both communication and financial automation.

    To capture this growth, Quadient is strongly positioned, leveraging on:

    • a sound base of highly predictable business, with over 16,500 customers, 82% subscription-based revenue,
      and a churn rate well below 5%,
    • a highly recognized platform in financial & communication automation, and 84.5% of Saas customers,
      across three regions,
    • a fully scalable and modulable platform, for small to large customers, driving new client acquisition (+2,600 in FY 2024) and record cross-sell of Digital solutions into Quadient Mail customers and increased upsell opportunities among existing customers,
    • an efficient go-to-market organisation that driving a 34% year-on-year increase in bookings in Q4 2024 and +12.7% growth of ARR at the end of the year.

    Mail

    Mail revenue reached €732 million in FY 2024, down 2.5% on an organic basis (-4.6% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023). The reported growth stood at +0.4%, including the contribution of Frama.

    Hardware sales recorded a minor -1.7% organic decline in FY 2024, despite a 7.3% drop registered in Q4 2024, mainly reflecting a high comparison basis related to deals signed in H2 2023.

    Subscription-related revenue (68% of Mail sales) recorded a 2.9% organic decline in FY 2024.

    EBITDA for Mail was €200 million for FY 2024. EBITDA margin reached 27.4%, down 2.5 points compared to FY 2023. Mail EBITDA margin was impacted by the dilutive effect of Frama acquisition, including integration costs. Frama’s performance is due to improve significantly from 2025 onward, with positive current EBIT already reached in FY 2024 and payback of the acquisition expected in FY 2025.

    Thanks to its strong focus on customer acquisition, Quadient’s Mail business continues to outperform the market. In Q4 2024, commercial performance remained resilient in North America, particularly in highly regulated industries where secure mail communications are key.

    As part of the customer expansion focus, outlook remains strong driven by a high customer satisfaction rate of 95.7% and robust cross-selling performance, especially in the US where a record-breaking performance in placement of Digital solutions was recorded in Q4 2024. Mail business also benefited from the positive impact of the ongoing US mailing systems decertification, though this impact is expected to conclude in Q1 2025. Lastly, Quadient aims at upgrading Frama’s installed base and initiating some cross-selling to promote its Digital offer to Frama’s customers.

    At the end of January 2025, already 42.4% of Quadient installed base has been upgraded with its newest technology.

    Lockers

    Lockers revenue reached €94 million in FY 2024, a +4.3% increase on an organic basis, with strong momentum in the latter part of the year (+8.0% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023, after a strong Q3 2024, up +14.3% year-on-year) and a +5.7% increase on a reported basis compared to FY 2023, including a marginal contribution from Package Concierge.

    Subscription-related revenue was up 11.5% organically in FY 2024 (+19.6% in Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023), benefiting from:

    • the continued strong volumes ramp up in the British and the French open networks;
    • the sustained strong momentum in the US, driven by higher monetization of usage fees;
    • a resilient performance in Japan, despite an unfavorable e-commerce environment.

    Overall, subscription-related revenue stood at 64% of total revenue in FY 2024, up from 61% in FY 2023.

    Non-recurring revenue (license & hardware sales and professional services) were down 6.8% organically in FY 2024. Hardware sales were still impacted by slower new installations in North America.

    Quadient’s global locker installed base reached c.25,700 units at the end of FY 2024, including c. 3,000 units from Package Concierge, vs. c.20,200 units at the end of FY 2023. This is reflecting an acceleration in the pace of installation of new lockers, notably in the UK, fueled by the partnerships signed by Quadient to host parcel lockers in new suitable locations.

    EBITDA for Lockers was above breakeven, at €1 million in FY 2024. EBITDA margin stood at 0.6%, up by 3.6 points compared to FY 2023. This significant profitability improvement, illustrated by a 6.7% EBITDA margin in H2 2024, was driven by growing recurring revenue and increased usage. Additionally, the revised commercial agreement with Yamato for the Japanese installed base was implemented at the beginning of H2 2023.

    As part of the customer acquisition focus, Quadient is accelerating the pace of installation for new lockers in its open networks in Europe, mostly in France and the UK, with installed base up 145% year-on-year. This is supported by the additional deals signed for premium locations (including Morrisons Daily Stores and ScotRail…). Additionally, the trend for new installations in North America has turned positive in Q4, where market share leadership position in Residences and Universities remains robust.

    As part of the customer expansion strategy, volumes from both pick-up and drop-off in European open networks saw a significant increase, growing sevenfold between Q4 2023 and Q4 2024. The momentum in North America for the locker network, particularly across the multifamily sector and higher education campuses was strong in Q4 2024. In Japan, macroeconomic conditions have impacted parcel volumes, but new initiatives, such as the new partnership with Japan Post, are aimed at driving volume growth and increasing adoption.

    REVIEW OF 2024 FULL-YEAR RESULTS

    Simplified P&L

    In € million FY 2024 FY 2023 Change
    Sales 1,093 1,062 +2.8%
    Gross profit 818 788 +3.7%
    Gross margin 74.8% 74.2%  
    EBITDA 247 244 +1.2%
    EBITDA margin 22.6% 23.0%  
    Current EBIT 146 147 (0.5)%
    Current EBIT margin 13.4% 13.8%  
    Optimization expenses and other operating income & expenses (23) (15) +58.0%
    EBIT 123 132 (7.0)%
    Financial income/(expense) (39) (31) +24.8%
    Income before tax 84 101 (16.8)%
    Share of results of associated companies 1 (0) n/a
    Income taxes (17) (17) +2.8%
    Net income of continued operations 68 84 (19.4)%
    Net income from discontinued operations (0) (14) (98.7)%
    Net attributable income 66 69 (3.4)%
    Earnings per share 1.94 2.02  
    Diluted earnings per share 1.94 2.01  
     

    Gross margin stood at 74.8% in FY 2024 slightly up compared to FY 2023, due to lower cost of sales.

    EBITDA(1) for the Group reached €247 million in FY 2024, up €3 million compared to FY 2023. EBITDA grew by 3.0% organically, driven by strong growth of 80% in Digital and improved profitability in Lockers, which more than compensated for the softer EBITDA performance in Mail. The EBITDA margin reached 22.6% in FY 2024. It was almost stable compared to FY 2023: despite the impact of the change in revenue mix and the dilutive effect of Frama acquisition, the Group EBITDA margin was supported by significant profitability gains in Digital and Lockers.

    Depreciation and amortization stood at €101 million in FY 2024, compared to €98 million in FY 2023. This slightly higher depreciation mainly reflects the increase in Lockers’ asset base.

    Current operating income (current EBIT) reached €146 million in FY 2024 compared to €147 million in FY 2023, up 2.2% on an organic basis. Current EBIT margin stood at 13.4% of sales in FY 2024 compared to 13.8% in FY 2023.

    Optimization costs and other operating expenses stood at €23 million in FY 2024, versus €15 million in FY 2023. This increase mainly relates to the write-off of an IT project, additional office optimization and Frama restructuring costs.

    Consequently, EBIT reached €123 million in FY 2024, versus €132 million recorded in FY 2023.

    Net attributable income

    Net cost of debt was up from €29 million in FY 2023 to €39 million in FY 2024, impacted by higher interest rates. The currency gains & losses and other financial items was broadly flat in FY 2024, compared to a loss of €2 in FY 2023. Overall, net financial result was a loss of €39 million in FY 2024 compared to a loss of €31 million in FY 2023.

    Income tax expense was stable year-on-year at €17 million.

    Net income from discontinued operations of the Mail Italian subsidiary was null in FY 2024, compared to a €14 million loss in FY 2023. This loss included exceptional charges related to the sale process for this subsidiary, which was sold to a local mail distribution company in October 2024.

    Net attributable income after minority interests amounted to €66 million in FY 2024 compared to €69 million in FY 2023.

    Earnings per share(2) stood at €1.94 in FY 2024 compared to €2.02 in FY 2023. The fully diluted earnings per share(2) was €1.94 in FY 2024 compared to €2.01 in FY 2023.

    Cash flow generation

    The change in working capital was a net cash inflow of €9 million in FY 2024 compared to a net cash outflow of €6 million in FY 2023, mostly reflecting the positive impact from timing on prepaid expenses and customers deposits.

    The leasing portfolio and other financing services stood at €623 million as of 31 January 2025, compared to €598 million as of 31 January 2024, up on an organic basis (i.e. excluding currency impact of €18 million) for the first time in several years thanks to good hardware placements in Mail. While generating future subscription-related revenue, this increase in lease receivables resulting from the good performance in the placement of new equipment translates into a cash outflow of
    €7 million in FY 2024. At the end of FY 2024, the default rate of the leasing portfolio stood at around 1.1% compared to c.1.3% at the end of FY 2023.

    Interest and taxes paid increased to €67 million in FY 2024 versus the amount of €55 million paid in FY 2023. The difference was mostly explained by higher interest rates in FY 2024.

    Capital expenditure reached €108 million in FY 2024, up €7 million compared to FY 2023, mostly due to UK locker open network deployment. Capex for Digital reached €24 million in FY 2024, slightly up compared to €22 million in FY 2023 and was mainly focused on R&D and platform development. Capex for Mail remained at fairly high level of €51 million
    (vs. €53 million in FY 2023), due to continued high placement of machines related to the US decertification, which is expected to end in Q1 2025. Capex for Lockers increased from €26 million to €33 million to support the ramp-up of the deployment of the open network in the UK. The sale of Frama real estate in Switzerland generated €6 million in cash inflows in FY 2024.

    All in all, cash flow after capital expenditure (free cash flow) reached €66 million in FY 2024, compared to €64 million in FY 2023.

    Leverage and liquidity position

    Net debt stood at €741 million as of 31 January 2025, a slight increase against €709 million as of 31 January 2024. In FY 2024, Quadient successfully raised approximately €325 million in new facilities, including the following transactions in H2 2024:

    • in October 2024, the Company secured EBRD financing, including a €25 million Schuldschein;
    • in December 2024, the Company secured a USD 50 million bank loan;
    • in January 2025, Quadient further strengthened its financial position with the issuance of a USD 100 million USPP.

    These new facilities enabled Quadient to repay post-closing its €260 million bond due in February 2025 and settle the repayment of Schuldschein loans for €29 million, also due in early 2025. As a result of these transactions, the Company’s average debt maturity has been extended to four years as of the end of February 2025, compared to three years at the end of FY 2023.

    The leverage ratio (net debt/EBITDA) remained broadly stable at 3.0x(3) as of 31 January 2025 compared to 2.9x(3) as of 31 January 2024. Excluding leasing, Quadient leverage ratio remained stable at 1.7x(3) as of 31 January 2025, despite the acquisitions of Frama and Package Concierge in 2024, as well as the implementation of a share buyback programs.

    As of 31 January 2025, the Group had a strong liquidity position of €667 million, split between €367 million in cash and a €300 million undrawn credit line, maturing in 2029.

    Shareholders’ equity stood at €1,113 million as of 31 January 2025 compared to €1,069 million as of 31 January 2024. The gearing ratio(4) stood at 66.6% as of 31 January 2025.

    SHAREHOLDER’ RETURN

    Proposed dividend for FY 2024 stands at €0.70 per share, representing an 8% increase against FY 2023, and a payout ratio of 36.1% of net income, higher than Quadient’s minimum 20% pay-out ratio of net income as per the Group’s dividend policy. This represents a €0.05 year-on-year increase, for the fourth consecutive year. The dividend is subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for 13 June 2025, and will be paid in cash in one instalment on 6 August 2025.

    In addition, Quadient’s announced in September 2024 the launch of a share buyback program for a total consideration of up to €30 million. To date, €10 million worth of shares have been repurchased, with the program set to be executed over an
    18-month(5) period. This operation demonstrates Quadient’s confidence in the value creation potential of its “Elevate to 2030” strategic plan, its ability to reach its FY 2026 leverage ratio target(6) and is in line with the capital allocation policy of the Company, while improving shareholders’ return.

    OUTLOOK

    The evolving dynamics within Quadient’s business portfolio, characterized by strong growth in Digital and Lockers revenue alongside a moderate decline in Mail revenue, will naturally drive a year-on-year acceleration in the Company’s total revenue growth.

    As Digital and Lockers continue to expand their share of Quadient’s revenue and profit, while simultaneously improving their profitability, this shift is expected to contribute to a higher growth in current EBIT

    As a result, Quadient targets an acceleration in organic revenue growth and in current EBIT organic growth in 2025 compared to 2024.

    Quadient also confirms its 3-year guidance for the 2024-2026 period of minimum 1.5% organic revenue CAGR and minimum 3% organic current EBIT CAGR.

    Q4 2024 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

    Avaloq and Quadient Partner to Elevate Client Communications for Financial Services
    On 3 December 2024, Quadient and Avaloq announced today their partnership to offer unrivaled customer communications management (CCM) capabilities for the financial services industry. Avaloq has selected Quadient Inspire as its standard CCM solution, seamlessly integrating it into the Avaloq platform.

    Quadient Launches SimplyMail in Europe to Help Small Businesses Leverage Digital Solutions to Enhance Efficiency in Mail Operations
    On 11 December 2024, Quadient announced the launch in Europe of SimplyMail, a solution designed to address the growing needs for smaller businesses to automate and optimize their mail operations with ease.

    Quadient Named a Worldwide Automated Document Generation and CCM Leader by IDC
    On 12 December 2024, Quadient announced it has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Automated Document Generation and Customer Communication Management 2024 Vendor Assessment.

    Quadient Recognized in Two IDC MarketScape Reports for Accounts Receivable Automation Applications
    On 16 December 2024, announced it has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for Small and Midmarket 2024 Vendor Assessment. Additionally, Quadient has been recognized for the first time as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Accounts Receivable Automation Applications for the Enterprise 2024 Vendor Assessment.

    Quadient Surpasses 25,000 Global Locker Installations with US Package Concierge Acquisition, Setting Sights on Exceeding €100M of Locker Revenue in 2025
    On 18 December 2024, Quadient announced the acquisition of US-based parcel management solutions provider Package Concierge®, exceeding the 25,000-unit mark in its global installed base. Package Concierge provides innovative digital locker technology that addresses the growing challenges of package management in residential, commercial, retail and university campuses across the United States.

    Quadient strengthens its financial position with a USD50 million bank loan from Bank of America
    On 20 December 2024, announced a USD50 million bank loan from Bank of America. This new credit facility, which comes with a 3-year maturity at a variable rate, strengthens Quadient’s financial position ahead of debt maturities due in 2025.

    Report by Leading Analyst Firm Shows Quadient Recorded the Fastest Growth in 2023 Among CCM Market Leaders
    On 10 January 2025, Quadient announced that a newly released report by market research and consulting firm IDC shows Quadient rapidly closing the gap on the top position. Quadient’s 13.7% year-on-year revenue growth in 2023 has accelerated from its 11% growth in 2022. This is also the fastest growth among the major Customer Communications Management (CCM) vendors globally, outperforming the overall market growth.

    Quadient Secures New c.$1.6 Million Contract to Enhance US Government Agency’s Mail Automation Capacity
    On 14 January 2025, Quadient announced that it has been selected by a US government agency to modernize its mail automation infrastructure in a contract valued at c.$1.6 million. This follows a previous announcement in October 2024, where Quadient was awarded a contract worth nearly $1 million for a similar modernization project with another federal agency.

    Leading Human Resources Technology Company Selects Quadient for Accessibility Compliance in Customer Communications
    On 16 January 2025, Quadient announced that a leading US provider of integrated benefits, payroll, and human resources cloud solutions has selected customer communications management (CCM) platform Quadient Inspire to ensure accessibility compliance for its US federal agency client.

    Quadient Partners with ScotRail to Introduce Parcel Lockers at Stations Across Scotland
    On 21 January 2025, Quadient announced a partnership with ScotRail to deploy Parcel Pending by Quadient automated lockers across Scotland’s rail network. ScotRail, Scotland’s national rail operator, is enhancing its passenger experience and operational efficiency with the installation of parcel lockers in its stations.

    Quadient strengthens its financial position through a USD100 million US Private Placement from MetLife
    On 22 January 2025, Quadient announced that it has signed a new USD100 million US Private Placement (USPP) with MetLife Investment Management (“MIM”), reinforcing its financial position. This new USPP of USD 100 million senior notes has a
    7-year average maturity and comes with an additional shelf facility allowing the issue of senior notes for a maximum aggregate principal amount of USD50 million.

    Quadient Teams Up with Buzz Bingo to Bring Convenient Parcel Lockers to Bingo Clubs Across the UK
    On 28 January 2025, Quadient announced a partnership with Buzz Bingo to deploy Parcel Pending by Quadient automated lockers in 35 of its 81 bingo clubs across the UK, with plans for further installations in the future. This collaboration enhances parcel collection, delivery, and return convenience while improving the customer experience at Buzz Bingo locations.

    Leading US Law Firm Chooses Quadient in a Deal Over $1M to Streamline Mailing, Shipping, and Accounting Processes
    On 30 January 2025, Quadient announced a new contract with one of the largest injury law firms in the US, transitioning the firm from its long-standing provider to Quadient. Under the new agreement, worth over 1 million dollars, the firm is rolling out nearly 100 Quadient iX-Series mailing systems at offices across the country, all seamlessly integrated with Quadient’s cloud-based S.M.A.R.T. accounting and shipping software.

    Quadient Reports Strong Year-End Locker Usage Growth in Multifamily and Higher Education Campuses in North America
    On 31 January 2025, Quadient announced strong year-end momentum in the adoption and usage of its Parcel Pending by Quadient locker network across multifamily and higher education campuses in North America.

    POST-CLOSING EVENTS

    Morrisons Partners with Quadient for Convenient Parcel Delivery at its Morrisons Daily Stores
    On 18 February 2025, Quadient announced a new partnership with Morrisons. The partnership will see Parcel Pending by Quadient parcel lockers installed at 230 Morrisons Daily stores by spring 2025.

    Quadient Enables New Shipping Service with Japan Post on its Open Locker Network, Driving Convenience and Increased Parcel Volume
    On 3 March 2025, Quadient announced an expanded partnership between Japan Post and Packcity Japan, a joint venture between Quadient and Yamato Transport. Thanks to the extended partnership, consumers will not only receive Japan Post deliveries at Packcity Japan’s nationwide open network of automated parcel lockers, but they will also now be able to ship parcels from the lockers, called PUDO stations. Consumers using Japan Post’s Yu-Pack parcel service use a mobile app to ship from a PUDO station, eliminating the need to wait at delivery counters or manually handling shipping slips.

    Quadient Maintains Leader Position on Aspire Leaderboard for Customer Communications and Interaction Experience Software
    On 13 March 2025, Quadient announced it has maintained its leadership position on the Aspire Leaderboard. Produced by independent advisory firm Aspire CCS, the Aspire Leaderboard highlights and compares vendors in the customer communications management (CCM) and customer experience management software space. It is updated in real-time as vendors release enhancements and adjust strategies.

    To know more about Quadient’s news flow, previous press releases are available on our website at the following address: https://invest.quadient.com/en/newsroom.

    CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST

    Quadient will host a conference call and webcast today at 6:00 pm Paris time (5:00 pm London time).

    To join the webcast, click on the following link: Webcast.

    To join the conference call, please use one of the following phone numbers:

    ▪ France: +33 (0) 1 70 37 71 66.
    ▪ United States: +1 786 697 3501.
    ▪ United Kingdom (standard international): +44 (0) 33 0551 0200.

    Password: Quadient

    A replay of the webcast will also be available on Quadient’s Investor Relations website for 12 months.


     

    Calendar

    • 3 June 2025: Q1 2025 sales release (after close of trading on the Euronext Paris regulated market)
    • 13 June 2025: Annual General Meeting

    About Quadient®

    Quadient is a global automation platform provider powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing.

    For more information about Quadient, visit https://invest.quadient.com/en/.

    Contacts

    APPENDIX

    Digital: New name for Intelligent Communication Automation

    Mail: New name for Mail-Related Solutions

    Lockers: New name for Parcel Locker Solutions

    FY 2024 and Q4 2024 consolidated sales

    FY 2024 consolidated sales by geography

    In € million 2024 2023 Change Organic
    change
    North America 632 607 +4.0% +2.8%
    Main European countries(a) 369 354 +4.5% (2.0)%
    International(b) 92 101 (9.7)% (5.4)%
    Group total 1,093 1,062 +2.8% +0.4%
    1. Including Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (excluding Mail), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
    2. International includes the activities of Digital, Mail and Lockers outside of North America and the Main European countries

    Q4 2024 consolidated sales by Solution

    In € million Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Change Organic change
    Digital 73 65 +11.5% +10.1%
    Mail 196 196 (0.3)% (4.6)%
    Lockers 27 22 +20.2% +8.0%
    Group total 295 284 +4.1% (0.2)%
     

    Q4 2024 consolidated sales by geography

    In € million Q4 2024 Q4 2023 Change Organic
    change
    North America 171 160 +7.0% +2.5%
    Main European countries(a) 100 97 +3.3% (2.9)%
    International(b) 24 27 (10.7)% (6.9)%
    Group total 295 284 +4.1% (0.2)%
    1. Including Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (excluding Mail), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
    2. International includes the activities of Digital, Mail and Lockers outside of North America and the Main European countries

    Financial statements – Full-year 2024

    Consolidated income statement

    In € million FY 2024
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2025)    		 FY 2023
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2024)
    Sales 1,093 1,062
    Cost of sales (275) (274)
    Gross margin 818 788
    R&D expenses (63) (63)
    Sales and marketing expenses (287) (275)
    Administrative and general expenses (187) (176)
    Service and support expenses (116) (109)
    Employee profit-sharing, share-based payments and other expenses (10) (7)
    M&A and strategic projects expenses (8) (11)
    Current operating income 146 147
    Optimization expenses and other operating income & expenses (23) (15)
    Operating income 123 132
    Financial income/(expense) (39) (31)
    Income before taxes 84 101
    Income taxes (17) (17)
    Share of results of associated companies 1 (0)
    Net income from continued operations 68 84
    Net income of discontinued operations (0) (14)
    Net income 67 70
    Of which:

    • Minority interests
    		 1 1
    • Net attributable income
    		 66 69

    Simplified consolidated balance sheet

    Assets
    In € million    		 FY 2024
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2025)    		 FY 2023
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2024)
    Goodwill 1,131 1,082
    Intangible fixed assets 119 121
    Tangible fixed assets 170 156
    Other non-current financial assets 65 65
    Other non-current receivables 2 2
    Leasing receivables 623 598
    Deferred tax assets 38 17
    Inventories 75 67
    Receivables 240 228
    Other current assets 79 84
    Cash and cash equivalents 367 118
    Current financial instruments 1 2
    Assets held for sale 0 9
    TOTAL ASSETS 2,910 2,550
    Liabilities
    In € million    		 FY 2024
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2025)    		 FY 2023
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2024)
    Shareholders’ equity 1,113 1,069
    Non-current provisions 12 12
    Non-current financial debt 722 715
    Current financial debt 347 66
    Lease obligations 38 46
    Other non-current liabilities 3 2
    Deferred tax liabilities 101 104
    Financial instruments 5 5
    Trade payables 104 79
    Deferred income 223 212
    Other current liabilities 242 225
    Liabilities held for sale 0 15
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,910 2,550

    Simplified cash flow statement

     

    In €millions

    		 FY 2024
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2025)    		 FY 2023
    (period ended
    on 31 January 2024)
    EBITDA 247 244
    Other elements (15) (19)
    Cash flow before net cost of debt and income tax 233 225
    Change in the working capital requirement 9 (6)
    Net change in leasing receivables (7) (0)
    Cash flow from operating activities 235 219
    Interest and tax paid (67) (55)
    Net cash flow from operating activities 168 165
    Capital expenditure (108) (101)
    Disposal of assets 6 0
    Net cash flow after investing activities 66 64
    Impact of changes in scope (37) (5)
    Net cash flow after acquisitions and divestments 29 59
    Dividends paid (22) (21)
    Change in debt and others 219 (39)
    Net cash flow after financing activities 226 (1)
    Cumulative translation adjustments on cash (6) (2)
    Net cash from discontinued operations (1) (9)
    Change in net cash position 219 (11)

    ([1]) EBITDA = current operating income + provisions for depreciation of tangible and intangible fixed assets.
    ([2]) For the FY 2024, the average compounded number of shares is 34,114,060. Diluted number of shares is 34,486,288.
    ([3]) Including IFRS 16
    ([4]) Net debt / shareholder’s equity
    ([5]) Subject to the renewal of the share buyback authorizations at the 2025 AGM
    ([6]) FY 2026 leverage ratio excluding leasing target of 1.5x

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sign your street up for a party to celebrate Victory in Europe Day

    Source: City of Coventry

    Those who wish to celebrate VE Day with a street party this year can now submit their street party applications for the Bank Holiday week.

    People across the country are planning to commemorate the day. This year marks 80 years since World War II ended.

    Residents of Coventry are invited to apply to host their own street party. Streets will be able to select one day over the Bank Holiday week – Monday 5, Friday 9 or Monday 12 May 2025.

    Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said:

    We know residents of Coventry enjoy holding their own street parties to mark special occasions, and we’re delighted to offer the opportunity to celebrate VE Day outdoors with family and friends.

    It’s a significant event that, as a city, we are proud to remember and commemorate, so we will also be hosting other events and activities across Coventry, which residents will soon hear more about.

    Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services at Coventry City Council, said:

    VE Day is an important occasion, which is why we are encouraging people to hold street parties by waiving road closure charges.

    We’re providing advance notice of the free applications to enable people to make plans. We do, however, have a strict cut-off date to allow time for traffic management plans to be put in place so those who are holding parties can do so safely.

    We encourage those who are looking to mark the occasion by holding a street party to submit their applications as soon as possible.

    The closing date for VE Day Party applications is 5pm on Sunday, 6 April 2025. Applications received after this date will not be processed.

    You can put in an application and find out more about holding a street party in your community by visiting www.coventry.gov.uk/streetparty or emailing temptm@coventry.gov.uk.

    If you need advice on licensing issues related to arranging a street party, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/licensing-regulation or email licensing@coventry.gov.uk.

    Wednesday, 26th March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We must have enduring peace in Ukraine, which ensures Ukraine’s future security and upholds the UN Charter: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    We must have enduring peace in Ukraine, which ensures Ukraine’s future security and upholds the UN Charter: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

    I would like to start by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for the briefing today.

    Colleagues, last month marked three years since President Putin launched his illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    The invasion displaced over 10 million people. Today, 12.7 million remain in need of urgent humanitarian support.

    The suffering caused by Russian forces is well known to this Council: war crimes, torture of civilians and prisoners of war, mass killings, the forced deportation of thousands of children, the forced cleansing and Russification of areas under their illegal control.

    It is a shocking record for any state, let alone a Permanent Member of the Security Council.

    In recent weeks, Russian drone and missile attacks have intensified nationwide, with daily reports of damage to residential areas and civilian infrastructure across multiple Oblasts.

    According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mechanism of Ukraine, in one attack which took place on 7 March, two ballistic missiles hit a residential area in Donetsk Oblast killing 11 people and destroying homes. 

    Emergency responders who arrived to treat the wounded were then targeted by further strikes.

    This has to stop. 

    The UK is clear that we want to see an end to the fighting and to the killing. We must have enduring peace in Ukraine.

    Putin could bring about peace tomorrow by withdrawing his forces and ending his illegal invasion.

    President, we welcome US efforts towards just and lasting peace. And we welcome President Zelenskyy’s clear commitment to peace and readiness to move quickly towards a comprehensive and lasting settlement. 

    In agreeing to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, Ukraine has shown that it is the party of peace.  

    Russia must now agree to this without further delay.

    Ukraine’s humanitarian needs are immense, and the UK will continue to do what we can in support. 

    To date, we have committed £477 million in humanitarian support to Ukraine, providing its people with food, water, shelter, and medical care, alongside support to safeguard the rights, dignity, and well-being of civilians.

    We repeat our call on Russia to end its brutal war, withdraw from Ukrainian territory within its internationally recognised borders. 

    Until that day comes, the UK will continue to work with Ukraine and our international partners to achieve a just and lasting peace, which ensures Ukraine’s future security and upholds the core principles of the United Nations Charter.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study on first genetically modified pig-to-human liver transplantation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Nature looks at a genetically modified pig-to-human liver xenotransplantation.

    Prof Peter Friend, Professor of Transplantation, University of Oxford, said:

    “This is an important study because it advances the field of xenotransplantation from non-human primates to human, enabling assessment of transgenic xenografts in the context of human immunological and physiological systems.

    “This is a very elegant surgical technique which allows the insertion of a (relatively small) xeno-liver with limited disruption to the anatomy of the existing liver (i.e. it is potentially feasible in a clinical setting as a temporary bridging technique).

    “The genetic modifications are similar (although not identical) to those used in the recently reported heart and kidney clinical xeno-transplants, and also the xeno-liver cross-circulation studies performed at the University of Pennsylvania.

    “The presence of the brain-dead donor’s native liver means that we cannot extrapolate the extent to which this xenograft would have supported a patient in liver failure. However, this study does demonstrate that these genetic modifications allow the liver to avoid hyperacute rejection and (significantly) that the thrombocytopenia associated with liver xenotransplantation is self-limiting, with the platelet count recovering within 7 days. The mechanism of this phenomenon is not fully understood.

    “Although the maintenance of normal coagulation parameters (e.g. INR) is reassuring, because the clotting factors produced by the xenograft were not measured directly, the data do not definitively prove that this is a function of the xenograft rather than the native liver.”

     

     

    Comments provided by our friends at SMC Spain:

    Rafael Matesanz, creator and founder of the National Transplant Organisation (Spain), said:

    “A frequent approach in the development of xenotransplants of different organs, before moving on to the clinical phase, is to perform them in patients in brain death but with haemodynamic stability, so that the evolution of the organ and the impact on the deceased person’s organism can be assessed at least in the short term, but with circulation maintained.

    “At least three kidney transplants have been performed in the United States since 2021 – one with up to 61 days of follow-up in brain-dead patients – and two heart transplants, which served to accumulate a number of useful lessons. In both modalities, they preceded the first clinical experiences in living people, which so far have resulted in two heart transplants (both deceased) and four kidney transplants, two of which have survived after several months of evolution.

    “The team at the Xi’an Military Hospital in China has had extensive experience in experimental transplantation of all types of organs from pigs to monkeys for more than a decade. This is the world’s first case of a transplant of a genetically modified pig liver into a brain-dead human. The ultimate goal of the experiment was not to achieve a standard liver transplant, but to serve as a ‘bridge organ’ in cases of acute liver failure, while awaiting a human organ for a definitive transplant. The experience lasted 10 days and the porcine organ remained in good condition, with acceptable basic metabolic function and no signs of acute rejection, indicating that the procedure was successful for its intended purpose and could be used in vivo in the near future.

    “In short, this is an important experiment, which opens up a different path to what has been tried so far in both vital organs (heart) and non-vital organs (kidney), such as the temporary replacement of the diseased liver until a human liver can be obtained for the definitive transplant’.”

    Iván Fernández Vega, Professor of Pathological Anatomy at the University of Oviedo (Spain), Scientific Director of the Principality of Asturias Biobank (BioPA) and Coordinator of the Organoid hub of the ISCIII Biomodels and Biobanks Platform, said:

    “I found the work very relevant, but we have to be cautious. The study represents a milestone in the history of liver xenotransplantation, describing for the first time a transplantation of a genetically modified porcine liver into a human being (in this case, a brain-dead human).The quality of the work is very high, both in terms of scientific rigour and the exhaustive clinical, immunological, histological and haemodynamic characterisation of the procedure. Sophisticated genetic modifications have been applied to the graft to prevent hyperacute rejection, one of the most critical complications in preclinical models of xenotransplantation.

    “The clinical implications are highly relevant, as optimising this approach could expand the pool of available organs and save lives in liver emergencies. This work complements and extends the existing evidence on previous pig-to-human heart and kidney xenotransplantation. It provides several relevant novelties:

    • It is the first study to demonstrate that a genetically modified porcine liver can survive and exert basic metabolic functions (albumin and bile production) in the human body.
    • It shows that there was no major coagulation dysfunction, in contrast to what was observed in other models, such as the first human cardiac xenotransplantation, where microthrombi and severe disorders were detected.
    • He points out the need to assess possible myocardial damage in early postoperative phases, given the early elevation of AST and cardiac enzymes, which can be confused with liver damage.
    • The use of xenograft as a bridging therapy is proposed, especially in patients with acute liver failure awaiting a human graft, although not as a definitive solution, as bile and albumin production was limited for long-term support.

    “However, the study has relevant limitations:

    • A major limitation of the study is that it is a single case (n=1), which precludes drawing generalisable conclusions or establishing robust patterns of clinical and immunological response. Although this is a pioneering advance, studies with a larger sample and in living recipients will be necessary to confirm the safety, efficacy and reproducibility of the procedure.
    • Limited duration of follow-up (10 days), by decision of the recipient’s family, which prevents assessment of medium- and long-term viability of the graft. Therefore, it does not add information in relation to acute and chronic rejection of xenotransplantation.
    • Only basic liver functions (albumin synthesis and bile secretion) were assessed, with no data on other complex liver functions such as drug metabolism, detoxification or immune function.
    • The heterotopic helper transplantation procedure would not allow resection of the original liver, which invalidates it as a strategy for example in patients with hepatocarcinoma awaiting transplantation.”

    ‘Gene-modified pig-to-human liver xenotransplantation’ by Wang et al. was published in Nature at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 26th March.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08799-1

    Declared interests

    Iván Fernández Vega “He declares that he has no conflicts of interest.”

    Prof Peter Friend: “Please note I have an association with OrganOx Ltd, a spin-out company from the University of Oxford: I am a co-founder and Chief Medical Officer. OrganOx manufactures a liver perfusion device for use in liver transplantation (the OrganOx metra); this is being adapted for potential use in liver support using extra-corporeal liver perfusion. OrganOx is now working in collaboration with eGenesis, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Oxford to test the use of genetically-modified pigs as a source of organs for extra-corporeal liver support.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Team praised for work to reduce parental conflict

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Reducing Parental Conflict Team and Family Learning Team received the Amity Collective Excellence Award for their work around reducing parental conflict.

    Lisa Raghunanan, Service Manager for Children’s Services, collected the award on behalf of colleagues including Julie Baker, Nicola Shelton, David Clinton, Charlotte Maher-Butler, Glenn Evans and Adele Aldred recently.

    Judges said that, under their leadership, the council has implemented a ‘robust, multi agency strategy’ which has trained over 180 professionals in reducing parental conflict awareness. A further 150 have been trained in the Amity Relationship Toolkit, a resource for frontline professionals who work with families.

    They added that the teams have ‘secured lasting change through major city wide events, including engagement sessions with over 100 professionals from across voluntary, health, education, social care and law enforcement sectors – each attendee making a personal pledge to address parental conflict in their role’.

    They have also ‘embedded clear pathways of support, ensuring that over 300 parents have accessed online resources – helping families find guidance and professionals build confidence in their interventions’.

    Judges concluded: “Their collective energy, people skills and drive have motivated countless others to take action, leading to more secure family relationships, improved child outcomes, and stronger multi agency collaboration.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Parental conflict is unsurprisingly a cause of poor outcomes for children, particularly when that conflict is frequent, intense and poorly resolved.

    “There is growing awareness of the need to tackle this and, as a council, we were successful in a bid for funding from the Government’s Reducing Parental Conflict Programme.

    “We have used this to raise, enhance and embed awareness of this issue within the council and within our partner organisations to create a skilled workforce that is confident in supporting and addressing issues relating to parental conflict with families at the earliest opportunity.

    “This work is having a profound impact on outcomes for children, young people and their families, and this recognition from Amity is richly deserved for everyone involved in this important piece of work.”

    Amity provides relationship training, support and resources for professionals working with children, adults and families.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Artwork wows the public and highlights road technology

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A massive glow-in-the-dark painting has been unveiled at Liverpool ONE in the City Centre.

    Commissioned as part of the The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK programme, the painting has been installed at the intersection of Hanover Street and College Lane in Liverpool ONE.

    Liverpool City Council is a key partner in ADEPT Live Labs 2, a three-year, UK-wide £30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise the local highway network.

    The Council is pioneering the use of smart road and highway technologies with a series of experiments across the city on roads, pedestrian crossings and cycle paths.

    The hope is that these new technologies will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, alleviate congestion, and create more sustainable neighbourhoods.

    The striking artwork, titled ‘Harmony’ created by the esteemed artist collective Reskate Studio, uses Luminokrom, a photoluminescent paint that can be used for highway marking on roads.

    This material absorbs ambient light during daylight hours and emits a luminous glow during periods of darkness. The artwork undergoes a dynamic transformation from day to night, providing a compelling demonstration of the paint’s capabilities.

    The paint absorbs natural or artificial light and glows in the dark for 10 hours without any power supply or CO2 emissions.

    The artwork is part of Reskate’s Harreman Project – a series of glow-in-the-dark artworks across Europe.  

    The design represents the poetic connection between the arts, nature and innovation on the path to a more hopeful and sustainable future.

    Reskate art collective aims to foster awareness, engagement, and proactive involvement in environmental stewardship through this public installation.

    Comprised of artists Minuskula and Javier de Riba, Reskate is renowned for its site-specific murals and installations that integrate with their surrounding environments. Their work is characterised by a commitment to conveying meaningful messages through thoughtful aesthetic choices.

    ADEPT represents local authority county, unitary and metropolitan directors across England. Live Labs 2 includes seven projects, grouped by four interconnected themes, led by local authorities working alongside commercial and academic partners. Each project is testing new solutions to decarbonise construction and maintenance across the whole life cycle of the local highway network. The programme is overseen by an independent Commissioning Board, which includes the Department for Transport and other experts from across the public and private sectors.

    Cllr Daniel Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “This is a great artwork that will bring lots of pleasure and fun to people who see it. It’s really striking how the piece changes from daytime into night, and lights up in an incredible way.

    “It’s an exciting way of telling the story about ADEPT Live Labs 2 and how roads can become net zero contributors in the years ahead.

    “I’d urge everyone to pop along to Liverpool ONE to have a look at an iconic piece of art.”

    Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “Supporting art and culture is at the heart of what we do at Liverpool ONE. This striking display now in place not only enhances the city’s landscape but will also sparks conversation on important topics while inspiring visitors.

    Artist Minuskula, said: “This collaboration with our city partners is a fantastic example of how art can highlight important themes like sustainability while making Liverpool an even more exciting place to visit.

    “This is a site-specific work that belongs to our “Harreman project”, murals that feature glow in the dark paint. This mural is part a series of works, which represent youth’s worries that are often silenced. We’re very proud to be able to create a poetic and inspiring image that helps to make visible a better future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spoken word used to tackle serious organised crime as fourth EVOLVE operation launched

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Spoken word is being used as a medium to educate young people about a Home Office-backed project designed to breakdown gang culture and make Merseyside safer.

    Merseyside Police and partners including Liverpool City Council are approaching the fight against serious and organised crime from a new angle with the roll out of ‘Dear Merseyside’ in secondary schools in EVOLVE areas – those worst affected by serious criminality.

    ‘Dear Merseyside’ is in essence a love letter to Merseyside created by 21-year-old spoken word artist Joseph Roberts that features problems touching on gang culture and knife crime before talking about solutions and reflecting on the ‘love where you live’ ethos behind EVOLVE.

    EVOLVE is Merseyside’s response to the Home Office’s Clear, Hold, Build strategy. This sees police and partners working together long-term to rid neighbourhoods of organised crime groups and build up community resilience to help protect the vulnerable and prevent further serious criminality to make these areas safer for generations to come.

    EVOLVE projects are taking place in Netherton (Park Lane area), Wirral (Noctorum, Beechwood and Woodchurch), Liverpool and Knowsley (Dovecot, Yew Tree, Page Moss, Longview and Huyton) and in Everton and parts of Vauxhall.

    EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall is the latest Clear, Hold, Build site – the Clear phase began in January and the Build phase, which will run concurrently with the Clear and Hold phases, launched today (Monday 24 March, 2025) alongside the ‘Dear Merseyside’ roll out at North Liverpool Academy in Everton.

    Officers have been carrying out high visibility patrols in the area to disrupt and deter criminal activity.

    Since January there have been 255 arrests, 32 warrants executed, 415 stop searches and seven vulnerable people safeguarded. Officers have also seized 12 weapons, around 10kg of drugs and more than £21,000 cash.

    The ‘Dear Merseyside’ project launched at a media event in the Odeon, Liverpool One shortly before Christmas featuring talks from Joseph Roberts, Catch22, Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation to highlight the dangers of exploitation while showcasing some of the diversionary work taking place in the region to improve futures.

    The event was attended by more than 120 schoolchildren from EVOLVE schools, the families of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Ashley Dale, Sam Rimmer and Elle Edwards and partner agencies.

    The roll out will see assemblies taking place with around 2,000 Year 8 children who will learn about EVOLVE, watch Joseph performing ‘Dear Merseyside’ live and have opportunity to ask him questions before taking part in a session about exploitation with Catch22 who will let them know the signs to watch out for and what to do if they or someone they know is being exploited.

    Following the assemblies, smaller groups of children will be taken to a double decker media bus touring the EVOLVE secondary schools with Joseph and local media agency Springboard, to take part in focused workshops where they will be taught by Joseph how to write their own spoken word versions of ‘Dear Merseyside’.

    The children will be given a media brief and taught how to create engaging content for their key target market, resulting in young people creating content for people like them.

    They will also be taught how to create short form video and audio content. Springboard will professionalise the content, which will then be used in a social media and audio campaign for Merseyside Police to help further spread these important messages among young people.

    T/ Chief Constable Chris Green said: “We recognise that if we want to continue making a big difference to the reduction of serious criminality, we need to be part of a solution that includes young people and that we make positive changes to their attitudes from a young age.

    “We hope the ‘Dear Merseyside’ project will empower children to be able to reject the traps set by gangs by encouraging them to see the devastation criminality causes and the importance of reaching out for help, while reflecting on all the positives to living in our fantastic region.

    “The project will encourage them to think about problem-solving and we will help them to bring their own ideas to the table, which we hope can contribute to making Merseyside safer.

    “As part of our recognition of the important role young people play in our communities, EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall will be holding a participatory budget event on 29 April at Notre Dame Catholic College where pupils will help decide which community groups’ bids for a slice of a £50,000 funding pot to improve the areas are successful.

    “We are committed to making a difference in Merseyside and tackling serious and organised crime in any way that we can. Young people are our future and we are determined to make sure that their futures remain bright.”

    While Liverpool is currently celebrating the year of the spoken word literacy rates in Merseyside are among the lowest in the UK.

    In July, Joseph will be holding the UK’s first poetry expo at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre where these schoolchildren will also be given an opportunity to perform their poems to other children and the public. It is also hoped that the children’s love letters to Merseyside will later be displayed in key areas across the region.

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, said: “There is an absolute determination from all of the partners involved in the EVOLVE projects to tackle the root causes of serious violence, so that residents can go about their lives without fear of crime.

    “‘The Dear Merseyside’ project and the participatory budget event are part of the commitment to continue to make a real difference and dissuade young people from getting involved in criminality.”

    Community groups with projects that could help improve Everton and Vauxhall are asked to complete an application form by emailing Evolve.EvertonVauxhall@merseyside.police.uk or calling Sgt Nicola Hutton on 0151 777 1472.

    Any young person wishing to report a crime anonymously can do so by visiting Fearless, part of the national charity Crimestoppers, on https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/news/2025/fearless-in-merseyside or calling 0800 555 111.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New guidance sets out rules to follow for scaffolding and skips

    Source: City of Leicester

    NEW guidance has been issued by the city council to make it clear what is expected of people who want to put up scaffolding in Leicester.

    Leicester City Council’s new policy on skips, scaffolding and hoarding licences covers a host of things which applicants or contractors must consider when applying for licences, which need to be in place before work can begin.

    The idea is to bring all of the information needed together in one place, so that it is easier for people to ensure they are complying with the rules.

    City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Whilst we know that many scaffold companies operate responsibly, we also know that some do not. This is not acceptable – they must comply with our licensing requirements for works on the highway, and they must operate in a safe manner at all times. That’s why we have updated our policy to make sure this information is easily accessible – so that there can be no excuse for those who do not comply; and so that we can take swift action against them.”

    Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who is responsible for regulatory services, licensing and enforcement, added: “We developed this new guidance after consulting with representatives from the scaffolding trade, who have welcomed the clarity it provides.

    “Responsible operators know that our licensing process is there for a reason – to ensure safety. This is, of course, vitally important for both members of the public and those who work in the trade.

    “If you are a householder in need of a scaffolding service, be aware that there is a lead-in time in applying for a licence, as well as a cost involved. Make sure you ask your contractor about their licence. If a quote seems too good to be true or too quick, check that they are applying for a licence and ask to see their application.”

    Scaffold licences have been needed for works on the highways for many years. The new document aims to be very clear on the requirements regarding licensing, but also sets out associated considerations – such as traffic management and how to work around existing street furniture, trees, and utilities.

    The rules include:

    • Scaffolders need to apply for a licence well in advance of the date they wish to install scaffolding on the highway, excepting genuine emergencies for safety reasons. This is to give the council time to properly consider and determine the application.
    • The application process includes the need to provide adequate supporting information, including site plans and traffic management arrangements. This is a basic requirement to demonstrate that applicants have considered the risks and have adequate safety arrangements in place.
    • There is also a section on skips, which also need to be licensed – even if they are only on the highway for a short time.

    If the terms and conditions of a licence are breached, officers from the city council initially contact the licence holder to let them know and to ask them to rectify the problem within 24 hours. A continued breach – or where there is no licence in place – can lead to prosecution.

    The guidance is available online at https://www.leicester.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/trade-and-industry/skips-scaffolding-and-hoarding-licensing/

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nobody should be destitute in a modern Scotland

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Mar 2025 Human Rights

    Scotland has the keys to ending destitution – it is time our government unlocked the doors.

    More in Human Rights

    The Scottish Government must do more to end destitution for people living under the thumb of the hostile environment, says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman.
     
    The Green MSP will use a Member’s Business Debate today to call on the Scottish Government to go further in its work to end destitution.
     
    Ms Chapman will call for commitments to five tangible actions to end destitution, including: widening access to universal services and benefits, expanding support for Fair Way Scotland – a partnership that provides advice and accommodation for people with restricted or uncertain eligibility to public funds, creating a new Scottish crisis or hardship grant, and increasing funding for housing, immigration and asylum legal aid.
     
    Ms Chapman said:

    “Right now in Scotland, thousands of people who live in dire conditions are shut out of services and left struggling. Without support, they regularly go cold and hungry. Many are forced into precarious work and dangerous situations to make ends meet, often ending up homelessness.
     
    “We cannot undo all of the damage being done by Westminster, but we have the power to alleviate some of these challenges and change these lives for the better. Unfortunately the Scottish Government isn’t doing nearly enough.
     
    “If we don’t intervene, the cycle of destitution, suffering and exploitation will simply continue.”

    No Recourse to Public Funds is a condition attached to work, family and study visas which restricts access to a lot of aspects of social security, including Universal Credit and child benefit and a range of other support like homelessness assistance.
     
    Ms Chapman added:

    “The No Recourse to Public Funds policy is yet another arm of the UK government’s hostile and racist immigration system. We already know how to mitigate the cruelty of this policy – so we cannot continue to justify blocking people’s access to crucial services in times of desperate need.
     
    “We have universal human rights obligations to help our fellow humans, irrespective of immigration status. Our governments must go further to support those who risk fleeing from one hostile environment to simply enter another, cloaked as a sanctuary.
     
    “Tragically, people in Scotland are dying from destitution as the doors remain closed to those in need. Our government can, and must, widen access to universal services to include people who are stranded by the widest inequality and cut off by the deepest destitution.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK spending cuts ‘risk harm to most vulnerable’

    Source: Scottish Government

    Finance Secretary responds to Spring Statement.

    Spending cuts announced by the Chancellor risk harming some of the most vulnerable people in society, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

    Responding to the Spring Statement, Ms Robison said:

    “Today’s statement from the Chancellor will see austerity cuts being imposed on some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The UK Government appears to be trying to balance its books on the backs of disabled people.

    “Not content with these cuts, the UK Government is still expected to short-change Scotland’s public services on additional employer National Insurance costs to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds. This will be felt in public services that people rely on up and down the country – services such as our NHS, GPs, dentists, social care providers, and universities.

    “The UK Government’s choice to increase defence investment is welcome, but its choices to shortchange public services and deliver austerity cuts to some of the most vulnerable are deplorable.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to science/research-related bits of the Spring Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Science Media Centre

    Scientists comment on science related elements of the Spring Statement delivered by the Chancellor. 

    Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE):

    “Today’s spring statement confirmed the difficult context for the upcoming spending review.  The Chancellor emphasised the importance of economic growth – and we will continue, alongside the rest of the R&D sector, to make a strong case for R&D’s role in delivering it, and for an ambitious settlement for R&D and innovation in June.  It is welcome that the chancellor recognises the importance of capital investment, which includes R&D.

    “Defence R&D is an important part of the UK research system.  It is critical that the breadth of UK R&D is supported by the UK Government if R&D is to drive economic growth and deliver wide ranging benefits to society.

    “We look forward to seeing the detail behind the fiscal measures announced today and await the detail of departmental allocations following the autumn budget last October. Proper scrutiny of R&D funding allocations is of great importance ahead of the spending review this June.”

    Dr Joe Marshall, CEO, National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), said:

    “It was reassuring that the Chancellor acknowledged a major UK strength is our position as a ‘hub for global innovation’.  This shouldn’t be taken for granted and is the result of a strong and effective supporting ecosystem.

    “While efficiency savings in government should always be sought, and the transformation fund is a welcome initiative, it will be important to ensure that these changes are carried forward without negative impact on the research and innovation ecosystem.

    “The Chancellor has today stressed the increasing importance of defence spending in an uncertain world.  It must be remembered that research and innovation is as crucial for defence supply chains as it is to other sectors of the economy.

    “The £400m ringfenced for defence innovation, the defence growth board, and the alignment of defence spending with the industrial strategy are all positive signs that the Government recognises this – the vital role of the ecosystem that supports universities and businesses come together must be prioritised within these interventions.”

    https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/spring-statement-2025;

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-delivers-security-and-national-renewal-in-a-new-era-of-global-change

    Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 26 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    ESFA Update: 26 March 2025

    Latest information and actions from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for academies, schools, colleges, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    ESFA Update further education: 26 March 2025

    HTML

    ESFA Update academies: 26 March 2025

    HTML

    ESFA Update local authorities: 26 March 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Information Transfer of Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) functions to the Department for Education (DfE)
    Information Updated adult skills fund – funding rates and formula guidance 2024 to 2025
    Information 16 to 19 funding rates and formula 2025 to 2026
    Information Provider data self-assessment toolkit updated
    Information New college financial framework documents for the financial year 2024 to 2025
    Information Good practice guidance for colleges and academy trusts on novel, contentious and repercussive transactions
    Information Publishing the 2025 to 2026 apprenticeship funding rules

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information Transfer of Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) functions to the Department for Education (DfE)
    Information Pupil premium conditions of grant and technical note for the 2025 to 2026 financial year
    Information 16 to 19 funding rates and formula 2025 to 2026
    Information Academy national non-domestic rates claims guidance updated for 2025 to 2026
    Information Academies Accounts Direction for 2024 to 2025
    Information Good practice guidance for colleges and academy trusts on novel, contentious and repercussive transactions
    Information Related Party Transactions (RPTs) online form portal downtime
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement members only – stress workshop

    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Information Transfer of Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) functions to the Department for Education (DfE)
    Information Pupil premium conditions of grant and technical note for the 2025 to 2026 financial year
    Information Updated adult skills fund – funding rates and formula guidance 2024 to 2025
    Information 16 to 19 funding rates and formula 2025 to 2026
    Information Updated dedicated schools grant (DSG) management plan template and accompanying guidance for 2025 to 2026
    Information The national non-domestic rates (NNDR) operational guidance for billing authorities updated for 2025 to 2026
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement members only – stress workshop

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir Martyn Oliver’s speech to Parentkind

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Sir Martyn Oliver’s speech to Parentkind

    Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, spoke to Parentkind on the role of parents in education.

    Thank you, thank you to Jason [Elsom, CEO, Parentkind] to everyone whether you’re in the room or online. It’s wonderful to be here, I want to thank Parentkind for the opportunity, and for all of the work they do. It’s always fantastic to speak directly to parents and carers. It’s so important that you are involved in the dialogue around education. That your voices, and the voices of your children are heard.

    I know from all my time as a teacher, a head, a multi-academy trust leader and now as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Ofsted, that education works best when children, families and schools all work together.

    Education is a team sport, and you need every member of the team to be pulling in the same direction.

    The power of education

    I saw this in my time as an art teacher, if you can believe it. I loved my job. I loved being able to see the impact that education can have on an individual child. You do all that you can to pass on knowledge and skills, but you also want to light a fire in children so they enjoy and keep learning throughout their lives. Teachers do this remarkable work every single day. But it’s in these roles that you also see the limitations of what can be achieved if something in the child’s home life isn’t working.

    My biggest fear as a headteacher wasn’t Ofsted nor was it the responsibility of the actual job itself, it was the fear that there may be or there will be a child in one of my schools whose needs were not being met and that they wouldn’t go on to have the remarkable impact on society that they could have had: a child not able to attend PE enrichment and misses out on a sport they may have excelled at and gone to represent the country in, or a child not taking the right exam option and not going to make a break-through discovery in that field. These are the real-world and long-lasting consequences to what happens in education.

    I saw it again when I became a head of sixth form. It was a wonderful role, helping to prepare young people for the world. But again, it only worked if the child and their family are also active participants in education and that progression.

    In my first school, I stayed and taught art for 7 years and I was really fortunate enough to be given a few classes who I could see through from Year 7 all the way through to taking the their GCSEs and the first A-level class in that school when they got to Year 12. Seeing one generation through the school from start to finish and working with both the children and their parents as they flourished at GCSE and then A-level art before going on to university and having really successful careers is incredibly powerful, and satisfying as a career. The open and honest relationship with parents was critical each and every step of the way.

    And I saw it as a headteacher. In that role, you’re working not just for the community within the school gates, but also the community outside those gates. You need to make sure that the children in the school are getting all the education and the opportunities that they can.

    But you also need to be heavily invested in what happens before they arrive and when they leave school at the end of the day. In some cases, you need to understand why they are not coming in the first place. You need to support the aspirations of children and also the aspirations of their parents and carers. And you need to make sure everyone gets to work together to support the development of every child.

    Beyond the individual

    Of course, we want all parents to be involved in their children’s learning. To read to them, and to read with them. To support them with homework. To challenge and encourage them. I’m sure all of you involved in Parentkind exemplify this.

    But what’s even more encouraging is when parents get involved in the life of the school itself. When they begin to help not only their child’s learning, but the learning of all children at that school, including those who may not have strong parental advocacy.

    We know that schools with strong parent engagement thrive and succeed. As Parentkind regularly point out, it has been linked to improvements in attendance, behaviour, and academic achievement.

    And PTAs are a fantastic way to do that, and I know many of you, here and online, are involved in that way. The same can be said for parent governors, again I know many of you have taken that route.

    I was lucky enough to work with some fantastic PTAs and governors – in my first year of teaching I joined my school’s PTA and by the second year, incredibly, I chaired the group! You can imagine the impact it had on me as a young teacher chairing a group which consisted of the headteacher and chair of governors. Yet again though, I saw the power of parents and the school working together – this time not for the benefit of any one child, but of all children in that community.

    But whether or not you join the PTA or the governing board, parents should understand what schools are doing and why they take the decisions they take. This requires active engagement from the parent, and active communication from the school. In loco parentis only works if the parents and teachers trust each other. It’s a two-way street.

    When it’s done right, when parents and carers really buy in to the school and its ethos, then they become part of a united community, working together.

    When the relationship breaks

    But of course, we have also heard a lot recently about what can happen when this relationship and community is not there. When there is breakdown of trust between parents and schools. Sometimes this results in friction, or even outright hostility between parents and school leaders.

    A survey of teachers called Teacher Tapp reported recently that over 40% of teachers and school leaders reported seeing negative online comments from parents about staff or their school since September.

    In another Teacher Tapp survey at the end of the last school year, 9% of teachers said they had been the subject of an allegation from a parent. Obviously, some of these are legitimate grievances, and parents should be able to raise concerns. But nearly 1 in 10 of teachers feels high to me.

    Other teacher representatives talk about abuse of teachers becoming more of a problem.

    This sort of relationship breakdown can be hard to recover from. Trust is not built overnight, and once it’s lost it can take months or even years to rebuild. But the only way to tackle that is more openness and transparency.

    We want to encourage parental engagement. Engagement in the right way, the way so many of you will be doing it.

    We know how social media has come to influence the dynamics of school communities – positively and negatively. It’s such a powerful tool, and it can be an amazing way to bring people together. But it can also hand a microphone to the pub bore, a megaphone to the bully and help the rabble rouser find his or her rabble without leaving their armchair.

    The world seems to be getting more antagonistic and adversarial. So, you can understand why a school leader might be wary of engaging with parents. But I always found that the way to defuse tensions, tackle rumours and build common purpose with parents is more communication, not less. More openness, not less. And more information sharing, not less. So, I say: join the PTA, don’t join the pile on!

    Because I know from my experience, it will be welcomed. And Parentkind’s survey backs this up too. You found that 85% of teachers agree that parental engagement in school life has benefits and 75% agree that it improves outcomes for young people.

    So I want Ofsted to play its part in better communication.

    Our new report cards

    I hope that our proposals for new report cards, to be introduced from November, will prove a game-changer.

    They are based on what we heard from parents in the Big Listen. You told us that you wanted a broad evaluative approach with clear reporting on what your child’s school or nursery or college is doing well and what it needs to work on.

    That’s exactly what we think we have designed. A report card that provides more detailed and nuanced information for you.

    Now I know some of you were happy with the old system. After all, the one-word overall judgement was praised for its simplicity. But that simplicity also frustrated many parents who wanted more detailed information – more tailored to the needs of their children.

    One-word judgements could also have unintended consequences. Where parents had a choice in schools – in cities and larger towns – the one-word judgement could lead to schools being over or under subscribed. This is frustrating for parents and potentially damaging for schools who could find their local reputation ‘locked’ for years, with a knock-on effect on everything from recruitment and retention of teachers, to local house prices.

    The changes we’re proposing will do things differently. We will report on a much wider range of areas. Things that matter, I hope, to you. Things like behaviour, achievement, attendance, teaching and the curriculum, leadership and governance, and inclusion – really looking in detail at how schools make sure their pupils all have a sense of belonging, especially those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable, or have special educational needs. For each area, you will be able to see a clear grade, and a description of what we found when we inspected the school.

    Report cards will help give a more balanced picture of schools. Because the best schools aren’t perfect and have areas where they could do better, and the schools which might be seen as ‘weaker’ will have aspects of their work that they do really well. In that way a school’s report card will be much closer to a child’s school report. Going back to my art teacher days, the one-word grade paints a monochrome picture of a school; and now we want to paint it in colour.

    Wouldn’t it be great if more balanced reporting, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses, put paid to the idea that a school is seen as a 100% ‘success’ or a 100% ‘failure’. And instead parents had the information they needed to choose schools based on the specific things they thought were most important to their children.

    Somewhere with great standards of behaviour. Somewhere with exceptional support for children with special educational needs or disabilities. Somewhere which delivers great outcomes and achievements. Somewhere that really prioritises the wellbeing and personal development of its pupils. Parents and carers will be able to see how local schools perform on these. That might change the way schools are seen by their communities and change established patterns of school applications.

    But I know for many of you – particularly if you live outside of cities – there really isn’t much choice between schools. I still think more detailed information will really help you. You’ll be able to see what’s working well and what needs attention at your local school. And I believe this level of information will help inform a better, more constructive conversation between school leaders and their communities – to address some of those tensions I spoke about a few minutes ago.

    And we want to do more to encourage this constructive dialogue. As I said, we know that an engaged community leads to a better school. So, our proposals for inspecting the leadership and governance of a school talk explicitly about the need for leaders to ‘engage with and work effectively with parents and carers and the local community to support pupils’ achievement and well-being.’ – that’s a direct quote from our school inspection toolkit. I know that’s something that Parentkind has welcomed.

    Driving higher standards

    Above all, we hope this approach will drive ever higher standards for children. It will give schools an independent and expert assessment of what they’re doing well and where they could improve. It will validate, assure, and celebrate their hard work, and shine a light on how they can do even better.

    And it will help you, as parents, meaningfully engage with the school on the issues that need attention. Sometimes, it may validate your concerns, other times it may reassure you that an individual experience is not the norm.

    It will also help the government better target support where it is needed. By reporting specifically on topics like attendance or behaviour, we can help government decide when and where to provide expert assistance to those who need it most. And we also want to help schools – as well as nurseries and further education colleges – to see which of their peers are really blazing a trail, through our new exemplary grade. So, we will highlight some of the best national examples of where schools are doing something truly exceptional.

    Initial support from parents

    Of course, what I’ve set out today are our proposals, they are not set in stone. Our consultation on a new way of inspecting is open until 28th April and it’s on our website – ‘gov.uk/Ofsted’. Please, please read the proposals and give us every one of your views.

    I’m sure there are things that could be better. Things we could refine. But we are encouraged that parents seem to support the broad approach that we have set out.

    We recently commissioned independent research from YouGov. They polled parents on our proposed report cards and have just shared the results with us.

    Almost 7 out of 10 of the parents surveyed said they prefer the new-look report cards to our current inspection reports. Just 15% said they preferred the old system.

    And nearly 9 out of 10 parents said the report cards are easy to understand. 84% thought that the colour-coding we propose to use on the reports is helpful.

    And it’s worth adding that two thirds of parents said they support Ofsted continuing to grade schools. That is important, as grading does come in for some criticism – but parents are consistent: they told us in the Big Listen they wanted it and they’ve told us again in this new survey.

    It’s great to see this level of support. But obviously, we need a system that works for everyone. It needs to work for you as parents and, most importantly, it needs to work for children. But it also needs to work for those working in schools and nurseries and colleges.

    Sometimes that’s a balancing act. But I do not see the two as in opposition. After all, you and your children want happy teachers. You don’t want to see high turnover any more than leaders do. And you want schools to be able to focus on what really matters and provide the best possible education.

    So, we’ve tried to design a system that does just that. That drives higher standards for children, that improves reporting for you and enables engagement for you, and that reduces pressure on everyone working in education.

    Conclusion

    So, it’s really important that we capture parents’ opinions in the consultation. So, thank you for all of you who have already taken part – and thank you in advance if you plan to do so.

    And I’d like to end by recognising the incredible work so many of you do as PTA members, or parent governors. Thank you for supporting schools, for contributing to your communities, and for improving the education prospects not just of your own children, but of all the children in your neighbourhoods. So thank you for the work you do, it’s so important. It’s been a pleasure talking to you. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fast Stream opens doors for North East civil servant Keiron

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Fast Stream opens doors for North East civil servant Keiron

    Meet Keiron Ringwood who is among the one in nine fast streamers in 2024 who joined the accelerated development scheme from within the Civil Service.

    Keiron Ringwood

    For Keiron Ringwood, being able to build a career on his home turf has always been a big priority.

    So, after joining the Civil Service straight from university, he wanted to be able to grow his career while continuing to live in his beloved North East of England.

    After working as an administration officer for HMRC in Durham and an executive officer for DEFRA in Newcastle, he applied for the Civil Service’s prestigious Fast Stream accelerated development scheme and secured a place on his second attempt.

    Though it’s best known as one of the UK’s top graduate employers, the Civil Service’s Fast Stream is also open to existing civil servants who made up around one in nine of successful applicants in 2024.

    Keiron’s role as a Fast Stream policy advisor in His Majesty’s Treasury in Darlington has broadened his horizons in ways he never imagined.

    Its combination of formal training and enriched workplace opportunity has set him on a path which should see him become a Grade 7 at the end of three years.

    “What I enjoy most is the chance the Fast Stream gives you to learn about the way the government works and to meet people from different backgrounds and from different parts of the country,” he said.

    “I’m making the most of the experience and learning as much as I can from the people, the training and workplace opportunities I’m getting.” 

    Keiron was brought up in Hartlepool. After getting Cs and Bs in his GCSEs at his local comprehensive school, he came into his own during his Sixth Form years and achieved distinctions in BTEC business and law qualifications. Throughout his studies he also managed to support himself through hospitality jobs at his local McDonalds and Hartlepool Catholic Club.

    Despite gaining a First Class degree in journalism at nearby Sunderland University, he decided against a career in the media and opted instead to follow his parents into the Civil Service.

    “My mum and step dad have been administration officers in DWP for more than 30 years and I was attracted to the structure and security of a Civil Service role,” he said.

    “I put a lot into all my posts, but securing a place on the Fast Stream gave me confidence that the Civil Service was an organisation in which I could progress. If it hadn’t been, I would have left and gone elsewhere.”

    While Keiron did not get into the Fast Stream on his first try, he succeeded on his second attempt and could not have been more delighted to learn the scheme could, in his case, accommodate his request for a local placement 

    “My friends and family are in the region so staying where my roots are is a non-negotiable for me,” he said.

    Keiron currently leads on the policy relating to tax-free childcare, developing the policy in a way that improves take-up.

    Being on the Fast Stream has set him on a steep development path that has seen his confidence increase.

    “I used to feel inferior because of my background and accent,” he said.

    “But I’m learning alongside people with very different upbringings and feel I fit in as I am just fine.”

    Find out more about the Fast Stream here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £8million funding secured towards new Heath Town heat network

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DSNEZ) has announced the funding as part of its Heat Network Efficiency Scheme.

    It will contribute towards the critical £19.5million works, with the remainder coming from the council’s Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme.

    All of the properties on the Heath Town estate are supplied with heat via the outdated district heating network that was first installed around 55 years ago and has undergone minor upgrades since.

    The existing boiler house was designed to use coal and is no longer fit for purpose and the boiler house pre-cast reinforced concrete panelling has now reached the end of its life and is starting to fail.

    The new system will improve efficiency through reduced primary energy consumption, network return temperature and pumping energy costs, following upgrades to the network’s control systems, replacement of pumps and pipework, and the installation of new heat interface units (HIUs) for residents.

    Works on the new heat network are expected to start next month (April) and last for 2 years.

    The council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “The council’s transformative regeneration of Heath Town has seen extensive demolition of vacant buildings followed by 40 new council homes – the first developed on the estate since the 1960s.

    “This is just the first phase of a total of more than 150 new council homes to be built on the estate over the coming years – and is in addition to existing residential blocks undergoing major improvements by Wolverhampton Homes. All new homes will be connected to the district heating system.

    “It is important the right infrastructure is in place to support this rejuvenated neighbourhood and this funding from government will enable us to put in place a heat network that is fit for purpose and ultimately reduces energy costs for residents.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Media Release – Pre-season update for Harbour Users Wednesday 26 March 2025

    Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

    Media Release

    Date:  26th March 2025

    Pre-season update for Harbour Users

    Spring is fast approaching and therefore it is time to update Harbour users with some useful dates and information regarding the introduction of seasonal infrastructure and Harbour services.

    Pontoons

    The inner sections of the Harbour Pontoon facility are scheduled for installation on Friday the 11th of April, this will include the passenger landing pontoon and access bridge. The remaining sections will be introduced according to demand.

    Water taxi

    The Water taxi service will also commence operations on Friday the 11th of April to coincide with the pontoon’s installation. Following a successful trial in 2024, the operating hours will continue be restricted to a weekend only service during the spring months.     

    Taxi Hours (Times in BST)

    ·       Weekends and Bank Holidays: 0800-0000

    ·       Monday-Thursday (April & May): No taxi available

    ·       Weekdays: June – August: 0800-0000

    Taxi Mobile telephone: 07781 121 046   VHF Ch 73

    Mooring maintenance

    The servicing of all outer Harbour Moorings is due to commence on the 2nd of April. The diving and servicing work takes approximately 14 days to complete, during this time crane activity will be restricted to general cargo working and essential lifts to ensure that the project does not suffer unnecessary delays.

    Any mooring holders who have not already recovered ropes and tackle from their allocated mooring buoy may contact the Harbour Office to arrange collection or make an enquiry.   

    Please note that the availability of some services and facilities may vary when weather conditions exceed safe working limits.   

    Harbour Office

    The Harbour Office will be staffed at weekends and Bank Holidays from Friday the 18th of April between the hours of0800 and 1700. During these times vessel safety traffic and passage reporting can be directed to Alderney Port Control on VHF Channel 74.

    Maritime Emergencies can be reported to Alderney Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 or by dialling 999.

    Please contact the Harbour Office on 01481 820070 or email harbour@alderney.gov.gg for enquiries or to report an issue or incident to the Duty Harbour Officer.    

     

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sod cutting at site of new Derry Cemetery

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Sod cutting at site of new Derry Cemetery

    26 March 2025

    The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Barr, accompanied Council officials, and representatives of the contractor and design team at the sod cutting for the development of Derry’s new municipal cemetery at Mullenan Road earlier this week.

    The site, located on the outskirts of the City on the Mullenan Road, will provide 3,500 new burial plots as well as a memorial garden, administration building, public toilets, storage buildings and parking.

    As well as main access to the site from Mullenan Road, the cemetery will be linked to the city via a new footway to Balloughry Road, which will facilitate a pedestrian and cycling connection to the greenway stretch know as ‘The Line’, subject to land acquisition.

    Much work has gone into selecting and assessing a suitable location for the new cemetery as space at the City Cemetery nears full capacity. It is envisaged that the new cemetery will facilitate up to 20 years burial capacity with the potential for further expansion on to adjoining lands

    Full planning permission was granted for the development of the site in September 2024, and the company behind the delivery of the £3.73m contract is E Quinn Civils Ltd, from Pomeroy Co. Tyrone. Ground works are now on site and it is anticipated that the first phase of the development of the overall site will take approximately a year to complete.

    The overall cemetery facility will be developed on a phased basis with a view to the first interments taking place at the conclusion of the first phase of development, but the plans can accommodate burials sooner than this if required.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two-way traffic returns to North Bridge ahead of schedule

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Northbound traffic will return to North Bridge from Friday 28 March at 10am.

    The northbound closure in mid-February has allowed for essential resurfacing works to be carried out on both the southbound approach to the bridge (both lanes outside Waverley Gate toward Princes Street) and the southbound departure of the bridge (both lanes from the entrance to the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton on North Bridge to the junction at High Street).

    Work had been due to finish next week but the project team has completed the resurfacing ahead of schedule.

    The wider work on the Category A Listed Structure in the heart of the city centre, has included structural steelwork repairs, installing cathodic protection and structural health monitoring systems to the reinforced concrete deck and fitting permanent platforms to improve access provisions for future inspection and minor maintenance. These are just a few of the host of other improvements.

    Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:

    I’m pleased that we’ve been able to complete these works slightly ahead of schedule. I appreciate that this temporary closure will have been frustrating for our residents and businesses, and I want to thank them once again for their patience.   

    We’re now in the final phase of the project and, while I acknowledge that it’s taken longer than we first anticipated, we’re preserving this majestic and hugely complex structure for future generations, and we owe it to them to make sure the job is completed to a high standard

    Published: March 26th 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding boost to keep homes warm and cut energy bills

    Source: City of Leicester

    PEOPLE are being encouraged to use a digital advice tool to see how they might benefit from new support for energy efficient home improvements.

    Leicester City Council has been awarded over £4.5 million of Warm Homes Local Grant funding from the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    The scheme will offer grants to low-income households to pay for better insulation and other improvements, such as solar panels and low carbon heating, to cut bills for families, slash fuel poverty, and help reduce carbon emissions.

    To be eligible, homes must be privately owned (owner occupied or privately rented); have an energy performance certificate (EPC) between D and G; and have a household income of less than £36,000.

    Applications for the new grants are expected to begin in later-summer, with full details of the amount of support available to households due to be published soon.

    In the meantime, residents can explore how their homes might benefit by using the new Homewise digital advice tool, developed by Energy Saving Trust.

     This free online service helps homeowners identify energy efficiency improvements they could make to their homes. By completing a simple online survey, people can get a personalised action plan tailored to their needs and budget. They’ll also get a breakdown of the cost for any improvements and potential savings.

    Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We know that installing energy efficient home improvements can be expensive so the announcement of this Government funding for new grants is very welcome.

    “We are already making free tailored energy advice available to city residents through Homewise. This free online advice is easy to get and will help people see how they can make their home more energy efficient, save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

    “By understanding your home’s energy needs now, you’ll be in a better position to take advantage of the grants when applications open later this year.”

    Laura Atkinson, business development manager at Energy Saving Trust said: “Leicester City Council is leading the way in empowering its residents to identify home energy improvements that will benefit them.

    “We know the value of personalised advice in helping people to make informed choices on how to make their home cheaper to heat and lower carbon emissions – our expert tool Homewise was created with this aim.”

    To find out more about Homewise, and to register for free tailored energy advice for your home, visit leicestercitycouncil.homewise.energy

    The Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme is part of the Government’s national Warm Homes Plan which aims to upgrade five million homes over the next five years to cut bills for families and deliver warmer homes to slash fuel poverty.

    Leicester is one of 73 local authorities, combined authorities and consortium areas to receive a share of over £463,000,000 of Government cash set aside for the scheme.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Find out more about how to improve your health and wellbeing Lancaster City Council is hosting a free event to help people find out more about how they can improve their health and wellbeing and the support that’s on offer from an array of local organisations.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    Lancaster City Council is hosting a free event to help people find out more about how they can improve their health and wellbeing and the support that’s on offer from an array of local organisations.

    Workwell wellbeing morning

    Taking place at The Storey in Lancaster on Wednesday April 2 from 9.30am-11.30am, the free wellbeing morning gives people the chance to try out a variety of activities from breathwork to chair based yoga while taking advantage of a free health check from the NHS.

    Organisations in attendance include the NHS, LDCVS, Positive Futures, Smokefree Lancashire, Luneside and Rosebank Bowling and Recreation Club, Samaritans, The River Room, Red Rose Recovery, Let’s Be Friends, Adullam Programme, Lancaster and Morecambe College, and Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.

    It’s open to everyone and to register to attend visit Lancaster.gov.uk/wellbeing-morning.

    The event has been organised as part of the WorkWell project, an innovative new programme that aims to help disabled people and people with health conditions to start and stay in work.

    The service is free and voluntary, and as part of the offer, participants will have access to a work and health coach. Together, they will agree realistic and reasonable next steps that can form part of a personalised support plan.

    WorkWell can offer a range of support, which may include:

    • A personal assessment of your needs to understand what support might work best for your circumstances.
    • Personalised, goal-based plans to address your physical, mental wellbeing, and social needs to help you return to and/or thrive in work.
    • Access and referral to local and community-based work and health support services.
    • Support for employers to understand your needs and advice on how to provide workplace adjustments that support you (employers will only be contacted with your permission).

    To access WorkWell or find out more, visit Lancaster.gov.uk/workwell or email workwell@lancaster.gov.uk.

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improved bus service to leave residents Mickle-over the moon

    Source: City of Derby

    Mickleover residents will soon see improvements to a local bus service thanks to a collaboration between Derby City Council and trentbarton.

    trentbarton’s mickleover service will see its frequency increased to every 7-8 minutes Monday to Saturday. On Sundays the timetable will begin earlier, giving travellers more flexibility.

    The Council is carrying out an ongoing review of the city’s bus network as it works to make Derby a better connected, sustainable city, and enhance links to key destinations such as the Royal Derby Hospital.

    This work follows improvements to trentbarton’s Ilkeston flyer service through Spondon, which saw its frequency increased in 2024.

    These enhancements have been funded by the National Bus Strategy: Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which calls for Local Transport Authorities to deliver better bus services and implement measures to improve public transport. Derby’s BSIP can be viewed on the Derby City Council website.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport, and Sustainability, said:

    As cabinet member I am committed to listening to our communities who say they want a greener, better-connected Derby. 

    We know we need to reduce our carbon emissions across the city. For this we need quality, reliable bus services, an essential and greener mode of transport, for our communities.

    Our vision is to provide a reliable, accessible and simple bus network that will deliver much-improved connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

    These improvements are only possible through collaboration with our partners and I’m glad that we’ve once again been able to work with trentbarton to deliver the services our city needs.

    Tom Morgan, trentbarton managing director, said: 

    It’s always exciting to be boosting a service and the Mickleover is getting a range of enhancements to improve the customer experience. This follows a £1.3m investment made in the last 12 months bringing brand new vehicles with the highest of specification and customer comforts.

    “We believe the positive changes will provide extra reasons for people to choose to travel by bus, the greenest public transport choice.

    Work to improve bus services sits alongside a wider programme around the city as the Council continues to invest in local transport and build a network to be proud of. This includes upgrades to traffic signalling and active and sustainable travel infrastructure such as cycle lanes and EV charging points.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Peter named latest Good Citizen

    Source: City of Coventry

    A Coventry Veteran has been presented with a Good Citizen Award by the city’s Lord Mayor.

    Peter Fazakarley, has dedicated 32 years to providing practical and emotional support for veterans and their families, particularly those who ended their service with disabilities. 

    Through his voluntary work as a caseworker at the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmens’ Families Association (SSAFA) he has helped veterans access social housing, furniture and equipment, organised adaptations for their homes, and assisted them in applying for benefits and accessing financial support.

    The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Mal Mutton, said:

    “Peter’s dedication has gone beyond the call of duty. His work has positively improved the lives of many veterans and their families.  He has spent hours fundraising and campaigning for the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmens’ Families Association.

    “Peter is a very worthy recipient of the Coventry Good Citizen Award and a fantastic role model for others in Coventry.  Congratulations.”

    If you would like to nominate someone for a Good Citizen Award, please complete the online form www.coventry.gov.uk/goodcitizen or call into reception at the Council House where you can request a paper copy.

    Wednesday, 26th March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spring Statement 2025 speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    Spring Statement 2025 speech

    Spring Statement 2025 speech as delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

    Mr Speaker, [political content redacted]. 

    To provide security for working people. 

    And to deliver a decade of national renewal. 

    That work began in July – and I am proud of what we have delivered in just nine months. 

    Restoring stability to our public finances…  

    … giving the Bank of England the foundation to cut interest rates…  

    … three times since the General Election.  

    Rebuilding our public services… 

    … with record investment in our NHS… 

    … bringing waiting lists down for 5 months in a row.   

    And increasing the National Living Wage… 

    … to give 3 million people a pay rise from next week.  

    Now our task is to secure Britain’s future… 

    … in a world that is changing before our eyes.  

    The threat facing our continent was transformed when Putin invaded Ukraine. 

    It has since escalated further…  

    … and continues to evolve rapidly.  

    At the same time, the global economy has become more uncertain…  

    … bringing insecurity at home… 

    … as trading patterns become more unstable… 

    … and borrowing costs rise for many major economies.  

    Mr Speaker, the job of a responsible government is not simply to watch this change. 

    This moment demands an active government. 

    A government not stepping back, but stepping up.  

    A government on the side of working people…  

    … helping Britain to reach its potential.  

    We have the strengths to do just that… 

    … as one of the world’s largest economies … 

    … an ally to trading partners across the globe…  

    … and a hub for global innovation.  

    These strengths… 

    … and the progress we have made so far… 

    … mean we can act quickly and decisively in a more uncertain world… 

    … to secure Britain’s future… 

    … and to deliver prosperity for working people. 

    Mr Speaker, as I set out at the Budget last year… 

    … I am today returning to the House to provide an update on our public finances… 

    … supported by a new forecast from the independent Office for Budget Responsibility… 

    … ahead of a full Spending Review in June. 

    I will then return to the House in the autumn to deliver a budget… 

    … in line with our commitment to deliver just one major fiscal event a year. 

    So let me turn now to the OBR’s forecasts… 

    … and I want to thank Richard Hughes and his team for their dedicated work. 

    The increased global uncertainty has had two consequences. 

    First, on our public finances. 

    And second, on our economy. 

    I will take each in turn.  

    In the autumn, I set out new fiscal rules that would guide this government. 

    These fiscal rules are non-negotiable. 

    They are the embodiment of this government’s unwavering commitment… 

    … to bring stability to our economy… 

    … and to ensure security for working people. 

    [political content redacted]

    But we must earn that trust every single day.  

    The two fiscal rules that I set out at the Budget were… 

    First, our “Stability Rule”, which ensures that public spending is under control… 

    … balancing the current budget by 2029-30… 

    … so that day-to-day spending is met by tax receipts.  

    Second, our “Investment Rule” to drive growth in the economy… 

    … ensuring that net financial debt falls by the end of the forecast period…  

    … while enabling us to invest alongside business. 

    Turning first to the Stability Rule, the OBR’s forecast shows that… 

    … before the steps that I will take in this statement…  

    … the current budget would have been in deficit by £4.1bn in 2029-30… 

    … having been in surplus by £9.9bn in the autumn…  

    … as the UK, alongside our international peers like France and Germany… 

    … has seen the cost of borrowing rise during this period of heightened uncertainty in global markets. 

    As a result of the steps that I am taking today… 

    … I can confirm that I have restored in full our headroom against the “stability rule”…  

    … moving from a deficit of £36.1bn in 2025-26 and £13.4bn in 2026-27… 

    … to a surplus of £6.0bn in 2027-28, £7.1bn in 2028-29 and a surplus of £9.9bn in 2029-30. 

    [political content redacted]

    That means that we are continuing to meet the Stability Rule two years early…  

    … building resilience to shocks in this, a more uncertain world.  

    The OBR forecast that the “investment rule” is also met two years early… 

    … with net financial debt of 82.9% of GDP in 2025-26 and 83.5% in 2026-27… 

    … before falling from 83.4% in 2027-28, to 83.2% in 2028-29 and 82.7% in 2029-30…  

    … providing headroom of £15.1bn in the final year of the forecast… 

    … broadly unchanged from the autumn.  

    [political content redacted]

    … debt interest payments now stands at £105.2bn this year… 

    … Mr Speaker, that is more than we allocate on Defence, the Home Office and Justice combined. 

    [political content redacted]

    So the responsible choice is to reduce our levels of debt and borrowing in the years ahead… 

    … so that we can spend more on the priorities of working people. And that is exactly what this government will do. 

    Mr Speaker. 

    I said that our fiscal rules were non-negotiable. 

    And I meant it. 

    I will always deliver economic stability. 

    And I will always put working people first.  

    [political content redacted]

    I said it at the Budget. 

    And I say it again today. 

    Let me now set out the steps the government has taken.  

    At the Budget we protected working people… 

    … by keeping our promise not to raise their rates of National Insurance, income tax or VAT. 

    At the same time, we began to rebuild our public services…  

    [political content redacted]

    Ours were the right choices, the right choices for stability and the right choices for renewal… 

    … funded by the decisions that we took on tax.  

    As I promised in the autumn, this Statement does not contain any further tax increases.  

    But when working people are paying their taxes, while still struggling with the cost-of-living…  

    …it cannot be right that others are still evading what they rightly owe in tax.  

    In the Budget, I delivered the most ambitious package of measures that we have ever seen… 

    … to cut down on tax evasion… 

    … raising £6.5bn per year by the end of the forecast.  

    Today, I go further… 

    … continuing our investment in cutting-edge technology … 

    … investing in the HMRC’s capacity to crack down on tax avoidance… 

    … and setting out plans to increase the number of tax fraudsters charged every year by 20%. 

    These changes raise a further £1bn… 

    … taking the total revenue raised from reducing tax evasion under this [political content redacted] government to £7.5bn… 

    … figures verified by the Office for Budget Responsibility…  

    … and I want to thank my Honourable Friend the Exchequer Secretary for his continued work in this area.  

    Mr Speaker, last week my Right Honourable Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, set out this government’s plans to reform the welfare system.  

    [political content redacted]

    We believe that if you can work, you should work… 

    … but if you can’t work, you should be properly supported.  

    This government inherited a broken system.  

    More than 1,000 people are qualifying for Personal Independence Payments. 

    And 1 in 8 young people are not in employment, education or training. 

    If we do nothing, we are writing off an entire generation.  

    That cannot be right and we will not stand it.  

    It is a waste of their potential and it is a waste of their futures and we will change it. 

    As my Right Honourable Friend said in her statement last week… 

    … the final costings would be subject to the OBR’s assessment. 

    Today, the OBR have said… 

    … that they estimate the package will save £4.8bn in the welfare budget… 

    … reflecting their judgements on behavioural effects and wider factors. 

    This also reflects final adjustments to the overall package… 

    … consistent with the Secretary of State’s statement last week… 

    … and the government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper. 

    The Universal Credit Standard Allowance will increase from £92 per week in 2025-26 to £106 per week by 2029-30… 

    … while the Universal Credit Health element will be cut for new claimants by 50% and then frozen.  

    On top of this, we are investing £1bn to provide guaranteed, personalised employment support to help people back into work… 

    … and £400m to support the Department for Work and Pensions and our Job Centres to deliver these changes effectively and fairly… 

    … taking total savings after that for the package to £3.4bn. 

    Whilst spending on disability and sickness benefits will continue to raise, these plans 

    mean that welfare spending as a share of GDP will fall between 2026-27 and the end of the forecast period.  

    [political content redacted]

    We are reforming our welfare system… 

    … making it more sustainable… 

    … protecting the most vulnerable… 

    … and supporting more people back into secure work lifting them out of poverty.  

    Mr Speaker, at the Budget, I fixed the foundations of our economy to deliver on the promise of change. 

    That work has already begun. 

    2 million extra appointments in our NHS. 

    Waiting lists down.  

    New breakfast clubs opening across England. 

    The largest settlements in real terms for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the history of devolution.  

    Asylum costs, falling. 

    Promises made, promises kept.  

    [political content redacted]

    At the Budget… 

    … alongside providing an increase in funding for this year and next… 

    … I set the envelope for the Spending Review… 

    … which we will deliver in June… 

    led by my RHF the Chief Secretary to the Treasury 

    … to set departmental budgets until 2028-29 for day-to-day spending… 

    … and until 2029-30 for capital spending.  

    Today, I am reflecting two steps that we have taken in our spending plans.  

    First, because we are living in an uncertain world… 

    … as the Prime Minister has set out… 

    … we will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, reducing overseas aid to 0.3% of Gross National Income. 

    This means we save £2.6bn in day-to-day spending in 2029-30… 

    … to fund our more capital-intensive defence commitments.  

    Second, in recent months, we have begun to fundamentally reform the British state… 

    … driving efficiency and productivity across government… 

    … to deliver tangible savings… 

    … and improve services across our country. 

    Earlier this month, the Prime Minister set out our plans to abolish the arms-length body NHS England… 

    … and ensure that money goes directly to improving the service for patients. 

    My Right Honourable Friend the Health Secretary is driving forward vital reforms to increase NHS productivity… 

    … bearing down on costly agency spend… 

    … to save money so that we can improve patient care. 

    And my Right Honourable Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is taking forward work to significantly reduce the costs of running government… 

    … by 15%, worth £2bn, by the end of the decade. 

    This work shows that we can make our state leaner, and more agile… 

    … delivering more resources to the frontline…  

    … while ensuring we control day-to-day spending to meet our fiscal rules. 

    Today, I build on that work… 

    … by bringing forward £3.25bn of investment… 

    … to deliver the reforms that our public services need…  

    … through a new Transformation Fund.  

    That is money brought forward now… 

    … to bring down the costs of running government by the end of the forecast period…   

    … by making public services more efficient, more productive and more foucssed on the user. 

    I can confirm today the first allocations from this fund… 

    … including funding for Voluntary Exit Schemes to reduce the size of the Civil Service… 

    … pioneering AI tools to modernise the state… 

    … investment in technology for the Ministry of Justice to deliver probation services more effectively… 

    … and up-front investment so we can support more children in foster care… 

    … to give them the best possible start in life… 

    … and reduce cost pressures in the future. 

    Our work to make government leaner… 

    … more productive… 

    … and more efficient… 

    … will help deliver a further £3.5bn of day-to-day savings by 2029-30. 

    Overall, day-to-day spending will be reduced by £6.1bn by 2029-30…  

    … and it will now grow by an average of 1.2% a year above inflation…  

    … compared to 1.3% in the Autumn. 

    Mr Speaker, I can confirm to the House that day-to-day spending will increase in real terms, above inflation, in every single year of the forecast.  

    And in the Spending Review, apart from the reduction in overseas aid… 

    … day-to-day spending across government has been fully protected.   

    I can also confirm our approach to capital investment.  

    In the Autumn Budget I announced £100bn of additional capital spending…  

    … to crowd in investment from the private sector… 

    … to fix our crumbling infrastructure…  

    … and to create jobs in every corner of our country. 

    [political content redacted]

    Today, I am instead increasing capital spending … 

    … by an average of £2bn per year compared to the Autumn…  

    … to drive growth in our economy… 

    … and to deliver in full our vital commitments on defence. 

    This government will ensure that every pound we spend will deliver for the British people… 

    … by increasing productivity… 

    … driving growth in our economy… 

    … and improving our frontline public services.  

    Mr Speaker, let me turn now to the impact of increased uncertainty on our economy. 

    To deliver economic stability, we must work closely with the Bank of England… 

    … supporting the independent Monetary Policy Committee to meet their 2% inflation target.  

    There have been three interest rate cuts since the General Election and today’s data showed that inflation fell in February. 

    [political content redacted]

    … the OBR forecast that CPI inflation will average 3.2% this year… 

    … before falling rapidly to 2.1% in 2026 and meeting the 2% target from 2027 onwards… 

    … giving families and businesses the security that they need… 

    … and providing our economy with the stable platform it needs to grow. 

    Mr Speaker… 

    … earlier this month, the OECD downgraded this year’s growth forecast for every G7 economy, including the UK. 

    And the OBR have today revised our growth forecast for 2025… 

    … from 2% in the autumn… 

    … to 1% today. 

    I am not satisfied with these numbers. 

    That is why we on this side of the house are serious about taking the action needed to grow our economy.  

    Backing the builders, not the blockers…  

    … with a third runway at Heathrow Airport… 

    … and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.  

    Increasing investment… 

    … with reforms to our pension system… 

    … and a new National Wealth Fund.  

    And tearing down regulatory barriers… 

    … in every sector of our economy. 

    That is a serious plan for growth. 

    That is a serious plan to improve living standards.  

    That is a serious plan to renew our country.  

    Mr Speaker, a changing world presents challenges.  

    But it also presents new opportunities.  

    For new jobs. 

    … and new contracts… 

    … in our world-class defence industrial centres… 

    … from Belfast to Deeside, and from Plymouth to Rosyth. 

    In February, the Prime Minister set out our government’s commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027… 

    The biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War 

    …and an ambition to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next parliament. 

    That was the right decision in a more insecure world… 

    … putting an extra £6.4bn into defence spending by 2027. 

    But we have to move quickly in this changing world. 

    And that starts with investment. 

    So today I can confirm that I will provide an additional £2.2bn for the Ministry of Defence in the next financial year… 

    … a further downpayment on our plans to deliver 2.5% of GDP by 2027.  

    This additional investment is not just about increasing our national security…  

    … but increasing our economic security, too.  

    As defence spending rises, I want the whole country to feel its benefits. 

    So I will set out the immediate steps that we are taking to boost Britain’s defence industry… 

    … and to make the UK a defence industrial superpower.  

    We will spend a minimum of 10% of the Ministry of Defence’s equipment budget on novel technologies … 

    … including drones and AI enabled technology… 

    … driving forward advanced manufacturing production in places like Glasgow, in Derby and in Newport… 

    … creating demand for highly skilled engineers and scientists… 

    … and delivering new business opportunities for UK tech firms and start-ups.  

    We will establish a protected budget of £400m within the Ministry of Defence… 

    … a budget that will rise over time for UK Defence Innovation… 

    … with a clear mandate to bring innovative technology to the front line at speed. 

    We will reform our broken defence procurement system… 

    … making it quicker, more agile and more streamlined…. 

    … and giving small businesses across the UK better access to Ministry of Defence contracts. 

    Something welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses. 

    We will take forward our Plan for Barrow, a town at the heart of our nuclear security… 

    … working with my Honourable Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness…  

    … and providing £200m, supporting the creation of thousands of jobs there. 

    We will regenerate Portsmouth naval base, securing its future…   

    … as called for by my Honourable Friend the Member for Portsmouth South. 

    We will secure better homes for thousands of military families… the homes that they deserve [political content redacted]. 

    … homes for our military families in the constituencies of my Honourable Friends for Plymouth Moor View, Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, York Outer and in Aldershot.  

    That is the difference that this [political content redacted] government is making.  

    Finally, Mr Speaker, we will provide £2bn of increased capacity for UK Export Finance… 

    … to provide loans for overseas buyers of UK defence goods and services… 

    Because I want to do more with our defence budget so we can buy and make and sell things here in Britain.  

    … giving further opportunities for our world leading defence companies and those who work in them… 

    … to grow and create jobs here in Britain… 

    … as military spending rises right across Europe.  

    To oversee all of this vital work… 

    … my Right Honourable Friend the Defence Secretary and I will establish a new Defence Growth Board… 

    … to maximise the benefits from every pound of taxpayers’ money that we spend. 

    And we will put defence at the heart of our modern industrial strategy… 

    … to drive innovation that can deliver huge benefits back into the British economy. 

    Mr Speaker, that is how we make our country a defence industrial superpower… 

    … so the skills of the future… 

    … the jobs of the future… 

    … and the opportunities of the future… 

    … can be found right here in the United Kingdom.  

    Mr Speaker, [political content redacted] there are no shortcuts to economic growth. 

    It will take long-term decisions.  

    It will take hard yards. 

    It will take time for the reforms that we are introducing to be felt in the everyday economy. 

    It is right that the Office for Budget Responsibility consider the evidence… 

    … and look carefully at measures before recognising a growth impact in their forecast.  

    But, Mr Speaker, I can announce to the House…  

    … that the OBR have considered – and have scored – one of the central planks of our plan for growth.  

    In my first week as Chancellor, I announced that we were pursuing the most ambitious set of planning reforms in decades… 

    … to get Britain building again. 

    And in December – we published changes to the National Planning Policy Framework… 

    … driven forward tirelessly by my Right Honourable Friend the Deputy Prime Minister…  

    … reintroducing mandatory housing targets… 

    … and bringing “grey belt” land into scope.  

    The OBR have today concluded that these reforms will permanently increase the level of real GDP… 

    … by point 0.2% by 2029-30… 

    … an additional £6.8bn in our economy… 

    … and by point 0.4% of GDP within 10 years… 

    … an additional £15.1bn in our British economy. 

    Mr Speaker, that is the biggest positive growth impact that the OBR have ever reflected in their forecast, for a policy with no fiscal cost.  

    And taken together with our plans to increase capital spending that we set out in the Budget last year… 

    … this government’s policies will increase the level of real GDP by point 0.6% in the next ten years.  

    Mr Speaker, that is the difference that this [political content redacted] government is making. 

    Policies to grow our economy.

    [political content redacted]

    The OBR have concluded that our reforms will lead to housebuilding reaching a forty-year high… 

    …  of 305,000 a year by the end of the forecast period.  

    And changes to the National Planning Policy Framework alone… 

    … will help build over 1.3 million homes in the UK over the next five years… 

    … taking us within touching distance…  

    … of delivering our manifesto promise to build 1.5 million homes in England in this parliament. 

    [political content redacted]

    The impact on our economy goes further still.  

    [political content redacted]

    We need economic growth.  

    So I can today confirm… 

    … that the effect of our growth policies… 

    … including our planning reforms… 

    … means an additional £3.4 billion to support our public finances and our public services by 2029-30. 

    The proceeds of growth. 

    [political content redacted]

    Mr Speaker, earlier this week…  

    … we provided an additional £2bn of investment in social and affordable homes next year… 

    … delivering up to 18,000 new homes… 

    … and allowing local areas to bid for new developments across our country… 

    … including sites in Thanet, in Sunderland and in Swindon.  

    More security for families across our country. 

    [political content redacted]

    And to build these new homes… 

    … we need people with the right skills. 

    Earlier this week, my Right Honourable Friend the Education Secretary announced more than £600m… 

    … to train up 60,000 more construction workers…  

    … including with 10 new Technical Excellence colleges across every region of our country… 

    … giving working people the chance to fulfil their potential.  

    New opportunities for our young people. 

    [political content redacted]

    Mr Speaker, all this is just the start.  

    The Planning and Infrastructure Bill passed its second reading on Monday. 

    [political content redacted]

    Once this Bill completes its passage… 

    … it will help deliver the homes and infrastructure our country badly needs. 

    [political content redacted] 

    And today, I can confirm to the House… 

    … that the OBR have upgraded their growth forecast next year… 

    … and every single year thereafter…  

    … with GDP growth of 1.9% in 2026, 1.8% in 2027, 1.7% in 2028, and 1.8% in 2029.  

    Mr Speaker, 

    By the end of the forecast… 

    … our economy is larger compared to the OBR’s forecast at the time of the Budget.

    [political content redacted]

    But Mr Speaker, this isn’t just about lines on a graph. 

    It is about improving people’s lives. 

    Working people are still feeling the pinch after a cost of living crisis [political content redacted] that saw prices spiral. 

    So I am pleased that the OBR confirm today … 

    … that Real Household Disposable Income…  

    … will now grow this year at almost twice the rate expected in the autumn.  

    [political content redacted]

    … and after taking into account inflation… 

    … the OBR say today… 

    … that people will be on average over £500 a year better off under this [political content redacted] government. 

    That will mean more money in the pockets of working people. Higher living standards. 

    [political content redacted]

    Mr Speaker, the world is changing. 

    We can see that… 

    … and we can feel it. 

    A changing world demands a government that is on the side of working people. 

    Acting in their interest. 

    Acting in the national interest.  

    Not retreating from challenges.  

    Not stepping back.  

    But a government with the courage to step up…  

    … to secure Britain’s future…  

    … and to seize the opportunities that are out there before us. 

    I am impatient for change, the British people are impatient for change, [political content redacted].

    And we are beginning to see change happen.  

    Our Plan for Change is working. 

    Defence spending is rising. 

    Waiting lists are falling. 

    Wages are up.  

    Interest rates are cut. 

    [political content redacted]

    And today, Mr Speaker… 

    … the OBR confirm… 

    … that our plan to get Britain building… 

    … will drive growth in our economy… 

    … and put more money in people’s pockets. 

    There are no quick fixes. 

    But we have taken the right choices.  

    [political content redacted]

    Delivering security for our country and security for working people.  

    That is what drives this government. 

    That is what drives me as Chancellor. 

    And that is what drives the choices that I have set out today.  

    And I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: All pain and no gain from Labour’s Spring Statement

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Mar 2025 Economy

    Scottish Greens react to Rachel Reeves Spring Statement

    More in Economy

    The Chancellor has confirmed that Labour is on the side of the super rich, the arms dealers and the corporations who are raking in obscene profits, says Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater.

    Ms Slater’s comments follow the Labour Party’s Spring Statement, which saw £5 billion worth of social security cuts.

    Ms Slater said: 

    “Labour has made clear whose side it is on, and that is the super rich, the arms dealers and the corporations who are raking in obscene profits.

    “They have chosen super-charged austerity and cuts for millions of people while their millionaire friends enjoy business as usual. This isn’t what Scotland waited 14 years for.

    “Labour promised change but what they have delivered is all pain and no gain, with obscene cuts to social security and international aid.

    Ms Slater added: “Labour has totally ignored the climate emergency. This should have been the start of a major green investment programme, but instead they left a giant climate-shaped hole.

    “Scotland deserves so much better than this. In everything they say and do, Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer are underlining how essential it is that the people of Scotland get to decide our own future.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK is absolutely committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK is absolutely committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Politico-Military Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, commends Ukraine as the party of peace for proposing a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire – and urges Russia to agree to this without further delay.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. Our Helsinki Final Act commitments include sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-violability of borders. As per the first line of the Helsinki Final Act, these principles are designed to protect “true and lasting peace” in our region. This is why we remain unwavering in our support for Ukraine defending its territorial integrity, its right to exist, its sovereignty, and its independence.  

    We welcome the progress President Trump has made towards a ceasefire in Ukraine and in negotiations with Russia and Ukraine. We are in close contact with US and Ukraine following the conclusion of talks in Riyadh yesterday. President Zelenskyy has already shown Ukraine is the party of peace by proposing a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.  We hope that President Putin will agree to this without further delay.  

    Any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and security – in line with the Helsinki Final Act and the UN Charter. With robust security arrangements to ensure Russia is never able to invade again. The UK will play its full part – and is already taking a leading role, alongside France, to build a coalition of the willing to support Ukraine’s future security.  

    Over the last week, Russia has continued to launch brutal attacks that cause daily suffering for innocent Ukrainians. The drone strike on Kyiv on March 23rd exemplifies another horrific assault, tragically killing a 5-year-old girl and severely injuring ten others. A Russian missile strike on Sumy in northeastern Ukraine injured 88 people, including 17 children. In Donetsk, Russian shelling over the past three days across the eastern Oblast province has resulted in the deaths of seven civilians. We must emphasise the need for accountability for these actions and renew our commitment to collaborating towards achieving enduring peace. 

    Mr Chair, we are absolutely committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and are engaging with key allies in support of this effort. A just and lasting peace is vital for Ukraine and for wider Euro-Atlantic and international security and prosperity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spring Mayoral meal to conclude 2024/5 charity season

    Source: City of Winchester

    A spring dining experience in an acclaimed district restaurant will mark the final official 2024/5 Mayoral Charities event.

    Mayor of Winchester and Hendrik Engelbrecht, Restaurant Manager at Rick Stein Winchester

    The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith will host the special evening on Tuesday 29 April in Rick Stein Winchester in support of his four chosen charities: Winchester Radio, St John’s Winchester, Hampshire History Trust, and Winchester Sea Cadets.  

    The 2025/6 Mayoral Charities will be announced by the incoming Mayor Cllr Sudhakar Achwal, whose mayor-making will take place in May.

    Guests, who are welcome to arrive at Rick Stein Winchester from 6.30pm, are invited to choose from one of three main courses: Chicken katsu curry; coley fillets with pointed cabbage and a lemon butter sauce; and pasta alla trapanese (spaghetti, almond, basil and pecorino pesto).

    There are four dessert options: raspberry bavarois; chocolate pave with vanilla ice cream; apple and rhubarb crumble with custard; and a selection of sorbets (mango, raspberry and lime).

    Tickets are priced £42 (plus a booking fee) per person which also includes table drinking water, olives and bread, and a cup of tea or filter coffee after the meal.

    Allergy information for each menu selection is included on the booking page.

    The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith said: “This special event at Rick Stein Winchester promises to be a great evening out in one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. It is going to be the last Mayoral charity event of my year and we are pulling out all the stops to make it particularly special. I warmly welcome everyone to please come along and join us.”    

    Tickets can be purchased online via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/mayor-of-winchester-charities

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford Investigation Service wins prestigious Innovation in Fraud Prevention Award

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford City Council’s Investigation Service has scooped the 2025 Innovation in Fraud Prevention Award.

    The award was presented at the Public Sector Counter Fraud Conference in Westminster, an annual event that brings together around 800 delegates from central government, local government and the NHS. 

    The conference featured speaker sessions, networking opportunities, a trade stand exhibition. It culminated in the presentation of the prestigious Public Sector Counter Fraud Awards. 

    Throughout the day, the Oxford Investigation Service was actively involved in the exhibition where they showcased innovative approaches to tackling fraud in the public sector.

    During the evening awards event, the team was honoured to be named finalists in the Innovation in Fraud Prevention category. Competition was fierce, with strong contenders including teams from the Department for Work and Pensions, Network Rail, and the Department for Transport. However, the Oxford Counter Fraud Team emerged as the winners, taking to the stage to accept the esteemed award. 

    Adding to the evening’s achievements, Investigation Service Manager Scott Warner was shortlisted individually in the Outstanding Leadership category, following nominations from team members for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the field. 

    Comment 

    “This recognition reflects the City Council’s commitment to preventing and uncovering fraud and protecting the public purse. Our Investigation Service, with its long-standing commitment to excellence, has a track record of receiving accolades from various awarding bodies. Their ongoing innovation and high-profile results continue to showcase the team’s expertise, professionalism, and dedication to combating fraud.” 
    Scott Warner, Investigation Service Manager 

    The Public Sector Counter Fraud Awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate excellence in counter-fraud initiatives across the public sector. They serve as a platform to recognise individuals and teams who have demonstrated innovation, dedication, and teamwork in the national fight against fraud.  

    The Innovation in Fraud Prevention Award specifically honours initiatives that have effectively identified and addressed fraud risks, showcasing measurable impact in preventing fraudulent activity against the public sector. To qualify, nominees must have: 

    The Oxford Investigation Service remains committed to upholding the highest standards in fraud prevention and will continue to drive forward initiatives that safeguard public funds. This award reinforces their position as leaders in the fight against fraud, ensuring integrity and accountability across the sector. 

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spring statement targeting ill and disabled is “morally repugnant”

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, the Co-Leader of The Green Party, Adrian Ramsay MP, said, “The Chancellor had a choice today. To rebalance our economy by asking the very wealthiest to contribute more, or to remove vital support from ill and disabled people. That she chose to take from the most vulnerable to balance her books is a damning reflection of how out of touch this government is. It is morally repugnant.”  

    He continued, “And it’s not just ill and disabled people who will suffer as the Chancellor doubles down on cuts to frontline services. This will weaken our communities and leave us all poorer. Labour once claimed that they were for the many, not the few – it’s clear now that this is no longer the case.” 

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