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Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Award winning Roadsafe Roadshow gives strong message to young people

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Cast of Road Safe Road Show along with Alderman Mark Baxter, Chairperson of PCSP along with PCSP and PSNI staff

    Over 700 pupils from a number of schools across the Craigavon area recently attended the award winning PSNI Roadsafe Roadshow, which was held at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.

    Organised by the PSNI and supported by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), students heard the hard-hitting message that making one mistake whilst driving on the roads can ultimately end in a fatality.

    The event centred around ‘Craig’ – a typical young driver who has just passed his driving test, has bought a new car and is excited to pick up his girlfriend.  He is 17 years old, a show-off, cheeky and over-confident.

    The roadshow then followed the story of Craig’s car crash and all that happened next, including the lives of those affected by the collision.

    Young people heard the real-life stories from a police officer, a paramedic, a fire fighter, a hospital consultant and two others who have had their lives changed forever, due to a car accident.

    “This award-winning road show was a very sobering event that I have no doubt has left a permanent impact on the young people who attended, and will hopefully influence their future driving behaviour,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy.

    “To hear from real people who have lived through horrendous experiences was a hard listen – but so important, as they conveyed the reality of life for those who have been affected by a car accident.”

    Alderman Mark Baxter, Chair of the PCSP, agreed. “This event was hugely impactful and very hard hitting and really gave young people an idea of how not concentrating while behind the wheel can have catastrophic repercussions.”

    “It really brought home the reality of road deaths to the young audience and I know it has certainly given them a lot to think about when it is their turn to take to the road.”

    This event was sponsored by AXA.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Why isometric exercises are so good for you

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 14 October 2024 at 12:00

    VIEWPOINT: ARU experts explain why wall sits and planks can improve heart health

    By Dan Gordon, Chloe French and Ruby Cain, Anglia Ruskin University

    Exercise is great for improving heart health. But the thought of hitting the gym or going for a jog might put some people off from doing it. And, if you have a heart condition already, such dynamic exercises may not be safe to do.

    The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to do a vigorous workout to see heart benefits. You can even improve your heart health by holding still and trying really hard not to move.

    Isometric training, as this is called, is becoming increasingly popular as a way of reducing blood pressure and hypertension, and improving strength and muscle stability.

    Normally, to build strength and force, our muscles need to change length throughout a movement. Squats and bicep curls are good examples of exercises that cause the muscle to change length throughout the movement.

    But isometric training involves simply contracting your muscles, which generates force without needing to move your joints. The harder a muscle is contracted, the more forceful it becomes (and the more forceful a muscle is, the more powerfully we can perform a movement).

    If you add weight to an isometric exercise, it causes the muscle to contract even harder. A wall sit and a plank are examples of isometric contractions.

    Isometric exercises are associated with a high degree of “neural recruitment”, because of the need to maintain the contraction. This means these exercises are good at engaging specialised neurons in our brain and spinal cord, which play an important role in all the movements we do – both voluntary and involuntary. The greater this level of neural activation, the more muscle fibres are recruited – and the more force generated. As a result, this can lead to strength gains.

    Isometric exercises have long been of interest to strength and power athletes as a means of preparing their muscles to generate high forces by activating them. But research also shows isometric exercises are beneficial for other areas of our health – including reducing hypertension and promoting better blood flow.

    There are a couple reasons why isometric exercises are so good for the heart.

    When a muscle is contracted, it expands its size. This causes it to compress the blood vessels supplying this muscle, reducing blood flow and raising the blood pressure in our arteries – a mechanism known as the “pressor reflex”.

    Then, once the contraction is relaxed, a sudden surge of blood flows into the blood vessels and muscle. This influx of blood brings more oxygen and (crucially) nitric oxide into the blood vessels – causing them to widen. This in turn reduces blood pressure. Over time, this action will reduce stiffness of the arteries, which may lower blood pressure.

    When blood flow is reduced during an isometric movement, it also reduces the amount of available oxygen that cells need to function. This triggers the release of metabolites, such as hydrogen ions and lactate, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system – which controls our “fight of flight” response. In the short term, this leads to an increase in blood pressure.

    But when an isometric exercise is done repeatedly over many weeks, there’s a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity. This means blood pressure is lowered and there’s less strain on the cardiovascular system – which makes these exercises good for the heart.

    Isometric exercises may be even more beneficial for heart health than other types of cardiovascular exercise. A study which compared the benefits of isometric exercise versus high-intensity interval training found isometrics led to significantly greater reductions in resting blood pressure over the study period of between two and 12 weeks.

    How to use isometric exercise

    If you want to use isometric training to reduce blood pressure, it’s recommended that you should do any isometric contraction for two minutes at around 30-50% of your maximum effort. This is enough to trigger physiological improvements.

    You can start by doing this four times a day, three-to-five times per week – focusing on the same exercise. As you progress, you can start to vary the exercises you do, add weights to the exercise, or add in more than one isometric exercise.

    Some good isometric exercises to begin with include a static squat, a wall sit or a plank. Even during these small bouts of exercise, your heart rate, breathing and arterial pressure will all increase – the same responses that occur during more conventional whole-body exercises, such as cycling and running.

    The beneficial improvements in blood pressure start to manifest around 4-10 weeks after starting isometric training – though this depends on a person’s health and fitness levels when starting out.

    Isometric training appears to be a simple, low-intensity mode of exercise that offers big benefits for cardiovascular health – all while requiring little time commitment compared with other workouts.

    Dan Gordon, Professor of Exercise Physiology, Anglia Ruskin University; Chloe French, PhD Candidate in Sport and Exercise Science, Anglia Ruskin University, and Ruby Cain, PhD Candidate, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New local fibre network launched More than 50 representatives from local technology businesses and organisations attended the launch of the Lancaster district’s new Local Full Fibre Network to find out more about its benefits and how it will help to turbocharge the local economy.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    More than 50 representatives from local technology businesses and organisations attended the launch of the Lancaster district’s new Local Full Fibre Network to find out more about its benefits and how it will help to turbocharge the local economy.

    Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox presenting at the launch of the Local Full Fibre Network

    Led by Lancaster City Council and Cooperative Network Infrastructure (CNI), the project is seeing the installation of a new optical fibre network that will provide a fibre spine of gigabit broadband capability to connect Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham.

    The spine will significantly cut the costs of establishing a connection to fibre telecommunication for the district’s thriving digital businesses, opening up opportunities and promoting the development of the local digital ecosystem to attract investment.

    There are also long-term benefits for the council, including significant financial savings and the ability to transform its services though innovation, along with ‘future-proofing’ connectivity to its sites and assets.

    The council and CNI have worked with local companies such as Caton Road-based TNP and rural broadband pioneer B4RN to develop and install the network, many of whom attended a special launch event on Thursday (October 10).

    Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox, cabinet member with responsibility for finance and resources, said: “For any business to be able to compete in this day and age, access to fast fibre broadband is a must and I am delighted that the council has been able to work with CNI and local suppliers to develop this new infrastructure.

    “Other public bodies will also be able to benefit and satisfy the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth in the provision of public services, including the NHS, police and schools. The launch heard from the NHS in Greater Manchester on how a fibre network had saved money and improved data security and accessibility.

    “I also want to express my gratitude to Blackpool Borough Council for sharing the very considerable experience and expertise of Tony Doyle, their ICT manager. He has already achieved a similar roll-out of fibre infrastructure across Blackpool and Tony has been integral to design and delivery of the fibre spine across Lancaster district.”

    Tony Doyle, who is also chair of CNI, added: “It’s been a privilege to work with Lancaster’s forward-thinking team, committed to being at the forefront of the digital revolution and addressing sustainability challenges.

    “Together, the new fibre network and soon-to-come sustainable data centre provide a strong foundation for future growth, helping to transform public services and businesses. I’m excited to see how these assets will drive innovation in the local and regional economy.”

    The next steps in the project are to provide a state-of-the-art hyper-green data centre facility centre at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, which will further enhance the network and provide the infrastructure needed to realise the benefits of new technologies for the council, businesses and the wider public sector.

    Last updated: 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is a communist, and what do communists believe?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Aminda Smith, Associate Professor of History, Michigan State University

    Seeking social change often requires collective action. champc/iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

    What is a communist? – Artie, age 10, Astoria, New York

    Simply put, a communist is someone who supports communism. I study the history of communism, which is a political and economic view.

    Communism has long been controversial, and in the U.S. today, reputable sources disagree about it. Some experts argue that communist views are well supported by historical evidence about the way societies have developed over time. Others suggest that history has shown communism not to work.

    Many of those appraisals are based on examples of people who tried to establish communism. Communists have launched revolutions in many places including Russia and China. In five countries – China, North Korea, Laos, Cuba and Vietnam – communist parties control the current governments. The economic and political systems in those countries are not fully communist, but some might be working to transition from capitalism to communism.

    In part because the U.S. has difficult relationships with these countries, many Americans have negative views of communists and communism. To evaluate those countries and to decide your own opinions about communism in general, it is important to first be clear about what the principles of communism are.

    Communists believe that people should share wealth so that no one is too poor, no one is too rich, and everyone has enough to survive and have a good life.

    A communist might be a member of a Communist party, which is a political party, or a member of a group of people who want to play a role in government.

    The opening of the 2014 convention of the Communist Party of the United States of America.

    In communism, people work together to produce and distribute the things they need to live, such as food, clothing and entertainment. That does not mean that everything is shared at all times.

    In a communist society, individuals might still live in their own homes and have their own food, clothing and personal items such as televisions and cellphones. However, the places where these items were produced, such as factories and farms, would be owned by everyone.

    Similarly, a person might still create artistic products such as works of literature or craftsmanship on their own. The goal would not be to make money, though, but instead to share for everyone to enjoy.

    Communists support some form of collective ownership. Ownership by everyone would ensure that all members of society have equal rights to the products from the factories and farms because they would all be part owners of the enterprises.

    In such a society, everyone would also have equal political rights and would participate in governance together. Theoretically, communism should entail some form of democracy.

    What is Marxism?

    German philosopher Karl Marx.
    John Jabez Edwin Mayal via Wikimedia Commons

    Throughout history, there have been many different views on what communism is, how it should be organized and how it might be achieved. The most famous theories about communism are probably the ones that were developed by a German philosopher named Karl Marx. His ideas are often called Marxism.

    Marx studied history and observed that the way people produced goods and services was closely related to who held power. For example, in farming societies, those who owned the land had more power than those who did not.

    Marx also noticed that people with less power had often risen up, usually violently, to overthrow the powerful people. He called this concept class struggle. He believed this process was how societies developed from one system of government and economy to another. He claimed that class struggle led societies through a progression toward greater efficiency in the production of goods and services, higher levels of technology and wider distribution of social and political power.

    When Marx was alive in the 1800s, an economic and political system called capitalism had developed in many countries. In capitalist societies, the economy centered on factories. Factory owners had significant political and economic influence.

    Marx observed that in countries such as Germany, England and the United States, factory owners hired laborers who worked long hours producing goods such as shirts or tables. While the factory owners sold these products at high prices, they paid the workers very little. As a result, the factory owners became richer, while many workers struggled to afford the goods they produced or even to provide food for their families.

    Marx believed that this inequality would eventually lead to a worker uprising. During their revolution, Marx predicted, the workers would seize control of the factories, begin running them more fairly, and this would lead to a new political system, known as socialism.

    Where does socialism fit in?

    A campaign poster from 1976, spotlighting the candidates from the Communist Party of the United States of America.
    Library of Congress

    Of course, if the workers staged a revolution, the factory owners would fight back. Marx thought that, immediately after the revolution, the workers would first need to create a strong government to prevent the owners from reestablishing capitalism. During that phase, which Marx called socialism, the workers would run the government while they continued moving away from capitalism and trying to create a more equal society.

    Marx thought people would eventually see that socialism was much better than capitalism because socialism would end exploitation while still allowing a society to continue moving toward better economic and political practices, but without inequality. Once that happened, a government would no longer be necessary.

    The society would become communist. There would still be governance, but not a government that was separated from the people. Rather, in a communist society, the people would govern together, and everyone would do some of the work and receive what they needed.

    There are Communist parties in many places, and many are currently working to move their countries toward communism. At this time, no country has yet made the transition to full communism, but many people still hope that transition will happen somewhere, sometime. Those people are communists. Communists are optimistic that humans can one day create a more fair and equal society.

    Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

    And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

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

    – ref. What is a communist, and what do communists believe? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-communist-and-what-do-communists-believe-234255

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Strabane – Blessing a Town into Poetry’ features in Island Voices lecture

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    ‘Strabane – Blessing a Town into Poetry’ features in Island Voices lecture

    14 October 2024

    The town of Strabane will be lauded by poet Maureen Boyle during a literary lunchtime lecture in the Tower Museum as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Island Voices programme.

    This year the Island Voices lectures are exploring the theme of ‘home’ in the work of local writers from the English, Irish and Ulster-Scots traditions.

    Island Voices features talks by Belfast-born Réaltán Ní Leannáin, Maureen Boyle from Sion Mills, and Alan Millar from the Laggan Valley in East Donegal, the series explores identity and belonging within the context of our shared languages of English, Irish and Ulster-Scots.

    Irish Language writer Réaltán Ní Leannáin opened the series with a lecture entitled ‘From Burgu to Belfast’.

    The next lecture on Thursday, 24 October will feature Sion writer Maureen Boyle speaking about ‘Writing ‘Strabane’ – Blessing a Town Into Poetry’.

    In 2018 Maureen was commissioned by Radio 4 to write a poem on her family’s hometown for a series called ‘Conversations on a Bench’. 

    Growing up in the village of Sion Mills, it was the nearby town of Strabane which captured Maureen’s imagination. It was where her father had grown up, and her family later moved into the town. Every aspect of Maureen’s childhood memories are recalled in the poem – from the congested lungs of the mill workers to the smoky smell of her father’s bomb damage sale jackets in the family wardrobe.

    In this talk, Maureen will explore the process of the poem’s creation, the motivation to write it, the research involved and the process of translating research into poetry.

    An acclaimed poet Maureen won a UNESCO medal for a book of poems in 1979 at the age of 18. She has also won various awards including the Ireland Chair of Poetry Prize, the Strokestown International Poetry Prize, the Fish Short Memoir Prize, the Inaugural Ireland Chair of Poetry Travel Bursary and Awards from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.  Commissions include one to write a poem on the Crown Bar in Belfast for the BBC in 2008 and for a poem on a painting in the O’Brien Collection in Washington.   Some of her work has been translated into German, Flemish and French.

    Those who attend Maureen’s lecture on Thursday, 24th October will get a unique insight into the enduring impact the poet’s hometown of Strabane has had on her life.

    The final lecture in the series features Alan Millar with his talk ‘Hame an awa – Scots wurds in Irish toonlands’. It will take place on Thursday, 28 November.

    All talks in the series are free but booking is essential. Each one will begin at 1pm and there are light refreshments available from 12.30pm. To book your place please contact the Tower Museum, T: (028) 7137 2411 or email [email protected] 

    Further information: Pól Ó Frighil, Languages Team, Derry City and Strabane District Council, [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK announces sanctions against Iranian military figures and organisations following attack on Israel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK announces sanctions against Iranian individuals and organisations following Iran’s continued dangerous and destabilising activity across the Middle East

    • the UK announces sanctions against Iranian individuals and organisations following Iran’s continued dangerous and destabilising activity across the Middle East.

    • sanctions target senior figures in the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Iran’s Air Force and organisations linked to Iran’s ballistic and cruise missile development.

    • announcement follows Iran’s attack against Israel on 1 October which threatened to escalate the conflict in the Middle East.

    The UK has today (14th October) announced a new round of sanctions targeting senior Iranian military figures and organisations for their role in attempting to destabilise the Middle East.

    In response to Iran’s attack against Israel on 1 October, today’s package targets senior figures who facilitate this behaviour, in the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Iran’s Air Force and the IRGC Intelligence Organisation.

    The package will also designate Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB), which designs and manufactures parts that can be used in cruise missiles, as well as the Iranian Space Agency, which develops technologies that have applications in ballistic missile development.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    Despite repeated warnings, the dangerous actions of Iran and its proxies are driving further escalation in the Middle East. 

    Following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, we are holding Iran to account and exposing those who facilitated these acts.

    Alongside allies and partners, we will continue to take necessary measures to challenge Iran’s unacceptable threats and press for de-escalation across the region.

    Today’s announcement follows repeated warnings from the UK and international partners calling on Iran to cease its dangerous and escalatory activity across the Middle East.

    It also follows the G7 joint statement condemning Iran’s missile attack on Israel and outlined the necessary steps being taken in response.

    The Foreign Secretary also discussed Iran’s actions with European partners at the EU Foreign Affairs Council today, where he continued to push for de-escalation across the region. 

    Individuals sanctioned today and are subject to a travel ban and asset freeze, include:

    • Abdolrahim Mousavi: Commander-in Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and a member of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

    • Mohammad-Hossein Dadras: Deputy Commander-in Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army.

    • Hamid Vahedi: Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.

    • Mohammad Kazemi: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Chief.

    • Habibollah Sayyari: Head of the Joint Staff of the Iranian Army and Deputy Chief for Coordination of the Iranian Army.

    • Ali-Mohammad Naini: IRGC Spokesperson.

    • Houssein Pourfarzaneh: Chief Engineer of Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB).

    The following organisations are also subject to an asset freeze:

    • Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB): FPSDB designs and manufactures engine technology which can be used in cruise missiles.

    • The Iranian Space Agency: The Iranian Space Agency develops space launch vehicle technologies, which have applications in ballistic missile development.

    The UK already has over 400 sanctions imposed on Iran, including designations against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in its entirety and many of those responsible for the recent attack on Israel.

    The UK will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account for its escalatory behaviour in the Middle East and its attempts to undermine global security.

    The UK is clear that a wider regional conflict must be avoided at all costs and is committed to working with partners to secure a ceasefire on all sides.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Artist Maurice Wade celebrated in rare city landscape exhibition

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 14th October 2024

    A large-scale exhibition celebrating the work of local artist, Maurice Wade, has opened to the public for the first time.

    Visitors will get a rare glimpse of his North Staffordshire-inspired landscapes featuring many well-known locations including Etruria Hall, Burslem, Longport and the local canal network – now on show at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

    Born in Burslem in 1917, Maurice Wade trained during the 1930s at the Burslem School of Art and went on to teach at a local boys school in the 1960s.

    The critically acclaimed artist exhibited at the Royal Academy, Paris Salon and The Royal Society of British Artists. His works feature in a number of public collections, including the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and the Government Art Collection. Today, Wade is extremely collectable and his paintings are highly regarded by art lovers.

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is great that we are being able to highlight the work of this important artist, who was born right here in Stoke-on-Trent, in their home city.

    “We should all be really proud that our city’s unique landscape features in these paintings and was the inspiration behind most of Maurice Wade’s work, especially as we are gearing up to celebrate our Centenary next year.

    “The exhibition is on until January 2025, so there’s plenty of time to go along and enjoy this fantastic display.”

    Maurice Wade felt a growing compulsion to paint when he returned to the Potteries in 1951, after serving in the army during the Second World War.

    Following Wade’s death in 1991, his work was seemingly forgotten however over the last few years, there has been a renewed interest in the artist and a growing recognition of his important contribution to contemporary British art in the 20th century.

    This special display will bring together over 90 paintings from Wade’s private collections, for the very first time.

    The exhibition will highlight Wade’s fascination with North Staffordshire and will be accompanied by a fully illustrated book edited by Petr Hajek, with contributions by David Powell.

    Dr Samantha Howard, Curator of Arts at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, said: “Maurice Wade – A Painter from No. 57 is a truly not-to-be missed opportunity to see so many wonderful paintings brought together from private collections that showcase the breadth and depth of the artist’s practice over 30 years”.

    Maurice Wade – A Painter from No. 57 will until Sunday 26 January. Tickets are £6, £4 (concessions) and under 16s go free.

    To find out more about what’s happening at all of the city’s museums, visit http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foster Portsmouth’s ‘Steve’ the seagull spreads his wings at Southsea seafront

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    The Foster Portsmouth team and ‘Steve’ the seagull completed a first last week with an exciting tuk tuk tour of Southsea seafront.

    The tour, on Thursday 10 October, took in a number of local businesses along Southsea seafront who offered support in raising vital awareness of the need for additional foster carers in the Portsmouth area.

    These included the Coffee Cup, BH Live’s Pyramids and Hover Travel at Clarence Esplanade, and Hotwalls Studios and ‘The Canteen‘ in Broad Street.

    The eye-catching, all-electric and environmentally friendly rickshaw tuk tuk, which was funded by the Arts Council England as part of its Libraries Improvement Fund, usually tours the city with a small collection of books available to browse and borrow.

    Foster Portsmouth was thrilled to be able to utilise the tuk tuk on one of its days off to showcase our mission to find more loving foster homes for the city’s vulnerable children and young people.

    Cllr Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, said:

    “This tour is another great way of utilising our libraries’ tuk tuk. It is vital that we continue to draw attention to the need for additional foster carers in the Portsmouth area, and what better way than ‘Steve’ the seagull taking a tour with the Foster Portsmouth team along our city’s seafront.”

    “I’d like to thank the five local businesses who have jumped on board our tuk tuk tour and allowed us to raise the profile of children from our city who find themselves in need of a loving home.”

    The tour provided an opportunity for those in and around Southsea to discover more about the rewards fostering can bring, and to get answers to any questions they may have from our experienced team.

    We need more foster carers from diverse backgrounds. Anyone aged 21+ with a spare bedroom could foster with Foster Portsmouth regardless of their age, gender, faith, ethnicity, sexuality, marital or work status, or whether they rent or own their own home.

    Our foster carers come from Portsmouth itself or the immediate surrounding areas, from Emsworth and Rowlands Castle to Gosport and Fareham, and Waterlooville and Petersfield to Havant and Hayling Island.

    Our foster carers come from all walks of life, and they all share the same commitment and motivation to make a positive difference to a child’s life.  This could be a short or long-term arrangement for a child, young person or siblings until they’re ready to live independently or are able to go home, support for children seeking asylum or children with a disability, supported lodgings to develop their independent living skills, a parent and baby placement, or respite care.

    Foster carers receive excellent, local training and 24/7 support, including through our pioneering Mockingbird Programme support network and mentoring scheme, and competitive fees and allowances.

    To enquire about fostering with Foster Portsmouth, or to arrange a 1:1 with one of our experienced team or existing foster carers, please fill in our contact form at http://www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk/enquire-now, call 0300 1312797 or email info@lafosteringse.org.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Event for children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities

    Source: City of York

    Published Monday, 14 October 2024

    This week York will host an opportunities event for young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), their families and carers.

    Approximately 30 employers, education providers and support services from across the region will be exhibiting at the SEND Opportunities Event at Askham Bryan College on Wednesday (16 October) from 3.30 – 6.30pm.

    The event is for young people in Year 9 or above, with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities who live in York, Leeds and North Yorkshire, as well as their parents and carers, to explore various post-16 options.

    Exhibitors include Ad Astra, Aldwark Manor Estate, Askham Bryan College, Better Connect, Blueberry Academy, Choose 2 Youth, JCT600, Lighthouse Futures Trust, NHSE Choices College, North Yorkshire Council, Prospects/Shaw Trust, Simpson, Tang Hall Smart, York College, York Learning Routes2Success, United Response and more.

    Information and advice will also be available from the City of York Council’s Preparation for Adulthood and Specialist Learning and Employment Advisers. DWP Disability Services will also be there covering areas such as Access to Work, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.

    Supported Internships, Green Screen Effects and Digital Skills sessions will also be running throughout the event plus one-to-one careers advice and guidance sessions.

    Councillor Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said:

    We know that for children and families thinking about next steps, trying new things and growing up can be daunting.

    York’s annual Opportunities event gives young people and their parents and carers the chance to find out about local post-16 options directly from providers and local businesses. This is a great way to help young people start to plan the right path for them.”

    Attendance can be booked through the Eventbrite website.

    For further information please email skills@york.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor encourages residents to Join Recycle Week 2024

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor encourages residents to Join Recycle Week 2024

    14 October 2024

    As Recycle Week kicks off from October 14-20, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr is encouraging residents to “Step It Up” by not only recycling more but also making the most of Council resources that can help make a difference.

    The Council has organised a range of exciting events to encourage sustainable practices across the community. This Saturday, residents are invited to the Halloween Costume Swap at the Guildhall, where they can bring along pre-loved costumes to swap for new outfits, making it easier to celebrate Halloween sustainably. On Thursday, the Guildhall will also host a Climate Conference, bringing together local experts, environmental advocates, and community members to discuss solutions for climate change and inspire greater action in our District.

    In addition, the Council will be engaging with schools throughout the week, delivering workshops and interactive sessions to teach students about the importance of recycling, e-waste repair and reduction, and other sustainability practices. Through these events, Derry City and Strabane District Council aims to support residents of all ages in taking meaningful steps toward a greener, more sustainable community.

    Mayor Seenoi Barr said: “Recycle Week is a great opportunity for all of us to reconsider our recycling habits. By using the Derry Strabane Recycling App, residents can get details on what materials can be recycled, where local recycling points are located, and notifications for bin collection schedules.

    “It is worth noting that electronic waste, or e-waste, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, and Derry City and Strabane District Council is dedicated to tackling this issue locally. Residents are encouraged to dispose of old electronics, batteries, and appliances at local recycling centres or laptop donation points. By recycling e-waste, valuable materials like metals and plastics can be recovered and reused, reducing the need for new resources.

    “If items are fixable, our monthly Repair Cafés are a fantastic way for residents to extend the life of their belongings and reduce unnecessary waste. I encourage everyone to come along, bring items for repair, and learn more about the benefits of fixing rather than discarding. Together, let’s ‘Step It Up’ and make repair, reuse, and recycling part of our everyday habits.”

    Together, we can make a real impact on reducing waste in our District.”

    For more information about Recycle Week please visit the Council’s website or download the Derry Strabane Recycling app today.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council issues call out to creative art workshop facilitators

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council issues call out to creative art workshop facilitators

    14 October 2024

    Derry City and Strabane District Council has put a call out to artists and facilitators within the Council area to submit applications to provide Spring Arts Development Workshops across several arts, crafts and creative disciplines at the Alley Theatre and Strabane Library.

    Among the workshops the Council is seeking facilitators for are – Spring / Easter / Summer Wreath Making Workshops; Learn to Sew – Beginners Classes; Sewing for Outdoor Dressing; Candle Making; Soap Making; Make your own Teddy Bear – Kids; Introduction to Leather – Make your Own Belt; Silver Jewellery – Make your own Stacking Rings; Ornaments for Graves Workshops; Interior Design – How to Create a Mood Board; Cup-Cake Decorating for Kids; Woodturning for Adults; Toy Making – Felt Animals; Embroidery – Embroidered Book Bag; Art Lounge – 14 – 17yrs; Open Environment for Creative Exploration and Guitar Lessons for Beginners – Kids & Adults Sessions.

    The Council is also seeking applications for suitably qualified persons to deliver Kids Themed Workshops over the St Patrick’s Day & Easter periods and Drop-In Arts & Crafts Children’s Workshops (themed arts & crafts); Storytelling and Face-painting.

    Applicants are being advised that while most of the programmes will be one-off events there may be occasions when Council hosts four weekly workshops. Applicants when submitting their applications are asked to indicate their availability and in addition to providing material costs, give hourly rates and details around age suitability of their workshop.

    To submit an expression of interest please email your proposal with images, costs and age suitability to Council’s arts development officer Andrea Campbell at [email protected]  no later than 12 noon Wednesday 23rd October 2024.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: End of site work in sight for New George Street

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Fencing has been removed, permanent oak seating and bins installed – the finishing touches are being made to the new-look New George Street.

    This key pedestrian area is now open as the regeneration of the city centre continues and to mark the occasion, Plymouth City Centre Company will this weekend host the first of many events in the new space now opened up at the corner of Old Town Street and New George Street.

    Between 12 noon and 3pm on Saturday 19 October, the joint will be jumping to the tunes of the Hot House Combo, who will be playing a giddy blend of vintage charm and captivating rhythms inspired by the great musicians of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s.

    The city centre will also see some intriguing installations and happenings as part of the Plymouth Art Weekender – keep an eye out for a super-sized seagull stalking the area and a Paint Jam is also on the cards.

    City Centre Company Chief Executive Steve Hughes said: “It’s been a roller coaster but the investment in this key city centre street is already bringing in new businesses.

    “This new public area is modern, spacious and attractive and footfall is bucking the national trend. It is a great space and we can’t wait to fill it with events and happenings that will keep people coming back again and again.”

    The massive makeover has transformed the dated eighties landscaping and in its place are

    • islands of greenery
    • 25 new semi-mature trees planted in addition to the four existing trees
    • ornamental planting and rain gardens
    • new granite paving to make the area more attractive, less tired and reduce the likelihood of trips and falls
    • new street lighting taken off buildings to make it easier to maintain
    • decorative lighting to create a wow factor after-dark
    • additional CCTV cameras to improve coverage
    • an events space at the junction of Old Town Street and New George Street with power and water for small events and performances.

    A key element of the scheme is the ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage’ system (SUDs) to protect this major city centre street from future flooding incidents. Large holes have been dug and reinforced and layered with material to act like a giant plant pot. They hold rainwater which irrigates the new plants and trees.

    A new storm water sewer has been created and excess water from the rain gardens feeds into the new system, taking rainwater away from the combined sewer and helping to guard against future flooding.

    The scheme plays an important role in the city’s flood management strategy and its Climate Emergency Action Plan as the three rain garden tanks can hold 75.5 cubic metres of storm water. The footway levels slightly slope inwards from the buildings, so that rainwater can run off the new paving and into the rain gardens. The gardens capture and slow the water which then percolates down into storage areas installed underneath.

    Other features now include 14 timber seats – some with arm rests and backs – and four free standing timber seats. The seat bases are solid English oak and the colour will steadily fade with the weather to a more silver hue. Bigger bins have been installed with clear signs so that people know what to put in which bin and more are due to arrive at the end of the month.

    The new-look square in the corner of Old Town Street – which comprises a whopping 40,000 small chunks of granite or setts – is now finished. The pattern gives a nod to the pattern outside the Guildhall and his new square will provide a new location for pop-ups and events in the city centre.

    There’s only a few matters to resolve such as installing the lighting and CCTV on top of the columns and some utilities issues – hence a few temporary tarmac patches – which are being sorted.  Lighting includes decorative gobos which can project patterns onto the floor or nearby buildings.

    The roads to the service yards are almost complete. The scheme has been designed for people, not traffic. The surface is all one level and looks like a pedestrian area but as deliveries are still needed to service the shops, the paving blocks are smaller – cobble-sized – to bear lorries and emergency vehicles. The large pavers are designed to withstand road sweepers and other window washers.

    Contractors Morgan Sindall are now concentrating their efforts on Old Town Street and it is expected to be complete in around a month.

    Councillor Mark Lowry, city centre champion said: “We’re getting there! I’m delighted – and relieved – that the end is now in sight for this scheme. It’s not been easy – especially for the businesses along these streets who have been extremely patient and understanding. We will be working hard to keep it spick and span.

    “Plymouth has been rated the best place for growth by PWC – and our city centre, which is home to 7,000 employees and over 500 businesses is a massive part of this story.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OPSS issues cosmetics reminder on banned chemical

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Public asked to dispose of any cosmetics containing Lilial.

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has asked the public to dispose of any cosmetics containing the banned ingredient Lilial.

    This follows a reminder issued by OPSS to the UK cosmetics industry that any product containing Lilial must already have been removed from sale.

    Butylphenyl methylpropional, otherwise known by its trade name ‘Lilial’, was used as a floral fragrance in a wide variety of cosmetics such as perfumes, shower gels and deodorants. However, because its use has been associated with harm to the reproductive system, it has been illegal to sell any product containing the chemical in Great Britain since December 2022.

    Now, OPSS has issued a further reminder to companies selling cosmetics in the UK they must check their stock to ensure no product contains Lilial. They must immediately stop selling these products and consider recalling any sold after the ban came into place.

    OPSS is also asking the public to check cosmetics in their home following reports that banned cosmetic products may still be available in the UK. Check labels and dispose of any that contain Lilial / butylphenyl methylpropional. If you’ve purchased these since 2022, report them to Citizens Advice in England and Wales, Advice Direct Scotland or your local district council in Northern Ireland. They can advise on any action or redress that may be available.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New social housing

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    DOZENS of tenants are now making themselves at home in a new housing development bought by Dundee City Council from a private developer.

    Residents in Kirkton Road and Downfield Place have been moving in over recent weeks since finishing touches were completed to their homes earlier this year. More than 20 new homes, built by H&H Properties on the site of the former St Columba’s Primary School, were purchased by the council in a deal late last year. Among those who have recently been handed their keys is 44 year-old Vicky Reid and her three children.

    Speaking from her two-storey three-bedroom semi-detached home she said: “I am loving it! The house is just fab.”

    Vicky, who also has two other grown-up children who live nearby, was told to quit her private rented house more than a year ago and has spent the past 12 months wondering how she was going to keep a roof over her family’s heads.

    The Kirkton native added: “We spoke to the homeless prevention team at the council who were really good and helped us fill in all the relevant forms and guided us through the whole way.

    “We kept driving past these houses when they were getting built and looking at them and thinking how great it would be to have one of these, but we were all prepared to have to go into temporary accommodation, when we got offered this!
    “It was bit like magic and we couldn’t believe it.”

    The family are now settling into their new home after a process, which although stressful and difficult at times, Vicky says has been “amazing”.

    Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “The demand for good-quality rented accommodation in the city remains high, so it is vital that we do everything in our power to take action to address it.

    “This type of agreement, which we are already replicating elsewhere in the city, is an innovative way of continuing to face the demand and a clear demonstration that we are working towards meeting our commitment to making more affordable new-build housing available for rent in Dundee.”

    Lynne Short, the committee’s deputy convener added: “When you see Vicky and her family in this house, and experience for yourself the hugely positive effect that having a secure tenancy in a warm, easy to heat house has on people’s lives, it brings home how we are meeting the needs of our communities and delivering better outcomes for everyone.”

    The 21 houses in Kirkton, a mixture of two-storey, three-bedroom, detached and two-storey, three-bedroom, semi-detached homes are being allocated to their new tenants in phases.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Global honour for pioneering Leeds sports kit recycling partnership

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds Equipment and Kit Exchange Partnership triumphs at Sport Positive Awards 2024

    A groundbreaking Leeds City Council-led partnership tackling inequality through sport has been honoured by winning a prestigious international award.

    The Leeds Equipment and Kit Exchange Partnership (LEKEP), created by Leeds City Council’s Active Leeds service, sees recycled or unwanted sports kit distributed to deprived communities in the city.

    A first such partnership of its kind, the innovative project addresses inequality through supporting active lifestyles and also helps to tackle the climate crisis through recycling and significantly reducing waste, aiding the city’s environmental and net zero aims.

    The work of the partnership was recognised on a global level last week by winning the ‘Purpose-led Partnership’ category at the prestigious Sport Positive Awards 2024 in London, seeing off international competition from major projects around the world to win the prize.

    The Leeds Equipment and Kit Exchange Partnership (LEKEP) is made up of: Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Zero Waste Leeds, Action For Sport, Run for all, Leeds United Foundation, The Recovery Runners, Leeds Dock Run Club, Leeds City College, LS-TEN Skate Park, Pendle Sports, British Cycling and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation.

    Working together to maximise all available assets, the partnership responds to the needs of diverse communities in Leeds to provide appropriate sports attire and remove the stigma associated with recycled kit.

    The partnership in Leeds was initially inspired by the BBC’s ‘Kit out the Nation’ campaign which ran in 2021, and has developed in the years since with more than 20,000 items of kit recycled or reused by community groups in the city.

    As well as encouraging healthy active lifestyles, the project also helps to reduce landfill through a more environmentally-sustainable approach, supporting local organisations in creating their own kit donation schemes, reducing waste, and creating a community-driven circular economy promoting inclusive growth.

    Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture Councillor Salma Arif said:

    “This is a tremendous honour for the Leeds Equipment and Kit Exchange Partnership (LEKEP) to be recognised on an international level in this way, and we thank everyone involved who should be very proud.

    “We are committed to tackling inequalities, removing barriers and addressing the climate crisis and this project shows what can be achieved through working together to make a difference. We look forward to the partnership continuing to go from strength to strength and would encourage anyone interested in getting involved to come and talk to us.”

    Chief executive of Yorkshire Sport Foundation Nigel Harrison said:

    “We’re proud to share this award with our incredible partners across the city. This project shows the strength in working together to address inequalities, stop waste, and remove a barrier to people playing sport or being physically active.

    “The right kit and equipment comes at a cost, and this partnership is ensuring that more people in Leeds aren’t prevented from starting something new or continuing something they love because they can’t afford a pair of trainers or a piece of sports equipment.

    “One of the best things about this recognition is that it will raise even more awareness of the initiative. With the continued commitment of the organisations involved and the support of the people of Leeds, the kit exchange partnership can make a positive impact on even more lives.”

    Co-founder and director of Action for Sport Clive Michallat said:

    “Action for Sport has thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a great scheme and partnership. To work alongside a lot of organisations who bring their life experiences and skillsets to the table can be powerful, and in this case most certainly is. We look forward to being part of the team that can develop and grow the Leeds Equipment and Kit Exchange Partnership.”

    Co-director of Zero Waste Leeds Gill Coupland said:

    “We’re absolutely delighted to be part of this partnership. The award is a recognition of the incredible things that can be achieved when there is a determination to work together over the long term and to pool funding to deliver really impactful results. Leeds is a generous city in so many ways.”

    The next public meeting of the partnership takes place in Leeds at CATCH in Harehills on Thursday 14 November at 6pm, which will include a presentation by Sport England Environmental Sustainability Strategic Lead Denise Ludlam. Tickets are free to attend via Leeds Equipment and Kit Exchange meeting Tickets, Thu 14 Nov 2024 at 18:00 | Eventbrite.

    The Sport Positive Awards celebrates people and projects using the power of sport to tackle major issues including the climate and biodiversity crises, and environmental/climate justice.

    For more information on the Sport Positive Awards visit Sport Positive Awards 2024 – Leading the charge on using the power of sport to tackle some of the biggest issues of our time – the climate and biodiversity crises and environmental/climate justice. (sportpositivesummit.com).

     

    ENDS 

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on industrial action affecting Perth and Kinross schools from October 21

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    We are currently assessing how this will impact our schools and Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings and are not able to complete this yet due to school closures for the October holidays.

    Our priority is always the safety of our children and young people. This means we will close schools and ELC settings where we do not think there will be enough staff to ensure the safety of pupils. This may also mean that we have to close Intensive Support Provisions (ISPs) in some schools even if the school itself is not closed.

    It is likely many primary schools and ELC settings will have to close and we would ask parents/carers to plan for alternative arrangements for the two weeks of industrial action in case their school cannot open. If this is the case then before and after school care (Kids Clubs and Wraparound Care) will also be closed. It may be possible to partially or fully open some primary schools/ELC settings but the position could change on a day-to-day bases once industrial action is underway.

    Whilst we cannot yet confirm at this stage, we are aiming to open all secondary schools.

    Fairview School has currently been assessed as needing to be closed on the Monday (October 21) and possibly other days next week once more information is available.

    Parents should make alternative arrangements.

    Remote learning will be provided when schools are closed to pupils as teachers are not taking part in the industrial action.

    We thank parents, carers and pupils for their understanding.

    We appreciate the impact the industrial action will have on families and so are sharing details of the current situation to help plan for the first two weeks of term.

    Please be aware the situation may change as we get closer to the start of term and we will continue to post updates on our social media channels and website when they are available.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS Devon has a moral obligation to address Plymouth health funding issue

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Councillor Tudor Evans has demanded that NHS Devon review the way in which health funding is allocated to Plymouth, to urgently address health inequality across the city.

    People in Plymouth live two years less than people in Devon, a situation that has been exacerbated following more than a decade of NHS underfunding.

    Men in Plymouth live 2.3 years less than in Devon and woman live 2.5 years less. Locally, levels of under 75 mortality, due to causes that are considered entirely preventable, are 16 per cent higher than the rest of England, and 52 per cent higher than Devon.

    Currently funding is allocated across the county by Devon ICB. The ICB is a body that aims to join up health and care services and make sure that everyone has the same access to services and gets the same outcomes from treatment. They oversee how money is spent and make sure health services work well and are of high quality.

    The Devon ICB use a model called ‘Fair Shares Funding’. The Leader of Plymouth City Council is urging the ICB to review this process as it is not currently fair. It does not take enough account of deprivation and inequality in health outcomes in Plymouth when compared to other parts of Devon.  

    For the past few years, the Council has been lobbying the ICB to relook at the funding and reassess the position of the city. However, so far discussions have not resulted in a viable solution. Councillor Evans is therefore now insisting on a proper board level review.

    Councillor Evans, said: “We know that finances are tight. But, the priority has to be making sure that the money available is distributed to the right places, where there is the most need. We know of areas in Devon where the need is less, yet funding is available to them – is the ICB favouring those who know how to use the system and leaving behind those who don’t or won’t?

    “There are people of Plymouth who cannot get a GP appointment, who cannot get an NHS dentist, who are missing out on treatment and are being put at unnecessary risk due to the lack of patient care and prevention services.

    “We know there are demands across the region – but we are Devon’s biggest city and our services are stretched beyond belief with no relief in sight.

    “ICBs have the autonomy to determine their own spending based on local need and the power to ‘over allocate’ funding to address poor health outcomes. Outcomes that in Plymouth are driven by deprivation and deep-seated health inequality which will have been worsened by more than a decade of underfunding. So far, the ICB have not been able to suggest any way forward that would result in a change in Plymouth. It is morally right that this review takes place and is given the serious consideration that it needs.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth joins together for Hate Crime Awareness Week

    Source: City of Plymouth

    It’s Hate Crime Awareness Week, and with 588 hate crime offences recorded by the Police in Plymouth in the last year, it’s more important than ever to highlight the issues.

    A hate crime is any crime that is targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s membership or perceived membership of a protected characteristic:

    • Disability
    • Race or Ethnicity
    • Religion or Belief
    • Sexual Orientation
    • Transgender Identity.

    During the week, staff from the Council’s Community Safety team will be attending awareness raising events and engagement sessions, such as:

    • A drop-in session at the British Red Cross on Monday 14 October at 12pm to 2pm
    • Event at Plymouth University with the Police Diverse Community Team on Wednesday 16 October
    • The Barne Barton family hub are also running a drop-in session called ‘The Pioneers Project’ with the Police on Wednesday 16 October from 10am to 1pm, aimed at educating people about hate crime and reporting
    • Youth Services Workshops delivered across the city during the week, including open access, schools, SEND, and targeted groups
    • The Council’s Street Based teams will be promoting key messages across the city to young people, communities and businesses.

    Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community safety said: “One hate crime is one too many. We all need to be more aware of what hate crime is and how we can address it.

    “Hate crime comes in many different forms and strikes at the heart of communities. Everyone in our city should feel safe, supported and be able to report incidents of hate crime without fear.”

    Hate crime can fall into one of three main categories; physical assault, verbal abuse and incitement to hatred, this is where someone acts in a way that is threatening and intended to stir up hatred, including by posting words and pictures online. 

    Councillor Angela Penrose, Welcoming City Champion, added: “The diversity of our city is one of our greatest strengths and assets, and we want Plymouth to be recognised as a city that is welcoming, safe, international and with a vibrant cultural offer.”

    More information about Hate Crime and how to report: Hate crime | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor announces new plans to secure UK investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Chancellor closes the International Investment Summit promising the government is bringing investment and jobs back to Britain.

    In a speech to some of the world’s biggest businesses and investors, Rachel Reeves revealed that restoring fiscal stability will be at the centre of her first Budget on 30 October. She made the case that it is the only way to ensure government and business can invest with confidence. 

    The Chancellor went on to set out how two new bodies will drive long-term investment in Britain as the government works hand in hand with business to create new high skilled jobs right across the UK, helping make people better off. 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, MP said: 

    When we said we would end instability, make growth our national mission and enter a true partnership with business we meant it.  

    The decisions which lie ahead of us will not always be easy. But by taking the right choices to grow our economy and drive investment we will create good jobs and new opportunities across every part of the country. That is the Britain we are building. 

    The first announcement from the Chancellor was that from today the UK Infrastructure Bank will operate as the National Wealth Fund (NWF), with its headquarters in Leeds. 

    The National Wealth Fund will catalyse tens of billions of pounds of private investment into in the UK’s clean energy and growth industries, including green hydrogen, carbon capture and gigafactories.

    Building on UKIB’s leadership and expertise, the NWF will go further, able to make investments that maximise the mobilisation of private investment. This will include the ability to trial new blended finance solutions with government departments that take on additional risk to facilitate higher impact in individual deals and performance guarantees. 

    The National Wealth Fund will have a total of £27.8 billion and will work with key industry partners, including mayors, to support delivery of their investment plans. 

    The Government will also bring forward legislation to give the NWF a broader mandate than just infrastructure, ensuring it is a permanent part of government’s investment offer. 

    John Flint, CEO, at the National Wealth Fund said: 

    It is a huge privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the National Wealth Fund. Building on the strong foundations we have laid as UKIB, we will hit the ground running, using sector insight and investment expertise that the market knows and trusts to unlock billions of pounds of private finance for projects across the UK.

    With additional capital to deploy against a bigger mandate, we stand ready to help the market invest with confidence, in support of the Government’s growth ambitions.

    Alongside this the Chancellor, together with Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, announced a new British Growth Partnership as part of the British Business Bank (BBB). 

    The BBB already supports the UK’s fastest growing, most innovative companies deploying £3.5bn to support over 23,000 businesses last year. 

    The British Growth Partnership will allow it to do more by creating a new way for the British Business Bank and institutional investors to invest in innovative companies together.

    Leveraging the British Business Bank’s market expertise, these long-term investments will be made independently of government on a fully commercial basis. In the coming months, the British Business Bank will seek to raise hundreds of millions of pounds of investment for this fund, with the aim of making investments by the end of 2025.

    Additionally, the government will implement a set of reforms to the British Business Bank’s financial framework that will increase its impact and increase its ability to respond flexibly to the market, including by putting the British Business Bank’s £7.9bn set of commercial programmes on a permanent footing.

    Louis Taylor, CEO, British Business Bank said:

    Today’s announcement is a strong endorsement of the British Business Bank’s 10-year track record, market access and capabilities. By establishing the British Growth Partnership, the Bank will encourage more UK pension fund investment into the UK’s fastest growing, most innovative companies. 

    In addition, reforms to the Bank’s financial framework, putting our £7.9bn commercial programmes on a permanent footing, means we can flexibly re-invest our investment returns over the long term to increase growth and prosperity across the UK.

    Today’s measures follow the Government announcing more than £24 billion of private investment for pioneering energy projects and thousands of jobs in the green industries secured ahead of International Investment Summit.

    This adds to the announcement last week that up to 500 UK manufacturing jobs are set to be supported as bus operator Go Ahead confirms a major £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet. This includes creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus.    

    And it also builds on the Government confirming funding to launch the UK’s first carbon capture sites in Teesside and Merseyside. Two new carbon capture and CCUS enabled hydrogen projects will create 4,000 new jobs, in a boost for the economy and British industry, helping remove over 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year – the equivalent of taking around 4 million cars off the road.    

    Further quotes:

    Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO, London Stock Exchange Plc said:

    It is critically important for the growth of the UK economy that home grown companies are able to access the investment they need to grow, scale and stay in the UK. 

    Access to meaningful UK capital at the scaling phase has been a long-recognised challenge and so we are delighted that British Growth Partnership is being established to help address this problem. This will also facilitate more investment by UK pension schemes into scaling UK companies, providing greater returns for their savers and giving UK investors a greater stake in the UK economy.

    Sir Nicholas Lyons, Group Chair, Phoenix said:

    The UK needs scale and skills to convert our brilliant science and technology start-ups and university spinouts into the successful and sustainable companies of tomorrow.  British Growth Partnership will complement the private sector DC pension industry’s undertakings under the Mansion House Compact to expedite this, directing investment to deliver the best returns for our pension savers.

    Professor Sir John Bell, President, Ellison Institute of Technology said:

    Making sure the best innovative British companies can access the capital they need to scale and stay in the UK is critical for the future of the economy. The Chancellor’s announcement today of the new British Growth Partnership, in addition to confirming £7.9bn of permanent capital for the British Business Bank, are both very welcome and significant steps forward in solving this problem

    Sir Jonathan Symonds CBE, Non-Executive Chair, GSK said:

    This is a welcome step; encouraging institutional investment into the UK’s high-growth-potential companies can provide a real boost to the economy and generate better returns for individuals’ pension investments

    Brent Hoberman, Chairman and Co-Founder, Founders Forum Group, Founders Factory, firstminute capital said:

    It’s great to see the new government taking concrete steps to amplify the Mansion House reforms.   This new British Growth Partnership should help UK startups access further scale up capital to create more world leaders.

    Saul Klein, Co-founder, Phoenix Court and Member of the Council for Science and Technology said:

    The UK has more than 750 venture backed companies generating more than $25m in revenue – this is more than France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands combined. These companies have created over 200,000 new jobs and continue to grow but the UK still has $35bn less scale up capital to support these companies than the United States’ Bay Area alone.

    The government’s continued support for the British Business Bank and its focus on addressing this scale up opportunity will be very much welcomed by these 750 companies as well as the cohorts coming behind them.

    Peter Harrison, Group Chief Executive, Schroders plc said:

    These are further helpful initiatives in creating an environment where risk capital can flow into strategically important industries. Every step is welcome in supporting future economic growth.

    Edward Braham, Chairman, M&G said:

    We welcome the creation of the British Growth Partnership which should unlock much needed investment into the UK’s high growth innovative businesses.

    The combination of private and public sector partnerships, underpinned by long term patient capital, is essential to create the conditions for sustainable growth. 

    As a leading international investor, M&G has a proud history of supporting the progress of businesses and communities across the UK, investing in new innovative companies and private assets such as housing, hospitals and transport.

    Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the BioIndustry Association, said:

    Our world-leading, innovative life sciences and biotech sector is a unique competitive advantage for economic growth. The sector attracts expert global investors but a lack of investment from UK-based institutional investors means the economic and social returns are too often lost overseas.

    The British Growth Partnership will help turbo-charge innovative businesses with fresh UK-based capital, enabling them to scale in the UK and deliver more returns to the British economy, and to ordinary people saving for their retirement. This is a win-win-win for UK life science businesses, for UK pension savers and for the forward-thinking financial services sector.

    Kate Bingham, Managing Partner, SV Health and Former Chair UK Vaccine Taskforce welcomed the announcements saying:

    The UK has the potential to be a global leader and hub for healthcare breakthroughs with its strong entrepreneurial and academic base, together with our expertise and innovation in data science and artificial intelligence.

    Making the British Business Bank independent of government as well as launching the British Growth Partnership enables the Bank to catalyse institutional investment, including from pension funds, into brilliant UK companies that are supercharging the development of revolutionary medical treatments including smarter medicines for cancer, Alzheimer’s and blindness.

    Dom Hallas, Executive Director, Startup Coalition said:

    Tech startups and scaleups need a stable and improving funding environment to compete globally. The British Business Bank’s role in helping create that landscape is critical and today’s announcement will help the UK continue to build VC-backed tech companies across the country that are ready to compete with the very best.

    Michael Moore, Chief Executive, BVCA said:

    It is extremely welcome that the Government and the British Business Bank have brought this hugely significant programme forwards so quickly.

    The prize is to get significant new capital into the growth equity and venture capital funds that are creating new industries and backing innovative businesses that will be the backbone of the British economy of tomorrow. The British Business Bank has a vital role catalysing institutional investment into fast growing British businesses and this announcement will boost that work substantially.

    Just 3% of the pensions investment into UK led growth equity and venture capital funds is from UK pension funds. Alongside the Government’s pensions review this major new vehicle can be the start of a major shift that sees UK pensions savers get the improved retirement income that can come from backing funds which deliver active ownership and long-term investment in business.

    Kerry Baldwin, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, IQ Capital said:

    The launch of the British Growth Partnership and the confirmation of a permanent capital allocation for the British Business Bank are two crucial steps forward in solving the lack of access to domestic capital for the UK’s most promising growth companies.

    I very much welcome the Chancellor’s announcement today, she has been hugely engaged with the venture capital and technology sector, and champions the incredible societal impact that our sector enables through investments into innovative technologies across the UK.

    The British Business Bank has been at the heart of powering the next generation of UK venture and growth funds and the launch of the new fund is welcome as part of the pension reforms.  This fund will enable access to world-leading science and innovative investments which increase productivity by transforming legacy industries through the adoption of novel technologies and also by providing growth capital to the next generation of globally leading frontier technologies which are solving pressing critical global issues from climate change to energy transition.

    Dr Andrew Williamson, Managing Partner, Cambridge Innovation Capital, and member of BVCA Council said:

    Since its formation in 2018, British Patient Capital has played a central role in the growth of the UK’s knowledge-intensive innovation ecosystem.  It has built a world leading team and investment platform with a strong track record of investing in UK deeptech and life sciences companies and the venture capital funds that support these companies. 

    The British Growth Partnership will make the Bank’s extensive expertise available to a broader range of institutional investors, providing attractive returns for those investors and increasing the capital available for leading UK start-up and scale-up businesses.

    Duncan Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Gritstone said:

    We at Northern Gritstone believe that skilled partnerships that channel patient investment into long-term growth and innovation are more important than ever for the UK. 

    By establishing the British Growth Partnership, the British Business Bank is creating a pathway for pension funds and institutional investors to support the future today. Through investment we can create and scale the world class businesses of tomorrow in the UK which is the platform for growth for our economy over the decades to come.

    Irene Graham OBE, CEO, ScaleUp Institute said:

    The ScaleUp Institute has long evidenced the important role of development banks and Sovereign Wealth Funds to global scaleup economies.  The Government’s  placement of the British Business Bank commercial initiatives into permanency, with greater  flexibility, alongside the creation of the great British Growth Partnership are very much welcome and represent significant milestones for the UK economy. 

    Alongside a National Wealth Fund these entities and commitments should further address structural, regional and sectoral disparities and ensure our innovative scaling businesses across the country are better connected, at all stages of growth, to the vital patient capital and institutional funds to enable their global scale and continue to foster our international competitiveness.

    Lisa Quest, Managing Partner UK and Ireland, Oliver Wyman:

    Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for the UK economy. The National Wealth Fund will increase investment across key sectors and accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition. I look forward to the many contributions this initiative will unlock for years to come.

    Dr Rhian-Mari Thomas, Chair of the Taskforce and CEO of the Green Finance Institute said:

    The NWF creates an opportunity for simplification and scale. The challenge now is to ensure it delivers private capital at the pace we need, through innovative risk-sharing transactions in new technologies.

    On top of today’s announcements, the government expects both successful bidders of the Long-Term Investment for Technology and Science (LIFTS) competition, Schroders and ICG, to begin making investments via their new funds in late 2024. Supported by pensions capital from Phoenix Group, the aim is to generate over a billion pounds of investment into UK science and technology companies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Former Lord Mayor Keiran Mulhall

    Source: City of Coventry

    Tributes have been paid to a former Coventry Lord Mayor and councillor who died at the weekend.

    Keiran Mulhall served as a councillor for Radford ward between 1998 and 2018, and as Lord Mayor in 2011.

    He was made an Honorary Alderman in 2018.
     

    Leader of the Council, Cllr George Duggins, said: “Keiran played a full part in the life of the city and laid a wreath in the Memorial Park on behalf of the Royal Army Medical Corps as recently as November last year.

    “He was a dedicated and caring councillor and loved his city. I shall miss Keiran as a friend, as I know many of us on the Council will.”

    Lord Mayor Cllr Mal Mutton, who served with Keiran as a fellow Radford councillor, said: “I know that being named Lord Mayor of his city was a great honour for him and he was so proud.

    “He was a brilliant ward councillor who cared deeply for the city, for Radford and for its people. He will be truly missed, and I have lost a really dear friend. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

    Cllr Gary Ridley, Leader of the Opposition Conservative Group, added: ““Keiran was a real servant of the people, and he contributed fully to civic life over many years in a number of different roles.

    “He was also great company, and I enjoyed spending time with him on many occasions. I’ll particularly remember his wit and sense of humour.”

    Keiran was married to Norma who died during his year as Lord Mayor. He was born in the city and spent almost his whole life in Wyken and worked at Daimler Motor Company for 40 years.

    He joined Daimler when he was 15 and spent his entire working life with the company – except for a short gap in the 1950s when he travelled to Germany and Belgium with the Royal Army Medical Corps as part of his National Service.

    Details of the funeral have yet to be announced.

    Monday, 14th October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record-breaking International Investment Summit secures £63 billion and nearly 38,000 jobs for the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Nearly 38,000 UK jobs are set to be created across the UK after a total of £63 billion of investment was announced around today’s International Investment Summit.

    • Total of £63 billion of private investment committed around International Investment Summit, more than doubling amount secured at 2023 Global Investment Summit
    • New investments today include £6.3 billion in UK data centres as well as world class UK university Imperial College London
    • Innovative investment projects announced over the last month across infrastructure, renewables and life sciences will create close to 38,000 new jobs across the UK

    Nearly 38,000 UK jobs are set to be created across the UK after a total of £63 billion of investment was announced around today’s International Investment Summit, turbocharging growth and innovation across the country. 

    The record-breaking total figure more than doubles the £29.5 billion committed at last year’s Global Investment Summit and spans partnerships across the infrastructure and tech sectors, including over a billion pounds in new investments announced today by DP World, Associated British Ports (ABP) and Imperial College London. 

    Through serious, stable governance, the UK is attracting tens of billions of pounds of new investment which is crucial to the government’s driving mission of delivering economic growth. Today’s historic figure demonstrates that businesses have confidence in Britain as a place to invest. 

    The investments follow immediate action taken by the new government to reform planning, focus on AI and data centre expansion, and set a clear commitment to net zero by almost doubling the funding for renewable energy projects. 

    Four major tech firms based in the US have today announced £6.3 billion in UK data centres which is critical to enhancing the UK’s AI capacity – in turn fuelling Britain’s economic growth and spurring on AI development. Data centres store the vast amount of information and data needed to power AI, and store the information generated by AI to keep the systems running. 

    ABP, the UK’s largest port operator, has committed over £200 million to a joint investment with ferry company Stena Line in a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham, significantly boosting the capacity and resilience of UK trade with Europe. It is expected to create around 700 jobs during construction and around 200 permanent jobs once operational. 

    Leading UK university Imperial College London is also today announcing a £150 million investment to secure a new R&D campus to add to its rapidly expanding deep tech ecosystem in West London. The new campus will expand scale-up capacity in the WestTech Corridor, supporting the UK’s innovation sector and driving investment, economic growth and job creation. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Global investors should be in no doubt that under this new government Britain is truly the best place to do business. The record-breaking investment total secured at today’s Summit marks a major vote of confidence in the UK and our stability dividend across industry and innovation.

    We’re determined to deliver economic growth in every part of the UK and these investments, together with our forthcoming Industrial Strategy, will give global businesses the certainty they need as we lead the charge for the innovation and jobs of the future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    After the investments secured as part of this summit, my optimism for Britain burns brighter than ever. It’s a sign of the confidence in the British economy. And it matters because it will support the growth of businesses big and small across the U.K. Helping them create new jobs and making people better off.

    CEO of ABP Henrik L. Pedersen said:

    We are delighted that the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal (IERRT) has been granted in a timely way by the Secretary of State to allow us to move forward with investment. The IERRT project is a key component of our strategy to strengthen the UK’s supply chains and improve trade connectivity, whilst also bringing substantial economic benefits including the creation of hundreds of jobs during construction and ongoing operations. IERRT forms part of the intended £5.5bn pipeline of UK investment we have in front of us over the next 10 years and we look forward to working closely with the Government to deliver the right conditions to realise this investment.

    President of Imperial College London Hugh Brady said:

    Imperial College London is investing in its ambitious vision for a new globally competitive deep tech innovation ecosystem in West London. The Imperial WestTech Corridor will act as a powerful engine for investment, inclusive economic growth, and job creation at a local, regional, and national level supported by the Government’s emerging Industrial Strategy.

    Please see below for a list of all the investments announced in the run-up to and during today’s International Investment Summit:

    • Iberdrola doubling their investment in the UK, through Scottish Power, from £12 billion to £24 billion over the next 4 years. This includes £4 billion for the East Anglia 2 wind farm off the Suffolk coast which was unlocked by this Government’s expanded allocation at the most recent wind auction round. Iberdrola Executive Chairman Ignacio Galan CBE confirmed on Friday that the UK has become their largest Investment destination. 

    • Blackstone confirmed a £10 billion investment in Blyth, Northumberland to create one of the largest artificial data centres in Europe, creating 4,000 jobs, including 1,200 roles dedicated to the construction of the site. 

    • Amazon Web Services announced an £8 billion investment last month which is estimated to support around 14,000 jobs per year at local businesses, including those across the company’s data centre supply chain such as construction, facility, maintenance, engineering and telecommunications. 

    • CCUS investors (including Eni, BP and Equinor) reached a commercial agreement with the government that will unlock £8 billion of private investment to launch carbon capture clusters in the heartlands of the North West and North East of England, directly creating 4,000 jobs and supporting 50,000 jobs in the long-term. 

    • Orsted and Greenvolt confirming that the Government’s recent expanded offshore wind auction means their projects will unlock £8 billion (Orsted) and £2.5 billion (Greenvolt) of investment respectively in their planned offshore wind farms. Orsted says its commitment will see thousands of jobs for local people, while Greenvolt says it will create up to 2800 construction jobs.  

    • CyrusOne, a leading global data centre developer headquartered in the United States, announced plans to expand their investment into the UK to £2.5 billion over the coming years. Subject to planning permission, the two data centres should be operational by Q4 2028, projected to create over 1,000 jobs both directly and within its immediate design and construction value chain.   

    • Octopus Energy have committed to a £2 billion investment in renewable energy generation, including four new solar farms in Bristol, Essex, East Riding of Yorkshire and Wiltshire that will power up to 80,000 homes as well as breaking ground on a new 12 MW battery in Cheshire which Octopus say will store enough power for nearly 10,000 homes every day. 

    • SeAH Wind has made an additional £225 million investment into wind technology manufacturing in Teesside, thanks to new backing from UK Export Finance, and expects to create 750 direct jobs by 2027. This brings their total investment into the site at Teesworks up to £900 million and will help them make their ongoing factory build – one of the biggest facilities of its kind worldwide – even bigger. 

    • CloudHQ is developing its new state-of-the-art £1.9 billion data centre campus in Didcot. The hyper-scale data centre is currently in development and will help meet the UK’s growing demand for AI and machine learning. It will create 1,500 jobs during construction, and 100 permanent jobs once fully operational.  

    • Macquarie supporting investment of £1.3 billion into new green infrastructure including its Island Green Power solar farm in Stow, as a result of planning consents having been granted by the Government, and its Roadchef portfolio company installing electric car ultra-fast charging points across its sites along the UK motorway network. 

    • ServiceNow also confirmed its commitment to the UK market, with plans to invest £1.15 billion into its UK business over the next five years. The investment will not only support the future development of AI in the UK, expanding its data centres with Nvidia GPUs for local processing data, but also support new office space as the company significantly grows into employee base beyond its current headcount of 1,000 employees.  

    • Manchester Airports Group is investing more than £1.1 billion in London Stansted Airport to expand its existing terminal by around a third, help secure new air routes to key business and leisure destinations, boost local supply chains and create 5,000 jobs. This includes around £600 million to extend the terminal and £500 million to deliver a suite of improvements to the existing terminal building and wider airport estate. 

    • Eren Holdings confirmed a £1 billion investment in the redevelopment of Shotton Mill in Deeside, North Wales which is set to become the UK’s largest recycled paper manufacturing campus. This is expected to safeguard 147 jobs and create a further 220 when the site is fully commissioned. 

    • Network Rail and London & Continental Railways are creating a new property company which will attract additional private and public sector investment with the potential to deliver brownfield regeneration schemes across the rail estate with a value exceeding £1 billion. 

    • CoreWeave is building on its £1 billion investment announced in May and the opening of its European headquarters in London by investing a further £750 million-plus in the UK to support the demand for critical AI infrastructure. The investment in the UK is CoreWeave’s second largest investment in a country following the USA.  

    • DP World are investing up to £1 billion in their London Gateway container port operation. This new investment will fund two additional berths and a second rail terminal. Once built, the berths will add vital transport capacity and increase the resilience of UK supply chains, enabling businesses to access domestic and international markets and supporting the Government’s growth and decarbonisation missions. 

    • Holtec, a major US advanced nuclear engineering company, has confirmed a significant investment of £325 million in a new factory in South Yorkshire which will supply materials for civil and defence nuclear industries. They say this will create up to 490 direct and 280 indirect jobs annually during the construction phase and 1,200 direct engineering jobs created over 20 years. 

    • BW Group proceeding with a £500 million investment, which includes new battery energy storage projects in Hampshire and Birmingham. 

    • Eli Lilly and Company is collaborating with government through a memorandum of understanding which will see the pharmaceutical giant intending to commit £279 million to tackle significant health challenges – including obesity. Lilly also plans to launch the first ‘Lilly Gateway Labs’ innovation accelerator in Europe to support early-stage life sciences businesses to develop transformative medicines and technologies. 

    • Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, has announced a £200+ million investment in a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham, boosting the capacity and resilience of UK trade with Europe. This is expected to create around 700 jobs during construction and 200 permanent jobs once operational. 

    • Imperial College London investing £150 million to build The WestTech Corridor – a new innovation ecosystem in West London which will act as a powerful engine for investment, inclusive economic growth, and job creation at a local, regional, and national level. 

    • Haleon has received planning permission to develop a new £130 million Global Oral Health Innovation Centre in Weybridge, Surrey. This state-of-the-art facility will primarily support Haleon’s global oral health business by developing new products that advance consumers’ better everyday health. 

    Background 

    • The International Investment Summit is being sponsored by Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, M&G plc, Octopus Energy, and TSL.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say: Working age council tax support scheme consultation launches

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Have your say on possible changes to Portsmouth’s Council Tax Support Scheme for working age residents from next year.

    No changes are being made to the council tax support scheme for pension-aged residents.

    A consultation running for eight weeks is now live until Monday 9 December. Complete the consultation online.

    Council Tax Support is a scheme to help some people pay their council tax. The amount of support people can get depends on their income and personal situation.

    The proposal being considered by Portsmouth City Council seeks to change the scheme to provide more financial help for those on the lowest incomes. The change would see many of the approximately 7,500 working-age people claiming council tax support in Portsmouth automatically receive an increase, without having to apply.

    Portsmouth’s Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme, adopted in 2013, was and continues to be based upon a now outdated means-tested ‘benefit’ scheme. Due to central government funding cuts, everyone receiving support from the working age council tax support scheme is currently required to pay at least 20% of their council tax bill, including those on the lowest incomes.

    The consultation asks for people’s views on introducing a new banded scheme for working aged people from 1 April 2025. It would mean individuals and families would receive different levels of council tax support depending on which of the four proposed income bands they are in.

    The change would simplify the application process, increase LCTS take up, and reduce the current frequent reassessment of council tax bills to give most people greater financial stability.

    The change would see the council tax contribution from those on the lowest incomes reduce from 20% to 10%, helping to support those most in need with the cost of living. The discount would reduce for those with higher incomes.

    It’s estimated that just over 74% of working age claimants would either benefit or see no change under the new scheme.

    Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:

    “It’s estimated that the government underfunds the council’s local council tax support scheme by over £4m per year and because of the strain on our finances, there’s no perfect option for changing our council tax support scheme where everyone benefits.

    “To do so would add additional financial burdens that the council is not in a position to meet. What we are considering is a change that would help by far the most people and crucially those on the very lowest incomes, at a time when there’s no respite from high living costs.

    “We know people may have differing views on these proposals and we want as many people as possible to share them with us by taking part in our consultation. No change will be made until we have carefully considered every opinion submitted to our survey.”

    Each year councils are required to review their council tax support schemes, and currently around 100 local authorities, nearly a third, operate banded schemes similar to the one Portsmouth is considering moving to.

    The proposal would have no impact on pension-age claimants of the scheme, which offers pensioners up to 100% towards their council tax bill.

    Cost of living support for Portsmouth residents

    Portsmouth Older Persons Energy Payment, one-off payment of either £200 or £300 launching soon for low-income pensioners who will miss out on the government’s Winter Fuel Payment. It’s open to pension-age Portsmouth households who receive either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support but don’t receive Pension Credit. Find out more and complete a form for us to contact you when it opens: Portsmouth Older Persons Energy Payment – Portsmouth City Council

    Household Support Funding, the council is reviewing how it will allocate the latest round of Household Support Funding and will be announcing schemes and how to apply at Household support fund – Portsmouth City Council

    The Cost-of-living helpline and online information hub, for help around essential costs, health and wellbeing, jobs, money and housing, and hardship funding people can apply for. The helpline is open weekdays from 9am-5pm (closes 4.30pm Fridays) on 023 9284 1047, or visit: http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/cost-of-living-hub

    Switched On Portsmouth, for help reducing energy bills, including referring to energy saving scheme and offering free advice. Call on 0800 260 5907 or visit http://www.switchedonportsmouth.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State for Northern Ireland attends International Investment Summit

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP today met with a number of leading businesses at the International Investment Summit in the Guildhall in London, together with the First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Kieran Donoghue of Invest NI.  

    Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Invest NI CEO Kieran Donoghue.

    Speaking ahead of the Chancellor’s speech, Mr Benn said: 

    Today’s International Investment Summit has been a great opportunity for the First Minister, deputy First Minister and I to promote Northern Ireland as an exciting and dynamic place for foreign direct investment.

    This government and the Northern Ireland Executive know that to grow Northern Ireland’s economy, we need more high quality, long-term investment, and today’s event has brought together the world’s leading companies and investors to help support that.

    Stability is the foundation for growth, and that is exactly why this government is working closely and collaboratively with the Executive to unlock more investment and improve the opportunities for everyone across Northern Ireland.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election candidates announced

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The candidates standing in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead Council by-election have been confirmed.

    Twelve candidates have been nominated to stand in the by-election, which is due to take place on 14 November.

    The candidates standing for election are –

    • Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent
    • Mev Brown, Independent
    • Mairianna Clyde, Scottish National Party (SNP)
    • Neil Cuthbert, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
    • Sheila Gilmore, Scottish Labour Party
    • David Ian Henry, Independent
    • Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party
    • Grant Lidster, Reform UK
    • Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party
    • Daniel Aleksanteri Milligan, Scottish Greens
    • Louise Spence, Scottish Liberal Democrats
    • Marc Wilkinson, Independent

    Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence, said:

    With nominations now closed and a month remaining, residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward can start considering who they will vote for in the upcoming by-election. It’s important to make sure you’re registered to vote by 29 October in order to participate.

    Councillors play a vital role in our democratic system, making key decisions that impact our city. I encourage as many residents as possible to take part in this by-election.

    The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference by assigning numbers rather than just marking a single cross. You can choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as you wish.

    Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from tomorrow (Tuesday 15 October) including further information on when and where to vote.

    If you live in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward you must register to vote by 29 October and anyone wishing to vote by post can sign up for a new postal vote up until 30 October. 

    You can also apply for someone to vote on your behalf via proxy voting, with the deadline for new proxy vote applications on 6 November (for registered voters). 

    Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and will be at:

    • Charwood
    • Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
    • St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
    • Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
    • Pentland Community Centre

    The electronic election count will take place on Friday 15 November starting at 9:30am. 

    The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur, following his election as the MP for Edinburgh South West on 4 July 2024.

    Find out more about the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election on the Council website.

    Published: October 14th 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: BLOG: A Transformative moment for our filmmakers

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders, reacts to the news that the UK’s indie film sector finally has something to celebrate, following the announcement of the eagerly anticipated Independent Film Tax Credit.

    The Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC) has finally been confirmed by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Culture secretary Lisa Nandy.

    The Tax Credit will encourage more production in the UK, as filmmakers will soon be able to claim back 53% of qualifying expenditure on items such as equipment, location costs and actor fees.  Feature films costing up to £15m will be eligible for the tax relief, but must have a UK writer, or director, to certify as an official UK co-production.

    Whilst it will provide a major boost to the UK creative economy and create jobs, more importantly it provides a lifeline to indie film producers and filmmakers who have increasingly struggled to finance films and get them into production in the UK. 

    UK indie production has been in crisis for some time: soaring costs, cuts in funding and market disruption have threatened its very survival.  Ask any Liverpool based producer and filmmaker and they will tell you exactly that.

    But why is it so important to safeguard the indie film sector? Independent films are driven by artistic vision and are more likely to tell stories about human experience.  Their stories dig deep down inside of us and make you feel emotions that big-budget blockbusters just scratch the surface of.

    They teach us, as well as entertain us. They make you take a second look at what’s going on in the world.  They also attract all types of people to get involved in film making. It doesn’t matter what social class, race or gender you are. The indies nurture new writers, directors and producers to develop their craft so they can tell stories that we want to see and hear.   

    Together with my brilliant team at the Liverpool Film Office, we’ve been working tirelessly over the years to develop a world class production hub in our City and across the Liverpool City Region, with strategic capital initiatives such as the LCR Production Fund, The Depot and the rapidly developing Littlewoods Studio Campus, to drive economic growth and employment.  More recently this has included BFI grant funding to develop skills and opportunities for new entrants.

    However, the development of the film and TV sector in our region must be hand in glove with our indigenous filmmaking community with support available to a new generation of writers, directors and producers to tell their unique stories.  With ever decreasing public finances, particularly the vacuum left to support indie filmmakers following the demise of the UK Film Council and the Regional Screen Agencies over a decade ago, this has been very difficult to do. 

    I sincerely hope that the new IFTC will spark a flurry of emails and meetings with local producers who have been lobbying for this important tax credit to be passed.  Yup, I can hear my phone ringing now…

    Learn more about Liverpool Film Office by heading to the official website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Frieze 2024: it’s an industry art fair you’re not supposed to like – but here’s why you might

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Lang, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Fine Art , University of Lincoln

    The average art lover isn’t supposed to like art fairs because they’re so corporate. When you pay £9 for a sandwich and your wifi is sponsored by a big bank, you can understand the reservations. They’re also too big and crowded. Even the VIPs are left queuing to get in.

    But the fair provides opportunities to see work from galleries from all over the world in London and there is plenty of good art on display. As Frieze describes itself “[it] is one of the world’s most influential contemporary art fairs, focusing only on contemporary art and living artists”. It is primarily for those in the art world, those who create, critique and those who collect, and a lot of money changes hands as the world’s galleries show the best they have. But it has also become a cultural day out.

    Apart from loads of great painting and the occasional noncommercial showpiece, Frieze goes out of its way to balance the corporate with more thoughtful displays. There’s a chance to see big-name artists, international galleries and work by new artists. The “Artist-to-Artist” section returned this year, containing work by emerging talents (selected by established artists). With so much on show, Frieze can be daunting. You can easily spend a whole day at the fair, but with so much on display there is truly something for everybody.

    At this year’s Frieze, international highlights included Proyectos Ultravioleta from Guatemala city, who showed miniature paintings by Rosa Elena Curruchich hung alongside larger works emblazoned with the text “me venden” (they’re selling me) by Edgar Calels. Calels also brought the smell of a forest into the booth by covering the floor with pine needles.

    Jhaveri Contemporary (Mumbai, India) presented work by the Bangladeshi duo Kamruzzaman Shadhin and Gidree Bawlee. The piece Kaal (Pala) consists of seven delightful jute figures – among the most enchanting figurative sculptures I have seen recently. Joydeb Roaja’s pen drawings of people, tanks, and people with tanks on their heads are as enigmatic and disturbing as they are engaging.

    Non-commercial art appeared in Jenkins Van Zyl’s Sweat Exchange at Edel Assanti (London). This video installation housed in what Van Zyl has called a sauna-cum-“sweat extraction brewery”, which features two doppelgangers, who alternate between self-care and abuse. Imagine the Pink Panther crossed with Jar Jar Binks as a drag queen and you’re nearly there.

    Then there was Patrick Goddard’s silver cast bees on the floor of Seventeen Gallery, and Lawrence Lek (winner of the Frieze artist award) who has produced Guanyin: Confessions of a Former Carebot – an interactive videogame installation about an AI created to service self-driving cars.

    Most of the works were are those hung on walls. Gallery booths have a small storage area in which they are able to keep paintings and prints, (but less able to store sculptural works). Collectors also favour paintings, prints and photographs to adorn their walls (or similarly put into storage) over artists’ films or video installations.

    What’s to complain about though when there is so much good painting on display?

    Highlights included Tom Anholt and Ryan Mosley at Josh Lilley Gallery (London); Carl Freedman Gallery (Margate), which showed great paintings by Ben Senior, Laura Footes and Vanessa Raw (as well as Lindsey Mendick’s ceramic sculptures) and Tanya Leighton Gallery (Berlin and LA), which had plenty of good painting on show, including works by Matthew Krishanu. Ingleby (Edinburgh) showed Andrew Cranston and Hayley Barker and Arcadia Missa (London) showed Lewis Hammond’s Schmetterling, an eerie blue interior with an unsettling blue-eyed figure, and Jesse Darling, whose Come on England (up the) takes a novel approach to wall-based work by leaning crowd-control barriers in the corner of the gallery booth.

    Counter Editions (Margate) presented a Tracey Emin solo show. You’re not supposed to like Emin, since she outed herself as a Tory sympathiser. Opposite is a Billy Childish solo show at Lehmann Maupin (London, Seoul, New York), where the artist paints live while wearing a beret next to a dirty stepladder for reaching the tops of the large canvases. You’re not supposed to like Billy Childish either because he is a Stuckist (stuck in the age of Van Gogh and Edvard Munch – his only two art heroes). Funnily enough, Charles Thomson, co-founder of Stuckism, derived the name from an insult by Emin, who told Childish, her ex-lover, that his art was “stuck, stuck, stuck”. Don’t tell anybody, but the Emin and Childish works were quite good.

    With an annual curated section, more solo shows and over 270 Galleries from more than 40 countries, if you love art in all its forms (and can afford it) you should experience Frieze London at least once. If you didn’t go this year, you really should spend a day there next. Despite what people say… you’re bound to find something you like.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. Frieze 2024: it’s an industry art fair you’re not supposed to like – but here’s why you might – https://theconversation.com/frieze-2024-its-an-industry-art-fair-youre-not-supposed-to-like-but-heres-why-you-might-241293

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister John Swinney’s comments on the passing of Alex Salmond

    Source: Scottish National Party

    Commenting on news that the former First Minister and SNP Leader Alex Salmond has died, First Minister John Swinney said:

    “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond, and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.

    “Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life – not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.

    “Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.

    “There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family and his many friends right across the political spectrum.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement by Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy & the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom on attacks against UNIFIL bases.

    We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom express our deep concern in the wake of recent attacks by IDF on UNIFIL bases, which have left several peacekeepers injured. These attacks must stop immediately. We condemn all threats to UNIFIL’s security.

    Any deliberate attack against UNIFIL goes against international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The protection of peacekeepers is incumbent upon all parties to a conflict.

    We call on Israel and all parties to uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel at all times and to allow UNIFIL to continue carrying out its mandate. We reaffirm the essential stabilizing role played by UNIFIL in southern Lebanon. We underscore the importance of the United Nations in resolving armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian impact.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with President Christodoulides of Cyprus: 14 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by reflecting on the strong links between the two countries, adding that the Cypriot community was a vibrant and important part of British culture.

    They then turned to the situation in the Middle East, and the Prime Minister thanked President Christodoulides for Cyprus’ strong cooperation on defence and security.

    President Christodoulides thanked the Prime Minister for the UK’s early support for its efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor into Gaza.

    It was vital to see de-escalation in the region, and find a credible, political solution as a way forward, the Prime Minister added.

    Turning to the wider relationship between the UK and Cyprus, the leaders agreed to deepen ties at all levels to drive prosperity and tackle shared challenges.

    Trade, migration, and renewable energy were all areas the two countries could do more together, the leaders agreed.

    The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Christodoulides of Cyprus: 14 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Downing Street this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by reflecting on the strong links between the two countries, adding that the Cypriot community was a vibrant and important part of British culture.

    They then turned to the situation in the Middle East, and the Prime Minister thanked President Christodoulides for Cyprus’ strong cooperation on defence and security.

    President Christodoulides thanked the Prime Minister for the UK’s early support for its efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor into Gaza.

    It was vital to see de-escalation in the region, and find a credible, political solution as a way forward, the Prime Minister added.

    Turning to the wider relationship between the UK and Cyprus, the leaders agreed to deepen ties at all levels to drive prosperity and tackle shared challenges.

    Trade, migration, and renewable energy were all areas the two countries could do more together, the leaders agreed.

    The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –