NewzIntel.com

Category: United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Making public ownership of rail work for London

    Source: Mayor of London

    With the Government promising to bring Britain’s railways back into public ownership, how should that look in practice and implementation in London?

    Tomorrow, the Transport Committee will ask guests what needs to be done to ensure that new arrangements result in a better experience for passengers, and what role the Mayor should have in any further devolution of services.
     
    The Committee will also ask the Deputy Mayor for Transport and Transport for London (TfL) for an update on the impact on passengers of the ongoing cyber incident at TfL.
     
    Panel 1 (10am – 10.40am)

    • Prof Iain Docherty, Dean of the Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Stirling

    Panel 2 (10.45am – 1pm)

    • Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, Greater London Authority 
    • Geoff Hobbs, Director of Public Transport Service Planning, Transport for London

    From 12.30 pm, the Committee will hear how TfL is trying to help passengers affected by the impact of the recent cyber attack.
     
    The ongoing impacts of the attack include passengers being unable to apply for or renew discounted Oyster passes, and delays to the rollout of contactless payments to 47 stations.
     
    The meeting will take place on Thursday 26 September from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
     
    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
     
    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
     
    Follow us @LondonAssembly.
     

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New home for Military Working Dogs at RAF Marham

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has recently completed a new kennel facility for the RAF Police’s Military Working Dogs (MWDs), which form part of security in RAF Marham, Norfolk.

    Air Cdre Ady Portlock officially opens the new building. MOD Crown Copyright.

    The £23 million facility includes kennels for 48 Military Working Dogs (MWDs) divided into 3 separate blocks, each with an outdoor exercise area. One of the blocks is a veterinary area with isolation kennels for dogs who are receiving treatment, while another features offices and a relaxation room for the RAF Police.

    The project includes solar panels, plant rooms, underfloor heating, a new access road, parking, cycle storage, and 2 spaces for the loading and unloading of vehicles, diversion and connection of services. The new building replaces an existing facility with a larger, more comfortable space, improving the environment for both dogs and officers.

    The facility was designed in consultation with the military’s Veterinary Services Training and Advisory Team to ensure it met the requirements of the dogs and their handlers and complied with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

    The work was split into 2 phases, with the enabling work and groundwork done by Amey, and the construction of the foundations and buildings undertaken by VIVO Defence Services due to a transfer of wider DIO contracting arrangements. Both firms used the same subcontractor, Cambridge-based Coulson Building Group, for continuity.

    RAF Marham’s MWDs and their handlers are an important part of the security provisions for the station. They fulfil various roles, including undertaking security patrols and as arms and explosive detection dogs.

    Capt Nick Davenport, Garrison Engineer, said:

    This new facility will provide more space and improved comfort for both MWDs and their RAF Police handlers. The dogs are a key component of the security of RAF Marham and their wellbeing has been our guiding principle throughout the design and build process. I’m very pleased with the end result and look forward to seeing the reaction of the dogs as they explore their new home.

    Group Captain Wigglesworth, Station Commander RAF Marham, said:

    The MWD capability at RAF Marham secures both the Station’s perimeter and the UK’s 5th Generation combat air capability, the F-35B Lightning Force. This new facility will give critical longevity to the MWD capability, providing a base for the dogs and their handlers that now matches their own exceptional standards, professionalism and commitment.

    Provost Marshal (RAF) and Commander of the Air Security Force, Group Captain Samantha Bunn, said:

    The new MWD facility at RAF Marham represents a landmark achievement for the RAF and defence as a whole. It sets a new standard for animal welfare and handler support. MWDs provide a critical ‘protect’ function as part of our layered security methodology to deter and detect against the full spectrum of threats to defence critical assets.

    This flagship facility demonstrates the RAF’s commitment to being at the forefront of MWD care, ensuring our canine partners receive the highest quality housing and welfare provisions in order that they continue to conduct their duties.

    I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the hard work and dedication of those working behind the scenes to support the project throughout the whole process.

    RAF Marham is one of the RAF’s frontline operational stations, housing the RAF’s first F35 Lightning Sqn (617 Sqn) as well as 207 Sqn, the Operational Conversion Unit. Additionally, it accommodates a range of engineering support functions and other small units with over 3,600 personnel working on site, including service personnel, civil servants and contractors. The dogs and their handlers are an important element of the security provision to this vital defence location.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Monthly GDP Estimates for July

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland.

    Scotland’s onshore GDP grew by 0.3% in July 2024 according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. This follows no growth in June 2024 (revised up from -0.3%).

    In the three months to July, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.3% compared to the previous three month period. This indicates a slight decrease in growth relative to the increase of 0.6% in 2024 Quarter 2 (April to June).

    The two industries which made the biggest contribution to overall GDP growth in July were Manufacturing and Information and Communications Services, both of which contributed 0.1 percentage points of growth to headline GDP.

    Background

    The monthly statistical publication and data is available from the Scottish Government’s website.

    All results are seasonally adjusted and presented in real terms (adjusted to remove inflation). GDP growth relates to Scotland’s onshore economy, which means it does not include the output of offshore oil and gas extraction.

    Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the output of the economy in Scotland and monthly data are designated as Official Statistics in Development. This means that they are still in development but have been released to enable their use at an early stage. All results are provisional and subject to relatively high levels of uncertainty.

    Further information on GDP statistics is available from the Scottish Government’s website.

    These estimates are compiled in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics – more information on the standards of official statistics can be accessed from the Statistics Authority’s website.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Making Scotland a global green finance hub

    Source: Scottish Government

    Taskforce identifies four areas for action.

    Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will collaborate with financial institutions to ensure Scotland becomes a global centre for green and sustainable finance and investment. 

    A new report from the Scottish Taskforce for Green and Sustainable Financial Services makes 31 recommendations on how the public and private sectors can encourage and fund green investments and tackle the climate emergency.

    It stresses the Scottish finance industry is particularly well placed to reap “profound benefits” from becoming a global hub and identifies four areas for action – policy, promotion, investment and skills.

    Suggested initiatives include:

    • work to ensure Edinburgh and Glasgow sustain and improve their rankings in the Global Green Finance Index
    • new initiatives to attract more financial institutions to build their sustainable businesses in Scotland
    • collaboration across sectors and academia to improve the skills of Scotland’s workforce in sustainable finance

    Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who will today address the Ethical Finance Global Summit in Edinburgh, welcomed the findings.

    Ms Forbes said:

    “This report is a decisive action plan as we progress towards making Scotland the natural home for green and sustainable finance.

    “The financial services sector is key to delivering the benefits of the transition to net zero and we will use this route map to work together and ensure that Scotland – one of the world’s oldest financial centres – is able to maximise the opportunities ahead of us.

    “This report, complementing our Green Industrial Strategy and the action we are taking such as developing a series of investment opportunities and launching an online investment portal in 2025, will make Scotland more attractive for investment.”

    Taskforce Chair David Pitt-Watson said:

    “Climate may be the greatest challenge facing humankind. Addressing it will require a huge investment and the services of the finance industry. Finance is a jewel in Scotland’s industrial crown. So not only should there be many opportunities for green investment in Scotland, from wind to housing, there is also a huge opportunity for its financial services industry to serve the world.

    “The Taskforce has already stimulated a considerable amount of action. And there is so much more to do. This report is a strategy for Scottish finance to play its proper role in addressing the climate challenge.”

    Chief Executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) Sandy Begbie said:

    “The work of the taskforce is a great example of collaboration between government and industry to enhance Scotland’s reputation as a global green and sustainable finance centre.  

    “There are significant recommendations in the report and I am pleased that today marks the start of a formal partnership between the Global Ethical Finance Initiative (GEFI) and SFE to take them forward. GEFI will leverage its considerable global footprint while SFE will use its leadership position here in Scotland and our key relationships in London.”

    Background

    The Scottish Taskforce for Green and Sustainable Financial Services report.

    The Scottish Government’s initial response.

    The Taskforce was established by the Scottish Government in 2022 following the success of COP 26.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Make September birth boom a bank account boon

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Claim Child Benefit using the HMRC app and receive payment within a week.

    With around 2,000 babies born on 26 September each year, more than any other day, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents to claim their Child Benefit entitlement.

    Claiming online means families could receive their first payment within just a week of their baby’s birth.

    Child Benefit is worth up to £1,331 a year for the first child and £881 for each additional child. 

    Claims can be using the free and secure HMRC app, or made online, 48 hours after the baby’s birth has been registered. With payments typically made within three days, this means parents could receive their first payment within a week. Claims can also be backdated for up to 3 months.

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

    With more babies set to be born on 26 September than any other day, we hope that parents of these newborns take full advantage of their Child Benefit entitlement.

    We’ve made it simpler than ever to claim online and receive a first payment within as little as three days – so download the app today or search on GOV.UK.

    HMRC has released a YouTube video which explains what new parents need to do and how to make a claim.

    How do I claim Child Benefit online?

    To make a claim, families will need their:

    • child’s birth or adoption certificate
    • bank details
    • National Insurance number for themselves and their partner, if they have one
    • child’s original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document, for children born outside the UK

    The amount reduces if one person in the household earns between £60,000 and £80,000 and is subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit can be claimed, and what the charge may be.

    Families who were subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge when the threshold was £50,000 and opted out of payments but now wish to restart their payments, can use the online form on GOV.UK.

    By claiming Child Benefit, claimants will also receive National Insurance (NI) credits. People need a minimum of 10 years NI credits to claim some State Pension, with 35 years NI credits needed to obtain the full State Pension. This can help people who are not in paid employment and not receiving NI credits through their employer.

    A person living in a household subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge will still receive NI credits if they claim Child Benefit but opt out of receiving a payment that they may have to repay.

    Further information

    Birth data taken from the Census 2021 page ‘How popular is your birthday?’

    Information on Child Benefit can be found at GOV.UK.

    The simplest and quickest way to apply for Child Benefit is by using the HMRC app or online at GOV.UK.

    The Child Benefit award notice can be used to prove you qualify for Child Benefit and can be downloaded and printed from the HMRC app or from GOV.UK. Parents and carers may need proof of entitlement to access other benefits and services.

    The £50,000 High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold rose to £60,000 on 6 April 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vets Market Investigation: CMA updates on ‘behind the scenes’ progress

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA updates on information gathering and announces the appointment of a new advisory panel made up of 2 veterinary nurses and 4 veterinary surgeons.

    iStock

    In May 2024, the CMA confirmed its decision to launch a market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK and published tips to help pet owners better navigate vet services.

    There are 16 million pet owners in the UK and the unprecedented response – from the public and veterinary professionals – showed the strength of feeling on this issue. With this in mind, the CMA is updating on the work going on behind the scenes to deepen the Inquiry Group’s understanding of the issues. The Group, made up of independent experts and chaired by Martin Coleman, has been carrying out the investigation, supported and advised by CMA staff.

    In July, the CMA published an issues statement which set out the scope of the investigation and the areas being explored – including the information pet owners receive when deciding on treatment options or making purchases, competition between vet practices, the profitability of different types of vet practices, and the regulatory framework which underpins the sector.

    The CMA has used and will continue to use its formal powers to gather information, examine concerns in more depth and be in a position to shape any remedies, if needed, to address them.

    The Inquiry Group has so far conducted:

    • Site visits: Over the summer members of the Inquiry Group and the case team have visited 20 different sites to talk to veterinary professionals to understand their work. These ‘behind the scenes’ visits happened across the UK – in Belfast, Edinburgh, Swansea, and various locations across England – and included visits to ‘first opinion’ local vet practices, veterinary hospitals, referral centres and practices that provide out-of-hours care. The team visited sites owned by larger corporate groups and several independently owned veterinary businesses, where they spoke to a range of veterinary professionals and observed several treatments and procedures first hand – including consultations, surgical procedures, and animal dentistry.
    • Roundtables: The CMA has held roundtable discussions with veterinary professionals at various stages of their careers, and representatives from animal charities. In-person roundtables were held in Edinburgh, Manchester, Swansea, and 4 virtual roundtables, to capture views on a variety of topics including the challenges faced by vets, how the sector has developed over the last 10 years, interactions with pet owners as well as costs and pricing. Roundtables with consumer groups will be held shortly.
    • Teach-ins: Various organisations in the veterinary sector have presented their views to the CMA at ‘teach-in’ sessions and shared how the veterinary market works, their concerns about the investigation and how regulation is working. Participants included the large corporate vet groups, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the British Veterinary Association, and the British Veterinary Nursing Association.

    The CMA has also used its formal information gathering powers to require vets and vet businesses to provide large amounts of information about the way their businesses operate. This information is being analysed and will be an important part of the evidence relied on in the investigation.

    Today, the CMA is also announcing the appointment of its veterinary advisory panel whose purpose is to provide the Inquiry Group with clinical and practical insight and analysis on an ad hoc basis throughout the course of the investigation. It is comprised of two veterinary nurses and four veterinary surgeons.

    The advisory panel’s insight will help ensure the Group is fully informed on day-to-day matters when it comes to make its decisions, including but not limited to:

    • Operation of veterinary practices – including roles and relationships between veterinary professionals, other staff, and other related organisations
    • Interaction with pet owners – including how owners’ decisions might be informed in different treatment/service situations, communicating recommendations and potential costs, and how those in different professional roles within a vet practice may engage with customers
    • Clinical practice – such as possible treatment options for defined conditions or illnesses of household pets
    • Regulation – including the operation and application of regulations and regulatory bodies

    Martin Coleman, Chair of the Inquiry Group said:

    We know our investigation really matters to pet owners who are worried about costs and vet professionals who want to provide good care, which is why we’re updating on how this work is unfolding. I’m pleased with the progress we have made so far; we’re on target to make our provisional decision by the middle of next year.

    This is far more than a paper exercise – hands-on site visits, teach-ins and roundtables are helping us build a true picture of how vet services operate day-to-day and where the challenges lie. Our new advisory panel – made up of practicing vet nurses and surgeons – will also bring immeasurable experience to the process, all of which will help us make well-informed decisions and reach the right conclusions.

    The next steps are set out in the administrative timetable on the vets case page.

    Notes to editors:

    1. For information, brief biographies of each member of the advisory panel have been published online.
    2. The site visits took place across the UK – in Belfast, Edinburgh, Swansea, and several locations in England including Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, East and West London, Greater Manchester, Somerset, and Surrey.
    3. The 6 large corporate vet groups in the UK are IVC, CVS, Medivet, Pets at Home, Linnaeus, and Vet Partners which together account for 60% of the market.  There are also around 350 smaller chains and a much larger number of independently owned practices. Sources: RCVS, IVC, CVS, Pets At Home, Medivet, Linnaeus – correct as of Oct 2023.
    4. Read more about the CMA and its predecessors’ market investigations work here: Market investigations: 75 years of UK experience – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
    5. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.
    6. All enquiries from the public should be directed to the CMA’s General Enquiries team on general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6000.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change to approach for mock-ups for VMD assessment

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Changes to when the VMD requires submission of veterinary medicine labelling mock-ups for assessment.

    From 1 October, the VMD has revised requirements for submission of mock-ups.

    The changes outlined below are being adopted with the common objective of reducing administrative burden and introducing efficiencies to application procedures.

    Applicants remain responsible for ensuring the labelling and package leaflet for product in the marketplace comply with the approved QRD and principles set out in VMD’s Product Literature Standard.

    Procedures requiring mock-up assessment

    The VMD will continue to review and approve mock-ups for new product applications, including variation extension applications that result in a stand-alone marketing authorisation (MA), prior to those products being placed on the market.

    The VMD will also review mock-ups for the following variation procedures:

    • G.I.15.z Variation Requiring Assessment (VRA) applied for in the following scenarios:

      • to introduce mock-ups for the first time prior to marketing where not submitted at the end of a new MA procedure
      • to facilitate joint assessment of mock-ups between VMD and HPRA following granting of a new MA
      • to assess significant changes to the design or layout of the mock-ups that are unrelated to the summary of product characteristics (SPC)

    • G.I.18 VRA to align product information to the latest QRD template

    What mock-ups do you need to submit

    Mock-ups for all approved pack sizes need to be submitted for assessment prior to their first marketing.

    Procedures no longer requiring mock-up assessment

    The VMD will not routinely assess new mock-ups or annotate existing mock-ups for other variation categories, however, may request these on a case-by-case basis where we consider that the overall design and readability could be significantly affected.

    If this is the case, the procedure will be closed with a condition, and you will need to submit a separate G.I.15z variation to facilitate review of the mock-ups.

    Mock-ups for ongoing applications

    The VMD will continue to assess mock-ups for applications that are ongoing as of 1 October where these have been requested. If you have received a request to submit mock-ups, please continue to submit these for VMD review.

    Contact

    For any queries relating to this news item, please email postmaster@vmd.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAF 60 Second Update25 Sep 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

    We’re back with the latest RAF 60 Second Update from the RAF Police Military Working Dog Trials at RAF Honington.

    In this episode:‌

    • Wedgetail, the UK’s newest Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, has completed its maiden UK test flight.
    • Teams battle for ‘Top Dog’ at the RAF Police Military Working Dogs Trials.
    • Her Majesty The Queen visits RAF Leeming in her role as Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Station to meet personnel and their families.

    Thanks for watching and see you next time!

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next stage of Beach improvement works require temporary closure of Beach Boulevard

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    A temporary closure of the Beach Boulevard between Links Road and the Esplanade will take place from 6pm on Sunday 29 September 2024 as part of the City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan.

    This closure is to allow work to begin on the sites for the new beach park and events field by the main contractor, Robertson Construction Group. The area will be fenced off to allow construction to be carried out safely.

    Clearly signposted diversion routes via Links Road and the Esplanade will be in operation. Two-way traffic on the Esplanade past the Queens Links Leisure Park will continue. The temporary closure will remain in place until the beach park and events field works are completed in 2026.

    These works will be the biggest redevelopment of the beach area for 35 years and are part of a £50million programme to create a transformational waterfront destination which will benefit businesses, residents, and visitors.

    The beach park will include an iconic play feature, the Rope Factory, which was developed through workshops with local school children and young people and was inspired by the city’s rope-making heritage.

    The events field will have an amphitheatre and will be able to host festivals, larger concerts, and gatherings.

    Other works being carried out at the beach include new footpaths, viewing areas, and new street furniture on Broadhill, one of Aberdeen’s best known landmarks, and the demolition of the former beach leisure centre.

    Further details on all the City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan projects can be found on the website www.generationaberdeen.co.uk . You can also register for project updates on the website.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Population and migration statistics 2023 published25 September 2024 ​​​​Statistics Jersey have today released population and migration statistics including:a provisional estimate of the resident Jersey population at the end of 2023a revision of the estimate of the… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    25 September 2024

    ​​​​

    Statistics Jersey have today released population and migration statistics including:

    • a provisional estimate of the resident Jersey population at the end of 2023

    • a revision of the estimate of the resident Jersey population at the end of 2022

    • new experimental statistics breaking population and migration statistics down by eligibility for Control of Housing and Work Law status (Registered, Licensed, Entitled for Work, Entitled)1

    • new experimental statistics breaking population and migration statistics down by self-declared nationality1

    Summary

    The resident population at the end of 2023 is provisionally estimated to be 103,650, an increase of 350 people from the end of 2022.​

    There were more deaths than births in 2023 for the second year in a row, resulting in a negative natural change of -110. More people inwardly migrated than outwardly migrated during 2023 leading to net migration of +470 people. 

    In the five-year period 2018 to 2023:

    • the number of over 64-year-olds grew by 12%

    • the number of under 16-year-olds fell by 5%

    • the number of working age people (16 to 64 years old) was relatively stable (fell by 1%)

    Although relatively stable in size, this report shows that the working age population would have fallen every year since 2012 by an average of 230 people each ​year without migration.

    ​The report provides detailed experimental statistics by eligibility for Control of Housing and Work Law statuses.1​ Over the five-year period 2018 to 2023:​

    • the number of people with Registered status decreased by 15%

    • the number of people with Licensed status increased by 38%

    • the number of people with Entitled for work status decreased by 4%

    • the number of people with Entitled status increased by 2%

    ​The self-reported nationalities of the resident population are also presented as experimental statistics in the report.1 Over the five-year period from 2018 to 2023:

    • the number of people with a European nationality decreased by 7% from 16,740 to 15,610

    • the number of people with a rest of world nationality (excluding Jersey, British, and European) increased by 150% from 1,720 to 4,300 people

    Statistics Jersey have produced these population and migration statistics using administrative data (data that is already held by government for running public services). See report for detailed data sources and methods, linked below.

    Population and migration statistics 2023​

    ​

    1Experimental statistics are considered to be in the testing phase. The statistics potentially have a wider degree of uncertainty and should be interpreted with care. Publishing experimental statistics gives an opportunity to involve potential users an​d stakeholders in assessing their quality and suitability, while still providing useful information for users. You can read more in the​guidance and interpretation of experimental statistics policy linked below.

    guidance and interpretation of experimental statistics policy

    ​

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: School-based nurseries funding round to launch next month

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The first stage of the government’s plan to deliver 3,000 nurseries by upgrading spare spaces in primary schools will begin next month.

    The first stage of the government’s plan to deliver 3,000 nurseries by upgrading spare spaces in primary schools will begin next month, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced today. 

    From next month, schools will be invited to bid for a share of £15 million capital funding, with capacity in the programme to deliver up to 300 new or expanded nurseries in this first round.

    Schools will need to demonstrate how their proposals will respond to need in their local area, supporting the 2025 expansion of government-funded hours of childcare and early education for working parents to 30 hours a week.

    Funding will be allocated to successful schools in Spring 2025 to support delivery for the first cohort of places.

    This is the first step to delivering the government’s ambition for 3,000 new nurseries in primary schools, and long-term plan to make early years education and childcare more widely available, accessible, and high quality.

    Currently, availability of early years provision is not evenly distributed across the country, with the most disadvantaged areas often experiencing the lowest access to provision.

    To ensure the programme is delivered in a way that will benefit all parents and children, the department will use the first phase to take learnings for future years and better understand how we can best support underserved and poorer areas.

    Schools will be able to express interest for future phases of the programme to help assess demand in different parts of the country, and the department will engage with the sector on the most appropriate model to extend the programme across the country in its second phase. 

    The government has urged schools interested in bidding for the first round to start discussing with their local authorities, governing organisations and wider stakeholders to consider pupil place planning, local childcare sufficiency and next steps for setting up and running new or expanded nurseries. 

    Guidance to support schools will be issued at the date of launch.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Digital switch for community alarms

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Digital telecare systems provide greater reliability as well as faster connections, which means they can send alerts more quickly than analogue ones.

    More than 275,000 calls are made through the alarm system in Perth and Kinross each year.

    In 2017, BT Open Reach declared the termination of analogue telephone networks by 2025, prompting a nationwide shift to digital networks.

    The UK and Scottish Government’s Digital Office, have been collaborating with telecom providers to support this transition. The deadline for the complete switchover has been extended to the end of 2027 to accommodate various challenges faced by local authorities and businesses. However, Perth and Kinross are on track to meet the original 2025 deadline.

    To support the transition in Perth and Kinross, the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) secured £6 million funding from Perth and Kinross Council in February 2022.

    This funding is supporting the replacement of 4,000 analogue alarm units to digital ones.

    To date, 3,850 units have been purchased at a cost of £1.34 million, leaving only 39 units pending replacement.

    The remaining £4.66 million will fund the next phase of the project, including the replacement of peripherals for more complex needs, and addressing future demand due to an ageing population.

    As of June 2024, approximately 2,000 clients have been migrated to the digital network, with the remaining clients expected to transition by the end of the financial year.

    Perth & Kinross HSCP has received national recognition from the Local Government Digital Office, earning a Gold Level 2 Implementation Award for migrating over 50% of clients to a digital service.

    Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Jacquie Pepper said: “We are committed to completing the digital telecare switchover, ensuring those who rely on this vital service continue to receive reliable and advanced telecare services.

    “We anticipate all of our customers will be fully  switched over to digital by the end of 2024. This will make Perth and Kinross one of the few Scottish local authorities to reach this milestone.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Helping to prevent domestic homicides and suicides

    Source: Scottish Government

    Review process will ensure lessons are learned from each case.

    Legislative proposals to help reduce the number of domestic homicides and suicides in Scotland have been published in Parliament.

    If passed by MSPs, the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill, would require a robust new review process to take place following the death of a partner, ex-partner, or child where abuse is known or suspected.

    The reviews will ensure justice, health, social care, local government and third sector agencies identify and agree any areas for change and improvement so further deaths may be prevented.

    Those with direct experience of domestic abuse and families who have been bereaved because of such abuse overwhelmingly backed the plans for this national multi-agency review model during a public consultation.

    The model, informed by the work of a Scottish Government-led multi-agency Taskforce, is a key part of the new Bill. 

    As the Bill was published, an information board at a previously unmarked memorial cairn in Holyrood Park was installed by Historic Environment Scotland. The cairn, built in memorial to domestic homicide victim Margaret Hall, who was murdered by her husband in 1720, was visited by Justice Secretary Angela Constance and partners involved in developing the review model.

    Elsewhere, the new Bill proposes measures to modernise the justice sector through greater use of digital technology, including evidence-sharing, and efficient processes. It will make permanent a number of temporary measures put in place during the COVID pandemic which have improved how the criminal justice system works and which have support to become permanent measures. The reforms include allowing more ‘virtual’ attendance at criminal courts, electronic signing and sending of documents in criminal cases and increasing the maximum level of fiscal fines that can be imposed.

    Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

    “One death involving domestic abuse is one too many. While overall homicide rates are falling, there remains a significant number of victims who are killed by a partner or ex-partner, with the vast majority being women.

    “Our plans for a new review process will ensure agencies across justice, health, social care, local government and the third sector are working together to identify what lessons can be learned following known or suspected domestic abuse deaths. I hope that identifying what needs to improve will mean there are fewer deaths of this kind. Ultimately, however, the change we need to see will only happen when those who perpetrate domestic abuse – the majority of whom are men – change their actions and behaviour.

    “This is a dual-purpose Bill and some of the criminal justice measures included are already delivering better outcomes and experiences for those using justice services, so it is right that we look to make them permanent. The Bill, which is backed by justice partners including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, also supports greater use of digital technology, which will modernise the justice system even further.”

    Fiona Drouet, founder and CEO of EmilyTest, said:

    “The introduction of domestic homicide and suicide reviews marks a critical step forward in Scotland. These reviews will help us better understand the warning signs so often missed before a tragedy. They will be crucial in helping to prevent so many avoidable deaths, whether by murder or suicide.

    “I am privileged to have been invited to chair the Domestic Abuse Related Suicide Task and Finish Group under the Taskforce, helping to ensure that lessons are learned and precious lives are not lost. Through the support and expertise of my depute chair, Sarah Dangar, and the wider group, I am confident we will ensure meaningful lessons are learned.”

    Kate Wallace, Chief Executive at Victim Support Scotland, said:

    “The Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review offers a unique opportunity for lessons to be learned from homicides and suicides within the context of domestic abuse in Scotland, so that we can help ensure these types of crimes can be prevented. 

    “We welcome the opportunity to bring forward legislation which will embed this entirely new approach for Scotland, and fully acknowledge the work and collective efforts required to address the unique issues inherent to this type of crime. We welcome these progressive measures, especially how victims will be considered within the legislation.”

    Background

    Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill

    The Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Model is being developed by the Scottish Government’s Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Taskforce, Model Development Subgroup and ‘Task and Finish’ Groups.

    The commitment to developing a domestic homicide review model is within the Equally Safe Delivery Plan.

    Domestic Homicide Reviews: Consultation Analysis

    For further information about the cairn, contact Historic Environment Scotland – communications@hes.scot; 07721 959 962

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New event coming to support pensioners in Derby

    Source: City of Derby

    We will be running a Pensioner Advice Event as part of the council’s wider initiative to help pensioners this winter with Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments and more.

    This event will be running on Friday 4 October, 10am – 3pm at the Council House. The event is designed specifically to provide guidance, advice and resources for struggling pensioners in Derby. Attendees will have access to expert advice on a wide range of topics, including:

    • Applying for Pension Credit.
    • Information about Winter Fuel Payments.
    • Fire safety advice.
    • Information on local public transportation.
    • Find out how to secure better prices for water, electricity, and phone services.
    • Advice on how to make your home more energy-efficient to lower your heating bills.
    • And more.

    A BSL interpreter will be available at the event, ensuring those who use British Sign Language can access the information they need. No prior booking is required for the event.

    Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities, said:

    We know that pensioners across Derby are feeling the pressure from rising costs, and it’s crucial that we step in to provide the help and advice they need. This event is just one of numerous practical initiatives we are carrying out to support our older residents by offering guidance on everything from pension credit to energy savings.

    We are committed to making sure that pensioners in our city have the resources to get through these challenging times.”

    For more information, you can visit derby.gov.uk/costofliving or visit communityactionderby.org.uk.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ready for uni life? Use condoms to keep STIs away

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UKHSA is advising students to use condoms when having sex with new or casual partners

    Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain high among young people. The most recent data from UKHSA shows that in 2023, among people aged 15 to 24, there were:

    • 104,107 cases of chlamydia
    • 4,617 cases of genital warts
    • 29,880 cases of gonorrhoea

    These infections spread easily, and those aged 15 to 24 are especially at risk as they are more likely to have frequent partner changes.

    While many STIs can be treated, untreated infections can lead to serious health issues. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea may cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis can result in severe, irreversible problems affecting the brain, heart, or nerves.

    Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA, said:

    If you’re having sex with someone new, or someone more casually, don’t forget to use a condom.

    With higher STI rates in young people, having sex without a condom can increase your chances of an infection like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Getting tested regularly will also help detect any infections quickly and protect your own and your partners health.

    Some people will have symptoms of an infection (such as a discharge, pain while urinating or an unusual rash or blisters) but many people do not show symptoms which means people often pass on STIs without realising it. Regular testing for STIs and HIV  is essential – everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, at least once a year if having condomless sex with new or casual partners.

    Testing is free – including for students who have moved here from another country. It can be accessed through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres. Many sexual health services in England now offer free STI self-sampling kits for people who aren’t showing any symptoms or signs of an STI and would prefer a routine check-up in the comfort and privacy of their own home. If you notice any unusual symptoms, make sure to contact your local sexual health service and get tested.

    Laura Domegan, Head of Nursing at Brook, said:

    Freshers is always a good time for young people to consider their sexual health, with many of them moving away from home, meeting new people and taking part in all the fun that comes with starting a new college or university. This year it is particularly important, given the recent increase in diagnoses of several STIs, particularly among young people. Thankfully there are very simple steps everyone can take to look after themselves.

    Using condoms is one of the best ways to enjoy safer sex as they’re the only form of contraception that also protects against STIs. People should also get tested if they’ve had unprotected sex or started seeing a new partner. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve had sex or how many sexual partners you’ve had, anyone can catch an STI. Many STIs do not have symptoms either, so testing is the only way to know if you have one or not.

    We would also encourage students to access their local sexual health services. They will be able to provide you with free condoms, contraception, and STI testing and treatment, as well as the confidential, non-judgement support you need to look after your sexual health. To find your nearest sexual health service visit the Brook Sexual Health Clinic Near Me website.

    UKHSA is also reminding students to ensure they are up to date with their free NHS vaccines, including:

    • MMR
    • MenACWY
    • HPV

    The MenACWY jab can be a lifesaver as it protects against some types of meningitis. The HPV vaccine protects against some forms of cancer and reduces the risk of genital warts. Some students will also be eligible for an mpox vaccine, a hepatitis B vaccine and a hepatitis A vaccine.

    UK Health Security Agency press office

    10 South Colonnade
    London
    E14 4PU

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘National conversation’ on curriculum begins

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Professor Becky Francis has launched a call for evidence seeking views on the current curriculum and assessment system to help shape the future of education.

    Professor Becky Francis

    Young people, parents, employers and education staff, leaders and experts are being invited to take part in a ‘national conversation’ about how the curriculum and assessment system can better prepare young people for life and work, as a call for evidence is launched today (25 September). 

    The eight-week consultation aims to bring everyone into the conversation about what’s working well and what could work better in the curriculum and marks the next step in the government’s independent review. 

    Responses will be invaluable in shaping the direction of the review and pivotal to the recommendations Professor Becky Francis and her expert panel put forward in 2025.  

    Today’s call for evidence covers a range of specific areas, including how best to provide an excellent foundation in English and maths, support for children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, and access to a broad and balanced curriculum.  

    The review will also take written and oral evidence from key stakeholders, alongside a series of regional engagement events from mid-October to meet and take input from young people and staff on the frontline.  

    Spanning from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 5, the review will look closely at the key challenges to attainment for young people, and the barriers which hold children back from the opportunities and life chances they deserve – in particular those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, or with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).   

    Professor Becky Francis said: 

    “The curriculum belongs to the nation. And especially, it must work for the young people who follow it, and the teachers and lecturers that communicate it. 

    “As such, it’s imperative that we hear perspectives and evidence from as wide a range of people as possible including children, young people, parents, education professionals and other stakeholders. 

    “The launch of our Call for Evidence today enables that. And we have sought to keep questions broad and wide-ranging, to enable people to have their say.  

    “There is much that is working in the present curriculum, but this is a chance to refresh, to address areas which aren’t working well, and to ensure excellence for all. I hope as many as possible will respond and I look forward to reading the responses.” 

    The review will look at ensuring all young people aged 16-19 have access to rigorous and high-value qualifications and training that will give them the skills they need to seize opportunity, as well as ensuring they are ready for the changing workplace.     

    It will also look at whether the current assessment system can be improved for both young people and staff, while protecting the important role of examinations.   

    Following the review, all state schools – including academies which currently do not have to follow the national curriculum – will be required by law to teach the national curriculum up to age 16, giving parents certainty over their children’s education. 

    The call for evidence runs from 25 September to 22 November 2024 and can be accessed here.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GPs join University to train the next generation of doctors GPs from across the north-east are helping to support the next generation of doctors at the University of Aberdeen.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The GP tutorsGPs from across the north-east are helping to support the next generation of doctors at the University of Aberdeen.
    They have returned to the classroom as part-time tutors to provide interactive, immersive clinical training to students – roles taken on in addition to their commitments at their practices.
    To help deliver the increased GP teaching at the University, ten new GP tutors have joined the 12 already supporting students on the medicine degree course as student numbers have swelled. In the third-year cohort which undertakes training in General Practice, student numbers have risen from 217 two years ago to 279 for the current academic year.
    The tutors will support the delivery of a more experiential learning style as part of a new curriculum introduced in 2022 designed to support students in readiness for their clinical placements in Year 4.
    The teaching sessions involve active participation from students, including role play, case-based discussions, practicing writing referral letters or interpreting blood results, and video consulting with real patients.
    Feedback from medical students has been positive. One previous third-year student said: “It has been one of my favourite aspects of Y3 and given me a great insight to GP world, so much so that now it is a real consideration in my future career.” Another added: “GP teaching this year was amazing and it provided interactive, diverse teaching opportunities that catered to a variety of learners and I can only commend the team for their work. Truly amazing!”
    GP tutors have also indicated the benefits of taking on the role with a tutor who has taught since 2022 saying: “In order to facilitate training of GPs of the future – ones who actually want to be GPs – we need to expose students to teaching from those who have genuine, day-to-day experience of the clinical work.  It allows the sessions to be engaging and realistic, gives the students an idea of how things actually work in practice and gives us an opportunity to inspire future GPs.”
    Dr Naomi Dow, GP and Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen said: “Despite the pressure on GPs locally and nationally, we have filled all positions, and now have a team of enthusiastic GPs ready to teach our large year group of 279 students.
    “Aberdeen medical students now have far more exposure to General Practice than they did even five years ago and we hope this will encourage more students into the field and provide them with a wider range of options when it comes to choosing their clinical specialisms.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Kremlin could never have envisaged how war in Ukraine is developing: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says the military situation is markedly different to what many expected two and a half years ago and this is a testament to the bravery and fortitude of the Ukrainian people.

    Location:
    Vienna
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Mr Chair. The present situation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is one that the Kremlin could hardly have envisaged when it embarked on its devasting war of aggression.

    Russia boasted that Ukraine would be defeated in a three-day lightning war, yet today marks two years and 219 days of this conflict. Ukraine now controls Russian territory in the Kursk Oblast. This is the first time that Russian territory has been held since the Second World War. We should be clear: this is a direct consequence of Russia’s illegal invasion and entirely consistent with Ukraine’s right to self-defence. To try and tackle this situation of its own making, Russia has been launching 50% of its glide bombs at its own territory, and on the neighbouring Sumy region of Ukraine.

    Since we met last week, on the evening of 17-18 September Ukraine conducted a successful attack on the Toropets strategic ammunition depot. Renovated in 2018, this was one of Russia’s largest strategic ammunition depots supporting Russia’s operation in Ukraine and housing ammunition of varying calibres, including ammunition procured from the DPRK.

    The resulting explosion recorded 2.7 on the Richter scale, equivalent to a mild earthquake. It forced Russia to declare a state of emergency, with the resulting fires 6 km wide and detectable from space. This was followed on 21 September by additional successful strikes on depots again in Toropets, and in Tikhoretsk. These Ukrainian strikes mark significant strategic setbacks for the Kremlin. The level of losses accounts for months of Russian ammunition expenditure rates.

    Moreover, Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure in an attempt to try and break the will of the Ukrainian people. Strikes in Ukraine’s central region of Poltava cut power to 20 settlements, whilst in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, an attack on Monday killed at least one person and injured seven, amongst them a 13 year old girl and a 15 year old boy.

    The military situation is markedly different to what many expected two and a half years ago and this is a testament to the bravery and fortitude of the Ukrainian people. But it is also critical that Ukraine continues to receive the support of allies and partners, diplomatically and militarily. The Kremlin would like to portray such support as a western conspiracy. But the reality is that the Russian state isolated itself from the moment it instigated an unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. Furthermore, Russia has contravened international law and misled this Forum completely.

    The United Kingdom’s support to Ukraine is ironclad. To date the UK’s total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to £12.8 billion, which includes £7.8 billion in military support. £3 billion in military aid has been pledged to Ukraine in 2024-25, a £700 million increase on 2023-24.

    The gap between Russia’s expectation of a three-day operation and the 943-day reality continues to grow. The Russian state has a clear path to prevent this metric from diverging further. It must cease hostilities and withdraw from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.  The United Kingdom, alongside its partners, will continue in its enduring support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Drive to Net Zero Wins Award

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Dundee City Council is celebrating more national success for its drive to net zero and use of electric vehicles.  

    Logistics UK recently announced the winners of its Van Awards 2024.   

    Dundee City Council won the Van Decarbonisation category against competition from industry giants like Aspire Defence, John Lewis Partnership, Reflex Vehicle Hire, Speedy Hire and the AA.   

    The award put a national spotlight on Dundee’s electrification and decarbonisation strategy  

    Simultaneously, Dundee City Council will now be shortlisted for the Van Business of the Year category at the prestigious Logistics Awards 2024 taking place in December.  

    Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “This award represents more national recognition for the journey Dundee is undertaking.    

    “We have accomplished much, and we are working on actions set out in the Council’s Net Zero Transition Plan to become a more sustainable city and a more modern council.” 

    Kevin Green, Director of Policy & Communications at Logistics UK said: “The competition was fierce this year and being selected as a finalist is a great achievement itself.  Over three million people employed across industries ranging from engineering and construction to emergency and rescue services rely on a van for their job, so it is impossible to understate the contribution the sector makes to all our lives and the broader economy.”  

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Building climate resilience

    Source: Scottish Government

    Plan to help communities understand how climate change impacts their lives.  

    Communities and businesses across Scotland will be given support and tools to help tackle the unavoidable impacts of climate change as part of the Scottish Government’s new National Adaptation Plan.

    The Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 (SNAP3) sets out a comprehensive suite of more than 200 actions and proposals for managing the current and future impacts of climate change in Scotland.

    Climate change means Scotland will experience more extreme weather. Flooding, water scarcity and hot weather can damage our environment, disrupt public transport and affect our supply of foods, vital goods and services. This means that households, communities, businesses and organisations across Scotland are having to consider the impacts of climate change more than ever. 

    It includes how sectors including agriculture, transport and health as well as businesses and communities will prepare for more extreme weather events, such as flooding, water scarcity and extreme periods of heat. These include:

    • £5.5 million of funding this year to complete a national network of Community Climate Action Hubs to drive locally-led climate action across Scotland
    • investing £400million investment to Scotland’s railway infrastructure to reduce weather-related disruption
    • facilitating peer-to-peer support to local governments and public services to prepare for the impacts of climate change for local populations
    • providing advice and support to businesses on how they can future proof their workplaces through practical check-lists on how to prepare for the impacts of climate change
    • ensuring the NHS Scotland estate is prepared and equipped to deal with extreme heat and flooding

    Launching the plan at a visit to the Restoring the River Leven project, First Minister John Swinney said: 

    “While we must ensure Scotland continues to play its part in addressing the causes of climate change, we must also be ready to deal with the impacts that are already locked in giving us wetter winters, drier summers and more weather-related disruption.

    “Our new Adaptation Plan is our most comprehensive response to protecting people’s lives and livelihoods against the risks of climate change – with over 200 actions to build climate resilience in our communities, businesses, public services and natural environment. 

    “I am proud to lead a Scotland that is driving forward the race to net zero, whilst ensuring that our country is ready for the impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing. This can be demonstrated through the Leven River Restoration Project, which has adapted the local landscape to help reduce the amount of flooding in the area, whilst restoring and encouraging wildlife and nature to flourish. It is a fantastic example of how collaborative working can use nature to adapt to the challenges we face at the same time as delivering benefit for the local community.” 

    Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment protection Agency (SEPA), said:

    “Scotland’s natural environment is globally renowned and our water environment, as we can see in Leven today, is central to our environmental, economic and social success. Scotland’s water quality is at its highest level ever, with more than 87% of our water environment achieving good or high classification for water quality, with an ambition to go further.

    “Our climate is already changing and as Scotland’s environment agency, we’re at the forefront of working with partners to respond and adapt. The Water Environment Fund, including The Leven Project, is a very visible story for change and a great example of how public, private and community sector partners can successfully collaborate to improve water environments, boost flood resilience and deliver community benefits.

    “In Scotland’s Climate Week, it’s fitting that we hear directly from young people and community partner’s who’ve worked so hard locally and who’s future depends on the work that together we do today.”

    Fife Council Leader Councillor David Ross said:

    “Fife Council welcomes the Scottish Government’s new Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which marks an important step forward in the collective fight against climate change.

    “Much has changed since Fife Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and, although we have made significant progress on a number of fronts, we are committed to helping our communities prepare for, and respond to, the effects of climate change.

    “The First Minister’s visit to the Restoring the River Leven project highlights the remarkable progress that can be achieved through strong partnership working, in this instance between Fife Council, SEPA, Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and local communities.

    “This close collaboration has also led to – and will lead to – additional benefits through the Levenmouth Connectivity Project, the Active Travel Network and River Park Routes as well as The River Park Project that sit alongside the restoration project as part of the wider Leven Programme.

    “Fife Council remains fully committed to leading the way in tackling climate change and we are proud to be part of initiatives that not only restore our natural environment but also build resilience for the future.”

    Jeremy Harris, CEO at Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, said: 

    “This project to restore the River Leven is a working example of different organisations coming together to deliver something that directly contributes to the outcomes laid out in the new Scottish National Adaptation Plan. The carefully considered interventions already under way will return the river to its more natural flowing state ensuring that nature connects through the Leven catchment and delivers direct benefits to the local communities.

    “Improved infrastructure with the river at its centre will serve the surrounding communities and enrich the lives of those who make use of it. At Fife Coast and Countryside Trust our mission is to connect environment and people and this river restoration project, running through the heart of Levenmouth, is a wonderful example of how to do just that. I look forward to seeing the natural world and local communities flourish thanks to this work for years to come.”

    Background  

    Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Rivers Day 2024: Removing fish barriers across South West

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Fish have been moving more freely thanks to joint efforts to remove manmade barriers blocking them from going home to spawn or reach vital habitats.

    Before and after a weir was removed from the River Camel Credit: Westcountry Rivers Trust

    World Rivers Day, which happens on the fourth Sunday of September, is a global event which celebrates rivers around the world – including the River Camel in Cornwall and River Tarrant in Dorset where the Environment Agency and partner organisations have worked hard to remove weirs in the past year.  Staff have also been investigating the River Teign to draw up a detailed map of 59 manmade structures and a further 79 obstacles to inform future action. 

    An Environment Agency spokesperson said:

    World Rivers Day is an excellent reminder to celebrate what we have and the vital work that is being undertaken to protect and improve our rivers   

    The cost of removing these legacy structures when demands on rivers were different are prohibitive. But thanks to partnership help from bodies like Westcountry Rivers Trust and Wessex Rivers Trust, we are overcoming these obstacles.  

    There are many pressures on fish including the iconic salmon which is seeing a global decline in numbers. Removing historic obstacles is one way to improve their future and enhance the environment that they live in.

    This weir on the River Camel was causing issues for fish Credit: Westcountry Rivers Trust

    How the River Camel looks now the weir has been removed Credit: Westcountry Rivers Trust

    Alongside removing obstacles in the river, initiatives like reducing the canopy of forested areas to let more light into habitats and slowing the flow of water with leaky dams have improved the environment for the wildlife dependent on both rivers.  

    Laurence Couldrick, Chief Executive Officer for Westcountry Rivers Trust, said:

    The two barrier removals on the upper River Camel have contributed to safeguarding this beautiful Cornish river and many of the protected species that rely on free-flowing rivers.   

    As well as removing barriers to fish passage this also provides numerous ecological benefits such as restoring natural flow regimes, improving sediment transport, improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity and improving climate resilience.

    A spokesperson for the National Trust said:

    Partnerships are a powerful tool to unlock benefits for our catchments and maximise the positive impacts of any project.   

    In priority rivers for Atlantic Salmon in the South West such as the Teign, Lemon and Plym we are working closely with the Environment Agency, Rivers Trusts and other partners to undertake monitoring, enhance habitats and remove or provide solutions to the presence of barriers, with wider benefits to local wildlife and communities.

    Background

    Read our World Rivers Day 2024 blog by our director of water about the biggest causes of river pollution.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Flooding impacts from heavy rainfall from Monday 23 September

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Heavy rain and thunderstorms from Monday 23 September have led to flooding in parts of England.

    Heavy rain and thunderstorms from Monday 23 September have led to flooding in parts of England. These impacts included a combination of surface water flooding and some river flooding. Around 200 properties were flooded across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Kent and the Home Counties.

    Environment Agency staff remain out on the ground, clearing blockages and supporting local authorities in their response work.

    With unsettled conditions expected during the coming few days, further flooding is possible but not expected on Thursday and Friday, so we continue to urge people to keep an eye on the weather, check their flood risk, and take care planning their journeys.

    Kate Marks, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    Following this week’s heavy rain and thunderstorms, flood warnings and alerts remain in place across many parts of the country. The risk of further significant surface water flooding is also possible but not expected in parts of the country on Thursday and Friday.

    Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding. We urge people to plan their journeys carefully, follow the advice of local emergency services on the roads and not to drive through flood water – it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

    People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.

    The Environment Agency recognises the threat from surface water flooding and is taking action to improve the country’s resilience – for instance supporting local flood authorities to enhance local surface water flood risk mapping. See our blog on surface water flooding for more information.

    Updates to this page

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  • MIL-OSI Global: Why building new towns isn’t the answer to the UK’s housing crisis

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amrita Kulka, Assistant Professor, Political Economy and Public Economics, University of Warwick

    The UK is aiming to build 1.5 million homes over five years. Nick Beer/Shutterstock

    The UK’s new government is intent on building 1.5 million homes over the next five years. It’s all part of the plan to address the housing supply and affordability crisis.

    Many of these homes are to be built in the form of large communities or new towns of more than 10,000 housing units each. Some English new towns built after the second world war, such as Milton Keynes, Harlow and Basildon, have been successful economically. But the building of new towns has ground to a halt since the 1990s.

    The importance of large developments for housing supply in the UK has increased dramatically in the last 25 years. We have put together new evidence that reveals a significant shift in the source of housing supply. These days, an increasing share of new homes are coming from large developments.

    At the turn of the century, very large developments of at least 500 units made up only single digits of the total percentage of potential housing supply. Today, such developments represent 38% of permitted housing units. These very large projects only made up 0.2% of applications over the 25 years, but make up a disproportionately large chunk of new housing supply.

    This graphic shows the share of permitted new homes from 2000 to 2023 for applications of different development sizes across the UK.

    Proportion of new homes by development size

    Our research, undertaken with the support of our research assistant Alex Gallagher, explores the barriers that developments face in terms of paperwork and waiting time for a decision. We show that the amount of paperwork increases dramatically with the size of the project, going from one application for projects involving one unit, to more than eight applications for projects involving 500 or more units.

    The additional paperwork is generated by things like environmental surveys, infrastructure needs and public utilities.

    Northstowe in Cambridgeshire, which was planned to be the largest new town since Milton Keynes was built in the 1960s, also required funding for local infrastructure. Developers were obliged to contribute more than £120 million, most of which went to the construction of local schools. The development was left in limbo for around four years due to a delay to the expansion of the A14 trunk road, upon which the new town was entirely dependent. It is still not complete, with residents frustrated at the lack of infrastructure.

    In the case of Buckshaw Village, a new Lancashire development built on a former munitions factory, developers had to decontaminate the site. This required a £10.5 million contract to decontaminate more than 850 buildings.

    Of course many of these requirements are necessary, and beneficial for long-term planning. But it demonstrates that building a new town goes far beyond constructing houses.

    Decade-long delays

    In our research we also find that the time taken to reach a planning decision rises dramatically from projects involving one unit to projects involving two to nine units, and keeps rising for larger projects. The average time from the first application to the last decision is just over four years and four months for projects with more than 500 units. But even projects involving just one unit can expect to wait nearly a year.

    For bigger projects, waiting times for a decision are over 11 years in some cases (the most delayed 10%). One example is Ebbsfleet Valley – another newly planned town near London with large potential – which has seen only 4,000 of 43,000 planned homes built since planning began in 1996.

    The time taken for a planning decision plays a role in this delay. The borough councils resolved to grant outline planning permission (which lets a developer know if its plans are acceptable in principle) in 1998, two years after the application was submitted. But outline planning permission was not actually granted until November 2002. And then the need to supply more plans caused further delays, which meant building did not start until 2006 – 10 years after the original outline was filed.

    The long wait times for decisions, added to the fact that bigger developments must file additional applications, mean that housing supply from large projects is slow to be realised.

    These barriers have important implications for developers, which have to weigh the cost savings of large developments against the increased chance of obstacles that these larger developments are likely to throw up. So are new towns the most effective way to build a large amount of housing units in a short space of time?

    New towns are most comparable to the large-scale developments that represent an increasing share of residential units in the UK since the early 2000s.

    While these development schemes can deliver large amounts of housing alongside local infrastructure (at the developer’s expense rather than local government), they are unlikely to do so in the short term as they also face the toughest barriers under planning regulations.

    Therefore, so-called infill developments (that is, new buildings on unused or under-used land) as well as smaller and medium-sized developments, should not be neglected.

    Urban extensions and new neighbourhoods in the sites we’re already living in may provide ways to keep costs and uncertainties of new infrastructure to a minimum – even while planning larger developments or the new towns of the future.

    Amrita Kulka receives funding from Research England.

    Nikhil Datta receives funding from the British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, Economic and Social Research Council, and Research England.

    – ref. Why building new towns isn’t the answer to the UK’s housing crisis – https://theconversation.com/why-building-new-towns-isnt-the-answer-to-the-uks-housing-crisis-238635

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: PUBLICATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROSPECTUS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Issuer LEI: 213800ZBKL9BHSL2K459

    OSB GROUP PLC

    (the “Company” or “Issuer”)

    The Company announces today that a supplementary prospectus dated 25 September 2024 to the base prospectus dated 14 May 2024 (the “Base Prospectus“), in relation to the establishment of its £3,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the “EMTN Programme”) has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority and is available for viewing.

    To view the full document, paste the following URL into the address bar of your browser:

    https://www.osb.co.uk/investors/debt-investors/emtn-programme/

    A copy of the supplementary prospectus will also be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

    OSB GROUP PLC

    Alastair Pate                                                 
    Group Head of Investor Relations
    Email: osbrelations@osb.co.uk                                t: 01634 838 973

    Jens Bech
    Group Commercial Director                                    t: 01634 835 796

    Brunswick                                                                            
    Robin Wrench/Simone Selzer                                 t: 020 7404 5959 

    Notes to Editors

    About OSB GROUP PLC

    OneSavings Bank plc (OSB) began trading as a bank on 1 February 2011 and was admitted to the main market of the London Stock Exchange in June 2014 (OSB.L). OSB joined the FTSE 250 index in June 2015. On 4 October 2019, OSB acquired Charter Court Financial Services Group plc and its subsidiary businesses. On 30 November 2020, OSB GROUP PLC became the listed entity and holding company for the OSB Group. The Group provides specialist lending and retail savings and is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, part of the Bank of England, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The Group reports under two segments, OneSavings Bank and Charter Court Financial Services.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister praises support for families and children In Wolverhampton

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby, visited Graiseley Family Hub last Wednesday 18 September to see at first hand an area which has successful embedded Family Hubs and the Families First for Children Pathfinder (FFCP), meeting staff along with children and families.

    A Family Hub is a place where children, young people and their families can go when they need support of which eight have been set up in Wolverhampton. 

    The FFCP programme aims to test new ways to reform the children’s social care system, ensuring early support, family help and intervention is available for families facing challenges, helping them to overcome adversity and stay together where possible. 

    Ms Daby said: “I’ve loved my visit here today. It’s been great to meet all the people that help to support families, children and young people: visiting the Family Hub, being able to have a tour and meet a young person today – it’s been delightful.

    “I was impressed with the way in which I was able to meet representatives from the Health Visiting and School Nursing Services, the Police and Midwifery. It was great to hear about the support given to mothers in areas such as breastfeeding. I also liked hearing about what’s being done with the LGBTQ+ community and how diverse needs are being met. 

    The Minister added: “I get a sense that people have job satisfaction, and I observed that people have a genuine need to want to improve families and children’s lives: there was a lot I was impressed with.”

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet member for Adults and Wellbeing for City of Wolverhampton Council said: “This visit has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the collaboration between ourselves and the Wolverhampton 0-19 Service, as well as demonstrating how well we’ve managed to achieve frontline support for families.”

    Alison Hinds, Director of Children’s Services, added:” We are always more than willing to host any visits  to be able to share what we believe is the great work we’re doing in this space; I felt very proud of listening to a parent, a carer and a young person who we have been working with speaking with Minister Daby about how they have welcomed the support from the Hub.”

    Rachel King, Deputy Director for the Families First for Children Pathfinder for the council, said: “Minister Daby was really approachable, genuinely interested and supportive of the work we do. Hopefully, what we were able to demonstrate in the short time we had will influence ongoing discussions centrally.”

    Denise Williams, Service Manager, Family Hubs for the council added: “We enjoy sharing the work we do across the city and staff from across the partnership, as well as families, found Minister Daby to be really approachable and supportive of the work that we are doing collectively in the Family Hubs.”

    Catherine Draycott, School Nurse Team Leader, said: “It was lovely today to welcome Minister Daby to Wolverhampton. We were honoured that she took the time to sit with our 0-19 service and ask questions about our service – she could tell how passionate we are about developing these services in Wolverhampton.”

    Marion Astbury, Matron for Health Visiting, added: “It was a real pleasure to speak to the Minister and her colleagues to showcase the fantastic work being done by our staff. There was genuine interest in how we are supporting our families and the challenges we face in delivering our service.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derry gets set to host the Carnival of the Dead this Halloween

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Derry gets set to host the Carnival of the Dead this Halloween

    25 September 2024

    As the nights draw in it’s a busy time in the home of Halloween as the final preparations are put in place for the Carnival parade that is the centrepiece of Derry’s world-famous festivities.

    Around 650 performers are expected to take part in the Carnival of the Dead, which will weave its magic through the streets of Derry’s city centre from 7pm on Halloween night, October 31st.

    The participants are drawn from all corners of the community – schools, sports clubs, arts groups and local organisations – brought together by the North West Carnival Initiative (NWCI) who are tasked with delivering this mammoth showcase by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

    The NWCI team are currently out and about helping groups create the spooky costumes and props that really bring the creepy characters of Samhain folklore to life.

    Today, Council’s Festival and Events Manager, Jacqueline Whoriskey, joined NWCI Project Manager Jim Collins, to officially launch the parade in the terrifying tunnels of the Tower Museum. It’s just one of the major highlights in a packed four day programme at Europe’s biggest Halloween celebration, as Jacqueline explained. “Derry Halloween attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world to the city, but it has always been a community-oriented event, and an opportunity to showcase local talent on an international stage,” she said.

    “It’s a fantastic chance for groups from all parts of the community – regardless of age, culture or ethnicity – to display their creativity and talents, alongside some of the fabulous show stopping international acts who feature throughout the festival. It’s an inclusive cross-community celebration, with something for everyone to enjoy and I love seeing so many groups bring some extra magic to Derry Halloween.”

    Workshops are already underway and a number of new groups are getting into the spirit of the event, as Jim explained. “It’s all go at the NWCI workshop and our facilitators will be working closely with the groups across the City and District to develop their own bespoke element of the parade,” he explained

    “It’s a big undertaking but I think that community involvement is so important in the success of the event, and it’s fantastic to see that continuing to grow and develop. It sets it apart from other festivals and gives people here ownership of the event. We always have great fun and it’s a chance to learn new skills and bring new ideas to the carnival parade.”

    Derry Halloween is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council and funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and The Executive Office, with support from Ulster University.

    This year the core festival programme will run Monday October 28th – Thursday October 31st with the Awakening the Walled City Trail transforming the town centre from Monday – Wednesday, from 6pm – 9pm, and plenty of festivities taking place throughout Halloween day, October 31st, culminating in the dazzling Halloween Carnival of the Dead Parade at 7pm and fireworks over the Foyle at 8.15pm.

    The parade will weave its way through the City Centre beginning at the Queen’s Quay carpark beside the Council offices, heading up Strand Rd, past the City Hotel then along Queens Quay before returning to the starting point.

    If you would like to take part or volunteer with North West Carnival Initiative, email Jim at [email protected]

    Find out more about the full Derry Halloween programme at derryhalloween.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bookings open for a free extravaganza of science

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 25 September 2024 at 12:00

    Chelmsford Science Festival to bring fun and educational events to city in October

    Bookings are now open for a host of free, fun and educational events at the 2024 Chelmsford Science Festival, organised by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in partnership with Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford For You.

    This year’s festival is again sponsored by Teledyne and will take place between Tuesday, 22 October and Tuesday, 29 October.
     
    The festival will take on the theme of Our World – Planetary Health, and feature a range of events, activities, and engaging talks from experts.
     
    Two Family Science Days will take place on Saturday, 26 and Sunday, 27 October featuring hands-on, interactive activities for all ages, including a chance to build your own skull, be an architect for a day, and enjoy a Living History of Science Show.
     
    The festival will culminate in a free talk by acclaimed wildlife photographer Hamza Yassin – a former winner of Strictly Come Dancing – who will talk about his life and career on Tuesday, 29 October.
     
    Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:

    “Science is all around us from the weather and the buildings we live in, to computer games and the human body, and the Chelmsford Science Festival is an opportunity for ARU to share our world-leading knowledge and facilities with the people of Chelmsford.
     
    “Last year’s event was a fantastic success and once again there promises to be something for everyone taking place across the city. We are grateful to headline sponsors Teledyne and our partners Chelmsford For You and Chelmsford City Council for their support in organising a fantastic festival.”

     
    The full programme of events can be found here https://www.aru.ac.uk/events/chelmsford-science-festival including booking links. While events are free, places must be booked as numbers may be limited.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Party reaction to vote on winter fuel payments at Labour conference

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Reacting to a motion on winter fuel payments put forward by the Unite union and supported by a majority of delegates at Labour Party conference, co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said:

    “Today’s vote at Labour Party conference leaves Labour ministers out in the cold. There is a groundswell of support – from opposition parties, unions, many Labour MPs, health workers, disability groups, charities supporting pensioners, as well as others – for ensuring millions of pensioners keep warm this winter.

    “Targeting some of the most vulnerable to fix the supposed black hole in the public finances is cruel and unnecessary.  

    “There is another way. A fairer way. As the successful motion by Unite makes clear, taxing multi-millionaires and billionaires a little more would not only easily cover the cost of winter fuel payments for all pensioners but also generate additional funds for much needed investment in our health and social care services.”

    / by Andrew Bell

    Press Releases

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 25 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

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

    Applies to England

    Documents

    ESFA Update further education: 25 September 2024

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    ESFA Update academies: 25 September 2024

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    ESFA Update local authorities: 25 September 2024

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    Details

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    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Information: The updated 16 to 19 study programme guidance is now available

    Latest for academies

    Article Title
    Information: Land and buildings collection tool guidance and workbook 2024
    Information: Post-16 schools budget grant
    Webinar: Risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only – contractors workshop

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    Information: Post-16 schools budget grant
    Webinar: Risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only – contractors workshop

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ninth ECB Annual Research Conference 2024: Session 5

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 5:

    Chair: Philipp Hartmann, European Central Bank

    Monetary policy without commitment
    Hassan Afrouzi, Columbia University
    Marina Halac, Yale University
    Kenneth S. Rogoff, Harvard University
    Pierre Yared*, Columbia University
    Discussant: Albert Marcet, CREI and Universitat Pompeu Fabra

    The secular decline of bank balance sheet lending
    Greg Buchak, Stanford University
    Gregor Matvos, Northwestern University
    Tomasz Piskorski, Columbia University
    Amit Seru*, Stanford University
    Discussant: Neeltje van Horen, Bank of England and University of Amsterdam

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6MpqQtiRC4

    MIL OSI Video –