Meetings took place at the Town Hall and Quwwatul Islam yesterday where Muslim and Jewish members of Preston communities met to talk about their personal experiences relating to the conflict in the Middle East, struggles and concerns in their respective communities and across Preston, and listen to each other’s point of view.
The town hall meeting was well attended by Councillors and Cabinet members, with good representation from across political parties.
Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said:
We are pleased with the interfaith dialogue and the honest and open discussions that have taken place across our different communities today, and welcome any future interactions that strengthen our multicultural and multifaith relationships and community cohesion. We look forward to continuing the dialogue with different groups in the future, as well as an upcoming meeting with leading members of the Muslim community. We hope that it is insightful and as educational as it has been today.”
Mark Levy, Jewish Leadership Council, said:
It was a pleasure to visit Quwwatul Islam Mosque and Preston City Council. We held frank and open discussions with community members and councillors about the conflict in the Middle East and the effect on community cohesion. We are grateful to the council for facilitating these discussions and look forward to working together to maintain open channels of communication between communities.”
Elections Review Working Group – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am
In the second meeting of its investigation into the planning, conduct and cost of the May 2024 GLA elections, the Elections Review Working Group will ask representatives from London Boroughs, and agents and political organisers about their experiences.
Panel 1 – Boroughs (10am – 11.30am)
Ian Buckle, Head of Electoral and Democratic Services, London Borough of Waltham Forest
Zoe Wilkins, Chair of AEA London branch and Electoral Services Manager, Hammersmith & Fulham
John Bailey, Vice Chair of AEA London branch and Head of Electoral Services, Barnet
Panel 2 – Agents and political organisers (11.35am – 12.35pm)
Brian Jarvis, Head of Field, London, Conservative Campaign Headquarters
The British Embassy is launching the #GreatBritishStories campaign through an interactive literary Phone Booth display at Fully Booked BGC.
The British Embassy Manila is starting a new chapter with the launch of the #GreatBritishStories campaign, featuring an interactive literary Phone Booth display at Fully Booked BGC from September 28 to October 18.
Featuring a life-size replica of the iconic British red telephone booth, the phone booth is filled with British stories – from beloved classics like Jane Austen novels to contemporary works, such as books penned by Dolly Alderton.
With a campaign called #GreatBritishStories, the British Embassy aims to showcase the UK’s rich literary heritage and promote British culture in the Philippines, inviting audiences to explore the depth and diversity of British literature.
Captured on display is a wide range of British authors and books, with a special emphasis on female characters and writers. By showcasing both classic and contemporary works, #GreatBritishStories demonstrates the enduring appeal and global influence of British literature.
Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines says,
I’m thrilled to bring a little piece of Britain to the Philippines with our phone booth library. I hope this will generate a lot of excitement for British literature,
We’ve got so many authors – classic or modern – to inspire Filipino readers. I hope they take the time to explore and enjoy these stories, and learn more about the UK and the values that Britain holds dear,
This collaboration with Fully Booked underscores the strong cultural links between the UK and the Philippines, as well as the universal appeal of great literature.
Jaime Daez, Managing Director of Fully Booked Philippines says,
We’re excited to host the phone booth display at our flagship store. This unique exhibit aligns perfectly with our mission to promote a love of reading and literature. It’s like having a small corner of Britain right here in our store, inviting customers to explore the wide range of storytelling the UK has to offer,
Patterned after the iconic red British phone booth, the design of which turns 100 years old this year, the #GreatBritishStories phone booth will be on display at Fully Booked BGC from September 28 to October 18.
Everyone is invited to channel their inner Alice in Wonderland, and get curiouser and curiouser about the interactive exhibit by taking the special quiz and getting a photo inside the phone booth to share on social media using #GreatBritishStories.
The phone booth library even has a phone so visitors can leave an audio message about their favourite British book or author, or even inspire someone else’s next great read.
Whether you’re a fan of Elizabeth Bennet’s strength, Matilda’s brilliance, or Dolly Alderton’s reflections, the British Embassy Manila invites readers to see things differently through the literary phone booth display. After all, every great reader’s journey starts with a single book.
The #GreatBritishStories campaign is a prologue to the Great British Festival, happening on 19-20 October at the BGC Amphitheatre. This year’s Great British Festival promises to be one for the books! It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in British culture, from books to music, food, and more.
Head over to Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street and celebrate #GreatBritishStories and discover the enduring connection between British literature and Filipino readers.
Oxford City Council’s plans to tackle Oxford’s housing crisis face a setback as planning inspectors have recommended the withdrawal of its draft Local Plan 2040.
The Council submitted the plan for public examination by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) in March. Inspectors then held an initial set of public hearings in June to decide whether the Local Plan 2040 satisfies national planning policy and other legal requirements.
The urgent need for homes
The PINS has accepted the Council’s approach to maximising the number of new homes that can be built within city boundaries by 2040, with 481 a year proposed.
However, inspectors have rejected the Council’s assessment that 1,322 homes a year are needed in total, with 841 of these needing to be built outside Oxford’s boundaries.
Oxfordshire’s thriving life science and technology sectors mean the county has been one of the few hotspots in a stagnating UK economy for some time. Economic growth creates the need for more homes than allowed for in the National Planning Policy Framework’s (NPPF) default ‘standard method’ for calculating how many homes are needed.
Inspectors had previously agreed Oxfordshire’s exceptional circumstances justified the need for more homes. Oxford’s existing Local Plan 2036 and those of its neighbouring districts are based on this foundation and the districts have already agreed to build 14,300 homes to meet Oxford’s needs.
The Local Plan 2040 takes a similar approach in using job and population growth forecasts to assess how many homes are needed. The inspectors have now U-turned and said there are no exceptional circumstances justifying the need for more homes, even despite continued strong economic growth.
This means the Council would need to use the standard method calculation of 762 homes a year.
This is not enough to meet the need for new homes, even if economic factors are disregarded. The need for affordable housing alone would require 700 new homes a year.
Oxford is one of the least affordable places to live in the UK, with average house prices more than 12 times household earnings and more than 3,300 households on the waiting list for council housing.
The PINS U-turn also flies in the face of the new Labour government’s intention to set new mandatory housing targets requiring a 59% increase in the number of homes to be delivered in Oxfordshire – an extra 1,900 a year countywide.
Duty to cooperate
Despite a long history of collaborative working with stakeholders and neighbouring councils on planning issues affecting Oxfordshire, the PINS has also concluded the council failed to meet its ‘duty to cooperate’ in preparing the Local Plan 2040.
This finding relates to a single five-month period in 2022 after the collapse of the Oxfordshire Plan 2050 that involved all five district councils. In this period, the Council was working with Cherwell District Council to commission the HENA as a joint evidence base for their respective plans.
Oxfordshire’s other districts declined the invitation to take part in this project. However, they were offered the opportunity to engage with the findings of the work.
While the Council strongly disputes the inspectors’ findings as it is confident it engaged appropriately with neighbouring councils, the NPPF provides no mechanism to appeal them.
The Council is currently considering its options. However, any amendment to the Local Plan 2040 would mean the need for further public consultation and delay any implementation of the plan.
Comment
“We are alarmed and extremely disappointed by the recommendation to withdraw our Local Plan 2040 from public examination.
“The planning inspectors have failed to grasp the seriousness of Oxford’s housing crisis and the number of new homes we need to tackle this crisis – and don’t appear to have heeded the clear message from government which requires all councils to up their housing delivery ambitions.
“The logical outcome of the inspectors’ conclusions will be a delay to proactively planning for the homes we need. The reality is that while the City Council are builders, there are others elsewhere who are blockers. Waiting for a situation where all councils in Oxfordshire are agreed on housing numbers and cross-boundary matters is just not realistic. That’s why the government is planning the reintroduction of mandatory housing delivery targets.”
“Our approach hasn’t changed. Yet the PINS now says there are no exceptional circumstances and we should now use the current ‘standard method’ – already rejected by the new government – for working out how many homes we need. This would mean fewer homes being built, and far fewer than we actually need.
“The current standard method is not fit for purpose and flies in the face of the government’s policy intention to overhaul a broken national planning system and deliver 1.5 million homes. The current standard method does not even take account of population increases that have already happened in Oxford and across Oxfordshire recorded in the census. Using this discredited method to calculate how many homes we need would make the city’s housing crisis worse.
“Oxford City Council also disputes the finding it has not met the duty to cooperate. We have a longstanding history of working collaboratively with neighbouring councils and other stakeholders on planning issues affecting Oxfordshire – including during the preparation of this plan.
“The duty to cooperate is not a duty to agree. Nor should it be a charter for those who object the loudest to be able to block the building of desperately needed homes.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).
World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/
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Houghton Feast will return to the streets of Houghton from Friday 4 – Sunday 13 October, with a packed programme of activities, events and entertainment to enjoy.
This year’s theme is ‘celebrating local cultures’ and visitors can look forward to the return of some old favourites like the funfair, illuminations, carnival parade, family fun and the roasting of the ox.
The Feast will officially open on Friday 6 October with a spectacular community show in The Broadway. Houghton Brass Band, Zazz dancers and Houghton Feast Children’s Choir will all be entertaining crowds, and the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Allison Chisnall will switch on the Houghton Feast Illuminations.
Councillor Kevin Johnston, Chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, said: “Houghton Feast is one of the most popular events in the city and I know so many residents and visitors look forward to it every autumn.
“This year’s festival theme is ‘celebrating local cultures’ and that’s exactly what Houghton Feast is about – bringing the whole community together to celebrate local traditions and history. The spectacular opening night, community parade and famous roasting of the ox are all back for 2024 alongside a packed programme of music, performances, arts and crafts, workshops and sports activities. There’s something for everyone so I would encourage anyone to take a look at the programme and join us for this brilliant event.”
The famous Ox Roast will be back on Saturday 5 October. A roasted whole ox, which will be prepared overnight, will be served up in sandwiches in the grounds of the Old Rectory, where the first oxen were roasted by Rector Bernard Gilpin to feed Houghton’s poor in the 16th century.
Also on Saturday 5 October, a colourful Carnival Parade will make its way from Station Road to Rectory Park via Newbottle Street and The Broadway from 2pm. The parade will feature music from Houghton Pipe Band, Houghton Brass Band, The Bangshees, Pittington Brass Band and the Get Set Samba Youth Band, as well as dancers, vintage steam vehicles, costumed characters and Billy Purvis the Clown.
For the first time, the funfair will open on the Sunday of the opening weekend, for an extra afternoon of family fun between 1pm and 6pm. A firework spectacular will take place on Monday 7 October from 7.30pm and can be viewed from Dairy Lane and the area surrounding Durham Road Playing Fields.
The Zazz dancers are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and will be celebrating with a special variety performance taking place on Tuesday 8 October.
Anne Thompson, Principal of Zazz Dancers, said: “Zazz always looks forward to Houghton Feast each year. This year we have a group of younger children performing ‘Be Our Guest’ at the opening ceremony, with Bernard Gilpin’s kindness and generosity in mind, and our cheerleading classes have been hard at work practicing their parade dance. Our main highlight this year is our Variety Show, now 40 years old, our professional cabaret dancers will perform along with selected routines from our successful 40th birthday Firestation show in July.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A semiconductor factory has been acquired by Ministry of Defence in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, boosting UK defence capabilities.
The UK’s Armed Forces will be further bolstered as a crucial supply chain to UK defence has been secured today, after the government acquisition of a key semiconductor factory in the north-east.
Defence Secretary John Healey visited the site today, which is the only secure facility in the UK with the skills and capability to manufacture gallium arsenide semiconductors. These types of specialist semiconductors are used in a number of military platforms, including to boost fighter jet capabilities.
This acquisition will not only safeguard the future of the facility, which is critical to the defence supply chain and major military programmes and exports, but also secures up to 100 skilled jobs in the North East.
Semiconductors are vitally important for the modern world we live in, being an essential component for the functioning of almost every electronic device we use, from phones and computers to ventilators and power stations. The importance of semiconductors to military applications means the technology can allow the military to fill the gaps to support their future needs.
The announcement comes ahead of the Investment Summit next month which will make clear that the UK is “open for business” as the UK government resets relations with trading partners around the globe and creates a pro-business environment that supports innovation and high-quality jobs at home and supports our mission to deliver growth.
The acquisition will also boost UK defence industrial capacity and exports, as the government intends to invest in the company over the coming years.
On the visit, the Defence Secretary welcomed the acquisition and spoke to staff directly.
Defence Secretary John Healey said:
Semiconductors are at the forefront of the technology we rely upon today, and will be crucial in securing our military’s capabilities for tomorrow.
This acquisition is a clear signal that our government will back British defence production. We’ll protect and grow our UK Defence supply chain, supporting North East jobs, safeguarding crucial tech for our Armed Forces and boosting our national security.
The semiconductor factory in Newton Aycliffe has been acquired by the government from its previous parent company Coherent Inc and will be named Octric Semiconductors UK.
This strategic investment will ensure the facility is capable of producing gallium arsenide semiconductors as well as more powerful semiconductors in the future, which will include the latest technology.
Over a trillion semiconductors are manufactured each year, with the global semiconductor market forecast to reach a total market size of $1 trillion by 2030. Semiconductors also underpin future technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum and 6G.
This government recognises the strategic importance of semiconductors as a critical technology for the future of the UK and a significant enabler of the government’s growth and clean energy missions.
Work has already started to implement best practice governance that will ensure appropriate financial oversight to secure the company’s future success.
4,000 brown bins to reach rural areas in coming weeks
27 September 2024
Householders in rural areas waiting for brown food waste bins can expect notification of the roll out of the next phase of the scheme, with 4,000 of the new bins now ready for delivery in the coming weeks.
The bins are used for the recycling of food and garden waste and will go towards filling gaps in the service which has been received positively by local households since it was first introduced by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
8,000 homes are currently waiting for a bin, and half can expect their bin to arrive over the next 8-10 weeks, while plans are being developed for the final 4,000 properties to be covered in the coming months.
Among the areas included in this phase are Plumbridge, Drumquin, Castlederg (West), Aghyaran, Cloghcor, Cranagh, Tamnaherin/Eglinton and Clady.
Members of the Environment and Regeneration Committee approved the plans at their September meeting after funding was agreed through the 2024/25 rates estimates process to address the deficit in resourcing the initiative.
Council’s Head of Environment, Conor Canning, said the scheme will have a positive impact on Council’s recycling targets and climate change mitigations.
“The brown bin scheme has been extremely successful to date in encouraging people to manage the disposal of waste more efficiently and allow us to divert the right materials into recycling and composting. An information campaign has already begun to ensure all households are aware of the changes, and we ask people to be patient while these services are introduced. Our team will be working to deliver the bins to all areas as quickly as we can while managing regular collection services.
“A full kit will be issued to all the homes about to be added to the service, with a letter detailing when to leave the brown bin out for collection as well as an information leaflet with advice and tips on how to use the service. Council officers have made every effort to match the brown bin collection day with the household’s existing black or blue collection day, however there may be some instances where this is not logistically possible. Details for collection will be clearly outlined within the letter forming part of the delivery set.”
Collection schedules have also been updated on Council’s Recycling App to reflect this rollout and users can also access extensive information on recycling. For any queries, teams can be contacted by telephone on 028 71 374 107 or via email at refuse&[email protected]
OX Place is set to hold a first round of public engagement in October on its emerging proposals for the former landfill site at Redbridge Paddock.
The 8.9-acre site opposite Redbridge Park and Ride was used for landfill in the 1960s and 1970s. It is now earmarked for development in the Local Plan 2036 and Oxford City Council hopes to build at least 200 homes on the site.
OX Place has been working in partnership with The Hill Group to draw up plans for Redbridge Paddock. The emerging proposals will be on display at St Luke’s Church in Canning Crescent on Saturday 12 October from 10 am to 2 pm and on Monday 14 October from 4 pm to 8 pm. The project team will be available on both dates to talk about the proposals and answer any questions.
Local residents will be notified about the exhibition by post in the coming days. OX Place also intends to meet with key stakeholders during October to understand their views.
The emerging proposals will also be available to view on the Redbridge Paddock website from 10 am on Saturday 12 October. An online feedback form will be available on the website for residents and stakeholders to submit their views by Thursday 31 October. OX Place intends to hold a second public exhibition later in the year to provide an update on the proposals.
Comment
“I’m pleased OX Place and The Hill Group are ready to consult residents and stakeholders on their emerging proposals for Redbridge Paddock.
“I hope that residents and all interested parties will either attend the public exhibition or take a look at the emerging proposals online and fill in a feedback form to let us know their views. This former landfill site presents a number of challenges from a development perspective but it is a great opportunity to deliver sensitively-designed, sustainable new homes that Oxford badly needs.”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies
Our Net Zero City is a City of Wolverhampton Council strategy outlining an evidence based, collaborative approach to cut the city’s carbon footprint.
By focusing on the benefits of taking positive climate action, it will enhance the quality of life for everyone living, working or visiting the city and for future generations.
A public consultation on the strategy has launched today running until 14 December and anyone can take part at 2041 Net Zero Strategy.
Our Net Zero City will see the council build on its work with the private sector encouraging growth of green business, skills and jobs.
It will continue to develop active travel routes, making it easier for people to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport – while accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle charging points.
Working with other organisations, the council will also help ensure homes are more energy efficient reducing bills and tackling fuel poverty; encourage renewable energy solutions and nurture green corridors and open spaces through increased planting and landscaping.
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for transport and green city, said: “Our Net Zero City is a commitment to our city and the planet.
“The benefits climate action can bring to people’s lives in the short term can help us achieve our long term environmental goals to create a sustainable future for all.
“Climate action is one of the core principles underpinning the council’s city wide objectives.
“Through promoting engagement in this strategy, we are showing how we intend to spearhead a whole city effort through collaboration, building resilience and raising awareness.”
Free public drop in sessions will be held at different city locations for people to attend and engage with the consultation too. You can find out the details and book a place for free at Public Consultations – Our Net Zero City | Eventbrite.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
An update on progress for compensation for postmasters subject to bankruptcy orders who are due compensation for losses suffered as a consequence of the Post Office’s Horizon IT system
UPDATE 24 April 2023
We have today written to the Chair of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, Sir Wyn Williams, setting out in further detail the Official Receiver’s position as trustee and how the Insolvency Service has, within the confines of the law, assisted individuals who have been subject to bankruptcy orders.
Bankruptcy and its impact on the Horizon IT compensation schemes is complex, therefore, the Official Receiver is contacting the affected former postmasters to help work through their options.
Details of the compensation schemes and the impact of bankruptcy are set out below.
Historical Shortfall Scheme
We have been working closely with the Post Office and the Department for Business and Trade in relation to the claims for compensation from the Post Office, submitted by former bankrupts to the Historical Shortfall Scheme.
Under this scheme, compensation awarded for personal losses, for example, damage to reputation or distress, do not form part of the bankruptcy estate and will be paid by the Post Office to former postmasters.
However, elements of the compensation that relate to financial losses, for example those due to loss of earnings, under insolvency law are an asset of the bankruptcy and legally must be realised for the benefit of creditors.
Therefore, when offers of compensation are made by the Post Office, the Official Receiver’s office has been contacting the former postmasters to discuss the implications of bankruptcy and explain the available options. This includes exploring how to apply for the annulment (cancellation) of the bankruptcy order and access to independent legal advice.
The Official Receiver, as trustee of the bankruptcy estates, must act in accordance with their statutory duties and distribute realised assets for the benefit of creditors. The Official Receiver is actively engaging with creditors to establish if they wish to pursue their claims in the postmaster bankruptcies and seek a distribution from the compensation awards.
In the event there is a surplus following the payment of any statutory costs of the bankruptcy and any claims from creditors that wish to receive a distribution from the compensation awards, the funds will be paid to the former bankrupts.
For those former postmasters who believe they experienced shortfalls related to the Horizon system but have not yet submitted a claim, the Post Office is now accepting eligible late applications into the Scheme. You can find information about eligible late applications on the Scheme website.
Group Litigation Order Scheme
In cases where former postmasters were previously subject to a bankruptcy order and are now discharged, neither the interim payment nor any future payments under the scheme are due to the bankruptcy estate. Any compensation will therefore be paid in full to the former postmasters. This position is supported by the court’s decision in Secretary of State for Business and Trade v Mustafa Hassanali Abdulali & Anor).
We continue to work with the scheme administers, the Department for Business and Trade, to ensure these payments are made in a timely manner to the former postmasters.
Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme and Overturned Historical Conviction Scheme
In cases where former postmasters were previously subject to a bankruptcy order and are now discharged, neither the interim payment, nor any future payment for malicious prosecution are due to the bankruptcy estate, and will be paid in full to the former postmasters.
We continue to work with the schemes’ administers, the Department for Business and Trade, to ensure these payments are made in a timely manner to the former postmasters.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Five-year bans for couple who employed illegal workers
Yu Jian Chen and Yunqin He employed three illegal workers at a Chinese takeaway in the Scottish Highlands
The illegal workers were found during a visit from Immigration Enforcement officials last year
Both Chen and He have been banned as company directors for the next five years
A couple who employed three illegal workers at a Chinese takeaway in the Scottish Highlands have been banned as company directors.
Yu Jian Chen, 39, and his wife Yunqin He, 38, recruited the workers, who were from China and Malaysia, at The Jade Garden in the village of Bonar Bridge.
Immigration Enforcement officials discovered the illegal workers during a raid of the takeaway last year.
Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said:
Yu Jian Chen and Yunqin He failed to comply with their statutory obligations by employing three people who did not have the right to work at their takeaway.
Employers hiring illegal workers not only defraud the public purse but potentially put some of the most vulnerable people in society at risk of exploitation.
We are pleased to be supporting the Home Office with their activities by taking firm action against rogue company directors.
Chen and He were directors of The Jade Garden, trading under the company name JG Sutherland Limited, when Immigration Enforcement officials visited the premises in January 2023, finding two Chinese men and a Malaysian woman with no right to work there.
Immigration Enforcement fined The Jade Garden £45,000 for the immigration breach, which remains unpaid.
Brian Gillespie, the Home Office’s Immigration Compliance Enforcement lead for Scotland, said:
Illegal working undercuts honest employers, places vulnerable individuals at risk of exploitation and disadvantages legitimate job seekers.
It also impacts public finances as taxes are not paid by these businesses and workers, which is why tracking down unscrupulous employers is so important.
We’re pleased to secure these bans following an effective and close working relationship between the Home Office and the Insolvency Service.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted disqualification undertakings from Chen and He, and their five-year bans began on Thursday 19 September.
The disqualifications prevent the pair from becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.
He resigned as a director of the company five days after the Immigration Enforcement raid.
Further information
Yu Jian Chen’s trading address was Unit 2, South Bonar Industrial Estate, Bonar Bridge. His date of birth is 15 September 1985
Yunqin He is of the same trading address. Her date of birth is 2 September 1986
JG Sutherland Limited (company number SC738578)
Individuals subject to a disqualification order or undertaking are bound by a range of restrictions
Potential traders are invited to find out more about the opportunity to set up in the transformed Derby Market Hall.
A special event will be held at the Museum of Making on the evening of Tuesday 1 October. The friendly Derby Market Hall team will be on hand to answer any questions traders have about operating from the venue.
They’ll have information on costs, what’s included, fit outs, opening hours, events, types of leases, types of units, pop-ups, grants, business support and much more.
The historic Derby Market Hall is being given a new lease of life to transform this heritage asset into an attractive retail and leisure destination fit for the future.
It will bring together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking and entertainment when it reopens in Spring 2025.
The transformed market will offer:
A carefully curated mix of traditional and themed stalls, including quality fresh produce
Make and trade stalls and creative spaces
A cosmopolitan food court and bars
Events and pop-up activity
Traders, entrepreneurs and businesses from across the region are invited to join the vibrant community it will create. It’s fantastic opportunity for both established and up-and-coming businesses to be part of a modern central hub while benefiting from Derby’s rich history and heritage.
The Derby Market Hall – Small Business Trader Event takes place on Tuesday 1 October from 5:30pm until 7:30pm at the Museum of Making, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF.
If you would like to attend, please email markets@derby.gov.uk to confirm, including your full name and business name. You can also complete a form to register your interest in becoming a trader.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The UK is providing £5 million to UNICEF in Lebanon to support humanitarian response efforts and enable UNICEF to distribute supplies to those in need.
The essential humanitarian support comes after further civilian casualties following this week’s air strikes. Thousands more have been displaced or forced to flee their homes.
The package includes essential medical supplies, hygiene kits and fuel for water stations, to help thousands of displaced civilians across Lebanon meet their basic needs.
It will also help emergency teams respond to urgent health and nutrition needs and provide a series of training sessions for key delivery partners and frontline workers to ensure an effective emergency response.
Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer said:
Today we are providing £5 million to UNICEF in Lebanon to support the urgent humanitarian response in Lebanon. The number of civilian casualties is unacceptable, and the UK is deeply concerned by the surge in numbers of displaced people.
An immediate ceasefire is essential.
Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Beirut Victoria Dunne said:
We are profoundly saddened by the civilian deaths in Lebanon. The number of casualties and the scale of displacement is deeply distressing.
Alongside our tireless diplomatic efforts, the UK is providing £5m to UNICEF Lebanon, to deliver vital supplies to support thousands of displaced civilians facing a humanitarian emergency in Lebanon. The UK has been and will remain a strong supporter of Lebanon.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Director-level managers have until 14 October to apply for the Director Leaders Programme.
Chandru Dissanayeke Director, Regulatory Stewardship and Reform, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Director Leadership Programme Alumni
Applications are now open for places on the prestigious Director Leaders Programme — an initiative designed to empower senior civil service leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks to navigate the complex landscape of public service.
Over the course of nine months, participants will take part in face-to-face and online sessions that include immersive, front-line visits and action learning sets.
They will delve into the programme’s key themes, including leading-at-scale, systems thinking and leadership, effective communication, and effective partnerships with ministers.
Alumni Chandru Dissanayeke, director of regulatory stewardship and reform at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (pictured), said:
“It’s a unique opportunity to share challenges and explore how we, as leaders, can piece together the broader societal puzzle through our individual roles. It invites us to deeply reflect on our work in the context of a rapidly changing world — both as individuals and collectively.”
New generation of senior leaders
This programme aims to build a new generation of senior leaders equipped to guide the civil service toward delivering meaningful service to communities.
“The Director Leaders Programme is a vital space for senior leaders to develop the skills and networks they need to lead in today’s challenging environment,” said Jo Hollis, deputy director for the Leadership College for Government, the part of Government Skills that delivers the programme.
“It’s not just technical skills, but fostering the ability to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and reflect deeply on their leadership.”
Applications are now open until 14 October 2024. Contact your Permanent Secretary’s office and your Head of Talent for an application and to secure your nomination.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
In a recent public inquiry, Traffic Commissioner Miles Dorrington heard the case of Peter Edward Douglas.
Mr. Douglas held a restricted PSV licence and had applied for a standard licence, but following an extensive investigation, it was determined that Mr. Douglas is no longer trusted to operate in a compliant manner in the future.
Mr Douglas, a sole trader, was granted as restricted public service vehicle operator’s licence authorising 2 vehicles in 2007. The inquiry heard that the DVSA had stopped his vehicles four times and on each of the four occasions, the vehicle had been used commercially for hire and reward.
There were no tachographs fitted in the vehicles, no commercial MOTs and in two cases, the driver did not have the required driving entitlement for the vehicle, nor did he have a driver CPC qualification or a digital tachograph card which were also required in order to drive the vehicle for hire and reward. The operator seemed to have no real idea of how to run a compliant business.
In the absence of the correct driving entitlement the insurance for the vehicle was invalid since all policies of commercial vehicle insurance require the driver to have the correct driving entitlement required to drive the insured vehicle at the time it was being driven. The second time that this driver was stopped, the vehicle was seized by the Police because they were satisfied that it was not insured and as at the date of the public inquiry it remained in their custody.
Commissioner Dorrington said “It is clear to me that Mr Douglas lacked, any, or any effective management control of the transport operation to ensure that the general undertakings on the operator’s licence were fulfilled. His lack of knowledge is inexcusable as an experienced operator (he has been an operator for 17 years) and no lack of basic knowledge to operate a compliant transport operation can ever be accepted.”
The commissioner found that he had lost his good repute and revoked the licence, giving the operator until the 30th September to wind down the operation.
The BBC have now left Moor Park in Preston following the Radio 2 in the Park event that took place over three days from 6-8 September
Due to the wet ground conditions from heavy rain on the Sunday during the event, the BBC site team only left the park on 20 September, a week after their scheduled departure.
The Council’s parks team, in conjunction with the BBC and their event team, have attended the park every day since the event but were unable to carry out a full assessment of the site until after all the crew and vehicles had left.
The Council continues to work with the BBC and events team who are helping with the reinstatement of the park, with some areas already starting to ‘green up’ again.
Two specialist contractors have also attended the park to give their advice on how to best help the affected areas. Both have advised that it is best to leave the ground to recover and dry out and to reseed where needed in the spring.
A priority for the parks team has been to clear all the paths of mud and we are in the process of arranging to have these cleaned further to allow better access through the site.
The Council is advising people to be careful when using the park as some of the ground is still uneven, to stick to the paths wherever possible and to watch where they are walking.
Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety said:
Anyone who attended the event or saw the footage of the Sunday knows just how much rain we had in a short space of time. Unfortunately, due the large numbers of visitors and heavy footfall in some areas of the park, damage to parts of the park were inevitably unavoidable.
“The public have been really supportive and we’d like to say thank you for understanding that the damage caused really was out of our control. As proud Prestonians, we have been very pragmatic and appreciate that the grass will grow back again in time, with a little help and care from our team of fantastic gardeners!
“We have prioritised getting the football back up and running on the site and have already marked up two new pitches with a plan for the third one in the coming weeks. We are liaising with the local football league as to when we can start to use them.”
The Councils team of gardeners continue to work on the site daily to ensure that the areas that are unaffected by the event are kept clean and tidy, as the park is expected to look.
The two children’s play areas, basketball courts, tennis courts and skate park remain unaffected by the event.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on the FDA approving Cobenfy (KarXT) for schizophrenia.
Dr Sameer Jauhar, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Affective Disorders and Psychosis, Consultant Psychiatrist, King’s College, London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Schizophrenia can be a devastating illness for people and their families, and the effects on society are significant.
“We do have effective treatments, and the pharmacological treatments are a foundation for holistic care (which includes psychosocial interventions).
“Unfortunately currently available antipsychotics have significant side-effects, which include weight gain and movement effects, and this can affect peoples’ concordance with treatment.
“All currently licensed antipsychotics exert effects on the dopamine system, and this has been the case for at least 50 years.
“We have had false dawns before, despite significant efforts in the field (with significant financial investment) phase three trials of newer compounds have so far been disappointing.
“This novel treatment is the first of its kind, which does not act directly on the dopamine system, with good phase three trial data.
“The side effect profile from Phase three trials suggests it has less of the side effects noted with current treatments.
“It is acknowledged that these trials are short in duration, and we will need longer-term trials, to inform clinical care.
“In my opinion, as a clinician and researcher, this is possibly one of the most exciting developments in our field, and I am very excited about this.”
Dr Robert McCutcheon, Wellcome Clinical Research Career Development Fellow, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford,said:
Just how significant is this approval in the mental health/ schizophrenia treatment field?
“This is a major advance – it is the first treatment for schizophrenia with a novel target for 70 years.
Why do we need other drug treatments in schizophrenia?
“Current treatments are ineffective for many of the symptoms of schizophrenia, we need compounds with novel mechanisms of action.
What is different about this drug to previous drugs for schizophrenia?
“All other treatments work by targeting dopamine receptors. This is the first treatment that has a different target. We hope this may mean it can help people who don’t respond to standard treatments and maybe help the symptoms that aren’t helped by existing treatments.
What does this mean for patients in the UK who may be excited about this news?
“We will be running the first UK trial of this compound in Oxford, starting in 2025.”
Dr Paul Keedwell, Consultant Psychiatrist and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“New candidates for the treatment of this frequently debilitating condition are always welcome. However, the clinical effectiveness needs to be tested in real clinical settings. We also need to know how well it is tolerated given its tendency to cause gastro-intestinal problems in some patients.”
Dr Sameer Jauhar: SJ has given educational talks on psychosis for Behringer=Ingelheim, Sunovian, Janssen, and Lundbeck. He has consulted for LB Pharmaceuticals on antipsychotics. He has sat on a Wellcome Funding Panel, and NICE Technology appraisal panel for treatment of antipsychotic induced movement disorder. He is a Council Member of the British Association for Psychopharmacology (unpaid) and Academic Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (unpaid).
Dr Robert McCutcheon: RAM has received speaker/consultancy fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Karuna, Lundbeck, Newron, Otsuka, and Viatris, and co-directs a company that designs digital resources to support treatment of mental ill health. I am leading a Wellcome trust funded RCT of the compound in early psychosis.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the College of Policing have published a report in response to the super-complaint submitted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium. The super-complaint raised concerns about how police forces in England and Wales respond to reports of stalking.
A joint investigation by the IOPC, HMICFRS and the College of Policing found that significant changes are needed to improve the police response to reports of stalking in England and Wales.
The joint investigation report includes a series of recommendations aimed at supporting policing to make the necessary improvements to ensure reports of stalking are consistently taken seriously and victims are better safeguarded. There are recommendations for chief constables, as well as for the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, police and crime commissioners and the Crown Prosecution Service. These include recommendations for changes to the law around stalking and stalking protection orders. There are also actions for the College of Policing and the IOPC to further develop the available guidance and advice for police on responding to reports of stalking.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Interactive Dialogue on the UN Secretary General’s Report on Reprisals. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Location:
Geneva
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Thank you, Mr President, and thank you to the Secretary General for his tireless work to highlight continuing efforts to silence those who cooperate with the UN to defend human rights.
The UK pays tribute to these courageous individuals.
This time last year, we highlighted the intimidation and harassment faced by the son of Jimmy Lai, Sebastien, and his international legal team, for their engagement with this Council. We are deeply troubled that such tactics appear to have continued, including death and rape threats and repeated attempts to hack email and bank accounts as set out in this year’s report.
In Belarus, members of the Congress of Democratic Trade Unions have been detained for advocating for workers’ rights and engaging with the International Labour Organization. Delegates of the Human Rights Centre Viasna face years in prison for cooperating with UN mechanisms.
In Vietnam, author and journalist Pham Doan Trang remains in detention for her work to advance human rights, including through her engagement with the UN.
And in Russia, the authorities have dissolved the NGO “Man and Law” citing its engagement with the UN.
Mr President, a conservative figure of 300 human rights defenders lost their lives in 2023; what can be done to reduce this terrible toll?
Innovation barns that could house workshops and offices
More skilled jobs and a place for Plymouth’s marine businesses to innovate and collaborate – that’s all part of the vision for the next stage of the Oceansgate development which has now been submitted to planners.
A planning application has been submitted this week for a series of innovation barns – high spec large industrial units for use as workshops and prototyping along with project offices.
Over 1,700 square metres of high-quality space within eight units is being planned to expand the existing Oceansgate complex, which is already home to 14 light industrial units and 12 offices.
Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth is at the forefront of marine innovation and a key part of its success is enabling businesses to collaborate with each other and test prototypes.
“The first two phases have regenerated and revived land that had been unused by the MOD for decades. There are over 170 people employed directly or indirectly thanks to Oceansgate.
“We need to make sure Plymouth stays at the forefront of marine innovation and this is the ideal place to help make this happen.
“South Yard was literally built for the city’s marine industry – an industry which changes all the time. These proposals should help the city of Plymouth continue to lead in this key sector.”
The planning application proposes two buildings that would be similar in style, but a higher specification to the already high-spec offices and industrial units at Oceansgate. The Oceansgate development has been built to reflect the historic nature of South Yard as well as the street pattern outside its boundaries with natural material such as limestone.
The next phase promises to be even greener and built to the latest low carbon building specifications. Features include renewable energy systems, the use of lower carbon materials – such as sustainably sourced timber, stone, and recycled building materials, orientation of the buildings for heat/shade, efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. There will also be cycle parking and EV charge facilities.
Historic England have been part of the pre-application discussions along with the Council’s planning department and it supports the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.
The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport have allocated seed capital grant of £3.256 million and the Council is service borrowing of £3.274m to fund the plans.
Securing the City Deal nearly 10 years ago helped lay the foundations for the city’s marine and maritime innovation sector to thrive. South Yard is now a key part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport and offers specific tax and relief benefits for companies based within it, incentivising employers to invest and create new jobs.
The Freeport’s Tax Site at South Yard will support the marine and defence sectors by providing a focal point for technological advances in these arenas. It is the South West’s prime location for marine and maritime capability with direct waterfront access to docks, deep water jetties, land, offices and workshops for testing, trialling, and prototyping.
Statistics Jersey have today published the report “public spending statistics 2023”. This report presents statistics on general government expenditure in Jersey using the Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG) system.
General government is an internationally comparable definition that consists of central, state and local government and the social security funds controlled by these units. In the Jersey context this therefore includes expenditure from government departments, non-ministerial departments, States funds, Andium Homes Limited and the 12 Parishes.
The COFOG system is designed to allow consistent analysis of government spend by set categories, such as health and education, to enable comparisons between jurisdictions and over different time periods. Using this system avoids difficulties in comparisons that can occur when teams and departments are organised differently between jurisdictions or are reorganised over time.
general government expenditure increased in real terms by 6.3%, or £97.9 million in constant year 2023 prices, to £1,644.2 million
the biggest drivers of increased real -term expenditure were:
health – increased by £51.6 million, driven by increased spending on hospital and outpatient services
public order and safety – increased by £14.9 million, largely as a result of a number of major incidents that impacted the Island in 2023
social protection – increased by £14.5 million
almost three-quarters (73%) of all general government expenditure was in the areas of social protection, health and education
In 2022:
as a proportion of GDP Jersey’s total general government expenditure was lower than all OECD countries, apart from Ireland
Jersey spent more on health than all OECD countries as a proportion of total spend, but less than several countries, including the UK, as a percentage of GDP
Houghton Feast will return to the streets of Houghton from Friday 4 – Sunday 13 October, with a packed programme of activities, events and entertainment to enjoy.
This year’s theme is ‘celebrating local cultures’ and visitors can look forward to the return of some old favourites like the funfair, illuminations, carnival parade, family fun and the roasting of the ox.
The Feast will officially open on Friday 6 October with a spectacular community show in The Broadway. Houghton Brass Band, Zazz dancers and Houghton Feast Children’s Choir will all be entertaining crowds, and the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Allison Chisnall will switch on the Houghton Feast Illuminations.
Councillor Kevin Johnston, Chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, said: “Houghton Feast is one of the most popular events in the city and I know so many residents and visitors look forward to it every autumn.
“This year’s festival theme is ‘celebrating local cultures’ and that’s exactly what Houghton Feast is about – bringing the whole community together to celebrate local traditions and history. The spectacular opening night, community parade and famous roasting of the ox are all back for 2024 alongside a packed programme of music, performances, arts and crafts, workshops and sports activities. There’s something for everyone so I would encourage anyone to take a look at the programme and join us for this brilliant event.”
The famous Ox Roast will be back on Saturday 5 October. A roasted whole ox, which will be prepared overnight, will be served up in sandwiches in the grounds of the Old Rectory, where the first oxen were roasted by Rector Bernard Gilpin to feed Houghton’s poor in the 16th century.
Also on Saturday 5 October, a colourful Carnival Parade will make its way from Station Road to Rectory Park via Newbottle Street and The Broadway from 2pm. The parade will feature music from Houghton Pipe Band, Houghton Brass Band, The Bangshees, Pittington Brass Band and the Get Set Samba Youth Band, as well as dancers, vintage steam vehicles, costumed characters and Billy Purvis the Clown.
For the first time, the funfair will open on the Sunday of the opening weekend, for an extra afternoon of family fun between 1pm and 6pm. A firework spectacular will take place on Monday 7 October from 7.30pm and can be viewed from Dairy Lane and the area surrounding Durham Road Playing Fields.
The Zazz dancers are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and will be celebrating with a special variety performance taking place on Tuesday 8 October.
Anne Thompson, Principal of Zazz Dancers, said: “Zazz always looks forward to Houghton Feast each year. This year we have a group of younger children performing ‘Be Our Guest’ at the opening ceremony, with Bernard Gilpin’s kindness and generosity in mind, and our cheerleading classes have been hard at work practicing their parade dance. Our main highlight this year is our Variety Show, now 40 years old, our professional cabaret dancers will perform along with selected routines from our successful 40th birthday Firestation show in July.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today approved leniolisib phosphate (Joenja) to treat a rare immune disease known as activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome or APDS in adults and adolescents aged 12-years-old and older who weigh 45kg or more.
APDS is an inherited disorder where the patient is unable to fight infections because the immune system (the body’s natural defences) does not work properly.
The main symptoms usually occur in the first two years of life and include repeated lung infections and a failure to grow and develop normally.
APDS is a long-term debilitating and life-threatening condition due to repeated lung infections that can lead to bronchiectasis (enlargement and inflammation of part of the airways). Patients with APDS are more prone to develop blood cell cancers, like lymphoma.
The recommended dose is 1 tablet twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart in adults and adolescents from 12 years weighing 45 kg or more.
This is also the first time the MHRA has approved a new medicine following an approval by the US Food and Drug Administration FDA. This is because the medicine was approved via a fast-track approval process for medicines, known as the International Recognition Procedure (IRP).
This allows the MHRA to consider the expertise and decision-making of trusted regulatory partners for the benefit of UK patients. In this case, the regulatory partner was the FDA. As a sovereign regulator, the MHRA retains ultimate authority to accept or reject applications submitted under the IRP, ensuring that all medicines meet safety, quality and effectiveness standards to be licensed in the UK.
The MHRA considered the assessment made by the US regulator as part of its own review, facilitating a rapid approval process.
Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:
We are focused on providing UK patients access to safe and effective medicines in the shortest possible time.
Approval of leniolisib through the IRP means we have facilitated access for people suffering from this serious disease to an effective medicine to fight infections and reduce symptoms of the disease.
This approval means the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectivenessof this new medicine have been met.
As with all medicines, we will keep its safety under close review.
The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from a placebo-controlled study, carried out over 12-weeks. This study was blind and randomised. Thirty-one adult and paediatric patients participated.
During the study, 21 patients received 70 mg of leniolisib and 10 received placebo twice daily. The co‑primary efficacy endpoints were improvement in the reduction in the size of lymph nodes and the normalisation of immunophenotype.
By day 85 of the study, patients taking leniolisib saw a reduction in lymph node size and a correction of the underlying immune defect.
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of leniolisib under close review.
A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine are available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website.
If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The marketing authorisation was granted for leniolisib (Joenja) on 26 September 2024 to Pharming Technologies B.V via the International Recognition Procedure.
The IRP is open to applicants that have already received an authorisation for the same product from one of MHRA’s specified trusted regulators. These are the regulatory authorities from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.
Applications under the International Recognition Procedure (IRP) can be received via the MHRA website. Time horizons for authorisations are set at 60 to 110 days – considerably shorter than the current 150-day time horizon for applications. To further streamline the IRP application process, the MHRA launched an ‘Eligibility Checker’ tool on 20 November 2023.
More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
Salford City Council has confirmed the decision to wholly acquire Salford Community Stadium.
The decision was confirmed at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 24 September. This was following the call-in process and a scrutiny panel on the evening of Monday 23 September.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This decision has been through all the council’s formal decision-making processes, including pre-decision scrutiny and a further scrutiny panel. We have engaged members from all parties to make the process as open and transparent as possible.
“In the local elections in May, completing the purchase of this Community Stadium, as a key part of our Rugby Strategy, was a clear and significant part of our campaign and manifesto, and was democratic endorsed by our residents.
“Through sole ownership of the stadium, we are able to safeguard the future of both Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils, provide amenities for grassroots clubs and shape the regeneration of a key part of the city.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration invites anyone with knowledge and experience of Home Office contact management to submit evidence to inform this inspection. Deadline extended to close of play 21 October 2024.
The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) has commenced an inspection of the Home Office Migration & Borders System’s contact management processes and practice.
This inspection will focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of Home Office activity aimed at making, maintaining, and re-establishing contact with people, in particular those without leave to enter or remain in the UK. It will also consider the consequences and impact of loss of contact, both on the business of the Home Office and on individuals.
The scope of the inspection will include:
recording of personal and contact details by the Home Office
the promptness and efficiency with which Home Office correspondence (bail notices, casework decisions, notices of asylum support discontinuation, etc.) is served, including any measures to ensure that it has been received
the clarity of Home Office correspondence, including where it requires action on the part of the recipient
migrant awareness of the significance of remaining contactable by the Home Office, the means for doing so, and the possible consequences of loss of contact
the use of reporting conditions as a form of contact management, including the efficiency and effectiveness of reporting – in person, by telephone, and digitally
the efficiency and effectiveness of Home Office efforts to re-establish contact with ‘absconders’ or people who are otherwise ‘out of contact’ with the department
Please note that the following themes are out of scope for this inspection:
the quality and consistency of Home Office decision making
the efficiency and timeliness of Home Office decision making
This call for evidence will remain open until close of play 21 October 2024.
As Independent Chief Inspector, I am inviting anyone with knowledge or first-hand experience of Home Office contact management to submit evidence to inform this inspection. I would like to hear about both what is working well and what could be improved.
I would therefore welcome any anonymised case studies from those who have worked with individuals who have experience of Home Office contact management as set out in the list of in-scope activities above.
Please note that the ICIBI’s statutory remit does not extend to investigating or making decisions about individual cases. This remains a Home Office responsibility. However, the Independent Chief Inspector can take an interest in individual cases to the extent that they illustrate or point to systemic problems.
Please also note that the information you submit may be quoted in the final inspection report. However, it is the ICIBI’s practice not to name sources and to anonymise as much as possible any examples or case studies.
Please click here to email your submission to the Independent Chief Inspector.
Data Protection
Information on how ICIBI will process any personal data provided in response to this call for evidence can be found in the ICIBI privacy information notice.
David Bolt, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
OFSI announces monetary penalty for breaches of UK financial sanctions imposed on Russia linked to its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has issued a monetary penalty to Integral Concierge Services (ICSL) for breaches of the financial sanctions regime imposed on Russia in response to its illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The monetary penalty relates to the property management service ICSL provided to a designated person subject to an asset freeze. Between 2022 and 2023, ICSL made or received 26 payments in connection with the services they were providing to the designated person, despite knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect these were in breach of financial sanctions in the UK.
As a result of these breaches, ICSL was given a penalty of £15,000. ICSL did not challenge the penalty and paid in full.
This penalty demonstrates OFSI’s clear commitment to pursuing financial sanctions breaches wherever they occur. From the largest institutions to the smallest, everyone has an obligation to comply with the UK’s financial sanctions regime. OFSI is prepared to utilise the full extent of its legislative powers to pursue those who commit serious breaches of financial sanctions.
This case was not reported to OFSI by the subject of the penalty, resulting instead from a proactive investigation.
FCDO Sanctions Minister Doughty said:
We are firmly committed to enforcing the UK’s financial sanctions regime. We promised this government would act – and we are putting those involved in breaches on notice. Let this be a strong warning to those who fail to comply.
The UK is continuously working to proactively identify breaches and strengthen our enforcement powers. We will continue to close loopholes, come down hard on sanctions evaders, and crack down on sanctions circumvention to ensure the effectiveness of sanctions against Putin’s Russia, and in the case of other sanctions regimes.
The monetary penalty highlights key lessons for industry, particularly firms involved in the property management sector. This case demonstrates the importance of understanding and taking appropriate action to address financial sanctions risks arising from your business model and client base, particularly if they present heightened sanctions risks. Firms should seek professional advice on their sanctions obligations wherever necessary.
Russia is desperate to get around our sanctions and we will not hesitate to take action against those involved in supplying and funding Putin’s war machine. The government is committed to significantly strengthening our sanctions enforcement, and will continue to prioritise sanctions enforcement at every turn. This includes both public actions, such as monetary penalties, and actions which are not made public, such as warning letters and referrals to regulators. Following the introduction of strict civil liability for financial sanctions breaches in June 2022, OFSI is now also able to take action regardless of whether a person knew or had reasonable cause to suspect they would be in breach.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal pays her respects to fallen soldiers from the Scottish regiments in northern France.
CWGC Vice Chairman Vice Admiral Peter Hudson CBE CB with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal during her visit to Loos British Cemetery Extension. Copyright CWGC.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid her respects today (26 September 2024) as dozens of soldiers killed during World War One, many from Scottish regiments, were commemorated at a specially built cemetery extension in northern France.
The event, held under autumn skies, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, and was held at the newly built Loos British Cemetery Extension. It is only the second time the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has built a new cemetery since the end of World War 2.
HRH The Princess Royal, President of the CWGC, formally inaugurated the new cemetery as she honoured the soldiers who were laid to rest.
The new cemetery was commissioned and built after nearby hospital construction works discovered a large number of World War 1 remains. The CWGC wanted to ensure that, on reburial, all of the fallen would remain side by side.
Soldiers of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland bear the coffin of an unknown Scottish soldier. Picture by Corporal Daryll Knott Crown Copyright.
The JCCC identification process established 48 separate sets of remains from the site. Although many Scottish Regimental artefacts were found, among them kilt pins, regimental buttons and shoulder titles, individual casualties could not be accurately identified by name.
With so many remains recovered, it was impossible for the CWGC to bury them all in one public ceremony, so 46 were buried privately at Loos British Cemetery Extension earlier this summer.
Today, one unknown soldier of The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and a second unknown Scottish soldier were laid to rest by serving soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The service, which included a firing party and a piper, commemorated all 48 fallen soldiers.
Although none could be identified by name, JCCC continues efforts to identify several other casualties recovered at the same location, with the aim of burying them at Loos British Cemetery Extension.
The War Detectives attempt to find any living relatives when the remains of British personnel from historic conflicts are recovered. If identified, relatives are invited to the re-interment and memorial service. The CWGC is a world leader in commemoration which cares for war graves at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries.
After today’s cemetery service, HRH The Princess Royal met with community representatives at Loos-en-Gohelle’s City Hall.
Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detective, said: “This was an incredibly important ceremony. It is a privilege to be here with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we bury these last two soldiers from, what was, a huge recovery of remains. They will now rest in the presence of their regimental family.”
Padre David Anderson, Senior Chaplain 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be here having served with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and toured Afghanistan with them, it has tremendous poignancy for me to be here to reinter the remains of two unknown soldiers one, known to be of the Black Watch, and another known only to be Scottish. It’s good that the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are here today to bury their comrades in arms.”
Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE, said: “We are truly grateful and deeply honoured to have welcomed our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to inaugurate our new cemetery and pay her respects to the brave men who have now been laid to rest here.
“This occasion marks a significant milestone for the Commission, reflecting our unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by those who served. It also emphasises that our vital work to care for the fallen all around the world is very much ongoing.
“As we gather here today, we reaffirm our promise to maintain the graves of those interred in Loos British Cemetery Extension, and of their comrades, ensuring that their legacy will endure in perpetuity.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Government reappoints Professor Sir Steve Smith as its International Education Champion, supporting the promotion of UK education excellence around the world.
Sir Steve will continue to support the government’s international education work
His work will promote UK excellence in education around the world
Officials will conduct a review of the International Education Strategy
Sir Steve Smith has been reappointed as the UK Government’s International Education Champion.
Reappointed by Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas, and the Skills Minister, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith, Sir Steve’s tenure as International Education Champion (IEC) has been extended for one year from 1 October..
Under a commitment made in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy, published in 2019, Sir Steve was originally appointed as IEC in June 2020 for a four-year term.
In his role as IEC, Sir Steve will continue to support the government’s international education work, including engaging with governments around the world and promoting UK excellence and partnerships in all education sub-sectors.
More widely, with the change in government, officials will conduct a review of the International Education Strategy, which will ensure that it continues to be an effective tool in increasing the value of education exports, promote policy dialogue and reflect the priorities of education stakeholders, businesses and Ministers.
Sir Steve was previously Vice-Chancellor of University of Exeter for 18 years and brings vast experience to the IEC role, where he has played a pivotal role in developing deep relationships, including at Ministerial level internationally.
In his role as IEC, he has already supported significant progress across priority countries including:
Leading over 500 meetings with stakeholders and 22 visits overseas , which has helped open the door for education exports, now amounting to more than £28bn.
Taking forward the relationship with education ministers in particular with Saudi Arabia, to develop the pipeline of opportunities for UK education suppliers relating to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030; and Nigeria, where the UK has co-written the country’s guidelines for Transnational Education, opening up opportunities for UK universities to provide their offer in Nigeria.
Leading a delegation of 31 UK higher education institutions to India, where a range of partnership opportunities have been progressed.
On his re-appointment, Prof. Sir Steve Smith said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be continuing in my role as the UK’s International Education Champion, working with the government, both at home and overseas, to ensure that the UK makes the very most of international opportunities, across the breadth of the UK’s world-leading education sector.
“It’s a critical time for the education sector and I look forward to building on the trusting relationships we have with our partners around the world.”
Exports Minister Gareth Thomas said:
“The UK is an international powerhouse when it comes to our education services, and I’m very pleased that Sir Steve will be continuing in his role to champion the country around the world.
“I want to see more UK educators exporting their brilliant services around the world, and promoting our high standards, that’s why Sir Steve’s work is so important.”
Baroness Smith, Minister for Skills, said:
“Sir Steve has a wealth of experience in showcasing our brilliant education sector, and I am thrilled that he will continue in this role for a further year.
“The UK is rightly regarded as an education powerhouse and Sir Steve’s vital work will continue to strengthen that reputation around the world, driving economic growth and boosting our global prestige.”
Over 530 high EPC-rated homes, with 20% designated for affordable housing, seven acres of vibrant green space, and a range of commercial amenities will bring about the transformation of the site, which has lain derelict for 15 years. Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the low-rise development plans emulate the surrounding conservation area and maximise the canalside setting. The scheme will also open up a new pedestrian route to the city core, reducing the previous walk time by 20 minutes, and igniting investment into a commercial corridor.
The waterfront development site sits on the eastern edge of the city centre and is made up of the Canal & River Trust-owned former Crane Foundry site, and the Council’s former British Steel site and land off Qualcast Road.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Wavensmere Homes submitted a quality and comprehensive planning application that will deliver for Wolverhampton. This project is fundamental to our brownfield first strategy, driving investment into the Green Innovation Corridor, and it will also fulfil a key objective of our Canalside Delivery Partnership with the Canal & River Trust.
“We can now look forward to work starting on site. Bringing life back to the redundant sites along our canal network is critical to boosting footfall into our city centre. As one of the largest new housing developments in the Midlands, Wavensmere’s £150m investment will enable Wolverhampton residents to benefit from superb connectivity, amenities, and health and wellbeing opportunities at this wonderful heritage location.”
Wavensmere Homes will construct 378 two-and three-bedroom townhouses, designed to target an EPC-A rated specification, together with 145 one-and two-bedroom apartments. A building of 10 co-living units – each containing six bedrooms – will deliver affordable living typologies to young professionals. 54 houses and 80 apartment and co-living bedrooms will benefit from waterside views. The multi-award-winning urban regeneration specialist will also be reanimating the disused railway arches on the site into 1,338sqm (14,400 sq ft) of lettable commercial space.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “The experience of working with this City Council – and in particular the planning department – has been unprecedented. Wolverhampton is a city that is open for business.
“As a timeline, Wavensmere was announced as the new developer for this nationally significant project last December, and we are now in a position to confirm that we will be starting work at Canalside South before the year is out. This scheme will be a catalyst for a new wave of ambitious city living, which is vital to see the Wolverhampton Pound spent locally.
“It’s the level of proactivity and can-do approach that made this happen, which has been brought about through a shared vision, great people, and the Council’s strong leadership team at the helm. As a result of this positive and efficient experience, we are committed to invest a lot more in the City of Wolverhampton.”
Wavensmere Homes will future-proof the new homes by installing electric only heating systems. A range of technologies will be utilised across the development, consisting of air source heat pumps, solar panels and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). There will also be EV charging to each house or parking space, alongside an array of EV chargers for visitors.
The overall vision for the Wolverhampton Canalside masterplan is the delivery of around 1,000 homes to meet both the city and wider region’s housing needs, with sustainability and place-making at its heart.
Andrew Chandler, Development Manager at the Canal & River Trust, added: “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with City of Wolverhampton Council and Wavensmere Homes to bring forward this transformational, high quality canalside residential-led scheme which will deliver generous well-connected walkways and public open spaces. This scheme will transform derelict brownfield land, while connecting more people to the local canal network and its rich biodiversity.
“Canalside South will positively influence the quality of future development around our canals. It will also demonstrate the positive impact that water has on those who live and use the waterways, encouraging more people to engage with their local canal and at the same time help support what we do as a charity and show that life really is better by water.”
Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes has 3,500 homes on site, or currently in planning. The firm is in the final phase of the £175m Nightingale Quarter, which is the redevelopment of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary into 925 energy-efficient houses, apartments, and community amenities. The company is constructing two other major brownfield regeneration schemes, located in central Birmingham and Ipswich, and has further projects – including four additional landmark schemes in Derby and Cheltenham – in the immediate pipeline.