L-R Shaun Baker – Area Manager, Livewest Amanda Wells – Commissioning Officer, Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Cathryn Vallender – Head of Neighbourhoods, Livewest Michelle Dawson – Executive Director of Homes and Communities, Plymouth Community Homes Steve Foale – Technical Lead for Community Safety, Plymouth City Council Matt Garrett – Service Director for Community Connections, Plymouth City Council Chief Superintendent Scott Bradley – Plymouth BCU Commander, Devon and Cornwall Police
Organisations across the city are teaming up to help spread the word about tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB).
Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Community Homes, Livewest Housing Association, Devon and Cornwall Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner have joined up to re-sign the ASB Pledge.
The pledge is a commitment to support victims of anti-social behaviour, using anti-social behaviour case reviews.
Victims of persistent anti-social behaviour have the right to request a case review where a local threshold is met. It is an opportunity for an independent review to see what, if anything else, can be done to resolve the anti-social behaviour.
The pledge was set up by ASB Help, a registered charity which provides advice and support to victims.
The criteria to have the pledge status has changed since the Council last signed it in 2022, and to retain the status, we need to renew our commitment.
There have been nine requests so far this year for case reviews, compared to 18 last year in total.
One of the most recent case reviews involved a long-term drug user who supplied drugs to others visiting their flat. They would leave used needles in the nearby bin shed. The neighbours reported their concerns and unfortunately the issues continued, and the council worked with partners to address it, leading to the police carrying out a drug warrant.
The occupier was issued a Community Protection Notice Warning to stop visitors at their address. The council and the police were able to identify one persistent visitor causing anti-social behaviour and were able to obtain a civil injunction which banned them from the area for two years.
Unfortunately, this warning was ignored so the council and the police applied for a closure order against the property and the housing association subsequently regained possession of the property.
The Council’s street services cleaned the area of discarded drugs paraphernalia, and the residents returned to a peaceful life.
The case review involves an independent chair who can give an issue a fresh perspective. The review brings together all agencies involved, and a new action plan drawn up.
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have an overwhelming impact on its victims and, in some cases, on the wider community.
“It is key that we as partners come together to show our commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour.
“By signing up to our ASB Help Pledge, we will work with partners to ensure that they demonstrate their commitment to supporting victims of ASB and will endeavour to implement and follow best practice with the ASB Case Review.”
The exceptional real-world impact of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) researchers, teams and projects has been recognised by the national Alliance Awards 2025.
ARU has three shortlisted nominees for this year’s Alliance Awards, organised by University Alliance, with each making significant contributions to the wider community.
Dr Mirna Guha, Deputy Head of ARU’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Senior Lecturer in Sociology, is nominated for the Research and Innovation Impact Award for improving domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) services across England.
ARU’s Trusted Adult Scheme (TAS) is shortlisted for the Local Impact Award, which is supported by UCAS. TAS is a collaboration between ARU, Cambridgeshire County Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (NHS) and helps young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by providing safe spaces, mentorship, and guidance.
Children and young people aged 14-19, with social workers, are referred to TAS, which offers on-campus activities such as music recording, street art and gym access.
ARU’s Social Work team is shortlisted for the Teaching Innovation Award for its innovative and inclusive teaching methods for apprenticeship students.
Teaching begins with reflective wellbeing check-ins, to help improve compassionate resilience, and the sessions have been carefully designed to embrace inclusive teaching for neurodivergent and disabled students on the BA (Hons) Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship course.
University Alliance represents professional and technical universities in the UK and the shortlists for each award were selected by an independent panel of expert judges from across the higher education and research sector.
“This year we have renewed the categories for the Alliance Awards – and the response has been phenomenal.
“We have received over 250 nominations across nine categories, and I continue to be awe-inspired by the range, the depth and the quality of the many individuals and teams across the Alliance.
“The judges’ shortlisting to decide the nominees was incredibly competitive and close, with some categories receiving over 25 nominations. This attests to the sky-high standard of work that goes on across Alliance Universities.”
Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance
The winners will be announced at the Alliance Awards 2025 ceremony on 18 September, hosted by the University of Hertfordshire.
The Chief Minister and Minister for External Relations have made the first of three annual allocations of £1.5 million from the Jersey Reclaim Fund which will be distributed to local charitable and voluntary organisations.
In October last year the Ministers announced their intention to provide a three-year funding package of at least £4.5m for 2025 – 2027 to provide sustained support to charities and voluntary organisations.
Established in 2017, the Jersey Reclaim Fund is administered by the government and consists of balances in dormant bank accounts in Jersey where contact has been lost with the customer for more than 15 years.
The funds will be allocated by the Jersey Community Foundation. In addition to supporting the community, charities can apply to use part of their grants to sustain or strengthen the resilience and sustainability of their organisation.
The Minister for External Relations, Deputy Ian Gorst, who has responsibility for financial services, said: “This allocation from the Jersey Reclaim Fund marks the beginning of a new phase of long-term support for our charitable and voluntary sector. By providing funding over the next three years, we are giving organisations the certainty they need to plan ahead, and also to invest in their own resilience in order to serve our Island community. I’d like to thank Jersey’s financial institutions for continuing to work with the Fund, and the Jersey Community Foundation for their crucial role in making sure these grants reach the organisations and recipients that need them most.”
The 2025 funding will be allocated over two grant rounds, and decisions on the first round of funding have been approved, with successful applicants to be notified this week. A second round of funding will take place in the autumn. The wide range of applications received from diverse organisations highlights both the vital work of Jersey’s charitable sector and the clear need for this funding at this time.
Anna Terry, CEO of the Jersey Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that the Government of Jersey has not only allocated £1.5 million from dormant bank accounts to the Jersey Community Foundation this year, but also committed to a three-year partnership. This long-term support enables us to offer multi-year grants, giving charitable organisations the stability they need to plan and deliver lasting impact. We’re incredibly grateful for the government’s trust in us to manage and distribute these funds, and we look forward to continuing to support the vital work being done across the Island.”
A new long-term transport strategy for the Isle of Wight is set to be discussed by councillors at County Hall next week.
The draft Island Transport Plan (ITP), which outlines the Island’s transport priorities from 2025 to 2040, will be considered by the Isle of Wight Council’s Economy, Regeneration, Transport, and Infrastructure Committee.
The plan is part of a national requirement for Local Transport Authorities to have a Local Transport Plan in place.
The ITP sets out a vision for a transport network that supports economic growth, reduces environmental impact, and improves access and safety for residents and visitors.
It includes objectives such as supporting local economic growth, improving air quality and travel efficiency, and making transport more inclusive and affordable.
The plan also highlights the importance of adapting to climate change and supporting healthier communities through safer and more sustainable travel options.
Among the proposals are improvements to rural bus shelters, simplified ticketing across different modes of transport, and the rollout of real-time information across the network.
The plan also supports enhancements at ferry terminals and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The council has already secured £13.6 million in Levelling Up funding for walking, cycling, and public transport improvements, and £2.1 million from the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund for the A3056 between Newport and Lake.
Public consultation on the draft plan is expected to begin in September, with events planned across the Island to gather feedback.
The final version of the plan is due to be published in early 2026, following consideration of public responses, and will be submitted to the Department for Transport for approval.
The committee will meet at 5pm on Thursday, July 10. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or follow the meeting live online.
Norwich City Council is urging all 23,500 affected postal voters to re-apply for their postal vote before the deadline of 31 January 2026, following changes introduced by the Elections Act 2022.
What’s changing?
If you were granted a postal votebefore 31 October 2023, your current arrangement will expire on 31 January 2026. To continue voting by post in future elections, you must re-apply.
Why do I need to re-apply?
The Elections Act 2022 introduced new rules requiring postal voters to re-apply every three years. This change is designed to keep the electoral register up to date and secure.
How to re-apply
Re-applying is quick, easy, and secure:
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote Deadline: 31 January 2026
If you don’t re-apply, your postal vote will expire, and you’ll need to vote in person or apply again later.
If you do not wish to re-apply online, or if we do not hold an email address for you, we will contact you by post in August and supply a paper application form for you to return.
Spread the word
If you work with or support someone who may be affected, please help them check their status and re-apply in time.
LEICESTER’S Golden Mile will continue to be the focus for Diwali Day celebrations, but with major changes to the annual event due to crowd safety fears.
Serious concerns about public safety at the popular event have been raised by the Diwali safety advisory group due to the massive crowd numbers the event has attracted in recent years.
The group – which includes event and safety experts from the city council, representatives from Leicestershire Police, NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and crowd security providers – has warned that the current location is no longer fit for purpose, and urgent action needs to be taken.
Several meetings have since been held by the safety advisory group to consider a range of options, including relocating the popular event to Abbey Park or the city centre, extending it onto Belgrave Circle or moving it onto Melton Road.
Following council engagement with Belgrave businesses and local community representatives, the decision has now been taken to enable Diwali Day celebrations on Belgrave Road, where it has been held for more than 40 years.
However, major changes to the popular event will be required to ensure it can be held safely.
Belgrave Road will be closed to all traffic for the evening of Diwali Day to allow families and friends to celebrate safely together and enjoy the atmosphere, shops and restaurants of the Golden Mile.
Festive illuminations featuring more than 6,000 lights will continue to be installed along Belgrave Road during Diwali. The popular Wheel of Light will also return.
There will be no stage entertainment or firework display at this year’s event. And Cossington Street Recreation Ground will no longer feature as part of the festivities.
These measures need to be taken to avoid potentially dangerous crowd massing that has been observed at the event in the last two years.
The city council has committed to continue to work with the safety advisory group and local community representatives to see whether any further enhancements can be made that will not compromise public safety.
The new approach was agreed at a meeting last night between the City Mayor Peter Soulsby, Cllr Vi Dempster, asst city mayor for culture, representatives from the Leicester Hindu Festival Council and Belgrave Business Association, and members of the local Jain and Sikh communities. Local ward councillors, council officers and safety advisory group members also attended.
Graham Callister, the city council’s head of festivals, events and cultural policy said: “Diwali has been a real highlight of the city’s festival calendar and attracts thousands of people who come from far and wide to join in the celebrations on the Golden Mile.
“However, we are now being advised by our emergency service partners and event security providers that we have reached the point where the growing crowds and sheer volume of people attending is causing significant concern about public safety.
“Scaling back on event infrastructure and activity means there will be the additional space needed – and more importantly less congestion – to safely welcome the crowds that want to celebrate on Belgrave Road.”
Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Unfortunately, Leicester’s annual Diwali festival has become a victim of its own success. We’re being strongly advised by our emergency service partners and crowd control experts that it cannot continue safely in its current format due to the unrestricted and growing crowd numbers that it attracts, and that’s a warning we must take extremely seriously.
“We are absolutely determined that Diwali continues to be part of the city’s festive calendar. We also understand the depth of feeling to see it continue on the Golden Mile where it began over 40 years ago. To do that, we must ensure that it can take place safely. That must be paramount.”
Over the last two years, record crowds have turned out for the city’s Diwali celebrations on Belgrave Road and Cossington Street recreation ground. Last year’s event saw estimated crowds of up to 50,000 people attending.
A FORMER senior police officer has been appointed as the Independent Chair of the Tayside MAPPA Strategic Oversight Group.
Graham Binnie was confirmed in the position following a tender process supported by Dundee City, Angus and Perth & Kinross councils, Police Scotland and NHS Tayside.
He has considerable experience of successful collaboration across law enforcement, public health, public protection, community planning and resilience partnerships, having worked in various roles with Police Scotland over almost 30 years. This has included public protection specific roles as well as serving as the Superintendent, Performance and Partnerships for Tayside Division.
Since retiring from Police Scotland Graham has also taken on leadership roles within rugby and as a volunteer in wider community groups and charitable organisations.
He said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to act as independent chair and am committed to working with partners to prioritise people and safety, supporting the hard work of those across our public protection agencies”.
MAPPA aims to protect the public by requiring the police, NHS, prison service and local authorities (known as responsible authorities) to work together to assess and manage the risk posed by certain categories of offender.
Derby City Council’s latest Annual Report will be presented to Cabinet on Wednesday 9 July, showcasing a year of achievements across the city’s five priority themes: Green, Growth, Resilient, Vibrant, and Working Smarter.
The report, covering performance and delivery from April 2024 to March 2025, highlights key successes that are making Derby a more sustainable, prosperous, and vibrant place for our residents.
We’ve made big strides in our commitment to become a better-connected, greener city. Our Transforming Cities programme has championed efficient and active travel, delivering new and renewed cycle pathways, traffic signals and carriageways. We’ve also upgraded 5,560 streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs, saving an estimated 329 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Our green spaces continue to be high quality places for our residents to enjoy, with six city parks retaining the prestigious Green Flag status. Working with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, we’ve also reintroduced cattle to three of our locations in the winter months to improve biodiversity and keep them in the best condition.
The Growth theme has seen significant support for local businesses and the creation of future job opportunities. Aided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund we have worked with partners to support 761 Derby businesses, while Council interventions have generated an impressive £30.7m of investment in the city.
Investing in Derby’s future workforce is a priority, as demonstrated by the Derby Promise initiative. We’ve seen over 3,100 individuals enrolled in community and skills programme delivered by the Derby Adult Learning Service, continuing our focus on lifelong learning and raising aspirations and opportunities for our people of all ages in Derby.
Looking ahead, we’re also actively collaborating with the Great British Railways Transition Team and the East Midland’s Mayor to develop a shared vision for a Derby Rail Campus, boosting the city’s vital rail sector.
Over the past year, culture has been placed firmly at the heart of our increasingly vibrant city. Spring 2025 saw the opening of two major leisure and culture destinations: Vaillant Live and Derby Market Hall. The city also hosted a diverse mix of events, including St George’s Day and Festive Derby, and the record-breaking Darley Park Weekender, which generated over £1m for the local economy.
Under the Resilient theme, the Council has focused on supporting residents to get on in life and ensuring the right care is available, at the right time. In 2024/25, some of our most vulnerable people were supported to remain in a place they call home. This includes 86.6% of adults with a Learning Disability, 91.6% of adults in contact with secondary mental health services, and 79.5% of older people within 91 days of being discharged from hospital following rehabilitation.
Thanks to collaborative efforts with our partners, 45,000 visits were made to our Family Hubs, where a range of services are provided. This contributed to a reduction in the number of families assessed as ‘child in need’ and a decrease in the number of children in care.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
2024/25 was a very busy period for our city, and we saw big strides made in our journey to make Derby a city we can all be proud of. While the hard work continues, this report shows that we are heading in the right direction.
This is also a great opportunity to recognise the commitment and achievement of our colleagues in 2024/25. They continually go above and beyond to deliver the best outcomes for the people of Derby, despite the ongoing challenges facing local government. I want to place on record my thanks to them for all they have done and will continue to do as we press on into 2025/26.
Suspected people smuggling gang taken down in nationwide strikes
Seven members of a suspected organised crime group believed to have made millions have been arrested in West Yorkshire and Essex.
A suspected people-smuggling gang has been arrested for allegedly using false identity documents to smuggle hundreds of people into the UK illegally, luring them into a life of exploitation and misery.
On Tuesday 1 July, Immigration Enforcement officers executed warrants in Greater London, and Batley, West Yorkshire and arrested 7 suspects. The targets are believed to have used forged passports and visas of people with legitimate status in the UK to facilitate their illegal arrival, and subsequent employment in black market businesses.
The gang is believed to have facilitated the illegal entry of over 500 people with no right to be in the UK.
Their alleged money-grabbing scheme is believed to have developed into a wide-scale, dangerous criminal network operating across the country, with the 5 men and 3 women believed to have sent fake documents to beneficiaries to evade detection from law enforcement. The gang, who largely targeted Gambian nationals, are also suspected of re-using the fraudulent documents for different imposters hoping to make it to the UK illegally, with an ongoing investigation revealing a substantial quantity of images of passports found on the main suspect’s mobile phone.
From booking flights to housing the migrants on arrival and providing them with illegal work, the gang provided a full service and charged around £5,000 per person.
This particular gang, like many others, is believed to be charging substantial fees for arranging illegal entry to the UK, with the main suspect believed to have a turnover of over £1.3m in his bank account despite claiming to only earn £35,000 a year working for a furniture manufacturing company.
Another suspect is believed to have a turnover of over £1m across two bank accounts whilst simultaneously receiving Universal Credit. A further investigation will be launched in order to recover the profits made by this suspected organised criminal gang.
At the various addresses visited, officers seized several counterfeit identity documents which are believed to have been used in this criminal scheme.
These arrests form part of this government’s Plan for Change to strengthen the UK’s border security, which is already delivering results, with almost 30,000 people with no right to be here returned since the election and a turbocharge in immigration enforcement activity across the country which has led to a 51% increase in the number of illegal working arrests.
Organised criminal gangs who are driven by profit often go to extreme lengths to make their cash, disregarding the safety of humans. The suspects in this case are believed to have been exploiting those they promised to help by forcing them to work in private homes under their control, leaving the survivors trapped in unsafe situations and exhausted for little or no pay.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle said:
This operation is a clear display that we will not stand by and let evil criminal gangs abuse our immigration system.
This suspected gang promised their beneficiaries a better life here in the UK. Instead, they face heinous levels of exploitation which is exactly why we are working with law enforcement to ensure survivors of modern slavery are supported and the criminal gangs face justice.
Our Border Security Command has £280m of additional funding over the next 4 years to deliver the step-change required to break their business models and deliver our Plan for Change to restore order to the immigration system.
Ben Ryan, Chief Operating Officer at Medaille Trust, said:
Medaille Trust is delighted to have collaborated on this operation and to have played a part in ensuring that victims were identified and supported to begin their recovery as survivors.
We believe that collaborative efforts like this between the Home Office and civil society provide a model for confronting the evils of modern slavery; with a focus on both pursuing abusers and recognising and supporting survivors.
The Home Office’s Criminal Financial Investigations team works closely with charities like Medaille Trust to support the victims of organised crime by keeping them at the heart of any investigation, providing invaluable expertise and support to the most vulnerable. Through closer collaboration we are able to identify victims and offer them a safe haven to come forward about the abuse they have faced. Medaille Trust provide refuge and freedom from modern slavery and are one of the largest providers of supported safe house beds for victims of modern slavery in the UK.
Cracking down on abuse of the immigration system is central to securing the UK’s borders. As set out in the Immigration White Paper in May, the government will introduce tighter controls, restrictions, and scrutiny of those who attempt to abuse and misuse the immigration system. This includes strengthening border security by rolling out digital identity for all overseas citizens through the implementation of eVisas and new systems for checking visa compliance.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Latvia: Kathy Leach
Ms Kathy Leach has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia in succession to Mr Paul Brummell CMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Leach will take up her appointment during August 2025.
Ms Kathy Leach
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Kathy Leach
Date
Role
2021 to present
Astana, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2019 to 2020
FCDO, Deputy Director, Constitution and Devolution, Europe Directorate
2015 to 2018
FCO, Head then Deputy Director, Policy Unit, Strategy Directorate
2012 to 2015
Yerevan, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2007 to 2011
Tokyo, Head, Energy and Environment Team
2005
FCO, Deputy Head, Passport and Documentary Services, Consular
2001 to 2004
Moscow, First Secretary Security Policy, then Internal Political
2000 to 2001
FCO, Desk Officer, EU Trade and Development Policy, Europe Directorate
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
Local Government Association Conference 2025
A speech from the Deputy Prime Minister at the Local Government Conference.
Can I just start by saying how proud I am to be back here in Liverpool.
And I’m sure you’ve all heard the devasting news this morning about the tragic loss of legend Diogo Jota.
I know everyone here, his fans and the city of Liverpool will be heartbroken by this news.
My thoughts are with his family at this saddened time.
It’s a pleasure to look out at a room full of people dedicated to serving the communities that you represent.
From Barnsley to Barrow – Cornwall to Cheshire…
Councillors and mayors are delivering day-in, day-out for local people right across our country.
I know how hard you work
I know the difference you make
I’m for local government because I’m from local government.
And yes, I wasn’t a councillor. But as a home help and a carer I was on the front line delivering local services.
And as a union rep, I worked with the leadership of a council to transform the service I worked in, for the good of the people that we served.
And as a young mum, facing low pay and insecure hours without much of a safety net, it was the Sure Start centre and the council home that helped me turn my life around.
The services that you deliver every single day changes lives
And I say that not just as the Deputy Prime Minister, but as someone whose own life was changed by local government
It’s why, in me, you will always have a Secretary of State that sees you as a partner, and not a punchbag.
And Conference, it may not surprise you to know – but I’m not a patient person.
I’ve been restless for 14 years.
I’m restless to give local people a stronger voice.
I’m restless to put decision-making in the hands of the people who know best.
I’m restless to restore local government and provide the change that we were elected to deliver.
Because I know how hard it has been
How it feels at the sharp-end at local government level
That’s why every single day in Westminster I’m fighting to turn that around
To put power back in your hands, and deliver for communities the length and breadth of Britain.
So – almost 12 months ago from the General Election, what have we delivered?
Just last month, in the Spending Review we announced five billion pounds of new funding for local services.
New funding means an 8% increase in Government funded spending power in the next four years compared to a reduction of 24% in the first four years of the last government.
We’ve delivered a £4 billion uplift to adult social care
alongside a targeted recovery grant of £600m for the areas most in need
we doubled the direct investment in preventative children’s social care services.
and provided a record £1.6bn for local road maintenance, enough to fill an extra 7 million potholes over the next year. I knew that would wet your whistle.
And an uplift for every single local highway authority.
We have refused to repeat the mistakes of the past which took the axe to your budgets, and left our communities to pay the price
You made the case for local government, and we listened.
That’s why we’re rolling back the era of micromanagement too, with simpler funding, and a rapid consolidation of your Finance Settlement.
We are handing you the freedom and flex to meet local needs without needing to get sign off from central government for the most minor change.
And right now, the paperwork you’re asked to fill out for micro-managed funds every year would stretch from here to the West side of Wirral!
There’s no justification for that – so we’re cutting it down
Meaning that you can focus on your priorities, not filling out forms.
And with more flexible funding, we’re giving you the opportunity to work more collaboratively including through new pilots so councils and mayors can pool budgets and do joined-up services, learning the lessons of projects like Total Place – the last Labour government’s pioneering reform programme.
Because we know every ambition of this government requires an active, empowered and strong local government.
And we were elected to bring change, and that change can only be achieved in partnership with you.
Nowhere is that more obvious than housing.
None of our ambitions are possible without the support and the expertise of people here today.
And the extraordinary examples of so many leaders in this room have inspired us to go further and faster.
Right here in Liverpool, under the leadership of Council leader Liam Robinson and the Mayor Steve Rotheram, this great city is going from strength to strength.
You only have to look at the incredible regeneration of the Liverpool Waters district – not too far from here, with new funding unlocking around 2,350 new homes.
Now Liam said the Central Docks could act as a “beacon for what housing developments in the 21st century can and should be”.
It’s hard to argue with that.
But you know – and I know – you need a government that matches your ambition.
And that’s why I am so proud to say that just last month we announced the biggest increase in the social and affordable homes budget for a generation!
Our historic £39 billion of new Social and Affordable Homes Programme aims to deliver around 300,000 new homes with at least 60% for social rent.
This is a personal priority not just for me, but for the whole of this Government.
And I say that, in the context of 160,000 children that are growing up in temporary accommodation
When a million are living their lives on social housing waiting lists, no government should sit back whilst people live their lives in limbo.
So through investment and reform, this government is backing councils and the whole social housing sector to deliver council housing.
That means a brighter future where families aren’t trapped in temporary accommodation and young people are no longer locked out of a secure home.
And we’re giving the sector certainty in other areas too.
A ten-year rent settlement, consulting on how to implement rent convergence,
Giving social landlords equal access to the building safety funds – for the first time ever
And in the Autumn, we’ll confirm our approach to help councils to borrow from the Public Works Loan Board.
And on top of this, we’re also committed to reforming the support given for skills capacity with a new Council Housebuilding Skills & Capacity Programme
And that will be a partnership between the LGA and Homes England – backed by £12 million in funding – and it will also help you get the skilled staff you need to build.
And the scale of this challenge means we all need to play our part.
Local authorities, housing associations, investors, developers, housebuilders, and regulators are all vital to help us reset social housing – so that it’s treated, once again, as the national asset that it is.
Now, taken together with our bold planning reforms, the new National Housing Bank and the billions we’re putting into transport and infrastructure
there’s a real opportunity here for councils.
Opportunity not just to build the decent, and secure homes that working people so desperately need, but to build stronger communities at scale and at pace.
Our goal of delivering 1.5 million homes will only be met by building affordable homes, with councils in the driving seat.
We want our new Programme to be a game-changer.
We’re setting a target which is six times more than were built in the last decade.
The truth is for too long, the potential of what local government can achieve has been underestimated by Whitehall.
Our government was elected to deliver change, and I know how fundamental you all are to delivering that.
But you’re all having to work within a broken system.
You’ve been left unequipped to deliver what is being expected of you.
And despite the huge sums that you’re spending on public services
On adult Social Care
Children’s Social Care
SEND
and temporary accommodation
I’m hearing loud and clear from you all, that these services are still not working for the people who need them.
And the truth is that Westminster just hasn’t kept its side of the bargain.
Public services need reform, and the onus is on us to work with you to deliver it.
And that is why I am here today to fire the starting gun on a new way of working with you to deliver the reforms we know are needed.
First, we are today announcing a fundamental shift, to radically simplify the funding and reporting regime that underpins your work.
Through a new Local Government Outcomes Framework, we will move together to a completely new way of measuring performance.
And this will be focused on delivering what we know matters most.
Outcomes like kids learning to read and write
people living healthier lives for longer
and communities feeling safe.
It brings everything in line with the government’s broader Missions and the Plan for Change
And means prioritising the long term, instead of getting caught up in the nuts and bolts.
The aim is that it frees you up to deliver meaningful outcomes
And facilitates a shift towards prevention.
But I know that we don’t have all the answers
So my promise to you, is that if you come with a new way of delivering a service and it shows results, we will work with you to pursue it.
The micromanagement of previous governments failed
It wasted taxpayers’ money, and got us into the mess we’re in now.
We can all recognise there are times when governments have to step in
And make no mistake, that I’m still prepared to intervene where there is failure to deliver
But it has to be by the book – and we can’t have a ‘Westminster knows best’ attitude.
That is why we’re putting together a clear menu of actions of how government will respond where services are failing.
I want everyone to know where they stand so concerns and weaknesses can be picked up before they become a crisis.
And I’m committed to writing this with the sector, to get this right the first time.
There’s real urgency to this – so to the Chief Executives and the Council Leaders here today
Keep an eye on your inbox, because straight after this speech today, you’ll be receiving details of how to get involved.
Now everyone in the room knows that ending Whitehall micro-management also means sorting out the spaghetti soup of obligations facing local government.
That’s why, alongside our new Outcomes Framework, we’ll be launching a comprehensive review to ensure unnecessary regulations and needless asks from government aren’t getting in the way of you serving your communities.
We will harness the Government’s AI team to unlock efficiencies.
And work lock step with the LGA so we get it right.
So, that’s two fundamental shifts in the way this government is doing business with local leaders.
And we won’t stop there.
Money is understandably at the forefront of everyone’s minds in this room.
You watched as your communities were unfairly short-changed for too long.
So that’s why – my third pledge – is to make good on a promise I made countless times in Opposition.
A promise to fund councils on the basis of need.
The last government promised a Fair Funding Review back in 2016, they recognised how outdated and unfair the funding process was back then.
[Political content removed]
But not under my watch.
Anyone who knows me, knows I don’t make promises that I can’t keep!
I listened to the people in this room calling for government funding to recognise the unique challenges of their place
whether that be rising temporary accommodation or even the pressure caused by huge footfall in coastal communities on the weekends.
Many of you – including our colleague, the Minister for Local Government – campaigned for this change for decades.
And this government will waste no time in delivering it.
We will implement a Fair Funding Review.
And yes, that’s the full-fat version!
Jim and I will make no apology for this.
Government grant will be allocated based on the drivers of need in your area in a fair and transparent way.
We will replace the decade old data, and for the first time, properly take into account factors such as deprivation and poverty
the cost of remoteness faced by rural communities – meaning bus drivers and refuse collectors have to travel miles to serve their communities.
We will take into account the varying ability to raise tax locally with lower house prices impacting on councils budgets
temporary accommodation and the impact of daytime visitors on major cities and coastal towns alike.
Taken together, this new approach supports every part of the country to manage their unique pressures.
And I’m impatient – as I know you are – for this change.
So alongside Minister McMahon, we will waste no time in putting things right to support places that lost out to rebuild those valued services and match money to need.
And true reform of local government means taking a long and serious look at the plumbing.
We won’t shy away from that.
That’s why my fourth on my list of Local Government is Local Government Reorganisation.
Now I can feel the anxiety levels in the room increasing at that phrase!!
But I think everyone in this room can agree that governments cannot keep passing the buck on this one.
If we are serious about shifting local government into a stronger footing…
And fit for the future
Delivering good services for residents
Then we must cut out this needless duplication.
We must take the brilliant leadership shown by district and county councillors, and move it to a simpler structure
with more resources for the frontline, and a clearer accountability for residents.
So many of you in this room have entered this process with an open mind and I want to thank you for your continued support as we navigate towards the end of a two-tier system in England.
You have my word, that Jim and I will work in partnership with you every step of the way.
Reforming local government also means learning from our mistakes as well as our successes.
And my fifth focus is on trusting local government to deliver services in-house.
Local government has long been the champion of insourcing – and I know too well about your efforts to innovate, and bring services in-house to lower costs and improve outcomes.
We hear you and are on your side.
That’s why we’re also delivering new procurement flexibilities for councils so you can confidently support your local businesses, and ensure that the investment and jobs stay local too.
We are working to undo the ideological presumption of outsourcing by default, as part of our plan to Make Work Pay.
The truth is that we’ve become hooked on short-term solutions – creating a costly dependence on external providers which can fail to deliver particularly for vulnerable people, young and old.
You’ve been telling us about your efforts to innovate, and bring services in-house to lower costs and improve outcomes.
With colleagues across government, we’ll introduce a quick and proportionate public interest test, to decide whether work could be done more effectively in house.
The consultation on insourcing launched last week and I have no doubt we will get a lot of responses from people here today!
I know what’s possible when local leaders have the powers to really deliver.
With local people seeing that change in their high streets, in the opportunities available to young people, and in their hopes for the future.
That’s why we’re shifting power out of Whitehall to our regions, and making devolution the default setting through our landmark English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.
It’s part of building a modern state, built on the foundations of a strong local government.
So, that all levels and in everything we’re doing – whether through devolution, fairer funding, trusting local government in-house, or giving authorities the certainty and freedom to deliver on what really matter.
We’re handing power back to where it belongs – to people with skin in the game.
Resetting, rebuilding, and renewing local government, through ambitious investment and reform, and, with it, our country, after the hardest of years, so that it, once again, works for working people.
That’s the difference a government makes.
That’s the difference you make in your Local communities every single day.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
£150m Capital Grants offer returns to help farmers boost profits
The government is making a substantial investment in the future of farming, supporting cleaner rivers, healthier soils, and more resilient landscapes.
Thousands of farmers will benefit from £150 million in new funding as the government opens a new round of its flagship Capital Grants offer, supporting sustainable food production and environmental improvement.
The offer funds a wide range of on-farm projects – from tree planting and flood prevention to improved slurry storage and water filtration – helping farmers boost profitability while protecting the environment.
Last year alone, Capital Grants helped plant over 4,000 miles of hedgerows and upgrade slurry systems to keep our rivers clean – real, tangible improvements for farming and the environment.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:
British farmers work tirelessly to feed the nation and look after our countryside. This major investment will give them the tools to cut pollution, restore nature, and grow their businesses.
It forms part of the record £11.8 billion we’ve committed to sustainable farming during this Parliament – boosting food security, supporting rural growth, and protecting the environment.
The announcement is the latest in a series of steps taken by the government to support the farming industry. These include slashing costs for food producers by cutting red tape on exports to the EU, appointing former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters to recommend reforms to boost farmers’ profits, and ensuring farmers get a bigger share of food contracts across our schools, hospitals, and prisons.
Farmers and land managers are now able to apply for a total of 78 items, ranging from supporting natural flood management projects to improving water quality on farms under this new round of the Capital Grants offer. Four new items have been added including assessing woodland condition, creating wildfire management plans, repairing drystone walls and hosting educational visits.
Changes are also being introduced to ensure that more farm businesses can access these grants – making it fairer for farmers by setting funding limits that maximise the number of farms benefiting, while enabling Defra to manage budgets more effectively. This includes funding limits to four of the six groups of capital items in this Capital Grants offer. An application can include items from each of the six groups. The funding limit for four of the groups is:
£25,000 maximum for each of the following three groups: water quality, air quality, and natural flood management
£35,000 maximum for the group covering boundaries, trees, and orchards
Defra will also listen to feedback from farmers and use it to improve the offer ahead of the next round, which we plan to open in 2026.
This comes as the Environment Secretary and Farming Minister head to the Groundswell Show to discuss the new Capital Grants launch. More details about the reformed SFI scheme will be published this Summer.
This is part of the government’s wider Plan for Change to grow the rural economy, support our farmers and boost Britain’s food security.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
PM speech at the launch of the 10 Year Health Plan: 3 July 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s speech at the launch of the 10 Year Health Plan.
Thank you Rachel, thank you Wes. And thank you Denyse. Come and sit down with us. Denyse’s story is fantastic. Because she works here. She lives in this borough and she uses the services here.
What a great testament that is. And Denyse, thank you for your introduction and thank you for your words.
It’s a privilege to be here with you in Stratford. I’ve seen the work that you have been doing this morning. And I’m sorry for interrupting your work.
I do understand how hard it is. My mum worked in the NHS. She was a nurse, a proud nurse. My sister worked in the NHS and my wife still works in the NHS in one of the big London hospitals. So I do understand what you do, how you do it, what you put in and why you do it.
So let me start by saying a big thank you to all of you for what you do, and if I may, through you, to say thank you to all NHS staff right across the country who do what they do as public servants by treating and caring for other people.
Thank you also for welcoming us here. To your Neighbourhood Health Centre. Because it’s buildings like this here that represent the future of the NHS.
As I’ve just had the chance to go around and see some of the work that’s going on here. The 24 teams that you have got working on dentistry. I’m really pleased to see that you don’t need an appointment, you can walk in. You have got children and families up there on the next floor having their teeth done. That’s hugely important.
And that’s what a Neighbourhood Health Service can do working in partnership with the people it serves. And Denyse you are the embodiment of that.
Power and control in their hands. Care closer to their community. Services organised around their lives.
But look – before I say a bit more about the future in a minute. But it is important that we go back a year to the NHS left by the last government. With record waiting lists. The lowest ever satisfaction. I know the toll that takes on staff who work so hard.
100,000 children waiting more than six hours in A&E.
Now – I’m not going to stand here and say that everything is perfect now. We have so much work to do and we will do it.
But let’s be under absolutely no illusions. Because of the fair choices we made, the tough [political content redacted] decisions we made the future already looks better for our NHS.
That’s the story of this Government in a nutshell. With breakfast clubs, hugely important for children coming into schools so they are ready to learn.
Potholes across the country – filled. Fuel duty – frozen. Four interest rate cuts, hugely important for mortgage holders.
Setting up Great British energy, levelling up workers’ rights, record investment in affordable housing, infrastructure the length and breadth of our country.
It’s all down to the foundation we laid this year. All down to the path of renewal that we chose.
The decisions made by the Chancellor, by Rachel Reeves which mean we can invest record amounts in the NHS.
Already over 6000 mental health workers recruited.
1700 new GPs.
170 Community Diagnostic Centres, really important, already open.
New surgical hubs, new mental health units, new ambulance sites. Record investment – right across the system.
And because of all that the results are crystal clear.
At the last election a year ago, we promised two million extra appointments in the NHS in the first year of [political content redacted] government.
We have now delivered four million extra appointments and that’s thanks to your hard work and that of your colleagues.
4 million. That’s a record amount for a single year ever. And I want to thank you for the part that you have played in that.
That is what change looks like.
A promise made and a promised delivered.
And turning those statistics into the human is really important. So let me tell you about Jane.
At Christmas, she was taken to hospital with back pain.
And the diagnosis was not good. She needed her gallbladder removed. Jane asked as you can imagine “how long will I have to wait”.
And they said – “I’m sorry, but at the moment it could take up to ten months.”
Yet – because we have speeded up electives, because we have speeded up appointments, by May – she was offered a private appointment, paid for by the NHS, as part of our plan.
And now Jane is pain free.
Five months – not ten.
She’s got five months back – free from pain, free from anxiety and in a sense her life is no longer on hold.
That’s what change looks like in human terms. [Political content redacted.]
But we have to keep going.
We are fixing the foundations. We made choices no other government would have made and we are starting to repair the damage done to the NHS and public health, through Covid and austerity.
But reform isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s also about seizing opportunities.
And the way I see it – there is an opportunity here.
Because the NHS is at a turning point in its history.
We’re an older society now. Disease has changed.
Conditions are chronic, they are long-term, they need to be managed. And that means we need to reform the NHS to make it fit for the future.
With the technology that is available to us now, we have an unprecedented chance to do that to make care better.
To transform the relationship between people and the state. To give patients more power and control. And this is about fairness.
Millions of people across Britain no longer feel they get a fair deal.
And it’s starting to affect the pride, the hope, the optimism they have in this great country.
Our job is to change that. And the NHS is a huge part of it. I mean – for 77 years this weekend the NHS has been an embodiment if you like of British pride, hope, that basic sense of fairness and decency.
77 years – of everyone paying in, working hard, doing the right thing, secure in the knowledge, that if they or their family needs it, the NHS will be there for them.
In ten years’ time – when this plan has run its course, I want people to say this was the moment, this was the government that secured those values for the future.
And look – when people are uncertain about the deal they are getting from this country, what fairer way is there to respond to that than by giving them more control.
By partnering with them, to build an NHS that is fit to face the future.
That’s what this plan that we are launching today will do.
And it will do so in three ways.
Three shifts that will transform healthcare in this country.
First – we will shift the NHS away from being only a sickness service to a health service that is genuinely preventative in the first place, prevents disease in the first place.
That means a stronger focus on vaccination, on screening, early diagnosis.
Things like innovative weight loss services – available in pharmacies.
Working with major food businesses – to make their products healthier.
Better mental health support, particularly for our young people. And starting with children aged sixteen this year we will raise the first entirely smoke-free generation.
Second – we will shift the NHS away from being a hospital-dominated service to being a community, neighbourhood health service.
You can see why we chose to come here. Places like this are the future of our NHS. You don’t have to book an appointment. You can just walk in. There are families here and people who use the services live in this area.
Now of course hospitals will always be important – for acute services especially.
But I say it again – disease has changed. And we must change with it.
And not only can we do that. We can do it in a way that improves care and convenience for millions of people.
So just imagining nurses, doctors, pharmacists, dentists, carers, health visitors all under one roof.
But also, services like debt advice, employment support, smoking cessation: preventative services which we know are so crucial for a healthy life.
Now that is an exciting prospect.
You know – the idea that the future of healthcare is no longer defined by top-down citadels of the central state.
But is instead here – in your home, in your community, in your hands, that’s an inspiring vision of change.
It will bring the state and the people it serves into a partnership on something we all care deeply about.
But more importantly. It means a future where we have better GP access, no more 8am scrambles, more dental care for your children, better care on your doorstep and a Neighbourhood Health Centres like this in our coastal towns, in rural counties, in every community across the country. Every community across the country.
Finally – the third shift from the analogue NHS we have at the moment to a truly digital health service.
A health service capable of seizing the enormous opportunities before us in science and technology.
In genomics, in artificial intelligence, advanced robotics.
Look – I have seen in your everyday lives what this can do.
I’ve spoken to stroke patients who have had their lives saved by technology and AI because it could find the blood clot in their brain in milliseconds, giving them just enough time to be operated on and saving their lives.
So this plan – backs technology to deliver. Because it can and will save thousands of lives. But it’s not just about saving lives.
AI and technology is an opportunity to make services more human.
That always sounds counterintuitive, but it does because what it gives all of you and all of your colleagues is more time to care, more time to do the things that only human beings can do which is that care that is needed, the professional skills that you have. So this will make it a more human service as well.
It gives you more time to care, to do all the things that brought you into the NHS in the first place.
And it’s not just cutting-edge technology either.
Technology like the phones in the pockets of everyone in this room we can use that too.
Now, you won’t hear this often in a speech – but look at your phones. But look at your apps! Seriously! Because what you see on that screen is that entire industries have reorganised around apps.
Retail, transport, finance, weather – you name it.
Why can’t we do that with health?
Why not the NHS app on your phone?
Making use of the same dynamic force to cut waiting lists at your hospital.
To make it easier for you to get a GP appointment, to give you more control over our health.
There’s no good reason why we can’t. So I can announce today, as part of this plan, that we can, and we will transform the NHS App so that it becomes an indispensable part of life for everyone.
It will become – as technology develops – like having a doctor in your pocket.
Providing you with 24 hours advice, seven days a week.
An NHS that really is always there when you need it.
Booking appointments at your convenience, ordering your prescriptions, guiding you to local charities or businesses that can improve your wellbeing.
And perhaps most importantly, holding all healthcare data in an easily accessible, single patient record.
Don’t underestimate how important that is.
I’ve been up to Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool many times, it’s a children’s hospital, it’s a brilliant hospital.
One of the times I was there I was on the ward, particularly young children were having heart surgery.
I have to tell you it was really humbling both seeing what the children were going through but also what the professional staff were doing.
When I went into a particular ward, I saw a two year old boy who had just had major heart surgery, it’s an incredible thing to see.
And I spoke to his parents who were at his bedside throughout.
One of the things they raised with me was the distress they felt that they had to go through every single condition that he had over and over again, whether they went to Blackpool, in Liverpool, at Alder Hey.
They were actually welling up telling me it’s a really difficult story for us, this is really hard. And we don’t want to keep having to repeat it, why can’t it be recorded the first time around?
I will remember their faces and the story they told me for a very long time.
But we can fix that. We can make it more accessible. We can bring this together in one place.
And there are other examples as well. That red book that every child gets. Why can’t that be digital? There’s no good reason.
And so that’s exactly what we’ll do.
We will turn this app into a new front door for the entire NHS.
A reformed, modernised and renewed – Neighbourhood Health Service.
That is the plan we launch today.
That is the change we will deliver.
[Political content redacted.]
The NHS on its feet. Facing the future. Delivering fairness and security for working people.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story
Cameroon’s hidden green treasures unveiled in a book
The vulnerability of Cameroon’s rich plant biodiversity, with over 850 endangered species is highlighted in the book “Important Plant Areas of Cameroon”.
A copy of the book, ‘Important Plant Areas of Cameroon’ .
In a powerful moment for conservation, the book “Important Plant Areas of Cameroon” was officially launched on 18 June during UK – Cameroon Climate Week. This groundbreaking publication reveals a stunning yet sobering reality: over 850 endangered plant species are spread across 49 critical biodiversity hotspots in Cameroon.
Co-authored by experts from Cameroon’s Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) National Herbarium, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the book positions Cameroon as Africa’s most tropically diverse nation. From lush rainforests to arid deserts, the country’s ecosystems are as varied as they are vital. Yet, this rich biodiversity faces mounting threats. 10% of Cameroon’s plant species are now endangered, and the country holds the highest number of threatened trees on the continent.
The culprits? Expanding mining operations, aggressive logging, and the relentless spread of palm oil plantations are rapidly eroding Cameroon’s forests. These activities not only endanger plant life but also jeopardize the ecological balance of the entire Congo Basin.
British High Commissioner Matt Woods used the book’s launch to spotlight Cameroon’s critical role in global climate discussions. He urged the international community to amplify Cameroon’s voice at major forums like COP30 and called for stronger global support to safeguard the Congo Basin’s irreplaceable biodiversity.
Speaking during the book launch, the representative of Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, Prof. Philip Stevenson said:
It’s been a fantastic week of new collaboration. We’ve been working with IRAD National Herbarium and developing opportunities to extend our reach and do more work here in Cameroon.
This book is more than a catalogue of rare plants; it is a call to action. As the world grapples with climate change and biodiversity loss, Cameroon’s green treasures remind us of what’s at stake and what we still have the power to protect.
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Details
The 10 Year Health Plan is part of the government’s health mission to build a health service fit for the future. It sets out how the government will reinvent the NHS through 3 radical shifts:
hospital to community
analogue to digital
sickness to prevention
To support the scale of change we need, the government will ensure the whole NHS is ready to deliver these 3 shifts at pace:
through a new operating model
by ushering in a new era of transparency
by creating a new workforce model with staff genuinely aligned with the future direction of reform
through a reshaped innovation strategy
by taking a different approach to NHS finances
The government committed to co-developing the plan with members of the public, health and care staff and partner organisations. To do this, Change NHS was launched on 21 October 2024 – the biggest ever conversation on the future of the NHS. Through Change NHS, the government received over a quarter of a million contributions from the public, health and care staff, health system leaders and organisations with an interest in health and care.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Pedestrian hit by train at Blue House Lane footpath crossing
Preliminary examination into a pedestrian being hit by a train at Blue House Lane footpath crossing, Sunderland, 18 April 2025.
Blue House Lane footpath crossing.
At around 09:00 on 18 April 2025, a Tyne & Wear Metro service travelling from Newcastle to South Hylton hit a pedestrian on Blue House Lane footpath crossing. This crossing is located near East Boldon, Sunderland.
As the driver approached the footpath crossing, they saw a dog walker and another pedestrian on the crossing. The driver immediately applied the emergency brake and sounded the train’s warning horn, but the second pedestrian was hit by the train. This second pedestrian received serious injuries. The train was travelling at an approximate speed of 29 km/h (18 mph) when the collision occurred, and it came to a stand around 20 metres beyond the crossing.
RAIB were notified of the accident soon after it occurred. We have since gathered evidence from the railway industry and carried out a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding the incident. We have concluded it is unlikely that further investigation will lead to new recommendations for the improvement of railway safety. Consequently, RAIB will not investigate further or produce an investigation report.
However, our preliminary examination found that the factors present during the accident at Blue House Lane are similar to those identified during RAIB’s earlier investigation into a pedestrian struck by a train at Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing on 21 April 2022 (RAIB report 01/2023). At both locations, a risk was identified that trains passing each other near to the crossing might mean that pedestrian crossing users are unaware of the approach of a second train.
Recommendation 1 in our report into the accident at Lady Howard had the intention ‘to reduce the risk at footpath and bridleway level crossings of a second train approaching being hidden from the view of crossing users by a previously passing train’. The status of the recommendation, as reported to RAIB by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in March 2024, is ‘Closed’.
ORR reported in its response to RAIB that Network Rail had taken substantive actions in response to this recommendation. This took the form of a sign being fitted to all level crossings (with two lines or more) as an interim solution which warned users that ‘oncoming trains can be hidden by other trains’ and for users ‘not to cross until all lines are clear’. RAIB’s preliminary examination found that this sign was fitted to the entrance gates at Blue House Lane footpath crossing.
ORR also reported that Network Rail’s long-term intent was to fit miniature stop lights through normal risk management protocols, where they are demonstrated to manage risk so far as is reasonably practicable. However, Network Rail has stated that, while the likelihood of an event where a second train approaching is potentially hidden by another train can be influenced by factors such as the numbers of user and trains, and that other factors, such as topography and the type of crossing user, mean that it is too complex in practice to identify those crossings which have the highest risk of this occurring.
RAIB’s Annual Report for 2024 stated that, despite the actions taken by Network Rail in response to this recommendation, RAIB remains concerned about the underlying risk which this recommendation sought to address.
RAIB has written to the Office of Rail and Road, to draw its attention to the accident at Blue House Lane when considering the industry’s current and future management of this known risk, specifically considering its response to the Lady Howard report recommendation.
We have copied this letter to Network Rail, Nexus and the Rail Safety and Standards Board so that they are aware of its contents.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Homes England supports Greencore Homes to build new affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire
£8 million development finance loan will help SME housebuilder as it seeks to reach its ambitious target to build 10,000 better than net zero homes by 2035.
Homes England has partnered with Greencore Homes, a sustainable housebuilder constructing better than net zero homes, to provide £8 million of funding to support the delivery of Greencore’s 42-home scheme, Milton Heights, in Oxfordshire.
The partnership reaffirms Homes England’s commitment to aid the delivery of more eco-friendly, low-carbon homes, while enabling Greencore to drive forward its delivery of low-carbon homes, creating climate positive places as it rapidly increases the number of homes it is delivering.
It also marks another significant milestone for Greencore at Milton Heights, where the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, recently announced the government’s new measures to turbocharge housebuilding for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) builders.
The finance comes from Homes England’s Home Building Fund, which is designed to support SME housebuilders to build more homes, more quickly and to create thriving communities. It also aims to encourage innovative methods of construction in housebuilding like the homes being built by Greencore at Milton Heights.
Currently under construction, Milton Heights will deliver 42 homes in a development that will prioritise increased access to green spaces, as well as safe and considered walking and cycling routes, serving both residents and the broader community.
Designed by HTA Design, the landscape-led scheme enhances the existing setting and incorporates a mix of 27 open market and 15 affordable homes, located just under three miles from Didcot Parkway Station.
Built to Passivhaus standards using Greencore’s innovative Biond panels that lock up more carbon than they emit, these homes will target ultra-low embodied carbon overall and a net zero energy balance in occupation. Assembled on site, the panels also enable rapid and efficient construction, accelerating project delivery and directly addressing the UK’s housing shortage.
Alongside the existing £45 million equity investment from majority shareholder M&G, this funding will support Greencore as it seeks to reach its ambitious target to build 10,000 better than net zero homes by 2035.
Marcus Ralling, Chief Investments Officer at Homes England, said:
The completion of this £8 million development finance facility is a perfect example of where intervention from Homes England can help to unlock housing delivery by providing financial support for ambitious SME housebuilders like Greencore to build more environmentally friendly and low-carbon homes.
Jon Di-Stefano, CEO of Greencore Homes, said:
This partnership with Homes England represents a pivotal moment for Greencore and our delivery of 42 sustainable homes at Milton Heights. As we continue to drive housing delivery to reach our target of 10,000 homes by 2035, partnerships such as this with Homes England will be essential. We look forward to hopefully working together again in the future, to continue to develop climate positive places together
We are the government’s housing and regeneration Agency, and we’re here to drive the creation of more affordable, quality homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live and grow.
We make this happen by working in partnership with thousands of organisations of all sizes, using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built.
Greencore Homes builds homes that are better than net zero and develops climate positive places. With significant investment from M&G’s Catalyst fund, strong relationships with partners and an experienced senior leadership team, Greencore aims to build 10,000 homes by 2035.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Roger Fagge, Associate Professor in the Department of History, University of Warwick
When Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner at the Roland Garros men’s final on June 8 2025, in what is already seen as a classic match, there was some comment on the sartorial choices of the two players.
They both wore Nike tops. Alcaraz’s was collarless, with horizontal blue bordered green and black stripes, and black shorts. Meanwhile Sinner wore a green polo-style shirt with collar, blue shorts and a blue Nike cap. Sinner’s shirt bore more than a passing resemblance to an Irish rugby union top, and was seen by some as somewhat incongruous on a tennis court.
In the women’s final on June 7, meanwhile, Coco Gauff brilliantly defeated Aryna Sabalenka, the number one seed. Gauff wore a custom New Balance kit with a dark blue marbled effect, finished off with a stylish grey leather jacket worn to and from the court. Sabalenka wore a colourful Nike tennis dress.
Technology, design and fashion all play a role in a player’s choice of tennis kit, as does their commercial potential – Sabalenka’s exact dress can be bought from the Nike website. But things are different at the Wimbledon championships, where “almost entirely white” kit is still a requirement.
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Founded in 1877, making it the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, at Wimbledon, any colour must be limited to a 10mm strip.
White clothing was enforced at Wimbledon from the 19th century, in part because it covered up unwelcome signs of sweat. White clothing was also seen as cooler in the summer heat. But as time went on it became tied in with a sense of history and tradition, and the uniqueness of the Wimbledon tournament. Though there have been some occasional notable revisions.
Many women in the tennis community, including Billie Jean King, Judy Murray and Heather Watson, have argued that women players find white undershorts problematic when they are menstruating. As a result, the All England Club revised the rules in 2023 to allow dark undershorts, “provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt”.
There had been earlier controversies over clothing at Wimbledon, sometimes over propriety, as in 1949, when Gertrude Moran challenged dress codes with “visible undergarments”. More recently in 2017 Venus Williams was asked to change during a rain break in a match because of visible fuchsia bras straps. The following year, Roger Federer, chasing his eighth Wimbledon title, was asked to change his orange-soled Nike shoes. They all acquiesced.
This history of all-white kits
All-white clothing is also linked to cricket, which shares elements of class and tradition with tennis. Playing in the summer sun meant cricket “whites” were a sensible option. However coloured caps of a player’s county or nation, were allowed by the cricket authorities, and cricket jumpers for the not so sunny days typically had the colours of the team on the v neck.
White clothing is also associated with cricket. Shutterstock
By 2020 the international Cricket Council (ICC) allowed larger sponsorship on shirts. The move to limited overs games played under floodlights saw the introduction of coloured kit, sometimes displaying a garishness that surpassed football shirts. However Test matches and longer-form cricket like the four-day county championship matches are still played in cricket whites.
And white shirts and kit have played a role in other sports, including football. If white shirts suggest respectability and style, somewhat ironically, the powerful white-clad Leeds side of the mid 1960s-70s, managed by Don Revie, earned the sobriquet “dirty Leeds” for their feisty approach to the dark arts of football. History and tradition matter as much in football as any sport, and fans of a certain age at other clubs, still refer to the Yorkshire club by this moniker.
But that’s enough football, as we’re firmly in Wimbledon season. So break out the Pimm’s, scones and jam, and let’s enjoy the tennis. Thankfully for the traditionalists among us there will be no marbled, green or blue kit on the centre court.
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Roger Fagge does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
A new flood barrier is being built to prevent climate-induced Flooding in Chittagong in Bangladesh. amdadphoto/Shutterstock.com
At a coastal port in Chittagong, Bangladesh, something remarkable is underway. With support from a US$850 million (£620 million) investment from the World Bank, engineers are building flood-resistant infrastructure that can survive rising seas and stronger storms. A new 3.7-mile-long barrier will protect people, homes, and trade in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Projects like this do more than save lives. They show why investing in climate
adaptation is one of the smartest financial opportunities of our time. There are plenty of global conferences where leaders discuss climate change and make big
promises. Yet, less than 5.5% ofglobal climate finance actually reaches the countries most at risk. That is not just a failure of fairness. It is a missed chance for real impact.
As the world gathers in Seville, Spain for the fourth international meeting on development financing, the focus must go beyond pledges and shift toward practical, on-the-ground investment in resilience.
At the previous UN climate finance meeting, also held in Seville, leaders focused
on fixing how public money flows through global institutions. But just as important is the need to invest in climate adaptation. This means helping people live with the changes already happening, including more floods, longer droughts, rising seas and intense heat.
While mitigation is about stopping climate change getting worse (by switching to clean energy or protecting forests that absorb carbon, for example), adaptation is about coping with the effects we can no longer avoid. It includes building stronger homes, growing more resilient crops, and improving hospitals and schools so they can keep working during extreme weather. Both approaches are necessary, but adaptation often gets less attention. And less money.
Private investors have already committed large sums to clean energy projects. But they have done much less to support communities on the frontlines of climate change. Many of these countries struggle with limited budgets, complex rules for accessing finance, and a lack of support to develop viable projects. So promising ideas often go unfunded.
That is beginning to change. New tools are helping investors take on less risk and back more projects. These include low-interest loans, partnerships between public and private institutions, and guarantees that reduce the risk of failure.
The Green Climate Fund is the largest source of dedicated climate finance for developing countries. By the end of 2023, it had approved US$13.5 billion in funding, rising to US$51.9 billion when co-financing is included. This money helps unlock adaptation efforts that were previously out of reach.
We can already see progress. In Kenya and Ethiopia, farmers are using drought-resistant seeds to grow more food in changing conditions. In the Caribbean, solar energy is powering schools and clinics in remote communities. And in Bangladesh, the new port infrastructure in Chittagong is protecting a vital economic hub while boosting local businesses.
Working with nature
In coastal areas, restoring mangrove forests can reduce the force of incoming storms, protect biodiversity and support fisheries. The Pollination Group, a climate investment firm, is helping turn “nature-based solutions” like these into projects that attract private finance.
In his previous role as the Prince of Wales, King Charles III launched the Natural Capital Investment Alliance, an initiative that aims to mobilise US$10 billion for projects that restore and protect nature while offering solid financial returns. The alliance also helps investors better understand these kinds of opportunities by creating clearer guidance and standards. This supports the Terra Carta, a charter created by King Charles III that offers a roadmap for businesses to align with the needs of both people and the planet by 2030.
Investors who step into these emerging spaces gain more than financial returns. They build long-term relationships with governments and local communities. They help shape future policy. And they create lasting foundations for growth in places that are ready to lead if given the chance.
Adaptation projects also bring real benefits to people. They improve access to clean water, protect food supplies, create jobs, strengthen education and support healthcare systems. For families already facing climate disruption, these changes are not just improvements. They are lifelines.
By creating stable and welcoming environments for responsible investment, governments can accelerate this shift. By simplifying how money is accessed, international institutions can make it easier for good ideas to become funded projects. Philanthropic groups and development agencies can help build local skills and prepare projects for funding. Private investors can bring capital, innovation and experience.
Investing in climate adaptation is no longer just a moral issue. It is a smart, scalable and necessary response to a changing world.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Ali Serim does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christina Philippou, Associate Professor in Accounting and Sport Finance, University of Portsmouth
Aside from victory and sporting glory, the players in the women’s Euro 2025 football tournament are playing for more money than ever before. The prize fund of €41 million (£35 million), to be shared among the 16 participating sides, is more than double what it was last time around.
It’s still a long way off from the prize money on offer to the men’s equivalent tournament (€331 million), but is a clear indication of the continuing rise of interest and investment in women’s football, particularly within England.
The English team’s hosting and victory of the 2022 women’s Euros were rightly credited with providing a massive boost to the game three years ago. But interest in women’s club football was already on the rise, with an almost sixfold increase in revenue between 2011 (the first season of the Women’s Super League (WSL)) and 2019.
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Other numbers are encouraging too. Generally, match-day attendances have seen a dramatic rise including for the sport’s second tier (now named WSL2).
Broadcasting income for WSL was up 40% in 2023-24 compared to the previous season. And a new five-year deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, worth £65 million, is worth almost double the previous arrangement.
However, there’s room for improvement.
Research suggests that well-considered scheduling (weekend games are best) can have a marked effect on attendances (as does weather and pricing). And stadium capacity matters too, partly because more people can attend but also because a larger (often iconic) stadium tends to act as an attraction in itself.
For example, Arsenal’s women’s side saw average crowds of just under 29,000 in 2024-25 compared to a WSL average of 6,662. They have the highest revenue from match-day income, with nine games being played at the Emirates stadium last season and all WSL games scheduled to be played there in the next.
Facilities within the stadiums are another concern, as they were traditionally built for mostly male spectators, so do not cater as well to the more female and family demographic of women’s football.
This means, for example, that there are often not enough women’s toilets available, while refreshment options may be geared towards drinkers rather than children. Even the gates seem designed for a steady entry trickle of fans over an hour rather than a mass turnout of time-pressured families arriving just before kick-off.
Some good news on this front is that Brighton and Hove Albion FC are now building a stadium specifically for use by their women’s team, due to be in use by 2027. And Everton have decided to repurpose Goodison Park for use by its women’s side following the men’s move to a new stadium.
Commercial break
But aside from people actually watching the matches, the biggest chunk of income for women’s teams comes from commercial enterprises. And while affiliated teams (those linked to a men’s side) can benefit from sharing a brand, there are also a large number of commercial partners emerging specifically in the women’s game.
But while commercial and competition success stories are something to celebrate, women’s football still faces challenges. One of the big ones is to do with building a legacy – the idea that just hosting a major tournament should not be the end goal, but something which ensures lasting change and development.
As for the club game, attitudes to building a legacy by offering financial support to women’s teams are mixed. Some clubs view the women’s team as different (in terms of marketing, say) but integrated as part of the club (in terms of ticketing and sharing of resources). Others seem to consider a women’s side as good PR or community outreach rather than a genuine commercial opportunity.
All of those teams mentioned worries over costs. And most women’s teams do lose money.
But men’s teams tend to lose money too, with the majority not only making losses but also being technically insolvent (meaning owners need to pump money in to keep clubs going).
The difference is that women’s football is essentially in a start-up phase, with lots of commercial, broadcasting and match-day potential, as showcased by annual revenue growth rates. In contrast, the men’s football market is a mature one that has been professional for decades, and shows much lower annual revenue growth.
Euro 2025 then, needs to play its part in keeping up momentum. It needs to keep the crowds, the commercial partners, the broadcasters and fans on board and committed.
For while women’s football is connected to men’s football, it is a different business. And celebrating that difference could do the women’s game a world of economic good.
Christina Philippou does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Additional empty homes officers are being recruited to bring more privately owned houses back into use.
The new posts are being supported as part of a £2 million investment through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership in 2025-26 which will see staff take a more proactive and targeted approach to tackling local housing issues.
Funding will also help to train and induct new staff, grow services and ensure empty homes are utilised, including by increasing support for local authorities to make compulsory purchase orders.
Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said:
“Bringing homes back into use is a vital part of our plan to tackle the housing emergency. When too many families are struggling to find somewhere to live, it is unacceptable to me that that houses should lie empty.
“It’s important to help councils step up measures to turn privately-owned empty properties into much-needed homes and it’s encouraging that local authorities have already come forward to make use of this support.
“As the First Minister has set out, this government is determined to eradicate child poverty – and tackling the housing emergency by making sure families have access to a home is a crucial part of that.”
Scottish Empty Homes Partnership National Manager Tahmina Nizam said:
“Every home matters as we work together to end Scotland’s housing emergency.
“In councils across the country Empty Homes Officers are delivering results, with over 11,000 homes having brought back into use since 2010. The additional posts supported by this funding will expand on that vital work. New Empty Homes Officers are already in post at City of Edinburgh Council, while recruitment is underway in several other local authorities.
“Homes weren’t built to sit empty; every empty home has the potential to transform a family or individuals’ life but collectively they have an enormous role to play in reducing housing need and tackling the housing emergency.
“We look forward to welcoming more new Empty Homes Officers as they come into post and supporting their efforts to bring more homes back into use.”
The £2 million investment builds on a decade of funding for Empty Homes Officers in 22 local authorities.
Council tax figures from September 2024 show that 43,538 properties across Scotland have been empty for more than six months with 73% of these empty for longer than a year.
Nine local authorities have so far agreed to employ additional empty homes officers.
Deborah O’Brien Demick has been appointed the new HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland.
She succeeds Laura Paton who has been in the position since 2019.
Mrs Demick has significant experience working in the Crown Office having held roles since 1999, currently as Deputy Head of National Homicide Team and Road Traffic Fatalities Investigation Unit.
Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC said:
“I welcome Deborah’s appointment. She will bring to the role an in-depth prosecutorial knowledge and shares our commitment to improving peoples’ experiences of Scotland’s criminal justice system.
“I am grateful for Laura Paton’s work as HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution over the past six years and have greatly valued her insight and assessment of the work of COPFS.”
Mrs Demick said:
“I am proud and delighted to be appointed as the new HM Chief Inspector of Prosecution in Scotland. The work of the Inspectorate is vital in letting the public know how the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal (COPFS) investigates and prosecutes crime and investigates all sudden and suspicious deaths. Independent scrutiny is vital in supporting COPFS to develop effective and compassionate services for all.
“I have a clear vision of how we can make a positive difference, continue to drive improvements and build a modern prosecution service with the right tools and training to deliver effective and compassionate justice and death investigations across Scotland.”
Background
Deborah O’Brien Demick was selected through an open recruitment process conducted in line with the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. The appointment will take effect on 14 July 2025.
Deborah joined COPFS as a trainee in 1999 and has worked in courts across Scotland. She is highly experienced in the preparation and prosecution of cases and conduct of Fatal Accident Inquiries. She delivered the first successful application under the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011, which paved the way and culminated in the re-trial and conviction of Angus Sinclair for the 1977 murders of Christine Eadie and Helen Scott.
Since 2020, Deborah has been Deputy Head of National Homicide Team and Road Traffic Fatalities Investigation Unit at the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). She has been responsible for senior leadership of investigations, and the development of strategies to deliver service improvements.
She delivered an in-depth review of Child Deaths and Non–Accidental Injuries in Children, published in 2024, which established a framework for COPFS and partners to support bereaved families and address the reduction of preventable deaths.
She has also contributed to the Scottish Government Domestic Homicide Review Taskforce working with partners to develop work to review such deaths.
Deborah holds an Honours Degree in Scots Law from the University of Dundee and postgraduate diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Strathclyde.
Families across Stoke-on-Trent can access more than 804 free activities to keep children entertained during the summer holidays.
The activities are part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which is delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in partnership with The Hubb Foundation.
Running from Monday 21 July to Friday 29 August, the scheme offers free, fun-filled activities with a healthy meal provided at every session.
There is a huge range on offer – from circus skills and swimming to performing arts and creative crafts – taking place at schools, leisure centres, and community venues across the city.
There are also a large range of sessions with SEND provision, meaning children with special educational needs and disabilities can also enjoy the fun.
Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We want to make sure every child in Stoke-on-Trent can have a fun, active summer.
“The HAF programme is a brilliant way to get children involved in exciting activities, enjoy healthy meals and make new friends – all for free.
“If you live in the city and have a child in reception to year 11, go to The Hubb Foundation website and see what’s on offer near you.”
Adam Yates, Chief Operating Officer at The Hubb Foundation, said: “It is shaping up to be another amazing summer of opportunities for the children and families in our city to access free provision. The Hubb team, along with the local authority, have worked incredibly hard to create fantastic sessions filled with a huge array of exciting activities and experiences to make sure this Summer one to remember!”
The summer HAF programme is for children aged 5 to 16 years (including 4-year-old children enrolled in reception at Stoke-on-Trent schools from academic year 2024/25) who are eligible for benefits related free schools meals.
The Department for Education’s HAF funding primarily supports children who receive free school meals. However, in Stoke-on-Trent, a unique partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Hubb Foundation means more children across the city are able to access the activities programme.
The global ecosystem of climate finance is complex, constantly changing and sometimes hard to understand. But understanding it is critical to demanding a green transition that’s just and fair. That’s why The Conversation has collaborated with climate finance experts to create this user-friendly guide, in partnership with Vogue Business. With definitions and short videos, we’ll add to this glossary as new terms emerge.
Blue bonds
Blue bonds are debt instruments designed to finance ocean-related conservation, like protecting coral reefs or sustainable fishing. They’re modelled after green bonds but focus specifically on the health of marine ecosystems – this is a key pillar of climate stability.
By investing in blue bonds, governments and private investors can fund marine projects that deliver both environmental benefits and long-term financial returns. Seychelles issued the first blue bond in 2018. Now, more are emerging as ocean conservation becomes a greater priority for global sustainability efforts.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Carbon border adjustment mechanism
Did you know that imported steel could soon face a carbon tax at the EU border? That’s because the carbon border adjustment mechanism is about to shake up the way we trade, produce and price carbon.
The carbon border adjustment mechanism is a proposed EU policy to put a carbon price on imports like iron, cement, fertiliser, aluminium and electricity. If a product is made in a country with weaker climate policies, the importer must pay the difference between that country’s carbon price and the EU’s. The goal is to avoid “carbon leakage” – when companies relocate to avoid emissions rules and to ensure fair competition on climate action.
But this mechanism is more than just a tariff tool. It’s a bold attempt to reshape global trade. Countries exporting to the EU may be pushed to adopt greener manufacturing or face higher tariffs.
The carbon border adjustment mechanism is controversial: some call it climate protectionism, others argue it could incentivise low-carbon innovation worldwide and be vital for achieving climate justice. Many developing nations worry it could penalise them unfairly unless there’s climate finance to support greener transitions.
Carbon border adjustment mechanism is still evolving, but it’s already forcing companies, investors and governments to rethink emissions accounting, supply chains and competitiveness. It’s a carbon price with global consequences.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Carbon budget
The Paris agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2030. The carbon budget is the maximum amount of CO₂ emissions allowed, if we want a 67% chance of staying within this limit. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that the remaining carbon budgets amount to 400 billion tonnes of CO₂ from 2020 onwards.
Think of the carbon budget as a climate allowance. Once it has been spent, the risk of extreme weather or sea level rise increases sharply. If emissions continue unchecked, the budget will be exhausted within years, risking severe climate consequences. The IPCC sets the global carbon budget based on climate science, and governments use this framework to set national emission targets, climate policies and pathways to net zero emissions.
By Dongna Zhang, assistant professor in economics and finance, Northumbria University
Carbon credits
Carbon credits are like a permit that allow companies to release a certain amount of carbon into the air. One credit usually equals one tonne of CO₂. These credits are issued by the local government or another authorised body and can be bought and sold. Think of it like a budget allowance for pollution. It encourages cuts in carbon emissions each year to stay within those global climate targets.
The aim is to put a price on carbon to encourage cuts in emissions. If a company reduces its emissions and has leftover credits, it can sell them to another company that is going over its limit. But there are issues. Some argue that carbon credit schemes allow polluters to pay their way out of real change, and not all credits are from trustworthy projects. Although carbon credits can play a role in addressing the climate crisis, they are not a solution on their own.
By Sankar Sivarajah, professor of circular economy, Kingston University London
Carbon credits explained.
Carbon offsetting
Carbon offsetting is a way for people or organisations to make up for the carbon emissions they are responsible for. For example, if you contribute to emissions by flying, driving or making goods, you can help balance that out by supporting projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. This might include planting trees (which absorb carbon dioxide) or building wind farms to produce renewable energy.
The idea is that your support helps cancel out the damage you are doing. For example, if your flight creates one tonne of carbon dioxide, you pay to support a project that removes the same amount.
While this sounds like a win-win, carbon offsetting is not perfect. Some argue that it lets people feel better without really changing their behaviour, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as greenwashing.
Not all projects are effective or well managed. For instance, some tree planting initiatives might have taken place anyway, even without the offset funding, deeming your contribution inconsequential. Others might plant the non-native trees in areas where they are unlikely to reach their potential in terms of absorbing carbon emissions.
So, offsetting can help, but it is no magic fix. It works best alongside real efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage low-carbon lifestyles or supply chains.
By Sankar Sivarajah, professor of circular economy, Kingston University London
Carbon offsetting explained.
Carbon tax
A carbon tax is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by placing a direct price on CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.
A carbon tax is grounded in the concept of the social cost of carbon. This is an estimate of the economic damage caused by emitting one tonne of CO₂, including climate-related health, infrastructure and ecosystem impacts.
A carbon tax is typically levied per tonne of CO₂ emitted. The tax can be applied either upstream (on fossil fuel producers) or downstream (on consumers or power generators). This makes carbon-intensive activities more expensive, it incentivises nations, businesses and people to reduce their emissions, while untaxed renewable energy becomes more competitively priced and appealing.
Carbon tax was first introduced by Finland in 1990. Since then, more than 39 jurisdictions have implemented similar schemes. According to the World Bank, carbon pricing mechanisms (that’s both carbon taxes and emissions trading systems) now cover about 24% of global emissions. The remaining 76% are not priced, mainly due to limited coverage in both sectors and geographical areas, plus persistent fossil fuel subsidies. Expanding coverage would require extending carbon pricing to sectors like agriculture and transport, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and strengthening international governance.
What is carbon tax?
Sweden has one of the world’s highest carbon tax rates and has cut emissions by 33% since 1990 while maintaining economic growth. The policy worked because Sweden started early, applied the tax across many industries and maintained clear, consistent communication that kept the public on board.
Canada introduced a national carbon tax in 2019. In Canada, most of the revenue from carbon taxes is returned directly to households through annual rebates, making the scheme revenue-neutral for most families. However, despite its economic logic, inflation and rising fuel prices led to public discontent – especially as many citizens were unaware they were receiving rebates.
Carbon taxes face challenges including political resistance, fairness concerns and low public awareness. Their success depends on clear communication and visible reinvestment of revenues into climate or social goals. A 2025 study that surveyed 40,000 people in 20 countries found that support for carbon taxes increases significantly when revenues are used for environmental infrastructure, rather than returned through tax rebates.
By Meilan Yan, associate professor and senior lecturer in financial economics, Loughborough University
Climate resilience
Floods, wildfires, heatwaves and rising seas are pushing our cities, towns and neighbourhoods to their limits. But there’s a powerful idea that’s helping cities fight back: climate resilience.
Resilience refers to the ability of a system, such as a city, a community or even an ecosystem – to anticipate, prepare for, respond to and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses.
Sometimes people say resilience is about bouncing back. But it’s not just about surviving the next storm. It’s about adapting, evolving and thriving in a changing world.
Resilience means building smarter and better. It means designing homes that stay cool during heatwaves. Roads that don’t wash away in floods. Power grids that don’t fail when the weather turns extreme.
It’s also about people. A truly resilient city protects its most vulnerable. It ensures that everyone – regardless of income, age or background – can weather the storm.
And resilience isn’t just reactive. It’s about using science, local knowledge and innovation to reduce a risk before disaster strikes. From restoring wetlands to cool cities and absorb floods, to creating early warning systems for heatwaves, climate resilience is about weaving strength into the very fabric of our cities.
By Paul O’Hare, senior lecturer in geography and development, Manchester Metropolitan University
The meaning of climate resilience.
Climate risk disclosure
Climate risk disclosure refers to how companies report the risks they face from climate change, such as flood damage, supply chain disruptions or regulatory costs. It includes both physical risks (like storms) and transition risks (like changing laws or consumer preferences).
Mandatory disclosures, such as those proposed by the UK and EU, aim to make climate-related risks transparent to investors. Done well, these reports can shape capital flows toward more sustainable business models. Done poorly, they become greenwashing tools.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Emissions trading scheme
An emissions trading scheme is the primary market-based approach for regulating greenhouse gas emissions in many countries, including Australia, Canada, China and Mexico.
Part of a government’s job is to decide how much of the economy’s carbon emissions it wants to avoid in order to fight climate change. It must put a cap on carbon emissions that economic production is not allowed to surpass. Preferably, the polluters (that’s the manufacturers, fossil fuel companies) should be the ones paying for the cost of climate mitigation.
Regulators could simply tell all the firms how much they are allowed to emit over the next ten years or so. But giving every firm the same allowance across the board is not cost efficient, because avoiding carbon emissions is much harder for some firms (such as steel producers) than others (such as tax consultants). Since governments cannot know each firm’s specific cost profile either, it can’t customise the allowances. Also, monitoring whether polluters actually abide by their assigned limits is extremely costly.
An emissions trading scheme cleverly solves this dilemma using the cap-and-trade mechanism. Instead of assigning each polluter a fixed quota and risking inefficiencies, the government issues a large number of tradable permits – each worth, say, a tonne of CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e) – that sum up to the cap. Firms that can cut greenhouse gas emissions relatively cheaply can then trade their surplus permits to those who find it harder – at a price that makes both better off.
By Mathias Weidinger, environmental economist, University of Oxford
Emissions trading schemes, explained by climate finance expert Mathias Weidinger.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing
ESG investing stands for environmental, social and governance investing. In simple terms, these are a set of standards that investors use to screen a company’s potential investments.
ESG means choosing to invest in companies that are not only profitable but also responsible. Investors use ESG metrics to assess risks (such as climate liability, labour practices) and align portfolios with sustainability goals by looking at how a company affects our planet and treats its people and communities. While there isn’t one single global body governing ESG, various organisations, ratings agencies and governments all contribute to setting and evolving these metrics.
For example, investing in a company committed to renewable energy and fair labour practices might be considered “ESG aligned”. Supporters believe ESG helps identify risks and create long-term value. Critics argue it can be vague or used for greenwashing, where companies appear sustainable without real action. ESG works best when paired with transparency and clear data. A barrier is that standards vary, and it’s not always clear what counts as ESG.
Why do financial companies and institutions care? Issues like climate change and nature loss pose significant risks, affecting company values and the global economy.
However, gathering reliable ESG information can be difficult. Companies often self-report, and the data isn’t always standardised or up to date. Researchers – including my team at the University of Oxford – are using geospatial data, like satellite imagery and artificial intelligence, to develop global databases for high-impact industries, across all major sectors and geographies, and independently assess environmental and social risks and impacts.
For instance, we can analyse satellite images of a facility over time to monitor its emissions effect on nature and biodiversity, or assess deforestation linked to a company’s supply chain. This allows us to map supply chains, identify high-impact assets, and detect hidden risks and opportunities in key industries, providing an objective, real-time look at their environmental footprint.
The goal is for this to improve ESG ratings and provide clearer, more consistent insights for investors. This approach could help us overcome current data limitations to build a more sustainable financial future.
By Amani Maalouf, senior researcher in spatial finance, University of Oxford
Environmental, social and governance investing explained.
Financed emissions
Financed emissions are the greenhouse gas emissions linked to a bank’s or investor’s lending and investment portfolio, rather than their own operations. For example, a bank that funds a coal mine or invests in fossil fuels is indirectly responsible for the carbon those activities produce.
Measuring financed emissions helps reveal the real climate impact of financial institutions not just their office energy use. It’s a cornerstone of climate accountability in finance and is becoming essential under net zero pledges.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Green bonds
Green bonds are loans issued to fund environmentally beneficial projects, such as energy-efficient buildings or clean transportation. Investors choose them to support climate solutions while earning returns.
Green bonds are a major tool to finance the shift to a low-carbon economy by directing finance toward climate solutions. As climate costs rise, green bonds could help close the funding gap while ensuring transparency and accountability.
Green bonds are required to ensure funds are spent as promised. For instance, imagine a city wants to upgrade its public transportation by adding electric buses to reduce pollution. Instead of raising taxes or slashing other budgets, the city can issue green bonds to raise the necessary capital. Investors buy the bonds, the city gets the funding, and the environment benefits from cleaner air and fewer emissions.
The growing participation of government issuers has improved the transparency and reliability of these investments. The green bond market has grown rapidly in recent years. According to the Bank for International Settlements, the green bond market reached US$2.9 trillion (£2.1 trillion) in 2024 – nearly six times larger than in 2018. At the same time, annual issuance (the total value of green bonds issued in a year) hit US$700 billion, highlighting the increasing role of green finance in tackling climate change.
By Dongna Zhang, assistant professor in economics and finance, Northumbria University
Just transition
Just transition is the process of moving to a low-carbon society that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. In a broad sense, a just transition means focusing on creating a more fair and equal society.
Just transition has existed as a concept since the 1970s. It was originally applied to the green energy transition, protecting workers in the fossil fuel industry as we move towards more sustainable alternatives.
These days, it has so many overlapping issues of justice hidden within it, so the concept is hard to define. Even at the level of UN climate negotiations, global leaders struggle to agree on what a just transition means.
The big battle is between developed countries, who want a very restrictive definition around jobs and skills, and developing countries, who are looking for a much more holistic approach that considers wider system change and includes considerations around human rights, Indigenous people and creating an overall fairer global society.
A just transition is essentially about imagining a future where we have moved beyond fossil fuels and society works better for everyone – but that can look very different in a European city compared to a rural setting in south-east Asia.
For example, in a British city it might mean fewer cars and better public transport. In a rural setting, it might mean new ways of growing crops that are more sustainable, and building homes that are heatwave resistant.
By Alix Dietzel, climate justice and climate policy expert, University of Bristol
The meaning of just transition.
Loss and damage
A global loss and damage fund was agreed by nations at the UN climate summit (Cop27) in 2022. This means that the rich countries of the world put money into a fund that the least developed countries can then call upon when they have a climate emergency.
At the moment, the loss and damage fund is made up of relatively small pots of money. Much more will be needed to provide relief to those who need it most now and in the future.
By Mark Maslin, professor of earth system science, UCL
Mark Maslin explains loss and damage.
Mitigation v adaptation
Mitigation means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to slow climate change. Adaptation means adjusting to its effects, like building sea walls or growing heat-resistant crops. Both are essential: mitigation tackles the cause, while adaptation tackles the symptoms.
Globally, most funding goes to mitigation, but vulnerable communities often need adaptation support most. Balancing the two is a major challenge in climate policy, especially for developing countries facing immediate climate threats.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Nationally determined contributions
Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are at the heart of the Paris agreement, the global effort to collectively combat climate change. NDCs are individual climate action plans created by each country. These targets and strategies outline how a country will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Each nation sets its own goals based on its own circumstances and capabilities – there’s no standard NDC. These plans should be updated every five years and countries are encouraged to gradually increase their climate ambitions over time.
The aim is for NDCs to drive real action by guiding policies, attracting investment and inspiring innovation in clean technologies. But current NDCs fall short of the Paris agreement goals and many countries struggle to turn their plans into a reality. NDCs also vary widely in scope and detail so it’s hard to compare efforts across the board. Stronger international collaboration and greater accountability will be crucial.
By Doug Specht, reader in cultural geography and communication, University of Westminster
Fashion depends on water, soil and biodiversity – all natural capital. And forward-thinking designers are now asking: how do we create rather than deplete, how do we restore rather than extract?
Natural capital is the value assigned to the stock of forests, soils, oceans and even minerals such as lithium. It sustains every part of our economy. It’s the bees that pollinate our crops. It’s the wetlands that filter our water and it’s the trees that store carbon and cool our cities.
If we fail to value nature properly, we risk losing it. But if we succeed, we unlock a future that is not only sustainable but also truly regenerative.
My team at the University of Oxford is developing tools to integrate nature into national balance sheets, advising governments on biodiversity, and we’re helping industries from fashion to finance embed nature into their decision making.
Natural capital, explained by a climate finance expert.
By Mette Morsing, professor of business sustainability and director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford
Net zero
Reaching net zero means reducing the amount of additional greenhouse gas emissions that accumulate in the atmosphere to zero. This concept was popularised by the Paris agreement, a landmark deal that was agreed at the UN climate summit (Cop21) in 2015 to limit the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
There are some emissions, from farming and aviation for example, that will be very difficult, if not impossible, to reach absolute zero. Hence, the “net”. This allows people, businesses and countries to find ways to suck greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere, effectively cancelling out emissions while trying to reduce them. This can include reforestation, rewilding, direct air capture and carbon capture and storage. The goal is to reach net zero: the point at which no extra greenhouse gases accumulate in Earth’s atmosphere.
By Mark Maslin, professor of earth system science, UCL
Mark Maslin explains net zero.
For more expert explainer videos, visit The Conversation’s quick climate dictionary playlist here on YouTube.
Mark Maslin is Pro-Vice Provost of the UCL Climate Crisis Grand Challenge and Founding Director of the UCL Centre for Sustainable Aviation. He was co-director of the London NERC Doctoral Training Partnership and is a member of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group. He is an advisor to Sheep Included Ltd, Lansons, NetZeroNow and has advised the UK Parliament. He has received grant funding from the NERC, EPSRC, ESRC, DFG, Royal Society, DIFD, BEIS, DECC, FCO, Innovate UK, Carbon Trust, UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, Research England, Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme Trust, CIFF, Sprint2020, and British Council. He has received funding from the BBC, Lancet, Laithwaites, Seventh Generation, Channel 4, JLT Re, WWF, Hermes, CAFOD, HP and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Amani Maalouf receives funding from IKEA Foundation and UK Research and Innovation (NE/V017756/1).
Narmin Nahidi is affiliated with several academic associations, including the Financial Management Association (FMA), British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA), American Finance Association (AFA), and the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CMBE). These affiliations do not influence the content of this article.
Paul O’Hare receives funding from the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Award reference NE/V010174/1.
Alix Dietzel, Dongna Zhang, Doug Specht, Mathias Weidinger, Meilan Yan, and Sankar Sivarajah do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, and Armagh Chamber Chair, Art O’Hagan, celebrating the town’s shortlisting in the Small Business Support category.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is proud to announce that Banbridge town has been shortlisted in the High Street Transformation category, and Armagh City has been recognised in the Small Business Support category in the third annual Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards, hosted by Visa in partnership with the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The awards celebrate towns across the UK that are driving innovation and fostering thriving local economies. Banbridge’s nomination reflects its commitment to revitalising the high street through forward-thinking initiatives that support local businesses and enhance the town centre experience.
Meanwhile, Armagh City’s recognition in the Small Business Support category highlights strategic efforts to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the borough’s economic resilience.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Alderman Stephen Moutray commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to see Armagh City and Banbridge town centre recognised in this year’s Let’s Celebrate Towns awards, once again. These nominations are a testament to the hard work, creativity and collaboration happening across our borough. We remain committed to supporting our towns and communities to thrive, and this recognition reinforces the impact of our collective efforts.”
A panel of expert judges will now select six category winners, each of whom will receive £20,000 to fund a local community initiative. Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony at the House of Lords in July.
York residents looking for work, support with training or getting new qualifications are invited to this month’s York Jobs Fair.
The popular event will be held at from 11am- 2pm on Tuesday 8 July at The LNER Lounge, York Stadium, Huntington, and will showcase representatives from employers including Aldwark Manor, TempleSpa, Watches of Switzerland Group, Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and York Learning.
Specialist careers advisors will be available throughout the day to provide support and advice and answer questions. Quiet space will also be available for anyone wanting to complete an application form.
Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, with responsibility for Skills, said:
“Our jobs fairs are always incredibly popular with residents and employers, and rightly so.
“They have a great track record of providing employers with the right local candidates to fill their vacancies, as well as providing a host of opportunities to upskill.
“I’d urge anyone who’s looking for a job or who wants a change of career to come along and see what training and employment opportunities are available locally.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Press release
Cheers as Argentina grants Scotch Whisky historic protection
Scotch Whisky becomes the first international product to gain legal protection in Argentina as a Geographical Indication
Argentina has given Scotch Whisky its seal of approval as the first ever international product to receive Geographical Indication (GI) status in the country.
The protection recognises what makes a dram of Scotch truly special – centuries of craftsmanship, distinctive production methods, and that unmistakable Scottish character that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
This legal protection ensures products labelled as Scotch Whisky are genuine and meet strict production standards. This will help tackle counterfeit products, giving shoppers confidence they are buying an authentic product and distillers reassurance to expand their presence in a market without risk of imitation products undermining their reputation.
This also marks the first international product to gain legal protection in Argentina, highlighting the increasing global demand for authentic British products overseas. British food and drink exports reached record levels in 2024, with GI products accounting for approximately 25% of all UK food and drink exports and an estimated annual value exceeding £6 billion.
Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said:
Argentina’s legal protection of Scotch Whisky marks another triumph for this world-class British export.
In just six months we’ve driven a breakthrough trade agreement with India while securing legal protections for dozens of beloved British products across the globe – from the markets of São Paulo to the streets of Tokyo.
This government won’t stop here. We’re unlocking doors for UK exporters worldwide, putting British products on more shelves and tables – delivering real economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.
Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said:
Scotch Whisky is the first foreign product to receive special protection in Argentina which is testament to not only the strength of our trade ties with Argentina, but the prestige and reach of Scotland’s world-renowned product.
This is another win for an industry already bolstered by our deal with India which slashes whisky tariffs by half immediately and then down even further in the years to come, demonstrating our action to boost Scotland’s businesses and delivering economic growth under the Plan for Change.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:
There is no substitute for authentic Scotch Whisky and it’s fantastic news that collaborative work between the UK Government and Scotch Whisky Association has convinced the Argentine authorities to give our national drink – and one of our biggest exports – the protection it deserves.
Opening up new markets and expanding existing ones for our producers is key to growing the economy and the UK Government’s Plan for Change. Scotland’s food and drink industry and our Brand Scotland campaign will play an important part in that. This is excellent news to all the whisky producers who put Scotland on the global stage with our world-famous spirit. Salud!
The recognition comes just months after securing protected status for 39 additional British specialities in Japan and a landmark trade deal with India which slashed whisky tariffs by 50%, creating substantial commercial opportunities for UK businesses overseas under the government’s Plan for Change.
Huge aerial attacks on civilians and inflammatory remarks show us Moscow is not serious about peace: UK statement to the OSCE
UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia’s intensification of attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including its largest aerial assault of the war. This and inflammatory comments that run counter to Russia’s international commitments are further evidence that Moscow is still not serious about peace.
Thank you, Madam Chair. It is now nearly four months since Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. By contrast, Russia has not only refused to accept the proposal but has continued to intensify its attacks against Ukraine.
In fact, since direct talks began on 16 May, Russia has launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war. It broke its shameful records again at the start of this week, when it launched more than 500 aerial weapons at Ukraine.
As well as being the most intense aerial attacks of the war, these recent assaults have also been among the most deadly for Ukraine’s innocent civilians. The attack on the Dnipro region on 24 June killed 20 civilians, left more than 270 others wounded and damaged schools and hospitals. And the horrific attack against Kyiv on 16-17 June, which destroyed a civilian residential building, killed 30 civilians and left a further 172 people injured. This was the second deadliest attack on Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began. So far in 2025, Russian attacks have killed more than 1000 civilians in Ukraine.
These are not the actions of a government that is serious about peace. They are the actions of those who believe they can take advantage while the world is distracted by events elsewhere. It is our collective responsibility here to dispel this notion, to remind them that the world is watching and to ensure that Moscow understands that there will be a cost for frustrating peace and attacking innocent civilians.
Madam Chair, when it comes to peace, we have learnt to assess Russia’s actions rather than Russian rhetoric. But if we needed further evidence that Moscow is not currently serious about compromise or ending the war, we can look at the recent comments made by the President of the Russian Federation, as our Ukrainian colleague also highlighted.
On 18 June he said that, if Ukraine did not agree to Russia’s terms, “we will achieve our goals by military means.” On 20 June he said that “the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are essentially one people. In that sense, we see Ukraine as ours.” He also described as a long-standing principle that “wherever the foot of a Russian soldier steps is Russian land.”
Clearly, such statements run directly counter to the Helsinki commitments to which we have all agreed. And, alongside the escalation in attacks against Ukrainian civilians, they underline Moscow’s lack of seriousness about peace talks.
Madam Chair, as the UK – along with the vast majority of participating States here at the OSCE – we continue to call on Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire to create the space for negotiations on a framework for a just and lasting peace. Regrettably, we see no evidence that Russia will engage meaningfully without further pressure to do so. We are therefore ready to act with partners to introduce new sanctions if Moscow continues to ignore these widespread calls for a ceasefire. Thank you.
The global ecosystem of climate finance is complex, constantly changing and sometimes hard to understand. But understanding it is critical to demanding a green transition that’s just and fair. That’s why The Conversation has collaborated with climate finance experts to create this user-friendly guide, in partnership with Vogue Business. With definitions and short videos, we’ll add to this glossary as new terms emerge.
Blue bonds
Blue bonds are debt instruments designed to finance ocean-related conservation, like protecting coral reefs or sustainable fishing. They’re modelled after green bonds but focus specifically on the health of marine ecosystems – this is a key pillar of climate stability.
By investing in blue bonds, governments and private investors can fund marine projects that deliver both environmental benefits and long-term financial returns. Seychelles issued the first blue bond in 2018. Now, more are emerging as ocean conservation becomes a greater priority for global sustainability efforts.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Carbon border adjustment mechanism
Did you know that imported steel could soon face a carbon tax at the EU border? That’s because the carbon border adjustment mechanism is about to shake up the way we trade, produce and price carbon.
The carbon border adjustment mechanism is a proposed EU policy to put a carbon price on imports like iron, cement, fertiliser, aluminium and electricity. If a product is made in a country with weaker climate policies, the importer must pay the difference between that country’s carbon price and the EU’s. The goal is to avoid “carbon leakage” – when companies relocate to avoid emissions rules and to ensure fair competition on climate action.
But this mechanism is more than just a tariff tool. It’s a bold attempt to reshape global trade. Countries exporting to the EU may be pushed to adopt greener manufacturing or face higher tariffs.
The carbon border adjustment mechanism is controversial: some call it climate protectionism, others argue it could incentivise low-carbon innovation worldwide and be vital for achieving climate justice. Many developing nations worry it could penalise them unfairly unless there’s climate finance to support greener transitions.
Carbon border adjustment mechanism is still evolving, but it’s already forcing companies, investors and governments to rethink emissions accounting, supply chains and competitiveness. It’s a carbon price with global consequences.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Carbon budget
The Paris agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2030. The carbon budget is the maximum amount of CO₂ emissions allowed, if we want a 67% chance of staying within this limit. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that the remaining carbon budgets amount to 400 billion tonnes of CO₂ from 2020 onwards.
Think of the carbon budget as a climate allowance. Once it has been spent, the risk of extreme weather or sea level rise increases sharply. If emissions continue unchecked, the budget will be exhausted within years, risking severe climate consequences. The IPCC sets the global carbon budget based on climate science, and governments use this framework to set national emission targets, climate policies and pathways to net zero emissions.
By Dongna Zhang, assistant professor in economics and finance, Northumbria University
Carbon credits
Carbon credits are like a permit that allow companies to release a certain amount of carbon into the air. One credit usually equals one tonne of CO₂. These credits are issued by the local government or another authorised body and can be bought and sold. Think of it like a budget allowance for pollution. It encourages cuts in carbon emissions each year to stay within those global climate targets.
The aim is to put a price on carbon to encourage cuts in emissions. If a company reduces its emissions and has leftover credits, it can sell them to another company that is going over its limit. But there are issues. Some argue that carbon credit schemes allow polluters to pay their way out of real change, and not all credits are from trustworthy projects. Although carbon credits can play a role in addressing the climate crisis, they are not a solution on their own.
By Sankar Sivarajah, professor of circular economy, Kingston University London
Carbon credits explained.
Carbon offsetting
Carbon offsetting is a way for people or organisations to make up for the carbon emissions they are responsible for. For example, if you contribute to emissions by flying, driving or making goods, you can help balance that out by supporting projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. This might include planting trees (which absorb carbon dioxide) or building wind farms to produce renewable energy.
The idea is that your support helps cancel out the damage you are doing. For example, if your flight creates one tonne of carbon dioxide, you pay to support a project that removes the same amount.
While this sounds like a win-win, carbon offsetting is not perfect. Some argue that it lets people feel better without really changing their behaviour, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as greenwashing.
Not all projects are effective or well managed. For instance, some tree planting initiatives might have taken place anyway, even without the offset funding, deeming your contribution inconsequential. Others might plant the non-native trees in areas where they are unlikely to reach their potential in terms of absorbing carbon emissions.
So, offsetting can help, but it is no magic fix. It works best alongside real efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage low-carbon lifestyles or supply chains.
By Sankar Sivarajah, professor of circular economy, Kingston University London
Carbon offsetting explained.
Carbon tax
A carbon tax is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by placing a direct price on CO₂ and other greenhouse gases.
A carbon tax is grounded in the concept of the social cost of carbon. This is an estimate of the economic damage caused by emitting one tonne of CO₂, including climate-related health, infrastructure and ecosystem impacts.
A carbon tax is typically levied per tonne of CO₂ emitted. The tax can be applied either upstream (on fossil fuel producers) or downstream (on consumers or power generators). This makes carbon-intensive activities more expensive, it incentivises nations, businesses and people to reduce their emissions, while untaxed renewable energy becomes more competitively priced and appealing.
Carbon tax was first introduced by Finland in 1990. Since then, more than 39 jurisdictions have implemented similar schemes. According to the World Bank, carbon pricing mechanisms (that’s both carbon taxes and emissions trading systems) now cover about 24% of global emissions. The remaining 76% are not priced, mainly due to limited coverage in both sectors and geographical areas, plus persistent fossil fuel subsidies. Expanding coverage would require extending carbon pricing to sectors like agriculture and transport, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and strengthening international governance.
What is carbon tax?
Sweden has one of the world’s highest carbon tax rates and has cut emissions by 33% since 1990 while maintaining economic growth. The policy worked because Sweden started early, applied the tax across many industries and maintained clear, consistent communication that kept the public on board.
Canada introduced a national carbon tax in 2019. In Canada, most of the revenue from carbon taxes is returned directly to households through annual rebates, making the scheme revenue-neutral for most families. However, despite its economic logic, inflation and rising fuel prices led to public discontent – especially as many citizens were unaware they were receiving rebates.
Carbon taxes face challenges including political resistance, fairness concerns and low public awareness. Their success depends on clear communication and visible reinvestment of revenues into climate or social goals. A 2025 study that surveyed 40,000 people in 20 countries found that support for carbon taxes increases significantly when revenues are used for environmental infrastructure, rather than returned through tax rebates.
By Meilan Yan, associate professor and senior lecturer in financial economics, Loughborough University
Climate resilience
Floods, wildfires, heatwaves and rising seas are pushing our cities, towns and neighbourhoods to their limits. But there’s a powerful idea that’s helping cities fight back: climate resilience.
Resilience refers to the ability of a system, such as a city, a community or even an ecosystem – to anticipate, prepare for, respond to and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses.
Sometimes people say resilience is about bouncing back. But it’s not just about surviving the next storm. It’s about adapting, evolving and thriving in a changing world.
Resilience means building smarter and better. It means designing homes that stay cool during heatwaves. Roads that don’t wash away in floods. Power grids that don’t fail when the weather turns extreme.
It’s also about people. A truly resilient city protects its most vulnerable. It ensures that everyone – regardless of income, age or background – can weather the storm.
And resilience isn’t just reactive. It’s about using science, local knowledge and innovation to reduce a risk before disaster strikes. From restoring wetlands to cool cities and absorb floods, to creating early warning systems for heatwaves, climate resilience is about weaving strength into the very fabric of our cities.
By Paul O’Hare, senior lecturer in geography and development, Manchester Metropolitan University
The meaning of climate resilience.
Climate risk disclosure
Climate risk disclosure refers to how companies report the risks they face from climate change, such as flood damage, supply chain disruptions or regulatory costs. It includes both physical risks (like storms) and transition risks (like changing laws or consumer preferences).
Mandatory disclosures, such as those proposed by the UK and EU, aim to make climate-related risks transparent to investors. Done well, these reports can shape capital flows toward more sustainable business models. Done poorly, they become greenwashing tools.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Emissions trading scheme
An emissions trading scheme is the primary market-based approach for regulating greenhouse gas emissions in many countries, including Australia, Canada, China and Mexico.
Part of a government’s job is to decide how much of the economy’s carbon emissions it wants to avoid in order to fight climate change. It must put a cap on carbon emissions that economic production is not allowed to surpass. Preferably, the polluters (that’s the manufacturers, fossil fuel companies) should be the ones paying for the cost of climate mitigation.
Regulators could simply tell all the firms how much they are allowed to emit over the next ten years or so. But giving every firm the same allowance across the board is not cost efficient, because avoiding carbon emissions is much harder for some firms (such as steel producers) than others (such as tax consultants). Since governments cannot know each firm’s specific cost profile either, it can’t customise the allowances. Also, monitoring whether polluters actually abide by their assigned limits is extremely costly.
An emissions trading scheme cleverly solves this dilemma using the cap-and-trade mechanism. Instead of assigning each polluter a fixed quota and risking inefficiencies, the government issues a large number of tradable permits – each worth, say, a tonne of CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e) – that sum up to the cap. Firms that can cut greenhouse gas emissions relatively cheaply can then trade their surplus permits to those who find it harder – at a price that makes both better off.
By Mathias Weidinger, environmental economist, University of Oxford
Emissions trading schemes, explained by climate finance expert Mathias Weidinger.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing
ESG investing stands for environmental, social and governance investing. In simple terms, these are a set of standards that investors use to screen a company’s potential investments.
ESG means choosing to invest in companies that are not only profitable but also responsible. Investors use ESG metrics to assess risks (such as climate liability, labour practices) and align portfolios with sustainability goals by looking at how a company affects our planet and treats its people and communities. While there isn’t one single global body governing ESG, various organisations, ratings agencies and governments all contribute to setting and evolving these metrics.
For example, investing in a company committed to renewable energy and fair labour practices might be considered “ESG aligned”. Supporters believe ESG helps identify risks and create long-term value. Critics argue it can be vague or used for greenwashing, where companies appear sustainable without real action. ESG works best when paired with transparency and clear data. A barrier is that standards vary, and it’s not always clear what counts as ESG.
Why do financial companies and institutions care? Issues like climate change and nature loss pose significant risks, affecting company values and the global economy.
However, gathering reliable ESG information can be difficult. Companies often self-report, and the data isn’t always standardised or up to date. Researchers – including my team at the University of Oxford – are using geospatial data, like satellite imagery and artificial intelligence, to develop global databases for high-impact industries, across all major sectors and geographies, and independently assess environmental and social risks and impacts.
For instance, we can analyse satellite images of a facility over time to monitor its emissions effect on nature and biodiversity, or assess deforestation linked to a company’s supply chain. This allows us to map supply chains, identify high-impact assets, and detect hidden risks and opportunities in key industries, providing an objective, real-time look at their environmental footprint.
The goal is for this to improve ESG ratings and provide clearer, more consistent insights for investors. This approach could help us overcome current data limitations to build a more sustainable financial future.
By Amani Maalouf, senior researcher in spatial finance, University of Oxford
Environmental, social and governance investing explained.
Financed emissions
Financed emissions are the greenhouse gas emissions linked to a bank’s or investor’s lending and investment portfolio, rather than their own operations. For example, a bank that funds a coal mine or invests in fossil fuels is indirectly responsible for the carbon those activities produce.
Measuring financed emissions helps reveal the real climate impact of financial institutions not just their office energy use. It’s a cornerstone of climate accountability in finance and is becoming essential under net zero pledges.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Green bonds
Green bonds are loans issued to fund environmentally beneficial projects, such as energy-efficient buildings or clean transportation. Investors choose them to support climate solutions while earning returns.
Green bonds are a major tool to finance the shift to a low-carbon economy by directing finance toward climate solutions. As climate costs rise, green bonds could help close the funding gap while ensuring transparency and accountability.
Green bonds are required to ensure funds are spent as promised. For instance, imagine a city wants to upgrade its public transportation by adding electric buses to reduce pollution. Instead of raising taxes or slashing other budgets, the city can issue green bonds to raise the necessary capital. Investors buy the bonds, the city gets the funding, and the environment benefits from cleaner air and fewer emissions.
The growing participation of government issuers has improved the transparency and reliability of these investments. The green bond market has grown rapidly in recent years. According to the Bank for International Settlements, the green bond market reached US$2.9 trillion (£2.1 trillion) in 2024 – nearly six times larger than in 2018. At the same time, annual issuance (the total value of green bonds issued in a year) hit US$700 billion, highlighting the increasing role of green finance in tackling climate change.
By Dongna Zhang, assistant professor in economics and finance, Northumbria University
Just transition
Just transition is the process of moving to a low-carbon society that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. In a broad sense, a just transition means focusing on creating a more fair and equal society.
Just transition has existed as a concept since the 1970s. It was originally applied to the green energy transition, protecting workers in the fossil fuel industry as we move towards more sustainable alternatives.
These days, it has so many overlapping issues of justice hidden within it, so the concept is hard to define. Even at the level of UN climate negotiations, global leaders struggle to agree on what a just transition means.
The big battle is between developed countries, who want a very restrictive definition around jobs and skills, and developing countries, who are looking for a much more holistic approach that considers wider system change and includes considerations around human rights, Indigenous people and creating an overall fairer global society.
A just transition is essentially about imagining a future where we have moved beyond fossil fuels and society works better for everyone – but that can look very different in a European city compared to a rural setting in south-east Asia.
For example, in a British city it might mean fewer cars and better public transport. In a rural setting, it might mean new ways of growing crops that are more sustainable, and building homes that are heatwave resistant.
By Alix Dietzel, climate justice and climate policy expert, University of Bristol
The meaning of just transition.
Loss and damage
A global loss and damage fund was agreed by nations at the UN climate summit (Cop27) in 2022. This means that the rich countries of the world put money into a fund that the least developed countries can then call upon when they have a climate emergency.
At the moment, the loss and damage fund is made up of relatively small pots of money. Much more will be needed to provide relief to those who need it most now and in the future.
By Mark Maslin, professor of earth system science, UCL
Mark Maslin explains loss and damage.
Mitigation v adaptation
Mitigation means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to slow climate change. Adaptation means adjusting to its effects, like building sea walls or growing heat-resistant crops. Both are essential: mitigation tackles the cause, while adaptation tackles the symptoms.
Globally, most funding goes to mitigation, but vulnerable communities often need adaptation support most. Balancing the two is a major challenge in climate policy, especially for developing countries facing immediate climate threats.
By Narmin Nahidi, assistant professor in finance at the University of Exeter
Nationally determined contributions
Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are at the heart of the Paris agreement, the global effort to collectively combat climate change. NDCs are individual climate action plans created by each country. These targets and strategies outline how a country will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Each nation sets its own goals based on its own circumstances and capabilities – there’s no standard NDC. These plans should be updated every five years and countries are encouraged to gradually increase their climate ambitions over time.
The aim is for NDCs to drive real action by guiding policies, attracting investment and inspiring innovation in clean technologies. But current NDCs fall short of the Paris agreement goals and many countries struggle to turn their plans into a reality. NDCs also vary widely in scope and detail so it’s hard to compare efforts across the board. Stronger international collaboration and greater accountability will be crucial.
By Doug Specht, reader in cultural geography and communication, University of Westminster
Fashion depends on water, soil and biodiversity – all natural capital. And forward-thinking designers are now asking: how do we create rather than deplete, how do we restore rather than extract?
Natural capital is the value assigned to the stock of forests, soils, oceans and even minerals such as lithium. It sustains every part of our economy. It’s the bees that pollinate our crops. It’s the wetlands that filter our water and it’s the trees that store carbon and cool our cities.
If we fail to value nature properly, we risk losing it. But if we succeed, we unlock a future that is not only sustainable but also truly regenerative.
My team at the University of Oxford is developing tools to integrate nature into national balance sheets, advising governments on biodiversity, and we’re helping industries from fashion to finance embed nature into their decision making.
Natural capital, explained by a climate finance expert.
By Mette Morsing, professor of business sustainability and director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford
Net zero
Reaching net zero means reducing the amount of additional greenhouse gas emissions that accumulate in the atmosphere to zero. This concept was popularised by the Paris agreement, a landmark deal that was agreed at the UN climate summit (Cop21) in 2015 to limit the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.
There are some emissions, from farming and aviation for example, that will be very difficult, if not impossible, to reach absolute zero. Hence, the “net”. This allows people, businesses and countries to find ways to suck greenhouse gas emissions out of the atmosphere, effectively cancelling out emissions while trying to reduce them. This can include reforestation, rewilding, direct air capture and carbon capture and storage. The goal is to reach net zero: the point at which no extra greenhouse gases accumulate in Earth’s atmosphere.
By Mark Maslin, professor of earth system science, UCL
Mark Maslin explains net zero.
For more expert explainer videos, visit The Conversation’s quick climate dictionary playlist here on YouTube.
Mark Maslin is Pro-Vice Provost of the UCL Climate Crisis Grand Challenge and Founding Director of the UCL Centre for Sustainable Aviation. He was co-director of the London NERC Doctoral Training Partnership and is a member of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group. He is an advisor to Sheep Included Ltd, Lansons, NetZeroNow and has advised the UK Parliament. He has received grant funding from the NERC, EPSRC, ESRC, DFG, Royal Society, DIFD, BEIS, DECC, FCO, Innovate UK, Carbon Trust, UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, Research England, Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme Trust, CIFF, Sprint2020, and British Council. He has received funding from the BBC, Lancet, Laithwaites, Seventh Generation, Channel 4, JLT Re, WWF, Hermes, CAFOD, HP and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Amani Maalouf receives funding from IKEA Foundation and UK Research and Innovation (NE/V017756/1).
Narmin Nahidi is affiliated with several academic associations, including the Financial Management Association (FMA), British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA), American Finance Association (AFA), and the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CMBE). These affiliations do not influence the content of this article.
Paul O’Hare receives funding from the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Award reference NE/V010174/1.
Alix Dietzel, Dongna Zhang, Doug Specht, Mathias Weidinger, Meilan Yan, and Sankar Sivarajah do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Sustain report and safety flyer published
Grounding and subsequent loss of the prawn trawler Sustain on Rubha Camas a’ Mhaoraich, Loch Broom, Scotland.
Image courtesy of Graeme Maclennan (MarineTraffic.com).
Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the grounding and subsequent loss of the prawn trawler Sustain (UL 45) on Rubha Camas a’ Mhaoraich, Loch Broom, Scotland on 16 November 2023.
