Author: admin

PRESS RELEASE : Investment to shield schools from high energy bills and boost to budgets [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 6 December 2022.

Schools and colleges in England will be allocated a share of £500 million to spend on energy efficiency upgrades, helping to save on bills during the winter months and manage energy consumption.

This will not only help them save money, but it will make them more energy efficient during the cold period and increase winter resilience for future years.

Estimations show that on average, a primary school will receive approximately £16,000, a secondary school will get £42,000 and a further education college group will benefit from £290,000. Improvements could include installing better heating controls, insulation to reduce heat loss from pipes or switching to energy efficient lighting.

This builds on the Government’s Energy Relief Scheme which is supporting schools and colleges this winter, and will run until the spring.

On top of this, as announced in the Autumn Statement, the Government is investing an extra £2 billion funding for schools next year and the year after. This is the highest real terms investment in our schools in history.

This £2 billion of new money will be allocated between mainstream schools and high needs funding. Local councils will get an extra £400 million for high needs budgets, to help support children with special educational needs or disabilities. Academies, maintained mainstream schools and special schools will all be guaranteed a funding boost, which will arrive from April next year.

This means average funding per pupil for mainstream schools will increase by approximately five percent overall, in the next financial year compared to 2022-23.

A typical primary school with 200 pupils will get approximately £28,000, and secondary schools with around 900 pupils will receive approximately £170,000. In total schools will be receiving £58.8 billion in 2024-25 – meaning in real terms we are putting more into schools than ever before.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is driving up energy prices worldwide, so it is important to look at the things we can do to make classrooms more energy efficient and resilient to price fluctuations.

We’re putting this cash in the hands of school and college leaders quickly, so they can decide what work is needed and so that our brilliant teachers can focus on teaching in a warm and safe environment.

Education is rightly a top priority for this Government and we will continue to strive to provide every child with a world-class education.

New guidance has also been published today (Tuesday 6 December) to support schools to maximise energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability and resilience this winter and beyond.

This funding comes on top of £1.8 billion of capital funding already committed this year for improving the condition of school buildings. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is also investing over £1.4 billion in public sector buildings, including schools over the next three financial years.

06/12/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Supporting OPCW as it seeks to resolve outstanding issues in Syria’s declaration [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 December 2022.

Statement by Thomas Phipps, UK Alternate Political Coordinator to the UN, at the Security Council meeting on Syria’s chemical weapons.

Thank you President, and I would like to join others in thanking High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing, and OPCW Director-General Arias for his latest monthly report.

Colleagues, let us remind ourselves why we continue to discuss this agenda item.

In the early hours of 21 August 2013, the Syrian regime targeted its own citizens in three suburbs of Damascus with rockets containing the nerve agent sarin. As many as 1500 people died.

Following these attacks, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2118, which called on Syria to cooperate fully with the OPCW and eliminate its chemical weapons programme and stockpile.

As we are reminded each month, Syria’s initial chemical weapons declaration, upon which the destruction of its chemical weapons stocks depended, was and remains inaccurate and incomplete. When evidence of Syria’s retention of chemical weapons has proved too compelling, the regime has changed its story.

It has now amended its declaration 17 times.

We know, by the regime’s own admission, that at least one chemical weapons production facility, four laboratories, five previously undeclared chemical warfare agents, hundreds of tons of chemicals, and thousands of munitions were omitted from its initial declaration.

President, these issues are not academic.

Independent investigations have shown that the Syrian regime went on to use chemical weapons in further attacks against the Syrian people, even after they had claimed they had given up all their chemical weapons.

Several of these attacks have involved the use of chlorine dropped onto civilian centres from helicopters, in particular by a division of the Syrian Armed Forces, known as the “Tiger Forces” under the control of Brigadier-General Suhail al-Hassan.

The OPCW Investigation and Identification Team found the Tiger Forces responsible for a chlorine attack on Saraqib in February 2018. But the Assad regime has not limited its attacks to chlorine. On 4 April 2017, a Syrian S-22 aircraft delivered an aerial bomb filled with sarin into the centre of Khan Shaykhun, an attack for which the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism has attributed responsibility. As the OPCW reported in April 2020, the attack in Khan Shaykhun was preceded by two sarin attacks carried out by the Syrian Arab Air Force in Ltamenah in March 2017.

Colleagues, sarin, as I am sure we all know, is a nerve agent that suffocates people to death as their muscles spasm into paralysis.

The chemical profile of the sarin used in all these attacks bears the unique signature of the sarin production process declared in this declaration by Syria.

President, these Syrian attacks are all a matter of record, established by detailed and thorough investigations by the OPCW and the JIM. The OPCW has found Syria responsible for multiple chemical weapons attacks and other serious failures to meet its obligations as a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

As my US colleague said, during last week’s Conference of States Parties, 57 countries joined a French-led statement unequivocally condemning Syria’s use of chemical weapons and its refusal to live up to its obligations as a State Party.

The scale of support for this statement speaks to the overwhelming desire of the international community to uphold the collective progress that we have made in recent decades towards a world free of chemical weapons.

It is our responsibility as members of this Council to continue to support the OPCW as it seeks to resolve outstanding issues in Syria’s declaration. As High Representative Nakamitsu also said, we must also not forget the victims of chemical weapons attacks in Syria. And the UK continues to stand in solidarity with them and we will continue to pursue justice for them and their families.

I thank you President.

06/12/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Communities put at heart of planning system as government strengthens Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 5 December 2022.
- Following close working with colleagues, ministers set out next steps on the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill
- Government announces new measures to strengthen commitment to building enough of the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure
- Housing targets remain, but are a starting point with new flexibilities to reflect local circumstances
- Michael Gove asks competition watchdog for study on the housebuilding market
- New penalties proposed for slow developers failing to build already-approved homes
- Local authorities given power to promote brownfield development and wider review to promote brownfield development
Further measures to place local communities at the heart of the planning system will be set out by the government tomorrow (Tuesday 6 December), delivering a number of commitments made by the Prime Minister over the Summer.

The changes will be made alongside the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill as it progresses through Parliament and follow positive engagement with MPs and stakeholders.

The measures strengthen the government’s commitment to building enough of the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure, ensuring the environment is protected and giving local people a greater say on where and where not to place new development.

Housing targets remain an important part of the planning system and the government will consult on how these can better take account of local density.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove said:

We have an urgent need in this country to build more homes so that everyone – whether they aspire to home ownership or not – can have a high-quality, affordable place to live. But our planning system is not working as it should.

If we are to deliver the new homes this country needs, new development must have the support of local communities. That requires people to know it will be beautiful, accompanied by the right infrastructure, approved democratically, that it will enhance the environment and create proper neighbourhoods.

These principles have always been key to our reforms and we are now going further by strengthening our commitment to build the right homes in the right places and put local people at the heart of decision-making.

I’m grateful to colleagues across the House for their hard work and support to drive forward these much-needed changes to create a planning system that works for all.

Responding to requests from MPs, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove has also asked the Competition and Markets Authority to consider undertaking a market study on housebuilding. Buying a home is one of the most important decisions a family takes, with huge financial implications, so making sure this market is truly competitive and working in the interests of consumers is of the highest importance.

Many of the measures announced today deliver commitments made by PM Rishi Sunak over the summer. Green Belt protections will be strengthened, with new guidance setting out that local authorities are not required to review Green Belt to deliver homes. Brownfield land will be prioritised for development, with the government launching a review into how such sites are used.

Alongside measures in the Bill to tackle slow build out by developers, the government will also consider new financial penalties for companies failing to deliver housing despite having planning approval and give councils powers to refuse further permission across their area.

The Bill already includes power for councils to apply a council tax premium of up to 100% on empty and second homes in areas. But given concerns local people are often forced out of the market by short term lets, the government will go further by establishing a registration scheme for these properties.

The government will also consult on whether planning permission should be required for new short term lets, especially in tourist hotspots.

The government will ensure valued landscapes, such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Green Belt, remain protected through robust national and local planning policies.
06/12/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of families protected from homelessness with extra £50 million government support [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 5 December 2022.
- Funding is targeted at those who need it most and will help households at risk of eviction pay rent arrears or secure a new place to live
- Boost for councils comes on top of £316 million Homelessness Prevention Grant
- Part of a £2 billion package of government support to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over the next three years
Thousands of vulnerable families will be protected from homelessness this winter thanks to an extra £50 million of government support.

Councils will have the flexibility to target the additional financial support at those who need it most. This may include helping households at risk of eviction pay off their rent arrears or supporting families struggling to secure a new home with their search and deposits.

The funding is on top of £316 million Homeless Prevention Grant already allocated to councils for 2022-23 year and is part of a £2 billion package of government support to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over the next three years.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:

We understand that many people are struggling this winter and we are taking action to protect vulnerable families at risk of homelessness this Christmas.

The increased support will make a real difference to those most at risk by helping them to pay their rents or find new homes.

This follows a £200 million Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), which will deliver up to 2,4000 homes by March 2025 for people already experiencing or at risk of experiencing rough sleeping. Details on how local authorities can apply for this funding will be published shortly.

Millions of vulnerable families will also benefit this winter from a wider raft of cost of living support from the Government, including assistance with energy bills and direct payments of £1,200.
06/12/2022
David Davies – 2022 Comments on Opening of Tŷ William Morgan

The comments made by David Davies, the Secretary of State for Wales, on 5 December 2022.

Tŷ William Morgan is central to the UK Government’s ambitious plans to create a dynamic and flexible civil service which is equipped for the future.

Its position in the heart of Cardiff also demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to Wales. It is already providing a modern working environment to attract and retain high-calibre staff who will be able to grow and develop their careers here in Wales.

Being able to work with colleagues from right across government under one roof is proving hugely beneficial and it is fantastic to be able to open Tŷ William Morgan officially.

06/12/2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government hub Tŷ William Morgan officially opened [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Wales on 5 December 2022.

The UK Government hub in Cardiff, Tŷ William Morgan, has been formally opened (5 December 2022) by David TC Davies MP, Secretary of State for Wales.

The creation of the new hub has been managed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as part of the department’s wider estates and transformation work across the UK. Spread across 12 floors, Tŷ William Morgan is one of 14 new UK Government hubs across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It is the eleventh new regional centre to be formally opened as part of HMRC’s estates programme.

Named after Bishop William Morgan who translated the Bible into Welsh in the 16th Century, Tŷ William Morgan is home to more than 4,500 civil servants. This includes more than 4,000 full-time equivalent HMRC employees, as well as around 500 staff from across 12 other UK Government departments. Departments sharing the building include the Wales Office, the Cabinet Office, the Department for International Trade (DIT), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). It also has the capacity to host full UK Government Cabinet meetings.

The keys for the 25,000 sq. m (265,000 sq. ft) building were formally handed over in January 2020, with the building first opening its doors to civil servants in February 2021. It is part of large central development within a few minutes’ walk of Cardiff Central train station.

The building boasts a modern and inclusive working environment to enable collaborative working and to deliver an effective service for customers. It is contributing towards a more sustainable government estate, reducing our carbon footprint and water usage, increasing recycling and reducing waste sent to landfill.

David TC Davies, Secretary of State for Wales, said:

Tŷ William Morgan is central to the UK Government’s ambitious plans to create a dynamic and flexible civil service which is equipped for the future.

Its position in the heart of Cardiff also demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to Wales. It is already providing a modern working environment to attract and retain high-calibre staff who will be able to grow and develop their careers here in Wales.

Being able to work with colleagues from right across government under one roof is proving hugely beneficial and it is fantastic to be able to open Tŷ William Morgan officially.

Penny Ciniewicz, HMRC Director General for Customer Compliance Group, said:

I am delighted to be here to mark the official opening of our Cardiff hub. Tŷ William Morgan has been built and designed to be an inclusive environment for colleagues, encouraging smarter and more collaborative working and a culture where everyone feels valued. Our new Cardiff home is already proving to be a hub that fosters collaboration, which is essential for us to meet HMRC’s ambitions to transform into a digitally advanced tax authority.

06/12/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Working to deliver justice for survivors of Daesh atrocities in Iraq [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 December 2022.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council meeting on UNITAD.

Thank you President, and let me start by welcoming the Representative of Iraq to the Chamber. We’d like to thank the Special Advisor for the expertise and dedication he and his team has shown in pursuing accountability for the crimes committed by Daesh.

Four and a half years since UNITAD started its work, the need for justice for Daesh’s appalling crimes is undiminished. As we’ve heard, these were crimes against the people, the history, and the culture of Iraq. Nadia Murad told the conference on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict in London last week that, and I quote: “Survivors around the world don’t need a call to action. We need action, period.” UNITAD is a key part of that work, working to deliver justice for survivors. So we commend the Government of Iraq for its engagement with UNITAD’s important work.

Let me highlight two areas of progress in particular from the last six months.

First, we welcome the breadth of cooperation between UNITAD and Iraq, as we’ve heard from the Special Advisor. In particular, we welcome technical assistance in relation to the excavation of several mass grave sites, information sharing, and tailored-assistance for investigations, and capacity building of the Iraqi judiciary and prosecutors, particularly relating to evidence collection. We also commend UNITAD’s assistance to Iraq on UN sanctions, including its plans to share information, which could help support designating Daesh members under the 1267 UN sanctions regime. We look forward to the conclusion of the relevant Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Iraq.

Second, we welcome the outreach that UNITAD has prioritised with affected communities in Iraq. This has built trust, and enabled the collection of testimonies that have been used in the prosecution of Daesh members around the world, drawing on the support and provision of assistance of UNITAD. President,

Let me reiterate the importance of collaboration between Iraq, including the Kurdistan Regional Government, and UNITAD. Wide ranging, and comprehensive coordination between all three is crucial for progress. Following Iraq’s elections, we are pleased to hear of the relationship that is being built between the new Iraqi government and UNITAD and we hope that collaboration will continue to deepen, and deliver justice for survivors.

For our part, we reiterate our strong support for UNITAD’s pursuit of accountability for Daesh atrocities, both in Iraq and around the world.

Thank you.

06/12/2022
PRESS RELEASE : £212 million boost for Scottish communities [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 5 December 2022.

UK Government unlocks £2.6 billion in funding to level up the country by approving local areas’ plans to spend UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
- UKSPF matches and succeeds old EU funding, slashing bureaucracy and allowing local leaders to invest in things their communities truly want and need
- All plans submitted by Scottish local authorities now approved by the UK Government
Communities across Scotland will benefit from £212 million of investment in skills, improved high streets, support for local business and more green spaces as the UK takes back control and approves spending plans for funding previously run by the European Union.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund succeeds EU structural funding but instead of Brussels deciding how and where the money is spent, the UK Government has been working closely with local leaders in Scotland to direct funding where it is most needed.

Under the investment plans approved today, Scotland is receiving at least as much funding as it did before, with projects now free from bureaucratic EU processes and local people having a greater say in how the money is used.

Councils across Scotland have drawn up plans over the summer which include supporting local arts projects, improved sports facilities, export grants for Scottish companies and helping people with core skills such as maths.

The UK Government’s approval of these plans will kickstart delivery across all parts of the country.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said:

I am thrilled that all Scottish plans have been approved and I would like to thank the Scottish Government for their engagement on this vital work.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will deliver real benefits for every corner of the country. We look forward to working with Scottish councils to deliver the things that their local communities truly want and need.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

This is great news for communities across Scotland who will now see £212 million invested to strengthen businesses, create jobs and make lives better. The UK Government is delivering on its commitments that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will at least match EU structural funding – and giving local people control of how the money is spent.

Such close working with councils, local partners and the Scottish Government is crucial to overcoming the economic headwinds we are being buffeted by. This collaboration builds on the hugely successful approach established in delivering city-region and growth deals across Scotland. Our levelling up agenda is now seeing more than £2 billion directly invested in Scotland by the UK Government.

Across the UK, the money will be spent on levelling up in three key areas:
- Communities and place: projects could include improving parks and green spaces, sports facilities and access to arts and culture to foster a greater sense of pride in place.
- Supporting local business: this include support for entrepreneurs, as well as research and development grants for local businesses to help develop innovative products and services.
- People and skills: projects could include specialist support for people with a health condition facing additional barriers into decent jobs. This may include basic life skills, digital training and education in English and maths. As part of the Fund, a multi-million pound adult numeracy programme, Multiply, has been allocated across the UK to support people with no or low-level maths skills to improve their economic and life prospects.
The UK Government’s flexible approach also means that councils and local partners will have the opportunity to adapt each plan to reflect new economic priorities over the period to 2025.

Funding for the UKSPF will be £2.6 billion between 2022 and 2025, with this figure reaching £1.5 billion per year by March 2025, delivering on the UK Government’s commitment to match EU structural funds for each nation.
06/12/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Norway-UK negotiations conclude – Scottish Government [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 25 November 2022.
Increased monkfish quota important for Scotland’s fishers

Scotland’s fishers will benefit from increased opportunities to access monkfish and other key demersal stocks, following the successful conclusion of UK-Norway Bilateral negotiations.

Agreement on access and quota exchanges of fish stocks for 2023 have been signed, with the key measures for Scotland’s fishers including:
- an exchange of quotas, which will increase Scotland’s opportunities to catch key demersal stocks including monkfish
- reciprocal access for demersal stocks, which will allow Scottish fishers to fish their quota in Norwegian waters, giving them access to high market value stocks throughout the year
- agreement on pelagic access, which will enable Scottish vessels to fish Atlanto-Scandian herring in Norwegian waters
Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“This is a good outcome for Scotland’s fishers, which builds on the successful arrangements for 2022. Norway is one of our closest coastal partners and we share a number of fish stocks in the North Sea. I am pleased that a deal has been reached that will deliver benefits for both nations.

“In particular, we have secured an increased inward transfer of monkfish. With the scientific advice for 2023 requiring a cut in overall monkfish quotas, this will play an important role in ensuring Scottish fishers can maintain access to this key stock.”

Background

Scottish Government officials play an active role in the UK negotiating delegation.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has recommended a 30% cut to northern shelf monkfish catches for 2023.
05/12/2022
PRESS RELEASE : NHS staff offered record high pay rise in Scotland [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 24 November 2022.

Average uplift of 7.5% the highest offer in the UK.

A ‘best and final offer’ has been made to NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) workers following pay negotiations with trade unions and employers.

The record high pay offer, the best in the UK, will ensure that these front line workers will receive pay rises ranging from £2,205 to £2,751, which is a further improvement on the existing offer for staff in Bands 5-8A. For the lowest paid this represents an uplift of 11.3%, and delivers an average uplift of 7.5%.

This increased offer was made after constructive negotiations between the Scottish Government and NHS unions. In a final offer made to trade unions, the new deal is worth an additional £515 million in 2022-23 and now includes a package of progressive measures to promote staff and patient safety, support long-term workforce sustainability and to recognise the breadth of skills and experience of NHS Scotland staff.

The settlement ensures that NHS staff would remain the best paid anywhere in the UK. It gives all frontline NHS Scotland AfC staff in bands 1-7 a pay premium of between £1,149 and £2,834 over their counterparts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Agenda for Change pay offer for 2022-23 will deliver the most progressive package of terms and conditions reform in over 40 years. The deal will benefit more than 160,000 employees including nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals and healthcare support staff.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“We have engaged tirelessly with trade union representatives over recent weeks, leaving no stone unturned to reach an offer which responds to the key concerns of staff across the service.

“This best and final pay offer of over half a billion pounds underlines our commitment to supporting our fantastic NHS staff. A newly qualified nurse would see a pay rise of 8.7%, and experienced nurses and would get uplifts of between £2,450 and £2,751.

“We are making this offer at a time of extraordinary financial challenges to the Scottish Government.

“We have made the best offer possible to get money into the pockets of hard working staff and to avoid industrial action, in what is already going to be an incredibly challenging winter. If the offer is agreed this pay uplift will also be backdated to April.

“Finally, I would urge the UK Government to get back to the negotiating table with the unions. This settlement has been shaped by the unions’ constructive approach and I hope it is backed by their members.”

05/12/2022