Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : European Commission raises a further €11 billion for NextGenerationEU and to support Ukraine [October 2022]

The press release issued by the European Commission on 11 October 2022.

The European Commission has today issued €11 billion in a dual tranche transaction, the proceeds of which will be used to support Ukraine under the EU’s MFA programme and Europe’s recovery under the flagship NextGenerationEU programme. The deal consisted of a €5 billion tap of the 7-year bond due on 4 December 2029 and a new 20-year bond of €6 billion due on 4 November 2042.

Commissioner in charge of Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, said: “EU funding is a concrete expression of solidarity with Ukraine and Member States recovering from the pandemic. Today, we have successfully and under challenging market conditions raised a further €11 billion. Of them, €2 billion will be released swiftly to help Ukraine in this war of aggression on European soil.”

From the funds raised through the sale of the new 20-year bond, €2 billion will be granted as loans to Ukraine. This will be the first instalment of the €5 billion in macro-financial assistance (MFA) loans to Ukraine agreed on 20 September 2022.

With today’s transaction, the Commission has issued a total of €86.6 billion in long-term funding under NextGenerationEU in 2022 and €157.6 billion since the start of the programme in June 2021. Of this total, €36.6 billion have been issued since July 2022. This represents 73% of the Commission’s NextGenerationEU funding target for the second half of the year, with further transactions – both auctions and syndications – planned for late October, November and possibly December 2022, as per the funding plan published in June 2022.

Following today’s transaction, the Commission has so far raised €3 billion under its MFA programme for Ukraine in the second half of the year, on top of €1.2 billion earlier in 2022. This will be followed by further loans to Ukraine in the coming weeks. This has been part of the extraordinary support of €19 billion secured by Team Europe for Ukraine to date.

On the basis of the funds raised, the Commission has so far paid out nearly €113 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and, as of end-June, over €15 billion under other EU programmes which benefit from NextGenerationEU financing. The Commission will continue to use the funds raised to support Europe’s post-pandemic recovery, financing Member States under the Recovery and Resilience Facility as well as via other EU programmes.

Background

NextGenerationEU is a temporary recovery instrument of more than €800 billion in current prices to support Europe’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and help build a greener, more digital and more resilient Europe.

To finance NextGenerationEU, the Commission – on behalf of the EU – is raising from the capital markets up to around €800 billion between now and end-2026.

In parallel to NextGenerationEU, the Commission runs several back-to-back funding programmes to finance the specific needs of the EU Member States and third countries. This includes the macro-financial assistance programme, under which the Commission is currently providing support to Ukraine, among others.

Today’s bond syndication

7-year tap

The 7-year bond carries a coupon of 1.625% and came at a re-offer yield of 3.026% providing a spread of -21 bps to mid-swaps, which is equivalent to +88.3 bps over the 7-year Bund due in August 2029 and to 47.8 bps over the 7-year OAT due in November 2029.

The final order book was of €13.9 billion.

20-year bond

The 20-year bond carries a coupon of 3.375% and came at a re-offer yield of 3.404% providing a spread of +32 bps to mid-swaps, which is equivalent to 101.7 bps over the 22-year Bund due in July 2044 and to 20.2 bps to the 21-year OAT due in May 2043.

The final order book was of €26 billion.

The joint lead managers of this transaction were Barclays, BofA Securities, Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan, and NatWest Markets.

7-year tap

Investor type
Bank Treasuries	54%
Fund Managers	26%
Insurance and Pension Funds	5%
Central Banks / Official Institutions	8%
Banks	6%
Hedge Funds	1%
Grand Total	100%

Geography
France	15%
UK	27%
Other Europe	12%
Germany	7%
Italy	11%
Iberia	10%
Rest of World	0%
Benelux	3%
Nordics	6%
Switzerland	6%
Asia	3%
Grand Total	100%

20-year bond

Investor type
Bank Treasuries	31%
Fund Managers	39%
Insurance and Pension Funds	18%
Central Banks / Official Institutions	5%
Banks	6%
Hedge Funds	1%
Grand Total	100%

Geography
France	20%
UK	8%
Other Europe	12%
Germany	13%
Italy	9%
Iberia	8%
Rest of World	15%
Benelux	9%
Nordics	4%
Switzerland	2%
Asia	0%
Grand Total	100%

October 11, 2022

PRESS RELEASE : IMF World Economic Outlook Growth Downgrade [October 2022]

The press release issued by the IMF on 11 October 2022.

The IMF issued a gloomy forecast for global growth, downgrading its forecast for 2023 in its World Economic Outlook report issued Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Petya Koeva Brooks and Daniel Leigh answered questions on how the current turbulence will shape things in the months to come.

The IMF chief economist opened with a broad look at the growth forecast for the next year, which is likely to be much lower than expected, due to several main factors.

“The global economy continues to face steep challenges. Shaped by three powerful forces, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the cost of living crisis caused by persistent and broadening inflation pressures, and the slowdown in China,” Gourinchas said at a news conference launching the report at the IMF’s Annual Meetings.

Gourinchas also highlighted the continuing impact the war in Ukraine is having on the global energy crisis.

“The war in Ukraine is still raging and further escalation can exacerbate the energy crisis. Our October World Economic Outlook Report presents a risk assessment around or baseline projections. With 25% probability, global growth next year could slow down to below 2%, a historically low level. We’ve only had that five times since 1970. ”

When asked about the continued risk new COVID-19 variants would have, Gourinchas said progress was being made, although he suggested China’s continued lockdown regulations are an exception.

“An important exception is China, where a different health policy path has been charted. And as a result, the country is still facing continued, localized, but important sometimes lockdowns. And that’s something that is weighing down on Chinese economic activity in our in our baseline forecasts because of the continuation of zero-covid policy, ” said the IMF’s Chief Economist.

IMF Economist Petya Koeva Brooks provided new insight on the impact that rising inflation and the energy crisis is having the Italian economy.

“We are expecting Italy to enter a technical recession in the coming quarters. And a big impact has come from the energy crisis and the elevated inflation and the adverse impact on real incomes. So when it comes to the risks to this outlook, they are getting very much on the downside. And again, they are related to even further impact coming from energy markets,” she said.

The panel was asked to turn their attention to the Horn of Africa, where there is a severe humanitarian crisis. In addition to high debt levels and a strengthening US dollar, IMF Economist Daniel Leigh highlighted low vaccination rates in the region as one of the factors in the continuing financial stress caused by the pandemic.

“It is a region very severely affected by the war in Ukraine. The food, fuel and fertilizer price spike is having a negative effect on agriculture and a broad part of the economy. On top of that, this is one of the parts of the world where the COVID shock is still really severe in terms of the very low vaccination rates, 26% only in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 66% in the rest of the world. Only 2% have a booster compared to a third to a half in the rest of the world. So on top of that, the global slowdown means less demand for the products of the region. And then on top of that, the higher interest rates, low growth means that two thirds of the countries in the regions are facing stress or debt distress. So this is why the attention here is very much on providing relief, also in terms of supporting the common framework to avoid the debt crisis from spreading,” Said Daniel Leigh.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Clean Air Zone signage unveiled as cameras switched on in Newcastle [October 2022]

The press release issued by Newcastle City Council on 3 October 2022.

A network of 43 signs and 38 cameras are located at entry points around the boundary of the zone to alert drivers.

Additional signage is in place on approaching routes and inside the zone while electronic signs on key routes are also displaying alerts to inform people that charging will start from January 2023.

The CAZ is being introduced to help improve air quality and create a healthier environment by encouraging people and businesses with older, more polluting vehicles to upgrade to cleaner models.

It will cover most of Newcastle city centre as well as routes over the Tyne, Swing, High Level and Redheugh bridges.

Only older higher polluting taxis, vans, buses, coaches and HGVs will be affected by the CAZ. Drivers and vehicle owners can get help and advice and will be able to apply for financial support towards the cost of vehicle upgrades

Private cars, motorbikes and low emission vehicles are not affected by the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone.

To help raise awareness and encourage people to get prepared for the CAZ, the cameras will begin to monitor vehicles entering the zone from today (Oct 3).

Owners of non-compliant vehicles will not have to pay now but will be sent letters that will include information on how to get advice and support with upgrading their vehicle.

Charging will be introduced in two phases – with non-compliant taxis, private hire vehicles, buses, coaches and HGVs being charged from 30 January 2023.

Vans and light goods vehicles will not face charges until July 2023 to allow extra time for vehicle replacements, which are currently affected by a national supply shortage.

Cllr Jane Byrne, cabinet member for connected city at Newcastle City Council said: “Although the signage and cameras for the Clean Air Zone are now in place, we want to reassure people that there will be no charges until next year and there is still time to get ready.

“Over the next two months we will be collecting details of vehicles entering the zone and contacting owners of non compliant higher polluting vehicles, which will be affected from January, to make them aware and provide information about how to get support and financial help.

“We know that van drivers are finding it more difficult to replace vehicles at the moment due to national supply issues and therefore we are delaying charges for those vehicles to give those individuals and businesses more time to prepare.”

Cllr John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said: “Poor air quality is affecting everyone’s health, which is unacceptable and we have to do something about it.

“Reducing the number of older, more polluting vehicles on our roads is one way that we can help to improve our air quality and protect our health.

“Affected drivers will be able to get support, including applying for financial help towards upgrading a vehicle, so we’re encouraging people to check if they are compliant and get in touch to find out about the support available.”

People can check whether their vehicle would be affected by the Clean Air Zone using the government’s online vehicle checker at www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.

Further information about the CAZ can be found at www.breathe-cleanair.com.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Newcastle City Council vows to support people through cost-of-living crisis [October 2022]
The press release issued by Newcastle City Council on 5 October 2022.

The measures are focused on immediate action.

An outreach team has been set up to help people struggling with rising energy, food, and rent costs to help access services and advice.

The authority will have a network of winter wellbeing spaces including community centres and libraries where people can go to stay warm while accessing free wi-fi, help and advice, learning new skills and taking part in activities such as cookery classes.

The council is also encouraging other organisations to make contact to propose any warm zones they can offer.

Other ways the council will help communities to get through the winter include:
- A seven-day a week hotline offering advice and support
- Grants to organisations to help support winter wellbeing spaces.
- Extending school holiday activities over October half term and Christmas holidays which will include a meal
- Supporting the Food Newcastle Network in giving residents food parcels seven days a week
- Opening-up access to meals on wheels
- Quickly distributing financial help such as energy grants, council tax rebates and crisis support
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, said: “We have a long and proud history of helping each other, and the amazing response across our communities and neighbourhoods during Covid showed the strength and resilience of Newcastle.

“We also know that there is only so much that we can do. We believe that the government and the energy companies should be doing a lot more to help people and we will be continuing to press government to provide the support to help people who have real needs to address the pressures of soaring energy costs along with rising inflation

“We knew when we took over the leadership we needed to prepare for difficult times because we saw unemployment at 5.3%, 16% of our residents are already in fuel poverty. We identified three core priorities for the council; poverty, cost-of-living crisis and zero carbon.

“However, the recent mini budget illustrated how government has chosen to ignore what is clearly a crisis for so many people.

“We know that the cost-of-living crisis is placing incredible pressures on our residents, and we are committed to doing all that we can to help them.”
October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor urges Londoners to take-up their COVID and flu vaccines [October 2022]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 11 October 2022.
- The NHS is offering a COVID booster and flu vaccine to a wide range of Londoners to help reduce the impact of the viruses
- Sadiq called on eligible Londoners to get their vaccines as soon as possible as he received his vaccinations
- GP surgeries and pharmacies are among those offering the vaccines this winter
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today urged eligible Londoners to get their COVID booster and flu vaccine as soon as possible to reduce the threat of a ‘twindemic’ this winter. Sadiq received both vaccines at a pharmacy in Tooting this morning after being invited due to his severe asthma.

The Mayor called on Londoners to book an appointment to help protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS, as health leaders warned that the viruses could increase pressures on already stretched hospitals and other healthcare services.

COVID cases have been increasing in London with nearly 1,000 people currently in hospital, and health experts have warned that catching the potentially life-threatening viruses at the same time makes you even more likely to become seriously ill.

The NHS is offering the two vaccines across the capital with more than 400 GP surgeries, pharmacies and vaccine hubs, and is working hard to roll them out to a range of eligible Londoners, including frontline health and care workers, those aged 50 and over, as well as those who are pregnant or have underlying health conditions. Children aged between 2–14 years are being offered the flu vaccination through a nasal spray.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Thanks to the success of the lifesaving COVID vaccine, our city is thankfully in a completely different place to where we were this time last year, but with winter coming it’s really important that we all remember that COVID-19 and the flu have not gone away. Both of these diseases can be life-threatening, and we must do all we can to protect ourselves and reduce the chances of a ‘twindemic’ adding further pressure on our hospitals and healthcare services. I urge Londoners who are eligible to take-up the offer of a flu vaccine and COVID booster as soon as possible for the good of themselves, their loved ones and the NHS.”

Dr Chris Streather, medical director for the NHS in London, said: “Over half a million Londoners have already protected themselves against severe illness by getting their COVID-19 autumn booster vaccine. But with experts warning of the threat of COVID-19 and flu creating a ‘twindemic’ this winter, there is no time for complacency so we’re urging all eligible Londoners to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible. If, for any reason you have not yet had your autumn booster, I would strongly urge you to come forward as soon as possible and get protected – the vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation from COVID-19 this winter.”
October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Social care winter plan set to be approved in Lancashire [October 2022]
The press release issued by Lancashire County Council on 3 October 2022.

A plan to support Lancashire’s adult social care services to cope with increased pressures over the winter period is set to be approved.
There are always increased demands on hospital and community health services and social care in the winter.

The colder weather and seasonal winter flu are key factors. Furthermore, in recent years, Covid-19 has also increased the pressure on the system.

In addition, the increase in the cost of living and workforce recruitment issues are extra challenges the county council needs to address.

The proposed winter plan sets out several measures that will help the county council to cope with these demands including providing:
- an additional 550 crisis and Home First hours to support people to remain in their own home, reduce the likelihood of an admission to hospital or a care home and avoid delays in people being discharged from hospital into social care
- 336 additional ‘Crisis Plus’ hours providing enhanced short term support for people with complex care needs
- up to 500 additional hours of reablement care to ensure people have the support and skills to live as independently as possible in their own homes, reducing the likelihood of them needing residential care or hospital treatment
- new equipment and training to maximise use of the 115 rehabilitation and community beds in the county council’s care homes
- a Positive Ageing and Mental Health Wellbeing pilot programme to support more older people living with conditions such as dementia by making use of intermediate care beds
- staff recruitment schemes
The plan will be considered by Lancashire County Council’s cabinet at its meeting on Thursday 6 October.

County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “This plan is crucial in helping us address pressures on health and social care in the winter.

“There are many different challenges posed by issues such as the cold weather, Covid and the rise in the cost of living.

“Increasing crisis care and reablement hours to ensure people can continue to live independently in their own home will reduce reliance on hospitals and residential care.

“We’re also piloting the innovative Positive Ageing and Mental Health wellbeing programme, working with our partners to make the best use of the resources we have to ensure people with conditions such as dementia have the support they need.

“We will continue to work closely with care providers to ensure we have a stable workforce across the care system and can quickly address any problems as they arise.

“Our cabinet will consider these plans at its next meeting.”
October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Plans submitted for a new railway station in north-west Preston [October 2022]

The press release issued by Lancashire County Council on 10 October 2022.

Plans have been submitted for a new railway station in Preston, which will improve access to travel, work and leisure opportunities in the region.

A planning application has been submitted to Lancashire County Council for the new Cottam Parkway station. The plans have been developed by the county council, working with Preston City Council and Network Rail.

Cottam Parkway is a proposed new railway station on the north-west side of the city, on the Blackpool to Preston railway line.

The new railway station, between Lea and Cottam, would improve travel connections to Preston, Blackpool and Manchester, and further afield.

It would give a connection to Preston station of just five minutes and to Blackpool in 20 minutes.

County Councillor Charlie Edwards, Cabinet member for highways and transport at the county council, said: “The planning application is a big step forward in delivering this new railway station, which will open up new opportunities for people and be a gateway to other parts of the region.

“We’ve made some important changes to the design since we announced the plans. We’ve added native scrubs, trees and native species-rich grassland on a field near the station to provide an overall boost to biodiversity from this scheme and help wildlife, which will also give a 10% biodiversity net gain for the project.

“We’re already in talks with the Department for Transport and rail operators to get as many services as possible serving the station.”

If the plans are given the go-ahead, construction would begin next year.

The new railway station would be situated between Lea Road and Sidgreaves Lane / Darkinson Lane, near to the site of the former station, and provide a car park with bus, cycling and walking links to the local area. Other planned sustainability measures include electric vehicle charger points, a ‘green’ planted roof and solar panels on the railway station.

The proposed mitigation includes planting to the south of the railway line between the Ashton and Lea golf course and the bridge at Darkinson Lane and of the railway cottages. These areas would boost biodiversity on this site.

Directly connected to the new Preston Western Distributor Road, the railway station would provide an attractive and convenient option for people travelling from the west side of the city, including those who currently park at Preston Railway Station to catch their train.

Councillor David Borrow, Cabinet member for planning and regulation at Preston City Council, said:

“We are pleased to hear that the plans for the Cottam Parkway – much needed infrastructure for the North West Preston development – are progressing well. We believe the plans to improve the transport offer in Preston, with a focus on low carbon journeys and green travel, are essential in helping our transport networks meet the current and future needs of our growing and developing communities, businesses and visitor numbers.

“The plans provide the sustainable transport networks needed to support economic growth in Preston and outline essential and transformational ways to relieve congestion and pressure on roads, as well as promote alternative means of travel. Together with our partners, we continue to explore every opportunity available to enhance and develop Preston, including transport and connections in and around the city.”

Funding for the station has comes from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund and the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.

The City Deal is an agreement between Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and Homes England.

The Transforming Cities funding will allow the county council to work with partners to fundamentally change the way people travel into and around Preston city centre, and improve the local environment.

The TCF funding from the Department for Transport marks the first stage of a vision to transform the wider Preston City Region to continue to be one of the most productive city regions in the UK, and also become one of the most environmentally sustainable, people-friendly and attractive places in the UK to live, work and enjoy.

Find out more information about the station proposals at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/CottamStation

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Date of Coronation of His Majesty The King Confirmed as 6 May 2023 [October 2022]

The press release issued by Buckingham Palace on 11 October 2022.

Buckingham Palace is pleased to announce that the Coronation of His Majesty The King will take place on Saturday 6^th May, 2023.

The Coronation Ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey, London, and will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Ceremony will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort.

The Coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

Further details will be announced in due course.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Helping detect cancer earlier [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 10 October 2022.

Rapid Diagnostic Services to be established in a further two areas.

New Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services will be established in NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Borders, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The services are supported by more than £600,000 and will help speed up cancer diagnoses through a new fast-track primary care route to refer patients with non-specific symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue and nausea that may raise concerns about the possibility of cancer.

This builds on the three Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services already in operation in NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Fife, and Dumfries & Galloway, which have seen hundreds of patients referred since they were first established in Spring 2021. Early data shows around 16% of referrals have gone on to be diagnosed with cancer, with around 20% receiving a non-cancer diagnosis and many others being discharged or referred onto primary care for non-cancer related treatment.

NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Borders plan to establish a pathway which will see patients receive an outcome within 21 days from referral.

The First Minister said:

“The best chance of surviving cancer remains early detection and treatment. Over the past year, we have established three new rapid cancer diagnostic services – in Ayrshire & Arran, Dumfries & Galloway and Fife. They have already supported hundreds of patients.

“More than one in seven of people referred to a fast track service were found to have cancer. Around half of them were from the poorest parts of the country – so these services are helping tackle health inequality too.

“I’m delighted to confirm today that two more services will open next year – one in the Borders and one in Lanarkshire. And by the end of this Parliament there will be a Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service in every heath board in Scotland.”

Background

The first year of Scotland’s Early Cancer Diagnostic Centres

An interim report on the first three early adopter sites, from the University of Strathclyde, is expected later this month, which will reflect on the first year of the services running.

All patients that come through a Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service are given a navigator from the point of referral to support them and their families throughout the process.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Supporting a green energy revolution [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 10 October 2022.

Just Transition Fund awards announced.

Projects across the North East and Moray will receive a share of over £50 million to accelerate the energy transition and secure future jobs in the region.

A total of 22 projects will receive funding, including investments in: research and innovation; new green skills training facilities; pilots for emerging energy technologies and projects that will get businesses ready for the supply chain opportunities to come from the energy sector’s transition to net zero.

The awards are the first from the Scottish Government’s flagship Just Transition Fund, which is investing £500 million over ten years in the North East and Moray to support the region’s transition away from fossil fuels and towards a low-carbon economy.

The First Minister said:

“Aberdeen is the oil and gas capital of Europe. Let us resolve today to make it the net zero capital of the world. That ambition led us to establish the £500 million Just Transition Fund for this region.

“Today I can announce the first 22 projects have just been awarded funding of more than £50 million. These projects will support the production of green hydrogen, the development of wave and tidal technology, and even pioneer the use of waste from whisky to recycle EV batteries. And, they will focus on the skills our existing workforce need to take advantage of the renewables revolution.

“Incredible Scottish ingenuity here in the North-East, supported by the Scottish Government, developing technologies to tackle the global climate emergency. It is exciting, inspiring stuff.”

Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, Richard Lochhead, said:

“Scotland is perfectly placed to lead the development of a green energy revolution. We are already at the forefront of the global development of offshore wind, as well as being world leaders in wave and tidal energy technologies. Others, such as hydrogen also promise to be game changers for our economy.

“As we embark on our energy transition we can build on the oil and gas industry’s expertise and ingenuity to transition to a clean energy future. This will help us achieve our net zero targets and create good green jobs as well as tackle inequalities in our society.

“The decades ahead must be a just transition and that means we must not leave anyone behind. We must ensure this economic transformation is managed fairly for workers in existing industries and the communities they support. I welcome the many ambitious projects that have come forward from North East Scotland and Moray as a result of our invitation to the region to co-design its future.”

A Just Transition Fund was a key commitment in the Bute House Agreement, the shared policy programme between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party. This funding will enable new research projects in areas such as green hydrogen farming and nature-based solutions in the land use sector, as well as support for the construction sector to decarbonise and a pilot for solvent recovery from batteries.

John McDonald, CEO of OPITO, one of the successful recipients, said:

“With UK offshore energy jobs forecast to grow to more than 211,000 by 2030, it’s vital we prepare and empower a diverse, agile and adaptable workforce, nurturing the skills we need in oil and gas, offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen.

“With a third of the UK offshore energy workforce based in Scotland, this is both a challenge, and opportunity for Scotland to be a leader in the energy transition. Supporting workers to get the training they need to transition from one sector of the offshore energy industry to another is essential.

“This critical funding will help deliver the Energy Skills Passport, a digital solution that will transform how offshore energy workers transition between sectors, while also meeting the commitments of the North Sea Transition Deal and several of the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Outcomes.”

Pat Rafferty, Unite Scottish Secretary speaking on behalf of the STUC, said:

“We warmly welcome the funding by the Scottish Government to support the operation of the energy skills passport.

“It’s vital to deliver a system where workers can easily make the transition between onshore and offshore energy industries. The passport will also streamline onshore and offshore training programmes to further enable workers to move between companies and industries.

“An important aspect of the passport will be that it will help identify to all stakeholders where there are skills gaps and shortages which can shape appropriate policy responses so that we can deliver a Just Transition and net zero economy.”

Background

The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a £500 million ten-year commitment that will support projects in the North East and Moray which contribute towards the region’s transition to net zero.

A total of 22 projects have been announced in the first year of the Fund, taking the total financial commitment to date to £51.6 million. Full details of all projects awarded funding can be viewed on the Scottish Government website.

Successful projects were selected following an invite to submit Expressions of Interest in May 2022. Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council, as well as Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, provided expertise and local knowledge to assist the selection of the funded projects.

In addition to the 22 projects, a £1 million Social Enterprise Just Transition Fund has also been established to provide direct support to social enterprises. A further £1.2 million has been allocated to develop a participatory budgeting strand of the Fund – which means communities in the North East and Moray will be able to design and vote on future just transition projects. £1 million will be allocation to participatory budgeting for each year of the Fund.

The digital energy skills passport is one of the outcomes from the Aligning Offshore Energy Standards Action Plan, part of the overarching Integrated People and Skills Strategy.

October 11, 2022