Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Strengthening the response to the cost of living crisis in Kent [September 2022]

The press release issued by Kent County Council on 27 September 2022.

The three main pillars to the burgeoning response to the cost of living crisis were discussed at Kent County Council (KCC)’s Cabinet this morning (Thursday).

Firstly, there is a strength in a ‘Kent Together’-style partnership of agencies and organisations, as demonstrated during the pandemic. Secondly, wherever people reach out for assistance, they are supported to find the right help. And thirdly, the understanding that everyone’s crisis is different but no less detrimental.

The meeting agreed the economic environment is a rapidly-changing one and while significant central government interventions like the energy unit cap for households and businesses was welcome, people will require additional support this winter as they struggle with very personal financial hardship being created by a growing number of factors, such as rising food bills and mortgage rates.

Leader Roger Gough met with borough and district counterparts across the county earlier this month to agree that the financial hardship task and finish group, incorporating vital voluntary and community groups, will move as one as it did during Covid, using data and analysis to target its combined resources in a coordinated and effective way against the impact of severe economic pressures.

He said: “There is a shape-shifting nature to this crisis and we will need to remain fleet of foot. We and other key statutory organisations need to be very alive to this and align, work in a structured way and seek to best address this situation for the people of Kent over the coming weeks and months.

“We adopted the ‘Kent Together’ approach during the pandemic and the right things were done in the right places. A lot was delivered both by district and borough councils and indeed by community groups and parishes and that remains really important. There are different levels at which this can and should be done.”

The ReferKent project, a pilot since July, officially launches today and will play a critical role as one of a number of initiatives in the Financial Hardship Programme.

Cllr Gough said: “People who are under pressure and in distress may come to a whole variety of organisations for help, which might initially not be the right one or their needs are more complex. All too often in the past, they were signposted, they got lost in the system, they lost heart and their needs were not met.

“ReferKent importantly ensures they are correctly referred, that referral is carefully followed through and the right help is given.”

A meeting in relation to the new Kent and Medway Integrated Care System is due in a few weeks and will also be focused on the potential wider health and welfare ramifications of the cost of living crisis and how all partners can step in to start changing outcomes.

As well as core interventions like free school meals and food and energy vouchers, which will be once again distributed when the Treasury gives the go head for the third round of the Household Support Fund, it will be social interactions like local community wardens who will be able to make the difference when people in difficult circumstances might not have the mental resilience to put good advice into practice.

Deputy Cabinet Member for Communications and Engagement Cllr Jeremy Kite said: “Every contact we make with individuals across Kent now has to have that awareness of the possibility of a cost of living vulnerability.

“As Kent Together during the pandemic, we galvanised ourselves and used every asset at our disposal to make sure we left no one behind and left no question unasked. With everything we do there has to be an understanding; however wealthy someone appears on the surface, however sorted their lifestyle seems, we need to ask those big questions about whether underneath there is a key problem there that we can help with.”

Initiatives already in place or currently being developed include:

Household Support Fund (HSF) round three – voucher support over the winter for food and energy bills, subject to direction from central government

Pop-up debt advice hubs – run in conjunction with the Citizens Advice to give people overwhelmed by their financial situation pathways out of debt

Underwritten loans – another partnership project with Citizens Advice and Kent Savers, where residents can access 0% interest loans to help consolidate high interest debt with supportive training for future money management

Bed poverty – this project aims to provide children of Kent with a safe space to sleep and a bed of their own. Some Kent families are unable to afford the basic essential needs for their children

Kent Community Warden Service – trusted community faces identifying, advocate for and ensuring vulnerable people have access to all the help and support they need

Kent Support And Assistance Service (KSAS) – demand has increased for this welfare scheme for people experiencing a short-term crisis or emergency

There are also projects running under the Digital Kent banner to improve digital exclusion including gifted 4G routers and laptops for eligible people via referral as well as social tariff broadband.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Libraries open their doors to support local residents this winter [September 2022]

The press release issued by Devon County Council on 30 September 2022.

Our libraries in Devon are throwing their doors open in welcome this winter, to provide a range of help, support, advice and comfort to people who may be struggling, or beginning to struggle with the rising cost of living.

The ‘Libraries for Life’ campaign, run by Libraries Unlimited, will carry right through until March 2023, and will cover six topical themes, including the rising cost of living; loneliness and community connections; food, health and wellbeing; digital access and support; and employment, skills and business.

Libraries across Devon and Torbay will provide warm welcoming spaces, where people are welcome to join and spend time in the library, and to use the free WiFi and computers if they wish to. There are many free events and groups that people can attend, and some libraries will be hosting sessions providing help and advice about energy efficiency, debt advice and other topical subjects.

In Tavistock, Tiverton and Exeter libraries, with more libraries to follow, there are community fridge projects operating, that make surplus food from local supermarkets available to all for free. Those libraries are working with Sustainable Tiverton, Live West in Tavistock, and the community fridge in Exeter is partly funded by the Community Fund.

Coat rails in the Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Exmouth, Totnes, Bideford, Ivybridge, Sidmouth, Seaton, Exeter and Tiverton libraries, introduced in partnership with IKEA, Willmott Dixon and Julian House, are installed for people to donate warm winter coats, for vulnerable people. Other libraries are collecting donated clothing.

Otherwise, libraries are continuing to provide a home library service, for people who are housebound or who struggle to get to their library. Contact your local library or email home.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk for more information.

Free baby weighing facilities are available at libraries in Ottery St Mary, Totnes, Ivybridge, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Exeter (St Thomas), Dawlish, Okehampton, Newton Abbot, Cullompton, Tiverton and Exmouth.

Libraries also provide a selection of Reading Well books, to support good mental and physical health, for children, teens and adults.

Most libraries provide free drop-in IT sessions, and Newton Abbot Library is also hosting Barclays once a week, to offer a free Digital Wings Programme to boost digital skills and confidence.

There are work clubs operating in Bideford, Barnstaple, Exeter, Newton Abbot, Crediton, Cullompton, Tiverton and Tavistock libraries, offering one-to-one support with CV writing, developing skills and applying for jobs.

And there are webinars and one-to-one coaching and advice for budding entrepreneurs and local start-up businesses, at Business and IP Centres in Barnstaple and Exeter libraries.

Libraries are also always looking for volunteers, which is a great way to meet new people and support your local community this winter.

Councillor Roger Croad, our Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, said:

“Our libraries have long been more than just buildings with books and CDs – they are centres within the hearts of communities that provide a range of help and support for their visitors.

“I’m very pleased, as we’re approaching winter, and with food and energy costs rising, that many libraries are able still, despite rising costs also impacting on them, to continue to deliver support for local residents.”

Colin Bray, Service Development Manager, who’s organised the campaign, said:

“Across all our libraries there are friendly staff on hand to assist and chat to customers and new visitors. We pride ourselves on the fact our libraries are safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces for people of all ages to enjoy.

“All signs point to this being a difficult winter for many people. There is economic hardship ahead, coming off the back of the recovery from the challenges wrought by coronavirus. Our customers will be dealing with an increased cost of living including heating bills, transport, and food this winter.

“We want them to know libraries can help. We can keep them warm, give them food, help them find a job, boost their business, offer companionship and a place to explore interests, and help them get online. And all of that is before they even borrow a book!

“We regularly hear people say, ‘I didn’t know you did so much’! This winter we want to showcase all that we do to enrich lives and build communities around Devon and Torbay.”

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : New report puts the spotlight on counties’ infrastructure and transport projects [October 2022]

The press release issued by the County Councils Network on 5 October 2022.

A new report released today as part of the County Councils Network’s County Spotlight series examines how county councils and unitary councils are setting out or delivering infrastructure and transport projects to boost their local economies.

The report is released just weeks after the new government set a target of 2.5% annual growth for the country, and examines recent best practice and projects from CCN’s members designed to boost productivity and infrastructure capacity in their areas.

The document contains 16 case studies split across the CCN membership, showcasing how those councils are the conduit for place-based growth in their areas in driving inward investment and unlocking substantial projects.

It focuses on the last twelve months, and the projects undertaken by county authorities as they transition from pandemic economic recovery to levelling-up and growth initiatives.

The case studies in the Spotlight are split across the following four themes:

Driving Economic Recovery: Large-scale projects to unlock growth and housing
Local Regeneration Breathing new life into road and rail infrastructure
Going Electric: Helping county residents switch to greener transport
Revamping Local Transport: Ensuring county residents can travel effectively and safely

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Councils call for delay to flagship social care reforms, warning services face a ‘perfect storm’ of financial and workforce pressures over the next 12 months [October 2022]

The press release issued by the County Councils Network on 6 October 2022.

With a year to go until the introduction of flagship reforms in adult social care, England’s largest councils today call for a delay – warning that the system is under so much pressure care services could be worsened if they are introduced too soon.
From October 2023, reforms to protect people from catastrophic care costs and make more people eligible for state support with their care costs come into force. These include a more generous means-test and a cap on care costs of £86,000 – two policies which are supported by the County Councils Network (CCN).

But the CCN warns that the system is under serious pressure currently, with councils facing a ‘perfect storm’ of financial and workforce pressures that mean the government should push back their introduction to October 2024.

The call comes in a new report released today by the CCN. The document is Point Three of the network’s Five Point Plan for County and Unitary Councils, designed to influence the policies of the new government.

CCN says loading extra pressure on an already-teetering system to prepare for the introduction of the cap on care and means-test over the next 12 months could worsen services by impacting on the availability and quality of care packages.

They say that inflation is set to add £3.7bn of additional costs to existing services by 2023, whilst councils face a workforce crisis at present with thousands of vacancies unfilled. CCN warn councils will not be able to recruit an estimated extra 5,000 staff over the next 12 months to undertake an additional 197,000 care and financial assessments needed, which is a 45% increase on current levels. This level of extra demand will create longer waits for care packages, as at present there is a waiting list of almost 300,000.

With the Health Secretary Therese Coffey promising to ‘rebalance’ funding between health and social care, CCN is calling on the government to ‘stabilise’ the social care sector by focusing on existing pressures and providing more funding for services to get through the next year, before introducing reforms in 2024.

CCN’s calls for a delay to the reforms were featured across the national media this morning, including coverage on BBC News, the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme’s bulletins, in The Daily Mail, and in The Independent.

Today’s new publication outlines the financial and workforce challenges currently in social care – and the impacts of the reforms if they are introduced next October:

Adult social care services in England are set to face £3.7bn in additional costs over the next 18 months due to rising inflation and demand. This is more than double the rise in costs that were estimated when inflation was lower.

If government doesn’t provide any more funding to offset these costs, councils will have little choice but to reduce the amount of care packages available to people, and/or charge more for certain services. This could mean a worse level of service on day one of the reforms being introduced next October if the financial pressures councils face is not stabilised.

Local authorities are facing a staffing and capacity crisis currently, which is impacting on people who are currently eligible for care. There are currently almost 300,000 people waiting for a Care Act assessment, which determines what level of state support they are eligible for.

If the reforms go ahead, councils face a ‘mountain’ of Care Act and financial assessments each year to register people for the cap, means-test or ask the council to arrange their care. CCN analysis of research by Newton for the network estimates that an extra 197,000 assessments each year will be needed which is a 45% increase on current levels, rising to 64% in county and rural areas. If the reforms are introduced next October, these waiting times are likely to get longer.

An extra 5,000 staff will be needed to carry out the extra assessments – on top of a current social worker vacancy rate of 1,782. CCN says that its councils will find it almost impossible to recruit that level of staff by next October, making it extremely likely that people will face even longer waits for care than they do now.

The same research by Newton for CCN has estimated the costs of the reforms over the next decade could be a minimum of £10bn more than current government funding estimates. CCN says the delay would allow the government to fully reassess the costs of reforms and set out a funding package that fully funds them before the next Spending Review.

By delaying the introduction of the means-test and cap on care to October 2024, alongside new duties to arrange care for all self-funders to April 2025, this would provide local authorities adequate time to prepare, particularly to recruit the necessary workforce and undertake a fundamental review of their operations and digital infrastructure to manage increased assessments at a time of severe backlogs and workforce shortages.

At the same time, it would allow councils to focus on their Fair Cost of Care exercises with care providers and the stated policy of ‘moving towards’ paying higher rates for services over the next two years.

But CCN says the delay must be backed by additional funding from government. This is to address the immediate pressures within the system now, such as inflationary costs, improving the quality and availability of care packages and the recruitment and retention of care workers, alongside fully funding provider fee increases as a result of Fair Cost of Care exercises.

Cllr Martin Tett, Adult Social Care Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said:

“The government’s reforms package will make the charging system for social care fairer over time and councils across the country support their premise.

“However, the care system is facing a perfect storm of financial and workforce pressures. These reforms could exacerbate this by extending the eligibility of state support for care costs, provided by local authorities. Councils face a mountain of extra assessments that will be impossible to deliver because of current capacity and financial issues in local government.

“Loading these reforms onto a system that is already in crisis could worsen care services by the time these reforms to ‘fix’ social care are introduced. Newly eligible people next October could face substantial waits for a care assessment whilst the quality of care for those already provided for could worsen as councils struggle with the extra demand amidst rising costs.

“Councils remain committed to supporting these reforms, but is imperative councils have the time to mitigate the pressures they will create, recruit a sufficient number of staff, and stabilise services in the short term. If not, these reforms could be unworkable at inception.”

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Devon joins call to give councils more time to prepare for social care reforms [October 2022]

The press release issued by Devon County Council on 6 October 2022.

Our lead councillor for adult social care has echoed a call from the County Councils Network (CCN) today (Thursday 6 October), asking the government to delay the introduction of new social care reforms, planned next year.

The government reforms are due to be introduced next October. Their intention is to enable more people to receive financial support for adult social care, but councils are concerned that it will significantly increase costs to deliver services, due to increased demand, at a time when there is already a huge shortfall in the number of care workers.

The CCN call it a ‘perfect storm’. Their research suggest that inflation is driving up the cost of providing social care to unsustainable levels. By next year inflation could add £3.6 billion to the cost of providing social care in county areas.

And in Devon, we are currently forecasting an overspend in adult social care of £5.6 million this financial year, and between £30 million to £40 million over the next 10 years.

The CCN say that loading extra pressure on an already-teetering system to prepare for the introduction of the reforms could worsen services by impacting on the availability and quality of care packages.

They’re calling for the introduction of reforms to be delayed to provide local authorities adequate time to prepare, particularly to recruit the necessary workforce and to review their operations and digital infrastructure to manage increased assessments, at a time of severe backlogs and workforce shortages.

They’ve also said that the delay must be backed by additional funding from government, to address immediate pressures within social care.

Cllr Martin Tett, Adult Social Care Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said,

“Loading these reforms onto a system that is already in crisis could worsen care services by the time these reforms to ‘fix’ social care are introduced. Newly eligible people next October could face substantial waits for care assessment whilst the quality of care for those already provided for could worsen as councils struggle with the extra demand amidst rising costs.

“Councils remain committed to supporting these reforms, but it is imperative councils have the time to mitigate the pressures they will create, recruit a sufficient number of staff, and stabilise services in the short term. If not, these reforms could be unworkable at inception.”

Councillor James McInnes, Cabinet Member responsible for adult social care, said:

“With the shortage of adult social care workers, the national and local challenges in recruiting for those posts, on top of the anticipated increased demand for adult social care arising from these changes, and associated increase in costs to deliver those services, at a time of huge budget pressures….yes, we need more time.

“The government’s aims to enable more people to receive financial support are laudable, but they are unaffordable unless Ministers provide hard-pressed councils with vital additional funds.

“But as I say, it’s not just about the money. The reforms create and exacerbate real workforce challenges that we are already faced with. There are already too many people waiting too long for assessment, and we’ll have the responsibilities for many more people than we are now.”

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President Joseph Biden [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 10 October 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of the United States Joseph Biden.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed President Biden about the consequences of the massive missile strikes against civilian infrastructure perpetrated today by the Russian aggressor.

President of Ukraine underscored that recent large-scale damages of critical energy infrastructure pose serious challenges ahead of the upcoming winter and beginning of the heating season.

“Today’s strikes against civilian targets throughout Ukraine are a sign of weakness of the Russian army which is losing on the battlefield. It is pure terror. But we will not succumb to the Russian missile blackmail,” the Head of State underlined.

The two leaders discussed the importance of air defense, and continued U.S. contributions to increase this capability. In this context, they discussed the upcoming extraordinary meeting of the Group of Seven Leaders (G7) dedicated to Ukraine and most pressing measures of support for Ukraine which can be adopted by the international community.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Russia cannot defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, so it resorts to the greatest terror since World War II – Andriy Yermak [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 10 October 2022.

Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak emphasizes that Ukraine will continue to liberate its territories and approach victory in the war with Russia.

He said this while taking part in The Cipher Brief, an event dedicated to security issues, in a video conference format.

Andriy Yermak noted that the Russian Federation cannot defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, so it resorts to terror unseen since World War II.

“Today, residential buildings were once again damaged throughout Ukraine. People rushing to work in the morning were killed simply on the sidewalks or in their cars. In Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Lviv and many other cities.

One of the rockets destroyed a children’s playground in the capital downtown,” he said.

The Head of the Presidential Office emphasized that these large-scale acts of terrorism have no practical military purpose, and they will not affect the capacity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their goal is to cause a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukrainian cities in order to provoke another wave of migration and psychologically break Ukrainians.

“What they are doing now is a strategy of forcing negotiations on Russian terms. We will not give in, because the existence of Ukraine as a state depends on our victory,” he said.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that peace on Russian terms is unacceptable for Ukraine. He is convinced that Russia must be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, and the democratic community should continue to support Ukraine with weapons, equipment and ammunition.

Also, our state now desperately needs an effective anti-missile defense to close the Ukrainian sky as soon as possible.

Answering the questions of the former commander of the United States Central Command and ex-director of the CIA, General David Petraeus, the Head of the Office of the President emphasized that the goal for Ukraine is the full restoration of territorial integrity and sovereignty, the return of all Ukrainian territories and all people. And the victory of Ukraine will be the victory of the entire democratic world, in particular the United States of America.

“It was repeated many times that Russia should not win the war. It’s time to edit this sentence. Ukraine must win the war. Any other option will encourage Russia to repeat it,” summed up Andriy Yermak.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced new Governor of the National Bank Andriy Pyshnyy to the team [October 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 10 October 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented new Governor of the National Bank Andriy Pyshnyy to the staff of the Bank.

The Head of State thanked the previous Governor of the National Bank, Kyrylo Shevchenko, and the entire team of the National Bank of Ukraine for their painstaking work on maintaining macro-financial stability in the country since the first day of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the new Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine is an experienced person in the financial and banking spheres.

“It is very important for the NBU to have an atmosphere of stability and confidence,” he emphasized.

The President noted that he counts on the productive work of a united team of the government and the National Bank, on maintaining and strengthening the current level of relations with international financial institutions.

“I expect the new Governor of the NBU, together with the government, to bring closer the signing of a new program with the International Monetary Fund,” he said.

For his part, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal emphasized that the stability of the financial front is no less important than the military front.

The head of the government reminded that Ukraine expects to receive the allocated 1.3 billion dollars in additional support in the near future. Our state is also waiting for the IMF mission and a special program for the country at war.

According to him, revitalization of the economy and activation of lending to the real sector are also important.

Andriy Pishnyy noted that his appointment to the position of the Governor of the National Bank took place in an extremely turbulent time, full of challenges and threats for our state. He thanked the President, the Parliament and the Ukrainian society for the trust and the opportunity to lead such a powerful institution as the NBU.

Among his priorities, Andriy Pyshnyy named macro-financial stability in the country, the effectiveness of macro-economic policy, constructive negotiations with international partners, and maintaining the stability of the banking system.

“Next year will not be easy. $38 billion is the total financing requirement. Its attraction is a joint matter for all government agencies. We will work on it,” he noted.

According to the Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, it is extremely important to continue meaningful and constructive negotiations with international partners in order to obtain the resources that Ukraine needs today in order to endure, prevail and start a recovery program.

“The National Bank, under my lead, will implement those systemic large-scale reforms that Ukraine needs for accelerated integration into the European community. I can assure you: as soon as we see the slightest possibility of restoring this reform course, within which the National Bank has always worked, we will continue it,” added Andriy Pyshnyy.

The Governor of the NBU also emphasized that the institutionally strong and independent National Bank is an achievement and a resource of the state, which is a guarantee of Ukraine’s financial stability.

October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : G7 leaders to meet following Putin’s Kyiv bombardment [October 2022]
The press release issued by Downing Street on 11 October 2022.
Prime Minister Liz Truss will join a virtual gathering of G7 leaders and President Zelenskyy today (Tuesday 11 October).

Meeting comes in the wake of Putin’s illegal annexation of four Ukrainian territories and a brutal assault on Ukrainian civilians in Kyiv and elsewhere.

The Prime Minister will ask countries to maintain biting sanctions and call for a full meeting of NATO leaders in the coming days.

G7 leaders will meet today (Tuesday 11 October) to reiterate the unity of opposition to Putin’s continued brutality in Ukraine.

In the last 24 hours Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, killing civilians and cutting off electricity and communications. This follows Putin’s orchestration of sham referendums in an attempt to annex four Ukrainian regions.

Today’s video call, which will also be attended by President Zelenskyy, is the first gathering of all G7 leaders since Ukraine’s counter-offensive started to take hold in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister will use the call to urge fellow leaders to stay the course. She will point out that Ukraine’s military advances have been made possible thanks to the international support they are receiving – not just in terms of military aid, but also humanitarian assistance and the impact of western sanctions against Russia.

The Prime Minister is also calling for an urgent meeting of NATO leaders, ensuring allies remain united and resolute in their opposition to Putin’s behaviour.

Addressing fellow G7 leaders, the Prime Minister is expected to say:

The overwhelming international support for Ukraine’s struggle stands in stark opposition to the isolation of Russia on the international stage.

Their bravery in the face of the most brutal acts of violence has earned the people of Ukraine global admiration.

Nobody wants peace more than Ukraine. And for our part, we must not waver one iota in our resolve to help them win it.

Yesterday the Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy to condemn the recent attacks on Kyiv and the annexation of Ukrainian territories, and to reiterate the UK’s support.

This year the UK has committed £2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine, which has enabled the provision of Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, hundreds of rockets, thousands of rounds of ammunition, crucial defence vehicles and five air defence systems including Starstreak.

As the Ukrainian Armed Forces face a difficult winter, the UK is also providing critical cold weather gear and other forms of non-lethal support to bolster their resilience.

Later this week, all UN members will vote on Russia’s breach of the UN Charter with its annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. 141 UN member states voted to condemn Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in March, and earlier this month the majority of UN Security Council members voted against the recent annexations.

In their call today, G7 leaders are also expected to discuss the global energy crisis precipitated by Putin’s actions. The group is currently working to finalise and implement an international cap on the price of Russian oil, which will further damage Putin’s revenue stream.

The Prime Minister will point to this action as evidence of what the G7 can do both to constrain Putin and act as an economic NATO, defending our countries’ interests.

The Prime Minister is working with fellow leaders to increase our energy independence and end the global reliance on malign states, such as Russia, in our critical resources.
October 11, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Environment Secretary commits to sustainable horticulture growth [October 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 October 2022.

Plans to boost home grown fruit and vegetable production and drive the growth of high-tech horticulture have been set out today by Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena, as part of HM Government’s work to unleash the potential of British farming.

Glasshouse growing, a form of Controlled Environment Horticulture, has multiple economic, food security and sustainability benefits, but the sector currently represents only 10% of English horticultural businesses. It means the United Kingdom only grows 25% of the cucumbers and 17% of the tomatoes supplied domestically, however businesses operating with this model are already reaping benefits – from extended growing seasons, efficient water usage and higher yields per square metre.

To kickstart efforts to grow the horticulture sector and boost domestic production, the Environment Secretary today committed a further £12.5m investment in automation and robotics through the Farming Innovation Programme on top of more than £70 million spent so far on industry-led research and development.

The fund opens in January with ‘UK Research and Innovation’ (UKRI) and will match-fund projects that will drive economic growth, food security and deliver on environmental commitments. Previous funded projects have included fruit scouting robots, automated vegetable harvesters and new types of fertiliser.

Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena said:

We all rely on farmers and growers every day to produce high-quality food, and to look after our environment.

Whilst we have a high degree of food security, we can boost it further. We can increase home-grown fruit and vegetable production, which is why I am bringing in expert advice and match-funding robotics and automation projects.

Technology offers huge opportunities to make farming greener and more productive, so we should harness it to help grow the economy, create jobs and improve food security too.

Last week, the Environment Secretary visited the Netherlands to learn more about high-tech greenhouse and vertical growing approaches, touring a robotics institute and a glasshouse business which uses artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy and water neutral systems to grow produce.

He also announced he will appoint an industry expert to work with him and colleagues across the edible and ornamental sectors to build a clearer picture of the barriers and opportunities in Controlled Environment Horticulture. They will provide a set of recommendations and policy interventions that the government can implement both immediately and longer term.

Furthermore, the Environment Secretary has written to a number of major Controlled Environment Horticulture growers to seek the industry’s views on how HM Government can best support its expansion and ensure government policies best reflect industry needs.

To create a positive investment environment for the horticulture sector, HM Government has already signalled its commitment to including industrial horticulture in decisions on industrial energy policy and reviewing the planning permission process to support new developments. Plans to incentivise the sector to make use of surplus heat and CO2 from industrial processes, and renewable sources of energy are also being considered.

As set out in the Growth Plan, HM Government will be looking at the frameworks for regulation, innovation and investment that impact farmers and land managers to make sure that policies are best placed to both boost food production and protect the environment. Later this year, the Environment Secretary will put forward details of plans on how we will increase food security whilst strengthening the resilience and role of farmers as stewards of the British countryside.

October 11, 2022