Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : New guidance on mitigating the impact of avian influenza in wild birds

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 31 August 2022.

Defra and the Welsh Government have today set out practical guidance to support land managers, the public and ornithological and environmental organisations in their response to the growing threat of avian influenza to wild birds, working alongside government action to monitor the disease.

The ‘Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and Wales’ sets out how these groups, together with the government and its delivery partners, can mitigate the impact of avian influenza on wild bird populations whilst protecting public health, the wider environment and the rural economy.

The new guidance advises land managers on how to make natural areas safe for the public, for example by adding signage warning visitors of the risk of avian influenza and what they can do to protect themselves, and having contingency plans in place to allow them to quickly respond to outbreaks.

The guidance sets out the government’s approach to monitoring the spread of avian influenza in wild bird populations and better understanding how the disease is distributed geographically and in which species of birds, with international best practice and the latest scientific and ornithological evidence underpinning this. It is also consistent with the government’s Notifiable avian disease control strategy for Great Britain.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has been operating a year-round surveillance programme across Great Britain in found dead wild birds, which allows our world-leading researchers to better understand the latest strain and how it is spreading. During the current outbreak, over 1,500 wild birds have returned positive results from over 360 locations and 61 different species.

An eight-strong research consortium was launched by APHA and received £1.5 million in funding to develop new strategies to tackle outbreak of avian influenza. Its world-leading researchers will help build our understanding in several key areas, including why the current virus strains have formed larger and longer outbreaks and understanding transmission and infection in different bird populations.

Defra Biosecurity Minister Lord Benyon said:

Our wild birds are facing exceptional pressures from avian flu this year and we have seen the tragic effect it has had – particularly on our seabird colonies. I very much share concerns about the impact avian influenza is likely to have on breeding populations of wild birds in the future, particularly those that nest in large numbers and represent some of our rarer and much loved species.

We are funding a world leading science programme to try and better understand how avian influenza is spreading in wild birds and today’s guidance will help land managers, ornithologists and the public manage some of the issues we are facing. We will continue to work closely with partners to consider any further action we can take.

Welsh Government’s Minister for Climate Change Julie James said:

Fortunately, Wales’ wild bird populations have so far escaped the mass mortalities seen in Scotland and England, but we remain extremely vigilant to the dangers of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

As well as working with Defra and our partners to create the cross-border Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and Wales, which is published today, we have suspended all seabird ringing and nest recording in Wales in response to confirmed cases of HPAI on Anglesey and in Ceredigion and on neighbouring Grassholm Island.

Wales is home to the world’s largest colony of Manx shearwaters, the third largest gannet colony, as well as large colonies of other seabirds, such as auks, gulls and terns. We will continue to closely monitor the ongoing situation and urge anyone who sees a dead bird to report it and not to touch it.

This year’s avian influenza outbreak has been the largest and longest ever on record in the UK and in many parts of Europe, with infections continuing beyond the normal winter period and now hitting wild birds and breeding colonies of seabirds that are not typically affected. Large mortalities of rare seabirds, from suspected avian influenza, have been reported at iconic sites such as Farne Islands, which is home to guillemots, puffins, and Arctic tern, and Coquet Island where the UK’s only breeding population of Roseate tern resides.

The UK’s seabirds are an important part of our natural heritage, and their protection is a high priority for the Government, with long-term population monitoring being crucial to understanding the impact of a range of factors on our internationally significant populations of breeding seabirds. We have already built a comprehensive network of Marine Protected Areas, which include sites to protect seabirds, and our recently published Marine Wildlife Bycatch Mitigation Initiative will identify actions that can tackle one of the most significant threats facing our seabirds.

In addition to the existing Seabird Monitoring Programme, Natural England and Natural Resources Wales have set up seabird reporting systems to collect key data on bird mortality at breeding sites and have been commissioned by Defra and the Welsh Government to assess the vulnerability of seabird species in light of the pressures they are facing. These projects will help inform future species recovery plans and identify specific actions that can be taken to support population growth.

Defra and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee will also work with key experts to assess how conservation actions and monitoring can be improved to help populations recover. This work will continue over the coming months to react to future incidents of avian influenza in wild birds and assess whether any further action should be taken to protect these important species.

The guidance also reasserts our approach for removing and disposing of dead wild birds. We do not recommend wild bird carcasses are removed, except in specific circumstances as set out in the Strategy. This is due to the limited evidence indicating their removal reduces the risk of transmission between birds, as the natural environment is already heavily contaminated with the virus. If removal is needed, it is the responsibility of the landowner, or local authorities in the case of public areas, to safely arrange disposal and to cover any costs associated, including disposal in compliance with relevant animal-by-products rules.

August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : DWP announces new Pensions Ombudsman

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 31 August 2022.

He will take on the new appointment from 16 January 2023. The current Pensions Ombudsman, Anthony Arter, will remain in post until 15 January 2023.

Harris is currently a Partner in the Pensions Team at law firm CMS. He also serves as Chair of the Investment and Defined Contribution Committee of the Association of Pension Lawyers.

Minister for Pensions Guy Opperman said:

“I am pleased to announce Dominic Harris as the new Pensions Ombudsman and wish to express my thanks to Anthony for his service in the role. Dominic’s previous experience makes him the ideal candidate to lead the service.”

New Pensions Ombudsman Dominic Harris said:

“I am delighted to be appointed as the new Pensions Ombudsman. The Ombudsman has a key role to play in ensuring access to justice in the pensions arena, and I am proud to be able to continue the good work of Anthony and his team at the organisation.”

The Pensions Ombudsman is an independent organisation set up by law to investigate complaints about pension administration. It is a Tribunal non-departmental public body of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The role is a public appointment made by the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions.

The main responsibilities of the Pensions Ombudsman are to:

– investigate and determine pensions complaints

– investigate and determine disputes concerning the Pension Protection Fund, and hear appeals against decisions made by the Financial Assistance Scheme manager

– work with the Pensions Ombudsman Board to set the strategic direction for the organisation, and

– build constructive and effective relationships with external and internal stakeholders, including the DWP and its ministers.

Further information

The appointment process has been an open competition regulated by The Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments.

The Pensions Ombudsman is a full-time role and the Ombudsman is entitled to an annual remuneration of £143,095, which is uprated annually.

Two roles are fulfilled, the Pensions Ombudsman and the Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman.

For more information about the Pensions Ombudsman visit: www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk

August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Rent cap on social housing to protect millions of tenants from rising cost of living
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 31 August 2022.

Under the proposals being consulted on, a cap on social housing rent increases would be put in place for the coming financial year, with options at 3%, 5% and 7% being considered.
- Social rent cap proposed to support tenants with cost of living
- Move could save households £300 per year and provide financial stability for 4 million families
- Part of government’s efforts to support most vulnerable households
A consultation has been launched today (Wednesday 31 August) to invite views from social housing tenants and landlords on a proposed rent cap to understand how best to support households with the cost of living.

Under the proposals, a cap on social housing rent increases would be put in place for the coming financial year, with options at 3%, 5% and 7% being considered.

The move would prevent rents for council and housing association houses from rising significantly, saving tenants an average £300 per year and providing stability as inflation rises.

The government regulates how much social housing rents can increase each year. Currently this is set at up to the consumer price index (CPI) rate plus 1% – meaning potential increases next year of 11% in line with recent Bank of England forecasts.

The proposed new cap will help support the most vulnerable households in the face of cost-of-living pressures. This comes on top of our existing £37 billion support package, which includes a £150 council tax rebate, a £400 energy bill discount to support households over the coming months and the most vulnerable 8 million households receiving support of at least £1,200.

Housing Secretary Greg Clark said:

We must protect the most vulnerable households in these exceptional circumstances during the year ahead. Putting a cap on rent increases for social tenants offers security and stability to families across England.

We know many people are worried about the months ahead. We want to hear from landlords and social tenants on how we can make this work and support the people that need it most.

The rent cap would be temporary and would apply from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The consultation also seeks views on whether to set a limit for 2024-25. The government understands this will impact social housing landlords and is engaging fully with the sector.

Following the consultation, a final decision will be announced later this year, to make sure social housing landlords have enough time to factor this into their rent decisions for April 2023.

The government is also committing to reviewing social rent policy beyond 2025, via a separate consultation due to be launched next year.

Today’s announcement is part of measures the government has put in place to support the most vulnerable households with the cost of living.

This is in addition to the £11.5 billion investment to build more affordable, quality homes through the Affordable Homes Programme.

Further information
- CPI was 10.1% in July 2022. If CPI remains at or above this level in September this will permit social housing rent increases of 11.1% (or more) from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
- The consultation launched today will run for 6 weeks closing on 12 October.
- Following the consultation period, the Secretary of State will direct the Regulator of Social Housing on rent standards, confirming the maximum amount social housing landlords can increase rents by for 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : PM praises “firepower” of new police recruits in fight against crime

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 31 August 2022.

The Prime Minister will today (Wednesday 31st August) join new police officers working on the frontline to make our streets safer.

After joining on operations, he will speak to officers from one of the 20 Violence Reduction Units set up by this government and see first hand the work they are doing to prevent crime in the community by intervening earlier and working closely with health and education partners.

His visit comes as new Home Office figures will show a 90% satisfaction rate among new recruits brought in under the government’s recruitment drive, with almost 80% reporting that the job met or exceeded their expectations.

So far, over 13,790 extra police officers have been hired across England and Wales as part of the manifesto commitment to put 20,000 additional officers on our streets.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“Making our streets safer has always been central to my mission to level up this country, because everyone should have the security, confidence and opportunity that comes from having a safe street and a safe home, wherever they live.

We are cracking down on vile gangs and putting dangerous offenders behind bars for longer – and at the heart of these efforts are the 20,000 new officers who will be out on the streets providing the firepower for years to come in the fight against crime.”

Located in the areas hardest hit by violent crime, Violence Reduction Units bring together key local partners, including health, education and policing organisations, to target the underlying causes of violence and prevent children and young people being exploited by criminal gangs – helping rid communities of the long lasting impacts of violent crime.

Backed by £170m of government funding and combined with targeted enforcement activity, they have prevented over 49,000 violent offences in their first two years, and supported over 260,000 vulnerable young people in their second year alone.

Since 2019 the police have removed over 72,000 knives and dangerous weapons through stop and search, surrender programmes and other targeted police action.

The government has also significantly stepped up action against county lines gangs and launched a first of its kind Drug Strategy – backed by record investment – to deliver a whole system approach to tackling supply and demand. Since November 2019, more than 2,400 drug dealing lines have been shut down, 8,000 arrests made, and supported over 9,500 individuals at risk of exploitation.

The government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which passed into law last year, equips the police with the powers and tools they need to crack down on crime, including through lifting restrictions on stop and search and introducing new court orders to help target known knife carriers.

The Act has also brought in tougher sentences to keep serious sexual and violent offenders behind bars for longer, so that they pay the full price of their crimes.

August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s war of aggression remains a major concern for every State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2022.

Joint Statement at the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Delivered by Ambassador Yann Hwang, Permanent Representative of France to the Conference for Disarmament

The ongoing war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine remains a major concern for every State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

We, Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chad, Cyprus, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States of American, Ukraine and the European Union reaffirm our unwavering support to the legitimate and sovereign Ukrainian authorities, as well as to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders.

We reiterate our strongest condemnation of the ongoing unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. This constitutes a gross violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter.

We reaffirm our commitment to the NPT as the cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime and an essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

We deplore the Russian Federation’s dangerous nuclear rhetoric, actions and provocative statements about raising its nuclear alert levels, which are inconsistent with the recent P5 Leaders Joint Statement on Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races.

We are deeply concerned that the Russian Federation, a Nuclear-Weapon State, is undermining international peace, security and stability, the international non-proliferation architecture and the integrity and objectives of the NPT by waging its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We condemn the Russian Federation’s actions, which are in complete disregard of its international obligations and commitments and a betrayal of the security assurances that the Russian Federation provided to Ukraine under the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 in connection with Ukraine’s accession to the NPT, as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State.

We condemn the abhorrent actions of the Russian Federation, which have had the effect of depriving Ukraine of control over Ukrainian nuclear facilities and disrupting its exercise of its inalienable right to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

We remain profoundly concerned by the serious threat that the seizure of Ukrainian nuclear facilities and other actions by Russian armed forces pose to the safety and security of these facilities, significantly raising the risk of a nuclear accident or incident and endangering the population of Ukraine, neighbouring states and the international community. These actions also undermine the IAEA’s ability to implement its important safeguards mission in Ukraine and to continue to verify the peaceful nature of Ukraine’s nuclear activities.

We recognize and praise the heroic efforts of the Ukrainian staff at Ukrainian nuclear facilities, particularly at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and Chornobyl, who continue to work tirelessly to ensure nuclear safety in Ukraine, despite working under immense pressure in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine.

We condemn the interference of the representatives of the Russian Federation in the ZNPP’s operations and efforts to extend the Russian Federation’s control over the plant. We demand that Russia immediately withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine and hand back full control of ZNPP as well as of all nuclear facilities within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders to the proper Ukrainian authorities in order to ensure their safe and secure operations. Ukraine operated these facilities safely, securely, and peacefully for decades. Ukrainian operators and regulatory inspectors at ZNPP must have full access and must be able to carry out their duties without intimidation, threats or pressure.

We welcome and support the Government of Ukraine’s and the IAEA’s efforts to strengthen nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, and we thank the IAEA for its steadfast commitment in this regard. We underline the importance of facilitating a mission of IAEA experts to ZNPP to address nuclear safety, security and safeguards concerns, in a manner that respects full Ukrainian sovereignty over its territory and infrastructure. We strongly endorse the importance of the IAEA Director General’s “Seven Indispensable Pillars of Nuclear Safety and Security” derived from the IAEA’s nuclear safety standards and nuclear security guidance. We encourage all NPT States parties to support the IAEA’s efforts.

We reiterate our call on the Russian Federation to end its brutal and premeditated war of aggression, and to withdraw immediately, completely, and unconditionally its armed forces and equipment from the territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders.

We also condemn Belarus for its complicity in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. 14.We remain steadfast in our solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting the government and people of Ukraine in their courageous defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in their fight for a peaceful and prosperous future.
August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : There is no military solution to Libya’s crisis of legitimacy

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2022.

Statement delivered in New York by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on Libya.

Thank you President.

I would like to thank USG DiCarlo for her briefing, and Raisedon Zenenga and his team in the United Nations Support Mission in Libya for their continued work in difficult circumstances.

I also thank Ambassador Kamboj for her briefing on the 1970 Committee and I welcome the participation of the representative of Libya in our meeting today.

President, I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom condemns the violence perpetrated by armed groups in Tripoli on 26 and 27 August. The use of violence by armed groups – whether to acquire control of territory or local resources, or to end political stalemate – is unacceptable. As we’ve just heard, the actions of armed groups this weekend resulted only in innocent civilian casualties and the destruction of civil infrastructure. Our condolences go to the victims and their families.

Such violence is a result of the presence of parallel governments and the misappropriation of state resources. The Libyan parties, and the international community, must acknowledge that there is no military solution to Libya’s crisis of legitimacy. Rather, all Libyan parties must engage constructively with a UN-brokered political process, supported by the wider international community, to agree a path towards free, fair and inclusive elections as soon as possible.

We must also ensure that the resources of the Libyan people are managed in a transparent, responsible and accountable manner. The wishes of the Libyan people must be prioritised ahead of narrow self-interests.

Second, I encourage all Council members to agree to the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General immediately. Increased tension and violence only illustrates the need for the urgent appointment of a Special Representative to lead mediation efforts. I call upon this Council to stand ready to support the Special Representative to deliver an inclusive and comprehensive political process.

Finally, in recent weeks a number of diplomatic missions have faced restrictions on their movements within Libya. The Libyan authorities must allow full freedom of movement and travel within its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We also emphasise the importance of allowing individuals and organisations delivering activity on behalf of embassies freedom to carry out their work.

President, the United Kingdom reaffirms its readiness to work with Libyan stakeholders, the incoming SRSG, and all international partners to work towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous Libya.

Thank you.

August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Future of London’s transport network secured with government’s multi-billion pound settlement
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 30 August 2022.
- long-term settlement supporting nearly £3.6 billion of projects agreed with TfL
- settlement includes just under £1.2 billion of funding, taking total government support to more than £6 billion
- deal will secure £80 million every year for active travel schemes
A settlement which will support almost £3.6 billion worth of projects and secure the long-term future of London’s transport network has today (30 August 2022) been agreed with TfL.

The settlement, which includes just under £1.2 billion of upfront funding and brings government’s total funding to over £6 billion, matches the Mayor’s own pre-pandemic spending plans. It will ensure the network is not only protected against potential lost revenue caused by uncertainty of post-pandemic demand but will also enable the delivery of a number of projects set to revolutionise travel across London.

This will include brand new Piccadilly line trains, as well as modernisations and upgrades across the District, Metropolitan, Hammersmith and City and Circle lines for millions of Londoners.

Specific upgrades include supporting the long-awaited repair of Hammersmith Bridge, the extension of the Northern Line and vital improvements to Elephant and Castle station – none of which would have been possible without this funding.

The landmark deal will dedicate £80 million every year to active travel schemes, expanding walking and cycling infrastructure which will reduce congestion and pollution across the capital. The deal also sees the establishment of an independent property company that will start on 20,000 homes on TfL’s land within 10 years.

As part of the agreement, the government ensured the Mayor agreed to continue work on the introduction of driverless trains on London Underground, something the Transport Secretary believes is key in London maintaining its position as Europe’s greatest transport network.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said:

“For over 2 years now we’ve time and again shown our unwavering commitment to London and the transport network it depends on, but we have to be fair to taxpayers across the entire country.

This deal more than delivers for Londoners and even matches the Mayor’s own pre-pandemic spending plans but for this to work, the Mayor must follow through on his promises to get TfL back on a steady financial footing, stop relying on government bailouts and take responsibility for his actions. Now is the time to put politics to one side and get on with the job – Londoners depend on it.”

As part of the settlement the Mayor has also committed to:
- submitting proposals to reform pensions, in line with TfL’s plans to become financially sustainable, by the end of September
- continue to progress ongoing initiatives to modernise, reform and become more efficient
- achieve the revenue generation proposals promised in February and progress proposals through public consultation
The Mayor and TfL will be responsible for setting out and implementing areas where these changes can be made as well as accelerating crucial reforms to ensure TfL becomes financially sustainable by 2023.

This latest settlement follows on from 4 previous emergency deals, over £5 billion of upfront funding and a pledge of over a billion pounds of investment per year at the most recent spending review at a time of significant financial pressure to ensure vital services remained running.
August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : New framework announced to tackle industrial emissions across the UK

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 30 August 2022.

Pollution caused by industrial emissions is set to be reduced and environmental performance improved under a new framework of regulation that will better protect our air, water and land.

The UK’s new Best Available Techniques framework will enable regulators and industry to work together to identify and apply up to date, challenging standards when it comes to reducing harmful emissions.

Under the permits granted by environmental regulators to industrial facilities – such as textile and chemical industries – businesses must use the best techniques available to them to prevent or minimise emissions and their impacts on the environment.

The new framework will see the UK government and Devolved Administrations (the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and DAERA) working with industry and local councils to identify these methods – known as ‘Best Available Techniques’ (BAT) – from across the UK’s largest industries. This process includes agreeing and setting emissions limits within environmental permits and determining the types of technologies and methods operators should use to reduce their environmental impact.

Building on existing levels of environmental protection, it aims to develop higher standards for industrial emissions, as the UK moves away from the EU’s regulatory framework towards one that better caters to UK businesses and the wellbeing of local communities. The collaborative approach will also give industry greater certainty to support investment that will drive forward innovation in cleaner technologies.

A new governance structure will also be established, with new independent bodies – called the Standards Council and the Regulators Group – consisting of government officials and expert regulators from all four nations of the UK. A UK Air Quality Governance Group will also be established to oversee the work of the Standards Council and the delivery of the requirements under this new framework. Interested parties from industry, academia and civil society will be able to engage in the running of the BAT system through an advisory group being set up by the UK BAT Team.

Environment Minister Steve Double said:

“Tackling emissions is essential to reduce the damaging effects of air, water and land pollution on people and the environment. The new framework and collaborative approach will ensure higher standards for industrial emissions across the UK and a more effective governance structure to support industry in finding the best available techniques to meet these standards.

This builds on the wide range of actions we are already taking through our existing legal framework to drive down pollutants and improve public health and the environment.”

Local councils currently play a major role in regulating industrial installations in England and Wales and have a clear interest in the impact emissions have on the health of local communities and the environment. The new regime will bring local councils into the BAT framework for the first time by involving them in the governance and standard-setting processes.

Some sectors in the UK had already begun a separate review process under the old EU BAT framework. These sectors will complete the BAT process, drawing on UK data submitted to the EU as a starting point, then tailor the BAT to meet UK circumstances.

Air pollution at a national level continues to reduce significantly. Through this new framework government is setting higher standards for the country’s largest industries and going further to prevent and minimise harmful emissions being released into the environment.

This builds on work already underway as part of the Government’s Clean Air Strategy – the most ambitious air quality strategy in a generation – which aims to halve the harm to human health caused by air pollution by 2030.

August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : HRT Taskforce presents recommendations to support future supply
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 30 August 2022.
- Recommendations are to be taken forward by Department of Health and Social Care to help ensure continued HRT supply meets demand
- Forms part of wider work to support menopausal women access the health and care they need and tackle the gender health gap
Action will be taken to make supplies of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) more resilient as Head of the HRT Taskforce Madelaine McTernan presents her key recommendations to support future management of the supply chain.

The recommendations will inform the work of the department and the UK wide menopause taskforce as Ms McTernan has returned to working full time as the Director General of the Vaccine Taskforce as preparation for the autumn booster campaign ramps up.

Improving access to HRT forms part of the government’s wider commitment to tackle the gender health gap, including support for menopausal women. The Women’s Health Strategy, published earlier this year, includes the menopause as a key area.

Access to HRT has improved following decisive actions to increase supply and manage demand including issuing Serious Shortage Protocols on HRT products to limit dispensing to three months’ supply and allow specified alternative products to be supplied if necessary.

Following positive engagement across the supply chain, suppliers have also moved to secure additional stock and expedite deliveries of HRT products experiencing supply issues. Suppliers are building future capacity to support continued growth in demand.

These combined actions have resulted in improvement in supply of products including Oestrogel gel. The number of packs of Oestrogel delivered to the UK in July was double the monthly average for the first quarter this year demonstrating a very substantial increase.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

Women’s health is a priority for this government, and we are ensuring everyone who needs HRT is able to access it.

Madelaine’s work and that of her taskforce and the department has been vital, and her recommendations will ensure progress in HRT supply continues.

Core recommendations from the HRT taskforce include:
- Continued dialogue with industry both via continuing the successful model of regular industry roundtables as well as individual engagement
- Continued use of Serious Shortage Protocols when appropriate to manage shortages as steps are taken by suppliers to increase production
- Continued assessment whether NHS formularies may be impacting access to HRT
Taking steps to action these recommendations 12 of the 13 Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) in place for HRT have been extended to help provide ongoing stability as HRT products that have experienced supply issues increase stock levels. The department has also established quarterly industry roundtables with key suppliers to ensure continued dialogue and help industry to plan for the future.

Outgoing Head of the HRT Taskforce Madelaine McTernan said:

I am pleased to see the situation with HRT supply is improving across the country. I want to thank suppliers and manufacturers for their engagement and positive action to tackle this serious issue.

I have presented my key learnings on how the department can continue to manage HRT supply and work with the industry as it continues efforts to meet rising demand.

Further recommendations to help ensure continued HRT supply to meet rising demand:
- Improved access to data on prescriptions to more easily see where there are shortfalls between HRT packs prescribed and HRT packs supplied by manufacturers; and
- Taking lessons from the HRT supply chain work to inform broader medicine supply work
Minister for Women’s Health Maria Caulfield said:

We are taking steps across the board to tackle the gender health gap and ensure women can access the health and care services they need – including access to HRT.

I thank Madelaine and her team and I look forward to taking forward her recommendations as part of the ongoing work of the department.

The taskforce has held two roundtables and has ongoing discussions with key suppliers to understand issues and engage on plans to meet demand.

It has issued Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) to restrict dispensing of certain products to three months and allow pharmacists to substitute certain products for alternatives.

Following a return to good availability, Premique Low Dose is no longer subject to an SSP. The MHRA, have delivered workshops to ensure manufacturers and pharmacists are aware of guidance to help them manage stock levels and worked with the NHS to understand and communicate the role of formularies (a list of recommended medicines) in terms of access to HRT.

Government has also taken action to reduce costs of HRT. The creation of a prepayment certificate will mean women can access HRT on a month-by-month basis if needed, easing pressure on supply, paying a one-off charge equivalent to two single prescription charges (currently £18.70) for all their HRT prescriptions for a year. This system will be implemented by April 2023.

The Menopause Taskforce, which meets every two months, will continue to tackle issues surrounding the menopause including increasing access to treatment, and ending the taboos and stigmas that still surround conversations about the menopause, including in the workplace.

Dame Lesley Regan has also been appointed the first ever Women’s Health Ambassador for England to support in the implementation of the Women’s Health Strategy and improve women’s experiences of the health and care system in England.
August 31, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : East Midlands local economy to be levelled up with historic billion pound devolution deal
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 30 August 2022.

Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark will sign an historic devolution deal with Derbyshire and Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham.
- Historic devolution deal agreed with Derbyshire and Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham with directly elected mayor
- Powers and budgets will be devolved from central government to the East Midlands through a new Mayoral Combined County Authority
- More than £1 billion investment fund over 30 years to help boost employment, families, and schools in the area
Local leaders in large parts of the East Midlands will be given new powers to improve transport, boost skills training and build more attractive and affordable homes through a historic, first of a kind county devolution deal signed with the government today.

Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark will sign the deal with Derbyshire and Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham, which will see the area appoint a directly elected mayor, responsible for delivering local priorities, backed by a new £38 million per year investment fund, totalling £1.14 billion over 30 years.

The deal delivers on a commitment made in the government’s Levelling Up white paper published early this year to shift in powers and resources away from Whitehall to local communities.

In addition to the agreed funding being under local control rather than control from Whitehall, a new Mayoral Combined County Authority will be created, with control over the core adult education budget, to boost skills in the region, as well as the ability to increase control over transport infrastructure.

The new mayor will also be granted powers to drive regeneration, with compulsory purchase powers and the ability to designate Mayoral development areas and establish Mayoral Development Corporations to promote growth and build new homes.

Levelling up Secretary Greg Clark said:

The East Midlands is renowned for its economic dynamism and it has the potential to lead the Britain’s economy of the future. For a long time I have believed that the East Midlands should have the powers and devolved budgets that other areas in Britain have been benefitting from and I am thrilled to be able to bring that about in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

I am impressed by the way councils in the region have come together to agree the first deal of this kind in the country, which will benefit residents in all of the great cities, towns and villages across the area of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Taking decisions out of Whitehall and putting them back in the hands of local people is foundational to levelling up and this deal does that.

The new East Midlands Combined County Authority will also be granted control of over £17 million of additional funding for the building of new homes on brownfield land in 2024/25, subject to sufficient eligible projects for funding being identified, and a further £18 million has been agreed to support housing priorities and drive Net Zero Ambitions into the area.

In a joint statement, Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, and David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said:

We welcome the £1.14 billion devolution deal from the government on offer for our region. It’s fantastic news.

We want to make the most of every penny so this can be used to make a real difference to people’s lives.

As Leaders, we have all fought for a fairer share for our cities and counties, and a bigger voice for our area, to give us the clout and the influence we deserve, and to help us live up to our full potential.

This deal would help make that a reality, creating more and better jobs through greater investment in our area, with increased economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training, and an enhanced greener environment, as we move towards being carbon neutral. These are what we all want to see, and we will work together for the common good of the East Midlands.

We haven’t always had the same level of funding or influence as other areas, which has held us back. This is a golden opportunity to change that and put the power to do so in our own hands.

There is a lot still to be agreed, and this is the beginning of the journey, not the end. We’re determined to build on this deal over time, as other areas have done.

This will be the first ever Mayoral Combined County Authority, a new model of devolution provided for in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Implementation of this deal is dependent on Parliamentary approval of the Bill and necessary secondary legislation, as well as a public consultation.

This marks another important milestone in the government’s commitment to ensure that every area in England that wants a devolution deal can get one by 2030, as promised in the Levelling Up white paper published earlier this year.

New powers will help to improve local skills which will meet the specific needs of the local economy, helping to boost the region financially. In addition, there will be greater powers to drive regeneration creating more affordable housing for local people, making the area a more desirable place to live, work and visit.

Further information

This will be the first ever Mayoral Combined County Authority, a new model of devolution that includes upper tier local authorities only. Both the government and the upper tier councils place high importance on working with the 15 district and borough councils across the region to ensure their voices are represented.

This new institutional model is subject to Royal Assent of the provisions within the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill – the model was first introduced in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament.

There is a statutory process which includes consultation by the councils of their detailed proposals, ratification by the councils and Parliamentary approval to secondary legislation establishing a combined county authority with the powers outlined. It is hoped that, subject to Parliamentary agreement the first mayoral election could take place in May 2024.
August 31, 2022