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Category: Press Releases

  • PRESS RELEASE : Update on passport application fees [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Update on passport application fees [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 April 2024.

    The passport fee increases came into force on 11 April 2024.

    The proposals, which are subject to parliamentary approval, will include the following:

    • a standard online application made from within the UK will rise to £88.50 for adults and £57.50 for children
    • a standard postal application will increase to £100.00 for adults and £69.00 for children
    • a standard online application when applying from overseas will rise to £101.00 for adults and £65.50 for children
    • a standard paper application when applying from overseas will increase to £112.50 for adults and £77.00 for children

    The new fees will help ensure that income from these applications better meets the cost of delivering passport and associated operations, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation. The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

    The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders. The increase will also help enable the government to continue improving its services.

    The new fees include those newly applying or renewing their passport.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to India: Lindy Cameron [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to India: Lindy Cameron [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 April 2024.

    Ms Lindy Cameron CB OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of India in succession to Mr Alex Ellis CMG who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Ms Cameron will take up her appointment during April 2024.

    Curriculum vitae

    Name: Lindy Cameron

    Date Role
    2020 to 2024 Chief Executive, National Cyber Security Centre
    2019 to 2020 Northern Ireland Office, Director-General
    2016 to 2019 DFID, Director-General Country Programmes
    2014 to 2015 DFID, Director Middle East, Humanitarian, Conflict & Security
    2012 to 2014 Joint MoD-FCO-DFID Stabilisation Unit, Director
    2011 to 2012 DFID, Deputy Director Middle East and North Africa
    2011 MoD, Royal College of Defence Studies
    2009 to 2010 Helmand, Head of Provincial Reconstruction Team and FCO Senior Representative in Southern Afghanistan
    2008 to 2009 Cabinet Office, Deputy Director
    1998 to 2007 DFID – various leadership roles including postings to Kabul and Baghdad.  Governance adviser roles including postings to Hanoi and Lagos, and regional work in the Balkans
  • PRESS RELEASE : Northern Irish business leaders need bigger role in UK’s public institutions [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Northern Irish business leaders need bigger role in UK’s public institutions [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 11 April 2024.

    Business and community leaders based across Northern Ireland are being urged to apply for roles that run the UK’s public institutions.

    Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, is in Belfast today speaking to the business community about the expertise and skills they can bring to the public sector.

    There are over 300 public institutions in the UK that offer such roles. These include everything from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Office for Environmental Protection, to Honours Committees and the BBC.

    The UK Government makes over 1,000 public appointments per year across a range of sectors, with new roles going live every week.

    Current roles on offer include: Executive Chair of Innovate UK; Chair of the Geospatial Commission; Northern Ireland Chair of the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee; and Independent Member of the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

    Baroness Neville-Rolfe will speak to over 100 business and community leaders today who have signed up to the event at the Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre in Lisburn.

    She will highlight the strengths in Northern Ireland industry citing the health and social work sector, which employs nearly 150,000 people, and the value professionals from this sector could bring to health-related public appointments including on boards of NHS bodies.

    The Minister will also discuss the business community’s expertise in managing micro and small businesses, relevant to roughly 75,000 professionals across the country, which provides transferable skills for operating in small board teams.

    Belfast has also been chosen as the location of this event due to its key role in the UK Government’s levelling up agenda. Amongst other investments, the UK Government has awarded £120 million to projects in Northern Ireland through its levelling up fund.

    The Government will further support Northern Ireland to capitalise on its unique opportunities by providing £150 million to develop an Enhanced Investment Zone.

    Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, said:

    I am particularly keen to increase the number of successful candidates from across the UK including here in Northern Ireland.

    Public appointees get the chance to improve vital public services, get more involved with their communities, work with a wide range of talented people and make a difference to society. They are extremely rewarding roles and can help accelerate people’s careers.

    The skills and expertise here in Northern Ireland are highly transferable and can provide great value to the UK’s public institutions. I strongly encourage professionals in the area to consider applying for a position.

    Mukesh Sharma MBE DL, Chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Northern Ireland and UK Trustee, said:

    One of the most rewarding things I have experienced in my own public appointments is having the opportunity to learn about different communities across the country.

    Through my previous role as member of The Northern Ireland Executive Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition, and my current appointment to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, I have gained an insight into challenges faced by government and communities across the UK. These appointments have given me an opportunity to challenge and improve.

    If you are looking for a new experience to broaden your career and connect to communities, I would encourage you to apply to a public appointment.

    Also speaking at the event are Eileen Mullan – a founder of Boardroom Apprentice, a programme that aims to boost diversity in boardrooms – and Adriana Morvaiova, a former boardroom apprentice and current diversity, equity and inclusion specialist.

    Eileen said:

    For many people, their perceptions surrounding the makeup of boardroom members are often one of a number of determining factors which leads them not to apply.

    With 9 cohorts and 435 Boardroom Apprentices, we know the Boardroom Apprentice is working. The follow up tracker shows that 56% of the first five cohorts are actively involved on Boards 12 months following completion.

    When the Boardroom Apprentices go on to realise their aspiration and serve, I couldn’t be prouder – you know you are doing something right.

    Adriana said:

    The boardroom apprentice program has been a pivotal milestone in my journey, empowering me with crucial skills and affirming my inherent talents and passion. It taught me skills and knowledge I was able to transfer to all areas in my life. It equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to become a competent board member.

    Stepping into public appointments has myriad benefits. They offer opportunities to network, broaden perspectives, influence policies, and contribute meaningfully to society. Bringing business and innovation experience from the private sector across to the public sector, creates space for learning and positive change.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business is blooming in East Africa – UK suspends tariff for flower exports [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business is blooming in East Africa – UK suspends tariff for flower exports [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 April 2024.

    The UK has suspended the Global Tariff for cut flowers to increase trade and provide better value for consumers.

    Thursday 11 April – From today, the UK has temporarily removed export tariffs for cut flowers, with the aim of making trade with the UK easier and cheaper for growers in East Africa and beyond.

    Unlimited quantities of flowers can now be exported to the UK at 0% tariff, even if they transit via a third country. This is particularly important for East African flower growers who transport their blooms via third-countries or auction houses before they arrive in the UK.

    The move aims to increase trade and further strengthen the economic relationship between the UK and the region. UK consumers could win big too – on price, seasonality and variety.

    The suspension of 8% duty for cut flowers applies across the world but will be a big win for major flower growing regions in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The duty suspension will remain in place for two years from 11 April 2024 to 30 June 2026.

    His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey said:

    The UK’s relationship with East Africa is rooted in mutually beneficial trade. This additional flower power will allow trade to bloom. We go far when we go together… or in this case, we grow far when we grow together, further reinforcing the UK’s commitment to the expansion of trade in East Africa.

    In 2022, Kenya was ranked as the fourth biggest exporter of cut-flowers in the world, with 6% of global cut-flower exports. Ethiopia is the second largest cut flower producer in Africa, making up 23% of Sub-Saharan African exports. In 2023, the value of trade in cut flowers between the UK from Ethiopia was valued at £12.6m, Rwanda at £727,000, £839,000 from Tanzania, and £1.1m from Uganda.

    Notes to editors

    The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) on cut flowers will be suspended for two years from 11 April 2024 to 30 June 2026. It allows for unlimited quantities of flowers to enter the UK, particularly if they transit through a third country or the flower auctions in the Netherlands – where previously an 8% UKGT would apply.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Business Minister celebrates multibillion-pound green tech funding milestone for UK aerospace sector [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Business Minister celebrates multibillion-pound green tech funding milestone for UK aerospace sector [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 11 April 2024.

    Business Minister Alan Mak celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and a landmark £3.6 billion funding milestone.

    • Business Minister Alan Mak celebrates landmark 10-year anniversary for joint government-industry funded Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI).
    • Historic milestone covers £3.6 billion in funding to deliver a long-term plan to produce more than 400 cutting-edge aerospace R&D projects across the UK in past decade, supporting thousands of jobs.
    • Aerospace industry leaders react to 10 years of crucial programme.

    Business Minister Alan Mak will celebrate a multibillion-pound funding milestone for cutting-edge green technology in the UK aerospace sector today (10 April).

    The Minister will join UK aerospace industry leaders at an event to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), a joint government-industry funded organisation that drives world-class research in sustainable aviation.

    He will join Airbus, Rolls-Royce and a range of other leaders to celebrate the success of the ATI in making the UK a world leader in cleaner and greener air travel, with £3.6 billion of government and industry funding being allocated to more than 400 different aerospace R&D projects across the breadth of the UK over the past decade.

    This funding has helped deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain, and improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.

    These projects have pioneered new technologies which will help develop a new generation of zero-emission aircraft, supporting thousands of high-skilled jobs across the country.

    Business Minister Alan Mak said:

    Our world-class aerospace sector is a British success story, with government and industry coming together to provide billions of pounds in unprecedented support to help us lead the way on cleaner, greener air travel.

    Over the last decade the ATI has been crucial to this, helping our aerospace industry soar to new heights and supporting thousands of jobs while continuing to grow our economy.

    Over a decade ago, government joined together with industry through the Aerospace Growth Partnership to create the ATI, responding to calls for the UK to develop its own R&D programme for the aerospace sector.

    This has secured long-term planning and funding sources through the ATI Programme, with the £3.6 billion of joint government-industry funding for transformative technology projects in air transport so far.

    Furthering the aviation research agenda through developing cleaner, greener air travel is a principal aim of the ATI.

    Successes include:

    • over 400 cutting-edge R&D projects funded since the start of the ATI Programme
    • the Rolls-Royce UltraFan demonstrator aero engine technology ground demonstrator – the largest in the world, with greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions and greater sustainability
    • the Airbus-led Wing of Tomorrow programme – the next generation of carbon composite aircraft wings
    • Rolls-Royce seized the world-speed record for electric aircraft with its battery-powered Spirit of Innovation aircraft
    • SMEs such as ZeroAvia and Cranfield Aerospace developing new generation zero emission aircraft and propulsion systems
    • investment in research facilities from the Osney lab in Oxford to the new Whittle Lab in Cambridge and the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology in Loughborough

    Aerospace funding is a key priority for the Government, with £200 million of joint government and industry funding dedicated to R&D projects announced in the recent Spring Budget, supporting the development of energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft technology.

    This came after the Government announced £975 million in funding over five years from 2025 for the ATI programme in the 2023 Autumn Statement.

    Industry leaders and experts from across the sector have reacted to the ATI’s key milestone:

    ATI CEO Gary Elliott said:

    Since the ATI was created ten years ago, we have helped to transform the UK aerospace sector through the development of advanced and innovative technologies – setting the sector on the path to Net Zero 2050 with our Destination Zero strategy. The ATI Programme has helped secure jobs, support growth, return economic value to the UK and position the UK to capture market share in next-generation sustainable aircraft.

    All of this has been made possible through collaboration – between the ATI, the many organisations across the UK who have delivered over 400 projects and, of course, our partners in the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK. Looking ahead to the next ten years, I am confident that the ATI will play a critical role in making the UK the world’s most vibrant ecosystem for Net Zero aerospace technology.

    Airbus UK Chairman John Harrison said:

    For the last decade, the ATI has been instrumental in supporting Airbus’ technology developments that are improving our commercial aircraft and helicopters flying today and those for tomorrow. Technologies such as how we design and build aircraft wings and accelerate the development of hydrogen powered aircraft.

    We’re looking forward to another decade of pushing boundaries, boosting innovation and upskilling people right here in the UK to keep our industry ahead of the beat.”

    Rolls-Royce Group Director of Engineering, Technology and Safety Simon Burr said:

    The ATI is a fundamental part of keeping the UK at the forefront of aerospace innovation and technology. It has remained a strong and unifying force for the aerospace sector that has strengthened the UK’s offer.

    The ATI’s role in supporting our work to develop more sustainable aviation solutions has been particularly significant. This includes the development of our UltraFan demonstrator engine, confirmation of the compatibility of 100% sustainable aviation fuels with our current in-production engines, and ground-breaking research into hydrogen-capable aerospace technologies.

    The aerospace sector has dealt with multiple global challenges in the ten years the ATI has been in existence, such as supply-chain shocks, unprecedented increases in passenger numbers and global skills shortages.

    The research and innovation inspired and brought into existence by the programme has helped the UK maintain its position as a world-leader in aerospace manufacturing and, as a result, cleaner, greener, global aviation.

    Chief Executive Officer of ADS Kevin Craven said:

    The UK’s world-leading aerospace sector provides high-skilled jobs throughout the country and is renowned for excellence in innovation, technology and sustainable development. Set against a backdrop of increasing global competition, the Aerospace Technology Institute has been pivotal in attracting industry co-investment and driving continued UK leadership in innovation, making it a true partner for our industry for the last decade.

    ATI support has been invaluable to our industry – from the largest OEMs to the SMEs that are fundamental to our industrial ecosystem. Long may its investment continue!

    Russ Dunn, Chief Technology Officer, GKN Aerospace said:

    The Aerospace Technology Institute is the crown jewel of the UK’s aerospace ecosystem.  It represents the best of collaboration between Industry and Government and continues to demonstrate the UK’s ability to create the most innovative and impactful aerospace technology.

    GKN Aerospace, our technologies and our people, have benefitted greatly from ATI support. From our role on the Wing of Tomorrow programme, to our expanding hydrogen technology portfolio; incorporating H2GEAR and HYFIVE, the ATI continues to match our ambition and our drive at every turn.

    Truly sustainable aerospace is both a huge technical challenge and a huge economic opportunity for the UK; we believe zero emissions flight for the commercial market is achievable and that the ATI is a core partner in delivering that future.

    Founder and CEO of ZeroAvia Val Miftakhov said:

    The ATI’s impact in bringing zero-emission, hydrogen engines further up the industry agenda – directly via its funding of innovators like ourselves and through the seminal research of Fly Zero – is of huge importance to delivering a clean future for flight.

    The ATI is in many ways world-leading and it will help the UK capture more aerospace exports as the global industry becomes reliant on cleaner propulsion technologies.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Taoiseach Harris of Ireland [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with Taoiseach Harris of Ireland [April 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 April 2024.

    The Prime Minister spoke to Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris this afternoon, on the 26th anniversary since the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday Agreement), to congratulate him on his appointment.

    The Prime Minister and Taoiseach began by reflecting on the strong UK-Ireland bilateral relationship and the shared importance of stability in Northern Ireland. They agreed that the restoration of the devolved institutions underpinned and deepened the British-Irish bilateral relationship.

    They discussed the strengthening of the economic ties and growth in bilateral trade between the UK and Ireland as the closest of neighbours.

    Turning to the Middle East, they agreed that Hamas should unconditionally release the remaining hostages from the deplorable 7th of October attack on Israel and expressed their grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation and the need for Israel to accelerate the scale of aid delivered to Gaza. The Prime Minister reiterated his position that a two-state solution provided the best basis for a political settlement.

    On Ukraine, the leaders agreed on the vital importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and protect European security. The Prime Minister looked forward to working more closely with Taoiseach on this important shared priority.

    The leaders agreed to stay in contact in the coming months and the Prime Minister said he looked forward to welcoming the Taoiseach to the UK-hosted European Political Summit in July.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Twelve arrested after Home Office raid on bed factory [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Twelve arrested after Home Office raid on bed factory [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 April 2024.

    Twelve immigration offenders have been arrested following a Home Office raid on a bedding and mattress factory in the West Midlands.

    Immigration Enforcement officers descended on the business, acting on intelligence that illegal working was taking place on site.

    They arrested 7 men – all Indian nationals – for suspected illegal working.

    Four more Indian men were arrested at a nearby cake factory. They were found to be in breach of their visa conditions and one was also working illegally.

    An Indian woman was then arrested for immigration offences at a private home, with further raids planned throughout the afternoon.

    Four of the offenders were detained pending consideration for removal from the UK. The remaining 8 were bailed on the condition they report regularly to the Home Office.

    The 2 businesses could now face substantial fines if it is established they have employed illegal workers and have failed to conduct relevant pre-employment checks.

    In February this year, the Home Office tripled fines for employers who allow illegal migrants to work for them. For a first breach this has gone from £15,000 to £45,000 per illegal worker and for repeat breaches within 3 years the fines have increased from £20,000 to £60,000.

    Michael Tomlinson MP, Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, said:

    This operation is a clear example of the way we are stepping up immigration enforcement activity across the country.

    Employers found to be breaching the rules can expect significantly increased fines, and, if workers are found to have no right to live or work here, we will not hesitate to act and remove them from the country.

    Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at the Home Office said:

    Illegal working causes serious harm to communities, puts vulnerable people at risk and defrauds the public purse.

    The arrests send a clear message that we are clamping down on this dangerous practice.

    People smugglers sell migrants the lie that they can work in the UK. The reality is that they can’t – and those found to be working illegally or facilitating this crime will face the full weight of the law.

    More information on our increased fines can be found on GOV.UK

  • PRESS RELEASE : Cabinet Office Minister writes to councils over spending on Trade Union facility time [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Cabinet Office Minister writes to councils over spending on Trade Union facility time [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 10 April 2024. The spreadsheet is available here.

    Cabinet Office Minister Esther McVey has written to Councils that have high levels of spending on staff who work on trade union duties during working hours.

    A total of 21 local authorities who have spent 0.2 per cent or more of their pay bill costs on trade union time have been contacted. In some cases, this amounted to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

    In her letter, Minister McVey requested that council leaders look to set a cap on this expenditure, using the example of the Civil Service’s own spending limit, to ensure taxpayers are getting value for money.

    A large number of staff in these Councils work solely on trade union matters, which is a practice that the Civil Service has stopped.

    Facility Time is paid time off during working hours for trade union representatives to carry out trade union duties.

    In her letter to the 21 Councils, Cabinet Minister Esther McVey said:

    Under transparency laws introduced through the Trade Union Act 2016, public sector organisations now have to report their spending on trade union facility time. The figures you have submitted show that you have a number of trade union representatives currently undertaking both council and union duties, funded by the UK taxpayer.

    As the Civil Service has done, I am requesting that you find ways to cap this expenditure. The Government has reduced the level of facility time in the Civil Service from 0.26% of total paybill costs in 2012 to just 0.05% in 2024. The example set by the government shows how it is lawful and possible to achieve this.

    Trade unions can play a constructive role in the modern workplace. But for too long in the public sector, trade unions have received taxpayer funding that is poor value for money and inadequately controlled.

    Tackling such public subsidies to trade unions is a practical way that public authorities can save money, to keep taxes down and protect frontline services for local residents – including union members themselves.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK fishing opportunities worth over £970 million secured for 2024 [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK fishing opportunities worth over £970 million secured for 2024 [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 April 2024.

    Total fishing opportunities worth over £970 million secured for the UK fishing industry for 2024.

    Fishing opportunities worth over £970 million were secured for the UK fishing industry in 2024, a new report published by the government today (Wednesday 10 April) has revealed.

    During its fourth year operating as an independent coastal state, the UK has secured an increase of around 61,000 tonnes (9%) and approximately £53 million (6%) in fishing opportunities since last year, following discussions across three key negotiating forums: the UK-EU, UK-EU-Norway, and Coastal State negotiations. This brings the total fishing opportunities secured for the UK fleet in 2024 to around 752,000 tonnes, worth approximately £973 million.

    Since leaving the EU, the UK now has a larger share of many of the quotas set at these negotiations, including for Western mackerel and North Sea herring. The UK has secured an estimated additional £132 million in fishing opportunities in 2024 than it would have received were it an EU member state.

    Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

    We are committed to negotiating access to high-value fish stocks that will support a sustainable and profitable UK fishing industry both now and in the future.

    By taking advantage of our position outside of the EU to independently negotiate in our fishing fleet’s best interests, we’ve secured a better deal for our fishermen while continuing to protect our marine environment.

    The ‘Economic outcomes of annual negotiations for UK fishing opportunities in 2024’ report outlines the tonnage and value of total 2024 UK quota from all sources. This report was published alongside a report assessing the sustainability of fisheries catch limits negotiated by the UK for 2024.

    The UK takes a rigorous approach to assessing the sustainability of negotiated outcomes, with more stringent reporting than other coastal states. For this year, 46% of total allowable catches (TACs) were set in line with the scientific advice, up from 40% in 2023, making this the most sustainable deal since the UK left the EU.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Working parents on Universal Credit set receive up to £20,872 a year in childcare support [April 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Working parents on Universal Credit set receive up to £20,872 a year in childcare support [April 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 10 April 2024.

    Parents on Universal Credit can now receive up to £1,311 more a year in childcare support following a 6.7% boost coming into effect, as the government’s expansion of free childcare for working parents delivers 150,000 places in a week.

    • Parents receiving Universal Credit to receive significant boost to childcare support.
    • Increased support means parents who are keen to get back to work can now claim up to £109 more a month to help cover childcare costs.
    • Comes as government hits its target of ensuring 150,000 children gain childcare places from the new rollout.

    As of Monday 8 April, parents on Universal Credit with one child under 17 will be able to claim up to £1,015 a month, with parents of two children or more eligible for up to £1,739 to help pay for childcare costs – up from £950 and £1,630 respectively.

    The increase in support will help even more parents into work at a time when vacancies remain high, wages are rising faster than inflation, and taxes are being cut for 29 million hardworking people.

    The announcement comes as part of a huge package of support for working parents, including the expansion of 15 hours of free childcare a week for eligible working parents of two-year-olds for the first time.

    Over 150,000 two-year-olds are confirmed to have places for 15 hours a week of free childcare as of Friday, surpassing the take-up expectation set for early April. Thousands more places will continue to be secured over the coming weeks.

    Up to 85% of childcare costs of parents on Universal Credit are covered thanks to support from the Department for Work and Pensions, which has increased since last summer by £368 for parents of one child, and £631 for parents with two or more.

    The announcement is part of the government’s long-term plan to give working families a brighter future, by ensuring the cost of childcare is no longer a barrier for parents who want to work.

    Helping parents into work is one of the best ways to drive down the number of children living in poverty, as children living in workless households are over six times more likely to be in absolute poverty than children in a house where all the adults work.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

    This big boost to childcare support will help even more parents step into the world of work and secure long-term financial security.

    We are delivering on our plan to get people into jobs, as we cut taxes, drive down inflation, and put money back into the pockets of hardworking families.

    When fully rolled out, eligible working parents, including those on Universal Credit, will receive 30 hours of free childcare from the end of maternity leave to when their child starts school. Parents taking up the full 30 hours will save an average of £6,900 per year on childcare costs.

    We are taking significant steps to ensure the childcare sector is prepared to deliver this rollout, including a £100 million capital investment for more places, much higher average government funding rates than the average market rates paid by parents for the new entitlements, and a significant national recruitment campaign and £1000 cash incentive for new joiners to the sector.

    In 2024-25 alone, we expect to provide over £1.7 billion to support local authorities and providers deliver the expansion to the early years entitlements.

    On top of this, almost half a million families are set to benefit from our changes to the High-Income Child Benefit Charge, taking 170,000 families out of paying the High-Income Child Benefit Charge altogether with families gaining an average of £1,260 from these changes.

    This includes raising the threshold for the High-Income Child Benefit Charge from £50,000 to £60,000 as well as halving the rate so that it is not paid in full until an individual earns over £80,000. We will also end the unfairness for single earner families by moving towards a household system.

    As well  this boost for parents, the £2.5bn Back to Work plan will help over a million long term unemployed, sick and disabled people break down barriers to work, with the Chance to work Guarantee freeing up claimants to try work with no fear of losing their benefits.

    This comes alongside the huge amount of support offered by Jobcentres to people of all backgrounds. From upskilling, interview support and finding apprenticeships, whether you’re looking for a new career or just starting in the world of work, Jobcentres across the country can give you the tools you need to start, stay and succeed in work.