Category: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE : Government takes action to strengthen local care systems [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 14 June 2023.

The government has committed to a number of measures to support integrated care systems in response to 2 key reports.
Government publishes response to reviews on integrated care systems (ICSs)

National targets to be reviewed and streamlined to enable local health and care systems to focus on improving the health of local people

More effective care systems could help to cut waiting lists

The government has committed to a number of measures to support ICSs in response to 2 key reports.

Responding to the Hewitt Review which reported its findings on 4 April and the recent Health and Social Care Committee (HSCC) inquiry into the workings of the local health and care systems, the government reaffirmed its support for ICSs.

In its response, the Department of Health and Social Care outlines the steps it will take working with NHS England and local health and care systems, to support learning and improvement and join up care for patients and communities. As part of this the department will review and streamline national targets to ensure that systems are able to focus on improving health for their populations.

In line with the recommendations of the reviews, the government has also committed to:

continue supporting local systems to adapt to NHS England’s new operating framework, which lays out the new roles NHS England, ICSs and NHS providers will play in the wider health and care system

work with NHS England, local authorities and local health and care services to develop better information around funding for prevention services to inform future investment decisions

provide greater certainty over budgets for local health and care systems, by working to ensure reporting for small in-year funding pots is proportionate, freeing up time for planning and delivery of health and care to local people

The actions from the government’s response will support health and care systems to be more effective, making them a vital tool for improving the speed at which people will receive care in their local areas and in some cases reducing their need to be placed on an NHS waiting list where community support is available.

Government will be looking to take these commitments forward over the coming months, working with national partners and systems.

Minister for Care Helen Whately said:

Integrated care systems are already making a difference by bringing together local NHS organisations along with social care and the voluntary sector. We know that joined up care benefits patients and that’s exactly what ICSs are there to provide.

We have listened to the reports and the actions we’re going to take, like reviewing how we reduce admin burdens on local systems, will build on the excellent work that ICSs are already doing.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said:

Integrated care systems have the power to change the way the NHS provides care for people while working alongside local government to ensure people live healthier lives.

Health systems across the country are already making a real impact and we will continue to support local areas to improve outcomes for patients.

ICSs bring together NHS, local government, social care providers, charities and other partners to deliver on 4 goals:

improving outcomes in population health and healthcare

tackling inequalities in outcomes, experience and access

enhancing productivity and value for money

helping the NHS support broader social and economic development

Each ICS has an integrated care board that includes representatives from local authorities, primary care and NHS trusts and foundation trusts, who make decisions on commissioning health and care services in their local areas.

The Health and Social Care Committee launched its inquiry into ICSs in July 2022. Subsequently, the Health and Social Care Secretary commissioned Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt to lead a separate, independent review in November 2022, to examine how the oversight and governance of these systems can best enable them to succeed.

Both reviews covered ICSs in England including considering the NHS targets and priorities for which ICBs are accountable, including those set out in the government’s mandate to NHS England.

Drawing on the insights of leaders from across the NHS, local government, social care providers, the charitable and the voluntary and social enterprise sectors, the Hewitt review looked at how best to empower local leaders to focus on improving outcomes for their populations.

Background information

Government response to the HSCC report and the Hewitt Review on integrated care systems

Each ICS has an integrated care board (ICB), a statutory organisation responsible for developing a plan for meeting the health needs of the population, managing the NHS budget and arranging for the provision of health services in the ICS area. ICBs include representatives from local authorities, primary care and NHS trusts and foundation trusts.

Each ICS also has an integrated care partnership (ICP) that brings together a broad alliance of partners concerned with improving the care, health and wellbeing of the population. The ICP is responsible for producing an integrated care strategy on how to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the population in the ICS area.
June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UK is a proud champion of the rights of members of marginalised groups and is committed to defending them – UK statement at the Security Council [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on tolerance and international peace and security.

Thank you President. I am grateful to the UAE for convening this important meeting and I thank the Secretary-General, as well as the briefers for their valuable briefings.

President, respect for all human rights is and must be an essential beacon for our work in this Council.

Freedom of religion or belief, including the freedom not to have a religion, is a fundamental human right.

And yet, religious minorities have time and again been specifically targeted, including in conflict. This was a key finding of the report commissioned by the former UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt from the Bishop of Truro.

From the Yezidis in Iraq, to the Rohingya in Myanmar, to the recent case of the Baha’i in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, minorities are too often targeted on the grounds of religion or belief. Indeed, there is evidence that religious or belief minorities may avoid seeking humanitarian aid due to fear or intolerance. Including Sunni Muslims in Syria, Shi’a Hazara communities in Afghanistan and Christian communities in Nigeria.

When communities come under attack in situations of conflict, it is the role of this Council to address it. There is more we and the UN system can do to monitor incitement to violence against all minority communities in conflict. We should assure we have the tools in place for horizon scanning to address incitement and extremist rhetoric before it tips over into violence.

Religious communities and leaders have a responsibility to reject hate and extremism in their name which can fuel violence and conflict. They can also play a unique role in conflict prevention, reconciliation, and peacebuilding initiatives, including at the grassroots level, where interreligious and intercultural dialogue can help build trust and understanding between communities, and combat intolerance.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Wellby, who sits on the Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Mediation addressed this Council in 2018 on the role religious institutions can play in fragile states in mediation and reconciliation.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland – a peace deal that Catholic and Protestant clergy helped deliver through mediation between adversaries. In Sierra Leone, the Inter-Religious Council was crucial to the signing of the Lomé Peace Accord which brought peace in 1999 after a decade of war. And in Mali, a country threatened by violent extremism, some Islamic figures have been working tirelessly in support of peace.

Women leaders are of course a crucial part of this: the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution, negotiations are more likely to succeed, and peace agreements be sustained. The Ecumenical Women Peacebuilders Network is a powerful example, a nationally recognised group of Catholic and Protestant women church leaders in Colombia who helped drive the 2016 peace accords. They now help foster reconciliation as former combatants return home. So we, as a Council, should ensure that UN peace efforts are making use of the leadership of women, religious leaders, youth and wider civil society.

President, human rights and freedom of expression must be at the heart of any attempt to advance freedom of religion and belief. Attempts to tackle intolerance will not be successful if they don’t prioritise inclusivity, equality and safeguard freedom of expression and opinion.

These principles are reflected in the resolution we have presented with our partners, the UAE, and which we hope will be adopted later today.

The UK is a proud champion of the rights of members of marginalised groups, including women and girls, and is committed to defending them.

Thank you.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : No sandeel fishing for 2023 in effort to protect marine ecosystem [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 June 2023.

UK fishermen will not be permitted to catch or swap any of the UK’s 5,773 tonnes of North Sea sandeel quota in 2023.

For the third consecutive year, the UK government has decided to not allow UK sandeel fishing for 2023 for the benefit of the wider marine ecosystem – such as seabirds and marine mammals – that feed on these eel-like fish.

This means that UK fishermen cannot catch or swap any of the pre-agreed quota for sandeel fishing in the North Sea – totalling 5,773 tonnes.

Sandeels are an important forage fish and dietary source for vulnerable seabirds, marine mammals and commercially valuable fish. Industrial fishing of sandeels is shown to have an impact on the health of these other species within the marine ecosystem.

Without effective fisheries management measures, loss of sandeels through commercial fishing could be detrimental to the breeding success and population resilience of certain UK seabirds which, as well as puffins, also include kittiwakes and razorbills.

Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:

By not allowing the UK commercial fishing of sandeels, we can better protect and enhance the lives of vulnerable seabirds and marine mammals that play such a crucial part in our marine ecosystems.

Sandeels are an important component in the food chain for some of our most treasured species, such as puffins, and the decision to not allow sandeel fishing for a third year running will help benefit our seabird populations and allow wildlife to thrive.

The decision on the quota is part of the government’s wider efforts to protect sandeels, with a 12-week consultation held earlier this year to seek views on the future management of sandeels in English waters of the North Sea. The government response to the consultation will be published in due course.

The actions to support sandeels build on the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan to support biodiversity and allow wildlife to thrive. Under this plan, the government has committed to protecting 30% of our land and sea for nature and will launch a new multi-million pound Species Survival Fund targeted at protecting our rarest species.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Work on £10 million flood defence set to begin on Essex coast [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 14 June 2023.

Thousands of homes and businesses will be better-protected from flooding by new seawall.
The Environment Agency is set to begin a multi-million project to protect a vulnerable community on the Essex coast.

In the coming days, work will begin at Cockett Wick to strengthen and raise the seawall. More than 150 steel piles will be installed along with the construction of a new concrete wall and footpath to protect homes in Jaywick from flooding.

In excess of 14,000 tonnes of rock armour will also be placed on the sea-side of the defence to protect the strengthened wall from wave damage.

Together, the work will help to protect more than 3,000 properties and businesses. The changes will help to ensure this part of the Essex coast remains protected despite climate change and sea level-rise.

The defences are designed to be raised again in 50 years’ time to ensure another 50 years of protection, all while maintaining views of the sea.

John Lindsay, Essex coastal engineer for the Environment Agency, said:

We are already seeing the impacts of climate change in the UK and around the world. This is why urgent action is needed to adapt to the effect of the climate emergency. The work at Cockett Wick will help to continue to protect the local communities for decades to come.

Everyone should know their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings by visiting gov.uk and search flood or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also follow @EnvAgencyAnglia on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

Regular drop-in sessions will take process throughout the project where residents will be able to find out how the work is progressing.

Throughout the construction work, it will be necessary to close the current access road that links Jaywick to the Martello Tower. During this time, an alternative access route will be provided via Hutleys Caravan Park, in Seawick. This will use a temporary road running behind the sea defences leading to a temporary car park at the Martello Tower.

Pedestrian access between Seawick and Jaywick will be maintained throughout the work. However, temporary footpath diversions will also be in place to the rear of the seawall for the duration of the work.

The Government’s investment in flooding has doubled to a record £5.2 billion between 2021 and 2027, creating around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties across England.

The contractor for this project is BAM Nuttall. They will also be providing updates on the project through their Facebook page.
June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement – arrest of Vietnamese climate advocate [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 June 2023.

An FCDO spokesperson commented on the arrest of Vietnamese climate advocate Hoang Thi Minh Hong.

The United Kingdom is concerned by the arrest of Hoang Thi Minh Hong, former leader of environmental campaign group CHANGE. This is the latest in a pattern of arrests of environmental advocates in Vietnam.

The UK urges the Vietnamese authorities to respect all human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and association. We recognise the importance of civil society actors like CHANGE in securing sustainable and inclusive development for all.

We note that within the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), agreed in December 2022 between Vietnam and G7+ partners, the Government of Vietnam committed to consult NGOs, media and other stakeholders to ensure a broad social consensus. In line with this, environmental organisations and other advocates must be able to contribute meaningfully to climate and environmental policy making.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Police given clarity to act quickly on disruptive slow marching [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 14 June 2023.

Home Secretary delivers on government pledge to support the police to tackle disruptive slow marching protest tactics.

A clearer definition of ‘serious disruption’ will stop slow marching protesters causing hours of delay and distress to the public from tomorrow (15 June).

This will further clarify existing public order laws to help the police respond to new highly disruptive protest tactics like slow marching.

156 of these highly disruptive protests have taken place in London since April. While the right to peaceful protest remains a cornerstone of our democracy, causing traffic to halt, delaying people getting to work and distracting the police from fighting crime will not be tolerated.

Police officers can now assess the cumulative impact of protests on the community over a period of time, rather than treating each incident in isolation. This will give officers the authority to move quickly and firmly to stop this campaign of disruption, ensuring Londoners, commuters and tourists can move freely around the capital without delay.

A handful of protestors have swallowed up almost 13,770 police shifts, deliberately burdening police time and keeping officers from our neighbourhoods where they are really needed.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

The public are sick of Just Stop Oil’s selfish and self-defeating actions, which achieve nothing towards their cause.

Chief Constables and I agree that police officers should be out fighting crime. They shouldn’t be forced to stand by as protestors block our roads and the public shouldn’t have to take matters in their own hands.

This new definition of serious disruption means police can stop slow marchers, to reclaim our right to get to work, hospital and go about our daily lives.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for public order and public safety said:

Our priority is always to keep people safe and in every decision around policing public order and protests we must balance the right to freedom of expression with the right to tackle crime so we can ensure public safety. Policing is not anti-protest, but we are anti-crime.

We welcome clearer definition of serious disruption provided by parliament in this statutory instrument as this will help officers to take proportionate action when it is necessary.

The law has been amended today and will take effect from tomorrow. It comes following scrutiny and approval by the House of Commons and Lords, empowering officers to take action swiftly and spend more time protecting our communities.

The move supports the Public Order Act 2023, which brought in new criminal offences and proper penalties for disruptive protest acts such as locking on. Repeat offenders can be hit by the courts with a Serious Disruption Prevention Order, seeing them face six months in prison if they try to disrupt lives again.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : New drive to better understand the role of AI in education [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 14 June 2023.

Education Secretary to address benefits of technology in education at London Tech Week.

Using artificial intelligence to transform education in a positive way will be the focus of a new call for evidence launched by the government today (14 June) to mark the 10th anniversary of London Tech Week.

As part of the government’s wider work to make the most out of the technology, the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan will launch the call for evidence – which also asks for views on risks, ethical considerations, and training for education workers – in a speech to technology and education experts at London Tech Week.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard are already making a difference in schools, but more work is needed to understand the benefits and get ahead of the risks that the technology could bring.

As a result, the government is seeking views and experiences from education professionals across the schools, colleges, universities and early years sector.

The call to evidence marks an important starting point, with the results providing a base to inform future work. This includes how AI could be used to reduce workload, improve outcomes, and run operations more efficiently as well as work around misuse such as essay bots and cheating in exams.

As part of a digital skills boost and to help make sure the workforce is equipped for the future, the Education Secretary will also confirm that courses for the new Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQs) will begin in September, as well as the launch of a new Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is expected to say:

Artificial intelligence is going to transform the world around us and help grow the economy. The workforces that are best equipped with the skills and knowledge they need will be the ones that ride the wave. We must make sure education is one of them.

For that potential to be realised, we – the government, our schools, colleges and universities – need to be able to understand those opportunities, as well as the real risks new technology brings.

That’s why we want to kick start a conversation with experts from across education and technology to hear their views and learn from their experiences. This will help us make the right decisions to get the best out of generative AI in a safe and secure way.

Open from today for anyone working in education, the call for evidence will run until 23 August 2023. To support this work, the Department for Education will also speak to experts through forums, surveys, and interviews. The aim is to gather insight on how generative AI is being used in schools, colleges, and universities, and how it could be used to support the sector in the future.

The launch follows the publication of a statement published in March 2023, setting out the Department’s position on the use of generative AI and sits alongside wider work on intellectual property, protecting the commercial value of data and understanding regulatory implications.

Alongside this, the government is continuing to deliver on the pledge made last year to enable all schools to connect to gigabit broadband by 2025, as well as its ongoing commitment to drive down unnecessary workload and improve wellbeing.

Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:

AI promises to be one of the most impactful technologies of our lifetimes, and the UK is well positioned to be one of the leading countries unlocking the opportunities of this technology.

However, in our UK Tech Plan, we stressed the importance of continuing to ensure we increase access to talent to both seize the benefits of AI and guard against its risks. Ending digital poverty is crucial if the UK aims to lead the conversation on AI on a global scale.

The tech sector stands ready and willing to work closely with government and the education sector to ensure we can use AI in the best possible way to support pupils and educate them as they prepare to enter an increasingly digitally savvy workforce.

Adult learners will also be supported to gain essential digital skills needed for life, work and study, thanks to new Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQs) courses which will begin in September.

Research undertaken by Ipsos shows that 20% of adults across the UK have either no or low essential digital skills that are essential to participate actively in modern life, work and society – such as turning on a device or connecting to Wi-Fi.

The new Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce will support this work by establishing what computing and digital skills are needed now and for the future, working closely with industry experts to encourage more young people to consider a career in key sectors such as cyber security, AI or computing.

BESA Director General, Caroline Wright, said:

I welcome the Secretary of State’s focus on addressing the use of AI in education. EdTech is a tool that can support teaching and learning. Emerging technologies such as large language models have the potential to be transformative to education and the future of work.

I am glad that both educators and industry are invited to contribute to the call for evidence and look forward to working closely with the department as it engages with the sector on this important issue over the months ahead.

Chris Goodall, Deputy Headteacher, Epsom and Ewell High School, Bourne Education Trust:

As a school at the forefront of implementing education technologies to enhance teaching and learning, Epsom and Ewell High School, part of Bourne Education Trust, wholeheartedly supports the Education Secretary’s initiative to explore the potential of AI in education.

We have seen first-hand the impact that AI can have for teaching and support staff in developing student engagement and greater personalised learning. We believe that AI technologies have the potential to transform teaching and learning, helping teachers to manage their workloads effectively while enhancing student outcomes.

However, we also recognise the risks and concerns that have rightly been highlighted across the sector and understand it is critical to work towards the safe, secure and ethical use of AI. We eagerly anticipate contributing to this call for evidence, and we welcome the opportunity to share our experiences and insights in the hopes of shaping the future of AI in education.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Multimillion pound competition to find cutting-edge rail technology launches for its seventh year [June 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 14 June 2023.

Government funding to be awarded for new concepts that will transform rail travel for passengers and increase value for money.
- winning projects will be awarded a share of £5.3 million of Department for Transport funding and a further £1 million of HS2 Ltd funding
- winners will demonstrate innovation, cost efficiency and increasing value for money as part of the wider goal to make our railways financially sustainable
- previous winners include apps to allow those with accessibility needs to call for assistance on the move and to swap train tickets last minute
More than £6 million of government funding has been made available for companies with innovative ideas to improve Britain’s railways as Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, launched the latest First of a Kind (FOAK) competition today (14 June 2023).

Under the themes of cost efficiency and increasing value for money, the competition – now in its seventh year – is inviting applicants to put forward proposals for technology that can offer a better customer experience, more reliable services and improved methods to install high-speed rail systems that could slash installation times.

For the first time, this year’s competition is in partnership with HS2 Ltd, which is offering £1 million of funding for innovations to speed up or cut costs of high speed rail systems installations.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said:

This is an incredible opportunity not just for businesses but for the entire rail industry. Every year, this competition brings together the best and the brightest whose talent and ingenuity help to solve problems we’re facing and drive our railways forward.

This year, we’ll be bringing even more trailblazing projects to life by funding ideas that benefit the passenger, encourage efficiency and transform our rail network for the better.

This year’s competition follows on from 6 successful rounds and a total of almost £50 million in funding, which has seen a range of innovative projects hit the market and improve the day-to-day running of the railways. This includes:
- Seat Frog’s Train Swap product, used across 8 operators, which allows passengers to swap train tickets without having to purchase a new one, as well as bid for last-minute first-class upgrades
- Hack Partners’ Hubble technology, which uses train-mounted cameras to identify and address lineside maintenance issues, such as faults with overhead lines, reducing delay times and costly repairs
- Transreport’s technology, which enables passengers with disabilities to request assistance quickly and easily while on the move, as well as keeping them updated on any disruption on their journeys
There are also a number of winning projects in the pipeline, which are set to become commercial in the coming years. This includes the University of Birmingham’s project developing hydrogen-powered trains, which will be crucial to decarbonising the railways and achieving the UK’s net zero plans.

Further funding is also being awarded to 2 of FOAK’s 2022 winners, so that they may enter the second phase of testing, giving them a better chance of being brought into commercial use. The 2 projects – one that makes it easier to charge train batteries and the other, which uses kinetic energy to cut emissions from diesel trains – have been granted almost £1.5 million in additional funding between them as they represent the most promising projects as part of the ‘low emissions and a greener railway’ theme.
June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Six Trustees Reappointed to National Museums Liverpool [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 14 June 2023.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has reappointed Heather Blyth, Sarah Dean, Paul Eccleson, Rita Mclean, Anthony Wilson to second terms of 3 years and David Flemming for a second term of 4 years.

Heather Blyth

Reappointed from 18 May 2023 until 17th May 2026.

Heather is a member of the House of Memories Steering Group. Heather has brought a very important perspective to the trustee board and has been excellent in her contribution. With her marketing background and significant experience in social media she has made a big contribution to both the House of Memories Steering Group and a range of other activities.

Sarah Dean

Reappointed from 01 March 2023 until 28th February 2026.

Sarah is Chair of the NML Finance & Resources Committee. Her contribution to the trustee board has been excellent. Her leadership of the finance and resources committee has been exemplary and in particular during challenging times of Covid. She brings an astute financial perspective to the board as a very experienced non-executive in terms of constructive challenge.

Paul Eccleson

Reappointed from 18 May 2023 until 17th May 2026.

Paul is Chair of NML’s Audit & Risk Committee. His contribution has been invaluable. Coming from a top-flight private sector commercial background, he has made an outstanding contribution to the Board of Trustees. His leadership of the Audit & Risk Committee has been excellent. With a new risk framework committee now established, Trustees feel confident that they are maintaining good governance.

David Flemming

Reappointed from 01 March 2023 until 28th February 2027.

David is a member of the Audit & Risk Committee. His contribution to the trustee board is excellent. With a wide experience in a range of sectors he has been particularly thoughtful around the development plan, the IT infrastructure and associated issues, and more particularly the general direction of NML.

Rita Mclean

Reappointed from 18 May 2023 until 17th May 2026.

Rita’s considerable experience in collections management and interpretation in the museum sector has been immensely helpful to the trustee board. At the trustee board she makes an excellent contribution across a wide range of issues and her museums sector experience is valuable. She is held in high regard by other colleagues.

Anthony Wilson

Reappointed from 18 May 2023 until 17th May 2026.

Tony’s experience as a partner and very senior lawyer in Liverpool has been welcomed on the board. He makes a valid contribution across a range of issues and is being particularly helpful in development plans with his extensive property development experience.

Remuneration and Governance Code

Trustees are not remunerated for these roles. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Heather Blyth, Sarah Dean, Paul Eccleson, David Flemming, Rita Mclean, Anthony Wilson have not declared any significant political activity.

June 16, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State writes to NI Civil Service on sustainable public finances [June 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 14 June 2023.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has today (Wednesday 14 June) written to the Permanent Secretaries of all Northern Ireland Civil Service departments to request information and advice on a range of measures.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP has today (Wednesday 14 June) written to the Permanent Secretaries of all Northern Ireland Civil Service departments to request information and advice on a range of measures that could generate further public revenue locally, or otherwise improve the sustainability of public finances in Northern Ireland.

Using new powers provided through passage of the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act 2023 for the first time, the Secretary of State has requested information on measures such as domestic water charges, drug prescription charges, and tuition fees.

All of these may be options available to a restored Executive to help to make the budget more sustainable and to ensure public services in NI are affordable on an ongoing basis.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said:

“Public finances in Northern Ireland are not currently on a sustainable footing.

“The UK Government stands ready to work with a restored Executive, but we have a responsibility to ensure the delivery of public services and management of public funds can continue in its absence.

“I remain firmly of the view that the right people to take these decisions are locally elected and accountable Ministers sitting in a fully functioning devolved government.

“I once again call on the Executive to get back up and running so that they can progress much needed and long promised public service transformation and address the systemic issues that are facing public services in NI.

“Simply spending more is not the answer to transforming NI’s public services and does not serve the best interests of the people of NI.”

In the 2021 Spending Review the Government announced that the total block grant for the Northern Ireland Executive would be £15bn per year, on average, over the next three years. This is the largest settlement since devolution in 1998.

The UK Government has provided around £7bn in additional funding to Northern Ireland since 2014, on top of the Barnett-based block grant. Northern Ireland Executive public spending per person is around 20% higher than the equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK.

Through this commission, the Secretary of State is seeking to ensure that work progresses towards a more sustainable budget position in Northern Ireland that better reflects the balance between locally generated revenue and UK Government funding that is happening across the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Secretary of State will continue to engage with Northern Ireland Civil Service departments on the detail of their responses.Any final decisions for implementation should be taken by Northern Ireland’s elected leaders.

June 16, 2023