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  • Sarah Champion – 2023 Speech on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

    Sarah Champion – 2023 Speech on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

    The speech made by Sarah Champion, the Labour MP for Rotherham, in the House of Commons on 29 March 2023.

    May I put on record my deep thanks to the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone)? He has championed this cause for years, when many others really did not want to. We are talking about a dirty and disgusting business—and it is a business. I am grateful for all that he has done and continues to do to put the profile of this awful crime exactly where it needs to be.

    I rise to raise my concerns about the Government’s current approach to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking, particularly through the so-called Illegal Migration Bill; regrettably, it completed its Committee stage yesterday, which makes today’s debate timely. I could have chosen so many topics. The hon. Member spoke about prostituted women; I completely agree that we have to stop the pull factor, which is the fact that it is still legal to buy sex in this country. I could have spoken about child sexual exploitation, which unfortunately I know far too much about, or child criminal exploitation. The hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) spoke a little about child labour in the supply chain, and children working at brick kilns. I was in Nepal with the International Development Committee a couple of weeks ago, and we met those very children. I am really proud that some of our foreign aid goes on supporting those children and letting them know their rights, and, most importantly, on working with the employers, because it tends to be small businesses that still use children in modern slavery. Our aid goes on educating employers and encouraging them to change their practices.

    However, let me focus on the UK. Many professionals are troubled by the Government’s rhetoric, as well as the Illegal Migration Bill, which conflates modern slavery with migration, asylum and smuggling. The International Justice Mission states that conflating those issues risks hindering efforts to assist survivors and ensure traffickers are held to account. It only makes this problem worse.

    I was very proud in 2015, when the UK was genuinely a world leader in tackling modern slavery, with the unprecedented Modern Slavery Act. I was on the Bill Committee, and it was genuinely world-changing. People came from all over the world to see what we were doing, although the hon. Member for Wellingborough is right that children were always an omission and not supported properly.

    That pride feels light years away from where we are today. The measures in the Illegal Migration Bill, particularly in relation to modern slavery survivors, are deeply disturbing, cruel and lacking in compassion and common sense. I cannot imagine how terrifying it must be to be trafficked to this county against one’s will, as well as, in many cases, being a victim of sexual exploitation or modern slavery.

    We must remember that modern slavery and trafficking also happen in the UK. I referred to child exploitation: in Rotherham, the police innovatively used trafficking legislation, because it says that moving a person from one side of the street to the other is trafficking. We have strong legislation in place for that; it is just not being enforced as often as it should be, and nor is the national referral mechanism. I was disappointed in the early days of that scheme that many local authorities were not referring local people into that support network.

    The Government now want to refuse vulnerable people vital protections that we put into law less than eight years ago. The Illegal Migration Bill would disqualify victims of trafficking and modern slavery from protections under the national referral mechanism and deny crucial support to those who arrived in the UK through irregular means, allowing them to be removed entirely from this country. That includes child victims of trafficking whose family members meet those conditions.

    Almost 90% of modern slavery claims are found to be valid, meaning that these new provisions will remove support from genuine victims who need our help. The reality is that this will not prevent traffickers, and it certainly will not help victims of modern slavery. I am especially worried about the impact that this will have on victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that survivors are unlikely to report crimes of sexual and gender-based violence or trafficking, without legal protections or safe reporting mechanisms that protect them from immigration exposure.

    If the Government really want to stop the boats, they must first protect victims and survivors of trafficking, slavery and sexual exploitation, to end the traffickers’ business model. Instead, this Bill will punish only the victims. Case studies from the University of Birmingham’s SEREDA project demonstrate why survivors of sexual violence, in particular, must be exempt from removal to other so-called safe countries.

    Samiah fled Algeria after being raped by an influential man in the Algerian army and, facing pressure from her family, married her rapist. Her sister sold her jewellery to pay for Samiah’s passage to safety. Samiah passed through France on the way to the UK but, given the large Algerian population there, and the threat from both her family and the man who attacked her, she did not feel France was safe enough to offer her protection.

    When she arrived in the UK, she had no idea of her rights, and slept rough in Victoria station. She was befriended by a man who gave her alcohol for the first time in her life, and she was raped again, becoming pregnant. She was taken in by a stranger, who helped her find a lawyer, and told she should put in a claim for asylum. Samiah’s case illustrates why it is vital that victims of sexual and gender-based violence must have access to support, no matter how they arrive here. Not all forced migrants feel safe in the first safe country they pass through. The vulnerability of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence will be preyed on even more without the relative protections of the asylum and national referral mechanisms.

    The previous Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner warned repeatedly that denying trafficking victims support makes it harder, not easier, to catch criminal traffickers. Why will the Minister not listen to experts, and protect the victims, rather than the traffickers? Such vast changes to our modern slavery policy should not take place at a time when the UK’s new anti-slavery commissioner has not been appointed. With the role remaining vacant for almost a year, it is deeply concerning that we have lost an independent voice, expert insight and essential scrutiny of the UK’s approach to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking.

    Will the Minister confirm in her response when the new Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner will be appointed? Will the Home Office commit to consult the new commissioner before pushing ahead with these new measures? I am proud that Labour voted against some of the measures in the Bill, because we are on the side of the victims. I am one of those people from the left who want to support victims, but I am also one of those people from the left who want to stop the business model of these traffickers and modern slavery owners. We have to do all we can, in a united way, to make that happen.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government extends mortgage support for benefit claimants [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government extends mortgage support for benefit claimants [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 3 April 2023.

    An additional 200,000 Universal Credit claimants will be able to access quicker support with their mortgage from today.

    • Support for Mortgage Interest loan scheme extended to 200,000 additional Universal Credit claimants in efforts to support more households with the cost of living
    • They will be able to access help towards mortgage interest on their home or certain home improvements worth up to £200,000 after three months on Universal Credit
    • Support will be automatically offered to qualifying claimants after three months on Universal Credit

    Previously, claimants would need to have been unemployed for nine months before they could access a Support for Mortgage Interest loan, which helps them cover interest payments for a mortgage, or a home repairs and improvements loan, whilst they seek work.

    Today’s reforms, which were announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, mean claimants will be able to receive the support after just three months of being on Universal Credit, and in another change they now do not have to be unemployed to do so. They will also be able to re-claim the support if they leave Universal Credit but return within six months.

    Mims Davies, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, said:

    The fear of losing your home when you have fallen on difficult times is incredibly stressful and makes getting back on your feet all the more difficult.

    This increased support is an important lifeline to help provide stability for those who are seeking to find work and move back towards long-term prosperity.

    Support for Mortgage Interest loans will now be automatically offered to claimants by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they qualify after three months on Universal Credit – they do not need to do anything to receive this offer.

    The loans are designed to help claimants with the interest on mortgages or loans for certain home improvements, such as repairs or improvements to keep their home habitable or to adapt them for people with disabilities, whilst they are on Universal Credit. Even if claimants reject the offer of a loan initially, as long as they are still eligible, they can start claiming it at any point.

    The loan needs to be repaid when claimants sell their home, though no one will be asked to sell their home in order to repay it. If needed, claimants can contact the DWP about transferring the loan to a new home.

    More widely, the Government is projected to have spent £28.5 billion supporting renters in 2022/23, whilst the Affordable Homes Programme, worth £11.5 billion, will deliver more affordable homes across the country, including tens of thousands for social rent.

    The Government has also provided over £1.5 billion for Discretionary Housing Payments since 2012, whilst Local Housing Allowance rates were increased above inflation during the pandemic and have been maintained since to provide housing support to Universal Credit claimants.

    Additional Information

    • Support for Mortgage Interest loans are available for people on the following qualifying benefits:
    • Universal Credit
    • Income Support
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Pension Credit
    • For more information on Support for Mortgage Interest, please visit www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest or speak to your work coach.
    • Support for Mortgage Interest payments are made directly to the lender every month.
    • Today’s changes come in addition to extensive support with the Cost of Living, including a year-long extension to the Household Support Fund. Worth over £2 billion in its lifetime, the fund is designed to help the most vulnerable with the cost of food and energy essentials.
    • And the Government is directly paying £301 to over 8 million people on means-tested benefits from 25 April to help with the cost of living. Further payments worth £300 and £299 will be made later in the financial year, whilst additional payments of £300 for pensioners and £150 for disabled people will also be made in 2023, meaning some people will receive up to £1,350 in direct Government support.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to clamp down on Grooming Gangs [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister to clamp down on Grooming Gangs [April 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 April 2023.

    Evil grooming gangs who target children and young women will be stamped out under new plans unveiled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today (Monday 3 April).

    Evil grooming gangs who target children and young women will be stamped out under new plans unveiled by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today (Monday 3 April).

    A new Grooming Gangs Taskforce will see specialist officers parachuted in to assist police forces with live child sexual exploitation and grooming investigations to bring more of these despicable criminals to justice.

    Led by the police and supported by the National Crime Agency, the taskforce will be made up of officers with extensive experience of undertaking grooming gang investigations. They will provide crucial support to forces across the country to root out grooming gangs and put more perpetrators behind bars.

    Data analysts will work alongside the taskforce using cutting edge data and intelligence to identify the types of criminals who carry out these offences, helping police forces across the country catch offenders who might otherwise be missed. This will also include police recorded ethnicity data to make sure suspects cannot evade justice because of cultural sensitivities.

    This will include better data on the make-up of grooming gangs, including ethnicity, to make sure suspects cannot hide behind cultural sensitivities as a way to evade justice.

    The Prime Minister will launch the taskforce later today. To mark this, he will be in Leeds and Greater Manchester to meet survivors, local police partners and members of the new taskforce.

    Speaking ahead of this, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    “The safety of women and girls is paramount. For too long, political correctness has stopped us from weeding out vile criminals who prey on children and young women. We will stop at nothing to stamp out these dangerous gangs.”

    Alongside the new taskforce, the Prime Minister has pledged to make sure grooming gang members and their ring leaders receive the toughest possible sentences.

    Legislation will be introduced to make being the leader of or involved in a grooming gang a statutory aggravating factor during sentencing. This reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to make sure these offenders face the toughest sentences for their crimes and the longest time behind bars.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab, said:

    “Grooming gangs are a scourge on our society and I want to send a clear message to anyone who exploits vulnerable children that they will face the full weight of the law.

    “This builds on the extensive action this Government has already taken to introduce tougher sentencing, and the reforms introduced last week in the Victims and Prisoners Bill to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars, while making sure victims get the support they need at all times.”

    Today’s announcement follows on from the Home Secretary’s commitment to bring in mandatory reporting for adults working with children if they suspect or identify that child is being abused. By ensuring people speak out if they have concerns, authorities can stop the abuse, put perpetrators behind bars and get victims the support they need much sooner.

    Mandatory Reporting was one the key recommendations in the important Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which gave a voice to thousands of courageous survivors. Today’s announcement shows how seriously the Government is taking the Inquiry’s recommendations.

    Speaking in response to the Government’s announcement on mandatory reporting, Professor Alexis Jay OBE, Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and Author, Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham, said:

    “The Prime Minister’s statement today places a renewed focus on tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by organised networks. I welcome these announcements, some of which reflect the recommendations of the Inquiry’s own report on child sexual exploitation in 2022. The commitment to Mandatory Reporting is very encouraging, and I look forward to working with the Government to ensure that the full package of the Inquiry’s recommendations in its Final Report is taken forward to better protect children from sexual abuse in the future.”

    Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

    “Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes facing our society, it devastates victims, families and whole communities.

    “The protection of children is a collective effort. Every adult must be supported to call out child sexual abuse without fear.

    “And the despicable abusers must be brought to justice. They should not be able to hide. And they must face the full force of the law for their crimes.

    “That’s why I’m introducing a mandatory reporting duty and launching a call for evidence. We must address the failures identified by the Inquiry and take on board the views of the thousands of victims and survivors who contributed to its findings.

    “I would encourage everyone to engage with the process once it starts – it is important to have a national conversation about this to shine a light on this terrible – but too often hidden – crime.”

    Alongside the mandatory reporting duty, we are bolstering support for the NSPCC’s whistleblowing helpline, as well as their public helpline, giving professionals and members of the public a voice to raise concerns about children, or about child grooming in their community.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK’s next generation of medical researchers given funding boost [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK’s next generation of medical researchers given funding boost [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 2 April 2023.

    Investment is aimed at sparking a new wave of revolutionary medical research across the industry.

    • £50 million given to 90 charities to fund revolutionary new medical research into diseases such as cancer, dementia and motor neurone disease.
    • Over 1,200 early career researchers set to benefit from the funding, sustaining the future of the medical research industry.
    • Funding backs PM’s priorities to support the NHS, provide improved treatments and cut waiting lists.

    Over 1,200 researchers in medical research charities will receive over £50 million in funding to help solve some of the biggest global health challenges and secure the future of the UK’s world-class life sciences sector.

    Announced by Science Minister George Freeman today (Sunday 2 April), the funding will support researchers across 90 charities early on in their careers at a time when the UK is committing record amounts to R&D, reaching £20 billion a year by 2024/25. The £50 million investment is aimed at sparking a new wave of revolutionary medical research across the industry, including in dementia, motor neurone disease and brain tumour research.

    Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said:

    The next generation of researchers are the key to solving the greatest medical challenges of our times, tackling hundreds of different diseases and conditions, preventing illnesses and developing lifechanging therapies.

    By investing in those very people that make up our world-class medical research community, we hope to inspire a new wave of budding researchers that can continue to improve the lives of those affected by these diseases across the UK.

    Ninety charities across the UK have received the funding, ranging from larger household names to smaller charities working on rarer diseases such as cystic fibrosis or conditions such as epilepsy. Regional charities operating across the UK such as the Yorkshire Cancer Research and Wessex Medical Trust are included, alongside charities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    Over £2.8 million will be delivered to dementia charities, such as the Alzheimer’s Society, supporting early career researchers to defeat dementia by researching the causes, cure, care, and prevention of the disease.

    Over £1.3 million will also be delivered to brain tumour charities and over £1.7 million to motor neurone disease charities, two causes that are close to the hearts of many affected by it through their own experiences or that of friends and family across the UK.

    Other examples of charities receiving funding include:

    • Epilepsy Research UK
    • North West Cancer Research
    • Medical Research Scotland
    • Wellbeing of Women
    • Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI

    Minister of State for Science, Research & Innovation George Freeman said:

    Medical research charities from Cancer Research UK to the thousands of smaller specialist charities like Cure Leukamia , the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the MND Association are the jewels in the crown of UK Medical Research and patient access to medical breakthroughs.

    Medical charity fundraising collapsed in the pandemic. That’s why we’re extending our pandemic relief with this £50m Government funding to help 90 medical research charities support over 1,000 early career researchers.

    Minister of State for Health Will Quince said:

    We’re cementing our position as a global leader in life sciences by investing in the next generation of medical researchers to cultivate and harness the innovation of young, pioneering minds and secure the future of our healthcare.

    This is yet another example of how we’re leading the way to support research into conditions like dementia and helping accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge medical advancements and bolstering patient care through faster and more accurate diagnoses.

    First introduced in 2021 to provide economic security to medical research charities in the wake of the COVID pandemic, the Medical Research Charities Early Career Researchers Support Fund is helping to attract, retain, and develop the most talented and diverse researchers into these roles so that the budding world-class researchers of tomorrow are persuaded to work, remain, and develop within the UK, underpinning the Government’s plans to make the UK into a science and technology superpower.

    Early career researchers are the lifeblood of the UK’s medical research community, serving as the future of life sciences research which aims to tackle hundreds of different diseases and conditions, seeking to prevent illness, develop therapies and generally improve public health.

    In the Science and Technology Framework published in March, the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology identified boosting public investment into research and development as a key target for government, seeking to foster new economic growth and better productivity across the industry.

    The Medical Research Charities Early Career Researchers Support Fund (2022-23) is administered by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with the help of the Association of Medical Research Charities and is made up of £45m funding from Department for Science, Innovation and Technology alongside £5m from the Department for Health and Social Care.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New review to boost employment prospects of autistic people [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New review to boost employment prospects of autistic people [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 2 April 2023.

    A new review designed to boost the employment prospects of autistic people has today been launched by the Government.

    • Sir Robert Buckland KC MP to lead new Autism Employment Review
    • Focus on supporting employers to recruit and retain autistic people and reap benefits of a neurodiverse workforce
    • Recommendations for change to be brought to Government later this year

    A new review designed to boost the employment prospects of autistic people has been launched by the Government to spread opportunity, close the employment gap and grow the economy.

    The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, has appointed Sir Robert Buckland KC MP to lead the review, which will consider how the Government can work with employers to help more autistic people realise their potential and get into work.

    People with autism have particularly low employment rates – with fewer than three in 10 in work – but the Buckland Review of Autism Employment, supported by charity Autistica and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is aiming to change that.

    The Review will ask businesses, employment organisations, specialist support groups and autistic people to help identify the barriers to securing and retaining work and progressing with their careers.

    The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP said:

    We know autistic people can face barriers moving into employment and staying there. This is often down to the employers themselves not having the tools to support autistic people, or truly understanding the value of a neurodiverse workforce.

    This important review will provide us with vital information to remove these barriers and help more autistic people start, stay and succeed in work by ensuring more employers provide truly inclusive places to work. I look forward to seeing the recommendations from the review.

    Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KC MP said:

    I am delighted to have been asked to lead this important Review. Our workplaces and businesses would benefit so much from the huge potential that autistic people represent.

    If we close the employment gap for autistic people, it will not just mean individual fulfilment but a significant boost to employment and productivity for our country.

    The Buckland Review of Autism Employment will consider issues including:

    • how employers identify and better support autistic staff already in their workforce;
    • what more could be done to prepare autistic people effectively for beginning or returning to a career;
    • and working practices or initiatives to reduce stigma and improve the productivity of autistic employees.

    It will focus specifically on autistic people, and aim to develop solutions that:

    • will be acceptable to autistic people.
    • will be effective at improving autistic people’s outcomes.
    • will be feasible for employers or public services to deliver.

    The Review will also look at employers who are benefitting from a neurodiverse workforce, like London manufacturer KwickScreen. The innovative company provides transparent screens to every UK hospital and played a pivotal role in the NHS’s response to the Covid pandemic.

    On a recent visit to their Lewisham base, the Minister and Sir Robert discovered many of the breakthrough initiatives in the company came from the neurodiverse members of the team.

    Dr James Cusack, Chief Executive of the UK autism research and campaigning charity, Autistica said:

    The benefits for autistic people and society will be huge if we can give autistic people the opportunity to work and thrive in employment. That’s why as a charity we want to see a doubling of the employment rate for autistic people by 2030.

    We are delighted to support the government on this vital review which will enable us to move from awareness to evidence-based action. This will help us to rethink how we approach autistic people’s access to work and perhaps drive a wider rethink around how we accommodate everyone in work, as we all think differently with unique strengths, challenges and needs.

    As part of the review, many of the adjustments and initiatives that would benefit autistic people could also benefit a wider group of people who think differently, including those with other neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Portraits of His Majesty The King for UK public authorities [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Portraits of His Majesty The King for UK public authorities [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 1 April 2023.

    New funding has been announced for public organisations to apply for a portrait of His Majesty The King.

    Public authorities throughout the United Kingdom will be able to apply for a free portrait of His Majesty The King, fully funded by the UK Government, as part of a scheme to celebrate the new reign.

    Councils, courts, schools, police forces and fire and rescue services will be among the public institutions across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom to be offered a new official portrait photograph of His Majesty, funded by the UK Government.

    The announcement comes ahead of people from across the world coming together to celebrate the Coronation on 6 May.

    The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden MP, said:

    We have entered a new reign in our history. Now as we unite in preparing for the splendour of The King’s Coronation, these new portraits will serve as a visible reminder in buildings up and down the country of the nation’s ultimate public servant.

    They will help us turn a page in our history together – and pay a fitting tribute to our new sovereign. I am sure they will take pride of place in public buildings across the land.

    Chief Secretary to the Treasury John Glen said:

    This scheme will allow thousands of public institutions across the UK to mark this defining moment in our nation’s history with pride.

    The Coronation of His Majesty the King is an opportunity for the whole country to unite, and these new portraits continue a very British tradition to celebrate this momentous occasion.

    The accession of our Head of State, His Majesty The King, has meant the beginning of a new reign, and the UK Government considers it is right that public authorities, as part of the fabric of our nation, have the opportunity to commemorate this moment, strengthen civic pride, and reflect the new era in our history.

    Official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II are currently on display in many public institutions, and the offering of the new official portrait of King Charles III will enable organisations across the UK to carry on that tradition.

    The scheme will be opened later this year following the Coronation and the release of the official portraits of His Majesty by the Royal Household. Those public authorities who are eligible will be offered the opportunity to request one free framed portrait once it is released. Further details will be provided in due course.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Changes to business rates rules for self-catering properties [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Changes to business rates rules for self-catering properties [April 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 1 April 2023.

    New rules on lettings for self-catering properties you will need to meet to continue to be eligible for business rates.

    From April 2023, new eligibility rules for business rates will apply to self-catering properties in England and Wales.

    If you don’t meet these rules your property will become eligible for paying Council Tax.

    The rules will be used in assessments from 1 April 2023. The information about lettings during the 2022/23 operating year will be used to determine whether a property is eligible.

    The changes

    The new eligibility rules are different depending on whether your property is in England or Wales.

    If your property is in England:

    To continue to be eligible for business rates, from 1 April 2023 your property must be:

    • available for letting commercially for short periods that total 140 nights or more in the previous and current year.
    • actually let commercially for 70 night or more in the previous 12 months.

    If your property is in Wales:

    To continue to be eligible for business rates, from 1 April 2023 your property must be:

    • available to let commercially for short periods that total 252 nights or more in the previous and current year.
    • actually let commercially for 182 nights or more in the previous 12 months.

    The VOA looks at whether the property was occupied immediately before midnight to establish whether a property was let on a certain night.

    For example, this means that a property let out from Friday evening to Sunday morning would have been let for two nights for the purposes of meeting the self-catering criteria.

    What being let commercially means

    When we talk about commercially let properties, we mean properties that are let with the intention of making a profit. This usually means the property is let at market rates and actively advertised. For example, using holiday cottage websites, estate agents, and tourist web pages to advertise the property.

    Any non-commercial lettings, for example lettings to family and friends for amounts below the market rates, would not count towards commercial lettings.

    Who is affected

    The new rules apply only to properties classified as self-catering holiday lets by the VOA within the broad use category of short stay accommodation . They don’t apply to other types of accommodation in this category, such as hotels, hostels and guest houses.

    There won’t be any exceptions in the application of the new eligibility rules. They will apply equally to all self-catering properties across England and Wales.

    New self-catering properties will be liable for Council Tax until the property meets the eligibility rules.

    When properties will be assessed using the new rules

    Valuation officers conduct a rolling programme to check that properties listed as self-catering properties in the non-domestic rating list meet the eligibility rules. A valuation officer will ask for this information in the ‘Request for Information’ form, which will be sent to you at a later date. It will consider whether you meet the new rules on your actual lettings for your property in 2022/23.

    The rolling programme means we will ask customers to give us information at different times during the 2023/24 operating year. But we will be using a universal date, from which we will assess whether the new eligibility rules have been met, of 01 April 2023.

    The new eligibility rules will be used in assessments made from 1 April 2023.

    Properties may also be reassessed for other reasons. For example, if there has been a change of circumstances or a change of use.

    We usually tell customers to tell us as soon as they know about a change in circumstances, such as a self-catering property no longer being used this way. This is so we can add it to the Council Tax Valuation List, and your local council can contact you about your Council Tax bill.

    But you don’t need to tell the VOA if you know you won’t meet the new eligibility roles on lettings until after 01 April 2023. This is because we can’t make changes to the Rating List on the new eligibility criteria until it comes into force.

    The information used in assessments

    The VOA issues forms called ‘Requests for Information’. One of them has been designed specifically for self-catering units and holiday cottages. The information provided on this form is used to check that the eligibility rules for self-catering properties are met.

    It’s important that you return this form in time – you will be liable to a financial penalty otherwise. It’s also important to complete it accurately, as it’s a legal document and there can be serious consequences for including false information, including prosecution.

    Support available

    There are a number of reliefs available to assist businesses, including the Small Business Rates Relief scheme (SBRR). You can find out more about reliefs by contacting your local council.

    Any questions about business rates or Council Tax payments should be made to your local council.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Thérèse Coffey – Companies that pollute our waters could face unlimited penalties [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Thérèse Coffey – Companies that pollute our waters could face unlimited penalties [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 1 April 2023.

    Higher fines for water companies to be reinvested into water quality improvements, Environment Secretary to announce.

    Tougher penalties and fines on water companies will be reinvested back into a new Water Restoration Fund, Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey is expected to announce next week, making polluters pay for damage they cause to the environment. This fund will deliver on-the-ground improvements to water quality and support local groups and community-led schemes which help to protect our waterways.

    It will form part of a new Plan for Water, to be published shortly, which will map out the government’s action plan for tackling pollution, boosting water supplies, driving up performance and toughening up enforcement against companies who fail to deliver improvements.

    The fund will help local groups – bringing together local NGOs, councils, farmers and others – to identify the biggest issues and direct investment to where it is most needed to improve our rivers, lakes and streams.

    It will support projects to look after our water environment, improve management of our waters and restore protected sites. These could include restoring wetlands, creating new habitats in important nature sites, tackling invasive non-native species and ‘rewiggling’ rivers – adding natural bends to improve water quality and biodiversity.

    The Environment Secretary is also expected to publish a six-week consultation on strengthening the Environment Agency’s ability to impose sanctions on water companies without going through the courts.

    The consultation sets out the government’s preferred option for lifting the upper cap on civil penalties on water companies, allowing unlimited fines. These penalties will be quicker and easier to enforce although the most serious cases will still be taken through criminal proceedings.

    The Plan for Water will include measures on every source of pollution – storm overflows, agriculture, plastics, road run-off and chemicals – as well as managing the pressures on our water supply.

    Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

    I know how important our beautiful rivers, lakes, streams and coastlines are for people and nature – and I couldn’t agree more than more needs to be done to protect them.

    I want to make sure that regulators have the powers and tools to take tough action against companies that are breaking the rules and to do so more quickly.

    Through the Water Restoration Fund, I will be making sure that money from higher fines and penalties – taken from water company profits, not customers – is channelled directly back into the rivers, lakes and streams where it is needed. We know that around 310 miles of rivers each year have been improved through community-led projects – we must build on that success.

    Further detail on how the Water Restoration Fund will be managed will be set out in due course.

    Since 2015 the Environment Agency has secured fines of over £144 million, including £90 million from a fine imposed on Southern Water in 2021.

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Hop Around for £2’ this Easter as bus fare cap extended until end of June [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Hop Around for £2’ this Easter as bus fare cap extended until end of June [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 1 April 2023.

    Government invests £75 million to provide discounted bus travel for another 3 months across 5,000+ routes from over 140 bus companies.

    • millions of passengers can continue to get on the bus for £2 as fare cap is extended until 30 June
    • almost a third off bus tickets as government invests up to £75 million to provide discounted and sustainable travel for another 3 months
    • the cap is available across 5,000+ routes from over 140 operators, with passengers encouraged to use discounted bus tickets

    Millions across England are encouraged to ‘Hop Around for £2’ this spring as the £2 bus fare cap is extended to 30 June.

    Thanks to £75 million of extra government investment, the fare cap means passengers can save on single bus tickets, helping them travel more affordably to education, work and medical appointments.

    Extended from today (1 April 2023), the offer will apply to more than 5,000 routes in England from over 140 operators, as the government continues to help households through this difficult economic period, while levelling up transport and growing the economy.

    With the average single local bus ticket costing £2.80, passengers can save almost a third of the ticket price and over 75% on some of the longest trips.

    The scheme, which began in January this year, has already seen an uptick in passenger numbers. This extension will continue to encourage greater bus use and is expected to take up to 4 million cars off the road, supporting ambitions for greener journeys by minimising pollution and tackling congestion across the country.

    A key part of the government’s Help for Households campaign, the fare cap is helping to deliver real savings for people most affected by the rising cost of living.

    Some of the biggest savings on the longest routes up and down the country thanks to the fare cap include:

    • £12.50 from Lancaster to Kendall, a saving of 86% from £14.50
    • £9.20 from Plymouth to Exeter, a saving of 82% from £11.20
    • £6.00 from Newcastle to Middlesbrough, a saving of 75% from £8.00
    • £6.50 from Hull to York, a saving of 76% from £8.50
    • £13.00 from Leeds to Scarborough, a saving of 87% from £15.00

    Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

    Bus travel should be accessible and affordable for everyone. We know that people are struggling with rising costs, which is why we’re extending the £2 bus fare cap and continuing to put money back into passengers’ pockets.

    This will help to ensure people can get around easily, no matter where they live – connecting them with work, education, doctors’ appointments as well as friends and families – in turn strengthening communities and growing local economies.

    This measure builds on more than £2 billion already invested to protect buses in England since the pandemic and a further £1 billion for Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP) to improve services and keep fares down as part of the National Bus Strategy, published in 2021.

    Bus fare caps are also available across major cities and local authorities, such as Greater Manchester and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, thanks to the £1 billion in BSIP funding.

    Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said:

    The continuation of the £2 fare cap is a welcome boost for passengers during a cost-of-living crisis, reminding people buses are a stress-free, affordable and environmental option for work, education, appointments, leisure or to see loved ones.

    Alongside low fares, passengers need the government to continue to invest in bus services to help maintain connectivity across England, no matter where you live.

    Today’s announcement will help deliver on our vision of a net zero transport network, with the cap estimated to take 4 million car journeys off the road and building on the nearly £300 million already invested by government for up to 1,400 zero emission buses in England from the Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas (ZEBRA).

    David Bradford, Managing Director of National Express West Midlands, said:

    It’s fantastic to see that the government recognises the important role bus services have on local communities, not only to help people travel more affordably or access work, but also reduces congestion and emissions on our roads.

    The £2 fare scheme has been warmly received by our customers with over 3 million passengers taking advantage of cheaper bus fares since January, and we hope that news of this extension will encourage even more people to ditch their cars and switch to buses to get around.

    The government will continue to work closely with bus operators and local authorities to help passengers continue to access reliable and affordable bus services after June.

    Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland Director, said:

    With spring upon us and as we head towards the Easter break the decision to extend the fare cap is welcome news, supporting people to get out and take day trips and mini-breaks across England, by keeping the cost of transport down.

    Enabling people to get out and explore England affordably this spring also gives families the chance to make great memories together, and provides tourism and hospitality businesses with a welcome boost as the season gets underway.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New scheme for cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy launches [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New scheme for cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy launches [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 1 April 2023.

    From 1 April women in England will be able to access cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help with menopause symptoms.

    • New HRT prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will help around 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds annually, with costs reduced to less than £20 a year
    • The certificate is available to get online or in some pharmacies, and can be used as many times as needed across the year

    Women experiencing symptoms of the menopause can now access cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – the main treatment for menopause symptoms – helping to save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges.

    The new HRT prepayment certificate (PPC) being rolled out today (1 April) will reduce prescription costs to just £19.30 per year and can be used against a list of eligible HRT items which includes patches, tablets and topical preparations. Patients can use the HRT PPC as many times as they need across the year.

    Making HRT more accessible, by reducing the cost, is one of the ways the government is making menopause support more readily available to women, alongside working with suppliers to encourage and support HRT supply to meet growing demand.

    Health and Social Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    Menopause care is essential healthcare, and we are ensuring cost is no longer a barrier to women getting the medicines they need.

    Better access to HRT will improve the lives of millions and gives women the freedom to take control of their symptoms.

    We’ve rightly put women’s health at the top of the agenda through our Women’s Health Strategy – and continue to deliver on our commitments.

    Minister for Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield said:

    Since we launched the Women’s Health Strategy last summer, we have made great progress in raising the profile of  health issues affecting women, including symptoms of the menopause.

    Often its necessary to  use more than one type of HRT, and many women I have spoken to needed to try a few different types to get the right medication that works for them.

    Everyone is different, and price should not be a barrier to treatment – reducing the price of a year’s worth of HRT to under £20 is a huge moment of levelling the playing field.

    Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador for England said:

    Many women do not realise that they are going through the menopause.

    Helping to make them aware about the inevitability of becoming menopausal, is an important first step. The next step is improving awareness that HRT may be an option to help women manage this stage of their life course .

    Making HRT easier to access will significantly improve the lives of many women who choose to use it, enabling them to reach their full potential.

    Helen Simmons, a woman who is benefitting from the scheme:

    As an enthusiastic supporter of any advance in menopause care I think the HRT PPC is a great start to helping women access good care and support.

    I will definitely benefit from buying an HRT PPC as I currently have multiple HRT prescriptions every three months, with the majority being on the list that the PPC will cover.

    The application for the certificate was easy to navigate online and I have already shared information about it on my social media pages.

    HRT is a safe and effective treatment for most women going through menopause and perimenopause. It can help relieve menopause and perimenopause symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, joint pains, mood swings and vaginal dryness.

    Taking HRT can also reduce the risk of hormone-related health problems including osteoporosis and heart disease.

    Michael Brodie, chief executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, which delivers the HRT PPC service on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, said:

    We are proud to be delivering the HRT PPC, which is a great addition to the range of NHS services we offer to help people manage their health costs. It is so important that those who rely on HRT have a more cost-effective way of accessing it.

    The NHS England National Menopause Care Improvement Programme is working to improve clinical menopause care in England and reduce disparities in access to treatment. The NHS is also developing an education and training package on menopause for healthcare professionals.

    The introduction of the HRT PPC delivers one of our year 1 priorities for the Women’s Health Strategy for England. Published last summer, the strategy sets out an ambitious new agenda for improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls, and to improve how the health and care system listens to women. Menopause was announced as a priority area within the strategy.

    To ensure all women get the support they need, we recently announced a £25 million investment in women’s health hubs. Women’s health hubs provide integrated services for women in the community, enabling easier access to essential women’s health services such as menstrual health, contraception, pelvic pain and menopause care.

    Menopause can impact all areas of a woman’s life, we recently appointed Helen Tomlinson as the government’s first Menopause Employment Champion – and have awarded grant funding to charities across England to help employers make changes to their workplace to support women’s reproductive health, which includes menopause.

    How to use the new PPC:

    • There are a few different ways to get the HRT PPC:
    • Online on the NHS Business Service Authority website www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc
    • In person at some pharmacies
    • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can use the textphone (or minicom) to contact the NHS Business Services Authority using the Text Relay service. Dial 18001 then the relevant phone number. This will be available from 25 May.
    • The NHS Business Services Authority also offers a telephone translation service and can provider documents in large print or Braille on request.
    • Patients can call 0300 330 2089 for help and support.
    • To use your HRT PPC, ask your prescriber for your HRT items on a separate prescriptions to any other medicines you are prescribed (one prescription per item). This is to ensure the prescription can be processed correctly at the pharmacy.
    • Take your prescription(s) and HRT PPC to a pharmacy and use it as many times as you need over 12 months.

    To be aware before getting the HRT PPC:

    • Check that you’re not already eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker on the NHS BSA website.
    • Check that your medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc/medicines-covered-hrt-ppc
    • Check whether a 3 or 12 month general PPC is more suitable for you. It covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items, and may be more cost effective if you are prescribed other medicines as well as HRT. Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc
    • The HRT PPC will be valid for 12 months and there is no limit on the number of times the certificate is used before it expires. You don’t need to get it on 1 April – get it just before your next prescription to maximise your use of it over the year.