Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : Ministers set out blueprint for future of the railways through draft Rail Reform Bill [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 20 February 2024.

Draft bill sets out blueprint for bringing track and train together under a new Great British Railways, leveraging private sector innovation to benefit customers.
- draft Rail Reform Bill published – key part of vision for future of our railways
- new proposals will leverage private sector innovation to deliver a better service overseen by Great British Railways
- action already underway to improve train travel, including Pay As You Go ticketing and simpler fares pilot
Ministers have today (20 February 2024) put forward a clear plan for the future of the railways, publishing a draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny.

The draft Rail Reform Bill sets in motion the plan to deliver a bold vision for future rail customers – of punctual and reliable services, simpler tickets and a modern and innovative railway that meets the needs of passengers and freight users. When passed, it will help deliver on the 2019 manifesto commitment by bringing forward the biggest rail reform programme in a generation to create a simpler, more effective rail system.

Since the end of the nationalisation seen under British Rail, passenger numbers have doubled and the quality of rolling stock has vastly improved. To meet the demands of a modern economy and society, we need our railways to be more responsive and more efficient, more adaptive to technology and innovation, and to fully embrace the private sector and its benefits.

The draft Bill will see the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), which will bring together responsibility for both rail infrastructure and services. This will provide clearer lines of accountability and help build a more modern and financially secure sector and a network that is more adaptable and more efficient.

GBR will ensure passengers and freight benefit from industry expertise through a whole-system approach that will drive financial efficiency. When established, GBR will be the new franchising authority, contracting with the private sector to deliver passenger services and maximise investment, innovation and opportunity.

The reforms will improve connectivity and choice for passengers, including by encouraging private sector open-access operators, where they add value for passengers through more direct links and more options.

The bill applies mainly to Great Britain, with Scottish and Welsh ministers continuing to exercise existing devolved responsibilities, but with an option to delegate contracting authority to GBR to enable the integration of track and train across Great Britain if they wished to pursue it.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

It’s been nearly 200 years since the birth of the British railways and with travel patterns having significantly changed over the last few years, it is now more important than ever that they keep up with the changing times.

This draft bill demonstrates our commitment to reforming the railways – working with industry, we will move towards a more modern and financially secure rail network that delivers for passengers for the next 200 years, too.

The draft Rail Reform Bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny to provide parliamentarians and industry experts the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the legislation. This will allow for time to understand the complexities of these reforms and ensure that the final legislation is as robust as possible. Scrutiny will be led by the Transport Select Committee.

The national headquarters of GBR will be in Derby, which was chosen following a rigorous assessment process and public vote, and will deliver yet more high-skilled jobs to the city. Since it was set up in 2021, the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) has already helped lay the foundations for bringing track and train together, uniting expertise from across Network Rail, DfT and the private sector to help tackle the challenges faced by the railways.

GBR will also be tasked with driving forward the UK’s rail freight sector, where the government recently set an ambitious target of 75% growth by 2050.

Many reforms and tangible improvements for passengers are already being delivered. For example, Pay As You Go is currently being rolled out to more stations across the South East and the government recently announced that pilots will also see tap-in tap-out train travel brought to more than 90 stations in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester next year.

These trials will also pave the way for the future rollout of similar technology to more stations across the North and Midlands, funded in part by £100 million under the Network North plan. Network North will see a range of other upgrades to the rail network, including a further £350 million to improve the accessibility of up to 100 rail stations while funding reallocated from HS2 also means that the government can now support the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement scheme that could allow up to an extra 6 freight trains per day to and from the Port of Felixstowe – the equivalent of taking 98,000 lorry journeys off the road every year.

Along with the draft Rail Reform Bill, the government’s response to the public consultation on its Plan for Rail is also being published. This sets out how the public’s views on the proposed reforms have informed what has been taken forward in the draft legislation. The new GBR will bring a whole-system view, benefiting customers and taxpayers and balancing the needs of operators and infrastructure. Across the many responses we received from individuals, industry and organisations there is support for the proposed primary legislative changes set out in the consultation.

Taken together the draft Rail Reform Bill will enable:

More accountability through the establishment of GBR by bringing together the management of the network and the commissioning of passenger services into a new public rail body that puts customers first and delivers efficiency. The Secretary of State for Transport’s franchising authority functions will be transferred to GBR, ensuring that operational and infrastructure decisions are made in a coordinated way. The new body will serve as the single point of accountability for the performance of the railway where previously it was split between Network Rail and the Secretary of State.

Better service by bringing track and train together enabling the sector to run as one system for the benefit of customers and taxpayers. Whole system strategic decision-making should lead to improved reliability and performance of passenger and freight services. GBR’s regional structure is intended to ensure differing regional customer needs are part of decision-making.

Smarter growth of the sector, as GBR will be a commercially-focused organisation that will contract with the private sector to maximise investment and innovation throughout the sector. This includes improving connectivity and choice through more direct links and more options for passengers.

Greater efficiency by working in close partnership with the private sector to deliver a more efficient, modern rail system underpinned by better collaboration and aligned incentives, generating value and savings that will have benefits for passengers and taxpayers.

Improved focus on customers through specific accessibility and freight duties to ensure that accessibility on the railway is improved and the experience for disabled passengers is enhanced. Rail freight will be targeted for growth, recognising the sector’s economic benefits and potential for expansion.

Andrew Haines, GBRTT Lead and CEO of Network Rail, said:

Passengers, freight customers and communities are crying out for a simpler, better railway and the publication of the draft bill is an important step on that journey.

Bringing track and train together under a guiding mind is by far the best way to improve the service the railway offers, unlock the economic potential of a growing network and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.

Jacqueline Starr, CEO of RDG, said:

It is good news that the draft Rail Reform Bill has been published, this is another important step in setting up GBR and moving forward with the agreed reforms to improve the railway for the customer.

The challenges facing the rail industry are well known, but rail is a vital service and should have a bright future if we work together. I look forward to working with the government to further develop the reforms needed to deliver for customers.
March 3, 2024
Rishi Sunak – 2024 Speech to the NFU Annual Conference

The speech made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 20 February 2024.

I know, Minette, this is your last conference as NFU President – so I actually wanted to start by first paying a brief tribute to you.

During a momentous period, you’ve been a formidable champion of our farmers – always fair, always thoughtful, and always forceful. If you asked some of my ministers down they’d probably say very forceful.

But I know everyone will want to join me in once again paying a special tribute and a thanks to Minette for everything she’s done.

Nine years ago, I gave my maiden speech in the House of Commons.

I pledged that day to be a champion of agriculture, the countryside and all of my hard-working rural constituents.

It’s farmers who feed us.

Farmers who embody those British values of strength, resilience, warmth and independence.

I see that in North Yorkshire – and across the country – week in and week out.

I’ve been to the auction marts.

I’ve walked the fields up and down Swaledale and Wensleydale.

Enjoyed our high-quality British meat – which let me tell you we’ll continue supporting people to eat.

I’ve visited upland farms, hill farms, arable and livestock farms.

I even tried my hand at milking once – not very successfully I must say.

But I see first hand the long hours that you work, the weather that you contend with, the family businesses you support, the communities you build…

…the beautiful countryside, the pastures, the hedgerows, the fields, that would not be the same without you.

You do it not for praise, or high reward…

…but to put food on our tables…

…to maintain a tradition and a way of life…

… and to steward our landscape.

It’s part of who we are.

And we don’t celebrate you enough.

And so, on behalf of the nation, I just wanted to say: thank you.

Biggest change in a generation

Now while the importance of farmers will never change – farming is going through its biggest change in a generation.

And as you do so, this government will be by your side.

You’ve been dealing with soaring global prices in things like fuel and fertiliser.

So we’ve been working hard to get inflation down – from 11% last year to 4% now.

And we’re increasing payments in our farming schemes by an average of 10 per cent.

You’re dealing with climate change and extreme weather too.

Devastating flooding has damaged crops…

…delayed planting…

… and has taken a huge toll on our farming communities.

That’s why we quickly set out our flooding support…

… and why we’re going faster than almost anyone else in the world to tackle climate change, even as we reduce the burdens on families.

You’re also at the forefront of innovation – from gene editing to boost resilience to disease, to automation to harvest crops.

And while thanks to you we enjoy good quality food all year round…

… global events – including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – have put food security back at the top of the agenda.

We’ll never take our food security for granted.

We’ve got a plan to support British farming – and we’re going further again, today, in three specific areas.

First, we’re investing in farming.

We promised that across this parliament, every penny of the £2.4 billion annual farming budget would be spent on you.

And we will absolutely meet that promise.

I know that the transition from the Common Agricultural Policy has been frustrating.

It’s taken time.

And I appreciate the perception that we didn’t always get the balance exactly right.

But I still believe the vision is the right one.

CAP disproportionately rewarded the largest landowners and held back smaller farmers.

It did little for food productivity or the environment.

It was far, far too bureaucratic.

Just remember – we used to argue about whether a cauliflower and a cabbage were the same crop…

… and you could be fined thousands for a gateway being too wide, or a buffer strip too narrow.

So it’s right that our new system invests in the foundations of food security – from healthy soils to clean water.

[Please note: Political content redacted here]

And today we want to go further to support you.

So we’re announcing new steps to make our support schemes more generous and easier to use.

Take the Management Payment.

It’s working, with many farmers – small farmers especially – signing up.

So I can announce today that we’re going to double that payment to £2,000…

… with thousands of farmers receiving that money this Spring.

We’re also launching the biggest ever package of grants this year…

… to boost productivity and resilience, which will total £220 million.

Increasing the Improving Farming Productivity scheme to invest in things like robotics and barn-top solar.

We’re opening a new round of the Farming Equipment and Technology fund too, worth £70m.

Second, as farming changes, how we work with you in government must change too.

The services we provide must be shaped around your needs.

And we’ve got to build a culture that’s based on trust.

As President Eisenhower said: “You know, farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from a corn field.”

So we’re changing the culture.

That means trust, support, co-operation…

It means delivering on our promise to cut planning red tape that’s stopping you from diversifying.

In April, for instance, we’ll lay legislation so you can create bigger farm shops or outdoor sports venues.

And it means more funding for grassroots mental health support…

…because we know what a tough job farming is.

Thirdly, we’re strengthening support for your primary role…

…to produce the nation’s food.

Food security is a vital part of our national security.

And recent years have brought home the truth of that.

Putin set off not just an energy price bomb…

…but a food price bomb, too.

And as Minette has so powerfully reminded us time after time…

…in an age of climate change and instability…

…global food production will become increasingly volatile…

…so it’s important to strengthen food security here at home.

Our Agriculture Act introduced a three-yearly report to monitor food security.

But given how much has happened in the last three years, it’s clear that we need to go further.

So today, I can announce we’ll step up our monitoring with a new annual Food Security Index, which we expect to be UK-wide.

And yes Minette, we’ll make this statutory when parliamentary time allows.

We’ll publish the first draft at the Farm to Fork Summit this spring.

And I’m also delighted to say those Summits will become an annual event.

One way to improve food security is to stop millions of tonnes of good, fresh farm food from going to waste…

… just because of its shape or size.

So we’ll also provide funding today, £15m, to redirect that surplus into the hands of those who need it.

Conclusion

So in conclusion, supporting farmers, changing our approach, and strengthening food security – that’s our plan.

And you can trust us to deliver – because… we already are.

You said you wanted a fair price for your products…

…tomorrow we’re laying new regulations for the dairy sector, and we’re launching a review of the poultry sector.

You asked for fair treatment in our trade deals…

…so we’re standing up for our farmers in those negotiations – whether it’s with Canada or anybody else.

You asked for a fairer, more supportive regulatory system…

… and we’ve reformed our approach, cutting penalties for minor issues, already down by 40%.

But more than this, you can trust us because I know how important my neighbours, our farmers, all of you, truly are.

You help support millions of jobs…

…add billions to our economy…

… shape the landscape…

… but most of all, you produce the food we need –

…food that is some of the best and highest quality anywhere in the world.

And that’s why I say to all of you and to Britain’s farmers…

… just as I did in my first days in Parliament:

I’ve got your back.

Thank you very much.

March 3, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Department appoints 2 new non-executive directors [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 20 February 2024.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE and Dame Mary Archer to join Departmental Board.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has appointed a new Lead Non-Executive Board Member (NEBM), Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE, and Non-Executive Board Member, Dame Mary Archer.

The Department welcomes Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson as the Lead NEBM, for a term of 3 years from 1 February 2024. Humphrey brings a wealth of commercial energy experience to the Department, working most latterly as Managing Director of Nuclear Development at EDF UK (post ended June 2022) after a 32-year career in the energy industry.

The Department also welcomes Dame Mary Archer as a NEBM on the Departmental Board, for a term of 3 years from 23 February 2024. Mary is an experienced Non-Executive Director, and is a scientist by profession, specialising in solar power conversion. She was the founder chair of the National Energy Foundation, and then subsequently its President.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, welcomed the new appointees to her Departmental Board:

Humphrey and Mary have an outstanding track record in the energy sector, and I am delighted to be welcoming them to our leadership team. They will provide expert guidance as we drive down bills through a cleaner and more secure energy system.

The Permanent Secretary, Jeremy Pocklington, commented on the new appointments:

We are looking forward to welcoming Humphrey and Mary to the Department. Their significant commercial experience and technical knowledge will be an asset to the Department as we secure the UK’s energy supply and meet our net zero goals.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson CBE said:

I am delighted to join the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as the Lead Non-Executive Board Member. Achieving net zero and securing our energy supply is a challenge, but I am looking forward to supporting the Department in delivering its priorities and positioning the UK as a leader in reaching net zero.

Dame Mary Archer said:

I am looking forward to joining the Department as a Non-Executive Board Member and supporting the Secretary of State and her team in achieving the Department’s objectives.

Humphrey and Mary join current NEBMs Peter Mather and Vikas Shah on the DESNZ Departmental Board.

February 26, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : The UK calls for calm dialogue to de-escalate the situation in Somalia: UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.

Thank you President, I thank SRSG Liang and Special Representative Souef for their briefing and I pay tribute to the work of their teams in Somalia. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Somalia at our meeting.

President let me first address the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding. As we have said previously, the United Kingdom reaffirms its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The UK is a close friend and longstanding partner to both Somalia and Ethiopia, and we are continuing to engage with both governments directly.

The UK calls for calm dialogue to de-escalate the situation and expresses its support for mediation efforts, including the work of IGAD and the AU.

Turning to the situation in Somalia more broadly, the UK notes that the Somali Parliament has begun to debate constitutional amendments outlined in previous National Consultative Council agreements, and urges the Federal Government to pursue a consultative and consensus-building approach to ensure this process has broad-based support among Somalis.

President, this year represents a milestone in Somalia’s security transition. After 15 years of truly courageous service the current AU and UN missions are due to leave at the end of the year.

We look forward to receiving an update from Somalia next month on its requirements into 2025 and beyond, and we encourage the UN and AU to work together closely on next steps ahead of the mandate renewal in June.

We recognise the funding problems AMISOM and ATMIS have faced. As we have said many times, the UK has tried to play its part in solving them.

But we are approaching a critical juncture. Somalia, the AU, UN and partners have invested so much to get to where we are today.

We do not want this progress to go to waste. So, we encourage all Somalia’s partners to continue to support Somalia throughout its security transition and to think about creative ways to maintain support post-ATMIS and UNSOS. If we do not, it will be Al-Shabaab who benefit.

Finally, President, Somalia’s changing security landscape presents significant humanitarian risks alongside an already severe and protracted humanitarian crisis.

It is therefore deeply concerning that the Humanitarian Response Plan remains significantly underfunded.

The UK urges donors to contribute to the plan, to address the urgent unmet need in Somalia.

Any alteration or decision on Somalia’s security must not compromise protection of civilian and humanitarian access.

I thank you.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Transport Secretary announces Sir Gareth Rhys Williams as new National Highways Chair [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 19 February 2024.

The Chair will oversee the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads across the country.

The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, has today (19 February 2024) announced that Sir Gareth Rhys Williams will be taking up the position of Chair of National Highways, following a competitive selection process.

Gareth joins the organisation as National Highways completes its delivery of the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) and prepares for the third Road Investment Strategy.

In his role, Gareth will oversee the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads, which will bring improved journeys, ease congestion, create jobs and grow the economy across the country.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

Gareth will be an excellent new Chair at National Highways as we continue to deliver the government’s plan to back drivers across the country.

As we continue to invest in improving our road network, Gareth has been clear in his commitment to help keep the country moving through the delivery of the government’s £24 billion investment into roads, creating jobs and growing the economy.

Gareth joins from the Cabinet Office and brings extensive private and public sector experience, having been government Chief Commercial Officer for the past 8 years.

New National Highways Chair, Sir Gareth Rhys Williams, said:

I am delighted to be appointed as the Chair of National Highways, such a vital component of the UK’s infrastructure; a network that we all depend on for economic growth and connecting us all every day.

I look forward to working with Nick and his team, the board and other colleagues to help develop and then deliver the next Road Investment Strategy.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Government cracks down on controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 February 2024.

The Government has announced action to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices.
- Government acts against controversial dismissal tactics through a new statutory Code of Practice.
- Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the code.
- Code protects workers’ rights whilst respecting business flexibility.
Action against unscrupulous employers to tackle the use of controversial ‘fire and rehire’ practices will be rolled out by the Government today [19 February].

Dismissal and re-engagement, also known as ‘fire and rehire’, refers to when an employer fires an employee and offers them a new contract on new, often less favourable terms.

The Government has been clear that it firmly opposes this practice being used as a negotiating tactic. Today, a new statutory Code of Practice has been published making clear how employers must behave in this area.

This new Code of Practice shows the Government is going a step further to protect workers across the country. This will help to preserve security and opportunity for those in work, as part of our plan to grow the economy.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

Our new Code will crack down on employers mistreating employees and sets out how they should behave when changing an employee’s contract.

This announcement shows we are taking action to tackle fire and re-hire practices by balancing protections for workers with business flexibility”.

In future the courts, and employment tribunals, will take the Code into account when considering relevant cases. This will include on unfair dismissal claims where the employer should have followed the Code.

Employment tribunals will have the power to apply an uplift of up to 25 percent of an employee’s compensation if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the Code.

The new Code clarifies how employers should behave when seeking to change employees’ terms and conditions, aiming to ensure employees are properly consulted and treated fairly.

Employers will now also need to explore alternatives to dismissal and re-engagement and have meaningful discussions with employees or trade unions to reach an agreed outcome.

The Code makes it clear to employers that they must not use threats of dismissal to pressurise employees into accepting new terms. They should also not raise the prospect of dismissal unreasonably early or threaten dismissal where it is not envisaged.

Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said:

Fire and rehire is an extreme step that can seriously damage working relations and has significant legal risks for organisations. Employers should focus on maintaining good employment relations to reach agreement with staff if they are thinking about making changes to their contracts.

Acas offers impartial advice on employment rights and obligations, and has expertise in helping parties to maintain good industrial relations and resolving disputes where they arise.

The Government’s new draft Code is clear that employers should contact Acas for advice before they raise the prospect of fire and rehire with employees.

Principal Policy Advisor at Institute of Directors, Alexandra Hall-Chen said:

The publication of this Code of Practice provides employers with welcome clarity and practical guidance.

The Code rightly places good industrial relations at its core and represents an effective means of balancing worker protections with labour market flexibility.

Head of Public Policy at CIPD, Ben Willmott said:

The Code promotes good practice, making clear employers should always seek to agree any changes to terms and conditions with employees and that ‘fire and rehire’ should only be used as an absolute last resort.

It highlights the importance of early and meaningful consultation with employees to maximise the chances of finding alternative solutions which can lead to agreement over proposed changes.

It also emphasises that Acas has a key role to play and should be contacted by an employer for advice before it raises the prospect of fire and rehire with the workforce.

The Government previously asked Acas to produce guidance for employers on fire and rehire practices, which was published in 2021.

Background:
- The consultation ran for 12 weeks, inviting views from the public and other interested groups on the new statutory Code.
- The Government has laid the Code of Practice in Parliament for approval by both Houses. Subject to that approval, the Code will then be brought into effect later in the summer.
February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New expert will champion small businesses across Government [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 19 February 2024.

Shirley Cooper OBE has been appointed as the new Crown Representative for small businesses.

An experienced entrepreneur has taken up a key role to promote the needs of small businesses to government and ensure suppliers seize the benefits of the Procurement Act.

Shirley Cooper OBE, former chair and president of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, met Parliamentary Secretary Alex Burghart for the first time as Crown Representative for small businesses earlier this month.

They discussed priorities for the next 12 months, with a focus on the implementation of the Procurement Act in October, which will see further benefits for start-ups and small businesses wishing to work with the government. These include simpler processes, greater transparency and access to opportunities, as well as strengthened payment terms which will maximise value for money and innovation in the government market.

Ms Cooper will lead on the overall relationship between the government and small businesses, making sure the government gets best value from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and that they in turn have the best possible opportunity to work with the government.

Shirley Cooper OBE said:

I am delighted to take up this role and build on the work of my predecessor, Martin Traynor.

I look forward to working with colleagues across Government to make sure small businesses can seize the fantastic opportunities available to them in the public procurement process.”

She will build on the work of Martin Traynor OBE, who is retiring after a five-year tenure in the post which culminated in the reforms of the Procurement Act 2023.

Ms Cooper will also support the commitment to, and delivery of, increasing central government spend on SMEs. This spend has risen every year since 2016/17, and stood at a record £21.0billion worth of work in 2021/2022. The Government spends around £300billion every year on procurement.

She will be an advocate for small businesses, promoting their agenda both in government and externally.

Parliamentary Secretary Alex Burghart said:

I am delighted to welcome Shirley to this role. Small businesses are vital to our economy and I look forward to working with her to make sure our procurement regime is fully accessible to them.

Shirley’s appointment comes at a critical time for small businesses with reforms of the Procurement Act, which will dismantle barriers to them competing for government contracts, coming into force later this year.

In 2011, she co-founded the award-winning start-up law firm Tapestry. Previously, she was global procurement director of Impellam and board adviser to Lorien Resourcing, both recruiting specialists. She was also procurement and supply chain director of Computacenter, and executive director of WEConnect International – both technology and services providers.

Ms Cooper has extensive experience of first-class financial, commercial and operational leadership across both the private and public sector. Earlier in her career, she held senior positions at Leeds Hospitals and Tetley’s.

Ms Cooper also supports many charities and non-profit organisations that drive economic development and have a social impact. She was a trustee and treasurer at UN Women UK for nine years, chair of the International Women’s Forum, vice chair of the Civil Society Women’s UK Alliance and co-founder and chair of the Blueprint Club for women who hold senior procurement roles.

The business leader was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours for services to women’s empowerment, equality and procurement.

Ms Cooper will play a key role in implementing the Procurement Act. She will work with the Cabinet Office’s Small Business Advisory Panel, departments, suppliers and trade bodies to further level the playing field for small businesses, start-ups and social enterprises and ensure they can compete for and win more government contracts.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Trade Update UK-Gulf Cooperation Council FTA negotiations [February 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 February 2024.

Statement on the sixth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The sixth round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) took place between 29 January and 9 February.

The round was hosted in London and held in a hybrid fashion. A number of GCC negotiators travelled to London for in-person discussions with others attending virtually.

Draft treaty text was advanced across the majority of chapters. Technical discussions were held across 21 policy areas over 30 sessions. Good progress was made and both sides remain committed to securing an ambitious, comprehensive and modern agreement fit for the 21st century. The next round of negotiations will be scheduled shortly.

An FTA will be a substantial economic opportunity and a significant moment in the UK-GCC relationship. Total trade was worth £59 billion according to latest figures.

His Majesty’s Government remains clear that any deal signed will be in the best interests of the British people and the United Kingdom economy. We will not compromise on our high environmental, public health, animal welfare and food standards, and we will maintain our right to regulate in the public interest. We are also clear that during these negotiations, the National Health Service and the services it provides is not on the table.

February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Short-term lets rules to protect communities and keep homes available [February 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 19 February 2024.

Local residents will be protected from being pushed out of their communities by excessive short-term lets thanks to changes in planning rules.
- Planning permission will be required for future short-term lets
- Mandatory national register will provide valuable information and help ensure accommodation is safe
- Proposals will give communities greater control over future growth
- Homeowners can continue to let out their own main or sole home for up to 90 nights a year
Local residents will be protected from being pushed out of their communities by excessive short-term lets thanks to changes in planning rules announced today.

Under the reforms councils will be given greater power to control short-term lets by making them subject to the planning process. This will support local people in areas where high numbers of short-term lets are preventing them from finding housing they can afford to buy or to rent.

These changes are part of a long-term plan to prevent a “hollowing out” of communities, address anti-social behaviour and ensure local people can continue to live in the place they call home.

Meanwhile, a new mandatory national register will give local authorities the information they need about short-term lets in their area. This will help councils understand the extent of short-term lets in their area, the effects on their communities, and underpin compliance with key health and safety regulations.

Short-term lets are now a significant part of the UK’s visitor economy, and can provide increased choice and flexibility for tourists and business travellers. To recognise this, homeowners will still be able to let out their own main or sole home for up to 90 nights throughout a year without planning permission and government is considering how to apply the register so it does not apply disproportionate regulation for example on property owners that let out their home infrequently.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:

Short-term lets can play an important role in the UK’s flourishing tourism economy, providing great, easily-accessible accommodation in some of the most beautiful parts of our country.

But in some areas, too many local families and young people feel they are being shut out of the housing market and denied the opportunity to rent or buy in their own community.

So the government is taking action as part of its long-term plan for housing. That means delivering more of the right homes in the right places, and giving communities the power to decide.

This will allow local communities to take back control and strike the right balance between protecting the visitor economy and ensuring local people get the homes they need.

Tourism Minister Julia Lopez said:

Short-term lets provide flexibility for homeowners and give tourists more accommodation options than ever before, but this should not prevent local people from being able to buy or rent homes in their area.

The government is committed to getting the balance right to ensure both local people and our visitor economy can thrive.

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe, Airbnb said:

The introduction of a short-term lets register is good news for everyone. Families who Host on Airbnb will benefit from clear rules that support their activity, and local authorities will get access to the information they need to assess and manage housing impacts and keep communities healthy, where necessary.

We have long led calls for the introduction of a Host register and we look forward to working together to make it a success.

The proposed planning changes would see a new planning ‘use class’ created for short-term lets not used as a sole or main home. Existing dedicated short-term lets will automatically be reclassified into the new use class and will not require a planning application.

The changes are part of the government’s long-term plan for housing, unlocking more of the homes this country needs and meeting the target to deliver one million homes this Parliament, backed by £10 billion investment.

The government also intends to introduce associated permitted development rights – one allowing for a property to be changed from a short-term let to a standard residential dwelling, and a second that would allow a property to be changed to a short-term let. Local authorities would be able to remove these permissions and require full planning permission if they deem it necessary.

Both of these measures are focussed on short-term lets, and therefore the planning changes and the register will not affect hotels, hostels or B&Bs.

Further details of these measures will be set out in the government’s response to the consultations, including the timeline for implementation of the register, the use class and the individual permitted development rights – with the changes being introduced from this summer.

Alistair Handyside MBE, Executive Chair of the Professional Association of Self Caterers UK (PASC UK), said:

We welcome the introduction of a registration scheme for short term lets in England. This is widely supported by accommodation providers and will finally provide real data on our sector. This is a first and important step to creating a level playing field for operators and we look forward to working with the government on the detail of the introduction of the register.
February 25, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : £12.4 million to help change choices about work [February 2024]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 February 2024.

Six ground-breaking projects including an investigation looking at how endometriosis impacts women in the workplace have been awarded £12.4 million, the government has announced today, Tuesday 12 September.
- £12.4 million awarded to six innovative new projects to understand barriers to getting into work
- projects include investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s work choices and how programmes to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes can improve workforce participation
- funding will help overcome barriers facing those who need the most support getting into work
The projects comprise the first round of the Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund, and take place over the next two years. The results will help to transform the government’s approach to the jobs market and drive forward research into best practice in employment.

While the UK’s employment rate is higher than a number of other advanced economies, the government is committed to ensure that those who most need help getting into the workplace are supported.

The Chancellor announced a range of interventions to address this at Spring Budget 2023 – including a significant expansion of childcare support, making 30 hours of free childcare a week available to parents from children aged 9 months. The Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund is part of that and will be used to test new approaches and generate better evidence to help specific groups back into work or to work longer hours.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, said:

“Our jobs record is incredibly strong, with high employment that means millions of people are benefiting from work. But for some, that’s not happening.

“We need to look for solutions that are tailored to help people thrive in the jobs market. This analysis is the first step towards that – looking at specific health conditions or living arrangements to find out what works to help people work.”

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

“The vital opportunities and confidence employment gives, helps to transform lives. This is why we are determined to support all those who want to progress to do so, while also driving down inactivity and importantly growing the economy.

“This key new funding for our pilots will enable us to support even more people to move forward in work, including vitally those in supported accommodation and more disadvantaged communities, to help people to break down any barriers to work, so more people can fulfil their employment potential.”

National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, said:

“The ONS welcomes the opportunity to shine light on this important area with these projects. This new analysis will provide crucial insight for decision makers in helping to understand how health conditions impact on people’s working lives and what interventions can help people stay in work.”

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

“Endometriosis can be a debilitating condition that stops women and girls from living their lives to their fullest potential.

“Through the Women’s Health Strategy we have set an ambition for all women and girls with severe endometriosis to experience better care, with reduced waiting times for diagnosis and providing funding for key research into the condition.

“The support doesn’t stop at health, and today’s announcement demonstrates how we’re taking a cross-government approach to help women with endometriosis get back to living their best lives.”

One of the projects includes a first-of-its-kind Office for National Statistics (ONS) evaluation which will investigate the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce. Endometriosis can affect around 1 in 10 women, with symptoms including chronic pain and fatigue which can disrupt daily routines, fertility and mental health and time off work may be needed for coping with symptoms. Previous work has shown that women with the condition often take this into consideration when making career choices, including the likelihood they will need to take significantly more sick leave. This project will improve understanding and help inform government plans to support women with the condition in their careers.

A second project by the ONS will evaluate whether programmes to reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes and obesity improve people’s ability to join the labour market. Around 3.8 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes and 2.4 million are at high risk of developing the disease which can have a strong effect on quality of life, including the ability to work. The evaluation will include reviewing the impact of the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP), a large scale nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme aimed at people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

There will also be a new pilot to address barriers to work faced by those aged 18-24 living in supported housing, which is accommodation provided alongside care, support or supervision to help people live as independently as possible in the community and can act as a pathway to transitioning into work.

To support young people in making that transition, DWP and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have developed a Proof of Concept that will test financial support and simplification of the benefits system for 18-24 year olds living in supported housing who move into work or increase their working hours. This will help them to build their employment prospects further, work towards becoming financially independent and progress into move on accommodation in a planned way.

Funding will also be allocated to two HMRC projects to evaluate the impact of Tax-Free Childcare on parents’ work choices and women’s return to work after maternity leave. In addition, funding will be provided to DWP to trial employment support and rent incentives to move people out of work or on low earnings into work or onto higher earnings.

Further information
- At Spring Budget, the government announced a comprehensive employment package designed to remove the barriers preventing people from working and support them into the UK’s labour market, to boost economic growth, unlock the UK’s productive potential, and raise living standards. It is estimated to move 110,000 more individuals into the labour market by 2027-28, the largest supply-side policy adjustment the OBR have made to their forecast since 2010.
- Bids for the first round of the Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund were assessed collaboratively by the joint HMT and Cabinet Office Evaluation Task Force.
- Further rounds of funding will be allocated in due course to evaluate new and existing labour market measures, move people into work and increase productivity. The results of these projects will inform future labour market policy.
- The Rent Simplification and Support Proof of Concept scheme is led by the Department for Work and Pensions and would mean young people in supported housing, who start work or increase their hours, would only have to pay up to a capped amount towards their rent (e.g. Local Housing Allowance equivalent rent amount) as opposed to the full rent liability.
- Jobs Plus is an innovative model that combines wrap-around support, intensive employment support and financial incentives in the heart of the community; reaching the most disadvantaged people whose access to employment and wider support is limited and disjointed.
- DWP will be testing Jobs Plus in England. The pilot assigns a key role for social housing providers to contribute to improving support and outcomes in some of our most socially and economically deprived communities. Delivered in a community hub setting, it is open to all residents; adopting a community-led approach which encourages residents to volunteer, champion, and drive engagement amongst their peers. Through the use of financial incentives, the pilot aims to not only support entry into employment but also aid in participant’s transition to wages to foster long-term positive and sustainable outcomes.
- For further information on government action to improve healthcare quality and access for women, please see the Women’s Health Strategy for England, and what we’ve achieved so far over the first year of the strategy.
February 25, 2024