Tag: 2024

PRESS RELEASE : UK launches International Science Partnership Fund worth £218 million [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 January 2024.

The UK government launched the International Science Partnerships Fund worth £218 million of Official Development Assistance designed to help unlock potential and foster prosperity.

The International Science Partnerships Fund, which is open to countries including Malaysia, puts research and innovation at the heart of UK international relationships, supporting researchers and innovators to work with peers around the world on the major themes of our time: planet, health, technology, and talent.

ISPF directs government investment and effort into the science and research issues that really matter. It builds partnerships based on excellence to share knowledge and research infrastructure, cultivate strong diplomatic ties, promote global standards and values, and foster mobile talent in Southeast Asia and in the UK.

Today, the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur (BHC KL) organised the ISPF Malaysia launch to disseminate the information to the wider science and innovation community. ISPF will explore programmes in the themes of resilient planet, healthy people, animals and planets, transformative technologies, and tomorrow’s talent.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang who attended the launch said:

The International Science Partnership Fund marks a key collaboration between Malaysia and the UK, driving a new phase in Malaysia’s science and technology journey. This partnership fosters innovative research and sustainable advancements that will enrich both nations. Our joint efforts exemplify the strength of international cooperation in advancing science and technology for global well-being.

British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Her Excellency Ailsa Terry CMG added:

The UK and Malaysia share a longstanding research partnership through the Newton-Ungku Omar Fund and Global Challenges Research Fund. The launch of the International Science Partnership Fund in Malaysia is the next chapter of our ambitious science and technology partnership with Malaysia, and our joint commitment in developing talent and capabilities, strengthening our research network and tackle some of greatest challenges we face today.

ISPF worldwide is deployed by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Its implementation in Malaysia is facilitated by the BHC KL. ISPF programmes are delivered by a consortium of the UK’s leading research and innovation bodies, which includes UK Research and Innovation (comprising the 7 research councils, Innovate UK and Research England), the UK Academies, the British Council, the Met Office, the National Physical Laboratory, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and Universities UK International.

Some of these organisations will work with their Malaysian counterparts to publish calls for research proposals to which researchers or universities can apply through a competitive process.

January 10, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : We call on all parties to implement resolution 2720 on Gaza in full – UK statement at the UN General Assembly [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 January 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Archie Young at UN General Assembly 51st plenary meeting 78th Session.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Colleagues, we have heard the repeated warnings from humanitarian experts on the ground in Gaza that nine out of ten people are only getting one meal a day. That over half a million people are projected to be facing catastrophic levels of hunger. And that disease is spreading in overcrowded areas as people go without basic healthcare, shelter and clean water. So it is devastating to hear that aid is still piling up outside Gaza, undelivered to those in desperate need.

The UK reiterates our strong support for Security Council resolution 2720, for which we voted in favour, and reiterates our thanks to the UAE for their leadership. The resolution set out the urgent demand for expanded humanitarian access, the release of hostages and steps towards a sustainable ceasefire where Hamas can no longer pose a threat to Israel.

The UK, as a P5 member, considers the veto a heavy responsibility, to be used in the interests of securing the peace and security that people around the world seek.  It should be exercised responsibly, and with caution.

United Nations Security Council resolution 2720 is definitive. It demands that the parties to the conflict “allow, facilitate and enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance” throughout the Gaza strip. We call on all parties to implement this resolution in full.

We want to see at least 500 aid and private sector trucks enter Gaza every day, far more than the 150 currently taking place. Israel should accelerate and rationalise its screening, clear the backlog of loaded trucks in Egypt, and do everything else it can to facilitate aid into Gaza. Israel should also open more entry points for longer, for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if security allows.

The UK warmly welcomes the appointment of Sigrid Kaag as the UN’s Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator. She brings a vast wealth of experience to this crisis. All parties to the conflict should cooperate fully with her and her team. The UK is also clear that Israel should renew visas for UN and NGO staff.

The Foreign Secretary has consistently raised these issues with his Israeli counterparts, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer. The Foreign Secretary has also appointed Mark Bryson-Richardson in December as his Representative for Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to coordinate our efforts to relieve the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Thank you.

January 9, 2024
Paula Vennells – 2024 Statement on Returning CBE

The statement made by Paula Vennells on 9 January 2024.

I continue to support and focus on co-operating with the inquiry and expect to be giving evidence in the coming months.

I have so far maintained my silence as I considered it inappropriate to comment publicly while the inquiry remains ongoing and before I have provided my oral evidence.

I am, however, aware of the calls from sub-postmasters and others to return my CBE.

I have listened and I confirm that I return my CBE with immediate effect.

I am truly sorry for the devastation caused to the subpostmasters and their families, whose lives were torn apart by being wrongly accused and wrongly prosecuted as a result of the Horizon system.

I now intend to continue to focus on assisting the inquiry and will not make any further public comment until it has concluded.

January 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of renters in Wales better off with UK Government boost to housing support [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 9 January 2024.

Around 82,500 renters in Wales are set to receive a boost to their housing support in April, as the Government lays legislation to increase Local Housing Allowance (LHA).
- New Local Housing Allowance rates to come into force in April as legislation being laid in parliament.
- £7 billion investment over the next five years means 1.6 million private renters on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit will be around £800 better off a year.
- Comes as National Insurance cut comes into effect – meaning households with two average earners will save nearly £1,000 per year.
Around 1.6 million private renters across Great Britain are set to receive a substantial boost to their housing support in April, as the Government lays legislation to increase Local Housing Allowance (LHA). In Wales, around 82,500 households are set to benefit from the boost.

The boost will benefit some of the poorest families on either Universal Credit or Housing Benefit who will gain around £800 a year.

The support worth over £7 billion over the next five years comes as the government publishes the proposed LHA rates for 2024/25, with people living in the most expensive areas set to see the biggest boost.

Subject to the benefits cap, eligible renters of:
- Four bed in the Cardiff Broad Rental Market Area could get up to £1,300 a month.
- Three bed in the Monmouthshire Broad Rental Market Area could get up to £795 a month.
- Two bed in the Merthyr & Cynon Broad Rental Market Area could get up to £500 a month.
The increase to the LHA has been welcomed by many housing and homelessness organisations and is part of the Government’s £104 billion cost of living support package – worth an average £3,700 per household. This also includes raising benefits by 6.7%, the state pension by 8.5%, and £300 cost of living payments, with over 7 million households receiving the latest payment and another payment coming in Spring.

This additional support comes as 27 million people are set to get a significant tax cut as the main rate of employee National Insurance will be cut from 12% to 10%. This reduces National Insurance by more than 15% in total, saving £450 this year for the average salaried worker on £35,400.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

Housing costs are the number one expense for families. This £7 billion boost to Local Housing Allowance over the next five years, along with our landmark Back to Work reforms, reflects our fair approach to welfare – helping people into employment while protecting the most vulnerable with unprecedented cost of living support.”

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Mims Davies said:

Keeping inflation down and supporting people to stay and progress in work is the best way we can bolster families’ finances and help them progress, but we know some are still struggling which is why we are providing this important extra help.

This key boost to our housing support will see average renters around £800 better off. It is just one crucial part of our £104 billion package to help the most vulnerable which also includes an increase to benefits in line with inflation and our latest series of cost of living payments.”

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies said:

I’m pleased this extra support will benefit tens of thousands of households across Wales, which comes on top of the already substantial support that the UK Government has already provided over recent months to support people with the cost of living.

At a time when many people are concerned about paying the bills, the UK Government continues to focus on helping the most vulnerable in all parts of Wales”.

Crisis Chief Executive Matt Downie said:

It cannot be understated just how vital this investment in housing benefit will be in helping to both prevent and end homelessness.

In recent years, people receiving housing benefit have found it increasingly difficult to afford the soaring cost of rents. Giving housing benefit this crucial boost will make a real difference to people across Great Britain and will relieve some of the pressure facing people on the lowest incomes.

We hope this investment will be maintained for the long term, so we can continue with our collective mission to end homelessness for good.”

The investment comes on top of the £30 billion support the government is providing over 2023/24 on housing support.

Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:

This funding boost is just one part of how we’re supporting people in the private rented sector with the cost of living.

We have already invested £30 billion in housing support, along with Discretionary Housing Payments which provide an added safety net for anyone struggling to meet their rent.

We are taking the long term decisions needed for a better private rented sector, through our Renters Reform Bill, giving tenants security and supporting good landlords.”

The Local Housing Allowance determines the maximum housing support for private renters. It ensures that claimants in the same area with similar situations are entitled to the same maximum support regardless of the rent they pay. The level of support is based on the area where the person lives and the size of their household.
January 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Proposed changes to egg labelling rules support British industry [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 January 2024.

Producers will no longer need to change how eggs are labelled during an outbreak of avian influenza under proposals planned to support British farmers set out by the Government today (Tuesday 9 January 2024).

Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced, eggs from free-range birds may continue to be labelled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks – the existing ‘derogation’ period under the Egg Marketing Standards Regulations. After that period, these eggs must then be labelled as barn eggs.

The proposals for England and Scotland announced today – subject to an eight-week consultation – will amend the Regulations to remove the ‘derogation’ period, meaning that free-range eggs can stay labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures.

The proposals aim to cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chains and helping deliver the Government’s commitment to continue to produce at least 60% of the food we eat in the UK.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is now a global threat and the scale of outbreaks in recent years across the UK and Europe have been unprecedented, with more than 360 cases confirmed across Great Britain since late October 2021.

In both 2021/22 and 2022/23 the 16-week derogation period was exceeded, which led to significant costs for industry as egg packaging had to be changed to comply with legislation.

Farming Minister Spencer said:

“We understand the pressures bird flu outbreaks place on our poultry and egg producers, which is why we continue to prioritise ways to support the industry during outbreaks of this disease.

“I encourage all those with an interest to take part in this consultation to ensure that our free-range industry continues to thrive in years to come.”

Chief Executive of the British Egg Industry Council, Gary Ford said:

“With the vast majority of eggs produced in the UK meeting free-range standards, the sector is very important to both British consumers and farmers. BEIC has been calling for an amendment to the egg marketing legislation to ensure that our free-range egg farmers can remain competitive and continue to provide British consumers with free-range eggs. This has become increasingly important due to the unprecedented levels of Avian influenza in recent years. The changes are essential to ensure a long-term future for British free-range eggs, which we know consumers want, and we strongly support the consultation”.

Chief Executive of British Free Range Egg Producers Association, Robert Gooch said:

“The British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) is delighted that producers should be able to protect their hens from the risk of bird flu by housing their hens in accordance with Government requirements without having to relabel their eggs, as a result of this consultation. It would also align the free range egg marketing rules with the European Union, which is important as it means that British producers will be on a level playing field with European farmers.”

The consultation launched today (Tuesday 9 January 2024) will run for 8 weeks until 5 March 2024.

More information on the current bird flu outbreak can be found on our latest situation page.

January 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Domestic abuse victims given fresh support to escape abuse [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 January 2024.

New £2 million fund will provide one-off payments to victims to help them leave their tormenters.

Hundreds of domestic abuse victims will receive lifeline payments to help them escape tormenting and often life-threatening abuse, and to help rebuild their lives thanks to an additional £2 million investment, the Home Office has announced today.

From 31 January, victims of domestic abuse who do not have the financial means to leave their abusers will be able to apply for a one-off payment of up to £500 via one of over 470 support services, for essential items such as groceries, nappies or support with new accommodation to help them and their children flee to safety.

For the first time, victims can also apply for a further one-off payment of up to £2,500 to help secure a sustainable independent future, such as putting down a deposit for rental accommodation. This will help them move forward with their lives and prevent homelessness or pressure to return to abusers because of financial strain.

The fund will be delivered via referrals from a network of local frontline services in England and Wales including organisations, helplines and caseworkers who have a specialist understanding of domestic abuse.

The fund, which will initially last until March 2025, builds on a successful pilot funded by the Home Office and delivered with Women’s Aid last year which, helped over 600 victims to safety. Women’s Aid have been re-appointed to deliver this additional funding alongside hundreds of domestic abuse services across England and Wales.

Home Secretary, James Cleverly said:

Tackling violence and abuse against women and girls is a priority of mine.

We know that victims of domestic abuse are often forced to flee with very little. These payments cover essentials like food, clothing and nappies, and will also help them keep a roof over their heads.

After the successful trial of this lifeline scheme with Women’s Aid last year, I am proud to continue helping victims to escape abuse, find safety and rebuild their lives.

Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, Laura Farris said:

Women leave abusive partners at what is often the lowest point in their lives. The most common issues – kids, lack of money and confidence, fear of reprisal – keep so many victims locked into dangerous and harmful situations for far too long.

I am proud this fund has helped over 600 people to escape their abusers and find safety and hope this additional £2 million will help hundreds more find peace and rebuild their lives. I am also proud of, and grateful to, Women’s Aid, for the extraordinary service they provide to some of the most desperate women in society.

The money complements the action this government has taken to protect victims – including our landmark Domestic Abuse Act which significantly expanded the definition of the offence, created more robust protections and tougher sentences.

During the pilot of the fund 83.4% of those applying said that the payments would be used to flee an abuser. Some reported the payments were to help prevent them from returning to abusive relationships due to financial struggles. With most survivors fleeing with little or no belongings, 77.6% said the money helped them to purchase essential goods such as fresh food for their children. Mental health and peace of mind was also improved, with the payments enabling them to purchase security measures such as CCTV and doorbell cameras.

This trial followed Women’s Aid research which found that almost three-quarters of women living with their abuser found it harder to leave as a result of the associated further cost of living.

Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, said:

At Women’s Aid we warmly welcome the funding which will be made available to all survivors of domestic abuse through our, and our partners’, work with the Home Office. Domestic abuse affects a huge number of people, many of whom face additional challenges when it comes to receiving the life-changing support that they need. This year, we are delighted to be working with specialist services to ensure all survivors, including those from minoritised groups, receive the help they so desperately need.

When we worked on the pilot of the fund in May last year, we saw immediately the impact this was having on survivors – over 75% of applicants used their grant to replace or purchase essential goods for themselves or their children, after they had fled their abuser with nothing to their name.

This year’s funding will make life-changing improvements to the lives of countless adult and child survivors, allowing them to take those first steps towards a life free of abuse. We are immensely proud to be a part of this, especially during our 50th year, and believe that by allowing more survivors to escape their abusers, we are taking steps in the right direction to building a society in which domestic abuse is no longer tolerated.

Melanie Brown, MBE, Patron of Women’s Aid said:

I am so happy at the news that the government fund for survivors of domestic abuse will continue – I know how needed it is and the difference it has made to the lives of women and children who could not have left without it.

As someone who knows first-hand what it is like to live in fear of a partner, I am proud to have campaigned as Patron of Women’s Aid and with The Sun on this important issue, and thank the government for listening to our voices.

Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, said:

I am delighted that the government is launching a Flexible Fund for 2024 following the success of last year’s scheme.

This fund provides one-off urgent payments to victims of domestic abuse, many of whom report leaving their abuser with little or no belongings. It will be a lifeline for many, helping victims to flee abuse and rebuild their lives.

I hope to see this critical funding reach as many victims and survivors as possible, including those who face the most significant barriers to support.

The fund follows the government’s Domestic Abuse Plan which has invested over £230 million in tackling this heinous crime and builds on a series of measures which prioritise tackling violence against women and girls.

Last year the government expanded legal aid to ensure domestic abuse victims face fewer barriers to funded assistance in the courts. Victims on universal credit seeking a protective order for themselves or their children against their attackers can now access legal aid funding more easily without facing a means test. Changes introduced in May mean victims of coercive control will also be made eligible for legal help without needing to access funds from joint assets.

All police forces across England and Wales are now following a new approach for the investigation of rape, funded by the Home Office, with police referrals to the Crown Prosecution Service for adult rape offences already up more than 200% since 2019.  Under the new model, police and prosecutors can access better support and 2,000 police investigators will be specially trained in sexual offences by April 2024.

Violence against women and girls (including domestic abuse) has been added to the Strategic Policing Requirement – meaning it is now categorised as a national threat for forces to respond to, alongside other serious threats like terrorism.

In November 2023, the third phase of the government’s innovative ‘Enough’ communications campaign that looks to change long-term behaviours and attitudes towards violence against women and girls, launched a third phase of activity, which included partnering with over 30 UK universities in a bid to protect women and girls on university campuses.

The Home Office also funds “perpetrator intervention” projects which aim to stop domestic abusers and stalkers from repeatedly targeting victims and terrorising vulnerable people.

The government has also created new offences to criminalise acts such as non-fatal strangulation, stalking, cyberflashing and the sharing of intimate images without consent.

January 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Millions of renters better off with boost to housing support [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 9 January 2024.

Around 1.6 million private renters are set to receive a substantial boost to their housing support in April, as the Government lays legislation to increase Local Housing Allowance (LHA).
- New Local Housing Allowance rates to come into force in April as legislation being laid in parliament.
- £7 billion investment over the next five years means 1.6 million private renters on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit will be around £800 better off a year.
- Comes as national insurance cut comes into effect – meaning households with two average earners will save nearly £1,000 per year.
The boost will benefit some of the poorest families on either Universal Credit or Housing Benefit who will gain around £800 a year on average.

The support worth over £7 billion over the next five years comes as the government publishes the proposed LHA rates for 2024/25, with people living in the most expensive areas set to see the biggest boost.

The increase to the LHA has been welcomed by many housing and homelessness organisations and is part of the Government’s £104 billion cost of living support package – worth an average £3,700 per household. This also includes raising benefits by 6.7%, the state pension by 8.5%, and £300 cost of living payments, with over 7 million households receiving the latest payment and another payment coming in Spring. Whilst more than 26 million payments totalling over £2 billion to help families with essentials have been made since October 2021 through the Household Support Fund.

This additional support comes as 27 million people are set to get a significant tax cut as the main rate of employee National Insurance will be cut from 12% to 10%. This reduces National Insurance by more than 15% in total, saving £450 this year for the average salaried worker on £35,400.

Subject to the benefits cap, eligible renters of:
- A four-bedroom property in Bristol could get up to £1,850 per month.
- A two-bedroom property in Greater Glasgow could get up to £850 per month.
- A one-bedroom property in Leeds could get up to £675 per month.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

Housing costs are the number one expense for families. This £1.2 billion boost to Local Housing Allowance, along with our landmark Back to Work reforms, reflects our fair approach to welfare – helping people into employment while protecting the most vulnerable with unprecedented cost of living support.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Mims Davies said:

Keeping inflation down and supporting people to stay and progress in work is the best way we can bolster families’ finances and help them progress, but we know some are still struggling which is why we are providing this important extra help.

This key boost to our housing support will see average renters around £800 better off. It is just one crucial part of our £104 billion package to help the most vulnerable which also includes an increase to benefits in line with inflation and our latest series of cost of living payments.

Crisis Chief Executive, Matt Downie said:

It cannot be understated just how vital this investment in housing benefit will be in helping to both prevent and end homelessness.

In recent years, people receiving housing benefit have found it increasingly difficult to afford the soaring cost of rents. Giving housing benefit this crucial boost will make a real difference to people across Great Britain and will relieve some of the pressure facing people on the lowest incomes.

We hope this investment will be maintained for the long term, so we can continue with our collective mission to end homelessness for good.

The investment comes on top of the £30 billion the government is providing over 2023/24 on housing support.

Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:

This funding boost is just one part of how we’re supporting people in the private rented sector with the cost of living.

We have already invested £30 billion in housing support, along with Discretionary Housing Payments which provide an added safety net for anyone struggling to meet their rent.

We are taking the long term decisions needed for a better private rented sector, through our Renters Reform Bill, giving tenants security and supporting good landlords.

The government is also tackling homelessness with the £654 million Homeless Prevention Grant, giving councils in England vital money and support to prevent and tackle homelessness, as well as developing the Homelessness Covenant with Crisis.

The Local Housing Allowance determines the maximum housing support for private renters. It ensures that claimants in the same area with similar situations are entitled to the same maximum support regardless of the rent they pay. The level of support is based on the area where the person lives and the size of their household.
January 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : New members appointed to Competition Appeal Tribunal’s panel of Ordinary Members [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 9 January 2024.
The Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Mr Kevin Hollinrake MP, has appointed seven new members to the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s panel of Ordinary Members.

The Tribunal is a specialist judicial body with expertise in law, economics, business and accountancy. Its function is to hear and decide appeals and other applications or claims involving competition or economic regulatory issues.

The new members are:

Andrew Taylor

Andrew is a former Senior Director at the UK Competition Commission, and a former Director of the Cooperation and Competition Panel for NHS-funded services. Prior to these roles, Andrew advised internationally on utilities sector reform after starting his career as an economist for the Australian Government. More recently, Andrew has been a partner, advising on competition matters, at Aldwych Partners. His experience includes merger inquiries, market investigations and conduct-related issues.

Anthony Woodgate

Anthony studied science and law at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, followed by postgraduate studies in the UK. He entered private practice in EU, competition and regulatory law with a focus on litigation and agency enforcement. He then pursued studies in physics, nanotechnology and renewable energy.

Hugh Kelly

Hugh is an accountant with 20 years’ experience in regulatory and competition finance, particularly in the application of financial accounting data to answer economic questions relating to costing, pricing and profitability. He currently works as an independent consultant, and as a Non-Executive Board Member of the Single Source Regulations Office.

Ioannis Kokkoris

Ioannis Kokkoris is a Professor of Competition Law and Economics and the Head of School at the Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary University London. He previously worked at the Office of Fair Trading (and briefly at the European Commission and US Federal Trade Commission) and has been involved in numerous capacity building and law reform projects in various countries. He publishes on all areas of competition law and economics with a main focus on merger control (including on aspects of national security).

Ioannis Lianos

Ioannis Lianos is Professor of Global Competition Law and Public Policy at University College London, Faculty of Laws, where he has been teaching since 2005. He was President of the Hellenic Competition Commission from August 2019 to December 2023. Ioannis was elected a member of the Bureau of the OECD Competition Committee in 2021 and re-elected in 2022 and 2023.

Keith Derbyshire

Keith Derbyshire was a government economist for 25 years, ending his career as the Chief Economist and Chief Analyst at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in 2016. At DHSC he specialised in resource allocation, policy appraisal and the development of incentives and regulations to overcome market failure in health care delivery. In 2017 he was made Honorary Professor of Health Economics at the Centre of Health Economics at the University of York, where he acts as an independent advisor to their Policy Research Unit.

Lesley Farrell

Lesley Farrell qualified as a solicitor in 1991 and has over 20 years’ experience in competition law, covering both contentious and non-contentious areas of practice. She was a partner in the EU and Competition teams of S J Berwin LLP between 2002 and 2012, and Eversheds Sutherland LLP, between 2013 and 2022.

Notes to editors

Ordinary Members are selected for their expertise in law, business, accountancy, economics and other related fields.

Cases are heard before a Tribunal consisting of three members: either the President or a member of the panel of Chairmen and two Ordinary Members.

The new members are appointed for eight years and paid according to the amount of time that they spend working for the Tribunal based on a daily rate of £400. The appointments carry no right of pension, gratuity or allowance on their termination. The announced appointments will commence on 10 January 2024.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity to be made public. None of the new members are politically active.

Although these appointments do not come within the remit of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA), they have been made following OCPA best practice.
January 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : Emergency hazards to be repaired in 24 hours through Awaab’s Law [January 2024]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 9 January 2024.

The Housing Secretary launches a consultation proposing new legal requirements for social landlords to address hazards including damp and mould quickly.
New plans to clamp down on rogue social landlords who fail to provide safe homes have been announced today, supporting the Government’s pledge to deliver Awaab’s Law.

The two-year-old from Rochdale died from a respiratory condition caused by extensive mould in the flat where he lived, and the Government is taking action to introduce lifechanging reforms in social housing to prevent future tragedies.

The Awaab’s Law consultation has been launched by the Housing Secretary, which proposes introducing new strict time limits for social housing providers and force them to take swift action in addressing dangerous hazards such as damp and mould.

It proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further 7 days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Those landlords who fail can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.

Landlords will be expected to keep clear records to improve transparency for tenants – showing every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales so they can no longer dither and delay to rectify people’s homes.

Housing Secretary, Michael Gove said:

“The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. His family have shown courageous leadership, determination and dignity to champion these changes and now it’s time for us to deliver for them through Awaab’s Law.

“Today is about stronger and more robust action against social landlords who have refused to take their basic responsibilities seriously for far too long. We will force them to fix their homes within strict new time limits and take immediate action to tackle dangerous damp and mould to help prevent future tragedies.

“Alongside Awaab’s Law, our landmark Social Housing Act will drastically improve the quality of life in social housing, granting residents a proper voice to fight those who think they can cheat the system and ensuring rogue landlords face the full force of the law.”

Faisal Abdullah, Awaab’s Father said:

“We hope that Awaab’s Law will stop any other family going through the pain that we went through. Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants and we support these proposals.”

Social Housing campaigner, Kwajo Tweneboa said:

“As we know many families across the country are still living in homes with damp and mould, creating misery but more worryingly risks their health and safety.

“I’m pleased to see Awaab’s Law reach the consultation phase and hope that it goes far enough to prevent other families going through the tragedy Awaab’s family have had to. It’s crucial the government are able to make sure this law has teeth and is enforced for it to work as intended.”

Through the measures announced today tenants will be able to take their landlords to court if they fail to fix dangerous hazards. This builds on the progress already made to drive up standards in social housing.

There has been consistent improvement in the quality of social homes since 2010 – with a reduction in non-decent social homes from 20% in 2010 to 10% last year – but the Government recognises there is more work to do.

The Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which became law last year, will equip the Regulator of Social Housing and tenants with stronger powers and rights to hold the small minority of rogue landlords accountable.

New enforcement powers will also be available for the Regulator to weed out bad landlord practices – including issuing unlimited fines and entering properties with only 48 hours’ notice to make emergency repairs in the most severe cases.

As part of changes to deliver Awaab’s Law, the Government recently consulted on what more tenants need to better understand their rights and challenge social landlords when things go wrong – the direction to the Regulator will be published in the coming weeks.

This is the latest step in addressing systemic issues identified following the Grenfell Tower fire – not just the safety and quality of social housing but how tenants are treated by their landlords.

Further information

Awaab’s Law consultation will be open for eight weeks and further details on how to respond can be found here

Following the analysis of responses, we will introduce secondary legislation to bring Awaab’s Law into force as soon as practically possible.

The Government continues to engage with the social housing sector, residents, and experts to address unsafe homes. We publish monthly updates on work to improve the quality of social housing in England and the latest update is available here

More details on Government reforms can be found on the Social Housing Quality page
January 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE : FCDO statement on Bangladesh election [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2024.

The FCDO has issued a statement following elections in Bangladesh.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

“The United Kingdom notes the results of the 12th Parliamentary Elections in Bangladesh, which took place on 7 January 2024.

“Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition. Respect for human rights, rule of law and due process are essential elements of the democratic process. These standards were not consistently met during the election period. We are concerned at the significant number of arrests of opposition party members before polling day.

“We condemn the acts of intimidation and violence that took place prior to and during the campaign period. Such conduct has no place in political life.

“Not all political parties took part in the elections. The Bangladeshi people did not therefore have the fullest range of voting options.

“The United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a deep and historic friendship. Creating the conditions for a sustainable political settlement and vibrant civil society will enable long-term growth. We encourage all political parties to address their differences and find a common way forward in the interests of the people of Bangladesh. We will continue to support this process.”

January 8, 2024