Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Building safety levy moves a step closer [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 22 November 2022.

Proposals for how developers would pay to fix unsafe buildings have been set out today by the government as it moves a step closer to imposing its new Building Safety Levy.

The government has now begun consulting developers and other interested parties on the plans, which will see an estimated £3 billion collected over the next 10 years.

Under the proposals drawn by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, developers of residential buildings, regardless of their height, will have to pay the levy contribution as part of the building control process.

This will mean that unless the levy is paid, a developer could not move on to the next stage of the building process, which could lead to project delays and impact future revenues.

Minister for Local Government and Building Safety Lee Rowley said:

We have been clear that developers must pay to fix building safety issues and the Building Safety Levy is an important part of making that a reality.

Today’s consultation will give industry and local authorities an opportunity to work with us going forward.

By having these plans in place, we can ensure that all leaseholders are protected, regardless of whether their developer has pledged to remediate or not.

The government’s proposals include an option to alter levy rates depending on where in the country the building is, with lower rates in areas where land and house prices are less expensive. It also suggests that local authorities will be best placed to act as the collection agents as they have the necessary systems, data, knowledge, and relationships in place with the developer sector.

In order to protect the supply of affordable homes, it is proposed they be exempt from a levy charge. This is alongside a number of community buildings, including NHS facilities, children’s homes and refuges, including those for victims of domestic abuse.

The levy will be reviewed regularly so that it can be adjusted to take account of changing circumstances, such as wider economic conditions. There are also plans to protect small and medium sized enterprises by excluding smaller projects.

The Building Safety Levy will run alongside the developer pledges which were announced earlier this year. Under the pledges, 49 of the UK’s biggest homebuilders have committed to fix life-critical fire-safety defects in buildings over 11 metres where they had a role in developing those buildings in the last 30 years. This amounts to a commitment of at least £2 billion.

The Building Safety Levy was first announced in February 2021 and plans to extend it to cover all residential buildings were confirmed in April 2022. The Building Safety Levy is one of the ways we will ensure that the burden of paying for fixing historic building safety defects does not fall on leaseholders or taxpayers.

The consultation seeks views on the delivery of the Levy, including how it will work, what the rates will be, who must pay, what sanctions and enforcement will apply, and who is responsible for collecting the levy.

The consultation will be open for ten working weeks from today (22 November) and seeks the views of all interested parties, especially developers of all sizes, building control professionals and local authorities. Their views will be taken into account before any final decisions are made next year.

November 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Charity Commission launches inquiry into Islamic Centre of England [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Charity Commission on 22 November 2022.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into the Islamic Centre of England Limited over serious governance concerns.

The charity is based in London and its charitable purposes include advancing the religion of Islam and education and welfare among the Muslim community.

The regulator’s decision follows extensive engagement with the charity over recent years, which has included issuing the charity with an Official Warning. The Warning followed two events held at the charity’s premises in 2020 that eulogised Major General Qasem Soleimani who is subject to UK sanctions.

A follow-up case in 2021 concluded that the charity was only partially compliant with the actions set out in the Official Warning and identified further regulatory concerns. These included concerns about the content of the charity’s website and the trustees’ management of conflicts of interest, and led to the Commission issuing an Action Plan.

The Commission has identified that the trustees have failed to fully comply with the Action Plan and Official Warning and a number of further regulatory concerns also remain.

The Commission has therefore opened a statutory inquiry into the charity, which will examine:
1. The extent to which the trustees have properly exercised their legal duties and responsibilities under charity law, in particular regarding the charity’s website and events.
2. Whether the trustees are willing, and able, to further the charity’s objects in accordance its Governing Document.
3. The governance and administration of the charity by the trustees, including the identification and management of conflicts of interest and/or loyalty.
The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.
November 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Government launches £1.5 million AI programme for reducing carbon emissions [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, on 22 November 2022.
- The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy launches new innovation programme supporting the use of artificial intelligence to reduce carbon emissions
- the AI for Decarbonisation programme forms part of the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio
- the programme aims to stimulate further innovation in the UK in AI, to drive growth and achieve Net Zero targets
Today (Tuesday 22 November) the government has launched a new innovation programme which will support the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions.

The AI for Decarbonisation Programme, backed by £1.5 million in funding, forms part of the government’s £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, and comprises separate streams of grant funding to be launched in 2 initial stages.

Stream 1, worth up to £500,000, will be made available to co-fund a virtual centre of excellence on AI innovation and decarbonisation through to March 2025, while Stream 2, worth up to £1 million, will fund innovation projects which further the development of AI technologies to support decarbonisation.

Later in 2023, the government intends to make additional funding available to support priority areas in AI innovation identified by the virtual centre of excellence as being critical for achieving net-zero.

Science Minister George Freeman said:

The UK is one of the world’s most advanced AI economies, and AI technology is already having a transformative impact on our economy and society. But there is tremendous potential to do more.

The AI for Decarbonisation programme offers an exciting opportunity to leverage and develop the UK’s outstanding expertise in the field. Putting this rapidly-evolving technology into action will enable us to save energy costs for businesses and households, create high-value, skilled jobs, and kickstart millions of pounds of private investment while supporting our net zero targets.

The programme’s objective is to stimulate further innovation in the UK in the AI sector, to drive growth and achieve our net zero ambitions by encouraging collaboration in the field across the technology, energy and industrial sectors. The programme builds on ideas developed in the National AI Strategy published last year which set out the ways in which AI is able to support the UK in meeting its decarbonisation targets.

Projects specifically encouraged to bid for funding include uses of AI which could enable a faster transition to renewable energy, decarbonise industry by improving energy productivity and fuel switching, and decrease emissions in the agricultural sector.

The AI for Decarbonisation Programme is anticipated to increase market growth in the UK, reduce the cost of energy for a more competitive UK industry, leverage private investment in AI, and increase the consideration of ethics, bias and equity in AI technologies with decarbonisation applications.
November 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Southampton nursing agency boss Selvendran Ramar given 11-year ban for abuse of Bounce Back Loan scheme [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Treasury on 22 November 2022.

Selvendran Ramar, 35, from Southampton, has been disqualified as a director for 11 years after he wrongfully obtained a £45,000 Bounce Back Loan in July 2020.

Ramar was sole director of SJSA Ltd, which claimed to provide temporary nursing staff to hospitals, mental health services, care homes and residential homes. It was incorporated on 30 March 2020.

Under the Bounce Back Loan scheme, genuine businesses impacted by the pandemic could take out interest-free taxpayer-backed loans of up to £50,000. However, businesses had to have been trading prior to 1 March 2020 in order to qualify for funding through the scheme, meaning SJSA Ltd was not eligible.

In addition, Ramar overstated the company’s turnover to secure the Bounce Back Loan, confirming the company’s annual turnover was £180,000. In reality, in the first three months of trading the company had received just £5,500 in income.

On receipt of the Bounce Back Loan, Ramar transferred £35,000 to his personal account from the business, and the remaining £10,000 to a family member.

SJSA Ltd went into liquidation in September 2021, which triggered an investigation by the Insolvency Service. At the point of liquidation, the £45,000 Bounce Back Loan was the entirety of SJSA Ltd’s declared liabilities.

The Liquidator has recovered £25,000 of the Bounce Back Loan.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy accepted a disqualification undertaking from Selvendran Ramar, after he did not dispute that he caused SJSA Ltd to obtain a Bounce Back Loan that it was not entitled to. His ban is effective from 7 December 2022 and lasts for 11 years.

The disqualification undertaking prevents him from directly, or indirectly, becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

Lawrence Zussman, Deputy Head of Company Investigations at the Insolvency Service, said:

Not only was Selvendran Ramar’s company not trading by the required 1 March 2020 date and therefore not entitled to receive the Bounce Back Loan, but he then tried to divert the funds for his personal use.

Within four days of the company receiving the funds, he transferred £35,000 into his own account and paid the remaining £10,000 to a family member.

The purpose of the Bounce Back Loan scheme was that businesses were meant to utilise the monies specifically for the ‘economic benefit of the business’ which was clearly not the case here.

November 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Energy UK responds to Ofgem’s review on supplier support for vulnerable customers [November 2022]
The press release issued by Energy UK on 22 November 2022.

Responding to Ofgem’s review of how energy suppliers are helping vulnerable customers this winter and beyond, Energy UK’s Director of Advocacy, Dhara Vyas, said:

“Identifying and supporting vulnerable customers is already a top priority for retail suppliers, and many go above and beyond as demonstrated in our good practice summary of our vulnerability commitment.

“This includes setting up and training dedicated teams, providing millions of pounds in customer support funding, partnering with charities and third parties and encouraging people to sign up to the Priority Services Register.

“Our members have responded swiftly to Ofgem’s review – including providing additional documentation to demonstrate where processes were already in place, and will continue to look at all the ways they can make sure people get the help and support they need.”

ENDS

Read examples of suppliers going above and beyond to support vulnerable customers in our Vulnerability Commitment Good Practice Summary report.

Energy UK’s Vulnerability Commitment

12 energy retail suppliers covering 80% of the market have signed up to Energy UK’s Vulnerability Commitment, committing to drive continuous improvement in support for customers in vulnerable circumstances

The Commitment is designed to go above and beyond existing licence obligations and includes requirements to implement specific training for frontline staff, assign a dedicated board-level or equivalent Vulnerability Champion and undertake consumer research to ensure the company’s approach to supporting vulnerable customers is informed and up-to-date.

Each year, an independent expert panel assesses each supplier’s performance against the Vulnerability Commitment under the criteria of accessibility, collaboration and innovation.

More information about the Vulnerability Commitment is available here.

Additional support for customers
- Despite rising costs, and increased pressure, energy suppliers continue to increase the support they provide to customers, including additional funding for customers in fuel poverty.
- All major retail suppliers have their own funds, independently managed by fund administrators or in partnership with consumer bodies like Citizens Advice.
- Suppliers in the UK provide discretionary support of around £54 million on top of the more than £1 billion in mandatory schemes they deliver every year.
- These mandatory schemes are to help people struggling with energy bills. This includes the funding for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Warm Home Discount (WHD).
- Suppliers have a range of support for customers which they put into place at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, and have committed to continuing including:
  - Payment holidays
  - Restructured payment plans
  - Credit advances to customers on pre-payment meters
- Recognising that a growing number of customers will require support, many suppliers have increased customer service resource, from hiring more front-line advisors to setting up dedicated affordability support teams.
More examples from each supplier are available here.
November 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : 17 energy suppliers need to do more to help vulnerable customers this winter [November 2022]
The press release issued by Ofgem on 22 November 2022.

Today (Tuesday 22 November 2022), energy regulator Ofgem has published findings into the third of its series of ‘deep dives’ into how energy suppliers are helping customers this winter and beyond.

Ofgem is committed to driving service standards up for consumers, and, this latest review, which looks specifically at how suppliers treat ‘Customers in a Vulnerable Situation’ has considered information submitted by 17 of the biggest domestic energy suppliers, detailing how the companies are:
- Identifying and recording customers in a vulnerable situation, and if they are adding them to the ‘Priority Services Register’, which offers additional support to customers in need
- Making free gas safety checks available to eligible customers
- Ensuring vulnerable customers on prepayment meters are identified and supported
- Providing useful information appropriate to customer needs
Since Ofgem’s initial assessment and ratings were formed, many suppliers have already responded positively based on the feedback from the review. All the action taken from all the Market Compliance Reviews so far can now be seen collectively.

Findings showed that, although some good practice was identified, all suppliers need to make further improvements, with the key findings being:
- Severe weaknesses were found in five suppliers – Good Energy, Outfox, SO Energy, TruEnergy, Utilita
- Moderate weaknesses were found in five suppliers – E (Gas & Electricity), Ecotricity, Green Energy UK, Octopus and Shell
- Minor weaknesses were found in seven suppliers – British Gas, Bulb, EDF, E.ON, Ovo, Scottish Power and Utility Warehouse.
Suppliers have engaged positively with the process and, since receiving their indicative ratings in October, are taking swift action to make the improvements needed. This open and cooperative approach to improving protections for vulnerable customers is welcomed by the energy regulator.

Neil Lawrence, Director of Retail at Ofgem, said:

“From eligible customers who are missing out on free gas safety checks through to companies not identifying vulnerable customers to be offered obvious support on the Priority Services Register, this robust review has highlighted that suppliers need to do more to support consumers.

“We welcome the cooperation from suppliers and action taken so far, and, although we are seeing some very good practice in parts of the industry, we can see there is still much more to be done.

Most suppliers take the protection of vulnerable customers seriously and several good initiatives to support customers have been launched recently. While it’s encouraging to see the engagement on this Market Compliance Review, with some improvement actions already taking place, we’ve seen a number of failings across the board which need to be urgently addressed. It’s going to be a very challenging winter for everyone, and customers must be confident they are getting the help and support they need.

My message to suppliers today is simple- be proactive. Help your customers to know what support is available, and then deliver it.”

Some good practice was also identified as part of the review, with some suppliers offering ‘cash grants towards energy bills’ for customers, and many energy companies signing up to Energy UK’s Vulnerability Commitment.

Ofgem communicated the ratings to all suppliers earlier this month and, since then, has started compliance engagement on the areas for improvement. The regulator will be keeping a close eye on the actions taken to close the gaps identified through this assessment and will consider enforcement action under its Enforcement Guidelines where necessary.

On the back of this latest review, and supported by Ofgem’s ongoing ‘energy aware’ winter campaign, customers can also check if they are eligible for extra support on the Priority Services Register by visiting www.ofgem.gov.uk/EnergyAware or by contacting their supplier directly.

The next market review, expected at the start of next year, will look at customer service.
November 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK and South Africa commit to unlock investments for major infrastructure projects and green hydrogen [November 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 November 2022.

The UK and South Africa will join forces to drive economic growth and turbocharge infrastructure investment, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced today at the start of President Ramaphosa’s formal State Visit.

The next phase of the UK-South Africa Infrastructure Partnership is being launched today, supporting South Africa’s economic growth through major infrastructure developments and offering increased access to UK companies to projects worth up to £5.37bn over the next three years. The UK Government will also confirm new grant-funded technical assistance to South Africa to help unlock green hydrogen opportunities and boost skills in this key sector.

As an example of the opportunities for UK businesses, Globeleq – a UK company which is majority owned by British International Investment – is today announcing they have reached legal close on six solar power projects, with construction expected to kick off in South Africa next year.

South Africa is the continent’s second largest economy and is already the UK’s biggest trading partner in Africa, with trade worth £10.7 billion annually. Unlocking export finance offers significant opportunities for British businesses to invest and trade.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is in London for a two-day state visit, hosted by His Majesty The King. After attending a state banquet for the South African delegation this evening at Buckingham Palace, the Prime Minister will welcome President Ramaphosa to Downing Street for a bilateral meeting and lunch on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

South Africa is already the UK’s biggest trading partner on the continent, and we have ambitious plans to turbocharge infrastructure investment and economic growth together.

I look forward to welcoming President Ramaphosa to London this week to discuss how we can deepen the partnership between our two great nations and capitalise on shared opportunities, from trade and tourism and security and defence.

A new education and skills partnership between the UK and the South African governments will also promote shared learning in technical and vocational education, driving youth employment.

UK funding will build the highly sought-after technical and entrepreneurial skills in the biggest growth sectors including green technology and electric vehicle manufacture, ensuring South Africa’s youth are benefitting from the green transition.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK’s relationship with South Africa is hugely important to us. Together we are working to deliver for the British and South African people, creating jobs, enhancing trade and investment, and boosting inclusive economic growth.

This week’s State Visit, the first under His Majesty The King, is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our ties but also allows us to trigger greater growth, create even more opportunities for British and South African businesses alike, and further promote South Africa’s transition to green energy.

The South Africa Just Energy Transition Partnership, launched at COP26, also offers new opportunities to collaborate on renewable technology and green innovation. The UK and South Africa are today announcing the creation of a new Partnership on Minerals for Future Clean Energy Technologies to promote increased responsible exploration, production and processing of minerals in South and Southern Africa.

Countries in the region are among the world’s leading producers of vital minerals used in clean technology, including platinum group metals and iridium for hydrogen production and vanadium and manganese for battery storage. This partnership will utilise the UK’s expertise as the home to leading global mining houses and financial services centre for metals to bolster sustainable and responsible production.

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Today we’re moving into a new era of our dynamic trade relationship with South Africa, with exciting collaboration on infrastructure, clean technology, and renewable energy sources.

These new opportunities will unlock trade and investment for businesses from the Eastern Cape to East Anglia and boost growth, create jobs and future-proof our economies against a changing world.

November 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Hundreds of formerly outstanding schools reinspected [November 2022]

The press release issued by Ofsted on November 2022.

From 2012, schools that had been judged outstanding were legally exempt from further regular inspection, unless there were specific concerns about the school. The exemption was lifted in 2020.

Read the report: A return to inspection: the story (so far) of previously exempt outstanding schools.

Today’s commentary notes that over 80% (308) of these schools that had a graded inspection last year did not retain the outstanding grade. The majority were judged to be good. However, around a fifth were rated requires improvement (17%) or inadequate (4%).

When selecting schools for inspection, Ofsted prioritised those that had gone the longest without inspection, which for some was as long as 15 years ago. The average for schools inspected last year was 13 years.

When the exemption ended, 43% of exempt schools had not had a graded inspection for at least 10 academic years, and a further 38% had gone between 5 and 10 academic years.

Since their last inspection many of these schools will have experienced significant change, including a new headteacher, new governors, or becoming an academy managed by a multi-academy trust.

Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, said:

Regular inspection gives parents confidence in the quality of their child’s school. Exempting outstanding schools deprived parents of up-to-date information. It also left a lot of schools without the constructive challenge that regular inspection provides.

The exemption was a policy founded on the hope that high standards, once achieved, would never drop, and that freedom from inspection might drive them even higher. These outcomes show that removing a school from scrutiny does not make it better.

There were 3,900 outstanding primary and secondary schools when the exemption was introduced, and 3,400 were outstanding when it ended.

Some 1,400 schools remained outstanding throughout the period because they were not inspected at all and so kept their grade. About 1,900 schools ceased to be outstanding (usually after an inspection triggered by a risk assessment), and 1,500 additional schools were judged outstanding during the exemption period.

November 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : A return to dialogue remains the only means of resolving insecurity on the Korean Peninsula [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 November 2022.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile test.

Thank you President, and I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing.

We too condemn in the strongest terms DPRK’s further serious breach of Council resolutions, which threatens international peace and security.

The Council last discussed the DPRK’s ballistic missile launches just over two weeks ago. At that meeting, all but two Council members emphasised the seriousness of the situation and supported a clear response. Yet despite the egregious violation of Council resolutions, the same two members prevented the Council from fulfilling its role.

When the DPRK tested intercontinental ballistic missiles in 2017, the Council’s response on each occasion was robust and unified, with the unanimous adoption of resolutions 2371, 2375 and 2379. Negotiations between the DPRK and the US began within months.

A return to dialogue remains the only means of resolving insecurity on the Korean Peninsula. However, continued Council silence in the face of DPRK’s provocations will not achieve this. We therefore support the draft Presidential Statement proposed by the US. The UK will continue to call upon DPRK to cease its illegal activity and to engage meaningfully with offers of dialogue from the United States and the Republic of Korea. Diplomacy remains the only option..

President, we strongly encourage the DPRK to invest in food and medicine for its people rather than its illegal weapons programme, to provide access for UN staff, and allow aid to flow freely into the country. We welcome the 1718 Committee’s continued efforts to quickly exempt humanitarian assistance from sanctions.

Thank you.

November 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : £31 million contract supports specialist jobs on future fighter jet programme [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 21 November 2022.

Under a three-year contract, the Aurora Engineering Delivery Partnership (EDP) led by QinetiQ, will provide technical support to FCAS and the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Catalyst delivery team, which is responsible for delivering the latest combat air capabilities to UK frontline commands.

The contract will support around 45 jobs based in Bristol, Boscombe Down, Farnborough, Malvern, Bath and Lincoln.

Alex Chalk, Minister for Defence Procurement said:

The Future Combat Air Systems programme continues to make good progress, as demonstrated by this latest engineering contract. I am delighted that highly skilled UK industry personnel will lend their support and expertise to the programme, as we work together to deliver a next-generation fighter jet for the future.

The delivery will also include the EDP partners Atkins and BMT, along with a number of subcontractors in the EDP provider network.

Richard Berthon, Director Future Combat Air, added:

This contract with Aurora and QinetiQ is a demonstration of our commitment to working with the UK’s leading defence technology companies on FCAS. Their expertise will be vital to the programme as we work at pace to deliver a next-generation combat air capability by 2035.

Nic Anderson, Chief Executive UK Defence, QinetiQ said:

The Aurora Engineering Partnership with the UK MOD and DE&S continues to go from strength to strength, providing technical support to the most complex acquisition programmes. Our work with Catalyst DT will help accelerate new ways of working using digital engineering methodologies in supporting the next generation of combat air platforms.

Work carried out by the Aurora Engineering Partnership led by QinetiQ will enable DE&S to deliver essential engineering strategies for future FCAS capabilities. The partnership will provide engineering support – initially focusing on Human Performance, Safety and Systems Engineering disciplines.

The FCAS programme currently employs around 2,500 highly skilled people across the UK including at combat air sector industrial hubs in Scotland, the north-west and south-west of England. The programme now employs 1,000 apprentices and graduates, offering attractive employment opportunities in STEM subjects such as industrial digitisation, artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Tempest, a highly advanced future fighter, is due to enter service in 2035, operating at the heart of a wider Future Combat Air System. Tempest was announced at the 2018 Farnborough International Air show and since then, has made significant progress with a flying demonstrator currently being built and the ‘Generation Tempest’ initiative being launched to create early careers job opportunities across the UK.

November 21, 2022