Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : First ever Entrepreneurship Advisor appointed to the Treasury [June 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 June 2025.

Alex Depledge MBE appointed by the Chancellor as first ever Entrepreneurship Advisor appointed to Treasury to address barriers for high growth businesses.
- New appointment to support growth in build up to Autumn Budget
- This is on top of the significant steps the government has already taken to support entrepreneurs through increased R&D funding and extending the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes, delivering on our Plan for Change
Entrepreneurs will now have a direct line to government and will benefit from additional expertise within the Treasury as the Chancellor has appointed Alex Depledge MBE as her Entrepreneurship Adviser.

Over the coming months, Alex will advise the Chancellor on the government’s entrepreneurship landscape, focusing on addressing the key barriers faced by businesses seeking to start up and scale up in the UK.

Reducing barriers for business, entrepreneurs and investors is key to boosting economic growth and delivering the government’s Plan for Change.

Alex brings with her extensive entrepreneurship experience, having successfully built several businesses from the ground up, including Resi and Helpling, formerly known as Hassle.com. She knows what it takes to build a successful business and will be in a position to offer invaluable advice to boost growth for the businesses of the future.

The government has already taken significant steps to support start-ups since taking office. We have extended the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust schemes to 2035 and increased R&D funding to £22.6 billion per year by 2029/30 to support the growth even more innovative businesses of the future, this support will allow them to invest and take on new staff, putting more money into working people’s pocket.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

Start-ups, scale-ups and other small businesses drive the innovation that keeps Britain growing, delivering our Plan for Change.

We have a long list of successful start ups, scale ups and small businesses across the UK – with the greatest density of scale ups among the seven major industrial countries in the G7.

Having Alex on the team will bring invaluable expertise with her experience building successful businesses from the ground up, and I look forward to working with her.

Alex Depledge MBE, said:

I’m honoured to be appointed as the Chancellor’s first-ever Entrepreneurship Advisor, a ground-breaking move that puts high-growth businesses at the heart of economic thinking.

It’s the first time an entrepreneur has held this role, and it signals a bold commitment from government to back the scale-ups and innovators powering the UK forward.

There are over 34,000 scale-ups in the UK — just 0.6% of SMEs — yet they generate a staggering £1.4 trillion in turnover, contributing 55% of all SME revenues.

This is a chance to rewrite the playbook on how we support entrepreneurs, and I’m here to make sure we take full advantage of it.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government to invest over £100m in water company fines to local environmental projects [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 19 June 2025.

The Government will invest water company fines into local projects across the country to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.

Over £100m in fines and penalties levied against water companies since October 2023, as well as future fines and penalties, will be reinvested into projects to clean up our waters which could include local programmes to address pollution and improve water quality.

When water companies breach their environmental permits – for example by releasing excessive pollution into a river – that is a criminal offence. The most serious cases, like illegal sewage spills, see water company fines issued and criminal prosecutions for water bosses.

A record 81 criminal investigations have been launched into water companies under this government as part of a new operation spearheaded by Environment Secretary Steve Reed.

This Government is clear that the current volume of sewage being discharged to our waters is unacceptable. We have launched an independent review, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, to reset the water sector regulatory system and deliver a fair deal for customers and investors.

The Government is committed to cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas with increased enforcement against polluting water companies, a record investment to fix broken pipes and a generational review of the sector as part of its Plan for Change.

Secretary of State Steve Reed said:

We inherited a broken water system with record levels of sewage being pumped into waters.

But the era of profiting from failure is over. A record 81 criminal investigations have been launched into water companies under this government and Ofwat recently announced the largest fine ever handed to a water company in history.

This Government will invest money collected through fines into local projects to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

More detail on the projects and programmes that this funding will go towards will be set out in due course.

June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New drainage standards tackle pollution in England’s communities [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 19 June 2025.

Developers encouraged to reduce pollution, protect communities from flooding and benefit nature as part of government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes.

In a move to tackle water pollution and protect communities from flooding, the government is updating the national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for the first time in a decade.

The new standards – welcomed by the construction industry – will give developers clearer guidance on how to create rainwater management systems that mimic the natural environment and deliver better outcomes.

Suggested features include spaces designed to collect and filter rainwater, which will relieve pressure on our crumbling sewage system and prevent pollution overflowing into our waterways.

Impermeable surfaces such as roads and pavements increase the risk of flooding in heavy downpours, as the excess water has nowhere to go. By introducing materials designed to soak up water, new developments will be better protected against flooding.

The new standards will also encourage design features like green roofs and soakaways. These provide a place for nature to thrive and improve a building’s energy efficiency –reducing energy bills, bringing mental and physical health benefits to communities by expanding access to nature and supporting wildlife.

The updated standards signify the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes sustainably without delaying the planning process and comes following the record £104 billion secured from private sector investment to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

The Government will introduce new standards to tackle water pollution, protect communities from flooding and make our new towns beautiful.

Nature recovery and growth can go hand in hand, and these new standards will enable the sustainable building of 1.5 million homes as part of the Plan for Change.

Key features of the new standards include:
- Reducing flood risk by actively managing surface water on site
- Improving water quality before it enters rivers and streams
- Provide community benefits by creating more attractive and resilient places to live and work
- Prioritising solutions that enhance biodiversity and green space
- Encouraging water efficiency, by enabling the reuse of rainwater through harvesting and collection systems
- Emphasising long-term maintenance and performance
To support the government’s Plan for Change, the updated standards are aligned with the National Planning Policy Framework and will complement wider planning reforms which will take place later this year. Developers are encouraged to innovate and demonstrate how their systems meet the outcomes, rather than follow a one-size-fits-all checklist.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Care for those with learning disabilities or autistic people [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 19 June 2025.

New guidance published today will provide a boost in the quality of care for people with a learning disability or autistic people.
- New guidance published today (19 June 2025) to ensure health and care staff have skills to provide care for people with a learning disability and autistic people
- Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism named after teenager who died in 2016 after having severe reaction to medication given to him against family’s wishes
- Training will aim to tackle health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people, who face poorer health outcomes than general population
People with a learning disability and autistic people will get safer, more personalised care as the government publishes new guidelines for health and care providers to train staff.

The Oliver McGowan code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training aims to ensure staff have the right skills to provide care and boost understanding of the needs of these groups of people.

It sets out the standards that providers are expected to meet to be compliant with the law and help make sure patients are kept safe.

Those with a learning disability or autistic people face poorer health outcomes than the general population, and it is crucial that health and social care staff have the right knowledge and skills to tackle these inequalities.

The training and the code of practice are named after Oliver McGowan, an 18 year old from Bristol with a mild learning disability who died following a severe reaction to medication given to him against his and his family’s strong wishes.

Under the law, health and care providers registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have a requirement to ensure staff have the appropriate training.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said:

I pay tribute to Paula McGowan OBE and Tom McGowan and their formidable campaign to improve the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people after the tragic death of their son, Oliver.

Through their work, they have shown extraordinary dedication, commitment and passion – Oliver’s memory and legacy lives through them.

This government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people.

Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training. The Oliver McGowan code of practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.

Paula and Tom McGowan said:

The publication of the code of practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver’s legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured.

The code establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the delivery of the training, promoting consistency and a deeper understanding across health and social care services.

We are profoundly grateful to cross-party politicians for their unwavering support and especially to Baroness Sheila Hollins, whose leadership has been pivotal in advancing this important work.

Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone within the NHS and social care sectors, to our expert trainers, and to individuals with a learning disability and/or autism, along with their families and carers. This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like, giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard, creating a lasting impact that will continue to transform lives for the better.

Tom Cahill CBE, National Director, Learning Disability and Autism at NHS England, said:

We know that often the quality of care and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people has not been good enough and we are determined to make this better .

This code of practice – a result of Paula and Tom McGowan’s tireless dedication – will mean all NHS staff have the training and support they need to reduce inequalities and give people with a learning disability or autistic people the care they deserve.

Rebecca Bushell-Bauers, CQC director for people with a learning disability and autistic people, said:

Today highlights Paula and Tom McGowan’s tireless campaigning in their son’s name for better care for autistic people and people with a learning disability.

We are dedicated to advocating for and improving the health and care outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. The code of practice will further support us in assessing and inspecting whether health and social care providers are training their carers and staff to support autistic people and people with a learning disability appropriately and hold them to account to ensure they are delivering good, informed and safe care.

Baroness Hollins said:

I am delighted that, following my amendment to the 2022 Health and Care Act, the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice has now been laid before Parliament. This milestone supports the requirement that health and care staff complete training that equips them to better care for people with a learning disability and autistic people.

I pay special tribute to Paula and Tom McGowan, whose tireless advocacy in memory of their son, Oliver, has led to lasting change including through the code and training in his name. This is a vital step towards tackling health inequalities and improving care across health and social care services.

The training will be backed by funding as part of the Learning and Development Support Scheme for adult social care in autumn 2025.

Any adult social care providers who arrange for training for their staff between April 2025 and March 2026 will be reimbursed for the costs.

The Health and Care Act 2022 set out a legal requirement for CQC health and care providers to ensure staff receive appropriate training in caring for those with a learning disability or autistic people.

Oliver McGowan was repeatedly prescribed antipsychotic medications despite medical notes highlighting his severe adverse reactions to these drugs and against his and his family’s wishes.

Healthcare staff consistently failed to understand how autism presented alongside epilepsy and did not make the adjustments needed to accommodate for his needs.

Oliver died after developing a severe side effect to the medication which caused brain damage, and after life support was withdrawn by his parents, he died on 11 November 2016.

Oliver’s parents, Paula and Tom McGowan, have campaigned for better training for health and care staff to improve understanding of the needs of people with a learning disability or autistic people.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman appointed [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 19 June 2025.

Deborah Evans is today confirmed as the new Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman.
Ms Evans currently serves as a non-executive Director and chair of the compliance Committee at the Property Ombudsman. She will take over from Anthony Arter who has been interim Chair since January 2024. She will take up the post on 1 July.

The Pensions Ombudsman provides a vital service, by independently investigating and resolving complaints concerning occupational and personal pension schemes. It also plays an important role in ensuring savers receive their entitled benefits and helping pension providers understand their obligations.

Ms Evans’s appointment comes as the Government’s Pension Schemes Bill continues its passage through Parliament. Measures include strengthening the legal standing of the Pensions Ombudsman so that pension overpayment cases can be resolved and pension overpayments refunded quicker, reducing waiting times for customers.

Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell said:

I am pleased to announce Deborah Evans as the new Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman.

I look forward to working with her as she brings her leadership and expertise to this vital role, helping to uphold high standards of fairness and accountability across the pensions sector.

I am confident she will make a positive impact for savers and pensioners across the country.

Deborah Evans said:

Pensions are vital in providing adequate income in retirement and have a huge impact on people’s lives.

The role of the Pensions Ombudsman plays a crucial role in ensuring that complaints are dealt appropriately and independently, keeping the system fair.

I look forward to leading the board to help the organisation succeed and drive improvements throughout the pensions sector.

Alongside her role at the Property Ombudsman, Deborah Evans is also Director and Chief Executive of Lawyers in Local Government, and Chair of Governors at Trent College. She will bring extensive experience in leadership and governance, from both the public and regulatory sectors.

Additional Information

The Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman is appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions. The appointment was made following an open competition regulated by The Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments.

As Chair, Deborah Evans will receive £24,000 per year for a minimum time commitment of 36 days annually.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain [June 2025]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 June 2025.

The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain to Downing Street today.

The leaders reflected on the strength of the UK-Bahrain relationship, and welcomed the UK becoming a full member of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) today. The agreement will deepen trilateral cooperation with Bahrain and the United States on regional security at a critical time, both agreed.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the signing of the Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership, building on the two-way investment partnership between the countries, and how this will unlock new investment, growth and jobs into the UK, delivering on the Plan for Change.

The leaders also underscored the importance of the new Defence Cooperation Accord between the two countries, deepening joint military training and building on the two nations’ strong naval ties.

Highlighting the strength of the 200-year relationship between both nations, the leaders looked forward to further cooperation, including trade negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, the leaders called for de-escalation and both agreed on the need for enduring and closer relationships across the region to support stability.

The Prime Minister and Crown Prince looked forward to speaking again soon.

June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Millions more families to get £150 off energy bills this winter [June 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 19 June 2025.

The Warm Home Discount will be expanded meaning 6 million households will receive £150 off their energy bills this winter.
2.7 million extra households will receive £150 off their energy bills next winter as the Warm Home Discount is expanded – putting money directly into people’s pockets

this increases the number of households who are eligible to over 6 million in total – including 900,000 families with children and a total of 1.8 million households in fuel poverty

latest intervention follows a raft of cost of living support for those who need it most – from expanding free school meals to childcare support – which is only possible after government stabilised the economy and fixed the foundations through the Plan for Change

Millions of households will see their energy bills cut by £150 this winter, as the government delivers another major package of support to ease the cost of living for working families through the Plan for Change.

Over 6 million households will benefit this year – an increase of 2.7 million households, including 900,000 more families with children and a total of 1.8 million households in fuel poverty. Every billpayer on means-tested benefits will now qualify, removing restrictions that previously excluded many who needed help and providing peace of mind to millions more families.

This major expansion of support for working families is the latest in a raft of cost of living support made possible because the government has stabilised the economy, fixed the foundations and repaired the public finances – deliberate choices which are helping provide security and more money in the pockets of working families through the Plan for Change.

Since last summer, interest rates have been cut 4 times, lowering mortgage costs, free school meals have been rolled out for over half a million more children so that kids can focus on learning rather than hungry bellies, free breakfast clubs are being expanded to every child in the country, school uniform costs have been cut, the 30 hours of free childcare scheme has been extended to more working parents.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

I know families are still struggling with the cost of living, and I know the fear that comes with not being able to afford your next bill.

Providing security and peace of mind for working people is deeply personal to me as Prime Minister and foundational for the Plan for Change. I have no doubt that, like rolling out free school meals, breakfast clubs and childcare support, extending this £150 energy bills support to millions more families will make a real difference.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

Millions of families will get vital support with the cost of living this coming winter, demonstrating this government’s commitment to put money in people’s pockets through our Plan for Change.

The energy price cap is also falling in July and today’s announcement adds a further £150 in direct support for millions.

This expansion of the Warm Homes Discount means families can plan for winter in the knowledge that they will receive support, giving them certainty and peace of mind before summer.

The government has also protected working people’s payslips from higher taxes, frozen fuel duty and are increasing the minimum wage to give pay rises of up to £1,400 a year to millions of low-income workers. Everyone over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, bringing the total to 9 million pensioners.

Today’s announcement goes even further than cutting energy bills by helping those who racked up debts during the energy crisis of 2022-2024. Backing Ofgem’s proposed debt strategy will cut consumers’ energy bills by reducing the cost of paying for energy debt, alongside other reforms.

The expansion of the Warm Home Discount will be offset by new efficiency savings across the energy system. For example, Ofgem have confirmed a decrease in the operating cost allowance of the price cap for the average billpayer which will take money off bills.

Ofgem’s plans to reduce the overall stock of consumer debt, which is currently recouped via a levy on all bills, will also produce savings that help to fund the Warm Homes Discount.

These reforms complement the government’s drive to bring down bills in the long term by replacing the UK’s dependence on fossil fuel markets controlled by petrostates and dictators with clean homegrown power.

This is the Plan for Change in action – combining short-term help with a proper long-term strategy for change that lowers people’s energy bills and puts more money in their pockets.

Adam Scorer, Chief Executive, National Energy Action said:

It’s hugely positive that across Great Britain, many more low-income households on means-tested benefits will get some direct support to tackle unaffordable bills and record energy debts this winter.

Vitally, this includes many more low-income working-age households with children, who are living with the daily consequences of not having access to enough energy at home.

Andrew Sissons, Deputy Director of Sustainable Future at Nesta, said:

Extra help for those households most in need is an important part of the energy bill system, and this change will go some way to help make energy bills fairer and more affordable for many this winter.

David Buttress, CEO of OVO, said:

This announcement is welcome relief for millions of families. Expanding the Warm Home Discount is a step in the right direction – targeting help where it’s needed most, directly into people’s pockets.

Dhara Vyas, Chief Executive, Energy UK said:

Extending the Warm Home Discount so that millions more households get help with their energy bills this winter is welcome news.

Energy bills are still hundreds of pounds higher than at the start of 2022 and with customer debt at record levels, we hope to see more measures to help those most in need – by pressing ahead with Ofgem’s debt relief scheme, accelerating progress on a new improved targeted support scheme and looking at other ways to cut bills right across the board, such as moving the policy costs off electricity that currently make it artificially expensive.

Chris O’Shea, CEO, Centrica said:

Today’s announcement will bring real warmth when it matters most. Expanding the Warm Home Discount means millions more families will see £150 off their energy bills this winter — and that’s welcome news.

I’m delighted that the Secretary of State has delivered this benefit for the millions of families who need help most. At Centrica, we’re proud to be doing our part too, helping customers through both the British Gas Energy Trust and the voluntary £140 million customer support package for British Gas customers.

Chris Norbury, CEO of E.ON UK, said:

We welcome the expansion of the Warm Home Discount, which will help ease pressure on millions of households this winter. Targeted support like this is exactly what’s needed to ensure energy is affordable for those who need it most.

A strong commitment to technologies and solutions that can lower bills today — such as insulation, solar panels, smart tariffs and battery storage — can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

Alongside the Future Homes Standard and funding for the Warm Homes Plan, this is another positive move towards a fairer, more affordable energy system for everyone.

Notes to editors

Today we have confirmed that following consultation, the Warm Home Discount scheme will be expanded to remove the high-cost-to-heat threshold in the current Warm Home Discount (England & Wales) Regulations 2022 (for winter 2025/2026) and increasing the level of spend available in Scotland for suppliers to allocate through the Broader Group.

The change will mean that all households where the means-tested benefit recipient (or their partner or legal appointee) is named on the energy bill will now be eligible to receive the £150 electricity bill rebate.

The number of families who will receive the discount for the first time, broken down by region, include:

North East England: 100,000

North West England: 280,000

Yorkshire and the Humber: 210,000

East Midlands: 160,000

West Midlands: 270,000

East of England: 250,000

London: 570,000

South East England: 350,000

South West England: 220,000

Wales: 110,000

Scotland: 240,000

The number of additional households supported under the expanded scheme in each region is calculated by applying the regional proportion of qualifying benefit recipients from DWP’s statxplore tool to the total additional 6.1 million households estimated in the Warm Home Discount Expansion consultation document.

For the North West, for example, the proportion of qualifying benefit recipients is 13%, thereby 13% x 6.1m = 780,000 recipient households. Of these, 500,000 are already in receipt according to the most recent Warm Home Discount statistics (2023/2024), so around 280,000 are estimated to be additional.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : 1,500 jobs created at UK nuclear weapons headquarters as sector boasts above average wages [June 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 19 June 2025.

Thousands of high-skilled jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships have been created to help keep the United Kingdom protected around the clock, with newly published figures highlighting the economic benefits of the defence nuclear industry.
- New figures reveal that 1,500 skilled roles have been created in the last year at the UK’s nuclear weapons technology centre AWE.
- Government study shows that people working in defence nuclear industry receive 20% above average UK salary.
- Defence Secretary visits top secret site as £15 billion investment in sovereign UK nuclear warhead supports the Plan for Change with nearly 10,000 jobs across the UK.
It comes as the government’s delivers a landmark £15 billion investment in this parliament into the renewal of the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead – confirmed through the recent Strategic Defence Review – to keep the British people safe while supporting almost 10,000 UK jobs.

The figures from government analysis published today also show that average salaries in the defence nuclear industry reach £45,500 – 20% higher than the UK average.

Over the last year, 1,500 new skilled staff, and double the number of apprentices and graduates, have joined AWE in Aldermaston, Berkshire – the UK’s nuclear weapons technology centre – all vital to the success of the nuclear deterrent by playing a critical role in the development and maintenance of the nuclear warhead stockpile.

It comes as John Healey was the first Defence Secretary to visit AWE since 2018, and he hailed the economic growth impact for the local area, as AWE celebrates its 75th anniversary.

The AWE workforce of 9,500 staff, including 3,000 engineers and 1,500 scientists, demonstrates the defence nuclear sector as an engine for economic growth, backing the government’s Plan for Change. This milestone year reflects AWE’s crucial contribution to the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent – keeping a nuclear-armed submarine at sea continuously – ensuring the security of the nation and our NATO allies around the clock.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

The nuclear weapons technology delivered at AWE keeps us all safe every minute of the day. The skilled men and women working here play a fundamental role in deterring global conflict and that cannot be underestimated.

However, our nuclear deterrent doesn’t just protect us, it also powers prosperity. From the design and development of the warhead in Aldermaston, to shipbuilding in Barrow and maintenance in Plymouth, to deployment for operations from Clyde, defence is an engine for growth. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise delivers on the Plan for Change by backing thousands of jobs across the country.

Through the Strategic Defence Review we are unshakeable in our commitment to maintaining our nuclear deterrent – it is the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies.

AWE is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) – the partnership of organisations that operate, maintain, renew and sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent as part of a national endeavour which supports more than 48,000 jobs across the country – set to rise to 65,000 in the next decade.

Through the Nuclear Skills Plan, nearly 4,000 early career starters are projected to have entered the wider nuclear sector over the last year, with the total number of graduate and apprenticeship roles in the sector aiming to double over the next 10 years.

During his visit, the Defence Secretary met with staff, scientists and apprentices to acknowledge the establishment’s legacy, celebrate current achievements, and highlight the importance of investing in future talent. AWE welcomed nearly 500 graduates, apprentices and placement students in 2024/25 – double the previous year – many of them from local communities.

The defence nuclear industry wage premium also brings prosperity to some of the most economically disadvantaged communities in the UK, with over half of those employed in the defence nuclear industry living in areas targeted for economic regeneration.

The visit comes after the SDR and Spending Review provided the commitment and funding for the UK to produce a new submarine every 18 months in future years. It follows the commitment to grow the UK’s attack submarine fleet to up to 12 under the AUKUS partnership.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Decade long Infrastructure Strategy to deliver stability, investment and national renewal [June 2025]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 19 June 2025.

10 Year Infrastructure Strategy published today (19 June) will deliver on the Government’s growth mission, as part of the Plan for Change, transforming how infrastructure projects are planned and delivered.
- Safer hospitals, modernised schools, and renovated courts to replace crumbling public sector buildings, as Strategy pledges at least £9 billion per year over next decade for renewal of Health, Education and Justice estates
- New approach to infrastructure will include vital reforms to ensure planning and delivery is joined up, backed by £725 billion in long-term funding for maintenance and major projects.
The soaring maintenance backlog which has left our schools, colleges, hospitals and courts in a state of disrepair will be turned around as part of the government’s landmark 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy published today (19 June).

The Strategy sets out a long-term plan for how the government will invest in infrastructure and ensure that funding is spent effectively and efficiently, marking a new approach to how projects are planned and delivered.

This government is committed to doing things differently to deliver infrastructure and fix the failures of the past, having accepted all of the James Stewart Review’s recommendations on HS2. The Strategy provides the certainty and stability needed to attract investment, boosting British supply chains and jobs, and takes a joined-up view to improve planning and delivery across all types of infrastructure.

It will also encourage inward investment by providing a long-term vision that gives investors the confidence and certainty they need to truly commit funding to projects, creating job opportunities and boosting living standards for people across the country, delivering on the Plan for Change.

These plans are backed by at least £725 billion of government funding over the coming decade, from which at least £9 billion will be allocated in 2025-26 to address the critical maintenance needs of health, education and justice estates, rising to over £10 billion per year by 2034-35.

This will increase access to quality, modern public services, following years of underinvestment, and deliver significant real-world benefits for patients, students, staff, and communities.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

Infrastructure is crucial to unlocking growth across the country, but for too long investment has been squeezed. Crumbling public buildings are a sign of the decay that has seeped into our everyday lives because of a total failure to plan and invest.

We’re not just fixing buildings – we’re enhancing public services, improving lives and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth in communities throughout the UK.

This will deliver the decade of national renewal we promised Britain, and fulfil our Plan for Change goals to kickstart economic growth, and build an NHS fit for the future.

The 10-year maintenance investment will deliver tangible improvements for people across the country:
- Health: Over £6 billion per year will create safer hospital environments across England with reduced waiting times, improved patient outcomes, and better working conditions for NHS staff. By eliminating RAAC concrete and addressing critical infrastructure risks, patients will receive care in modern facilities that support rather than hinder their treatment and recovery.
- Education: Investment in school and college maintenance will rise to almost £3 billion annually, transforming learning environments across England and providing safe and high-quality spaces for children and young people, improving educational outcomes and breaking down barriers to opportunity.
- Justice: At least £600 million investment each year will improve safety and security in prisons across England and Wales, reducing incidents and creating environments more conducive to rehabilitation. Enhanced court facilities will help reduce backlogs and improve access to justice.
This strategic investment approach will help break the cycle of deterioration and emergency repairs that has characterised public infrastructure maintenance for decades. By adopting a preventative approach, services will face fewer disruptive closures, operate more efficiently, and deliver better value for taxpayers in the long term.

The programme directly supports the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future, with healthcare facilities that enable earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. It also advances the mission to break down barriers to opportunity by ensuring all children have access to quality learning environments, regardless of where they live.

To support delivery of this strategy, the government is funding at least £725 billion for the country’s infrastructure over the next decade, ensuring that public infrastructure capital funding continues to grow in line with inflation after the current Spending Review period. This funding certainty will help government and industry plan further ahead, allowing for more efficient delivery of UK wide infrastructure.

The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), established by the government this year, will work with partners across government and industry to effectively implement the strategy across the whole of the UK. NISTA will periodically review the progress made and work with devolved governments to ensure that infrastructure strategy across the UK is joined up.

Becky Wood, Chief Executive Officer of NISTA, said:

This investment is a welcome part of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy and will help us to address some of the challenges that our key public services have faced over recent years.

Strategic preventative maintenance based on longer-term plans is a more effective approach than making decisions in the absence of certainty about the future – and will ensure our vital public services remain resilient and fit for purpose.

By approaching replacement and maintenance of our infrastructure in an informed and systematic way, we can target interventions effectively and plan properly for the future.

More information

The 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy outlines the government’s comprehensive approach to infrastructure investment across all sectors.

This funding commitment follows recommendations from the National Audit Office on the need for long-term, sustainable maintenance funding.

The funding in the 10YIS includes:
- £1 billion to carry out maintenance on key transport infrastructure, including crumbling bridges, flyovers and crossing.
- £590 million to start work on the Lower Thames Crossing.
- £16 billion of new public investment will help build over 500,000 new homes, which will also unlock over £53bn of private investment.
Tracy Blackwell, Chief Executive Officer, Pension Insurance Corporation said:

The government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy is a good step in the right direction – providing clarity, ambition, and commitment to long-term investors in UK infrastructure, like Pension Insurance Corporation. We welcome the clearer pipeline of projects and a renewed focus on social value, something that is of real importance for local people. The Government’s wider efforts on planning reform, transparent delivery bodies, and reducing the regulatory burden will supplement this new strategy – offering a much more investable environment across the UK.

Lord O’Neill of Gatley said:

The Strategy set out today is a serious plan for addressing the long-running challenges that have prohibited investment for years. The government needs to be transparent in how it selects its infrastructure investments to drive growth and this Strategy is a big step forward in doing that. I look forward to further detail on the government’s plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Keith Lawson, Executive Vice President, Jacobs said:

Jacobs welcomes the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy as a testament to the Government’s commitment to driving economic growth, empowering communities, and providing market certainty. We are excited about the potential for this ambitious strategy to attract new talent to our sector, embrace new technologies, and promote the UK’s ability to compete globally.

By investing in public services, transport, and clean energy, we are not only addressing today’s needs but also laying the foundation for a resilient future. The combined efforts of the Spending Review, NISTA, and the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy provide the stability, coordination, and long-term vision necessary for efficient infrastructure delivery.

At Jacobs, we are committed to partnering with the Government to deliver these vital projects, creating lasting positive impacts across the UK.
June 26, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Sexual predator has prison sentence increased [June 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 18 June 2o25.

A sexual predator who posed as a 12-year-old to obtain explicit photos from children has sentence increased following the Solicitor General’s intervention.

Joshua Wilson (26) from Bedworth, Warwickshire, had his sentence increased by one year and ten months after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The Court heard that between May and September 2023, Wilson contacted two children on social media. He requested nude images and sent sexually explicit images of himself to one of them.

In October 2024, following his arrest and whilst on bail, Wilson contacted a nine-year-old girl on social media.

Posing as a 12-year-old boy, Wilson video called her and requested she show her genitals to him.

Wilson was also found to be in possession of numerous indecent images of children and had uploaded some onto an instant messaging service.

The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

Joshua Wilson’s crimes were sickening. He sought to befriend and sexually exploit vulnerable children.

I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase his sentence following my intervention.

On 7 March 2025, Wilson was sentenced to four years imprisonment for three counts of making indecent photographs of children, one count of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, one count of distributing indecent photographs of children, four counts of sexual communication with a child, one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act, and one count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

On 17 June 2025, Wilson’s sentence was increased to five years and 10 months after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

June 26, 2025