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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of Ukrainians missing loved ones from their family gatherings this Easter – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of Ukrainians missing loved ones from their family gatherings this Easter – UK statement to the OSCE [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 April 2023.

    Ambassador Bush says the arrival of Spring is overshadowed for a second year by Russia’s destructive and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. Firstly, I would like to thank Ms Herasymchuck for her statement. Madam Chair, since we last met in this Council, millions across the OSCE region have welcomed the arrival of Spring; celebrating new life, rebirth and community. While we may look ahead to warmer, brighter days, for many Ukrainians the upcoming Easter celebrations will be overshadowed for a second year by Russia’s destructive and unprovoked invasion.

    Thousands of Ukrainian families will be missing loved ones from their tables and family gatherings in the coming days: those killed by Russian invaders; those serving to defend Ukraine; unlawfully detained persons and all those forced from their homes. This Easter, according to the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, over 6,000 Ukrainian children will be in Russia’s custody, without their parents – some as far as 4,000 miles from their homes. We await the Moscow Mechanism report on this latest cruelty from Russia.

    This devastation also includes families grieving in Russia. Thousands of Russian soldiers have senselessly lost their lives in Ukraine – many of them recruited from minority communities, in Russia’s poorest regions. Poorly trained, ill equipped and with non-existent leadership, these men – young and old – were led to their deaths by Moscow’s lies and propaganda. The Russian leadership has shown a complete disregard for the lives of its citizens – to fight a war that many do not understand or believe in.

    Spring also marks a busy time for agricultural producers across the OSCE region. However, in Ukraine, the simple act of tending to the land could result in serious injury or death. More than 5 million hectares of Ukraine’s farmland has been damaged in the war – an area larger than Slovakia. Vast areas will need to be cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance and re-cultivated. Russian forces stole or destroyed agricultural equipment and left seed and crops to rot, while bombs, bullets, starvation and disease killed hundreds of thousands of animals and millions of poultry birds. We continue to see the impact of Russia’s actions on world food prices and on the most food-insecure communities around the globe.

    Every day, ordinary Ukrainians live under the constant threat of attack while trying to go on with their lives. This weekend residential areas, including in Kramatorsk and Kupiansk, were the target of Russian shelling and rocket attacks, which claimed more innocent lives including a little 11-year-old girl and her father. Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia Oblast on Sunday resulted in a further three deaths. The relentless loss of life and devastation caused by Russia’s aggression since February 2022 is incomprehensible.

    We will remember each one of these lives taken. We will not forget the names of the children separated from their parents. We will honour those who have given their lives and livelihoods in the defence of their country. Time and again, we have called on Russia to end this war, to end the suffering to Ukraine, to its own people and to all affected around the world. However, it is clear Russia’s political leadership does not want peace.

    Madam Chair, there is hope. The Ukrainian people have demonstrated repeatedly that they will not give up their right to freedom and a democratic future; they will not bow in the face of Russian aggression. And Ukraine’s friends will not give up either. As evidenced by the wide-ranging diplomatic, economic, military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine by its partners, Russia should not harbour any illusions that this support will diminish. It will not. Ukraine will have peace; a just and lasting peace on Ukraine’s terms; a peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; and a peace that restores the stability and security of Europe and the wider global community. And we will be standing by them.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £30 million government boost to capture and store more renewable energy [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £30 million government boost to capture and store more renewable energy [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 12 April 2023.

    Government funding awarded to innovative projects that will capture and store renewable energy for later use.

    • UK projects awarded £30 million government funding to develop new technologies to capture and store energy for longer
    • storing energy will be crucial as the UK transitions towards cheap, clean, domestically-produced renewable energy
    • maximising the potential of renewables will help lower energy costs and boost the UK’s energy security and independence

    Cutting edge businesses, in locations including Scotland and Nottingham, are set to benefit from a share of £30 million to be at the forefront of designing and testing innovative technology of the future that will modernise our energy system and store renewable energy for later use.

    Capturing and storing energy for use when and where it is needed will play an essential role in powering more of Britain from Britain and increasing the country’s energy security. The funding announced today will support these businesses testing and preparing their technologies to be ready for the energy market, encouraging private investment and creating new jobs across the UK.

    The nature of renewables means that on windy, sunny days sometimes more renewable electricity is generated than is needed, such as during extended periods of the sun shining or high winds. Energy storage technology will soak up this excess energy for later use, maximising the use of renewable energy, all while boosting energy security and supplying energy to consumers at a lower cost.

    Flexibility from technologies such as electricity storage and smart charging of electric vehicles could save up to £10 billion per year by 2050 by reducing the amount of energy and network needed to create a secure, home-grown energy system. Accelerating the uptake of energy storage technology will also mean National Grid can balance the grid by activating storage systems instead of asking certain power generation technologies to switch off, further reducing costs to the taxpayer.

    Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart said:

    Storing energy for longer periods is vital to build a robust and secure energy system and ensure that renewable energy is used efficiently. Fortunately the UK has a wealth of pioneering businesses that are making their mark on this industry.

    Today we’re backing three UK businesses to make their projects a reality, which will go on to play a role in our country’s energy security.

    The winning projects will now go on to fully deploy and demonstrate their technology; they are:

    • Synchrostor, Edinburgh, Scotland, which will receive £9.4 million to build a Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) grid-connected demonstration plant operating at 1MW, with the ability to charge and discharge for a period of 10 hours, longer than current battery technology
    • Invinity Energy (UK) Limited, Scotland, which will receive £11 million to develop and manufacture their 7MW, 30MWh 4-hour Vanadium Flow Battery (VFB), the largest in the UK. Invinity will manufacture the 30 MWh VFB at the Company’s factory in West Lothian, Scotland. The location of the plant will be confirmed in due course; and
    • Cheesecake Energy Ltd, Nottingham, which will receive £9.4 million to test their FlexiTanker technology which stores electricity using a combination of thermal and compressed air energy storage and uses a reversible air compression / expansion train to charge and discharge. They will then install pilot units at 2 sites within a microgrid development in Colchester.

    This announcement follows the £32.8 million funding awarded to 5 UK energy storage projects across the country in November 2022 to create first-of-a-kind prototypes of their technology. A total of £69 million of funding has been awarded so far through this programme, helping to drive innovative technologies such as energy storage.

    Today’s announcement follows the launch of the government’s Powering Up Britain plan, showing how the UK will boost the country’s energy security and independence, create green British jobs and stay at the forefront of the transition to net zero.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak to recognise six-year old Dáithí Mac Gabhann for outstanding contribution award [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak to recognise six-year old Dáithí Mac Gabhann for outstanding contribution award [April 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 April 2023.

    The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to personally present six-year old Dáithí Mac Gabhann with his daily Points of Light award this morning.

    As part of the Prime Minister’s visit to Northern Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement this week, he is expected to personally present six-year old Dáithí Mac Gabhann with his daily Points of Light award this morning.

    The Points of Light awards recognise outstanding volunteers and people who are contributing to their community.

    Today, the Prime Minister will meet with Dáithí and his family to thank them for their tireless campaigning for ‘Dáithí’s Law’, which implemented an ‘opt-out’ organ donation system, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK.

    Their efforts prompted the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland’s decision to bring forward amendments to the Executive Formation Bill earlier this year, which allowed Dáithí’s Law to become a reality and save lives across Northern Ireland.

    In a letter to Dáithí, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    “Every day I write a letter to thank someone for doing something remarkable for others. Today is very special, because I get to thank you.

    “The bravery and determination you have shown in campaigning to change the law on organ donation in Northern Ireland is truly inspiring.

    “With Dáithí’s Law you are helping others in your situation to get the life-changing help they need. It is a huge achievement.

    “In your father’s words: “exceptional things happen for exceptional people.” I agree with him that you are truly exceptional and so I am delighted to recognise your courage by naming you as the UK’s 2029th Point of Light.

    “The whole country is with you as you continue your treatment.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Media Freedom Coalition Executive Group Statement – Detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Media Freedom Coalition Executive Group Statement – Detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 April 2023.

    The Media Freedom Coalition Executive Group has released a statement on the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

    The Executive Group of the Media Freedom Coalition strongly condemns the Russian Federation for the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The detention of journalists under the guise of espionage charges is very concerning and undermines the basic principles of democracy and rule of law.

    Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that is protected by international law; it includes the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, irrespective of borders. Journalists play a crucial role in holding governments and powerful people and institutions to account, while informing the public about matters of public interest. It is imperative that they are able to work independently and without fear of being labeled as spies.

    We condemn the Russian Federation’s move to silence journalists and use its authority to intimidate or harass them. Russia must comply with its international human rights commitments and not abuse its power to suppress critical reporting.

    We call on the Russian Federation to release immediately Evan Gershkovich, along with all others it has unjustly detained.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Samoa [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change of British High Commissioner to Samoa [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 11 April 2023.

    Mr Gareth Keith Hoar has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Independent State of Samoa in succession to Mr David Ward who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Hoar will take up his appointment during June 2023.

    CURRICULUM VITAE

    Full name: Gareth Keith Hoar

    Married to: Rebecca Haixiang Hoar

    Date Role
    2018 to 2022 Wuhan, HM Consul General
    2017 to 2018 Full Time Language Training (Mandarin)
    2016 to 2017 Beijing, Director DIT China (temporary duty)
    2012 to 2016 Melbourne, HM Consul General
    2008 to 2012 Beijing, Deputy Director, UKTI China
    2007 to 2008 City of London (on secondment), Head of International Affairs
    2005 to 2007 FCO, China Team Leader, Far Eastern Group
    2002 to 2005 Beijing, First Secretary, Trade and Investment
    2000 to 2001 Guangzhou, HM Consul General
    1997 to 1999 Guangzhou, Vice-Consul
    1994 to 1997 FCO, Human Resources Officer (Graduate, Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development 1996)
    1991 to 1994 Washington, Third Secretary, Press and Public Affairs
    1989 to 1991 Santiago, Administration Officer
    1986 to 1988 Beijing, Commercial Attaché
    1984 to 1986 FCO, Personnel Operations Department
  • PRESS RELEASE : Plans unveiled to improve local authority action on air quality [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Plans unveiled to improve local authority action on air quality [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 April 2023.

    A new Air Quality Strategy will provide a framework to support local action to improve air quality.

    A consultation on delivering cleaner air in towns, cities and rural areas across England has been launched today (11 April).

    The Government is seeking views on a revised Air Quality Strategy which outlines how councils in England should use their existing powers and responsibilities more effectively to deliver improvements to air quality.

    The draft strategy includes:

    • Outlining the actions councils can undertake to improve air quality
    • Setting out actions for councils to reduce emissions of fine particulate matter, the pollutant most damaging to health
    • Providing a framework to enable local authorities to make the best use of their powers and deliver for their communities

    Following consultation, a final strategy will be published, providing a framework to support local action to improve air quality, in consultation with local communities. This will drive forward progress towards achieving the government’s legally-binding targets for all key air pollutants, including those recently set under the Environment Act for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

    The final strategy will complement the range of support government makes available to local authorities, including £883 million allocated under the Nitrogen Dioxide Programme, and funding awarded annually under Defra’s local Air Quality Grant scheme to develop and implement measures that benefit schools, businesses and communities, and reduce the impact of polluted air on people’s health.

    Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:

    By taking action in communities across the country, local authorities have a pivotal role to play in improving air quality, and they should listen to local residents and local businesses to find solutions that work best for their local area.

    Building on the great strides made in tackling air pollution at a national level since 2010, this strategy will help councils to go further and faster to improve air quality for the benefit of their residents.

    I encourage all local authorities to respond so together, we can deliver cleaner air – now and for the future.

    The government is taking decisive action to improve air quality. Our five year strategy to protect and restore the environment, which we published in January, sets out interim targets to reduce concentrations of, and public exposure to, PM2.5 by the end of January 2028, alongside a range of policies to work towards these targets. This builds on the progress made since 2010, where emissions of fine particulate matter [PM2.5] have fallen by 18%, and emissions of nitrogen oxides are at their lowest level since records began.

    The Plan also committed to helping councils to improve air quality more quickly by assessing their performance and use of existing powers, while supporting them with clear guidance, funding and tools. The consultation launched today (link) represents a significant step forward in the delivery of these commitments.

    The strategy builds on existing net zero programmes implemented by the government, including our National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP), which sets out how the UK can meet the legally binding 2020 and 2030 emission reduction commitments, and the 2019 Clean Air Strategy, which sets out the comprehensive actions required across all parts of government and society to improve air quality.

    You can respond to the consultation by clicking here.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Grant to boost domestic tree production re-opens [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Grant to boost domestic tree production re-opens [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 April 2023.

    £5 million available for tree and seed suppliers of all sizes and from any sector to expand and modernise.

    Investment in domestic tree production in England will be accelerated today (11 April) with applications re-opening for the Forestry Commission’s Tree Production Capital Grant. The funding will drive the production of tree seed and saplings through developments in machinery, automation and the expansion of facilities.

    In line with the aims of the England Trees Action Plan and Government ambitions to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament, the Tree Production Capital Grant will support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply.

    The grant will enable suppliers to boost production rates at pace and has been designed to complement the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which provides support for research projects that enhance UK tree production methods.

    Previous funding rounds have provided machinery for projects such as the Emmaus Community Tree Nursery in Cornwall to help it meet the need for locally grown trees and provide employment opportunities for homeless people. Funding has also supporting Warwickshire County Council expand and improve their tree nursey expansion and improvement so they can diversify the species they grow and adapt to future climate conditions.

    Successful projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs, with money coming from the Tree Production Capital Grant as part of the Government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund. In comparison to the 2022 application process, the minimum grant value which can be applied for has reduced from £10,000 to £5,000 enhancing accessibility for smaller projects.

    Examples of eligible projects include investments in seed trays, developments in machinery such as transplanting systems and grading machines, improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems, or in biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment. Applications are encouraged from tree seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes and sectors, as well as new entrants looking to diversify into the area.

    Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison said:

    This Government is committed to bolstering domestic tree production and fostering a robust forestry industry – actions that are necessary to realise our long-term tree- planting goals.

    Not only does the Tree Production Capital Grant allow us to modernise and enhance the sector, but it also helps to create new green jobs and to tackle climate change, amongst myriad other benefits.

    Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said:

    Funding projects that enhance our woodlands and treescapes is fundamental to achieving Government’s tree planting ambitions and building an innovative and robust forestry sector.

    Through the Tree Production Capital Grant we have been able to support existing tree and seed suppliers of all sizes, and also provide funding to those wishing to make a start in the sector. With the application window now open, I encourage those with relevant projects to apply.”

    The second round of the Tree Production Capital Grant is now open until 31st May 2023. and will provide up to £1.76 million of funding during 2023/24 and £3.43 million during 2024/25, subject to successful bids. Applicants can apply for projects up to two years long, ending in March 2025.

    The Forestry Commission will be hosting a webinar on the grant application process on Friday 28 April.

    For more information and to apply, go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-production-capital-grant

  • PRESS RELEASE : New crackdown on fraud introduced by Home Office [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New crackdown on fraud introduced by Home Office [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 April 2023.

    New offence will make it easier to prosecute a large organisation if an employee commits fraud for the organisation’s benefit.

    The new failure to prevent fraud offence will make it easier to prosecute a large organisation if an employee commits fraud for the organisation’s benefit.

    If fraud is committed by an employee of an organisation, the organisation must be able to demonstrate it had reasonable measures in place to deter the offending or risk receiving an unlimited fine.

    The proposed legislation encourages businesses to do more to deter offending which will help cut crime and protect consumers, investors, other businesses and the taxpayer from fraudulent practices.

    Businesses which fail to deter fraud will face enforcement action under new Home Office plans.

    The tighter legislation, to be introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill, will allow prosecutors to hold big companies to account if an employee commits fraud for the organisation’s benefit, and they did not have reasonable prevention procedures in place.

    The Home Office tabled an amendment to introduce the failure to prevent fraud offence earlier today, and it is supported by the Serious Fraud Office and the Crown Prosecution Service.

    Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

    We are determined to crack down on unscrupulous companies that seek to defraud their customers.

    Our new failure to prevent fraud offence will protect consumers from dishonest and misleading sales practices, and level the playing field for the majority of businesses that behave responsibly.

    This government is committed to fighting economic crime, as demonstrated by our recently launched Economic Crime Plan 2 which set out how we will give law enforcement more state of the art resources to tackle high level offending.

    The new legislation will protect the public from a wide range of harms including dishonest sales practices, false accounting and hiding important information from consumers or investors.

    It could also hold companies to account for dishonest practices in financial markets.

    The new powers follow on from recommendations made by the Law Commission’s 2022 review of corporate criminal liability.

    Lisa Osofsky, Director of the Serious Fraud Office, said:

    This new offence would be a game-changer for law enforcement – bringing the law on fraud in line with bribery.

    As the UK’s top economic crime prosecutors, this would help us crack down on fraudulent enterprises, compensate their victims and ultimately protect the integrity of our economy.

    Prosecutors will independently consider whether a prosecution is in the public interest before any charges are brought.

    A business could face legal action if, for example, employees were selling products to a customer under false pretences.

    It could also be held accountable if employees falsified accounts to mislead investors.

    Under both examples, a business could receive an unlimited fine if it is found to not have reasonable fraud prevention procedures in place. This enforcement not only ensures justice is secured for victims, it also encourages companies to create an environment where it is difficult for fraudulent tactics to thrive.

    There will be no requirement to prove that company bosses ordered or knew about a fraud committed by an employee.

    A business will not be liable if it can prove reasonable measures were in place to deter the offence. The government will publish guidance on reasonable prevention measures in due course. The offence will not be enforced until the guidance is published.

    Andrew Penhale, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, said:

    The scale of fraud in the UK – now comprising 41% of all criminal activity – is so significant that extra measures to help prevent it and protect people from falling victim to this crime is welcome.

    The new corporate offence of failing to prevent fraud is another important measure to drive better corporate behaviours and will complement existing measures for prosecutors.

    Larger corporate enterprises, which fail to put in place reasonable measures to prevent fraud being committed by their employees, may be held criminally liable for that failure.

    A primary benefit of the new legislation will be a drive towards better corporate behaviours which seek to prevent fraud. A similar outcome has been observed under the existing failure to prevent bribery and failure to prevent facilitation of tax evasion offences.

    Small and medium sized enterprises will be exempt from the new offence but remain accountable under the existing legal framework.

    The new legislation will apply across the United Kingdom.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement [April 2023]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 April 2023.

    The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak marks the 25-year anniversary of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

    Today we reflect on the beginning of a new chapter in the people of Northern Ireland’s history, with the commemoration of the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 25 years ago.

    This is an Agreement born of partnership between the British and Irish Governments and, as we will see from President Biden’s visit this week, it continues to enjoy huge international support from our closest allies. But most importantly, it is based on compromise in Northern Ireland itself.

    As we look forward, we will celebrate those who took difficult decisions, accepted compromise, and showed leadership – showing bravery, perseverance, and political imagination.

    We commemorate those who are no longer with us and the many who lost their lives by trying to prevent violence and protect the innocent. And we give thanks to them as we reflect on the new generations that have grown up and continue to grow in a world in which peace and prosperity has prevailed.

    While it is time to reflect on the solid progress we have made together, we must also recommit to redoubling our efforts on the promise made in 1998 and the agreements that followed.

    One of economic opportunity, prosperity, and stability – it is a promise we must continue to fulfil. So must get on with the business of governance.

    My mission, duty and responsibility as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is to deliver for people in Northern Ireland.

    We stand ready to work with our partners in the Irish Government and the local parties to ensure that the institutions are up and running again as soon as possible.

    There is work to be done.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Disabled children to benefit from funding for short breaks [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Disabled children to benefit from funding for short breaks [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 11 April 2023.

    Thousands of families with children with special educational needs supported with short breaks from theatre trips to outdoor activities helping to build vital skills.

    Thousands more families with children with special educational needs will receive support with short breaks, including theatre trips, hiking or craft workshops, as the scheme is expanded to 10 new areas of the country.

    The short breaks scheme gives disabled children a chance to take part in unforgettable activities and develop vitals skills, while giving their families a break from their caring responsibilities.

    The government funded programme provides councils with up to £1 million each for a year to work with families to develop innovative experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible to children because of their disability, as well as covering the costs of providing the activities.

    Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho said:

    Short breaks provide much-needed support to disabled children and their families. They give children opportunities to make friends, learn something new and work towards greater independence, while allowing parents the all-important time they need to recharge.

    We’ve already seen the transformative impact these new approaches to short breaks are having on children and their families, and I am looking forward to continuing this work, extending it to more parts of the country so even more children can benefit.

    The plans come following the recent publication of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, which outlines the government’s plan to transform the experiences and outcomes of children with special needs and disabilities, ensuring every child, no matter where they live, has access to a high-quality, fulfilling education.

    The Short Breaks Innovation Fund is delivering a total of £30 million over three years to local authorities to deliver the short breaks and test new approaches to providing essential support for parents of children with disabilities.

    Methods already being piloted include creating a transition group for children with SEND to develop independent living skills through group activities, which also create friendship circles that carry through into adult life. Other activities being piloted include sleep-over clubs and film-making workshops to build teamworking skills.

    The LAs who will receive new funding this year as part of the second year of the programme are:

    Bristol City Council
    Cambridgeshire County Council
    Camden Council
    Derby City Council
    Norfolk County Council
    Nottingham City
    Plymouth City Council
    Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
    Southwark Council
    Suffolk County Council
    Sunderland City Council
    Surrey County Council
    Wakefield Council
    Dame Christine Lenehan, Director of Council for Disabled Children said:

    I am delighted with the Government’s recognition of the value of short breaks to both disabled children and their families. We have seen some really exciting developments in Year 1 of the programme and look forward to seeing what these 10 authorities can deliver. We are keen that the transferrable learning from these innovative projects is shared as widely as possible to ensure children and young people across the country can benefit.

    The first year of funding, which was provided to seven local authorities, showed positive results for children and their families, and this work to pilot new approaches will help inform a national policy for short breaks to be rolled out more widely.

    Sunderland Council received funding last year to provide support to children aged 10-16 with Social, Emotional or Mental Health needs (SEMH) or autism.

    Teams across early help, alternative provision and disability services deliver whole family sessions, including a parental wellbeing course and sensory arts and craft sessions for non-verbal children with autism.

    Sunderland Council’s evaluation shows these interventions have had a significant positive impact on the children involved, including improved attendance and behaviour in schools, and a reduction in suspensions.