Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : One million families claiming tax credits to receive Cost of Living Payment from 2 May [April 2023]
The press release issued by HM Treasury on 4 April 2023.

HMRC announces date for the first Cost of Living payment during the 2023 to 2024 tax year, for tax-credits only customers.

One million eligible claimant families receiving tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will get the first Cost of Living Payment for the 2023 to 2024 tax year from Tuesday 2 May 2023, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed.

The £301 government payment will be paid automatically into most customers’ bank accounts between Tuesday 2 and Tuesday 9 May 2023 across the United Kingdom. Only eligible families who receive tax credits and no other means-tested benefits will receive the payment from HMRC.

This is the first of three payments totalling up to £900 for those eligible in the 2023 to 2024 tax year.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, said:

Higher prices make life difficult for everyone, which is why our priority is to halve inflation this year.

But we are also going further to support those struggling most, with a total package of support worth an average of £3,300 per household this year and next – including up to £900 in direct cash payments starting next month for families receiving tax credits.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:

The £301 Cost of Living Payment will deliver vital financial help to eligible tax credit customers across the UK. Further support will be paid in autumn 2023 and spring 2024 to those entitled to payment.

HMRC will pay eligible tax credit customers automatically and with no action required from the customer, to make this as simple and helpful as it can possibly be.

The payment will show as ‘HMRC COLS’ in customers’ bank and building society accounts, so that they know the money is cost of living support.

For tax credit-only customers to be eligible for the £301 Cost of Living Payment, they must have received a payment of tax credits in respect of any day in the period 26 January to 25 February 2023, or later be found to have been entitled to a payment for this period.

Eligible customers do not need to apply or contact HMRC to receive the payment.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced that eligible households receiving DWP means-tested benefits will receive their first payment for the 2023 to 2024 tax year between Tuesday 25 April and Wednesday 17 May. This includes tax credit claimants who also receive other income-related benefits from DWP.

The payments are part of a package of wider government support announced to tackle the cost of living in the 2023 to 2024 tax year, including:
- a further £300 Cost of Living Payment for eligible families in autumn 2023, with a payment of £299 in spring 2024
- a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment for eligible disabled people to be paid during summer 2023
- a £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment to be paid during winter 2023-24.
This means that the most vulnerable can receive up to £1,350 in direct payments over the coming financial year if eligible.

Including both DWP and HMRC payments, the latest Cost of Living Payment will see more than 8 million households across the UK receive their £301 cash boost by mid-May 2023.

The government is offering help for households. Customers should check GOV.UK to find out what support they could be eligible for.

Additional information

To receive the £301 payment someone must (subject to a very limited exception) have been entitled to a payment of a qualifying benefit as follows:
- eligible tax credit-only customers, who will receive the £301 payment between 2 and 9 May 2023, must have received a payment of tax credits in respect of any day in the period 26 January 2023 to 25 February 2023, or later be found to have been entitled to a payment for this period.
- for joint claimants, where one claimant receives Working Tax Credit and the other claimant receives Child Tax Credit, payments will be made into the same bank account as the Child Tax Credit.
- to be eligible for the DWP payment, families must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either:
Universal Credit – payment for an assessment period ending between 26 January 2023 and 25 February 2023.

For all other DWP means-tested benefits, payment in respect of any day between 26 January and 25 February 2023.
- receiving a previous Cost of Living Payment does not mean you will be entitled to a future one. Customers will need to meet the separate eligibility criteria for each payment.
Customers do not need to apply for this payment. If customers are eligible through receiving tax credits only, HMRC will make the Cost of Living Payment automatically into the bank account where claimants already receive their tax credits. Customers might find that their payment is delayed if they have recently closed the bank account their tax credits are usually paid into.

If customers have not let HMRC know that their bank account has changed, HMRC will pay the money into their old bank account, meaning the payment will be rejected. If this happens, HMRC will follow this up by letter to the customer, letting them know that we need updated bank details.

If tax credit customers believe they are eligible but have not received a payment between the published payment dates, they should wait until 16 May 2023 at the earliest to contact HMRC. This is to allow time for their bank, building society or credit union to process the payment. We will not be able to provide customers with any further information before this date.

More than 8 million families on means-tested benefits will receive up to £900 during the 2023 to 2024 tax year, in up to 3 payments. This includes all eligible families entitled to a payment of the following benefits: Universal Credit; Income-based Jobseekers Allowance; Income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Income Support; Working Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit; and Pension Credit.

This payment is tax-free, will not count towards the benefit cap, and will not have any impact on existing benefit awards.

The 3 means-tested cost of living payments are being delivered in 3 slightly different amounts of £301, £300, and £299. The distinct value relates to a specific qualifying period before the payment is made. This allows HMRC and DWP to ensure support is targeted at those who need it and are eligible; to determine if a payee received the correct payment and identify the payment value; and to reduce the risk of fraud as HMRC and DWP will be able to clearly track those who have received payment.

Beware of scams targeting cost of living payments. If someone contacts you about this payment saying they are from HMRC, it might be a scam.

You do not need to apply for this payment. HMRC will never ask for your bank details by SMS or email. Do not let yourself be rushed. Check advice on spotting scams by visiting GOV.UK and searching ‘phishing and scams’. You can also find ways to contact us on GOV.UK – search ‘Contact HMRC’ and choose ‘tax credits’.
April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : HRC52 – UK Core Group statement on Item 2 Resolution: South Sudan [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2023.

UN HRC52: UK Core Group statement to introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan. Delivered by UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.

Thank you Mr President.

I am honoured to present on behalf of the core group of Albania, Norway, the United States and the UK, draft resolution L.27 on South Sudan, which, if passed, would extend in full the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for a further year.

Mr President,

The human rights situation in South remains dire and should be of paramount concern to this Council. All major UN actors working on human rights in South Sudan have continued to report that human rights violations and abuses continue to be committed frequently across South Sudan, with impunity, by all actors, across the country. In addition, the transitional justice institutions supposed to guarantee accountability for past violations and abuses have still not been established.

In light of this, our Core Group is clear that the Commission’s mandate to monitor, report, investigate and gather evidence of human rights violations and abuses remains as necessary today as when it was established. This work directly supports efforts to make progress toward lasting peace in South Sudan, based on respect for the rule of law, accountability for past atrocities, and the full enjoyment by all South Sudanese of their human rights going forward.

Mr President,

We regret that, once again, we have been unable to reach consensus on full mandate extension with South Sudan. We note their position here in Geneva, while also deeply appreciating their continued and full cooperation with the Commission in Juba.

We also note the African Group has, as before, tabled draft resolution L.36, focusing on technical assistance and capacity building in South Sudan. We will of course support this text – technical assistance and capacity building, alongside continued and strong human rights scrutiny are key, mutually reinforcing pillars of the overall, comprehensive human rights response we believe South Sudan needs.

We therefore urge the Council to adopt this draft resolution extending the mandate of the Commission, and to vote in favour if necessary. If the resolution is adopted, we hope to continue discussions with South Sudan on whether and how we can find a way back to consensus next year.

Thank you.

April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire [April 2023]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 4 April 2023.

The King has been pleased to appoint Mrs Amanda Parker, DL, as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Lancashire on the retirement of The Lord Shuttleworth, KG, KCVO, on 2nd August 2023.

Background

Amanda Parker has devoted much of her life to voluntary service while also helping to run the commercial aspects of her family estate and founding two IT and AV businesses. She has served as a magistrate for almost two decades; supported young people through sport, especially hockey; and is Chair of National Crimebeat, a youth crime prevention charity. She is also a patron or trustee of Whalley Educational Foundation, which provides community space for education; Nightsafe, a charity for young homeless people in Blackburn; Saheliyaan, an organisation supporting female abuse victims from (mostly) South Asia in Chorley; and Active Lancashire, which seeks to improve lifestyles and health outcomes. She was High Sheriff in 2015-16.

Mrs Parker lives near Clitheroe with her husband, Robert. They have two adult children.

April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Reappointment of Chair to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 4 April 2023.

The Secretary of State for Justice has announced the reappointment of Keith Fraser as Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State has announced the reappointment of Keith Fraser as Chair of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB). Keith’s term of office will commence on 14 April 2023 for a period of 2 years.

Appointments and reappointments of YJB Board members (including the Chair) are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and are made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

The YJB is a non-departmental public body, responsible for overseeing the youth justice system in England and Wales. As a non-departmental public body, it has a core responsibility for close monitoring of the operational performance of statutory partnerships, local authorities and Youth Offending Teams in preventing offending.

Biography

Keith was first appointed to the YJB as a member in January 2018 and was appointed as Chair in April 2020 for 3 years. He is also the Chair of Local Partnerships and of 999 Cenotaph. In March 2023 he became a member of the Governing Committee for the Youth Endowment Fund and was a Commissioner for the UK Race and Ethnic Disparities Commission. Keith is the Non-Executive Director at The WorkForce Development Trust Limited, Sport Birmingham and a Patron for Employability UK.

Prior to this, Keith was a Superintendent and Chief Inspector in the West Midlands Police. During this time, he produced the 2016-19 Preventing Gang Involvement and Youth Violence strategy, and was the Strategic Police Lead for the Princes Trust across the West Midlands. He also served in the Metropolitan Police Service for 20 Years. Keith was also the Chair of Wolverhampton City Council’s statutory Youth Justice Management Board where he led an innovative preventative project which worked with Sport England to support over 7,000 children.

April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ofsted to start registering supported accommodation providers from April [April 2023]

The press release issued by Ofsted on 4 April 2023.

Ofsted is set to provide essential oversight of supported accommodation for children in care and care leavers aged 16 to 17.

Supported accommodation refers to housing and support for looked after children and care leavers aged 16 to 17, which enables them to live semi-independently. Until now, this type of provision has had no independent scrutiny, potentially leaving children at risk in unsafe or unsuitable accommodation, including caravans and boats. Regulation and inspection will provide crucial oversight of the sector, and will assess whether accommodation is safe and meets children’s individual needs.

Last month, the government published new quality standards that providers of supported accommodation must meet. Under new regulations, providers will need to submit applications to register with Ofsted by 28 October 2023. After this date it will be an offence to provide supported accommodation without having a registration application accepted as complete.

Today, Ofsted has published guidance to support providers with their applications. The guidance sets out in detail the registration process, including the evidence required from applicants and how Ofsted will assess the suitability of relevant individuals. Applications will start to be accepted from 28 April.

Ofsted will consult on proposals for the new inspection methodology in summer 2023 and will run pilot inspections in the autumn. Inspections of supported accommodation will begin in April 2024.

Yvette Stanley, National Director Regulation and Social Care:

I am really pleased that we are taking this first step in the regulation of supported accommodation. Supported accommodation can be the right fit for some older looked after children and care leavers who are ready for independence and need varying levels of support. But for too long there hasn’t been any independent oversight of this diverse and growing sector, and the quality of supported accommodation remains far too variable.

We are committed to getting the regulatory balance right. We will act sensibly and proportionally, but we will always have high expectations for children. All children need careful, nurturing and responsive support, wherever they live. We will continue to engage with children, young people, providers and others as we develop our proposals for inspection.

April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – UK Statement on Universal Declaration of Human Rights [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2023.

General Comment:Universal Declaration of Human Rights & Vienna Declaration & Programme of Action. Delivered by UK Ambassador to WTO & UN in Geneva Simon Manley.

Thank you Mr President

I would like to start by thanking the main sponsors for presenting this initiative to the Council. We appreciate the Core Group’s constructive engagement and strongly welcome their efforts to accommodate many of the points we raised during negotiations.

We are pleased that this draft seeks to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. These foundational instruments of the international human rights system have guided us in our obligations to promote and protect human rights of all. Previously abstract notions of universality, equality, non-discrimination and inherent dignity are codified in international law and practice, thanks to the work began by the UDHR.

These two anniversaries point to an opportunity, to look back at how much progress has been made since 1948 but also how far we still have to go. We face significant challenges in upholding the central ethos of both the Universal Declaration and the Vienna Declaration. Chief among these challenges, regrettably, is, the concerted effort to rollback decades of progress towards achieving gender equality.

In parts of the world, women and girls are stripped of their most basic human rights, subjected to violence and intimidation, and even restricted from attending school or university.

Therefore we deeply regret attempts by a number of delegations to rollback on human rights, and in particular on the rights of women and girls. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, the battle for the individual rights of women is one of long standing and none of us should countenance anything which undermines it.

Mr President,

We do not believe that girls’ participation should be singled out on the condition of their age and maturity. Do we say the same thing for boys? We do not.

Notwithstanding these outstanding concerns, we have co-sponsored this initiative and will join consensus.

Thank you.

Statement delivered by Simon Manley on behalf of:

Vietnam, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Fiji, India, Panama, Romania, South Africa and Spain.

April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – General debate on agenda Item 10 [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 April 2023.

UN Human Rights Council 52nd session: General debate on agenda Item 10 as delivered by UK Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.

Thank you, Madame Vice-President,

General Assembly resolution 60/251 mandated this Council to address situations of human rights violations and to respond to human rights emergencies. Regrettably, the number and the scale of these emergencies remain alarmingly high.

This Council was also given a clear mandate to prevent serious violations from occurring and to work through constructive dialogue and cooperation.

We believe that this Council, and indeed the cause of human rights, and fundamental freedoms would be well served by giving greater attention to those situations where cooperation and engagement have led to better enjoyment of human rights on the ground.

Madame Vice-President,

As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, we must not lose sight of the many positive examples of cooperation by States, with the many human rights bodies and mechanisms that we have established.

For there is much we can, and must, learn from the way in which states have engaged with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in some cases through decades of in-country engagement. From states’ long-term involvement in the human rights treaty body reporting process; from implementation of far-reaching UPR recommendations; and from cooperation with country specific and thematic Special Procedures.

However, with more and more of our time taken up by Council sessions, it is all the more challenging to find time to take stock of the positive impact to which our work leads. This Council’s agenda Item 10 has the potential to identify – and to celebrate – these successes, and to give countries the recognition they deserve at this Council.

Most of all, we need to do better at learning from each other, about how to use the UN human rights system to address difficulties and shortfalls, and to overcome obstacles whether they are political, financial or technical.

This Council must respond to deteriorating situations around the world. But this has to go alongside recognising and learning from states’ cooperation on human rights and the resulting positive impact on all our freedoms.

Thank you.

April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC 52 – Interactive dialogue with fact-finding mission on Libya [April 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2023.

UN Human Rights Council 52nd session: Interactive dialogue with the fact-finding mission on Libya.

Thank you Mr Vice-President.

First let me thank the FFM for your vital work highlighting the serious human rights violations and abuses that have taken place in Libya since 2016. We regret your Mission were unable to visit the entire country and did not have access to places of detention.

Mr Chairman, your findings are deeply concerning. In particular, we were alarmed that crimes against humanity may have taken place. The Libyan authorities must put an end to these violations and hold perpetrators to account.

As you said this morning, this is crucial for reconciliation and transitional justice. The participation of an active civil society is fundamental for Libya’s path towards lasting peace. We urge Libya to clarify a transparent, proportionate and consistent registration process to allow civil society to operate freely and securely.

We welcome Libya’s initiative to table a resolution at the Council this session, including its request for capacity building and for expertise to strengthen its transitional justice system. We see this as a positive indication that Libya will take forward the recommendations of the FFM and encourage them to begin implementation immediately, with support from the OHCHR.

Mr Chairman,

How can the OHCHR support Libya to rapidly pursue justice for acts of conflict-related sexual violence, and promote the participation of women in peacebuilding efforts?

Thank you.

April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £161 million contract for F-35 jet maintenance supports 140 UK jobs [April 2023]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 4 April 2023.

The UK’s fleet of F-35 Lightning stealth jets will be maintained and supported in a new £161 million contract, keeping them ready for global combat operations.
- Support contract awarded to Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems
- Securing 140 UK jobs with majority at RAF Marham in Norfolk
- Contract will see BAE Systems deliver technical support and training for UK’s fleet of F-35 fighter jets for next four and a half years
Based at RAF Marham, home of the UK Lightning Force, the investment sustains around 140 UK jobs – 130 directly at the Norfolk base, with around 10 more through the supply chain – delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy creating better-paid jobs and opportunities right across the UK.

A successor to a previous agreement due to conclude this year, the contract was signed by the US Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin as F-35 prime contractor, with BAE Systems to carry out the work as a sub-contractor.

Providing support to the F-35 fleet until 2027, the arrangement offers the UK more freedom to operate the aircraft, increases the number of flying hours available and delivers important mission planning, training, and maintenance capabilities.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC, said:

Our F-35 Lightning stealth jets are a formidable fighting force, putting us at the cutting-edge of air-borne military capability.

Supporting more than 100 jobs in the East of England, this investment will ensure our jets remain equipped for combat operations around the world.

Negotiated by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the Lightning Air System National Capability Enterprise (LANCE) contract will provide technical support and training services for the UK’s F-35 fleet.

The F-35 Lightning is a multi-role, stealth aircraft containing cutting-edge technologies which is flown by both the Royal Navy and the RAF. Although based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, it also operates from the UK’s two new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers and other land bases.

In addition to its short take-off and vertical landing capability, the F-35’s unique combination of stealth, cutting-edge radar, sensor technology, and electronic warfare systems make it a true fifth-generation combat aircraft.

Air Cdre Phil Brooker, Hd Lightning II Delivery Team & Combat Air Principal Engineer at DE&S, said:

The signature of the LANCE contract is a significant milestone in the maturity of the UK’s F-35 National Support Solution and demonstrates confidence in Lockheed Martin and BAES’ ability to enable the nation’s critical F-35 Freedom of Action capability and deliver the necessary support to the UK Warfighter.

Adopting lessons from the previous two year ‘Operate and Demonstrate’ phase contract, LANCE 23 offers value for money, whilst also increasing the overall scope from the previous contract and introducing significant capability enhancements critical to the generation of Air Vehicle Availability.

Additionally, BAES as the on-site lead ensures that wider UK Combat Air portfolio synergies are realised, and drives a culture of Continuous Improvement, marking out the MOD, US DoD and Industry as valued strategic partners.

As part of the contract, BAE Systems will continue to deliver pilot and groundcrew training together with a range of other critical services, including an ejection seat and canopy maintenance workshop, a ‘Pilot fit facility’ to fit aircrew flying equipment and component spray facility to transfer coatings onto aircraft parts.
April 4, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Science and Technology Secretary travels to Brussels to meet EU Research & Innovation Commissioner [April 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 4 April 2023.

The Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, will travel to discuss research collaboration including the UK’s expectations around association with Horizon Europe.
Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan meeting European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel in Brussels

introductory meeting to discuss collaboration on research and innovation, including association with Horizon Europe and other EU programmes

follows meeting with Donelan and EU Ambassador in London last month

The Science and Technology Secretary will travel to Brussels to meet European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel later today (Tuesday 4 April), to discuss research collaboration including the UK’s expectations around association with Horizon Europe.

The visit in Brussels follows extensive engagement with the research and development sector in the UK and a meeting between Michelle Donelan, Science Minister George Freeman and the EU’s Ambassador to London, Pedro Serrano, on 14 March.

The UK welcomes the EU’s recent willingness to engage in discussions on UK association to EU programmes. Discussions will need to reflect the lasting impact of 2 years of delays to the UK’s association.

In parallel, the UK government has been developing plans for a bold alternative in case the terms of association with Horizon Europe are not in the UK’s interest. These will be published in the coming days and we will engage with and seek input from researchers and businesses to develop these proposals further. The plans will also provide long-term certainty if we are unable to reach the right terms through discussions with the EU. In all circumstances, the government will ensure that UK researchers benefit from world-leading collaboration with colleagues from Europe and beyond.

The government is dedicated to supporting the science and research sector in the UK, which is why we have committed to increase public R&D investment to £20 billion by 2024-2025, a record increase of 30% in cash terms over the spending review period.

Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Michelle Donelan, said:

I am determined to ensure our world-class scientists have the very best platform on which to continue their work, with research that transforms the way we live and work, not just here in the UK, but around the world.

I look forward to this introductory meeting with the EU and discussing possible future association with Horizon Europe. But we can only do so on the right terms, and I’m Brussels today to ensure there is understanding of that on both sides, while taking forward these discussions in a constructive and respectful way.

To support researchers during this period, the government announced an extension to the support provided to UK Horizon Europe applicants until the end of June, which has totalled more than £882 million to date. Eligible, successful applicants to Horizon Europe will receive the full value of their funding at their UK host institution for the lifetime of their grant and UK researchers are encouraged to continue to apply to Horizon Europe calls on this basis.
April 4, 2023