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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : ‘Hop Around for £2’ this Easter as bus fare cap extended until end of June [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : ‘Hop Around for £2’ this Easter as bus fare cap extended until end of June [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 1 April 2023.

    Government invests £75 million to provide discounted bus travel for another 3 months across 5,000+ routes from over 140 bus companies.

    • millions of passengers can continue to get on the bus for £2 as fare cap is extended until 30 June
    • almost a third off bus tickets as government invests up to £75 million to provide discounted and sustainable travel for another 3 months
    • the cap is available across 5,000+ routes from over 140 operators, with passengers encouraged to use discounted bus tickets

    Millions across England are encouraged to ‘Hop Around for £2’ this spring as the £2 bus fare cap is extended to 30 June.

    Thanks to £75 million of extra government investment, the fare cap means passengers can save on single bus tickets, helping them travel more affordably to education, work and medical appointments.

    Extended from today (1 April 2023), the offer will apply to more than 5,000 routes in England from over 140 operators, as the government continues to help households through this difficult economic period, while levelling up transport and growing the economy.

    With the average single local bus ticket costing £2.80, passengers can save almost a third of the ticket price and over 75% on some of the longest trips.

    The scheme, which began in January this year, has already seen an uptick in passenger numbers. This extension will continue to encourage greater bus use and is expected to take up to 4 million cars off the road, supporting ambitions for greener journeys by minimising pollution and tackling congestion across the country.

    A key part of the government’s Help for Households campaign, the fare cap is helping to deliver real savings for people most affected by the rising cost of living.

    Some of the biggest savings on the longest routes up and down the country thanks to the fare cap include:

    • £12.50 from Lancaster to Kendall, a saving of 86% from £14.50
    • £9.20 from Plymouth to Exeter, a saving of 82% from £11.20
    • £6.00 from Newcastle to Middlesbrough, a saving of 75% from £8.00
    • £6.50 from Hull to York, a saving of 76% from £8.50
    • £13.00 from Leeds to Scarborough, a saving of 87% from £15.00

    Roads Minister Richard Holden said:

    Bus travel should be accessible and affordable for everyone. We know that people are struggling with rising costs, which is why we’re extending the £2 bus fare cap and continuing to put money back into passengers’ pockets.

    This will help to ensure people can get around easily, no matter where they live – connecting them with work, education, doctors’ appointments as well as friends and families – in turn strengthening communities and growing local economies.

    This measure builds on more than £2 billion already invested to protect buses in England since the pandemic and a further £1 billion for Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP) to improve services and keep fares down as part of the National Bus Strategy, published in 2021.

    Bus fare caps are also available across major cities and local authorities, such as Greater Manchester and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, thanks to the £1 billion in BSIP funding.

    Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said:

    The continuation of the £2 fare cap is a welcome boost for passengers during a cost-of-living crisis, reminding people buses are a stress-free, affordable and environmental option for work, education, appointments, leisure or to see loved ones.

    Alongside low fares, passengers need the government to continue to invest in bus services to help maintain connectivity across England, no matter where you live.

    Today’s announcement will help deliver on our vision of a net zero transport network, with the cap estimated to take 4 million car journeys off the road and building on the nearly £300 million already invested by government for up to 1,400 zero emission buses in England from the Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas (ZEBRA).

    David Bradford, Managing Director of National Express West Midlands, said:

    It’s fantastic to see that the government recognises the important role bus services have on local communities, not only to help people travel more affordably or access work, but also reduces congestion and emissions on our roads.

    The £2 fare scheme has been warmly received by our customers with over 3 million passengers taking advantage of cheaper bus fares since January, and we hope that news of this extension will encourage even more people to ditch their cars and switch to buses to get around.

    The government will continue to work closely with bus operators and local authorities to help passengers continue to access reliable and affordable bus services after June.

    Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland Director, said:

    With spring upon us and as we head towards the Easter break the decision to extend the fare cap is welcome news, supporting people to get out and take day trips and mini-breaks across England, by keeping the cost of transport down.

    Enabling people to get out and explore England affordably this spring also gives families the chance to make great memories together, and provides tourism and hospitality businesses with a welcome boost as the season gets underway.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New scheme for cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy launches [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : New scheme for cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy launches [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 1 April 2023.

    From 1 April women in England will be able to access cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help with menopause symptoms.

    • New HRT prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will help around 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds annually, with costs reduced to less than £20 a year
    • The certificate is available to get online or in some pharmacies, and can be used as many times as needed across the year

    Women experiencing symptoms of the menopause can now access cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – the main treatment for menopause symptoms – helping to save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges.

    The new HRT prepayment certificate (PPC) being rolled out today (1 April) will reduce prescription costs to just £19.30 per year and can be used against a list of eligible HRT items which includes patches, tablets and topical preparations. Patients can use the HRT PPC as many times as they need across the year.

    Making HRT more accessible, by reducing the cost, is one of the ways the government is making menopause support more readily available to women, alongside working with suppliers to encourage and support HRT supply to meet growing demand.

    Health and Social Secretary Steve Barclay said:

    Menopause care is essential healthcare, and we are ensuring cost is no longer a barrier to women getting the medicines they need.

    Better access to HRT will improve the lives of millions and gives women the freedom to take control of their symptoms.

    We’ve rightly put women’s health at the top of the agenda through our Women’s Health Strategy – and continue to deliver on our commitments.

    Minister for Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield said:

    Since we launched the Women’s Health Strategy last summer, we have made great progress in raising the profile of  health issues affecting women, including symptoms of the menopause.

    Often its necessary to  use more than one type of HRT, and many women I have spoken to needed to try a few different types to get the right medication that works for them.

    Everyone is different, and price should not be a barrier to treatment – reducing the price of a year’s worth of HRT to under £20 is a huge moment of levelling the playing field.

    Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador for England said:

    Many women do not realise that they are going through the menopause.

    Helping to make them aware about the inevitability of becoming menopausal, is an important first step. The next step is improving awareness that HRT may be an option to help women manage this stage of their life course .

    Making HRT easier to access will significantly improve the lives of many women who choose to use it, enabling them to reach their full potential.

    Helen Simmons, a woman who is benefitting from the scheme:

    As an enthusiastic supporter of any advance in menopause care I think the HRT PPC is a great start to helping women access good care and support.

    I will definitely benefit from buying an HRT PPC as I currently have multiple HRT prescriptions every three months, with the majority being on the list that the PPC will cover.

    The application for the certificate was easy to navigate online and I have already shared information about it on my social media pages.

    HRT is a safe and effective treatment for most women going through menopause and perimenopause. It can help relieve menopause and perimenopause symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, joint pains, mood swings and vaginal dryness.

    Taking HRT can also reduce the risk of hormone-related health problems including osteoporosis and heart disease.

    Michael Brodie, chief executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, which delivers the HRT PPC service on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, said:

    We are proud to be delivering the HRT PPC, which is a great addition to the range of NHS services we offer to help people manage their health costs. It is so important that those who rely on HRT have a more cost-effective way of accessing it.

    The NHS England National Menopause Care Improvement Programme is working to improve clinical menopause care in England and reduce disparities in access to treatment. The NHS is also developing an education and training package on menopause for healthcare professionals.

    The introduction of the HRT PPC delivers one of our year 1 priorities for the Women’s Health Strategy for England. Published last summer, the strategy sets out an ambitious new agenda for improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls, and to improve how the health and care system listens to women. Menopause was announced as a priority area within the strategy.

    To ensure all women get the support they need, we recently announced a £25 million investment in women’s health hubs. Women’s health hubs provide integrated services for women in the community, enabling easier access to essential women’s health services such as menstrual health, contraception, pelvic pain and menopause care.

    Menopause can impact all areas of a woman’s life, we recently appointed Helen Tomlinson as the government’s first Menopause Employment Champion – and have awarded grant funding to charities across England to help employers make changes to their workplace to support women’s reproductive health, which includes menopause.

    How to use the new PPC:

    • There are a few different ways to get the HRT PPC:
    • Online on the NHS Business Service Authority website www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc
    • In person at some pharmacies
    • If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can use the textphone (or minicom) to contact the NHS Business Services Authority using the Text Relay service. Dial 18001 then the relevant phone number. This will be available from 25 May.
    • The NHS Business Services Authority also offers a telephone translation service and can provider documents in large print or Braille on request.
    • Patients can call 0300 330 2089 for help and support.
    • To use your HRT PPC, ask your prescriber for your HRT items on a separate prescriptions to any other medicines you are prescribed (one prescription per item). This is to ensure the prescription can be processed correctly at the pharmacy.
    • Take your prescription(s) and HRT PPC to a pharmacy and use it as many times as you need over 12 months.

    To be aware before getting the HRT PPC:

    • Check that you’re not already eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker on the NHS BSA website.
    • Check that your medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc/medicines-covered-hrt-ppc
    • Check whether a 3 or 12 month general PPC is more suitable for you. It covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items, and may be more cost effective if you are prescribed other medicines as well as HRT. Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc
    • The HRT PPC will be valid for 12 months and there is no limit on the number of times the certificate is used before it expires. You don’t need to get it on 1 April – get it just before your next prescription to maximise your use of it over the year.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government launches campaign to help businesses drive down energy bills [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government launches campaign to help businesses drive down energy bills [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on 1 April 2023.

    New campaign launched today to help organisations save money on their energy bills by improving energy efficiency.

    • New campaign will help businesses boost their energy efficiency, cut costs and increase their cashflow as government ads hit the airwaves from next week.
    • UK businesses, charities and other organisations to continue receiving energy bill support with energy and trade intensive industries expected to save around 20% on wholesale energy costs.
    • Comes as the Energy Price Guarantee continues to keep a typical household energy bill at around £2,500.

    A new campaign to help businesses, charities and public sector bodies increase their energy efficiency and drive down bills by making simple changes at low-to-no cost has been launched by the UK government today.

    The campaign, targeted at small and medium sized businesses, will offer guidance on how organisations can make significant savings while cutting emissions, from installing light and heating timers, to turning down boiler flow temperature and changing light bulbs.

    Many organisations are already aware of ways to boost their energy efficiency and have put these measures into practice. However, a substantial number of businesses are missing out on huge potential savings, due to a lack of information on how to cut down on their energy costs.

    For many companies, a 20% cut in energy costs represents the same bottom-line benefit as a 5% increase in sales. A new website will help organisations access simple, low-to-no cost advice, outlining a range of possible actions, from having better sight of current energy use to upgrading and modifying equipment.

    Examples of businesses already benefiting from energy efficiency measures:

    • LED lighting allowed a carpark in Bedford to cut their average annual lighting costs by 50%. Lurke Street Multistorey Carpark installed lighting throughout their premises in 2017, replacing older, less energy efficient lighting. By installing a smart meter they were able to actively track and compare year-on-year savings – on average £50,000 per year – allowing them to build business cases for further investments.
    • Marlec Engineering, a wind turbine manufacturer in Corby, switched to energy saving lighting as part of a range of measures to make their business premises more energy efficient. The company replaced T8 Fluorescent lamps with new, energy saving LED tubes. The lighting did not reduce light levels in the office and achieved a 60% saving on lighting costs.

    To make sure as many businesses as possible know about the campaign, it will be promoted through paid advertorial across TV, radio, social media and more, and we are seeking to promote this through partnerships with the British Chambers of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses.

    It follows the launch of the government’s £18 million ‘It All Adds Up’ campaign last year. This provides similar advice for households, saving them hundreds on their energy bills, and saw UK sales of ‘draught protection products’ on eBay double shortly after the launch.

    Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said:

    Falling wholesale energy prices are welcome news, but this in no way changes our firm, long-term commitments to vastly boost UK energy efficiency across industry and households.

    From today businesses, charities and public sector bodies can access helpful and practical advice on simple actions they can take to substantially reduce their energy use – and potentially increase profits.

    Not only will this help lower operational costs by up to hundreds of thousands of pounds, but smarter energy use will help us deliver on our critical pledges to cut demand by 15% and reach net zero by 2050.

    The new site also offers guidance on taking full advantage of the government’s range of energy support schemes available, such as the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which offers a unit discount on bills, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers grants to help make installing heat pumps and biomass boilers as cheap as a gas boiler.

    Adrian Dennis, Managing Director of Marlec Engineering, said:

    Our business works with an absolute focus on sustainable energy solutions. We’ve invested in electric company cars and eco-friendly packaging. But upgrading to LED lighting is low-cost, and one of the simplest ways to promote sustainability in-house and save money on utility bills. We’d encourage other businesses to upgrade as well.

    Energy Bills Discount Scheme

    From today organisations across the country will start receiving money off their energy bills through the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme. It comes as wholesale gas prices are at levels not seen since before Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, with eligible UK businesses, charities, public sector bodies and others to receive the discount until 31 March 2024.

    Customers do not need to apply for the universal discount, with suppliers automatically factoring it into the bills of all eligible non-domestic customers.

    The new scheme replaces the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which by late March had paid out £5.6 billion – around £35 million a day to cut energy costs for businesses.

    Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said:

    This government will always be unapologetically pro-business. We’ve spent over £5 billion to protect against disruption to UK industry at the hands of Putin, saving many businesses around half on their wholesale energy costs this winter.

    The new level of support offered today reflects a substantial drop in global energy prices – now at their lowest level since before Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

    We will continue to firmly back UK industry and are making sure those unable to cut back on their energy use continue to be shielded.

    Dhara Vyas, Deputy CEO at Energy UK, said:

    Despite recent falls, wholesale gas prices are still high by historical standards, making this is a difficult time for businesses up and down the country. Energy suppliers are working with businesses to come up with innovative solutions that will help customers afford their bills while providing improved customer service and information. But high prices cannot be solved by industry alone, so we’re pleased government and industry have worked together to ensure delivery of this critical, extended support is on time. We particularly welcome the launch of a business energy campaign will help reduce bills now and protect against future crises.

    Meanwhile, eligible energy and trade intensive industries will be able to apply for a higher level of support through a GOV.UK portal later this month. This is expected to save some businesses 20% of predicted wholesale energy costs.

    Domestic heat networks will also receive a new, sector-specific support rate. This will make sure these customers do not face disproportionately higher energy bills under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme than those supported by the Energy Price Guarantee.

    The discount is expected to be reflected in bills from May onwards, with support backdated to 1 April.

    Minister Solloway met with Ofgem, energy suppliers and others earlier this week to discuss what more suppliers can do to help business customers fixed into long-term contracts at high prices – especially those in sectors currently facing challenges.

    Non-Standard Cases

    The government is today announcing further that non-domestic energy support will be extended and eligibility expanded to include customers receiving energy from non-licensed suppliers through the public electricity or gas grid.

    These customers will be able to apply for Non-Standard Cases support under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme covering similar levels of energy costs from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

    Non-Standard Cases support will also be expanded to include non-domestic customers who receive electricity or gas from license-exempt suppliers via private wire or pipe and where prices paid are pegged to wholesale energy prices. This wider group can apply for backdated support under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme as well as under the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme.

    Further information about how eligible customers can apply will be provided on GOV.UK in due course.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Household Support Fund extended from today to help families in need [April 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Household Support Fund extended from today to help families in need [April 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department of Work and Pensions on 1 April 2023.

    An additional £842 million is available from today (1 April 2023) to help the most vulnerable households across England with essential food and energy costs.

    • Department for Work and Pensions’ £842 million Household Support Fund extension comes into effect today
    • Extra money given to councils to provide further help to most in need with essential food and energy costs until 31 March 2024
    • Vulnerable households and families encouraged to check their council website for details of support available

    The funding, allocated by the Department for Work and Pensions to councils in England, will extend the Household Support Fund for another year.

    Councils in England will decide how best to spend their allocation of the fund – now worth £2 billion across its lifetime – by drawing from local knowledge and making direct contact with people in the community.

    They will be able to support the most vulnerable households in their local area – helping them with the cost of essentials like groceries, toiletries, and warm clothes, as well as providing further support with energy bills.

    People can find out how much their area was awarded at gov.uk and are advised to check their council’s website or call their office to find out what support is available locally to them through the Household Support Fund.

    Mims Davies MP, DWP Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, said:

    This significant extension to the Government’s Household Support Fund is hugely welcome – as it has already helped millions of vulnerable families across England through these financially-testing times and will continue to do so over the next year.

    Last week, I visited one council that is using their allocation to well on a range of issues from food insecurity to tackling bed poverty.

    There, the Household Support Fund has resulted in hundreds of cots and beds being provided to vulnerable households to increase comfort and wellbeing.

    This is just one example of the important locally led schemes providing tailored support help to those that need it most in challenging times.

    This fund is of course just one part of our extensive Cost of Living support package for families that is complementing our efforts to halve inflation – one of the Prime Minister’s top priorities – to reduce prices for us all.

    Devolved administrations have also been allocated funding in parallel as a result of the Barnett Formula to spend at their discretion, bringing the total amount of new funding to almost £1 billion.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Millions get pay rise as National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increase [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Millions get pay rise as National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increase [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for International Trade on 1 April 2023.

    Millions of the lowest paid workers across the UK will receive a pay increase as the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rise comes into effect.

    • The National Living Wage will see an increase of 9.7%, up to £10.42 for workers aged 23+, as well as an increase for younger workers on the National Minimum Wage
    • The uplift – worth £1,600 more for a full time worker – will benefit workers in industries like retail, hospitality and cleaning and maintenance, as well as women from ethnic minority backgrounds
    • This adds to other government support coming into effect today, including the Energy Price Guarantee, Household Support Fund and bus fare extension

    Millions of the lowest paid workers across the UK will from today [Saturday 1 April] receive a pay increase as the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rise comes into effect.

    The increase will put more money in the pockets of 2.9 million of the lowest-paid workers across the country.

    The rate rises include a 9.7% increase in the National Living Wage, from £9.50 per hour to £10.42, the equivalent of more than £1,600 extra per year before tax for someone working full time.

    This increase is the largest ever cash increase to the National Living Wage, and highest increase in percentage terms since its introduction in 2016, helping to protect the incomes of millions of workers from high cost-of-living.

    Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

    “This government is doing everything it can to support hardworking people with the cost of living – from paying energy bills to helping with childcare.

    “Today we are now increasing the National Living Wage to record levels, boosting the incomes of almost 3 million people.

    “This pay rise will help families across the country, as we focus on our five priorities, including growing the economy and halving inflation.”

    The full increases from 1 April 2023 are:

    • National Living Wage (23+) has increased 9.7%, from £9.50 to £10.42
    • National Minimum wage (21-22) has increased 10.9%, from £9.18 to £10.18
    • National Minimum Wage (18-20) has increased 9.7%, from £6.83 to £7.49
    • National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 9.7%, from £4.81 to £5.28
    • Apprentice Rate has increased 9.7% from £4.81 to £5.28
    • The Accommodation Offset also increased 4.6% from £8.70 to £9.10

    The 9.7% increase to the National Living Wage today keeps the Government on track to achieve its manifesto commitment for the National Living Wage to equal two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, provided economic conditions allow.

    Further government action also comes into effect today to support households with the cost of living, including extending the Energy Price Guarantee at its current level for another three months, which keeps energy bills at £2,500 for a typical household until the end of June. We have also extended the freeze on fuel duty, saving the average car driver in the UK £100 over the next year.

    The Department for Work and Pensions have also announced £842 million to help the most vulnerable households across England. The extension of the Household Support Fund, which comes into effect today, gives councils additional cash to directly help the most in need with essential food and energy costs until the end of March 2024.

    The Department for Transport have also announced a £2 fare cap for bus users which is being extended until the end of June. This cap will help save passengers money, encourage more people back on the bus and grow the economy.

    The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage have increased every year since their introduction – and this year, there is no exception. The Government is committed to providing both workers and businesses with certainty as we deal with cost-of-living challenges.

    The 2023 National Minimum Wage for 21 and 22 years is 52% higher and the National Minimum Wage for apprentices is 60% higher than the 2015 rates.

    The uplift will particularly benefit workers in sectors such as retail, hospitality and cleaning and maintenance, as well as women from ethnic minority backgrounds.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £27 billion business tax cut takes effect as tax year begins [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £27 billion business tax cut takes effect as tax year begins [March 2023]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 31 March 2023.

    Businesses across the UK can take advantage of the Chancellor’s capital allowances package from today as the new business tax year begins.

    • the new business tax year comes in today 1 April 2023, with a new regime to boost investment and spur UK growth
    • £27 billion cut to corporation tax, via Chancellor’s new full expensing policy, expected to boost investment by 3% in each of the next three years
    • other tax changes coming into force include more business rates relief, extension to the fuel duty cut and a £450 income tax cut for carers

    The package, announced at Spring Budget, comprises 100% full expensing and a 50% first-year allowance. It will mean the UK has the most generous capital allowance regime in the OECD worth £27 billion over the next three years, amounting to an effective £9 billion a year tax cut for companies.

    The OBR expects this regime to boost investment by 3% over three years.

    To mark the milestone, Financial Secretary to the Treasury visited Brompton Bikes in Greenford, London, who’ll be using full expensing to stimulate their growth.

    Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

    “We are determined to make the UK the best place in the world to do business, which is why from today businesses can start to benefit from the raft of tax cuts on offer to boost their growth.

    “With full expensing, the more a company invests the less tax they’ll pay, and I encourage companies of any size to take full advantage of this world-leading reform.”

    With the new 25% corporation tax rate coming in for the top 10% most profitable companies from today, and the super-deduction ending yesterday, the Chancellor used his Spring Budget to ensure that the UK’s tax system fosters the right conditions for enterprise, investment and growth.

    Full expensing lets companies deduct 100% of the cost of certain plant and machinery investments from their profits before tax. It is available from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026. It provides the same generosity as the super-deduction, saving firms up to 25p in every £1 of qualifying investment and is for main rate assets – such as construction, warehousing and office equipment.

    The 50% First-Year Allowance lets companies deduct 50% of the cost of other plant and machinery, known as special rate assets, from their profits during the year of purchase. This includes long life assets such as solar panels and lighting systems.

    Minister Victoria Atkins visited Brompton Bikes in Greenford this week to see how these capital allowances will be used to help the firm invest and grow. The minister toured their factory, viewing a brand new state-of-the-art Autobraze machine and the production line. She also met a selection of 15 trainees currently on Brompton’s training programme.

    Phill Elston, Operations Director at Brompton Bicycle, said:

    “The announcement of a super deduction replacement is great news for us. In previous years it has meant we could invest significantly in our production capabilities, upgrading equipment and building a more progressive factory; which has seen us move from making circa. 45,000 bikes per year in 2019, to around 100,000 bikes per year in 2022.

    “Our mission is to improve how people travel around cities, which in turn creates happier communities, and the new expensing scheme helps to accelerate that goal.”

    Other tax measures taking effect today include new domestic and ultra-long Air Passenger Duty bands.

    For passengers flying in economy class, the new domestic band will be set at £6.50, a 50% cut to bolster UK-wide connectivity, while the new ultra long-haul band will be set at £91, meaning those who fly the furthest will pay the greatest level of duty.

    Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

    “Transport binds the United Kingdom together, and this cut to Air Passenger Duty will make travelling between our family of nations easier than ever.

    “Boosting transport links between our four nations sustains jobs, creates opportunities and is an essential part of this Government’s plan to grow the economy.”

    Further tax measures include:

    • To help household budgets further, the planned 11 pence rise in fuel duty has been cancelled, maintaining last year’s 5p cut for another twelve months, saving a typical driver another £100 on top of the £100 saved so far since last year’s cut.
    • More business rates relief, as part of the Chancellor’s £13.6 billion package from 2022’s Autumn Statement. This includes the freezing of the multiplier and the introduction of 75% relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, helping the high street to thrive and compete with online firms.
    • Extending creative sector reliefs: theatres, orchestra and museums and galleries will benefit from a further 2 years of tax relief rates of 45%/50%. The museums and galleries exhibitions tax relief sunset clause will be extended for a further 2 years to allow these organisations to fully benefit from the extension of the highest rates.
    • The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), an existing measure which also supports business investment, has been increased permanently to £1 million today. This covers the investment needs of 99% of UK businesses.
    • Rebalancing the rates of Research and Development Expenditure Credit and the R&D SME scheme to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent as effectively as possible. As a result, today the UK now offers the joint-highest uncapped headline rate of R&D tax relief support in the G7 for large companies.
    • The government also committed to considering the case for further support for R&D intensive SMEs, and at Spring Budget announced that from today there will be an increased permanent rate of relief for the most R&D intensive loss-making SMEs. To support modern methods of innovation, for accounting periods beginning on or after today, businesses will also be able to claim for the costs of datasets and cloud computing under the R&D tax reliefs.
    • Expanding the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) to help more UK start-ups raise higher levels of finance. This package will help over 2,000 start-up companies access finance.
    • Expanding the availability and generosity of the Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) scheme which will widen access to CSOP for growth companies and simplifying the process to grant options under the Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) scheme.

    On 6 April 2023 personal tax changes taking effect include removing tax-barriers that the medical community have made clear stop doctors working, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to cut NHS waiting lists so people can get the care they need more quickly. The pensions annual tax-free allowance will increase by 50% from £40,000 to £60,000, the Money Purchase Annual Allowance will rise from £4,000 to £10,000, and the Lifetime Allowance charge will be removed. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimate around 15,000 individuals will remain in the labour market because of the changes to the annual and lifetime allowances, many of whom will be highly skilled individuals, including senior doctors in the NHS.

    Qualifying Carers Relief will be uprated with inflation from 6 April 2023 to representing a £450 per year income tax cut for carers. The uprating increases the amount of income tax relief from £10,000 to £18,140 plus £375-450 per week for each person cared for.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK deepens Indo-Pacific defence ties as Baroness Goldie visits Malaysia and Vietnam [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK deepens Indo-Pacific defence ties as Baroness Goldie visits Malaysia and Vietnam [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 March 2023.

    The visits aimed to strengthen defence ties and celebrate our historical defence and security cooperation.

    The UK celebrated historic defence relationships in the Indo-Pacific as Defence Minister Baroness Goldie visited Malaysia and Vietnam this week.

    Reinforcing the UK’s commitment to the region, Baroness Goldie discussed the UK’s recent Integrated Review Refresh and how the AUKUS agreement will support regional stability.

    First visiting Kuala Lumpur and Penang, the Minister met with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan on Tuesday, discussing the deepening of bilateral cooperation and Defence ties through Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

    Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations with Vietnam, Baroness Goldie met with Vice Minister Chien of the Ministry of National Defence and attended the UK and Vietnam’s Fourth Defence Policy Dialogue – an annual bilateral meeting between the two nations, agreeing the future framework for joint defence cooperation.

    UK Defence Minister, Baroness Goldie, said:

    It was a huge pleasure to visit both Malaysia and Vietnam this week, hearing their strategic objectives and challenges, and discussing ways we can continue our long-standing defence cooperation.

    The Indo-Pacific region is critical to our economy and security, and our commitment to upholding an open and stable order is at the heart of all we do.

    Reinforcing the UK’s commitment to the region, Baroness Goldie undertook several engagements during her visit, including:

    • Meeting UK personnel at the FPDA’s military headquarters at RMAF Butterworth in Penang.
    • Visiting Sapura Group, in support of their UK partner TriCIS to discuss cyber communications and security.
    • Visiting the Vietnam Department for Peacekeeping Operations to discuss further UK support.
    • Meeting representatives from Five Eyes partners to discuss the alliance and further opportunities for cooperation.
    • Meeting with Vietnamese government delegates to discuss the UK’s recently launched Women Peace and Security Strategy and how the UK and Vietnam can work together to protect women in conflict and promote peace.

    In both countries, Baroness Goldie also paid her respects to those who have given their lives in conflicts, laying a wreath at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC) Cemetery in Taiping and another at the Bac Son Martyr Memorial Monument in Hanoi.

    The Minister’s visit reconfirms the UK’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific, a region critical to the UK’s economy, security, and our commitment to an open and stable international order.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – Statement on the Central African Republic [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UN HRC52 – Statement on the Central African Republic [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 March 2023.

    UN HRC52: UK Statement for the High-Level dialogue on the Central African Republic.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by increases in the number of human rights violations and abuses in the Central African Republic. Reports have highlighted that Central African Armed Forces and Wagner Group forces are responsible for the majority of these.

    Wagner Group has shown repeatedly that their presence in CAR is self-serving. We continue to urge the government to investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses, and to ensure that all perpetrators are held to account.

    We are equally concerned by reports of attacks on expatriates and urge the Government to ensure the protection of all citizens.

    We call for a revitalisation of the peace process. The Political Agreement for Peace and Stability remains the only viable option to end conflict and crisis in the Central African Republic. We call on the Government to build on political progress through meaningful engagement with all actors in country.

    Lastly, we commend the progress made by the National Elections Authority and the support of the Central African Government, MINUSCA and UNDP, in preparing for the local elections in July 2023. We remain concerned about financial, logistical and security challenges in organising these crucial elections.

    Mr Agbetse,

    What steps should CAR and the international community take to stem the worsening human rights situation?

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : No other country has raised the prospect of nuclear use, no one is threatening Russia’s sovereignty – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : No other country has raised the prospect of nuclear use, no one is threatening Russia’s sovereignty – UK Statement at the Security Council [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 March 2023.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on President Putin’s announcement of basing nuclear weapons in Belarus.

    Thank you, President, and thank you, High Representative Nakamitsu, for your sobering briefing.

    In January 2022, P5 leaders said that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.”

    They also said that, “nuclear weapons – for as long as they continue to exist – should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war.”

    Despite this commitment, since the beginning of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, President Putin has used irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.

    Let us be clear:

    No other country has raised the prospect of nuclear use in this conflict.

    No one is threatening Russia’s sovereignty.

    It is Russia who has violated the UN Charter by invading another sovereign country.

    President Putin’s announcement on 25 March is his latest attempt to intimidate and coerce. This has not worked and will not work. We will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself.

    We have heard President Putin’s claim that the trigger for this announcement is the UK supplying depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine alongside Challenger tanks, as it defends itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

    Russia is well aware that this is conventional ammunition – not nuclear munitions. This is yet another example of them deliberately trying to mislead.

    We welcome President Xi’s call for the international community to “jointly oppose the use of, or threats to use, nuclear weapons,” and I listen closely to our Chinese colleague today. We also note the Chinese and Russian joint statement that nuclear weapons should not be deployed abroad.

    Despite these statements of intent, Russia has steadily undermined the arms control architecture underpinning our collective security. Russia’s persistent violations of the INF Treaty resulted in the Treaty’s collapse in 2019. This year, Russia suspended its participation in New START.

    President, President Lukashenko has made no secret of his wish to see Russia base nuclear weapons in Belarus. We urge him to stop enabling Russia’s reckless and escalatory actions.

    We will stand firm in our support to the people of Ukraine, and call on Russia to de-escalate; it should start by ceasing its illegal and unprovoked invasion.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Minister for Scotland visits Spain to boost economic and cultural links [March 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Government Minister for Scotland visits Spain to boost economic and cultural links [March 2023]

    The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 31 March 2023.

    Scotland Office Minister John Lamont has been in Madrid for a two-day visit focused on renewable energy, trade and cultural links between our two countries.

    During his visit he met with representatives from the Iberdrola Group, one of the largest utility companies in the world and owners of Scottish Power. Their Innovation and Training Campus in Madrid welcomes around 13,000 people each year as they promote talent and innovation from individuals, companies and students from around the world.

    He also toured the Johnnie Walker flagship store, similar to the one recently opened in Edinburgh, which sells and showcases Scotch whisky to Madrid residents and tourists.

    As well as engagements with Spanish politicians and academics, including Pascual Navarro, Spanish Minister for Europe, Minister Lamont visited the famous Prado museum. This houses paintings from Scottish artists including renowned landscape painter David Roberts from Edinburgh. He spent time in Spain in the 1830s and painted a number of Spanish landscapes.

    Speaking at the end of his visit, Minister Lamont said:

    “I am delighted to have visited Madrid this week for a range of economic and cultural meetings.

    “It was great to meet with Iberdrola Group, a massive energy company, who are very active in Scotland and it was really interesting to hear about their future plans for investment and innovation in Scotland’s green energy sector.

    “Of course, you could travel anywhere in the world and know that a key part of Scotland’s economy – Scotch whisky – will be there and it was great to see the range of Scottish whiskies on display at the Johnnie Walker flagship store in Madrid, popular with locals and tourists alike.

    “There are deep cultural and economic ties between Scotland and Spain that go back for centuries and this visit was focussed on strengthening those.”