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Tag: Press Release

  • PRESS RELEASE : Preferred candidate for role of Prisons and Probation Ombudsman [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Preferred candidate for role of Prisons and Probation Ombudsman [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 18 January 2023.

    The Secretary of State, Rt Hon. Dominic Raab MP, confirmed today (18 January 2023) that the preferred candidate to be the next Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is Adrian Usher.

    Adrian Usher has been selected following a rigorous assessment process conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. The PPO is appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice and the process regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments

    The role is subject to pre-appointment hearing by the Justice Select Committee. Pre-appointment scrutiny is an important part of the appointment process for some of the most significant public appointments made by Ministers. It is designed to provide an added level of scrutiny to the appointment process. Pre-appointment hearings are held in public and allow a Select Committee to take evidence before a candidate is appointed. Ministers consider the Committee’s views before deciding whether to proceed with the appointment.

    The role of the PPO was established in 1994 to be an independent adjudicator of complaints from prisoners following the Woolf Inquiry into the 1990 riots at Strangeways and other prisons. Its remit has since expanded to include probation complaints and complaints from immigration detainees. Further, the PPO now carries out investigations into deaths of prisoners, young people in detention, approved premises’ residents and immigration detainees.

    The PPO’s office is operationally independent of, though sponsored by, the MOJ. The role is not defined in legislation but works to the Terms of Reference set by the Secretary of State.

    Biography

    Mr Usher has had an extensive career as a Senior Police Officer for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), joining in 2003. He has previously served on both Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Corruption Commands and has been a Senior Investigating Officer in a variety of roles. Currently, he is the Commander for Learning and Development in the MPS where he leads the training requirements across policing operations including changing training to accommodate new legislation, judicial and law enforcement best practice and improving policing standards.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Proposed changes to make MOTs fit for the future [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Proposed changes to make MOTs fit for the future [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 18 January 2023.

    • consultation launched to seek views on changing MOTs in light of advances to vehicle technology and growing popularity of hybrids and EVs
    • proposals include changing the date of the first MOT for new vehicles and boosting the monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution
    • safety will be at the heart of the consultation to ensure continued confidence on country’s roads

    The Department for Transport has today (18 January 2023) launched a public consultation on the future of MOTs in Great Britain.

    Views are being sought to update MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance costs on motorists while ensuring road safety, keeping up with advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle emissions.

    To ensure MOTs remain fit for the future, the consultation launched today is seeking views on proposals to change the date at which the first MOT for new light vehicles is required from 3 to 4 years. The average MOT costs £40 and the move could save motorists across Great Britain around £100 million a year in MOT fees.

    Since the MOT was introduced in 1960 – and especially in recent years – there have been major developments in vehicle technology such as lane-assisted driving which have increased road safety, while the spread of electric and hybrid cars is rapidly changing the nature of vehicles on our roads.

    Any changes to the MOT will be supported by an information campaign led by the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to inform drivers of the updates to MOTs and remind them of their responsibility to keep vehicles roadworthy.

    Ensuring that the UK maintains its world-class record on road safety is at the heart of the proposals. Data shows that most new vehicles pass the first MOT test at 3 years. With the number of casualties in car collisions due to vehicle defects remaining low, government analysis shows the change from 3 to 4 years for the first MOT should not impact road safety.

    Undertaking roadworthiness testing 4 years since the vehicle’s registration is already standard practice across many European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

    The consultation also seeks views on the frequency of MOTs and how to improve monitoring of emissions to tackle pollution to bolster the environmental efficiency of vehicles.

    Potential new measures include introducing testing of pollutants such as particulate number (PN) and NOx to ensure diesel, petrol and hybrid cars always meet emissions requirements throughout their lifespan.

    Among the proposals, the consultation will consider whether electric vehicles’ batteries should be tested to improve the safety and reliability of EVs, if additional measures should be introduced to tackle excessively loud engines, and how the DVSA can continue to crack down against MOT and mileage fraud.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Major incident declared over flood risk in Somerset [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Major incident declared over flood risk in Somerset [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 18 January 2023.

    The Environment Agency in partnership with local authorities has taken a decision to declare a major incident on the Somerset Levels to ensure local partners can take a coordinated response to flooding.

    This is a precautionary move and imminent flooding to properties is not expected, however the risk of flooding will remain live for the coming week.

    A pumping operation started last week and additional pumps were deployed on Tuesday evening (17 January) at Northmoor to reduce the amount of water being stored at Currymoor, which remains full, until river levels allow pumping to resume.

    We expect water levels to reduce in Northmoor, Saltmoor and Currymoor now that river levels have dropped to allow pumping. But declaring a major incident is a sensible step so partners can stay coordinated and ready to respond should the situation worsen.

    The agency is currently responding to flooding incidents in Somerset, flood risk in the Bristol Avon area and monitoring rising groundwater levels in Dorset.

    Ian Withers of the Environment Agency said:

    The sight of water on the Somerset Levels and Moors is obviously a concern to those who have suffered from flooding before. Our staff continue to work to the best of their abilities to protect people and properties, install pumps and engage with communities.

    The situation is expected to improve when enhanced pumping begins and we continue to run the Sowy flood relief channel, it is prudent to plan for the worst and going into major incident mode is appropriate, so we coordinate with partners and everyone is ready to respond if needed.

    Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said:

    The decision to declare a major incident at this stage means we are well placed to respond. We will be supporting Environment Agency colleagues on the ground and taking every step to ensure our communities receive the help they need.

    Additional pumps are pumping at Saltmoor and Northmoor, to help reduce levels as much as possible when the River Parrett has capacity. Extra pumps are also ready to use at Currymoor once conditions allow Once the water level at Currymoor has reduced, Athelney spillway will stop flowing into Northmoor as well as the A361 between East Lyng and Burrowbridge. A flood warning for that area remains in place and the road is closed.

    A flood warning has been issued for Saltmoor and Northmoor and agency officers were in the village of Moorland yesterday to meet with residents and offer advice and support.

    To allow pumping to continue more frequently and for longer at impacted pump stations, water is being diverted to the Sowy flood relief channel and King’s Sedgemoor Drain to Dunball, where pumps are being installed to allow pumping to continue in the event of high tide.

    The Environment Agency urges residents to check their flood risk by signing up for flood warnings and create a flood plan so they know what action to take and are prepared to act. You can find links at https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk.

    The recent wet weather has caused flooding and travel disruption in parts of the country. While this has sadly led to the flooding of around 130 properties, over 5,000 properties have been protected across the West Midlands, Yorkshire, in the South West and along the Thames.

    Our flood defences have helped to protect over 200,000 properties in England during flooding incidents since 2019. We have 250 high volume pumps available and 5,000 trained staff across the country.

    We are delivering on the government’s record £5.2bn investment in new flood and coastal defences by 2027. This builds on our successful delivery of the previous six year programme, better protecting more than 314,000 homes since 2015.

    Do not drive through floodwater. It is the number one cause of death during flooding and puts yourself and rescue agencies in jeopardy. Floodwater can contain hidden dangers such as uncovered manholes, obstacles or sewage – so never enter floodwater and be careful around riverbanks and spillways. During this cold snap there is also the risk that floodwater could freeze, so we also remind people to never walk or play on or near ice.

    We know that the declaration of a major incident may trigger feelings of anxiety, fear or worry, particularly for those who have been previously affected by flooding. Talk to somebody about how you are feeling, if you don’t feel able to talk to friends or family you can call Mindline – Somerset’s emotional support and mental health helpline which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 01823 276 892 (local) 0800 138 1692 (freephone).

    There is further information to help you on what to do during a flood on the Somerset Prepared website.  The key point is to always stay safe, in an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services.

    Issued jointly by the Environment Agency, Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, Mendip District Council and South Somerset District Council.

    Background

    The Somerset Levels & Moors are designed to store flood water when the rivers flowing through them over top. The recent heavy rain has caused spillways (specifically designed low points in the riverbanks) on the Rivers Tone and Parrett to flow and water is stored on the moors.

    Northmoor Pumping Station

    Three additional pumps become operational yesterday, and the remaining seven pumps operational over the next 24-48hrs. At Park Brook, Elson’s Clyce we installed two pumps yesterday evening. This will further help remove water from Northmoor.

    Saltmoor Pumping Station

    Five temporary pumps have been operational at Saltmoor since Sunday. After an emergency road closure, facilitated by Somerset County Council we are adding a further five temporary pumps today.

    Dunball

    The installation of pumps at Dunball continues. These will be switched on as soon as each one comes online. This will allow us to direct even more water down the River Sowy and into King’s Sedgemoor Drain. This will help to reduce levels in the River Parrett and Tone.  Minimising levels in the Tone is important because it reduces the amount of floodwater that enters Currymoor, Saltmoor and Northmoor.

    Currymoor Pumping Station

    Additional pumps were installed at Currymoor last weekend. We are ready to run these pumps as soon as levels in the Tone recede. Currymoor remains full.

    Langport Upstream of Langport, there is water stored on the moors and storage volumes remain high. All pumping stations are off. When river levels reduce enough, we will balance which pumping stations we operate to minimise risk to people or property.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of new homes to be built on regenerated brownfield land [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of new homes to be built on regenerated brownfield land [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 18 January 2023.

    Disused and unloved brownfield sites across England will be regenerated to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced today (18 January 2023).

    From today, councils across England will be able to bid for a share of £60 million from the Brownfield Land Release Fund 2, which will help to bring neglected urban areas back into use, support regeneration projects and boost local economies.

    The funding will deliver 5,800 new homes by March 2027, create around 18,000 new jobs in the housing and construction sector, while helping thousands of first-time buyers into homeownership.

    This is part of the Government’s plan to prioritise brownfield land for new housing, transforming underused sites into places where people want to live and work, while protecting our cherished green spaces.

    £35m of the £180 million fund has already been allocated to areas from Exeter to Sunderland and the remaining funding will be made available to councils over the next 2 years.

    The full brownfield fund will deliver 17,600 new homes and 56,000 skilled new jobs over the next 4 years, helping to transform communities and level up the country.

    Minister for Housing Rt Hon Lucy Frazer said:

    We want to turn neglected areas into thriving new communities, as part of our mission level up the country.

    To do this we must prioritise brownfield land to deliver new homes for people, in the right places.

    The £60 million fund we are opening today provides another fantastic opportunity for councils to drive regeneration in their towns and cities – and help more young families onto the housing ladder.

    Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart said:

    This funding is absolutely vital for stimulating growth and helping local areas reach their full potential.

    Neglected land such as this is ready for investment and this funding will pave the way for more than 5,800 young people and families to take their first step onto the property ladder.  This is great news for businesses and even better news for local people, who are seeing housing as well as jobs moving to their area for decades to come.

    Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said:

    The LGA is delighted to continue to partner on the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2) through our One Public Estate Programme. Councils are at the forefront of housing delivery, with BLRF2 supporting them to meet the needs of their communities by releasing their surplus land for new, high quality, energy efficient homes.

    The application window for this round will close on 31 March 2023 with successful projects expected to be announced over the summer.

    £35 million was released from the fund in November 2022 to 41 councils, supporting 59 regeneration projects from Exeter to Sunderland. Over 2,200 homes – including over 800 affordable homes – will be built for local communities. Examples include:

    • Chorley –  £650,000 will remediate the site within the town centre, which housed the former theatre and more recently the bingo hall. This bring forward delivery of 29 high-quality energy efficient new homes, reinvigorating the town centre through the formation of a new civic square in front of the historic town hall.
    • Blackburn – £220,000 to unlock 30 new affordable homes and bungalows for independent living, addressing the needs of an older population and the demand for more homes for affordable rent.
    • Darlington – £223,000 will enable the delivery of 27 homes close to the new government hub at Darlington Economic campus. The homes will introduce new green corridors to improve access to and from the town centre.

    This scheme builds on the success of the first Brownfield Land Release Fund, which saw £77 million help councils release over 160 brownfield sites for around 7,750 new homes across the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia is committing heinous crimes against Ukraine and trying to pull the wool over our eyes – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia is committing heinous crimes against Ukraine and trying to pull the wool over our eyes – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 January 2023.

    Statement delivered by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on human rights and religious freedom in Ukraine.

    Thank you President. I thank ASG Brands Kehris for her briefing and the work of OHCHR.

    President, the UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief around the world, a commitment we share with Ukraine, whose democracy is well-known for its pluralism.

    We condemn the persecution of any group based on religion or belief. That’s why we hosted a conference in London last year, to urge increased global action to prevent violations and abuses of freedom of religion or belief.

    That’s why we condemn Russia’s campaign of persecution against communities in Ukraine and Russia based on their religion or belief.

    This includes the detention and oppression of Crimean Tatars, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and clergy belonging to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and Protestant churches in areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia, since 2014.

    This includes Russia’s ban against Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia, which the European Court of Human Rights ruled was unlawful and in violation of fundamental human rights. And it includes the damage and destruction of over 100 religious sites resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine, as verified by UNESCO.

    It is clear from Russia’s track record then that they did not request this meeting out of a concern for any human right. If Russia cared about human rights it would not have launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine – an invasion which Russian Orthodox leader, Patriarch Kirill, has supported and recently suggested would leave no trace of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

    No, President. The reason Russia has requested this meeting is once again to distract from its own actions.

    Colleagues, this is an invasion which, as the UN, OHCHR and the Commission of Inquiry have confirmed, continues to be marked by grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. By death, injury and displacement of thousands. Arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and summary execution of Ukrainians by Russian forces. By mass disruption of education and forced deportations of children. And of course attacks on civilian infrastructure and objects, including the devastating attacks on residential buildings in Dnipro just this weekend, which Ukrainian officials have said killed at least 40 people.

    This is the real story of human rights in Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor state. Russia is committing heinous crimes and pointing in the other direction to try to pull the wool over our eyes.

    President, Russia should stop this propaganda, and instead do what the overwhelming majority of the UN membership has urged them to since February last year: end its invasion of Ukraine, withdraw its forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, and uphold its commits under international law and the UN Charter.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government tables amendments to Northern Ireland Troubles legacy legislation [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government tables amendments to Northern Ireland Troubles legacy legislation [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 17 January 2023.

    The UK Government  has today formally tabled amendments to legislation seeking to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

    The move comes ahead of the Committee Stage of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, scheduled to proceed in the House of Lords next week.

    The legislation aims to deliver better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles, including victims, survivors and veterans, while helping society to look forward.

    The Government amendments seek to address some of the principal concerns raised since the Bill’s introduction, including by victims and survivors.

    The amendments will:

    • Confirm that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery (ICRIR) established by the legislation will be able to conduct criminal investigations where it judges that to be appropriate.
    • Ensure that individuals who knowingly or recklessly provide false information to the ICRIR can be prosecuted and have their immunity revoked.
    • Disapply the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 so that individuals who choose not to tell the Commission what they know and are then convicted of an offence are liable to face a full, rather than reduced, sentence.
    • Increase the financial penalty for non-compliance with the Commission.
    • Strengthen the Commission’s independence by making clear that the Secretary of State should consult individuals before appointing the Chief Commissioner.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, said:

    “These amendments reflect the extensive engagement that has taken place, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to working with all interested parties regarding their concerns, and how these might be addressed.

    “The Government remains absolutely committed to delivering better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Lord Anderson appointed to review the Investigatory Powers Act [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Lord Anderson appointed to review the Investigatory Powers Act [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 17 January 2023.

    The Home Secretary has today (17 January 2023) appointed Lord (David) Anderson KBE KC to carry out an independent review of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.

    The Investigatory Powers Act provides a framework for the use of investigatory powers by the security and intelligence agencies, law enforcement and other public authorities. These powers cover:

    • the interception of communications
    • the retention and acquisition of communications data
    • and equipment interference for obtaining communications and other data

    The act also makes provision relating to the security and intelligence agencies’ retention and examination of bulk personal datasets. The effective operation of the act ensures that there is appropriate oversight in place to give the public confidence in the use of these important powers. Section 260 of the act requires that the secretary of state prepare a report on the operation of the act during a 6 month period between May 2022 and November 2022. This report will be published and laid in Parliament in due course.

    Lord Anderson previously held the post of Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation for 6 years, during which he carried out 2 independent reviews which informed the original act.

    Lord Anderson’s review will be entirely independent from the Home Secretary’s statutory report and will assess the case for legislative change, now or in the future. The review will focus in particular on the effectiveness of the bulk personal dataset regime, criteria for obtaining internet connection records, the suitability of certain definitions within the act, and the resilience and agility of warranty processes and the oversight regime.

    Lord Anderson will carry out his own consultation with law enforcement, the intelligence agencies, and wider public authorities, as well as other external organisations and individuals with an interest in this work.

    He will conclude his review and publish his findings in a report later this year.

    Biography

    Lord Anderson of Ipswich KBE KC is a barrister at Brick Court Chambers in London.

    Between 2011 and 2017 he served as Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation. He reported on investigatory powers in “A Question of Trust” (2015) and “Bulk Powers Review” (2016). In 2018 he was knighted for services to national security and civil liberties, and appointed to the House of Lords where he sits as an independent cross-bench peer.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Village Shop to receive £200k of UK Government funding [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Village Shop to receive £200k of UK Government funding [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales on 17 January 2023.

    A village shop in Denbighshire which campaigners are planning to develop into a community hub receives £200,000 from the UK Government Community Ownership Fund.

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies has been to Llandyrnog in Denbighshire to hear about new plans to reopen the village shop, save the current Post Office and introduce a community hub after campaigners received UK Government funding.

    There has been a shop in the village since 1841 and it has served the community in its current location since 1982 until it closed in 2020.

    Local residents had raised funds towards buying back the premises and running it for the benefit of the whole village before the project was recently awarded £200,000 from the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

    Mr Davies went to the shop on Thursday (12 January) where he heard from some of the campaigners about their plans.

    Lead applicant Emyr Morris said:

    We have really ambitious plans to revive our village shop back to its former glory and secure the Post Office, but we also want to do more and create a true community hub that serves Llandyrnog and its surrounding areas.

    In addition to stocking local produce we want to provide light refreshments and a place for people to meet. Our village is in need of social space and a place where we can come together to support all members of our community.

    We have further grant applications in the pipeline and are working towards launching a Community Share scheme

    Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said:

    I was delighted to meet Emyr and all the of the residents of Llandyrnog who have worked so hard on behalf of the village to get this project off the ground. It’s great to see UK Government money being spent on such a worthwhile scheme that will be of real benefit to so many people.

    The Community Ownership Fund helps support services that are at risk of being lost forever and gives them a new lease of life. This not only brings people together, as has happened here in Llandyrnog, but creates opportunities for local people and boosts the local economy.

    The Llandyrnog Village Shop is one of five successful projects in Wales recently awarded a total of £1.1 million in levelling up funding under the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

    More details on the funding are available here.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Child Maintenance Service to clamp down on domestic abuse [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Child Maintenance Service to clamp down on domestic abuse [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 17 January 2023.

    New laws protecting parents who use the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) from abusive ex-partners are due to be introduced following an independent review.

    • New measures to protect survivors from direct contact with abusers
    • Improvements to domestic abuse staff training
    • One-to-one support for survivors to be trialled

    Survivors of domestic abuse will be given the choice to allow the CMS to collect and make payments on their behalf – without the consent of an abusive ex-partner.  This will prevent perpetrators from using child maintenance as a form of ongoing financial abuse and control and mean survivors will not have to have contact with their ex-partner if there is evidence of domestic violence.

    The CMS will also have new powers to report suspected cases of financial coercion to the Crown Prosecution Service to help bring abusers to justice. One-to-one support for survivors will be piloted and domestic abuse training for staff improved.

    These changes come after the DWP commissioned Dr Samantha Callan, a leading expert on domestic abuse, in the autumn of 2021 to review CMS support for parents who had experienced domestic abuse in setting up a child maintenance arrangement. This followed the tragic death of Emma Day, who was murdered by her ex-partner, Mark Morris.

    Minister for Work and Pensions Viscount Younger of Leckie said:

    Domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime and we are doing everything in our power to support survivors to make child maintenance claims safely and without fear.

    We have strengthened the ways in which the Child Maintenance Service can support survivors in making a maintenance claim safely. I am grateful to Dr Samantha Callan for recognising this and for her vital work which will protect more parents from abuse, bring more perpetrators to justice and help keep families safe.

    Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies, DWP’s Lead for Women, said:

    Any form of domestic abuse and coercive control is unacceptable and illegal but very sadly can be found in most communities and we need to help people speak out and get the assistance they need. Here at DWP we are committed to doing all we can to provide vital support to those affected.

    Our improvements to the Child Maintenance Service will mean no one will be prevented from making a claim because of domestic abuse and financial control, and will run alongside our wider support for DWP claimants experiencing abuse or who are in vulnerable situations to disclose this and be helped to move forward in safety.

    Dr Samantha Callan said:

    As well as violence, there is now legal recognition that domestic abuse includes financial and other forms of coercive control which can continue to play out – or be initiated – after parents separate. My review highlights the pressing need for the Child Maintenance Service to help protect its clients from all forms of abuse and be aware that these can be perpetrated by the receiving as well as the paying parent and I am pleased the Government is acting on my recommendations.

    Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs said:

    Emma Day’s death highlighted the critical role of the Child Maintenance Service in responding to domestic abuse.  The proposed changes to the CMS demonstrate the powerful impact that a Domestic Homicide Review can have and why it is so important that lessons are learnt. I am particularly thankful to Emma’s family for all their work to campaign for change.

    I welcome the Government’s response to the independent review and pleased to see that the majority of the recommendations have been accepted. I look forward to working with DWP to make further improvements to the CMS for survivors, and to following the progress of the Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill.

    All CMS customers are asked if they have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse. If customers feel that their specific claim will put them in danger, they will be signposted to support – such as the National Domestic Violence Helpline for example – and asked to contact the police about their case.

    If a customer is in immediate danger, the CMS will offer advice on contacting the police and, if customers do not feel able to do this, then to ask whether customers are content for the CMS to call the police on their behalf.

    Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority for this government. That is why it introduced its landmark Domestic Abuse Act 2021, alongside a comprehensive action plan of other non-legislative measures.

    The cross-government Tackling Domestic Abuse plan, published in March, invests over £230 million into tackling these heinous crimes. Meanwhile, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 extended the controlling or coercive behaviour offence to clamp down on economic abuse, which can be part of a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviours by domestic abuse perpetrators.

    For the new offence to be effectively implemented and to further assist frontline agencies in identifying, investigating and evidencing domestic abuse offences, the government is updating the Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Statutory Guidance. This will be published in spring 2023, in line with the extended offence coming into force.

    The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 also removed the ‘living together’ requirement for controlling or coercive behaviour, which means the offence will soon apply to intimate partners, ex partners or family members, regardless of whether the victim and perpetrator live together.

    Information about the independent review of the Child Maintenance Service response to domestic abuse is published on GOV UK.

    The government response to the independent review of the Child Maintenance Service response to domestic abuse can also be found on GOV UK.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £14 million to unlock Bromsgrove’s potential [January 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : £14 million to unlock Bromsgrove’s potential [January 2023]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 17 January 2023.

    Post pandemic, Bromsgrove Town Centre needed a boost. With a £14 million award from the Levelling Up Fund, the town can recover.

    The investment will be used for projects such as the redevelopment of the former Market Hall.

    New hub for town centre

    The first major project is the Market Hall, which has been vacant since 2010. It is set to become a vibrant cultural and commercial hub. This will bring new businesses and footfall into the town centre.

    The new site will be home for:

    • flexible office space
    • multi-purpose events
    • gallery space
    • food stalls

    Opinions on the project

    Both the council and residents welcome the project.

    One citizen said:

    this is a really good use of the space, flexible working for collaboration and individual focus time.

    The investment has also been welcomed by Councillor Karen May, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council. She said:

    We are totally ecstatic that we have received this huge amount of funding. It is great news for Bromsgrove and means we can get on with making our vision, to massively enhance the prosperity and economic development of the district, a wonderful reality.