Tag: Press Release

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.
January 18, 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.

January 18, 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.”
January 18, 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.
January 18, 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.

January 18, 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.
January 18, 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.
January 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : £20 million Levelling Up transformation for North Portsmouth [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 17 January 2023.

North Portsmouth is the gateway to the city, harbour, and the wider region. Now, over £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund will regenerate this area of the city.

UK’s longest urban park

The Linear Park will:
- connect the West of Portsmouth to the Eastern edge
- include enhanced cycling and walking facilities
Investing in Hilsea Lido

The levelling up investment will redevelop the lido to include:
- good quality changing facilities
- children’s water play
- event space
- spectator areas
Portsmouth International Port

Portsmouth International Port offers more destinations to Europe than any other UK port. Building on this success, the redevelopment will let the port manage an estimated 250,000 extra passengers a year.

The new port terminal will also include:
- an exclusive cruise lounge
- a new check-in area
- a sky garden
With these works passengers will be able to enjoy a modern and accessible port.

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of Portsmouth City Council:

This development is fantastic news for the city, providing employment opportunities and promoting Portsmouth’s offer as the UK’s leading marine and maritime city. We expect the improved facilities to kick start further investment in the city, from hotel capacity to an increase in tourism spending. We are proud of our position as the UK’s most successful local authority owned port, and this new extension will see the port go from strength to strength.
January 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Ongoing disruptions to the Lachin Corridor – UK statement to the OSCE [January 2023]

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

Ambassador Bush expresses concern regarding disruptions to the Lachin Corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences.

Thank you, Foreign Minister Mirzoyan.

The ongoing disruptions to the Lachin Corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences are deeply worrying.

We regret that despite this issue being raised here at the OSCE and the United Nations Security Council, significant progress has not been made. We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to take all measures to allow for the unhindered movement of humanitarian goods and civilians.

The United Kingdom acknowledges that both sides have concerns regarding the implementation of agreements made in relation to the 2020 ceasefire. We urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to undertake meaningful negotiations to find a sustainable and peaceful settlement that secures lasting peace and stability for the region.

The United Kingdom offers our continued, unwavering and unconditional support to the international mechanisms, including the OSCE, which are working to support peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It remains clear: only through peacefully facilitated dialogue can peace be reached.

January 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Birmingham 2022 contributes £870 million to UK economy [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 17 January 2023.

– Last year’s Commonwealth Games has already contributed £870.7 million to the UK economy, new report reveals

– 9,000 full time equivalent jobs were supported in 2022 thanks to the Games, with volunteers racking up 1.25 million hours of work

– Birmingham 2022 has provided the West Midlands with new sports venues and improved transport services

– The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games contributed at least £870 million** to the UK economy, a new study reveals.

The independent interim evaluation report found that the West Midlands economy received a significant boost, with over half the economic impact generated (£453.7 million**) benefiting businesses and communities across the region.

A record 1.5 million tickets were sold for Birmingham 2022, the largest multi-sport event hosted in England in the last 10 years.

Held between 28 July and 8 August 2022, the Games brought together 6,600 athletes and team officials from across 72 Commonwealth nations and territories.

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said:

Birmingham 2022 was tremendously successful in boosting the local economy and bringing people together. This report shows that new jobs and investments are just the beginning of the story, with the Games paving the way for future events in the region.

The Games put the West Midlands on the global stage, and provided the region with world-class facilities. Thanks to Birmingham 2022, the city now has the industry know-how and venues to host the European Athletics Championships in 2026.

Diversity and inclusion was at the heart of the ‘Friendly Games’, with the first fully integrated pride programme, more medals for women than men and the biggest para-sport programme in Commonwealth Games history.

Since Birmingham was awarded the Games in 2017, the event has created roughly 15,410 years of employment in the UK. Over summer 2022, this equated to more than 9,000* full time equivalent jobs. Birmingham 2022 also delivered 5,188 weeks of apprenticeships, 2,000 work experience placements and training for 14,075 members of the Commonwealth Collective who contributed 1.25 million volunteering hours.

The interim report sets out benefits the Games has had on local businesses and volunteers. Almost three quarters of local businesses surveyed said they had secured new investments thanks to Games contracts. Commonwealth Collective volunteers said participating in the Games had increased feelings of inclusion, pride and wellbeing.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

As this report makes clear, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games provided a huge and timely boost for Birmingham, the West Midlands and the United Kingdom.

The Games were just the start of Birmingham’s Golden Decade of Opportunity, providing a springboard for further success, and these findings underline why the bold decision by the council to lead the bid for the Games was the right one.

Birmingham 2022 was always about much more than 11 days of sport and our focus is now firmly upon realising the long-term legacy that being the Proud Host City will enable. The council will continue working with partners to ensure that the people and communities of Birmingham and the wider region continue to be Commonwealth Games winners for years to come.

Sir John Crabtree, outgoing chair of Birmingham 2022, said:

One of the key parts of our Birmingham 2022 mission was to help the region to grow and succeed, an ambition which took on even greater significance following the impact of the global pandemic. This report, which outlines a beneficial boost for the West Midlands economy, is evidence that the Games successfully achieved this aim, and this is further demonstrated by the figures for employment, with approximately 7,440 net full-time equivalent jobs supported at the peak of the Games.

It has been an incredible honour to lead the organisation of such an important event for the West Midlands and, as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee nears the end of its journey, we would like to thank all of our partners for their support and contributions which helped to make the Games so successful and secured such a sizeable economic impact for the host city and region.

Geoff Thompson, outgoing deputy chair of Birmingham 2022, said:

This report clearly highlights once again the value of staging major sports events. This part of the country now has a fantastic opportunity to build on the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, especially as taking centre stage during the summer really helped to further raise the global profile of Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond – socially, culturally and economically. In particular the sport and physical activity opportunities for young people and communities will continue to see an equitable, diverse and inclusive legacy realised for all.

The Games also had an impact on the region’s global reputation, pride in the West Midlands and community cohesion. Based on interviews with locals, the Games has provided a focal point for residents to come together and feel part of the events, as well as encouraging West Midlands residents to visit areas they would not otherwise have visited.

Dame Louise Martin, President, Commonwealth Games Federation said:

“From record-breaking ticket sales to the largest ever sports programme, the spectacular Birmingham 2022 set a new benchmark for Commonwealth Sport. Importantly, it also generated significant economic impact, driving investment and creating jobs, as well as boosting the region’s global reputation. The Games have left an impressive and wide-reaching legacy that will ensure they are remembered for many years to come.”

Birmingham 2022 events had an estimated total global TV viewership of 834.9 million, over 215 million digital views, 141 million interactions on social media and generated significant positive media coverage.

Thanks to the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham and the West Midlands have benefited from a new aquatics centre in Sandwell, the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium and wider regeneration projects in Perry Barr including a brand new train station.

Paul Blanchard, CEO of Commonwealth Games England said:

“It’s fantastic to see the impact Birmingham 2022 has had on the West Midlands and the nation. We saw the excitement the Games brought to the athletes with some hugely memorable moments and the millions of spectators who engaged. Now, to see the lasting impact is great, particularly the development into sport facilities and equipment in the region to inspire the next generation of English talent.”

The Games was delivered within a budget of £778 million and the UK government has announced that it will invest over £60 million of unspent contingency funding from this core budget in the West Midlands to further enhance the legacy of the Games.

The UK government is working with local authorities to ensure the funding is invested in increasing access to sport and culture, boosting the region’s expertise in hosting major events and driving inward investment and tourism.

January 17, 2023