UKPOL.CO.UK

Tag: Press Release

  • HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Christopher Allsopp to Monetary Policy Committee [May 2000]

    HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Appointment of Christopher Allsopp to Monetary Policy Committee [May 2000]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 4 May 2000.

    Christopher Allsopp has been appointed to the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), the Chancellor Gordon Brown announced today. He will take up his membership of the MPC on 1 June. Mr Allsopp will replace Professor Charles Goodhart whose three-year term as a member of the MPC expires on 31 May.

    Mr Allsopp is currently a Reader in Economic Policy and Fellow in Economics at New College, Oxford. A specialist in international macroeconomics, Mr Allsopp’s previous experience includes work at the OECD in Paris and 3 years as Adviser at the Bank of England as well as consultancy appointments with overseas Governments and many other UK and international organisations.

    Mr Allsopp is currently a member of the Bank’s Court of Directors. As required by the Bank of England Act 1998, he will resign his membership of the Court before taking up his position on the MPC.

    Gordon Brown said:

    “I am delighted that Christopher Allsopp has agreed to join the Monetary Policy Committee. His long and distinguished academic career will enable him to make an invaluable contribution to the work of the MPC.

    “I am very grateful to Charles Goodhart for his outstanding contribution to the Committee’s work over the last three years, and wish him well.”

    CURRICULUM VITAE

    Christopher John Allsopp MA, B.Phil. (Econ)

    Personal Details

    Date of Birth: 6 April 1941.  Married with 3 children.

    Address:   New College, Oxford, OX1 3BN.

    Education

    Exhibitioner, Balliol College, Oxford University, 1960-65.

    Student of Nuffield College, Oxford, 1965-66.

    BA/MA Natural Science (Physics), Oxford, 1963.

    B.Phil. (Economics), Oxford 1966.

    Present Positions

    Fellow in Economics, New College, Oxford, 1967 –

    Lecturer 1967 – , then Reader in Economic Policy, Oxford University.

    Member of the Court of Directors, Bank of England, 1997 –

    Director, Oxford Economic Forecasting

    Editor, Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 1985 –

    Main Previous Appointments/Activities

    Full-time

    HM Treasury, Economic Assistant, 1966-67.

    Head of Economic Prospects Division, OECD, Economics and Statistics Department, Paris, 1973-1974 and Editor, OECD Economic Outlook (on leave from New College and Oxford University).

    Adviser, Bank of England 1980-83.  (On leave from New College and Oxford University).

    Part-time and Consultancy

    Consultant, HM Treasury, 1967-70.

    Consultant to the OECD, working on problems of price stability and employment in the medium term, 1975-77.  (Including background studies and drafting input for, McCracken et al.

    ?Towards Full Employment and Price Stability?.  OECD 1976 (The ?McCracken Report).

    Chairman, St James? Group (Economist/EIU Economic Forecasting Group), 1977-81.

    Founder member of group set up to launch the Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 1983 founding Editor. 1985 to present.

    Consultant, World Bank and commission for the Restructuring of the Economic Systems, Beijing, China, January 1988.  (With Sir Alec Cairncross).

    Independent Consultant for the Swedish International Development Agency and the Government of the Republic of Zambia, 1988-89.  (Working on Exchange Rate Policy and Stabilisation in Zambia).

    Consultant, OECD, Manpower and Social Affairs Department, Paris, 1989-90.

    Economic Adviser to the Minister of Planning, Government of Poland, 1990-91.  (Coordinator of project financed by the Joint Assistance Committee for Easter Europe of the UK Overseas Development Administration (the ?Know-how Fund?))

    Ford Foundation: Member of research project on Financial Reform in China, 1991.

    Delegate, International Symposium: Financial Reform in China, Hainan Island, China, Dec 1991.

    (Conference sponsored by CRES/World Bank/UNDP).

    Delegate, International Symposium on China’s Financial Reform and the banking System, Dalian, China, 1993 June.

    Adviser on International Prospects and Strategy: HD International, 1988-94; Mercury Asset Management, 1995-96: Norwich Union Investment Management, 1996 – present.

    |Publications

    The following is a selective list of Mr Allsopp’s important recent work.

    ?Monetary and Fiscal Policy in the 1980s?, Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Vol 1, No.1, 1985.

    ?The International Debt Crisis (with V R Joshi), Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Vol 2, No.1, 1986.

    ?Exchange Rate Economics? (with A Crystal), Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Vol 5, No.3, 1989.

    ?UK Fiscal Policy: Responsible or Irresponsible??, John Deutsch Institute of Public Policy, Kingston, Ontario, 1990.

    ?The Balance of Payments and International Economic Integration (with T Jenkinson and T O?Shaughnessy), Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Vol 6 No.3, 1990.

    ?Monetary Policy and Monetary Reform in China?, International Conference on Macroeconomic Management, Dalian, China; published, World Bank, 1994.

    ?Macroeconomic Reform and Control in China?, Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 1995.

    ?Fiscal Policy and EMU? (with D Vines), National Institute Economic Review, 1996, 4.

    ?Monetary and Fiscal Stabilisation of Demand Shocks within Europe? (with G Davies, W McKibbon, D Vines).  In, C Deissenberg, R F Owen, D Ulph, (eds), European Economic Integration, Blackwells, special supplement to the Review of International Economics, 5(4), 55-56, 1997.

    ?Economics of Transition in East and Central Europe?.  (With H Kierskovsky).  Oxford Review of Economic Policy Vol 13.2, 1997.

    ?European Unemployment and EMU? Employment Policy Institute, 1997, Nov.

    ?Macroeconomic Policy after EMU? (with D Vines).  Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Vol 14, No.3, Autumn 1998 pp 1-23.

    ?Real Interest Rates?.  (With A Glyn) Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Vol 15, No.2.  Summer 1999 pp 1-16.

  • PRESS RELEASE : £3.6 million social prescribing funding to bolster mental health support and ease pressure on GPs [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : £3.6 million social prescribing funding to bolster mental health support and ease pressure on GPs [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 23 December 2022.

    More than £3.6 million of government funding awarded to the National Academy of Social Prescribing to support mental health and wellbeing, including impacts of loneliness.

    • Social prescribing helps improve mental health by connecting people to community services, reducing pressure on GPs and overprescribing
    • Additional funding builds on previous success which supported 36 projects, helping more than 10,000 people

    Thousands of people will continue to access innovative types of mental health support, proven to improve healthy living, reduce overprescribing and save capacity for GPs, following £3.6 million of government funding for the National Academy of Social Prescribing (NASP).

    Social prescribing can help those experiencing grief, addiction, dementia and loneliness through a wide range of community-led social activities, services and opportunities that have proven benefits to people’s health and wellbeing.

    This could include gardening clubs for people to socialise and learn new skills, new exercise classes to build confidence and become healthier, as well as financial advice for people with money worries, among many other initiatives.

    The grant will support NASP to build on its previous successes such as the Thriving Communities Fund, which has established 36 projects helping more than 10,000 people and championed local community and voluntary groups.

    It has also introduced an academic collaboration to develop a robust evidence base for social prescribing and the benefits it can bring to the nation’s health. It will continue to build innovative partnerships between the health system and the voluntary sector to ensure that social prescribing reaches those most in need.

    With Christmas approaching and many people feeling the negative impacts of loneliness over the festive period, social prescribing provides people with the tools to help manage their mental health and meet others in their community.

    Minister of State for Care Helen Whatley said:

    “Social prescribing is an unsung hero in getting thousands of people the support they need to get through hard times – whether it be low self-esteem, dementia or loneliness.

    “I’m really pleased that we’ve agreed new funding for the National Academy of Social Prescribing, so it can continue the valuable work it does day in and day out to support the health of the country.”

    Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield said:

    “With many people struggling with their mental health and loneliness, particularly over the festive period, social prescribing offers a proven innovative approach to support their wellbeing.

    “Mental health is a priority and it’s vital people have access to the tools and support they need – this funding will provide much-needed help to people with a wide range of needs, as well as easing pressure on GPs and freeing up appointments.”

    In 2019, the government set out a manifesto commitment to extend social prescribing and expand the NASP.

    Examples of the opportunities which could be bolstered by the funding include:

    • Supporting NASP to continue driving forward the recommendations from the Power of Music report, using musical activities to help people with dementia;
    • The delivery of Social Prescribing Day 2024 internationally, bringing together people across local, national and global platforms to share learning and promote successes within social prescribing;
    • the creation of products – such as podcasts – to showcase the benefits of a connected social prescribing system;
    • launching new social prescribing evidence reviews, which will be published in spring.

    Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the National Academy for Social Prescribing, said:

    “We are delighted to have continued support from the Department for Health and Social Care, in recognition of the positive impact that social prescribing is having on the health and wellbeing of our communities. As a frontline GP, I know that if someone comes to me because they are lonely or isolated, social prescribing is likely to be the best support I can offer.

    “I’m incredibly proud of what NASP has achieved since it’s conception. Over the last couple of years, despite the limitations of the pandemic, we have funded remarkable social prescribing projects, published compelling evidence summaries and have signed up 25 countries to develop social prescribing services across the world. With this funding, we are thrilled to be able to continue this work to achieve our ultimate goal: to help people live the best lives they can.”

    Minister for Loneliness Stuart Andrew said:

    “The festive period can be a particularly lonely time for many people given the greater emphasis on spending time with friends and family.
    “Through social prescribing healthcare professionals are able to connect those in need to a range of community-led services, helping to improve mental wellbeing, build networks and reduce loneliness.

    “This additional £3.6 million funding for the National Academy of Social Prescribing will provide an even greater level of support for those who need it most.”

    James Sanderson, Director for Personalised Care and Community Services at NHS England, said:

    “Giving people more choice and control over their own health and care was an important part of the NHS Long Term Plan, and we have already far exceeded our ambitions, providing personalised care including social prescriptions to millions of people.

    “This funding should put even more options and evidence into the hands of local NHS teams, to help them better support the record number of people experiencing mental health issues since the start of the pandemic.”

    Case study

    Social prescribing can help people with a wide range of issues, including grief, and support those battling addiction.

    Dale, who lives in North London recently joined the Men’s Woodwork Group, run by St Margaret’s House – who also received a grant from the Thriving Communities fund. After leaving rehab, where he received treatment to help with alcohol and drug addiction, the group gives Dale a space to connect and be creative.

    He said:

    “There’s a famous saying: ‘the opposite of addiction is connection’. For me, creative endeavour is key. Before I was consumed by addiction, I was a head singer in a choir but I let a lot of that lapse. I just want to engage again, have some sort of semblance of a life.

    “I think social prescribing is integral to what people need. You need contact with people who are different from you. Every different type of person you come across is a lesson.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tens of thousands protected from homelessness thanks to £654 million funding boost [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tens of thousands protected from homelessness thanks to £654 million funding boost [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 23 December 2022.

    The Homelessness Prevention Grant will support vulnerable people in England who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.

    • £654m funding package will see councils target support at those who need it the most including vulnerable families and people at risk of rough sleeping
    • £24 million to help provide temporary accommodation for victims of domestic abuse and their children
    • Part of a wider £2 billion package of support to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over the next three years

    Tens of thousands of vulnerable people will be protected from homelessness by a £654 million funding package government announced today, (Friday 23 December).

    All councils in England will receive their share of funding from the Homelessness Prevention Grant to provide vital support to those who need it the most in their local areas over the next two years.

    The money will be used to provide temporary accommodation for families, help individuals at risk of becoming homeless pay deposits for new homes and mediate with landlords to avoid evictions.

    £24 million of the funding will help councils support homeless domestic abuse victims, ensuring no one has to stay with their abuser for fear of not having a roof over their head.

    Today’s funding follows a £50 million top up to the grant for this year, announced last month, and forms part of the Government’s wider £2 billion package of support to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, outlined earlier this year.

    Councils have a statutory duty to ensure no family is left without a roof over their heads and today’s funding announcement will help them to carry out this duty.

    The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

    The government is determined to end rough sleeping and tackle homelessness because for too many people, the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a warm and safe environment is beyond reach.

    We know that words alone are not enough. That is why government is investing £2 billion over the next three years to give some of the most vulnerable people a roof over their heads, along with targeted support to rebuild their lives.

    Today’s announcement will provide vital support to families who are at risk of rough sleeping, including by providing temporary accommodation and helping with deposits.

    Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan, said:

    Everyone should have a safe and secure home. This Government is determined to prevent homelessness and to get vulnerable families and individuals the support they need. Whether it’s emergency housing, support to pay a deposit, or mediation to prevent eviction, today’s package will provide help to those who need it the most at the discretion of those who know them best.

    Councillor Alex Dale, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said:

    We are really proud of the services the Homelessness Prevention Grant allows us to fund.

    Homelessness is something that can affect anyone, especially during these challenging times, and that’s why we use the grant to serve as many local residents as we can.

    Since the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act in 2018, over 500,000 households have had their homelessness successfully prevented or relieved.

    Councils can use the money flexibly based on their knowledge of the local area and the local housing market. Many councils use the funding to offer mediation services for landlords and tenants to prevent evictions or implement special programmes to identify root causes of homelessness.

    Pathways of Chesterfield, for example, provides a range of services that help break down the barriers that have led someone to homelessness and give them tools to move forward.

    Julian, a beneficiary of Pathways said:

    This support will also get me into fulltime work now that I have a place of my own. It was a comforting experience. Until you’ve been in this position it’s hard to put into words. As Pathways housed me, it’s been a massive positive impact on my mental health.

    To make sure distribution of funding reflects current pressures and demand in areas across England, the department consulted councils and other interested stakeholders on amending the funding arrangements for the grant earlier this year. Today’s allocations reflect this new formula.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary call with the family of Harry Dunn [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary call with the family of Harry Dunn [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2022.

    A statement from the Foreign Secretary following his call with the family of Harry Dunn this afternoon.

    Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said:

    I had the opportunity to speak with the Dunn family today, and listen carefully to their concerns and hear about the pain they have gone through.  They have shown incredible resolve getting justice for Harry.

    We have learnt important lessons from this tragic incident, including improvements to the process around exemptions from diplomatic immunity and ensuring the US takes steps to improve road safety around RAF Croughton.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Haitian actors must a agree a route forward to address insecurity, humanitarian and economic crises – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Haitian actors must a agree a route forward to address insecurity, humanitarian and economic crises – UK Statement at the UN Security Council [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2022.

    Statement by Alice Jacobs, UK Deputy Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council meeting on Haiti.

    Thank you, President and to our briefers –– including the new 2653 Committee Chair for their first update. I also welcome foreign ministers of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and the Permanent Representative of Canada.

    President, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the ongoing dire humanitarian situation in Haiti, which is being compounded by chronic insecurity and political gridlock.

    As we heard today so clearly from the DSG and SRSG La Lime, the actions of armed gangs have displaced thousands, limited free movement of people and goods and denied citizens access to medical services during a resurgent Cholera outbreak.

    The United Kingdom remains convinced that the perpetrators and sponsors of the gang violence must be held to account and denied the capacity to spread further instability and suffering.

    So we are pleased to see progress on sanctions that are imperative in tackling criminal behaviour. These sanctions are a necessary tool to break the cycle of criminal violence that so disastrously impacts the Haitian people.

    However, sanctions alone will not work. This is why the International Community must consider seriously any request for assistance from the Haitian government and society, including on security.

    This must support and empower Haitian efforts to improve the security situation on the ground to create the conditions for elections, so that the Haitian people may choose their next government.

    The United Kingdom continues to support action that moves Haiti closer to security and stability, with a return to democratic processes as soon as possible.

    We therefore welcome signs of movement towards resolving the political gridlock. But there must now be determined efforts to reach a political consensus. An urgent route forward is needed to address the insecurity, humanitarian and economic crises and avoid further deterioration of the situation.

    Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK condemns North Korea for supplying arms to Russian mercenary group fighting in Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK condemns North Korea for supplying arms to Russian mercenary group fighting in Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2022.

    The UK supports the US assessment that North Korea has completed an arms delivery to Russia for the use by the Wagner Group in Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

    Following the US release of information that North Korea has been supplying arms to the Russian mercenary group Wagner, in breach of UN Security Council resolutions, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

    The UK supports the US assessment that North Korea has completed an arms delivery to Russia for use by the Wagner Group, which paid for this equipment and has thousands of troops in Ukraine. This is a clear breach of UN Security Council Resolutions. The fact that President Putin is turning to North Korea for help is a sign of Russia’s desperation and isolation. We will work with our partners to ensure that North Korea pays a high price for supporting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.

    Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has been under UK sanctions since 2020. In November 2022 the UK sanctioned two individuals for conscripting prisoners to the Wagner Group, which has been linked to some of the worst atrocities in Russia’s illegal war.

    Background:

    President Putin has increasingly turned to Wagner, owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin for military support in Ukraine. Prigozhin is spending more than $100 million per month to fund Wagner’s operations in Ukraine. Wagner is recruiting prisoners, including those with serious medical conditions, to fight in Ukraine.

    For months, the Russian military has been relying on Wagner to lead combat operations in parts of the Donbas. In certain instances, Russian military officials are actually subordinate to Wagner’s command. We estimate that Wagner has 50,000 personnel deployed to Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts.

    Wagner is playing a major role in Bakhmut where its ill-equipped and ill-trained forces are suffering heavy casualties. Approximately 1,000 Wagner fighters have been killed in the fighting in recent weeks, and 90 per cent of those fatalities were convicts. In recent dates, Ukraine appears to have repulsed an offensive by Wagner forces in Bakhmut.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with European Commission President Von der Leyen [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak call with European Commission President Von der Leyen [December 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 December 2022.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen this afternoon.

    The leaders agreed that the UK and the EU would remain steadfast in our military economic and diplomatic support for Ukraine and in countering Russian aggression.

    They looked forward to working closely together in 2023 in the G7, under the Japanese presidency, and the G20, under the Indian presidency.

    On the Northern Ireland Protocol, they agreed on the importance of working together to agree a solution.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sir Laurie Magnus appointed as the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sir Laurie Magnus appointed as the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests [December 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 22 December 2022.

    Sir Laurie Magnus CBE has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s new Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests.

    The Independent Adviser performs an important role, rooted in the Ministerial Code, as a source of impartial advice on the proper management of Ministers’ private interests and on adherence to the Code itself.

    The Code has also today been re-issued, with the inclusion of a new Foreword by the Prime Minister.

    The Prime Minister has been clear that he expects the Government to have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level. Sir Laurie will carry out the role in line with the established Terms of Reference, published in May 2022, which set out the core functions of the role as:

    • Advising Ministers on their private interests, including overseeing the publication of the List of Ministers’ Interests
    • Investigating alleged breaches of the Ministerial Code
    • Providing advice on amendments to the Ministerial Code to the Prime Minister
    • Providing ad hoc advice, at the request of a Minister, in relation to the Ministerial Code

    Sir Laurie Magnus was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests on 22 December 2022.

    Sir Laurie is Chairman of Historic England (formerly known as English Heritage), having been appointed in September 2013 to lead its relaunch under the Historic England brand name and the transfer of management of its properties to a new charity, the English Heritage Trust. This role is a regulated public appointment, overseen by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. He was previously Deputy Chairman of the National Trust from 2005 to 2013.

    Sir Laurie will bring to the role of Independent Adviser over 40 years’ experience in the financial services sector, with particularly relevant professional experience of audit, compliance and corporate governance. He holds a number of advisory and non-executive roles within the finance sector, drawing on this expertise.

    In the not for profit sector, Sir Laurie was until recently Chairman of the Windsor Leadership Trust, an independent charity providing experiential leadership programmes for senior leaders across all sectors of society, and Deputy Chairman of the Benefact Trust, providing charitable financial support to churches and Christian charities in the UK and Ireland. Sir Laurie also served as a member of the Board of the Culture Recovery Fund, established by Government to provide financial support to the culture and heritage sectors during the COVID pandemic.

    Sir Laurie is also a member of Historic England’s Business and Finance Committee, Remuneration and Appointments Committee, and is a member of the English Heritage Board of Trustees.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK statement in response to the Taliban’s closure of universities for women in Afghanistan [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK statement in response to the Taliban’s closure of universities for women in Afghanistan [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 December 2022.

    Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, said:

    The UK strongly condemns the Taliban’s decision to close universities for women across Afghanistan. This restriction represents a further violation of the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls and has no religious or moral basis. Afghan women and girls must have a say in their own future and be able to fully and equally contribute to society.

    We urge the Taliban to reverse their decisions on education, including the 23 March 2022 decision to prohibit girls’ access to secondary school. Having educated and empowered women in Afghanistan is vital for peace, stability and economic development across the country – without this, the country will not achieve longer-term stability or prosperity. Bans to education will only fuel the continued exodus of educated Afghans, exacerbating the current humanitarian and economic crisis.

    This decision will have damaging consequences for the Taliban by further isolating them from the people of Afghanistan and the international community. We will not support any restoration of waivers to the travel bans on UN-sanctioned Taliban until Afghan women and girls are allowed to attend secondary school and university. Working with likeminded partners, we will consider further action to persuade the Taliban to abandon these regressive measures and reverse their decisions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tenants able to buy a share of their home under Right to Shared Ownership scheme [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tenants able to buy a share of their home under Right to Shared Ownership scheme [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 22 December 2022.

    New guidance to help eligible tenants buy a share in their home for the first time, under the Right to Shared Ownership scheme.

    • More tenants in social and affordable housing to be helped onto the property ladder through the Right to Shared Ownership scheme.
    • Eligible tenants will be able to buy a share of their home as part of government’s support for first-time buyers.

    Residents in social and affordable housing are being given the chance to buy a share in their home for the first time, as applications can now be made to for the government’s Right to Shared Ownership scheme.

    The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities has today (22 December) published new guidance for tenants to access the scheme, which provides an alternative pathway to homeownership.

    Tenants will be able to buy a share of their property worth between 10% and 75%, giving them more control and autonomy over the home they live in.

    Tenants will be eligible if they have been in social housing for three years, their property was built under the government’s Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, and they have lived in it for a year. This option will become available to more tenants in the coming years.

    The scheme comes as part of the government drive to help more people into homeownership.

    Minister for Housing Rt Hon Lucy Frazer said:

    All hard-working families and young people deserve the chance to live in a home of their own.

    We are helping tenants to do just that by supporting them with small, manageable steps onto the housing ladder, through the Right to Shared Ownership.

    Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions people take and this is just one of the ways we are helping more first-time buyers reach their goal.

    Shared owners can gradually increase the equity stake in their home, with the option to eventually buy a 100% share in their property. This allows people to reduce the financial impact of buying a home, by accessing a lower mortgage and deposit.

    Eligible tenants can apply for the Right to Shared Ownership by completing the new application form and returning it to their landlord, who will carry out a series of eligibility checks.

    The scheme follows the government’s £11.5 billion investment to build more of the genuinely affordable, quality homes this country needs – as part of the Affordable Homes Programme.

    The government’s wider Shared Ownership programme has so far seen thousands of people take their first step on to the housing ladder, with an estimated over 136,600 new shared ownership homes built since 2010.