Tag: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE : Thousands of families protected from homelessness with extra £50 million government support [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 5 December 2022.
- Funding is targeted at those who need it most and will help households at risk of eviction pay rent arrears or secure a new place to live
- Boost for councils comes on top of £316 million Homelessness Prevention Grant
- Part of a £2 billion package of government support to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over the next three years
Thousands of vulnerable families will be protected from homelessness this winter thanks to an extra £50 million of government support.

Councils will have the flexibility to target the additional financial support at those who need it most. This may include helping households at risk of eviction pay off their rent arrears or supporting families struggling to secure a new home with their search and deposits.

The funding is on top of £316 million Homeless Prevention Grant already allocated to councils for 2022-23 year and is part of a £2 billion package of government support to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over the next three years.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said:

We understand that many people are struggling this winter and we are taking action to protect vulnerable families at risk of homelessness this Christmas.

The increased support will make a real difference to those most at risk by helping them to pay their rents or find new homes.

This follows a £200 million Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), which will deliver up to 2,4000 homes by March 2025 for people already experiencing or at risk of experiencing rough sleeping. Details on how local authorities can apply for this funding will be published shortly.

Millions of vulnerable families will also benefit this winter from a wider raft of cost of living support from the Government, including assistance with energy bills and direct payments of £1,200.
December 6, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : UK Government hub Tŷ William Morgan officially opened [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Wales on 5 December 2022.

The UK Government hub in Cardiff, Tŷ William Morgan, has been formally opened (5 December 2022) by David TC Davies MP, Secretary of State for Wales.

The creation of the new hub has been managed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as part of the department’s wider estates and transformation work across the UK. Spread across 12 floors, Tŷ William Morgan is one of 14 new UK Government hubs across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It is the eleventh new regional centre to be formally opened as part of HMRC’s estates programme.

Named after Bishop William Morgan who translated the Bible into Welsh in the 16th Century, Tŷ William Morgan is home to more than 4,500 civil servants. This includes more than 4,000 full-time equivalent HMRC employees, as well as around 500 staff from across 12 other UK Government departments. Departments sharing the building include the Wales Office, the Cabinet Office, the Department for International Trade (DIT), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). It also has the capacity to host full UK Government Cabinet meetings.

The keys for the 25,000 sq. m (265,000 sq. ft) building were formally handed over in January 2020, with the building first opening its doors to civil servants in February 2021. It is part of large central development within a few minutes’ walk of Cardiff Central train station.

The building boasts a modern and inclusive working environment to enable collaborative working and to deliver an effective service for customers. It is contributing towards a more sustainable government estate, reducing our carbon footprint and water usage, increasing recycling and reducing waste sent to landfill.

David TC Davies, Secretary of State for Wales, said:

Tŷ William Morgan is central to the UK Government’s ambitious plans to create a dynamic and flexible civil service which is equipped for the future.

Its position in the heart of Cardiff also demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to Wales. It is already providing a modern working environment to attract and retain high-calibre staff who will be able to grow and develop their careers here in Wales.

Being able to work with colleagues from right across government under one roof is proving hugely beneficial and it is fantastic to be able to open Tŷ William Morgan officially.

Penny Ciniewicz, HMRC Director General for Customer Compliance Group, said:

I am delighted to be here to mark the official opening of our Cardiff hub. Tŷ William Morgan has been built and designed to be an inclusive environment for colleagues, encouraging smarter and more collaborative working and a culture where everyone feels valued. Our new Cardiff home is already proving to be a hub that fosters collaboration, which is essential for us to meet HMRC’s ambitions to transform into a digitally advanced tax authority.

December 6, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Working to deliver justice for survivors of Daesh atrocities in Iraq [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 December 2022.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council meeting on UNITAD.

Thank you President, and let me start by welcoming the Representative of Iraq to the Chamber. We’d like to thank the Special Advisor for the expertise and dedication he and his team has shown in pursuing accountability for the crimes committed by Daesh.

Four and a half years since UNITAD started its work, the need for justice for Daesh’s appalling crimes is undiminished. As we’ve heard, these were crimes against the people, the history, and the culture of Iraq. Nadia Murad told the conference on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict in London last week that, and I quote: “Survivors around the world don’t need a call to action. We need action, period.” UNITAD is a key part of that work, working to deliver justice for survivors. So we commend the Government of Iraq for its engagement with UNITAD’s important work.

Let me highlight two areas of progress in particular from the last six months.

First, we welcome the breadth of cooperation between UNITAD and Iraq, as we’ve heard from the Special Advisor. In particular, we welcome technical assistance in relation to the excavation of several mass grave sites, information sharing, and tailored-assistance for investigations, and capacity building of the Iraqi judiciary and prosecutors, particularly relating to evidence collection. We also commend UNITAD’s assistance to Iraq on UN sanctions, including its plans to share information, which could help support designating Daesh members under the 1267 UN sanctions regime. We look forward to the conclusion of the relevant Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Iraq.

Second, we welcome the outreach that UNITAD has prioritised with affected communities in Iraq. This has built trust, and enabled the collection of testimonies that have been used in the prosecution of Daesh members around the world, drawing on the support and provision of assistance of UNITAD. President,

Let me reiterate the importance of collaboration between Iraq, including the Kurdistan Regional Government, and UNITAD. Wide ranging, and comprehensive coordination between all three is crucial for progress. Following Iraq’s elections, we are pleased to hear of the relationship that is being built between the new Iraqi government and UNITAD and we hope that collaboration will continue to deepen, and deliver justice for survivors.

For our part, we reiterate our strong support for UNITAD’s pursuit of accountability for Daesh atrocities, both in Iraq and around the world.

Thank you.

December 6, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : £212 million boost for Scottish communities [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Secretary of State for Scotland on 5 December 2022.

UK Government unlocks £2.6 billion in funding to level up the country by approving local areas’ plans to spend UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
- UKSPF matches and succeeds old EU funding, slashing bureaucracy and allowing local leaders to invest in things their communities truly want and need
- All plans submitted by Scottish local authorities now approved by the UK Government
Communities across Scotland will benefit from £212 million of investment in skills, improved high streets, support for local business and more green spaces as the UK takes back control and approves spending plans for funding previously run by the European Union.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund succeeds EU structural funding but instead of Brussels deciding how and where the money is spent, the UK Government has been working closely with local leaders in Scotland to direct funding where it is most needed.

Under the investment plans approved today, Scotland is receiving at least as much funding as it did before, with projects now free from bureaucratic EU processes and local people having a greater say in how the money is used.

Councils across Scotland have drawn up plans over the summer which include supporting local arts projects, improved sports facilities, export grants for Scottish companies and helping people with core skills such as maths.

The UK Government’s approval of these plans will kickstart delivery across all parts of the country.

Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison said:

I am thrilled that all Scottish plans have been approved and I would like to thank the Scottish Government for their engagement on this vital work.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will deliver real benefits for every corner of the country. We look forward to working with Scottish councils to deliver the things that their local communities truly want and need.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

This is great news for communities across Scotland who will now see £212 million invested to strengthen businesses, create jobs and make lives better. The UK Government is delivering on its commitments that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will at least match EU structural funding – and giving local people control of how the money is spent.

Such close working with councils, local partners and the Scottish Government is crucial to overcoming the economic headwinds we are being buffeted by. This collaboration builds on the hugely successful approach established in delivering city-region and growth deals across Scotland. Our levelling up agenda is now seeing more than £2 billion directly invested in Scotland by the UK Government.

Across the UK, the money will be spent on levelling up in three key areas:
- Communities and place: projects could include improving parks and green spaces, sports facilities and access to arts and culture to foster a greater sense of pride in place.
- Supporting local business: this include support for entrepreneurs, as well as research and development grants for local businesses to help develop innovative products and services.
- People and skills: projects could include specialist support for people with a health condition facing additional barriers into decent jobs. This may include basic life skills, digital training and education in English and maths. As part of the Fund, a multi-million pound adult numeracy programme, Multiply, has been allocated across the UK to support people with no or low-level maths skills to improve their economic and life prospects.
The UK Government’s flexible approach also means that councils and local partners will have the opportunity to adapt each plan to reflect new economic priorities over the period to 2025.

Funding for the UKSPF will be £2.6 billion between 2022 and 2025, with this figure reaching £1.5 billion per year by March 2025, delivering on the UK Government’s commitment to match EU structural funds for each nation.
December 6, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Norway-UK negotiations conclude – Scottish Government [November 2022]
The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 25 November 2022.
Increased monkfish quota important for Scotland’s fishers

Scotland’s fishers will benefit from increased opportunities to access monkfish and other key demersal stocks, following the successful conclusion of UK-Norway Bilateral negotiations.

Agreement on access and quota exchanges of fish stocks for 2023 have been signed, with the key measures for Scotland’s fishers including:
- an exchange of quotas, which will increase Scotland’s opportunities to catch key demersal stocks including monkfish
- reciprocal access for demersal stocks, which will allow Scottish fishers to fish their quota in Norwegian waters, giving them access to high market value stocks throughout the year
- agreement on pelagic access, which will enable Scottish vessels to fish Atlanto-Scandian herring in Norwegian waters
Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“This is a good outcome for Scotland’s fishers, which builds on the successful arrangements for 2022. Norway is one of our closest coastal partners and we share a number of fish stocks in the North Sea. I am pleased that a deal has been reached that will deliver benefits for both nations.

“In particular, we have secured an increased inward transfer of monkfish. With the scientific advice for 2023 requiring a cut in overall monkfish quotas, this will play an important role in ensuring Scottish fishers can maintain access to this key stock.”

Background

Scottish Government officials play an active role in the UK negotiating delegation.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has recommended a 30% cut to northern shelf monkfish catches for 2023.
December 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : NHS staff offered record high pay rise in Scotland [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 24 November 2022.

Average uplift of 7.5% the highest offer in the UK.

A ‘best and final offer’ has been made to NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) workers following pay negotiations with trade unions and employers.

The record high pay offer, the best in the UK, will ensure that these front line workers will receive pay rises ranging from £2,205 to £2,751, which is a further improvement on the existing offer for staff in Bands 5-8A. For the lowest paid this represents an uplift of 11.3%, and delivers an average uplift of 7.5%.

This increased offer was made after constructive negotiations between the Scottish Government and NHS unions. In a final offer made to trade unions, the new deal is worth an additional £515 million in 2022-23 and now includes a package of progressive measures to promote staff and patient safety, support long-term workforce sustainability and to recognise the breadth of skills and experience of NHS Scotland staff.

The settlement ensures that NHS staff would remain the best paid anywhere in the UK. It gives all frontline NHS Scotland AfC staff in bands 1-7 a pay premium of between £1,149 and £2,834 over their counterparts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Agenda for Change pay offer for 2022-23 will deliver the most progressive package of terms and conditions reform in over 40 years. The deal will benefit more than 160,000 employees including nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals and healthcare support staff.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“We have engaged tirelessly with trade union representatives over recent weeks, leaving no stone unturned to reach an offer which responds to the key concerns of staff across the service.

“This best and final pay offer of over half a billion pounds underlines our commitment to supporting our fantastic NHS staff. A newly qualified nurse would see a pay rise of 8.7%, and experienced nurses and would get uplifts of between £2,450 and £2,751.

“We are making this offer at a time of extraordinary financial challenges to the Scottish Government.

“We have made the best offer possible to get money into the pockets of hard working staff and to avoid industrial action, in what is already going to be an incredibly challenging winter. If the offer is agreed this pay uplift will also be backdated to April.

“Finally, I would urge the UK Government to get back to the negotiating table with the unions. This settlement has been shaped by the unions’ constructive approach and I hope it is backed by their members.”

December 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : New progressive teacher pay offer made in Scotland [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 22 November 2022.

Starting salary for a fully qualified teacher to reach £35,650.

A new progressive pay offer – the fourth which has been made to unions – recognises the impact of the cost of living crisis on lower-paid teachers, with an increase of up to 6.85%.

For those classroom teachers on the main grade scale, who benefit from pay progression, this offer will mean an increase in one year of over 10%.

Those at the top of the scale will receive a 5% increase, taking their salary to £44,453. A teacher moving from probation into a fully qualified post would gain an annual salary increase of 27%.

A fully qualified teacher in Scotland would receive £35,650 – over £7,500 more than their counterparts in England under the offer. The most experienced classroom teachers would receive £5,600 more than they would if they were teaching in England on the main pay range.

Overall, if accepted, this would represent a cumulative pay increase for the majority of teachers of 21.8% since 2018.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“This is a fair offer which recognises that the cost of living crisis is the priority, with higher increases for staff on lower salaries.

“This is now the fourth offer that has been made. In the same time EIS have not changed their request for a 10% pay increase – even for those on the highest incomes.

“I have been clear that we have limited room for manoeuvre. The financial situation for the Scottish Government is challenging and additional money for teacher pay means reduced public services elsewhere.

“In these challenging times it is important we focus our attention on those who are most impacted by the cost of living crisis, as well as ensuring fairness to all public sector workers. I would urge leadership to postpone plans for industrial action and consider this new offer.”

December 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Recorded crime below pre-pandemic levels in Scotland [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 22 November 2022.

Trend down as people feel safe in communities.

Crime recorded by police remains lower than before the pandemic, according to new statistics released today – reflecting the long term trend of fewer victims and people feeling safer in communities.

The latest National Statistics: Recorded Crime in Scotland bulletin shows recorded crime is 4% down since the year ending September 2018, falling 42% in total since 2006-07.

Overall, recorded crime is at one of the lowest levels seen for a 12-month period since 1974.

The overall reduction in recorded crime is reflected in the Scottish Crime & Justice Survey for 2019-20, which shows that people living in Scotland are less likely to be victims of crime than in England and Wales.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said:

“The latest figures today show Scotland continues to be a safe place to live. Recorded crime is at one of the lowest levels seen since 1974, and below pre-pandemic levels, meaning the vast majority of people do not experience crime.

“While there are fewer victims compared to 2007, we continue to strengthen support for those who experience crime and to promote work to reduce reoffending. This includes proposals to introduce an independent Victims’ Commissioner, making sure victims’ voices are heard and placing women and children at the heart of delivery.

“Continuing to reduce crime and the harm it causes both individuals and our society as a whole is central to our ambitious vision to reform our justice system.

“These historically low levels of crime are testimony to the continued efforts across the justice sector as we continue to deliver a safer Scotland for everyone.”

December 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Minimum Unit Pricing reducing alcohol consumption in Scotland [November 2022]

The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 22 November 2022.

Minister welcomes research which concludes measure has cut sales.

Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) “is achieving one of its key aims” according to Ministers after a new report concluded that it has been effective in cutting alcohol consumption.

Looking at the first three years since introduction, new research by Public Health Scotland and Glasgow University has concluded that the policy is reducing overall sales.

The level of minimum unit pricing is currently under review and a consultation on restrictions on the marketing of alcohol to help drive down hazardous consumption is also underway.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said:

“I welcome this report which shows that minimum unit pricing has been effective in creating a 3% net reduction in total alcohol sales in the first three years of implementation. This important conclusion takes account of other factors such as the impact of the pandemic on alcohol sales, seasonal variations, existing trends, household income and comparison with England and Wales where MUP was not in place.

“Minimum unit pricing is achieving what it set out to do – a reduction in sales overall with a focus on the cheap high-strength alcohol, which is often drunk by people drinking at harmful levels. Further studies on MUP, including a final evaluation report, which is due next year, will examine how MUP has impacted on alcohol harms.

“Our focus is not only on MUP – last week, we launched a consultation on restrictions on the marketing of alcohol to help drive down hazardous consumption, and we are reviewing Scotland’s Alcohol Brief Interventions Programme which aims to motivate people to cut down on drinking.”

December 5, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Royal Marines Band Scotland delights Rome crowds [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 December 2022.

On 1 December HMS Albion set sail from Italy after a five day visit during which the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland performed at iconic sites across Rome, including the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Pincio Terrace.

The ship had a packed programme, which included a visit from the Secretary of State for Defence, a function for leaders in industry, as well as hosting a group of diplomats in support of Ukraine.

The Royal Marines Band Scotland’s performances were the highlight for the Italian public. Large crowds of locals and tourists gathered around the twenty-six musicians during each spontaneous performance at iconic venues across the city. The first performance took place at the Colosseum, with the crowds parting as the band, under the cool autumnal sun, marched on against the spectacular backdrop of the Eternal City. The band delighted the crowds with a ‘Beat the Retreat’ and a selection of famous music, which included a rendition from the film Gladiator. The band also played the national anthems of Italy and the United Kingdom, marking the friendship between the two NATO allies.

Moving to their second venue at the iconic 18 Century Spanish Steps, they walked across the Piazza di Spagna and assembled at the foot of the steps opposite the Fontana della Barcaccia. Passers-by quickly congregated in anticipation of the music ahead. As well as traditional sea shanties, a highlight of this performance was a James Bond medley, including the iconic theme tune. The Corps of Drums then conducted their dramatic synchronised routine at unusually close quarters for the watching public, with the four drummers displaying their impeccable timing and choreography.

The band saved the best piece ‘til last, as bagpiper Lance Corporal Frank Rochford stepped forward and began a short introductory solo in anticipation of St Andrew’s day celebrations the next day. This evolved into a perfectly pitched riff, with the rest of the band joining in to create a brilliant Scottish cover version of the song “Wake Me Up” by Avicii.

The third and final public performance was at the Pincio Terrace, a viewpoint overlooking historic Rome and set within the extensive Villa Borghese gardens. It was a slightly more traditional repertoire featuring a selection of sea shanties, and the band displayed their skill with various marching formations.

It has been an amazing experience for the band to perform in Rome, the reception from the local crowd has been great,” said Lance Corporal Rochford. “I particularly enjoyed playing the bagpipes at the Spanish Steps which displays the unique capability of the Royal Marines Band Scotland, and just before Saint Andrew’s day too!

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Italy, Lord Edward Llewellyn, OBE is also HMS Albion’s Honorary Captain and has spent several short periods at sea with his affiliated ship. Now that Albion was in Italy the Ambassador took the opportunity to host members of the ship’s company at his residence, in recognition of their efforts on the Op ACHILLEAN deployment.

He said:

It was a huge honour to be able to welcome members of the Ship’s Company of HMS Albion to my Residence – and to thank them for their dedicated service. I was very proud to welcome Albion to Italy – not just as the British Ambassador but also as the ship’s Honorary Captain. Watching the Royal Marines Band Scotland play in front of the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps was an unforgettable experience – not just for me, but I think for many Romans and many tourists too. Thank you, HMS Albion: fair winds and following seas as you head home.

Berthed alongside in Civitavecchia, the ship supported several high-profile events for the British Embassy during its stay. These included a lunch function for British and Italian industrial leaders, an Ambassadors’ dinner with Baltic and North American diplomats in support of Ukraine, and a visit from Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who was in Italy to meet the Italian Defence Secretary Guido Crosetto.

Reflecting on the visit, the Commanding Officer of HMS Albion, Captain Simon Kelly, said:

I am very grateful to the Italian public for their warm welcome to our sailors and Royal Marines. Being able to bring the Royal Marines Band Scotland to the beautiful city of Rome has been a career highlight for me, and I am very proud of how they have performed across a series of performances.

Over the past three months HMS Albion has been leading the Royal Navy’s amphibious task group in an operation across the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and the Levant region. The visit to Italy is to be one of the last stops before the ship returns to its home port of Devonport, Plymouth.

December 5, 2022