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Government launches British Infrastructure Taskforce

  • The Chancellor to convene first meeting of the British Infrastructure Taskforce to boost infrastructure investment.
  • Experts from some of the UK biggest finance institutions including HSBC, Lloyds and M&G will, alongside wider industry engagement, advise government on a long-term infrastructure investment strategy to benefit every corner of the UK.
  • Follows launch of a new body that brings infrastructure strategy and delivery together to address the systemic delivery challenges that have stunted growth for decades.

Private finance experts will meet the Chancellor at No11 Downing Street today to boost investment in infrastructure and drive growth nationwide.

Rachel Reeves will convene the inaugural meeting of the British Infrastructure Taskforce as part of a new approach that involves government working with business to design policy that will unlock private investment, including by building business confidence in UK infrastructure investments.

The Taskforce will explore different options to support the Government’s infrastructure goals to drive growth for the whole of the nation, and some of the UK’s biggest financial companies including LLoyds, HSBC, and M&G will be in attendance.

This Government has committed to turbocharge infrastructure investment across the width and breadth of the UK. Invitees have been selected to ensure a wide range of experience and expertise in UK infrastructure. This marks a significant shift in approach, with key businesses and stakeholders invited to work with the government to support the delivery of its infrastructure agenda.

It follows the announcement to launch a newly formed National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) which will bring a much-needed oversight of strategy and delivery under one roof, revolutionising the UK’s approach to infrastructure projects.

The NISTA will support the development and implementation of the ten-year infrastructure strategy in conjunction with industry which was outlined for the first time last week by the Chief Secretary Darren Jones.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP said: “Increasing investment in infrastructure is a vital part of delivering on our number one mission to grow the economy and create jobs.

“Just days after our International Investment Summit, we are delivering on our promise to work with business to drive growth across the country, and the expertise of this Taskforce will be invaluable in the weeks and months ahead.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones MP said: ““We are serious about ending the cycle of underinvestment that has plagued our infrastructure systems for over a decade. The best way to do that is to design the solution with business in the room. That’s what this taskforce is all about.”

The Taskforce will meet regularly, offering insights that deliver long-lasting solutions for job creation, growth, and environmental goals.

This builds on the success of the International Investment Summit, which saw hundreds of top international investors attend the event, £63bn of confirmed investment into Britain, along with the launch of the £27.8 billion turbocharged National Wealth Fund.

Tracy Blackwell, CEO, PIC said: “We have a huge amount to invest and we want to invest more in Britain. There is no shortage of capital that can support the British economy’s capacity to grow.

“The right combination of policies and ideas will unlock that capital and boost growth.  From planning reform and better use of public sector pension funds to a streamlining of institutions and regulations, there is a lot that Government can do to crowd in more private investment and deliver social value.

“It’s great to be in an ongoing conversation with the Chancellor about taking that agenda forward.”

Andrea Rossi, CEO, M&G plc said: “M&G has been an active investor in the UK for 175 years. Of the £100 billion M&G invests in the UK, infrastructure remains a core part of delivering sustainable returns for our savers, clients and shareholders.

“The UK’s clear focus on infrastructure presents a significant opportunity to deliver economic and social progress and we are delighted to contribute our expertise.”  

Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors said: ““IFM is a major global infrastructure investor, a major investor in the UK, and is owned by pension funds.

“We look forward to solutions-based discussions that can unlock new investment across UK infrastructure sectors and themes”.

Stephen Cohen, Chief Product Officer, Blackrock said: “There’s a rapidly growing pool of capital to invest in infrastructure, but deploying it requires pragmatism in policy.

“We’re pleased to be working with the government in identifying policies that will support private investment.”

Charlie Nunn, CEO, Lloyds Banking Group said: “At Lloyds Banking Group, we are committed to helping the UK deliver the infrastructure the country needs, supporting jobs and growth.

“We welcome the British Infrastructure Taskforce’s focus on increasing investment in UK infrastructure and addressing some of the fundamental barriers that have existed to date.

“As the UK’s leading bank for project finance, we will work closely with the government in the development of this taskforce, ensuring the work supports communities, businesses, and industries across the regions and nations of the UK.”

Anne Richards, Vice Chair, Fidelity International said: “We have a shared ambition to drive growth in the UK by unlocking investment in infrastructure for the benefit of savers. 

“Our best opportunity to achieve that is through collaboration with government and the industry.”

Andy Briggs, CEO, Phoenix Group said: “Over the last three decades there has been an underinvestment in the UK economy compared to other developed nations. I am delighted there is a growing consensus that in order to grow we need to work together to invest.

“The British Infrastructure Taskforce provides the opportunity for business and government to work on shared priorities, help finance the social and economic infrastructure the country needs for the future, and give potential for better returns for pension savers.”

The following attendees of the first Taskforce meeting discussed investment opportunities, financial mechanisms, and strategies to maximise economic value:

  • Tracy Blackwell, CEO, Pension Insurance Corporation;
  • Anne Richards, Vice Chair, Fidelity International;
  • Charlie Nunn, CEO, Lloyds Banking;
  • Vivian Nicoli, Managing Director, CDPQ;
  • Andy Briggs, CEO, Phoenix Group;
  • Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK;
  • Andrea Rossi, CEO, M&G;
  • Stephen Cohen, Chief Product Officer, BlackRock (represented by Helen Lees-Jones Global Head of Sustainable & Transition Solutions)
  • Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors;  
  • Mike Regnier CEO, Santander UK;
  • Sir Douglas Flint, Chairman, ABRDN;
  • Nick Smallwood, CEO, Infrastructure and Projects Authority;
  • James Heath, CEO, National Infrastructure Commission;
  • John Flint, CEO, National Wealth Fund.

Shoppers to be protected by new Buy-Now, Pay-Later rules

  • Providers will have to ensure lending is affordable – stopping users from accumulating unmanageable debt  
  • Rules deliver better protection for shoppers and clarity for innovative sector after years of uncertainty

Millions of shoppers are set to be protected by new rules for Buy-Now, Pay-Later products.  

Buy-Now, Pay-Later products have become increasingly popular in recent years as they allow people to spread the cost of purchases over time, but users currently do not have access to a range of key protections provided by other consumer credit products.  

The Government has today launched a consultation on proposals to fix this by bringing Buy-Now, Pay-Later companies under the supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and applying the Consumer Credit Act, ensuring users receive clear information, avoid unaffordable borrowing, and have strong rights when issues arise.  

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq said: “Millions of people use Buy-Now, Pay-Later to manage their finances, but the previous government’s dither and delay left them unprotected.

“We promised to take action before the election and now we are delivering. Our approach will give shoppers access to the key protections provided by other forms of credit while providing the sector with the certainty it needs to innovate and grow.”

The new rules will allow the FCA to apply rules on affordability – meaning that Buy-Now, Pay-Later companies will have to check that shoppers are able to afford repayments before offering a loan, which will help to prevent people building up unmanageable debt.

Companies will also need to provide clear, simple and accessible information about loan agreements in advance so that shoppers can make fully informed decisions and understand the risks associated with late repayments.

Consumer Credit Act information disclosure rules will be disapplied so that the FCA can consult on bespoke rules that ensure users are given this information in a way that is tailored to the online setting in which Buy-Now, Pay-Later products are generally used.    

Buy-Now, Pay-Later users will be given stronger rights if issues arise with products they purchase, making it quicker and easier to get redress. This includes applying Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which allows consumers to claim refunds from their lender, and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service to make complaints. 

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Which? has been a leading voice calling for the regulation of Buy Now Pay Later for years so it’s positive that new rules are coming in that should provide much-needed protections for users of these products.

“Our research found that many BNPL customers do not realise they are taking on debt or consider the prospect of missing payments, which can result in uncapped fees, so clearer information about the risks involved as well as the use of affordability checks and options for redress would be a win for consumers.

“We are keen to see legislation quickly passed to ensure that BNPL users are protected as strongly as consumers using other credit products.”

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Co founder and CEO of Klarna, said: “Congratulations to Tulip Siddiq and the government on moving quickly!

“They have been working with the industry and consumer groups long before coming into office. We’re looking forward to carrying on that work to put proportionate rules in place that protect consumers while fostering growth.”

Michael Saadat, International Head of Public Policy at Clearpay said: “We welcome today’s update from City and FinTech Minister, Tulip Siddiq, on BNPL regulation.

“It is encouraging that HM Treasury has listened to industry feedback and evolved the previous framework to ensure a more proportionate approach to regulation.

“We have always called for fit-for-purpose regulation that prioritises customer protection, delivers much-needed innovation in consumer credit and that sets high industry standards across the board.

“We will continue to support the Government and the FCA to deliver fit-for-purpose regulation that ensures consumers are protected in a way that supports the UK’s thriving FinTech sector.”

Chris Woolard, Author of the 2021 Woolard Review, which looked at change and innovation in the unsecured credit market, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for consumer-focused financial regulation.

“The proposed package of regulation would implement the recommendations of the Review and mean millions of people up and down the UK will benefit from stronger financial protection as they borrow using BNPL, especially the most vulnerable in society. The incoming regulation will also provide long-term certainty and standards for the market.”

The consultation will be conducted quickly – closing on 29 November – to reflect the urgent need for action to protect consumers.  

Final legislation is expected to be laid in Parliament in early 2025. Once the legislation is laid, the FCA will finalise the rules so they can take effect in 2026 – bringing clarity to the sector after years of uncertainty about how it will be regulated.  

This follows the Prime Minister saying he would remove regulation that needlessly holds back investment and growth. Today’s announcement brings in much needed regulation that stops people spiralling into debt.

Justin Basini, Co-Founder and CEO of The ClearScore Group said: “We welcome this consultation to bring Buy-Now, Pay-Later borrowers under the same protections and creditworthiness assessments as other mainstream financial products such as credit cards and loans.  

“It is a sensible step in ensuring that this new, important form of credit continues to provide much-needed flexibility for consumers while also managing any risks.”

Renewed appeal after series of incidents on Union Canal tow path

Detectives are renewing an appeal for information after two assaults on the Union Canal tow path in Edinburgh.

Both incidents happened on Sunday, 13 October.

The first happened near to Harrison Park around 7pm when a 31-year-old man was assaulted while cycling on the tow path. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.

The second happened near to Watson’s Rowing Club where a 50-year-old man walking on the path was assaulted. He was uninjured and did not require hospital treatment.

Officers are also investigating an incident around 5.40pm on the path near to Meggetland Bridge where a man acted in a threatening manner towards a woman walking in the area.

All three incident are being treated as linked.

Officers are working to identify a man described as being between 20 and 30-years-old, around 6ft tall, lean build, pale complexion, gaunt face, clean shaven, short dark hair with dark eyebrows.

He was wearing a dark blue hoodie and white trainers.

Detective Inspector Gordon Couper said: “We believe all three of these incidents are linked and would urge anyone with information to get in touch.

“We believe there were other people using the path around the time of these incidents and would urge anyone who witnessed anything to let us know. We’d also be keen to speak to anyone who have photographs or video footage from the area around these times.

“We would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. We have dedicated officers patrolling both the general area and the tow path specifically who you can speak to.

“Information can also be passed by calling 101, quoting incident number 2814 of Sunday, 13 October, 2024.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

George IV Bridge assault: Do you know this man?

Police have released an image of a male they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with their enquiries into an assault which took place on Saturday, 14 September, 2024 on George IV Bridge. The incident took place at around 8pm.

The male (pictured above) is described as a white male, medium build, mid-30s, approximately 5ft 9” tall with short dark hair. He was seen to be wearing a red short sleeved polo shirt, dark skinny jeans and white trainers.

Detective Constable Adam Campbell said “I would urge the male pictured or anyone who may recognise him or has information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.

“Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3442 of 14 September 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.”

All aboard Santa’s Grotto at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience

Dobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas at its Edinburgh store, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.

Santa will take residency at the new Little Seedlings train-themed Grotto this November and December at the Edinburgh store, spreading the joy of Christmas to families in the area.

After a warm welcome from the elves at Sleighbell Station, children will get to experience snowy scenes, spot woodland characters, find hidden nutcrackers, all culminating in the chance to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Here, families will have the chance to capture the moment with a photograph of Santa, making a lasting memory of the experience. 

Dobbies will also offer a sensory-friendly Quiet Grotto experience at its Edinburgh store on Friday 6 December, designed to help reduce anxiety and provide a customised environment for children with additional needs. Lighting, sound and visual effects will be minimised, giving kids that cherished moment with Santa. Session times are extended to allow for a slower, relaxed experience.

Dobbies’ Events Programme Manager, Ayesha Nickson is looking forward to welcoming kids along to the brand-new Little Seedlings train-inspired Grotto at the Edinburgh store.

She said: “Whether little ones are meeting Santa and his elves for the first time, or it’s a family tradition, our Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences aim to create magical moments that can be treasured for years to come.

“There’s the chance to gather the whole family for a range of our festive experiences including our delicious Festive Afternoon Tea, charity Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, or a paw-dorable picture moment at Santa Paws. A visit to Dobbies will really be a treat for all the senses this Christmas.”

Customers are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies’ Christmas events to avoid disappointment.

  • Santa’s Grotto runs from 28 November until 24 December, £12.99 per child
  • Santa’s Quiet Grotto takes place on 6 December, £12.99 per child

To learn more about the Christmas events at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and make a booking, visit dobbies.com/events.

World’s largest schools pipe band championships opens doors to 2025 entries

NEW BUMPER CASH PRIZE

The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships 2025 is open to entries, and has announced a new bumper prize of £2,500 for the popular Freestyle category, with runner up prizes totalling £3,250. 

All eight competitions within the championships offer generous prizes, but the popular Freestyle event tops the lot.  

The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships is the largest event of its kind in the world. A record 73 youth pipe bands from across Scotland took in the last event, as well as 8 quartets and 17 freestyle ensembles for a day of inspiring musicianship, camaraderie and competition.

Hundreds of young musicians from 99 schools gave 83 performances.  In addition to the Freestyle event, the Championships offer six graded competitions for pipe bands, for those new to competition right up to bands at the top of their game.

Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships

Piping quartets are also welcome. Next year’s event takes place on Sunday 9 March at the William McIlvanney Campus in East Ayrshire. 

Although there are generous prizes for all the pipe band competitions, the Freestyle event offers the biggest incentive with winners taking away £2,500 and runners up receiving attractive increases in prizemoney with £1500, £1000, £750, £500 respectively. 

The Freestyle welcomes school band and group performances of any musical genre, contemporary or traditional, with any combination of instruments and vocalists, as long as they include the pipes. It is designed to showcase the versatility of the pipes and to encourage their inclusion in mainstream music-making in schools. 

Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust, the charity that organises the Championships, believes in the transformative power of music, and in the wider achievement that pupils can experience by being part of a pipe band.

The charity helps state schools to sustain and set up piping and drumming tuition for their pupils, and lends pipes to pupils free of charge.

Chief Executive Alex Duncan said, “The Freestyle event celebrates the fact that pipers can play music of all genres, traditional and contemporary, along with other instruments. For schools wanting to give this ago, we can lend concert chanters free of charge, so that the pipes can be tuned to the same pitch as other instruments.”

“We thank East Ayrshire Council for hosting the Championships at the fabulous William McIlvanney campus in Kilmarnock again. With an impressive modern main stage arena that seats an audience of over 400 people, two more large performance spaces, 50 classrooms for changing, easy access for transport and parking, and excellent catering and exhibition space, the venue surpasses anything that we have seen in Scotland.”

The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust is a registered charity promoting the playing of pipes and drums in Scottish state schools.

The charity offers cash grants for tuition and other related band costs, free bagpipe and b-flat concert chanter loans, paid trainee internships, and organises the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships – the biggest schools piping competition in the world.

More details on the Championships can be found at:

https://thechampionships.org.uk/ 

or find us on social media @Piping4Pupils

Latest Pension Credit take-up figures for Scotland ‘disappointing’ says Independent Age

Statistics published today by the DWP, reveal that just 65% of older people who are entitled to Pension Credit were receiving the payment between April 2022 and March 2023.

Independent Age estimate that in Scotland this means that up to 70,000 older households could be missing out on the Pension Credit they are entitled to, with a combined value of £140 million.

We know there has been an increase in applications since the UK Government announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment would be means tested, but it is unclear how many of these will result in successful claims.

Both Governments must work together to address the issue of low take-up of Pension Credit and the unacceptably high levels of poverty in later life. Independent Age is urging the UK Government to review and ensure overall adequacy of the social security system for older people, to prevent pensioner poverty.

Alongside calling on the Scottish Government to introduce a pensioner poverty strategy for Scotland – setting out the actions that can be taken  alongside with local authorities, to tackle poverty in Scotland.

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “What is clear from the figures released today is that too many older people living on a low income are still missing out on Pension Credit in Scotland, and across the UK.

“There has been a disappointing lack of progress on Pension Credit take-up. We estimate that up to 70,000 older households could be missing out on Pension Credit between April 2022 and March 2023 worth a combined £140 million.

“Independent Age is urging the UK Government to maintain the Winter Fuel Payment in its current form until significant action can be taken to substantially increase Pension Credit take-up.

Previous strategies have not moved the dial, we can’t have more of the same. We need an innovative, evidence-based, long-term take-up strategy that maps out how older people living in, or on the edge of, poverty can access the financial support they are entitled to.

“It is too early to say what the impact of the recent increase in claims for Pension Credit will have on overall take-up rates. However, there is no room for complacency when an estimated 70,000 older households in Scotland are missing out on this much needed money and 150,000 live in poverty. In a socially just and compassionate society, we can and should do more.”

Five Kingdoms takes glory in bottled beer competition

Five Kingdoms’ Dark Storm Stout (6.9%) has been awarded CAMRA’s prestigious Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award.

The annual competition recognises the best bottle-conditioned beers in the country, and this year the winner was announced at an event at The Bohemia in North Finchley, London. 

Five Kingdoms, a small brewing team based out of the Isle of Whithorn, Scotland, started in 2015 as a hobby and passion project between Alastair Scoular, owner of the local pub and restaurant The Steam Packet Inn, and head chef Brendon Dennett. 

Alastair said: “The brewery team were thrilled to have won this award for the whole of the UK. We are a tiny brewery from a remote corner of Scotland, so to win an award at this level is incredible, great recognition for years of hard work. 

“It is also fantastic publicity for our local CAMRA branch who have been incredibly supportive since we started brewing.”

Champion Bottled Beer of Britain judge Alex Lines said: “Judges commented on the enticing chocolate aroma, the notes of coffee, liquorice and chocolate on the palate and dry finish. The panel was also impressed by its drinkability despite its strength.” 

The well-deserved runners up were Lacons’ Audit, an 8% Barley Wine which scooped the Silver award, and Bronze award winner Milk Stout by Incredible Brewing Co in Bristol. 

CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson said: “Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winner of the Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award.

“It’s great to see some of the big names alongside some of the up-and-coming brewers, I hope beer drinkers will go and search out these brews to give them a try for themselves.” 

Full list of Champion Bottled Beer of Britain finalists: 

Gold: Five Kingdoms, Dark Storm Stout

Silver: Lacons, Audit

Bronze: Incredible Brewing Co, Milk Stout

Finalists: 

Lynn Brewery, Lynn Ferry Bitter (4%)

Merlin Brewery, Sir Galahad (4.3%)

Monty’s Brewery, Dark Secret (5.6%) 

Capital marks Challenge Poverty Week

The city council and partners from across the city are marking Challenge Poverty Week.

Running from Monday 7 to Sunday 13 October 2024, Challenge Poverty Week is a national campaign highlighting the challenges people living in poverty are facing and how we can work together to make Scotland a fairer and more equal place to live.

The Edinburgh Tenants Federation held a free event at Norton Park Conference Centre on Monday, featuring stalls, support and guest speakers discussing Edinburgh’s housing emergency.

On Wednesday, End Poverty Edinburgh, a group of people with lived experience of poverty, held their second citizen-led conference at the Grassmarket Community Project, supported by the Council.

This year’s event focused on collective action to combat community exclusion, focusing on child poverty, health and wellbeing,

The Council will publish the results of the city’s latest annual poverty report tomorrow (Friday 11 October).

This report will provide the fourth annual overview on progress made by the Council and partners in response to the calls to action made by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission to end poverty by 2030, and will be considered by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee later this month (22 October).

Throughout the week, a series of blogs will be shared by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission shining a light on council support and services.

Edinburgh Leisure is also highlighting the help and support it can offer people experiencing barriers to an active lifestyle, including the option of a Get Active Card which provides affordable access to venues for people in receipt of certain benefits.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “In a thriving Capital city like Edinburgh it is shocking that thousands of people are suffering from low incomes, high living costs and even homelessness.

“That’s why we’ve made it a commitment of this Council to do all that we can with our partners to end poverty. Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for us to focus our efforts and make sure people know where to turn to for support.

“We’ve made good progress delivering against the targets set by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission four years ago and we’re looking forward to publishing the results of our annual report later this week.

“The funding and the support we’ve put in place is making a real difference to people’s lives, but the cost of living has risen. We face a housing emergency, and we need to prioritise this work now, more than ever.”

Peter Kelly of The Poverty Alliance said: “We’re very pleased that Edinburgh is marking this year’s Challenge Poverty Week.

“In a rich country like ours, poverty is an injustice that weakens us all as a society. But we can solve it. We can redesign our economy to make sure people have incomes that are adequate enough to live a life with freedom and dignity.”

More information about events taking place across Edinburgh can be found on Eventbrite. Information, advice and support for residents experiencing or at risk of poverty can be found on the Council’s cost of living webpages.

Holyrood votes for action on Winter Fuel Payment

UK Government urged to reverse ‘damaging’ decision

The UK Government’s decision to introduce means testing for the Winter Fuel Payment must be reversed, according to MSPs.

Following a debate as part of Challenge Poverty Week, the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of a motion that the UK Government reverse its decision to restrict entitlement to the benefit. Labour MPs Richard Leonard and Alex Rowley supported the motion.

Fourteen Scottish Labour MSPs, including Edinburgh MSPs Sarah Boyack, Foysol Choudhury and Daniel Johnson, voted with their leader Anas Sarwar against the motion.

First Minister John Swinney said that as a result of this damaging decision, Scottish Government analysis indicates roughly 900,000 Scottish pensioners will no longer be entitled to support with heating costs this winter.

Commenting after the debate, the First Minister said: “More austerity is not the solution to the restrictive fiscal environment in which the UK Government, and governments across the globe, find themselves.

“It is a mistake to think that action to tackle poverty for our most vulnerable citizens are costs to be mitigated. These measures are investments in our people, our communities and our nation’s future. I have urged the UK Government to deliver an Autumn Budget that recognises this reality.

“Scotland’s Parliament has spoken, and I repeat my call for the UK Government to reverse its damaging decision to restrict entitlement to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners.

“The Scottish Government will continue to support households with their energy bills and tackle fuel poverty. However the UK Government must ensure their budget in October provides the necessary support to those who need it most.”