Tag: England

Largest ever cash boost to turn the tide on homelessness in England

Councils across England will receive almost £1 billion of new funding next year to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness

  • Almost £1 billion of new funding next year to tackle and prevent homelessness for councils in England
  • Historic levels of investment in homelessness prevention services alongside new money to help rough sleepers off the street
  • Supporting the government’s Plan for Change to address unprecedented pressure on housing supply

More people will be prevented from becoming homeless with the largest-ever investment in homelessness prevention services, thanks to swift government action to get the country back on track to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness and rough sleeping. 

Nearly £1 billion is being pumped into council budgets to help break the cycle of spiralling homelessness. More resources will be available for workers on the frontline who provide essential services to get rough sleepers off the street and into secure housing as well as seeing more homeless families out of temporary accommodation.  

Councils will now be better equipped to step in early to stop households becoming homeless in the first place. This includes mediation with landlords or families to prevent evictions, help find new homes, and deposits to access private renting. 

Local areas can also choose to channel resources into services including Housing First, which prioritises access to secure housing for people with histories of repeat homelessness and multiple disadvantage including drug and alcohol abuse. This will secure critical outreach staff to provide specialist services to help address substance abuse and offer life skills to widen employment opportunities.   

This is alongside councils being able to continue funding that offers tailored support for prison leavers to access private rented homes and locally run programmes with new education and employment opportunities, as well as support groups to avoid them facing homelessness and readjust to life on the outside.  

With the worst housing crisis in living memory, around 40% of homeless families are living in B&Bs or nightly-let accommodation, and the use of this emergency accommodation has doubled in three years. Many of these places lack basic facilities, leaving parents struggling to cook healthy meals for their children while councils bear the mounting financial strain.  

Successive years of failure to invest in local preventative services has seen far too many homeless families forced into temporary accommodation for far too long, with a record number of 123,100 households including almost 160,000 children. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said: “Too many people have been failed by the system time and again.160,000 children face spending this Christmas without a stable place to call home. I am determined to break the cycle of spiralling homelessness and get back on track to ending it for good.

“This largest-ever investment marks a turning point, giving councils the tools they need to act quickly and put in place support for people to tackle, reduce and prevent homelessness. It’s time to turn the tide.

“This historic funding comes alongside our work developing a cross-government strategy back on track to end homelessness, pulling every lever of the state, to ensure that we deliver not just sticking plasters but a long-term plan.

“Through our Plan for Change I am determined to tackle the housing crisis we inherited head on, building the homes we need, delivering the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation and ending no fault evictions.

Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali said: “We have inherited the worst housing crisis in living memory that has left far too many families trapped in temporary accommodation with no end in sight and soaring numbers of people sleeping rough on our streets.

“This is the dire legacy we have inherited as a government, and we are fully determined to take immediate action. Our funding will not only support councils delivering vital services that meet the needs of their communities but also pave the way for our long-term plan to get us back on track to end homelessness once and for all.” 

A new dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, brings together ministers from across government to develop a long-term strategy working with mayors and councils across the country to get back on track to ending homelessness once and for all.

Next year’s funding will deliver three important steps in the UK government’s long-term plan to tackle homelessness:

  • stopping households becoming homeless in the first place
  • addressing the growing use of B&Bs and nightly-let accommodation
  • streamlining funding structures to make it easier for councils to spend their cash.  

The full breakdown of new funding includes the following:  

  • Over £633 million for the Homelessness Prevention Grant, a £192 million increase from this year, supporting councils to prevent homelessness and provide temporary accommodation where required for families who recently became homeless, for example, through eviction or fleeing domestic violence. This is allocated based on local pressures.  
  • £185.6 million for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant, consolidating the main rough sleeping and single homelessness focused grants into a single pot of money. This means councils can better prioritise when providing warm beds and shelter for people at risk, or experiencing, rough sleeping. 
  • More than £37 million for the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme, providing ongoing support costs to help rough sleepers into longer term accommodation alongside specialist staff supporting their mental health and substance abuse problems to pave the way for job opportunities. 
  • £58.7 million for the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant to continue supporting evidence-based drug and alcohol treatment as well as providing wrap-around support staff who offer child-focused, family-centred, mental health programmes. 
  • £10 million to the Changing Futures Programmes which offers long-term support for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage, including combinations of homelessness, substance misuse, mental health, domestic abuse. 
  • £7.6 million for Sector Support grants that will strengthen the capacity the voluntary sector with more staff, including StreetLink that encourages people to notify their authority if they’ve seen someone sleeping rough and what local services are available to provide immediate help into emergency accommodation. 
  • £5 million for Emergency Accommodation Reduction Pilots, to work with 20 local councils with the highest use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation for homeless families to put in place specialised plans to reduce the use of emergency accommodation, including B&Bs. 

Local Government Association housing spokesperson, Cllr Adam Hug said: “Homelessness is one the biggest and most urgent pressures facing councils as more and more people are turning to their local council for support.

“A record number of households are in temporary accommodation – this represents a personal tragedy for each one, as well as a significant cost for councils struggling to source temporary accommodation.

“Preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place is both humane and cost-effective. The new funding announced today will be a great help to councils as they seek to end homelessness, and will help to relieve some of the financial burden they are under.

“We look forward to collaborating with the Government as they develop their cross-government homelessness strategy. To be most effective, this will need to set out national commitments from each government department, monitor and report departments’ contributions, and ensure that local partners contribute to prevention activity and targets through local homelessness strategies.”

Chief Executive of Crisis, Matt Downie said: ““With homelessness at record levels, we’re delighted to see the government taking action to ensure councils have the necessary funding and the ability to use innovative approaches to tackle this crisis.

“Through our services we see the devastating impact being without a safe home has on people’s health, relationships and life chances. No one should have to spend their nights moving between night buses and no child should grow up in a B&B with nowhere to play or do their homework.

“We look forward to working with the government to deliver a bold and ambitious cross-departmental strategy to end all forms of homelessness, alongside delivering the levels of social homes needed to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.” 

Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, Emma Haddad said: ““We welcome the Government’s announcement that it will be investing nearly £1 billion funding for councils next year to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.

“Earlier this year St Mungo’s, working with partner organisations and supporters, called on the Government to extend its funding for rough sleeping services. This vital funding had been due to end in March 2025, despite the number of people sleeping rough at a record high.

“We are pleased to be working with the Government on developing its new strategy to end homelessness for good. Crucially funding for homelessness and rough sleeping needs to be a long term commitment to support the delivery of strategic and joined up services, alongside a focus on prevention.”

This funding is just one element of the government’s Plan for Change to fix the housing crisis, strengthen protections and rights for tenants, and deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. 

Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, one of the leading causes of homelessness, will be abolished as part of the landmark Renters’ Rights Bill. This will give greater security to new and existing tenancies and empower tenants to rightly challenge poor conditions. 

Last week the government published a new growth focused National Planning Policy Framework as part of the Plan for Change, giving councils greater powers to build more social homes alongside vital infrastructure such as GP surgeries, schools and shops.  

This supports the ambition to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation, with an extra £500 million for the Affordable Homes Programme to build tens of thousands of affordable homes across the country.  

The government is also bringing forward overdue reforms to the Right to Buy scheme to reverse the decline in much needed council housing and better protect existing housing stock. Decisive action has already been taken to reduce maximum discounts and allow councils to retain all receipts from sales to scale up delivery to meet future housing need.  

Councils already have greater flexibility to use Right to Buy receipts to build and buy more homes as well as an additional £450 million to secure and create homes for families at risk of homelessness.

This announcement comes as the government prepares to publish its provisional Local Government Financial Settlement before the end of the year.

More than 150 people have already in court following violent disorder across England

More than 150 of the people arrested in connection with this month’s violent disorder have already faced their day in court, data released on Friday has revealed. 

The rapid action taken across the justice system by police, prosecutors and those working in courts has led to 118 of those individuals being remanded into custody in a collective effort to keep communities safe and free from further violence. 

More than 500 prison places are also being brought online to boost capacity over the coming weeks and ensure there are cells ready to receive all those sent to custody by the courts. 

The latest data released shows that as of Thursday 8 August 2024:

  • 176 defendants had a first hearing scheduled in the magistrates’ court and 154 have already taken place 
  • 6 were sentenced in the magistrates’ court 
  • 50 have been sent to Crown Court for sentencing 
  • 72 have been sent to Crown Court for trial  
  • 26 cases will have another hearing in the magistrates’ court 

All these numbers will increase over the coming days and weeks as more and more suspects are arrested, charged and sent to court. 

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:  “The mindless minority who caused and took part in the disgraceful scenes we witnessed were warned they would soon feel the full force of the law.

“This data shows that many have already seen the inside of a courtroom and will see a stint behind bars too. Where they have gone, more will follow. 

“I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of dedicated professionals across the criminal justice system who have worked tirelessly so such swift action could be taken.”

‘This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery’

Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a statement from Downing Street yesterday:

I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.

Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. 

The police will be making arrests. 

Individuals will be held on remand. 

Charges will follow. And convictions will follow. 

I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder.

Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves.

This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery. 

And it has no place on our street or online.

Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham. 

Marauding gangs intent on law breaking. Or worse.

Windows smashed. 

Fires set ablaze.

Residents and staff in absolute fear. 

There is no justification – none – for taking this action. And all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence. 

People in this country have a right to be safe. 

And yet, we’ve seen Muslim communities targeted. 

Attacks on Mosques. 

Other minority communities singled out. 

Nazi salutes in the street. 

Attacks on the police.

Wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric. 

So, no, I won’t shy away from calling this what it is: Far-right thuggery.

To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin…

Or your faith…

I know how frightening this must be.

I want you to know this violent mob do not represent our country. 

And we will bring them to justice. 

Our police deserve our support, as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up. 

Whatever the apparent cause or motivation we make no distinction. 

Crime is crime.

And this government will tackle it. 

Thank you.

The Prime Minister will hold an emergency COBRA meeting this morning.

Mosques to be offered new emergency security

Mosques are being offered greater protection with new emergency security that can be rapidly deployed

The new rapid response process means mosques at risk of violent disorder can be offered additional security personnel, providing communities with vital support and reassurance. This will boost the work already being done by local police forces to protect these important places of worship.  

Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed, protecting communities and allowing for a return to worship as quickly as possible. 

This announcement will build on the existing Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, with up to £29.4 million already available this year to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools. 

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin. 

“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law. 

“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”

The Government has made clear that targeted attacks on Muslim communities will not be tolerated. All those involved in violent disorder, including attacks on the police, local communities, arson and looting should expect to face the full force of the law. 

The new arrangements have been deployed and are already providing additional security for mosques across the country this weekend. The scheme also remains open for general applications and all those eligible are encouraged to apply.

TUC ANTI FAR RIGHT STATEMENT

We stand together in peace and solidarity with the people of Southport following the horrific events that took place on Monday 29th July have left us all in shock.

Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have died and are receiving treatment for their injuries. They should be the priority for everyone who cares about what has happened

Instead some have sought to use the tragic event in Southport to divide and spread hate – based on mistruths and false information. Far right thugs have taken to the streets of Southport, Hartlepool and London to attack Police and emergency service workers, to target Muslim communities with xenophobic hatred and to despoil the memories of those whose lives were so tragically cut short.

We must not let them get away with their lies and division. Trade unions have always been at the heart of efforts to unite communities and stand against hate. But the challenge feels even more urgent now.

Whilst what took place in Southport leaves a dark shadow, we have seen some of the best of us. Our emergency service workers who rushed to danger, who provided and continue to provide life-saving care. Our public service workers providing ongoing care and support and practical help. Our teachers and support staff in the schools attended by young people affected and our community organisations who have stepped up to help and provide counselling.

So many other individuals, local businesses and organisations who are giving their time and expertise. They all deserve our gratitude. They have discharged their duty professionally, diligently and with compassion for their community.

Once again, it is a diverse range of front-line workers and community activists who have stepped up to repair the damage – material, physical and emotional.

Southport and our communities across the country do not need to meet violence with further violence. Whipping up hate and fear is not acceptable.

As trade unions, we will continue to work with our members in workplaces across the country, to provide practical support and solidarity and defeat the narrative of hate.

Our unions call for an end to the violence and intimidation, and for all those who perpetrate these acts to be brought to justice.

Unity is our strength, and we will stand firm against those that aim to pit different workers and communities against each other.

Community health and social care faces unprecedented pressures and financial uncertainty

In this Account Commission briefing about Scotland’s Integration Joint Boards (IJBs), we report that community health and social care faces rising unmet need and managing the crisis is taking priority over prevention due to the multiple pressures facing the bodies providing these services.

IJBs plan and commission many vital community-based health and care services.

People

One in 25 people in Scotland receive social care.

Expected to rise sharply due to an ageing population – 76% of people receiving health and social care are aged 65 and over.

By mid-2045, the number of people aged 65 and over is set to grow by nearly a third.

Performance

Where data is available, nationally there has been a general decline in performance of services and outcomes for people.

Data quality and availability is insufficient to fully assess the performance of IJBs and inform how to improve outcomes for people who use services with a lack of joined- up data sharing.

Care

Community health and social care faces unprecedented pressures and financial uncertainty. We have not seen significant evidence of the shift in the balance of care from hospitals to the community intended by the creation of IJBs.

Finances

IJB funding has decreased by £1.1 billion (nine per cent) in real terms to £11 billion in 2022/23. The funding gap is set to triple in 2023/24.

IJBs are making savings by not filling staff vacancies and using their financial reserves, but this is not sustainable.

Staffing

Vacancies are at a record high. Nearly half of services report vacancies. A quarter of staff leave jobs within their first three months. And there is continued turnover in senior leadership.

Action is needed now

IJBS need to share learning to identify and develop:

  • service redesign focused on early intervention and prevention.
  • approaches focused on improving the recruitment and retention of the workforce.
  • improvement to the data available.
  • commissioning approaches that improve outcomes for people.
  • ensure that their financial plans are up to date.

IJBs need to work together and with other stakeholders to:

  • ensure that the annual budgets and proposed savings are achievable and sustainable.
IJB-reportDownload

MEANWHILE, DOWN SOUTH …

ENGLAND’S SOCIAL CARE WATCHDOG ‘NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the body responsible for regulating adult social care services in England, is ‘not fit for purpose’, according to the health secretary Wes Streeting.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting was responding to an independent review that identified ‘significant internal failings’ within the health and social care regulator.

The interim report, led by Dr Penny Dash, chair of the North West London Integrated Care Board, found the number of inspections being undertaken were well below pre-Covid levels.

It also revealed a lack of clinical expertise among inspectors, a lack of consistency in assessments and problems with the CQC’s IT system.

Commenting on her findings, Dr Dash said: ‘The contents of my interim report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the CQC.

‘By addressing these failings together, we can enhance the regulator’s ability to inspect and rate the safety and quality of health and social care services across England.’

Mr Streeting commented: ‘When I joined the department, it was already clear that the NHS was broken and the social care system in crisis.

‘But I have been stunned by the extent of the failings of the institution that is supposed to identify and act on failings. It’s clear to me the CQC is not fit for purpose.’ Kate Terroni, CQC’s interim chief executive, said the regulator accepts in full the findings and recommendations of the report.

‘Many of these align with areas we have prioritised as part of our work to restore trust with the public and providers by listening better, working together more collaboratively and being honest about what we’ve got wrong,’ she said.

‘We are working at pace and in consultation with our stakeholders to rebuild that trust and become the strong, credible, and effective regulator of health and care services that the public and providers need and deserve.’

The interim findings of the review of our operational effectiveness led by Dr Penelope Dash have been published this morning. In response, Kate Terroni, our interim chief executive, said: “We accept in full the findings and recommendations in this interim review, which identifies clear areas where improvement is urgently needed.

“Many of these align with areas we have prioritised as part of our work to restore trust with the public and providers by listening better, working together more collaboratively and being honest about what we’ve got wrong.

“We are working at pace and in consultation with our stakeholders to rebuild that trust and become the strong, credible, and effective regulator of health and care services that the public and providers need and deserve.

“Work is underway to improve how we’re using our new regulatory approach. We’ve committed to increasing the number of inspections we are doing so that the public have an up-to-date understanding of quality and providers are able to demonstrate improvement.

“We’re increasing the number of people working in registration so we can improve waiting times. We’re working to fix and improve our provider portal, and this time we’ll be listening to providers and to our colleagues about the improvements that are needed and how we can design solutions together.

“We’ll be working with people who use services and providers to develop a shared definition of what good care looks like. And we’re also developing a new approach to relationship management that enables a closer and more consistent contact point for providers.

“Additionally, to strengthen our senior level healthcare expertise, we have appointed Professor Sir Mike Richards to conduct a targeted review of how the single assessment framework is currently working for NHS trusts and where we can make improvements.

“Sir Mike’s career as a senior clinician, and a distinguished leader of high-profile national reviews, as well as his direct experience of driving improvement through regulation, make him uniquely placed to conduct this work.”

The interim findings of the review have been published on GOV.UK.

Five English social landlords fail to meet RSH’s standards

Today (Tuesday 9 July), the Regulator of Social Housing published regulatory judgements for five social housing landlords in England.

Bristol City Council, Guildford Borough Council, Octavia Housing and Sheffield City Council have each failed to meet RSH’s new consumer standards, which were introduced on 1 April 2024 as part of a series of changes to its role, intended to drive landlords to deliver long-term improvements for tenants.

Cambridge City Council has not met RSH’s rent standard and as a result overcharged around 3,600 tenants.  

Following investigations into each landlord, RSH found that:

  • Bristol City Council could not evidence that it is meeting carbon monoxide safety requirements for over 22,000 homes (out of 26,700 total homes). It also reported 1,900 open damp and mould cases, more than 16,000 overdue repairs and 3,000 overdue fire safety actions. In addition, the council does not have up-to-date data about the condition of tenants’ homes.
  • Guildford Borough Council has around 1,700 homes without an up-to-date electrical condition report (out of 5,200 total homes), and it could not provide evidence that it has completed around 1,300 fire safety actions. In addition, it has not collected Tenant Satisfaction Measures from tenants, which all social landlords are required to do.
  • Octavia Housing currently has 1,200 overdue fire safety remedial actions across its 5,000 homes. It was unable to provide evidence that it is meeting other health and safety requirements and it does not hold complete and accurate records for safety inspections.
  • Sheffield City Council had around 10,000 outstanding repairs across its 38,500 homes and, between January and April 2024, more than 90% of disrepair cases were outstanding for extended periods. RSH also found evidence that the council does not have an accurate record of the condition of tenants’ homes.
  • Cambridge City Council has previously overcharged around 3,600 tenants (half the total number) as a result of rent-setting errors over a prolonged period. The overcharge is estimated to be around £3.2 million.

All of the landlords are working to address these issues and put things right for their tenants, and RSH is working with the landlords proactively as they do this.

Bristol City Council, Guildford Borough Council, Octavia Housing and Sheffield City Council have each been given a C3 grading by RSH, which means there are serious failings and they need to make significant improvements. This is the first time RSH has published consumer gradings for social landlords, following the changes to its role in April 2024. RSH does not give gradings in relation to the rent standard.

Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said: “Landlords must provide safe and decent homes for tenants, have an effective complaints process, and put things right when there are problems. The judgements we published today show that each of these landlords have issues which they need to address promptly.

“All landlords need to make sure they deliver the outcomes in our standards and inform us when there are material issues. Our new approach to regulation, which started in April, gives us new tools to scrutinise landlords’ performance and, where there are issues, drive them to deliver long-term improvements for the benefit of tenants.”  

The judgements are a result of RSH’s responsive engagement. This is where RSH investigates information that is referred by landlords, tenants and other stakeholders.

Separately, RSH is also carrying out planned inspections of all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. RSH expects to publish the outcomes of the first inspections later in summer 2024.

England’s Euro 2024 Doomed?

The missing Star Sign that could spell disaster

As we dive into the celestial influences on football’s greatest, it’s intriguing to note that Aquarius dominates the ranks of the world’s top goal scorers, with legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Romario under this sign. 

This sign, known for its innovation and independence, seems to bestow exceptional footballing prowess. However, a stark contrast emerges when we look at England’s Euro 2024 squad, which notably lacks any Aquarians. Could this absence impact England’s performance in the tournament?

Top 20 Goal Scorers and Their Star Signs Ranked by National Team Goals

Name Goals Birthday Star Sign National Team
Cristiano Ronaldo118Feb 5th 1985AquariusPortugal
Lionel Mess103June 24, 1987Cancer Argentina 
Ferenc Puskas84April 2, 1927Aries Hungary 
Robert Lewandowski79August 21, 1988Leo Poland
Pele77October 23, 1940ScorpioBrazil
Romario55January 29, 1966AquariusBrazil
Gabriel Batistuta54February 1, 1969AquariusArgentina 
Thierry Henry51August 17, 1977Leo France 
Luis Suarez68January 24, 1987AquariusUruguay
Gerd Muller68November 3, 1945ScorpioGermany
Didier Drogba65March 11, 1978PiscesIvory Coast
Zlatan Ibrahimovic62October 3, 1981LibraSweden
Karim Benzema37December 19, 1987SagittariusFrance 
Raul44June 27, 1977CancerSpain
Gunnar Nordahl43October 19, 1921Libra Sweden
Eusebio41January 25, 1942AquariusPortugal
Josef Bican29September 25, 1913  
Hugo Sanchez29July 11, 1958CancerMexico
Alfredo Di Stefano23July 4, 1926Cancer Argentina and Spain
George Weah 18October 1, 1966Libra Liberia 

Kerry Ward, renowned astrologer from Tarotoo, offers her insights into the astrological patterns of these top goal scorers:

Aquarius Dominance

“Aquarians, known for their innovation and independent spirit, seem to thrive in the spotlight of football. Their ability to think outside the box and approach challenges creatively makes them natural leaders and visionaries on the field. With five Aquarians in the top 20, including legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Romario, it’s clear that this sign’s traits align well with the demands of top-level football.”

Cancer’s Emotional Strength

“Cancers bring a deep emotional connection and intuitive understanding to their game. Players like Lionel Messi and Alfredo Di Stefano are perfect examples of how Cancers can channel their emotions into extraordinary performances. Their sensitivity and protective nature often make them key playmakers and reliable team members.”

Libra’s Balanced Approach

“Libras are known for their balance and diplomacy, which translates well into their football careers. With four Libras on the list, including the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Josef Bican, their ability to maintain harmony and strategic play has been a significant factor in their success.”

Scorpio’s Intensity

“Scorpios like Pele and Gerd Muller bring a level of intensity and determination that is unmatched. Their resourcefulness and passionate nature drive them to excel and become pivotal figures in their teams.”

Kerry Ward, astrologer from Tarotoo says: This exploration of the top 20 goal scorers in football history through the lens of astrology provides a unique perspective on their success.

“The traits associated with their star signs—such as innovation, emotional strength, balance, and intensity—seem to align perfectly with the skills required for greatness on the pitch.”

No Aquarians, no party for England? Probably p*sh, but we can dream! – Ed

Social Housing: Emergency hazards to be repaired in 24 hours through Awaab’s Law

Housing Secretary launches a consultation proposing new legal requirements for England’s social landlords to address hazards including damp and mould quickly

plans to clamp down on rogue social landlords who fail to provide safe homes have been announced today, supporting the Government’s pledge to deliver Awaab’s Law.   

The two-year-old from Rochdale died from a respiratory condition caused by extensive mould in the flat where he lived, and the Government is taking action to introduce lifechanging reforms in social housing to prevent future tragedies.  

The Awaab’s Law consultation has been launched by the Housing Secretary, which proposes introducing new strict time limits for social housing providers and force them to take swift action in addressing dangerous hazards such as damp and mould.

It proposes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further 7 days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Those landlords who fail can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.  
  
Landlords will be expected to keep clear records to improve transparency for tenants – showing every attempt is made to comply with the new timescales so they can no longer dither and delay to rectify people’s homes.    

Housing Secretary, Michael Gove said: “The tragic death of Awaab Ishak should never have happened. His family have shown courageous leadership, determination and dignity to champion these changes and now it’s time for us to deliver for them through Awaab’s Law.  
    
“Today is about stronger and more robust action against social landlords who have refused to take their basic responsibilities seriously for far too long. We will force them to fix their homes within strict new time limits and take immediate action to tackle dangerous damp and mould to help prevent future tragedies.  
    
“Alongside Awaab’s Law, our landmark Social Housing Act will drastically improve the quality of life in social housing, granting residents a proper voice to fight those who think they can cheat the system and ensuring rogue landlords face the full force of the law.”  

Faisal Abdullah, Awaab’s father. said: “We hope that Awaab’s Law will stop any other family going through the pain that we went through.

“Landlords need to listen to the concerns of tenants and we support these proposals.”

Social Housing campaigner, Kwajo Tweneboa said: “As we know many families across the country are still living in homes with damp and mould, creating misery but more worryingly risks their health and safety.  

“I’m pleased to see Awaab’s Law reach the consultation phase and hope that it goes far enough to prevent other families going through the tragedy Awaab’s family have had to. It’s crucial the government are able to make sure this law has teeth and is enforced for it to work as intended.” 

Through the measures announced today tenants will be able to take their landlords to court if they fail to fix dangerous hazards. This builds on the progress already made to drive up standards in social housing.

The UK Government says there has been consistent improvement in the quality of social homes since 2010 – with a reduction in non-decent social homes from 20% in 2010 to 10% last year – but recognises ‘there is more work to do’.

The Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which became law last year,  will equip the Regulator of Social Housing and tenants with stronger powers and rights to hold the small minority of rogue landlords accountable.     

New enforcement powers will also be available for the Regulator to weed out bad landlord practices – including issuing unlimited fines and entering properties with only 48 hours’ notice to make emergency repairs in the most severe cases.    

As part of changes to deliver Awaab’s Law, the Government recently consulted on what more tenants need to better understand their rights and challenge social landlords when things go wrong – the direction to the Regulator will be published in the coming weeks.   

This is the latest step in addressing systemic issues identified following the Grenfell Tower fire – not just the safety and quality of social housing but how tenants are treated by their landlords.

Awaab’s Law consultation will be open for eight weeks and further details on how to respond can be found here   

Major national drive to improve school attendance in England

Attendance hubs to more than double to support 1,000 more schools and £15 million investment to expand the attendance mentor pilot programme

Driving up attendance and tackling persistent absence is at the centre of new stronger measures launched today as pupils return to school in England.  

More than one million children and young people will be supported into regular education as part of a major expansion of the attendance hubs, which provide a range of tailored support to families and pupils to boost time in school. 

There will be 18 new attendance hubs across six regions, bringing the total to 32 and will see nearly 2,000 schools helped to tackle persistent absence.

Hubs are run by schools with excellent attendance that share practical ideas with other primary, secondary, alternative provision and special schools in England who need help to boost their attendance.

From direct pupil engagement initiatives like breakfast clubs and extracurricular activities, to improving their processes and analysis of attendance data, lead hub schools provide a range of support to schools that they can tailor to their pupils and families.  

The Westminster government is also increasing the direct support offered to children and their families with the expansion of the attendance mentor pilot programme.

With an investment of up to £15million, over three years, this programme will provide direct intensive support to more than 10,000 persistent and severely absent pupils and their families.  

The programme will see trained attendance mentors working in 10 further areas from September 2024. These areas are in addition to the existing pilot programme with Barnardo’s which is already operating in Middlesbrough, Doncaster, Knowsley, Salford, and Stoke on Trent.  

The programme provides intensive one-to-one support to pupils who are persistently absent working with them and their families to find out why the child is skipping school. This can lead to extra support, more intensive work with teachers or in some cases bridge-building between school and family.

Being in school has never been more valuable with standards continuing to rise. 89% of schools are now rated good or outstanding, up from 68% in 2010. We are constantly seeing the success of our reforms rising up the rankings in maths, reading and science.

Just this month, England was ranked 11th in the world for maths, up from 27th in 2009, and in May, England was named ‘best in the west’ for primary reading.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “The benefits of our success in raising education standards can only be when all children are in school.

“Tackling attendance is my number one priority. We want all our children to have the best start in life because we know that attending school is vital to a child’s wellbeing, development, and attainment as well as impact future career success.

“I am hugely grateful to all our brilliant teachers, heads, and everyone whose worked with us to make the progress we’ve already made with 380,000 fewer children persistently absent.”

Children’s Commissioner Rachel De Souza said: “As Children’s Commissioner, I have made school attendance one of my top priorities because children tell me how much they value their education and want to be in school.

“Every day counts: when children miss school, it’s not just about missing lessons, it’s also about losing valuable moments spent with their friends and teachers.

“I very much welcome the government’s announcements today which include the recommendations made last year in my report on school attendance.

“I am hopeful that these measures will arm local authorities and schools with real-time information about school absence rates and provide vital support for children who face barriers to attending school.”

Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, Lynn Perry MBE, said: “Our Attendance Mentoring pilot scheme shows that one of the best ways to improve attendance is working individually with children, building trust and listening to their concerns.

“Our mentors encourage children to talk openly about issues such as family finances, bullying, or mental health worries – anything they feel may be preventing them from going to school.

“In Middlesbrough, 82% of the children we have worked with improved their attendance through one-on-one support from an attendance mentor, with almost two-thirds of the children saying their mental health also improved.”

Rob Tarn CBE, Chief Executive of Northern Education Trust said: “We are delighted that the hard work around attendance at North Shore Academy has led to significant impact for our students and their outcomes.

“The fact that this work was recognised as a best practice model meant we felt compelled to share what we are doing with other schools and academies in similar contexts and help where we could.

“This was, in essence, the beginning of the attendance hub programme. Seeing this work extended, with more hubs supporting more schools, is a source of great pride for the trust.”

A national communications campaign on the importance of attendance is also launching today targeting parents and carers.

Under the strapline ‘Moments Matter, Attendance Counts’ it outlines the importance of attendance for attainment, wellbeing, and development as well as signposting to advice for further support.  

Key advice includes a recent letter from the Chief Medical Officer that outlines best practice when it comes to attendance and illness.

The intention is to ensure that parents have the guidance they need when it comes to making decisions when deciding to send their child to school or when to keep them home. 

The UK government has also committed to further legislation in the coming months that will mean all schools will be required to share their daily school registers.

This, together with reforming pupil registration practice, will modernise how schools record and share data on attendance and support them to understand what is driving absence in their school and provide early support and intervention where pupils are displaying worrying trends of absence.

Funding support for charities providing food, shelter and warmth

Over 800 charities and community organisations in England struggling with increased demand have been awarded funding as part of a £76 million package

  • Food banks, warm hubs and safe spaces amongst the first 800 charities to benefit from support for frontline charities and community organisations meeting increased demand for critical services   
  • Up to £38 million already allocated to support organisations carrying out vital work helping the most vulnerable
  • Additional package of support to improve the energy efficiency of community organisations now open for applications

Over 800 charities and community organisations struggling with increased demand have been awarded funding as part of a £76 million package to help vulnerable people.

Projects tackling food poverty, homelessness charities and services offering financial advice are amongst those to benefit from funding, providing a much needed funding boost for those  meeting increased demand for their critical services. 

The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, will continue to make awards from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund  throughout December and January.

UK Minister for Civil Society Stuart Andrew said: “Charities and community organisations are on the frontline helping the most vulnerable in society, and we are allocating £100 million in recognition that they are struggling too, as demand and costs both increase. 

“Over 800 charities have already been awarded these significant grants, meaning they can continue to help those in need and we will continue to roll out funding at pace.”

This funding comes at a critical time as charities and organisations support more people struggling to heat their homes and access hot meals. Grants worth between £10,000 and £75,000 are being allocated to cover project and core costs, including for premise rent, utilities, staff and volunteers.

David Knott, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re proud to be distributing Government funding to enable frontline projects in England to support communities facing the impact of the rising cost of living.

“From the provision of food, shelter and safe spaces, to financial or housing advice, over 800 awards have already been made to critical services that will strengthen communities and improve lives at a challenging time.”

Examples of organisations that will be supported include:

  • Springwell Village Community Venue, Sunderland (above): Funding of £45,000 is supporting the project to focus on its food supply of hot meals and food parcels, and the provision of toiletry packs for disadvantaged young people and older people in the community. It will also provide a safe and warm space over the winter months to support those struggling with the rising cost of utility bills. 
  • Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, Merseyside: In the past 12 months BYCC have adapted their support offer to provide additional food, clothes and essential items due to significant surge in need. Funding of £39,500 will support the project to deliver these services and expand the offering to more beneficiaries, as well as increasing access to their warm space. 
  • Muslim Women’s Council, Bradford: The Curry Circle project provides hot meals in a warm environment to anyone facing food poverty. Funding of over £50,000 is supporting  it to revive a number of services including increased number of hot takeaways, doorstep delivery of food parcels and survival packs with sanitary products. They also aim to provide weekly access to debt advice at the venue where the meals are served.
  • SocietyLinks Tower Hamlets, London: SocietyLinks Tower Hamlets is a community-based charity providing services including after school clubs, holiday provision, youth services, employment support, women’s services, health and fitness programmes and older peoples’ services for disadvantaged residents in the borough.  Funding of over £28,000 will support the continuation of these services, including a food bank, youth safe hub, a warm hub for those aged 50+ and clothing recycling programme (below). 
  • The Centre Project Limited, Leicester: This community hub has been awarded over £40,000 to expand and continue its range of services, which includes a foodbank, warm space, hot meals, social activities, youth club and advice services. They support people who may be vulnerable due to loneliness, isolation, poor housing, unemployment, homelessness, mental health issues or in crisis. 
  • Housing Matters, Bristol: Housing Matters offers an advice, support and advocacy service for people in housing and financial crisis in and around Bristol, advising clients on disputes with landlords, rent arrears, disrepair and overcrowding amongst other issues. Funding of nearly £40,000 is supporting it to pay for the running costs of its housing advice service including telephone, email and face to face support offered at community centres.  
  • SHAPE Birmingham, Birmingham: SHAPE offers shelter for homeless young women. SHAPE is currently facing an increase in demand for its services due to a rise in the cost of living, alongside a rise in running costs of the hostel. Funding of over £35,000 is supporting them to hire a part time worker, enabling them to support more young women. 
  • Christian Action and Resource Enterprise, Grimsby: Christian Action and Resource Enterprise Ltd (CARE) is an established charity running various projects including housing, food, furniture and emergency supplies, warmth, a safe space, and financial and housing advice in North East Lincolnshire. Funding of £75,000 will pay for extra staff hours and the cost of additional IT infrastructure, allowing it to continue its work assessing residents for food and utility vouchers; giving advice and help with finances; support for those struggling with domestic abuse; and providing housing for vulnerable people.

As part of the £100 million package of support allocated during the Spring Budget, it was also announced that £25.5 million will be used to pay for measures to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency. 

Funding will help the long term energy and financial resilience of the sector as well as supporting the Government’s commitment to meeting a net zero target by 2050. Via independent energy assessments, organisations will be able to identify how to reduce bills through measures such as improving or installing new energy features in the building.

The fund will also support the installation of new energy measures, such as insulation, heating and lighting systems, where applicants are eligible. 

Applications for the £25.5m VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, administered by community charity Groundwork, are now open. Eligible organisations are able to apply for funding via the Groundwork website. 

This funding follows a support package of £750 million dedicated to help charities adapt and maintain essential services during the pandemic as part of the government’s unprecedented £400 billion COVID support package.

Awards offered under CCLF

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Plans progressed to create a smokefree generation

Public consultation on historic proposals draws to a close, with roughly 25,000 responses from teachers, parents, healthcare professionals and public

  • UK in lead to be first country in the world to create a smokefree generation by phasing out the sale of tobacco
  • Government taking long-term decisions to protect children and an entire generation from the harms of smoking as they grow older

Plans to introduce the most significant public health intervention in a generation and phase out smoking are progressing at pace, as the Westminster government’s consultation closes today.

Amassing roughly 25,000 responses – including from healthcare professionals, public health experts, academics, teachers, parents and teenagers – officials will analyse results and ministers will set out next steps in the coming weeks, including details on the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill recently announced in the King’s Speech.

The majority of the public are behind the plans, and the government is determined to take vital action quickly to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco addiction.

The government’s response to the consultation will be published ahead of the Bill’s introduction to Parliament in the new year.

Public Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, said: “As a former teenage smoker, these historic plans might just have prevented me from ever lighting a cigarette.

“Smoking is the biggest preventable killer in the UK, and that’s why we need to push ahead at pace with our plans to protect today’s children, and create the first smokefree generation while cracking down on youth vaping.

“We are taking the long-term health decisions needed to safeguard the next generation from the harms of smoking and risk of addiction.”

Government plans include introducing a new law to stop children who turned 14 this year or are younger from ever legally being sold tobacco in England. There is also a worrying rise in vaping among children and the government will therefore also introduce measures to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes to children, while ensuring they remain available as a quit tool for smokers.

This will prevent thousands of children from starting smoking in the coming years and potentially having their lives cut short as a result.

The UK is now proudly set to be the first country in the world to introduce such a landmark law on smoking.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: “With the overwhelming support of the public the UK has picked up the baton to become the first country in the world to create a smokefree generation.

“In the twentieth century the UK, home to the tobacco industry, had the highest smoking rates in the world, in the twenty first we are now on track to lead the way out of the tobacco epidemic.

“This will herald the start of a new era in tobacco control, where the end of the smoking is finally in sight.”

Smoking is the UK’s biggest preventable killer, causing around 1 in 4 cancer deaths and 64,000 deaths in England alone, costing the economy and wider society £17 billion each year. No other consumer product kills up to two-thirds of its users and the plans will save tens of thousands of lives and save the NHS billions of pounds.

People take up cigarettes when they are young.

Four in five smokers have started by the time they are 20 and although the vast majority try to quit, many due to the addictive nature of cigarettes.

Cathy Hunt, 58, is a mum of four from County Durham. She was diagnosed with lung cancer and had half a lung removed in 2015 just two days before her 50th birthday. She underwent surgery again in 2022 when the cancer returned, and in June this year had a kidney removed due to cancer.

Cathy said: “I am absolutely over the moon about the government’s plan to raise the age of sale for tobacco one year every year until we see the end of smoking, and all my family and friends are too.

“Smoking isn’t a lifestyle choice but a lethal addiction which traps hundreds of new victims in its claws every day, victims who struggle to escape. I only managed to stop once I found out I had lung cancer but wish now I could turn the clock back to the time I started smoking as a child aged 11.  

“That’s also why I’m so pleased the government is providing more funding for anti-smoking campaigns, stop smoking services and enforcement to help stop the start and start the stop for those already addicted to smoking like I was.”

Gower Tan, Cancer Research UK ambassador and campaigns officer, said: “I started smoking aged 13, and this deadly addiction took me over 25 years to quit.

“Having watched my dad – a lifelong smoker – die of lung cancer, I understand the devastating harms of tobacco and I support vital legislation on the age of sale. Knowing my children and future generations will not suffer the tragic consequences caused by smoking is a legacy we could all be proud of.”

To tackle youth vaping, the government’s plans include a range of measures to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes to children, including restricting vapes flavours, regulating point of sale displays in stores that sell vapes, and regulating vape packaging.

Stakeholder reaction:

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Smoking is the biggest cause of cancer in the UK, responsible for around 150 cancers a day. Raising the age of sale for tobacco products is one of the biggest opportunities we have had to help prevent cancer in over a decade.

 “This consultation is a vital step on the road to the first ever smokefree generation. If the government takes decisive action in all UK nations, the UK can phase smoking out for good and protect the next generation from a potential lifetime of addiction and disease.”

John Herriman, chief executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “It comes as no surprise that responses have been submitted in the thousands to this consultation that poses the biggest positive change to public health in our lifetime.

“Most people have been affected by smoking either directly or indirectly, and smoking related illnesses put a huge strain on the NHS. In time, this will free up much needed resources and will help safeguard future generations to come.”

“Effective policing of the age of sale of tobacco will be critical to the effectiveness of the government’s aim of eliminating smoking for future generations and Trading Standards teams working in local communities across the UK will play a central role in making this happen. 

“We look forward to working with DHSC to ensure that we have the tools and resources needed to support businesses and educate consumers as the country phases out tobacco products for good.”

Henry Gregg, director of external affairs for Asthma + Lung UK: “Creating a smoke-free generation is one of the most impactful things we could do to improve the health of future generations.

“We know that many people with a lung condition and their families strongly support these proposals, to prevent others from going through what they have experienced. We urge the government to ensure these measures are implemented in full to save thousands of lives.

“Smoking remains the biggest cause of lung disease deaths in the UK, with tobacco costing the NHS £2.5 billion every year and £1.2 billion in social care costs.  

“More than 8 out of 10 smokers take up smoking before the age of 20 and become addicted, so proposals to gradually increase the smoking age to stop younger people from ever taking up smoking is an opportunity for the government to lead the way on measures that will protect future generations from developing lung conditions caused by this deadly addiction”.