Tag: Labour government

UK Government unveils plans for next generation of new towns in England

Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards of new towns across England, as Starmer paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

  • Over 100 sites across England have come forward to be considered for next generation of new towns
  • Government on track to create beautiful communities, provide affordable homes, and deliver much needed infrastructure, including schools and nurseries, GP surgeries, and bus routes 
  • By taking on the blockers, 20,000 homes, along with new schools and health facilities, will move forward following government action, and we will now turn to unblock the remaining 700,000 homes across 350 sites 
  • Comes as government rolls out major planning reforms to sweep away the blockers and push through its housebuilding agenda as part of the Plan for Change

Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards new towns across Britain (? – Ed.), as the Prime Minister paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

Visiting a housing development today, the Prime Minister will unveil the government’s plans for the next generation of new towns – well-designed, beautiful communities with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools and public transport where people will want to live. 

Over 100 proposals from across every region in England were submitted, showing local areas and housebuilders’ ambition to get on board to build the next generation of new towns – playing their part in getting Britain building and tackling the worst housing crisis in living memory. Every new town will have the potential to deliver 10,000 homes or more. 

Delivering security is central to this government’s Plan for Change, because the least working people deserve when they graft hard is a secure home. That’s why the government is providing much-needed housing in the right places with the right infrastructure, and the New Towns Taskforce has today set clear principles on what the next generation of new towns will deliver: affordable housing, vital infrastructure and access to open green spaces and nature, to transform the lives of working people. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For so many families, homeownership is a distant dream. After a decade of decline in housebuilding, the impact is a disconnect between working hard and getting on.

“This is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about the security and stability that owning your own home brings. I know what this means for working people – the roof above our head was everything for our family growing up. 

“We’ve already made progress in just seven months, unblocking 20,000 stuck homes. But there’s more to do.

“We’re urgently using all levers available to build the homes we need so more families can get on the housing ladder. We’re sweeping aside the blockers to get houses built, no longer accepting no as the default answer, and paving the way for the next generation of new towns.

“As part of the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era, our ambitious Plan for Change will transform the lives of working people, once again connecting the basic principle that if you work hard, you should get on.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said: “Time and again we are seeing too many new homes stuck or stalled that not only act as a barrier to growth but also has real-world consequences for working people and families who see homeownership as nothing more than a distant dream.  

“I will not run away from the tough choices to fix the housing crisis we inherited that has left thousands of families on housing waiting lists, allowed homelessness to spiral out of control, and stopped an entire generation from picking up the keys to their first home.  

“While our vision for the next generation of new towns is setting the stage for a housebuilding revolution in the years to come, urgent action is needed now to build the homes and infrastructure that our local communities are crying out for.

“That’s why our New Homes Accelerator is working at pace to find solutions and remove blockages in the system, executing long-lasting solutions to get spades in the ground.  

“Today we are embarking on the next chapter in our Plan for Change to build 1.5 million new homes, deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation, and raise living standards for working people and families across the country.”

For far too long, working people have been let down by a decline in housebuilding. That’s why the government is ‘rolling up its sleeves’ and is ‘taking on the blockers’ with major reforms to planning regulation to get Britain building. 

That work is already underway, with a staggering 20,000 new homes now successfully unblocked by the government’s novel ‘New Homes Accelerator’ programme, which deploys planning expertise to speed up the delivery of housing sites held by unnecessary delays.  

Areas that have already benefitted from direct government action include:

  • Over 1,000 homes unlocked at Cowley Hill in Liverpool, where an agreement has been reached with the Environment Agency who withdrew its previous objections on both flood risk and biodiversity grounds, subject to planning.
  • And at Wolborough in Devon, the Accelerator has worked with Natural England to help accelerate this development, whilst ensuring environmental improvements are secured. On top of the 1,100 homes the site is injecting £1.75 million towards off-site pedestrian and cycle improvements, playing pitches, bus services and a local travel plan.  

Housebuilders and local councils have put forward over 350 housing development sites stuck in the system under the previous government – that together could unlock around 700,000 new homes.

Around a quarter of sites submitted are already receiving government attention since the call for evidence closed in October – demonstrating success of the programme, and local ambition to support the government’s 1.5 million homes target.

This goes hand-in-hand with government action to overhaul the planning system, supporting the builders and not the blockers, taking the brakes off economic growth, raising living standards, and making the tough decisions to deliver for working people and families. 

This includes:

  • Publishing a new growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework, which introduced new mandatory for councils to deliver the right homes in the right places, with a combined total of 370,000 homes a year.
  • Introducing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill next month. The Bill will overhaul environmental regulations to no longer accept the failed status quo where bats are more important than trains or newts more important than homes, and remove blockers to fast-track delivery of the homes and infrastructure that local communities need.    

To get Britain building now – the government today announces plans to fast stream planning through brokering disagreements between the agencies and expert bodies, which by law must be consulted within the planning process. Bodies including National Highways, Natural England and the Environment Agency will need to bring planners and housebuilders to the table and iron out concerns that have been holding back development.

Responding to sector concerns on pinch points, work stepping up with the Building Safety Regulator to ensure greater timeliness and efficiency when new tall buildings are signed off – to provide more homes for more people.

This work will be bolstered by extra government funding announced today, including:  

  • £1 million for government agencies, including National Highways, Natural England and the Environment Agency, to speed up the planning approval of new homes and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where required.
  • £2 million to support the Building Safety Regulator to continue improving the processing for new-build applications.
  • Over £3 million of grants for local councils to bolster planning capacity, alongside direct advice and navigate through some of the more complex issues holding up new development.   

Alongside the Accelerator, the government is also supporting local partners through a clearing service to help accelerate the sale of uncontracted and unsold affordable homes, with nearly 300 housebuilders, local councils and registered providers signing up in the first 50 days of its launch.   

In December, the government set a clear hierarchy of brownfield first, grey belt second and green belt third. Today, further funding is being injected to drive regeneration and brownfield deliver in the following areas:  

  • £20 million to help transform neglected small-scale council-owned sites into new homes, for areas most in need.
  • Nearly £30 million from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund in Bradford to transform derelict brownfield sites into a vibrant residential area with 1,000 new homes, three community parks, shops, cafés, restaurants, and offices.
  • £1.5 million to support a regeneration programme at Manchester Victoria North, delivering a new district of 15,000 homes with transport links and green spaces.   

Getting homes built for working people is a priority and is backed by investment in housing which is increasing to £5 billion for this year, including a top-up of £800 million being injected into the existing Affordable Homes Programme to help deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country.   

This is in addition to an extra £100 million of cash to bolster local resources with increased planning fees to cover costs and funding to recruit 300 planning officers, making sure councils have the capacity they need to rubberstamp new homes and infrastructure.

UK-wide blitz on illegal working

Most successful January in over half a decade for Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams tackling illegal working

A record-breaking January for illegal working enforcement activity has been revealed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as the government’s landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill returns to Parliament for its second reading, today (Monday 10 February).     

Tackling illegal working plays a vital part in the Home Office’s system-wide approach to ending the promise of false jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on boats and taking down their business models as we restore order to the immigration system. 

Following a drive from this government to have more deployable enforcement staff, a renewed crackdown on those attempting to undermine the UK’s borders last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.   

Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes, marking a 48% rise compared to the previous January. Arrests also surged to 609, demonstrating a 73% increase from just 352 the previous year.    

More broadly, between 5 July last year and 31 January, both illegal working visits and arrests have soared by around 38% compared to the same 12 months prior. During the same period, the Home Office issued a total of 1,090 civil penalty notices. Employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable.   

In many cases, those who come to the UK and end up working illegally are sold false promises about their ability to live and work in the UK, creating a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel on a small boat.  

In reality, illegal working is inextricably linked to squalid living conditions, little to no pay and inhumane working hours. By paying so little, rogue employers often attempt to avoid paying their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy and undercut honest competitors who follow the law.   

Under its Plan for Change, the government is delivering steadfast action to restore order to the UK immigration system and the surge in enforcement activity to crack down on illegal working is a vital cog in the government’s wider machine to identify, disrupt and tackle irregular migration across the country.    

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:   ”The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken.

“Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system and our economy.   

“That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long.”

While enforcement teams respond to illegal working intelligence in all sectors, a significant proportion of last month’s activity took place at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industry.  

An operation in Cheshire to vape shops led to 10 immigration arrests and 2 criminal arrests for counterfeit documents, with civil penalty referral notices being made to employers, and a visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside led to 7 arrests and 4 detentions. Elsewhere, in South London, a visit to a grocery warehouse resulted in 6 arrests and 4 people being detained.  

As part of this activity, Immigrant Enforcement play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.    

Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, said:  ”These figures demonstrate the commitment of my teams to crack down on those who think they can flout our immigration system.   

“I hope it sends a strong signal that there is no hiding place from the law, and we will continue to ramp up our activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences.   

“We also know that many people who end up working illegally are often subjected to extremely poor conditions, so we will continue to do all we can to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable.”

Border Security is central to the government’s Plan for Change and, alongside enforcement activity, the Home Office is ramping up returns of individuals with no right to be in the UK.

Just last month, the department smashed its target to drive the removal of foreign criminals and immigration offenders to the highest level since 2018, with 16,400 people removed since the election. This figure is expected to go up later today when the Home Office publishes updated figures running to the end of January.  

Since July, bespoke charter flights have also removed immigration offenders to countries around the world, including 4 of the biggest returns flights in the UK’s history carrying more than 800 people. Individuals removed since the election include criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder.   

The Labour government is also working upstream to deter people from entering the UK illegally by launching a new international campaign to debunk people smugglers’ lies.  

Social media adverts went live in Vietnam in December and Albania in January, highlighting real stories from migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to face debt, exploitation, and a life far from what they were promised. The campaign also warns prospective migrants about the realities of illegal working, as the government continues to crack down on employers who break the law and exploit people for profit. 

In the months ahead, we will go further than ever by introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs as part of new, robust legislation to protect UK borders, set to be discussed in Parliament today.    

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will grant law enforcement additional powers to take earlier and more effective action against organised crime gangs, including seizing mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally before the point of arrest. 

Next month, the government will go further by hosting a landmark Border Security Summit at the historic Lancaster House in London.   

A watershed moment in the UK’s fight against Organised Immigration Crime, the summit will bring together delegates from over 40 countries, as well as guest participants from a range of international institutions, including the European Union.   

The summit will be held on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April, and will facilitate a range of discussions on the best ways to tackle criminal networks facilitating organised immigration crime and migrant smuggling.

New survey suggests benefits system is letting down people with mental health conditions who want to work

Many sick and disabled people say they want to work to help boost their living standards – but aren’t given the right support, according to new data published on Time to Talk day [6 February].

  • New survey suggests 200k people claiming health and disability benefits are ready for work now if the right job or support were available.
  • Comes as number of young people with a mental health condition who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness reaches over a quarter of a million (270,000).
  • Overhaul of health and disability benefit system set to be unveiled in Spring to ensure it provides meaningful support to help long term sick back into work.

New research published by the Department for Work and Pensions shows that nearly half (44%) of people with a mental health condition expect to be able to work in future if their health improves.

This comes as the number of young people (aged 16 to 34) who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness and have a mental condition reaches 270,000. This number has been rising consistently over the past decade and has increased by 60,000 (26%) in the last year alone. The equivalent figure for all people of working-age (16 to 64) is 790,000 – an increase of 140,000 (22%) over the last year.

The Work Aspirations of Health and Disability Claimants survey also finds that a third (32%) of those claiming health and disability benefits believe they can work now or in future.  (5%) say that they would be ready now if the right job or support were available. This equates to around 200,000 individuals.

The survey also finds that those out of jobs overwhelmingly see work as a key part of their identity and a route to higher self-esteem, happiness and security.

In further evidence that the current system pushes people away from work, the survey revealed that 50% of people who are on health and disability benefits and are not currently in work said they were worried they would not get their benefits back if they tried paid employment and it did not work out.

 It comes as the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall visited Workbridge charity which offers support to people who are unable to work due to mental ill health, to hear how they’re supporting people with mental health conditions into work.

Responding to the stark survey results, the Work and Pensions Secretary has said the report demonstrates the need to reform the current welfare system, so that it offers better, meaningful support to give disabled people and people with long-term health conditions a real opportunity to find work.

The upcoming reforms will be a key part of the government’s Plan for Change to boost employment by breaking down barriers to opportunity – creating a welfare system that promotes tailored pathways into work and accommodates the complex nature of disabilities and health conditions – and consequently, improving people’s living standards.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP said: “Today’s report shows that the broken benefits system is letting down people with mental health conditions who want to work.

“People claiming Health and Disability benefits have been classed by the system as “can’t work” and shut out of jobs and have been ignored – when they’ve been crying out for support.

“That is a serious failure. It’s bad for people, bad for businesses, which miss out on considerable talent, and bad for the economy.

“For young people in particular, being out of work can have a scarring effect that lasts a lifetime.

“On Time to Talk day, it’s time to change how we support people with long-term health conditions, such as a mental health condition, so that they have a fair chance and choice to work.”

On her visit to Workbridge, Kendall spoke to experts to hear their insights on how government and employers can better accommodate the fluctuating nature of people’s mental health – ensuring that people’s views and voices are at the heart of changes that affect them.

Being in work has a positive effect on people’s mental and physical health – providing people with confidence and independence, as well as financial benefits.

The UK remains the only G7 country that has higher levels of economic inactivity now than before the pandemic, with the benefits bill spiralling – largely driven by the increase in people claiming incapacity benefits for mental health conditions, who had not received the care and treatment they deserve.

The reforms to the health & disability benefit system due to be unveiled in a Green Paper in Spring will consider these issues and how the government can tackle these barriers to employment, and the government will work closely alongside charities, organisations and disabled people to ensure their voices help shape any proposals for reform.

The Green Paper will set key ambitions for creating a system that is fairer on disabled people – offering support into work which takes into consideration the realities of their health condition and life circumstances, and fairness for the taxpayer by bringing down the benefits bill.

The reforms are expected to build on the Get Britain Working White Paper, which set out the first steps to achieving the government’s target 80% employment rate, driving up growth and driving down poverty in every corner of our country. 

Successful steps have already been taken to offer work and life-changing support, with a record number of people with mental health conditions receiving employment advice through the NHS Talking Therapies programme.

Alongside this support, the Laobur Government has settled record funding for the NHS – so that all people can get the care they need – and have pledged:

  • 8,500 more mental health staff
  • Mental health support teams in every school
  • Open-access mental health hubs in every community

UK launches flagship SPIRIT programme to drive social recovery in Ukraine

In collaboration with Government of Ukraine, UNICEF and the World Bank, £25m of UK funding will support an inclusive and sustainable social recovery in Ukraine

  • The SPIRIT programme (Social Protection for Inclusion, Resilience, Innovation and Transformation) will support Ukraine to strengthen more inclusive and efficient social protection systems and revitalise community and family-based services.
  • SPIRIT will support the Foreign Secretary’s priority to ensure a safe and loving family for every child, improving social care services for 10,000 families across 10 regions
  • The programme will help Ukraine lay foundations for a recovery that meets the needs of citizens in all their diversity including people with disabilities, veterans and other war-impacted groups.

The UK will invest £25 million to strengthen Ukraine’s social protection system and services to support an inclusive and barrier-free recovery. The funding announced during the visit of the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy to Kyiv will catalyse Ukraine’s ambition for reform of the social sphere.

This support will help Ukraine to meet the varied needs of the population and accelerate Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic pathway. The UK will partner with UNICEF Ukraine and the World Bank to deliver SPIRIT, working closely with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the European Union and key partners in the social sector.

The SPIRIT programme recognises that investing in people – and the support and services they need – will be critical for Ukraine’s long-term recovery and socio-economic future.

Russia’s full-scale invasion has had an immense and devastating human impact in Ukraine. This has been disproportionately felt by the most vulnerable and war-impacted groups, including women, children and families, people with disabilities, older people, veterans, and those in frontline areas.    

The programme will support Government of Ukraine in their social reform agenda, bringing together Ministries and local government, international financial organisations, donors, civil society, academia, and private sector.

Following the signing of the ‘Social Recovery and Inclusion Partnership for Ukraine’ by the UK, the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the European Union, UNICEF and the World Bank at the Berlin Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024, SPIRIT demonstrates commitment of the UK government and partners to support Ukraine’s socio-economic future and further our collaboration.  

The SPIRIT programme has three main priorities:

  • Improving access to high-quality community and family-based social services for at least 10,000 families with children across 10 regions. In cooperation with the Ministry of Social Policy, we will deliver small grants and capacity-building to 100 civil society and local community actors to enable them to provide social services, while building a local marketplace of accessible service providers and empowering local actors to meet the growing demand for social protection support.
  • Establishing a Social Recovery Office with the Ministry of Social Policy to drive reforms, improve coordination in the sector, and enhance collaboration with international financial institutions and development partners. The Social Recovery Office will help Ukraine respond to pressing demographic challenges, meet the needs of the most vulnerable, and support development of a more robust and inclusive social protection framework.
  • Launching a range of cross-sectoral initiatives that support social recovery and inclusion priorities in Ukraine. Projects will work across health, economic and social sectors, piloting new models of support and services to cater for the most vulnerable and war-impacted groups. This includes women, families with children, people with disabilities, older people, and veterans.  These initiatives will foster human capital, enable inclusive reforms and build the institutional capacity needed for Ukraine to address the demographic, economic, and societal changes driven by the war.

The SPIRIT programme will support the Foreign Secretary’s campaign to realize family-based care for every child. Ukraine is a key partner in the Foreign Secretary’s new global alliance to progress sustainable, lasting reform of children’s social care around the world.

Working with the Government of Ukraine and UNICEF, SPIRIT includes a specific focus on accelerating ‘Better Care Reform’ to strengthen families, prevent separation, and ensure a safe and loving family environment for all Ukrainian children.

The British Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris said: “I am proud that the UK is announcing critical funding for Ukraine’s social recovery.

“The £25m contribution will strengthen Ukraine’s social systems and services that are under overwhelming pressure from Russia’s brutal invasion. Investing in Ukraine’s social systems is an investment in Ukraine’s people – and we know that Ukraine’s people are its greatest resource.

“SPIRIT is a testament to 100 Year Partnership and shared values between our two countries, including our commitment to meet the needs of women, children, people with disabilities, older people, veterans, and marginalised groups.

“In the very worst of circumstances, Ukraine is pursuing an ambitious reform agenda to build a brighter, fairer and ‘barrier-free’ society.  In partnership with the Government of Ukraine, UNICEF and the World Bank, the SPIRIT programme will drive forward this vision and lay the foundations for a future where the well-being, dignity and potential of every Ukrainian is ensured.”

Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine outlined: “Human capital development is at the centre of Ukraine’s recovery.

“The SPIRIT programme represents a crucial step in building institutional capacity, strengthening the social protection system and supporting critical reforms to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and inclusion.

“We are grateful to our partners, the FCDO, World Bank, and UNICEF, for their support and shared commitment to fostering social cohesion, leaving no one behind.

Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine indicates: “The SPIRIT programme is a critical investment in protecting and improving the lives of the most vulnerable, especially children and families in need across Ukraine.

“This initiative will further strengthen national systems and community-based services to nurture and maximize the country’s most important resource, its human capital, to drive inclusive and prosperous growth.”

Bob Saum, World Bank Regional Country Director for Eastern Europe added: “Addressing social cohesion and inclusion, including meeting the needs of vulnerable populations will contribute to maximizing benefits of Ukraine’s post-war recovery economic growth.

“The SPIRIT program will help build institutional capacity to support veterans, people with disabilities, and other at-risk groups while advancing Ukraine’s EU integration goals.”

DWP plans to overhaul employer support to ‘Get Britain Working’

Ministers are encouraging UK businesses to work with Jobcentres to fill the thousands of jobs currently vacant as the UK goes for growth, the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall set out this week

  • Following the Chancellor’s growth speech this week, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall visited fast growing UK retailer B&M – who successfully filled almost 3,000 vacancies using local jobcentres in 2024. 
  • The Work and Pensions Secretary has set out overhaul the DWP’s approach to supporting employers to Get Britain Working again as part of Plan for Change.
  • Comes as just one in six businesses has ever used a Jobcentre to recruit with the latest data showing tens of thousands of vacancies in key sectors. 
  • New DWP team have built partnerships with 37 new industry leaders in just a few week as department transforms Jobcentres.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1885364008649134558

It comes as the Work & Pensions Secretary visits B&M – a retailer that has had huge success using the Jobcentre network. As a fast growing UK retailer, B&M has filled almost 3,000 vacancies through the jobcentre network, with over 85% of new recruits coming directly through the DWP – benefiting jobseekers and the businesses’ growth. 

The DWP has hit the ground running to reset engagement with employers through new teams to support employers, with dedicated account managers and a focus on growing the number of Jobcentre training programmes tailored to employer’s needs.

As B&M has opened new stores across the country, it has teamed up with the local DWP team to run information sessions – offering interested candidates a guaranteed interview. 

Over 73,000 jobs have been added to the labour market since the start of this Parliament according to the ONS, with new announcements in the Chancellor’s speech yesterday expected to add thousands more roles to the UK jobs market – including over 100,000 jobs in the local area around Heathrow. 

However, new figures show only 1 in 6 employers surveyed reported using the JobCentre Plus network to hire for their business – highlighting the need for genuine reform. 

That’s why as part of the Get Britain Working plan, the government will reform jobcentres by bringing it together with the National Careers Service to ensure people have better access to training and address local skills gaps and help train the workforce businesses need.

The reforms to get Britain working and modernise the employment support offer are just one part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which will lay strong foundations to kickstart economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity across the country. 

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “To get Britain growing again, we need to get Britain working again.  

“As the HR department for the Government’s growth mission, our job is to work with businesses to meet their recruitment needs.

“To help employers grow, hire new staff, and boost opportunity in every corner of the country, we are determined to change our approach.

“As part of reforming Jobcentres we will overhaul our service to better meet employer’s needs – turning the DWP into a genuine public employment service. So businesses can fill jobs and people can build a better life for themselves and their families.”

A B&M spokesperson said: “There is a wealth of talent and experience in Jobcentres across the UK. We encourage other businesses to get in touch with their local Jobcentre and discover the talent that’s available in their community.“

The new dedicated team set up to support businesses of all sizes across the country with their recruitment needs has already added 37 new employers to the department’s roster in recent weeks, with notable names including Home Bargains, KFC and Swissport.

In a letter to CEOs from 10 of the UK’s top businesses, DWP ministers said that at a time when recruitment can be a major cost, the DWP “provides a service to help businesses grow and support people into work“.

To help other businesses replicate B&M’s success, the department is transforming its service for employers by:

  1. Hosting summits with employers and stakeholder representatives across sectors crucial to growth – including construction, social care and clean energy in the next three months. 
  2. Boosting the number of training programmes in these sectors on offer at Jobcentres to upskill jobseekers and provide employers with the work ready staff they need.   
  3. Serving employers through a dedicated team with highly experienced experts to provide recruitment support, including designing tailored campaigns to tackle large numbers of vacancies. 
  4. Providing an account manager for employers to get more information about how the JCP can help them and provide recruitment support – following feedback from businesses that they wanted an establish a single contact. 
  5. Commissioning Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead an independent review into the role of employers in reducing health-related inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces – which is already underway.

Government goes further and faster on planning reform in bid for growth

Chancellor continues ‘bold reform’ of the planning system in England to deliver on the Plan for Change

  • Chancellor reveals new plans for more houses near commuter train stations to kick start economic growth, as government continues its bold reform of the planning system to deliver on the Plan for Change for working people.
  • Sweeping reforms under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will take an axe to red tape that slows down approval of infrastructure projects and the government will work with Parliamentarians to ensure a smooth and speedy delivery.
  • Chancellor highlights in its first six months the government has already taken 13 planning decisions and approved 9 nationally significant infrastructure projects spanning airports, data centres, energy farms, and major housing developments.

Untapped land near commuter transport hubs will be unlocked to build new housing for working people, as part of ‘bold new steps’ to reform the planning system and unlock growth to deliver win-win outcomes for the country and the economy. The reforms will create secure, high-paying jobs and deliver major infrastructure faster to bolster public services and lower bills.

Ahead of the Chancellor’s speech next week on economic growth, the government has today announced how it will go further and faster to deliver Plan for Change milestones of 1.5 million new homes over five years and 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of the Parliament.

It follows the ambitious reforms unveiled by the Chancellor in July and delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister at the end of last year through publication of the overhauled National Planning Policy Framework.

The government’s next steps on planning reform include streamlining a set of national policies for decision making to guide planning decisions taken by local authorities and promote housebuilding in key areas.

In a major new growth push, the government will ensure that when developers submit an application for acceptable types of schemes in key areas – such as in high potential locations near commuter transport hubs – that the default answer to development is ‘yes’.

This will unlock more housing at a greater density in areas central to local communities, boosting the government’s number one mission to grow the economy. These measures will transform communities, with more shops and homes nearer to the transport hubs that working people rely on day in day out.

As part of these measures, the government will streamline decisions on critical infrastructure projects by slashing red tape in the planning system which is holding up projects. That means looking again at the input from expert bodies who developers are required to consult – and replacing the current systems of environmental assessment to deliver a more effective and streamlined system that reduces costs and delays for developers, whilst still protecting the environment.

The Chancellor also revealed today that she is championing a regeneration project around Old Trafford in Manchester that will see new housing, commercial and public space as a shining example of the bold pro-development model that will drive growth across the region, with authorities exploring setting up a mayoral development corporation body to redevelop the area. 

The government is also working with Greater Manchester to release growth-generating land around transport hubs through local development orders, such as around Castleton Station, with the potential for this innovative use of existing powers to kickstart building in these sites to be a blueprint for the rest of the country so that every corner of the UK benefits from growth.

The new proposals tackle the dire inheritance head on. Last year homebuilding fell below 200k and permissions reached their lowest for over a decade, which is why the government is taking radical action necessary to reverse this trend and deliver the homes necessary to reach 1.5 million homes over this Parliament.

This government is turning the page on the decline and decay of the past and choosing growth with a significant number of planning decisions already made by Ministers since July. This includes 13 planning decisions taken by Ministers over 90% of which within the target timeframe, and 9 nationally significant infrastructure projects approved, collectively spanning airports, data centres, solar farms and major housing developments such as the Expansion of London City Airport, a data centre in Buckinghamshire and a new M&S store in Oxford Street, London.  

The government has committed to making 150 decisions on these major economic infrastructure applications over this Parliament, more than doubling the decisions made in the previous Parliament and more than 130 made since 2011.

This will unlock the growth necessary to deliver win-win outcomes for the country and the economy – creating stable and high-paying jobs, building more affordable homes, and delivering critical infrastructure faster to bolster public services and lower bills – while improving the environment where it matters most.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: “I am fighting every single day in our mission to kick start the economy, deliver on our Plan for Change, and make working people better off. That includes avenues that others have shied away from.  

“Too often the answer to new development has been “no”. But that is the attitude that has stunted economic growth and left working people worse off. We need to do things differently and that journey began as soon as I started at the Treasury in July. These are our next steps and I can say for certain, there is more to come.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said: “From day one I have been clear that bold action is needed to remove the blockers who put a chokehold on growth. That’s why we are putting growth at the heart of our planning system.

“Growth means higher wages, better living standards, families raising their children in safer homes, and the next generation taking their first steps onto the housing ladder.

“This year we will go even further to make the dream of homeownership a reality for millions and fix the housing crisis we inherited for good – getting more shovels in the ground to build the homes and vital infrastructure that our communities so desperately need.”

Growth is the number one mission of the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, so we can put more money in people’s pocket. Today the Chancellor is setting out further action on the government’s growth mission by announcing the following: 

Planning 

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will provide the powers to accelerate the infrastructure and homes needed to deliver on the government’s ambitions – and fast track critical infrastructure such as windfarms, power plants, and major road and rail projects. Today the government is confirming for the first time that the Bill will be introduced in Spring and we will work with Parliamentarians to ensure a smooth and speedy delivery.

Further detail on the Bill is being published today in a working paper on streamlining decisions on nationally significant infrastructure projects, including reducing the burden on developers by making consultation requirements more proportionate, strengthening statutory guidance to ensure they are clear over what is and is not required when submitting planning applications, and ensuring that National Policy Statements are updated at least every five years to give more certainty to developers, speeding up decisions. 

Previous working papers have already set out reforms to the operation of planning committees, and an overhaul of the way developers can discharge their environmental obligations so that they can crack on with building.

The Chancellor is today also announcing reform to the statutory consultee system, which requires developers to consult local communities and expert bodies when making planning decisions. This often means too many organisations consulted on too wide a range of issues, clogging up much-needed development.

Today the government has declared a moratorium on any new statutory consultees and the Chancellor and the Deputy Prime Minister will review in the coming weeks the existing arrangements to make sure they meet this Government’s ambitions for growth.

This follows changes announced last week to the rules around challenging major infrastructure projects through the courts – stopping blockers getting in the way of the Government’s Plan for Change and getting nuclear plants, trainlines and windfarms built quicker. Current excessive rules mean unarguable cases can be bought back to the courts three times.

This will be overhauled, with just one attempt at legal challenge for hopeless cases that would previously have caused much more delay.

Environment

The government is also reforming environmental impact assessments, which have strayed from their original purpose of supporting decision making and have become voluminous and costly documents that too often support legal challenges rather than the environment.

They will be replaced by Environmental Outcome Reports which will be simpler and much clearer, which will support growth by saving developers time and money, whilst still protecting the environment. The government will publish a roadmap for the delivery of these new Environment Outcomes Reports in the coming months.  

This follows a working paper on development and nature published by the government before Christmas setting out a new approach that will turbocharge the delivery of housing and infrastructure while securing positive environmental outcomes.

Developers will be able to pay into the Nature Restoration Fund which will allow them to discharge relevant environmental obligations for protected sites and species and focus on building, safe in the knowledge that appropriate action will be taken to support nature’s recovery.

Major infrastructure

A working paper is being published setting out the government’s plan for its 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy, which will be focussed on infrastructure’s role in enabling resilient growth, delivering clean energy by 2030 and net zero by 2050 while securing the growth benefits of the transition, and improving public services.

The working paper seeks industry views as part of the government’s continued consultation on the development of the strategy which will be published in late Spring.

Jennie Daly, CEO of Taylor Wimpey said: “We continue to be impressed by the speed with which the government has gripped the need for planning reform to deliver much needed new housing supply. New high-quality housing and the infrastructure it brings are essential drivers of economic growth. 

“We welcome the commitment from the government to introduce the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as a priority in the spring, and we look forward to supporting the promised consultation work on reforming the planning system to expedite decisions and overcome local barriers to growth.”

Mark Reynolds, Mace Group Executive Chairman and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council said: “When the government and the Construction sector work in partnership we can unlock growth of up to 2% of GDP. The simplification and streamlining of the planning system is a significant contributor to this so the announcements today are a welcome development which could deliver £2 billion per year in savings once fully implemented.

“In addition the upcoming publication of the 10 year National Infrastructure Strategy is an opportunity to set out plans for ambitious growth and chart a direction for the industry, instilling confidence in businesses to invest in skills, innovation and deliver profitable growth, we look forward to contributing to its success.”

Neil Jefferson, CEO of Home Builders Federations said: “Identifying more land for development and removing the treacle from the planning process that delays applications is essential if we are to increase housing supply.

“The swift moves to address these blocks in the planning system are very welcome and will pay dividends if the other constraints on housing supply can be tackled. Housing delivery is dependent upon a range of factors, of which planning is a major one, and these changes underline the government’s commitment to increasing supply.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “With our devolved powers we’re mobilising the whole Greater Manchester system to lock in growth for the next decade and reap the rewards for our city-region and UK plc.

“The project around Old Trafford represents the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and is a key part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth across Greater Manchester.

“We look forward working with the Government on moving freight away from the site around Old Trafford to new locations to open up capacity our rail network, and unlock massive regeneration potential – delivering benefits across the whole of the North.”

As part of its ‘relentless focus’ to get Britain building and achieve the ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over five years, the government has already:  

  • Overhauled the National Planning Policy Framework, including new and higher mandatory housebuilding targets for councils, a comprehensive modernisation of the Green Belt, and far greater support for growth-supporting development such as labs and datacentres.  
  • Launched a New Homes Accelerator group to unlock thousands of new homes currently in the planning system.  
  • Published a series of working papers on further reforms to the planning system:
    • ‘brownfield passports’, designed to ensure that where planning proposals meet design and quality standards, the default answer to planning permission is ‘yes’,
    • development and nature recovery, detailing a new approach for developers to discharge environmental obligations through payment into a Nature Restoration Fund which then allows them to crack on with building,
    •  planning committees, proposing a national scheme of delegation to speed up the approval process and provide greater certainty to developers.
  • Set up an independent New Towns Taskforce, as part of a long-term vision to create largescale communities of at least 10,000 new homes each.  
  • Awarded £68 million to 54 local councils to unlock housing on brownfield sites.   
  • Awarded £47 million to seven councils to unlock homes stalled by nutrient neutrality rules. 
  • Extended the existing Home Building Fund for this year providing up to £700 million of vital support to SME housebuilders, supporting the delivery of around 12,000 additional homes.
  • Confirmed that government investment in housing will increase to £5 billion for this year, including an extra £500 million in new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme to deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country.

Biggest fraud crackdown in a generation

Welfare fraudsters who cheated the taxpayer out of £7 billion last year could be banned from driving if they fail to reimburse the public and repay their debt

  • Benefit cheats to be stripped of driving licences under new plans in government’s biggest fraud crackdown in a generation
  • New Public Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Bill introduces measures to be tough on criminals and fairer to taxpayers.
  • The Bill alone is expected to save the Department £1.5 billion over the next five years, and forms part of wider government plans to save a total of £8.6 billion over 5 years in the biggest welfare fraud and error budget package in recent history, as part of Plan for Change

As part of new legislation set to be introduced in Parliament today to deliver the biggest fraud crackdown in a generation, benefit cheats could be disqualified from driving for periods of up to two years if they refuse all opportunities to repay the money they owe.

The Department or Work and Pensions (DWP) will be able to apply to the court with the justification to suspend fraudsters from driving, provided the debts is £1,000 or over and frequent requests to repay the debt have been ignored.

DWP’s serious organised crime authorised investigators are also expected to be handed powers to apply to a court for search warrants. It means that for the first time, they will be able to support Police and search premises and seize items such as computers and smartphones as evidence against fraudsters.

The Bill alone is expected to save the Department £1.5 billion over the next five years, and forms part of wider government plans to save a total of £4.3 billion in 2029/30 in the biggest welfare fraud and error budget package in recent history.

 The new legislation is being brought forward after the government inherited a broken welfare system, with fraud and error in the social security system currently costing the taxpayer almost £10 billion a year and, since the pandemic, a total of £35 billion of taxpayers’ money has been incorrectly paid to those not entitled to the money.

This Bill comes as the government seeks to bring forward measures to overhaul the health and disability welfare system as part of its Plan for Change, so it better supports people to enter and remain in work and to tackle the spiralling welfare bill – with new proposals for reforming the health and disability benefits system expected in the Spring.

This legislation also delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money and demonstrates the government’s commitment to not tolerate fraud, error or waste anywhere in public services, including the social security system. 

The measures in the Bill will be underpinned by a principle of fairness and proportionality – the priority is always to negotiate affordable and sustainable repayment plans, with these powers to be used as a last resort. 

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, said: “We are turning off the tap to criminals who cheat the system and steal law-abiding taxpayers’ money.

“This means greater consequences for fraudsters who cheat and evade the system, including as a last resort in the most serious cases removing their driving licence. Backed up by new and important safeguards including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight to ensure the powers are used proportionately and safely.

“People need to have confidence the Government is opening all available doors to tackle fraud and eliminate waste, as we continue the most ambitious programme for government in a generation – with a laser-like focus on outcomes which will make the biggest difference to their lives as part of our Plan for Change.”

DWP will also have the power to recover money directly from bank accounts of those not on benefits or in PAYE employment who owe the Department and refuse to pay up, despite having the means to do so. The Bill will allow DWP to request bank statements to prove these debtors have sufficient funds to fairly repay what they owe. However, DWP will not have direct access to people’s bank accounts.

Modernising the approach to catching fraudsters, preventing overpayments and introducing new safeguards to further protect vulnerable customers means the DWP can keep pace with the sophisticated nature of fraud, while also ensuring law-abiding customers get the right benefits – preventing them from falling further into debt.

The Bill will also include safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable customers. Staff will be trained to the highest standards on the appropriate use of any new powers, and we will introduce new oversight and reporting mechanisms, to monitor these new powers.

The government will also bring forward Codes of Practice which will be consulted on during the passage of the Bill to provide further assurance on the safe use of the powers, and we have a clearly defined scope and clear limitations for the use of all the powers including the right to appeal the decision.

The Cabinet Office’s Public Sector Fraud Authority will also be given more powers under the legislation being introduced in Parliament today.

A brand-new measure will see the time limit for civil claims against Covid fraud doubled from six to twelve years. This step change in the ability to fight fraud committed during the pandemic will give the Covid Corruption Commissioner and the Public Sector Fraud Authority more time to investigate complex cases and apply their new powers retrospectively – including the ability to raid properties and retrieve money from Covid fraudsters’ bank accounts.

Georgia Gould, Minister in the Cabinet Office, said: “During the pandemic, when people and businesses needed government support the most, some people stole public money for their own personal gain.

“This legislation gives the government tough new powers that can be used to investigate and recover money stolen from the public during covid and doubles the time we have to bring fraudsters to justice.”

Taken together, these measures show the government’s commitment to taking a responsible approach to public finances which is required for long-term economic growth, in order to deliver for working people up and down the country.

Additional Information

The new law will deliver on this government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money – ensuring every pound is spent wisely and effectively:  

  • New powers of search and seizure – so DWP can control investigations into criminal gangs defrauding the taxpayer 
  • Allowing DWP to recover debts from individuals no longer on benefits and not in PAYE employment who can pay money back but have avoided doing so. 
  • New requirements for banks and building societies to flag where there is an indication that there may be a breach of eligibility rules for benefits – preventing debts accruing 
  • All the powers will include strong safeguards to ensure they are only used appropriately and proportionately – including new inspection and reporting mechanisms. 
  • We have a clearly defined scope and clear limitations for the use of all the powers we are introducing, and our staff will be trained to the highest possible standards. 

The measures in this Bill will enable the PSFA to:

  • reduce fraud against the public sector by using its expertise to take action on behalf of other departments, against those who attack the public sector.
  • better detect and prevent incorrect payments across the public sector through new information gathering and sharing powers.
  • Use strong non-criminal sanctions and civil penalties to provide an alternative to criminal prosecution and to deter fraud 
  • improve the government’s ability to recover public money, through new debt recovery and enforcement powers. 
  • Use new powers of entry, search and seizure to reduce the burdens on the police in the most serious criminal investigations.
  • improve fraud management in future emergencies by creating specialist time limited powers to be used in crisis management situations – building on lessons learned during COVID-19.

The PSFA will implement a ‘test and learn’ approach when utilising these powers, piloting different approaches and expertise to find the best way to tackle public sector fraud.

Chancellor on China: ‘Stable relationship that supports secure growth is in our national interest’

  • Chancellor visiting Beijing for the first UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue since 2019 – seeking stability in relationship with world’s second largest economy to achieve secure and resilient growth.
  • Visit delivers on commitment to explore deeper economic cooperation made by Prime Minister and President Xi at G20 in November.
  • Reeves will also raise difficult issues, including China’s support for Russia illegal war in Ukraine and concerns over constraints on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

Making working people across Britain secure and better off is ‘at the forefront of the Chancellor’s mind’ while in Beijing this weekend for a UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD).

Rachel Reeves will meet with her counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, in the Chinese capital today for a series of conversations around the financial services relationship between the two countries, support for safe trade and investment and the importance of cooperation on global issues like climate change.

She will be joined by Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority Nikhil Rathi, and senior representatives from some of Britain’s biggest financial services firms as she seeks outcomes that benefit our businesses, support secure and resilient growth in the UK, and finance tackling shared global challenges.

The Chancellor’s visit follows a meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit last autumn, where they discussed deepening the economic and trade relationship shared by the UK and China, in order to yield mutual benefits, support growth, and have candid discussion on issues where our views differ. As part of this, the Chancellor is expected to raise constraints on rights and freedoms in Hong Kong and to urge China to stop its material and economic support for the Russian war effort in Ukraine.

This is part of the consistent, long term and strategic approach that the government is taking in managing the UK’s relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. The government will co-operate where it can, compete where it needs to, and challenge where it must, including to protect our values and national security as the first duty of government.

Ahead of her visit, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Growing the economy and raising living standards is front and centre of this government’s Plan for Change. That growth must be secure, resilient, and built on stable foundations, including through careful pragmatic cooperation with international partners.

“By finding common ground on trade and investment while being candid about our differences and upholding national security as the first duty of this government, we can build a long-term economic relationship with China that works in the national interest.”

While in Beijing, the Chancellor will also visit Brompton’s flagship store. The enduring British bike brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary year, and its flourishing community in the Chinese capital as its foremost market is a major success story for UK exports to China.

In addition to building on the financial services relationship, the EFD will also seek to bring down barriers that British businesses face when looking to export or expand to China, supporting them to seize growth opportunities and follow in the footsteps of brands like Brompton, and other cornerstones of British culture and industry like Jaguar Land Rover, Unilever and Diageo – three companies whom Reeves will also meet with during her visit.

Reeves is also to visit Shanghai on Sunday to engage with representatives across British and Chinese business. Alongside London, the city is a leading global financial centre which has long been important for UK-China economic and financial links, including in financial services with the landmark financial market connectivity initiative between the London Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange entering its sixth year.

China is the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s fourth largest single trading partner, with a trade relationship worth almost £113 billion, and with exports to China supporting over 455,000 jobs in the UK in 2020.

UK stagflation crisis threat demands action

The UK economy is staring down the barrel of the stagflation gun, with stagnant growth and persistent inflation combining to create one of the most challenging financial environments in over a decade. 

This is the stark warning from Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, as this week the 30-year gilt yield hit a staggering 5.25%—its highest point since the 2008 financial crisis—underscoring the scale of the issue. 

He says: “Stagflation’s grip on the UK has been exacerbated by weak domestic growth, which under normal circumstances would prompt the Bank of England to lower interest rates. 

“However, with inflation still uncomfortably high, policymakers find themselves in a precarious position, hesitating to make moves that could further weaken the pound and worsen price pressures. 

Nigel Green continues: “For Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the situation is particularly dire. Her key fiscal rule—eliminating all non-investment borrowing by 2029—now hangs in the balance, as rising interest payments on debt eat into the Treasury’s capacity to act. 

“Achieving this goal will demand either politically challenging tax increases or deep public spending cuts. Both measures will hurt economic growth, amplifying the stagflationary spiral. 

“The rise in gilt yields signals growing investor caution about the UK’s economic outlook. 

“Higher borrowing costs are creating ripple effects across sectors, from property to retail, as businesses and consumers alike face higher for longer interest rates. At the same time, the weakening pound, spurred by fears of stagnation, makes UK assets more attractive to international investors.

“For global investors, the UK’s predicament is not just a warning—it’s a call to action. Stagflation may erode domestic purchasing power, but it also opens the door to undervalued opportunities in key sectors, particularly for those with a long-term strategy. 

“Fixed-income securities are more appealing given their higher yields, especially for those seeking safe havens in a turbulent global economy.”

While stagflation is a daunting challenge, it also forces innovation and adaptation. 

“For investors with ties to Britain, this is the time to reassess portfolios, hedge against inflation, and identify sectors that can thrive in a stagflationary environment. History teaches us that industries such as energy, healthcare, and tech have shown resilience, even in periods of economic stagnation.

“The gilt market itself is worth watching closely. The recent yield spike suggests a shift in sentiment, but for those who act decisively, these higher yields could lock in significant returns over the medium term. 

“Similarly, the weakening pound, while a burden for imports, is a boon for exporters and foreign investors looking to acquire UK assets at a relative discount.”

Nigel Green concludes: “The looming spectre of stagflation may sound like a warning bell, but it’s also a call for decisive action. The UK’s challenges are real, but so are the prospects for those who think globally and act strategically.”

BETRAYED: WASPI women fury over Labour Government U-turn

WASPI women WON’T be compensated

Women who say they weren’t given fair notice about a rise in State Pension age will NOT receive compensation, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed yesterday.

Angela Madden, chairwoman of Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) said: “The Government has made an unprecedented political choice to ignore the clear recommendations of an independent watchdog which ordered ministers urgently to compensate Waspi women nine months ago.

Waspi campaigner Jan Fulster told BBC Breakfast she feels feels “very let down” by the government. “We’d expected that the government would do the decent thing,” she said.

She adds she was shocked by the decision not to pay compensation because many senior Labour figures had been supportive of the Waspi campaign while in opposition.

“It just feels as if it’s all been a lie,” she says.

WASPI’s response to the Minister’s statement:

“The Government has today made an unprecedented political choice to ignore the clear recommendations of an independent watchdog which ordered ministers urgently to compensate WASPI women nine months ago.

“This is a bizarre and totally unjustified move which will leave everyone asking what the point of an ombudsman is if ministers can simply ignore their decisions. It feels like a decision that would make the likes of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump blush.

“The idea that an ‘action plan’ to avoid such mistakes in future should be the result of a six-year Ombudsman’s investigation is an insult both to the women and to the PHSO process.

“An overwhelming majority of MPs back WASPI’s calls for fair compensation and all options remain on the table.

“Parliament must now seek an alternative mechanism to force this issue on to the order paper so justice can be done.”

UNITE General Secretary Sharon Graham, said: “@GOVUK’s decision not to compensate the @WASPI_Campaign women despite the Ombudsmen’s recommendations is a disgrace.

“Ministers are making the wrong choices – they need to turn back now because voters will not forgive them.”

Labour MP John McDonnell said yesterday: “I am not in Parliament today as I have the flu that’s going round & I am just feeling too ill but having heard of the government’s rejection of any compensation for the Waspi women I believe they will consider this to be a betrayal & I doubt if they will just go away quietly.”

I THINK HE’S RIGHT …

Happy New Year? Energy price cap will rise by 1.2% from January

Energy regulator Ofgem has today (Friday 22 November) announced a 1.2% increase of the energy price cap for the period covering January-March 2025.  

The change to the price cap – which sets a maximum rate per unit and standing charge that can be billed to customers for their energy use – will rise by £21 for an average household per year or around £1.75 a month. 

For an average household paying by Direct Debit for dual fuel this equates to £1,738 per year. This is 10% (£190) cheaper compared to January-March 2024 (£1,928) and 57.2% (£2,321) less than the energy crisis (January-March 2023). 

It comes as analysis by Ofgem shows around 1.5million households switched tariff over the past three months. The regulator is urging customers to take advantage of the rising choice in the market and look for the best deal to help keep their household bills down. By switching, savings of up to £140 are currently available.

Following a call by Ofgem in August for suppliers to offer more choice with low and no-standing charge tariffs, there has been an increase in the number of suppliers offering these kinds of deals. There are currently 8 available that are at least 10% below the level set in the price cap. 

However, while these come with a lower standing charge, they do have a higher unit rate. They could benefit customers with lower energy usage but will not work for everyone so consumers should carefully consider what works for them. 

Tim Jarvis, director general of markets at Ofgem, said: “While today’s change means the cap has remained relatively stable, we understand that the cost of energy remains a challenge for too many households.

“However, with more tariffs coming into the market, there are ways for customers to bring their bill down so please shop around and look at all the options.

“Our reliance on volatile international markets – which are affected by factors such as events in Russia and the Middle East – means the cost of energy will continue to fluctuate. So it’s more important than ever to stay focused on building a renewable, home-grown energy system to bring costs down and give households stability. 

“In the short term though, anyone struggling with bills should speak to their supplier to make sure they’re getting the help they need and look around to make sure they’re on the best, most affordable deal for them.” 

The regulator is encouraging customers to consider the way they pay their bills. Around 5 million customers pay by standard credit payments – which means paying for energy after it has been used. But this is much more expensive, particularly over the winter months.

Customers could save £100 by simply switching from standard credit payments to Direct Debit payments or smart PPM, which remains the cheapest way to pay for energy.

The cheapest deal on the market could save a typical dual fuel customer £210 compared to the upcoming price cap level. However, this requires signing up for an additional boiler cover service. 

There are other cheaper fixed deals on the market which don’t require additional services that could save customers more than £140 per year compared to the upcoming cap level. 

If consumers are worried about paying their bills, they can contact their supplier for support. Ofgem’s rules mean they must work with their customers to agree an affordable payment plan. They may also be able to help by offering more time to pay, access to hardship funds and advice on how to use less energy.

Age Scotland’s Policy Director, Adam Stachura, said: “This latest increase to the energy price cap is yet another blow for older people facing the coldest months without the safety net of the Winter Fuel Payment.

“At a time when many are already feeling under pressure, news that bills are set to rise further still will put those already struggling in an extremely difficult position. They will be very disappointed that there is no end in sight, and no support measures identified for those not claiming or not eligible for Pension Credit.

“Pensioners in Scotland are the most starkly affected by fuel poverty, so government must deliver much more to support them or the numbers in this grim position will spiral further. This another compelling reason for the Scottish Government to bring back the universal entitlement to the Winter Age Pension Heating Payment next winter.

“With Scotland already recording the coldest temperatures in the UK, we are seriously concerned about older people’s health being jeopardised if they are unable to heat their homes.”

Consumer Scotland Head of Energy Kate Morrison said: “Although lower than at the peak of the energy crisis, energy bills are still historically high and will rise further in January.

“One of the legacies of the past two years of high bills has been a growth of energy debt and arrears in the GB domestic market which now exceeds £3.6bn – a record high – and bill increases will impact further on levels of debt

“This will be a challenging winter for consumers, particularly those with higher energy needs including disabled people and those with health conditions.

“There is a need for governments to design and deliver better targeted energy affordability support for consumers, particularly given current levels of debt and ongoing pressure on household budgets.”