Tag: Politics

UK Government pledge to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030

ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY TAKES ON ENGLAND’s WATER COMPANIES

Sewage pollution from water companies will be cut in half by the end of the decade, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed will pledge today. 

Our rivers, lakes and seas will be the cleanest since records began, meaning millions of families will benefit from cleaner beaches and rivers.  

For the first time the Government has made a pledge to cut sewage pollution with a clear target which they will be held accountable to, but campaigners say the Government’s pledge is ‘too little, too late’.

The Government, in partnership with investors, has secured funding to rebuild the entire water network to clean up our rivers. 

In one of the largest infrastructure projects in this country’s history, a record £104 billion is being invested to upgrade crumbling pipes and build new sewage treatment works cutting sewage pollution into rivers.  

Over the past year, the Government has introduced a package of measures to slash pollution levels. Bills are now ringfenced to force companies to invest in upgrades and over £100 million of water fines are being spent on local clean-up projects.  

The commitment comes as the Government vows “root and branch reform” to usher in a revolution in the water industry, ahead of the Independent Water Commission’s final report, which will be published tomorrow.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “Families have watched their local rivers, coastlines and lakes suffer from record levels of pollution.

“My pledge to you: the Government will halve sewage pollution from water companies by the end of the decade.

“One of the largest infrastructure projects in England’s history will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.” 

 The Government has already taken decisive action to clean up England’s waterways:

  • Record investment: with £104 billion to upgrade crumbling pipes and build sewage treatment works across the country.  
  • Ringfence customers’ bills for upgrades: customer bills earmarked for investment must now be spent on new sewage pipes and treatment works – not spent on shareholder payments or bonuses.  
  • Reinvesting company fines into local projects: with over £100million being invested into local clean-up projects in communities.  
  • Largest budget for water regulation: the Environment Agency received a record £189 million to fund hundreds of enforcement officers to inspect and prosecute polluting water companies. 
  • Polluter Pays: companies will now cover the cost of prosecutions and successful investigations into pollution incidents, enabling the regulator to hire more staff and pursue further enforcement activity.  
  • Banning wet wipes containing plastic in England: introducing legislation to reduce microplastics in our waters. 
  • The Water (Special Measures) Act: banned unfair bonuses for ten polluting water bosses this year and threatened prison sentences for law-breaking executives. 

This package of measures will slash storm overflow spills by 50% by 2030 and halve phosphorus from treated wastewater by 2028. 

Both contaminants choke our rivers, suffocate wildlife and destroy ecosystems. In 2024, sewage spilled into waterways for a record 3,614,428 hours.  

Pollution levels were a decisive factor in the Government launching the Independent Water Commission last October – the largest review of the sector since privatisation.     

Led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, the Commission’s final report will be published tomorrow with recommendations on regulation, strategic frameworks and support for consumers.

The Government will respond to the recommendations in Parliament on Monday.  

Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s pledge is based on:   

  • A 50% reduction in spills from storm overflows – an outlet from the public sewer that spills both sewage and rainwater into the environment – by 2030. 
  • A 50% reduction in the amount of phosphorus from water company treated wastewater entering our waterways by the end of January 2028. 
  • Work with devolved governments to ban wet wipes containing plastic across the UK. We will go further to tackle the issues caused by unflushables to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution, particularly in our waters. 
  • Continued work on pre-pipe measures, such as sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) which help to reduce pressure on the sewerage system.     
  • The start of trials by water companies of nature-based solutions, such as constructed wetlands, to investigate if they can be used in the treatment process to reduce harm. 

UK Government backs bid to bring World Athletics Championships back to London in 2029

Successful bid would see the biggest global athletics event return to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

  • Government also supports bid for the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships to be staged in the UK
  • Championships would boost economy and strengthen UK standing as world-class sporting hosts

The UK Government has today confirmed its support for bids to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships; setting out their ambition to see the sport’s pinnacle events return to the UK for the first time since the summer of 2017.

A bid would aim to boost the UK economy, further strengthen the country’s outstanding reputation for hosting the biggest and best events, and encourage more people to get involved in track and field.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent.

“Hosting these championships would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions.

“The event would provide a boost for UK businesses and support jobs as well as bring our communities together. I’m delighted to support the bid.”

The London Stadium, etched into the public’s memory for hosting the iconic 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the hugely successful 2017 World Championships, is the proposed venue for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

Meanwhile, the Government is committed to taking the World Paras beyond the capital, with a host city to be confirmed in due course.

Subject to funding from partners being confirmed, the Government has agreed to provide significant funding for both bids, reflecting the UK’s ambition to once again bring the world’s greatest athletes to UK shores.

This major commitment comes with London today set to host a sold-out Diamond League event, the world’s biggest one-day athletics meet.

The UK Government will work hand-in-hand with the bidder Athletic Ventures, UK Sport, and host cities – including the Greater London Authority for the World Athletics Championship – to unlock a wide range of social, economic and sporting benefits, from boosting tourism and local economies to fostering healthier, more active communities through elite sport.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: “Major sporting events deliver unforgettable moments and have the power to bring our country together like little else.

“That’s why we’re excited to be backing a bid to bring the World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK in 2029. As part of our Plan for Change, we want to build on our world class reputation as hosts, delivering not just economic benefits for the country but engaging communities, inspiring the next generation and showcasing the best of Britain to the world.”

Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport, said: “Live sport matters. It brings people together in ways few other things can, creating happiness, pride and lasting memories.

“Hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships gives us the chance to once again unite the nation around these genuinely global events.

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to extend our pipeline of hosted events, as we move forward with this bold and collaborative bid.”

Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “We’d like to thank the Government for supporting these bids. Staging these events in the UK will not only inspire today’s elite athletes, but those of tomorrow, and will engage millions in our sport.

“After superb medal hauls over the last few years on the World, Olympic and Paralympic stage, athletics in the UK is on an upward trajectory, with new partners, record participation and sold-out stadia.

“This support will drive the sport on to new heights.”

Sanjay Bhandari, Chair at Athletic Ventures, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Government has recognised the enormous value that the World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships can deliver for Britain — from jobs and investment to inspiring young people to get active.

“Central government support is a catalytic first step enabling us to build further dialogue with potential host cities and build compelling bids for both championships.

“We will seek to create spectacular events that leave a lasting legacy for our communities. We’re excited to work with partners across sport, government and our potential host cities to make that vision a reality.”

Josh Kerr, 1500m world champion and double Olympic medallist, said: “London 2017 was my first senior World Championships, and it lit a fire in me. Being part of a home team in that kind of atmosphere was incredible — it made me hungrier than ever to become a world champion and chase Olympic medals.

“Having the government support to bid for 2029 and potentially bring that experience back to London would be massive. It would inspire so many young athletes and give the sport the platform it deserves. I’m proud to support the bid and hope we get the chance to show the world what we can do on home soil.”

If successful, the Championships would mark another milestone in the UK’s exceptional record of hosting world-class events and its enduring commitment to investing in sport as a force for good.

The pipeline of major events already secured includes this Summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs 2027, and EURO 2028.

Katarina Johnson Thompson, two-time heptathlon world champion, said: “I’m so pleased to see the Government backing this bid — hosting a home World Championships would be incredible for our sport and for the country.

“I still remember the buzz of competing in front of a home crowd in London in 2012 and 2017 — nothing compares to that feeling. It gave me a huge lift, and I’d love the next generation of athletes to experience that same atmosphere on the world stage.

“Bringing the Championships back to London would inspire so many people and show what British athletics is all about.”

Zak Skinner, two-time European T13 Gold medallist, said: “It’s great that the Government is backing the bid to bring the World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK. Competing at London 2017 was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

“That home crowd, that energy — it was electric, and it showed just how powerful para athletics can be when it’s centre stage.

“I’ve grown so much as an athlete since then, but that experience gave me belief and drive at a crucial time. Hosting the World Para Athletics Championships here again would be a huge statement — not just for our athletes, but for the next generation watching in the stands or at home. I’d love to see it come back to the UK.”

MSPs seek views on Bill which aims to prevent domestic abuse in Scotland

‘PICTURE – Laura Dodsworth

Views are being sought on a new Bill which aims to reduce incidences of domestic abuse, by the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee.

The Prevention of Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill is a Members Bill which has been introduced by Pam Gosal, MSP.

The Bill is in four parts and would introduce notification requirements for certain people convicted of domestic abuse offences, similar to those for registered sex offenders. This would mean people would have to inform the police of things like their address or passport details.

It would give courts the power to order an assessment of the suitability of certain people convicted of domestic abuse to take part in rehabilitation or behaviour change programmes.

The Bill would place a data collection duty on Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and charities working with victims of domestic abuse, and an annual reporting duty on the Scottish Government.

If passed, the Bill would also require schools to provide education on domestic abuse and healthy relationships as part of the curriculum.

Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse in 2023-24, an increase of 3% compared to the previous year.

Criminal Justice Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “Our Committee is acutely aware of the devastating impact domestic abuse has on individuals, families, and communities across Scotland, and the latest statistics on domestic abuse show the scale of this issue.

“This Bill presents a range of proposals aiming to prevent domestic abuse, including statutory data collection on authorities and improving school education but we want to hear views on whether individuals and organisations support these proposals.

“We are particularly keen to hear from those with lived experience, their families and frontline professionals on if they agree with the proposals in this Bill, or if they feel other actions are required to tackle domestic abuse in Scotland.”

Read the questions and submit your views on Citizen Space

The call for views closes on 15 September 2025.

Chancellor to cut financial red tape to boost home ownership

  • Red tape swept away in biggest financial regulation reforms in a decade to boost homeownership and put more money into people’s pockets through the Government’s Plan for Change.  
  • Nationwide set to widen access to its ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage from Wednesday, supporting 10,000 extra first-time buyers thanks to Chancellor’s Leeds Reforms. 
  • Reeves: Benefits of a thriving finance sector will be felt all over Britain  

The Chancellor is expected to announce the biggest set of reforms to financial regulation in a decade at a summit of top finance executives in Leeds tonight as part of the Government’s mission to kick start economic growth and support more first-time buyers.  

Red tape holding back the competitiveness of the UK financial sector will be swept away under the Leeds Reforms, addressing long-standing industry complaints.  

The changes will see Britain become the top destination for finance firms over the next decade, attracting inward investment from across the globe to create good, skilled jobs around the country.  

Prospective homeowners will be given a leg up onto the housing ladder under the plans, with regulators acting on the Chancellor’s push to regulate for growth.  

More mortgages will be available at over 4.5 times a buyer’s income following Bank of England recommendations that some banks and building societies offer more high loan-to-income mortgages – creating up to 36,000 additional mortgages for first-time buyers over the first year. 

This change means that Nationwide will be able to make its popular ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage available to people with lower incomes. From Wednesday, eligible first-time buyers can apply for the mortgage with a £30,000 salary, down from £35,000, and joint applicants with a £50,000 combined salary – down from £55,000. This will support an additional 10,000 first-time buyers each year. 

This comes alongside the creation of a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme, delivering on a Manifesto commitment and ensuring high loan-to-value mortgages continue to be available in times of uncertainty, as well as a review of Financial Conduct Authority lending rules that could allow a prospective buyers’ record of paying rent on time to show they can afford mortgage repayments. 

The reforms will be unveiled in Leeds ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech on Tuesday evening. 

Speaking in the City of London, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is expected to say: “This is the foundation of an economy, and a country, that is more active and more confident.  

“Where people and businesses look to the future and talk about hope about opportunity. 

“Assured of their own capability, and of the ability of our country to boldly face the challenges that lie ahead. 

“And certain of the prize if they succeed. 

“Of higher wages and higher living standards. 

“The renewal of Britain in every home and every high street. 

“To put it simply: a Britain that is better off. 

She will add on homeownership: 

“I welcome the recent changes the Financial Policy Committee has announced to the loan-to-income limit on mortgage lending, which the PRA and FCA are implementing immediately.  

“With an instant impact for consumers, such as Nationwide offering its ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage to more first time-buyers – supporting an additional 10,000 each year. 

She will conclude: 

“Today, I have placed financial services at the heart of the government’s growth mission. 

“Recognising that Britain cannot succeed and meet its growth ambitions without a financial services sector that is fighting fit and thriving. … 

“And I have been clear on the benefits that that will drive. 

“With a ripple effect that will drive investment in all sectors of our economy and put pounds in the pockets of working people.” 

New panel of young people to shape UK Government’s Youth Guarantee

Young people with experience of being out of education, employment and training will help shape policy as part of a new Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel in England

  • New panel of young people to advise the Government on shaping employment support for the next generation launched in Youth Employment Week.
  • Group identifies mental health challenges and a lack of focus on apprenticeships in schools as some of the biggest barriers to getting into work or training.
  • Panel marks major milestone in building the Youth Guarantee to give every 18-21-year-old the chance to earn or learn and break down barriers to opportunity as part of the Plan for Change.

Young people with experience of being out of education, employment and training will help shape policy as part of a new Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel.

The panel, made up of 17 young people aged 18 to 24, will regularly meet to discuss the biggest barriers they face to building their careers and advise what can be done to break these down.

It comes as the latest data shows one in eight young people are currently not in education, employment or training – demonstrating the urgent need for reform to ensure the next generation get the support they need to get on in work and in life.

Officially launched in Youth Employment Week, the step to put young people’s voices at the heart of decision-making marks another major milestone in building the UK Government’s Youth Guarantee to ensure all 18-to-21-year-olds in England get the chance to earn or learn.

Panel members were recruited with the help of our partners, Youth Futures Foundation and Youth Employment UK. These key organisations support the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education to run the sessions.

Early insight from the panel has found that some of the most significant obstacles include mental health challenges and an overemphasis in school on UCAS applications instead of tailored careers advice, including alternative options like apprenticeships and training. Lack of public transport and access to digital tools and devices have also been raised as barriers.

The Government has already started making changes to address these challenges – including reforming the apprenticeship system, providing access to mental health support in every school and college and maintaining the £3 bus fare cap on single bus fares in England outside of London.

This comes alongside wider Get Britain Working reforms to transform Jobcentres and roll out eight Youth Guarantee trailblazers across England to test and deliver targeted skills and employment support for young people.

All views shared in the panel meetings will go on to inform policy to ensure that the Youth Guarantee best serves young people.

Giving every young person the best start in life is central to the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity in every part of the country as part of the Plan for Change.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Young people know better than anyone the challenges they face – and the support they need to succeed.

“That’s why their voices will shape how we will deliver a Youth Guarantee that truly works, opening up real opportunities for every 18-to-21-year-old to be in work, training or education.

“Backed by our £45 million investment in targeted youth employment support, this is about unlocking potential, tackling inequality and transforming lives.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “For too long, young people have been talked down to and had their opinions dismissed. The Youth Advisory Panel’s contributions so far have been incredibly insightful, and we are already starting to implement some of their suggestions.

“We have started to reform the apprenticeship system, reprioritising funding to young people, cutting red tape to make it easier to start or complete an apprenticeship and introducing foundation apprenticeships to give young people a route into careers in critical sectors.

“We are also committed to improving careers advice, as well as delivering two weeks’ worth of work experience for every secondary school pupil and providing access to mental health support in every school and college.

“We will ensure the Youth Advisory Panel’s views continue to be taken into account as we continue to break down barriers to opportunity to help young people thrive through our Plan for Change.”

Barry Fletcher, CEO, Youth Futures Foundation and Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE, CEO, Youth Employment UK said: “We are proud to jointly support the launch of the Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel and welcome the decision by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education to involve young people from the outset in the design of this policy.

“This partnership is about ensuring young people have a meaningful role in shaping the Youth Guarantee, and it’s encouraging that trailblazers are actively exploring how to do this locally.

“Panel members are already highlighting barriers to education and employment and offering critical insights into the support young people need to succeed.

“We look forward to continuing this work to build a system that works for all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

Shana Fatahali, Youth Advisory Panel member and Future Voices Group Ambassador, Youth Futures Foundation said: “It has been empowering to be a member of the Youth Guarantee Youth Advisory Panel.

“I’ve had the opportunity to make connections with other young people who share my passion for creating a better future. Since we are the ones using the system, we are aware of its challenges and where it needs to be improved. For this reason, youth voices are important.

“I’m honoured to be a member of an organisation that is influencing actual decisions and introducing alternative perspectives. I can’t wait to keep advocating for a system that genuinely hears, involves, and supports all youth.”

Brewster, Youth Ambassador, Youth Employment UK said: “During the time I have spent with the Youth Advisory Panel, it has been amazing to see others engage in the activities and discussions.

“I really love how committed my fellow Youth Ambassadors, Youth Employment UK, Youth Futures Foundations, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education are to change things for the better for the youth.

“I’m really proud to see this happening with my own eyes. I can’t wait to see what things will happen that will positively affect young people. I can’t wait to learn more and work towards making a positive difference to young people.’’

In May, the Government officially launched eight Youth Guarantee trailblazers across England.

Backed by £45 million, the trailblazers are testing a new form of local delivery, matching young people to local job or training opportunities. The trailblazers will provide all-important learnings to inform the national roll-out of the programme.

This comes alongside record investment in skills and apprenticeships, providing a more personalised system for employers and those looking for work.

The Westminster Government has also taken further action to boost employment and drive-up living standards through boosting the National Living Wage, creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill and overhauling jobcentres as part of the Get Britain Working White Paper.

Further information

  • The Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel has held some early sessions and will meet every six to eight weeks moving forward.
  • Officials from DWP and DfE may test ideas related to the development of the Youth Guarantee to ensure the policy effectively answers the needs of young people today.
  • Insights will be fed back to relevant senior officials and ministers after sessions.
  • The latest ONS figures showing how many young people are not in education, employment or training were published on Friday 23 May: Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) – Office for National Statistics
  • The eight youth trailblazers are in: Liverpool, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and two in London.
  • The Youth Guarantee is an England only initiative as Skills, Education and Employment support are devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • We are working closely with the devolved governments to share experiences and lessons learned.

Advice services need greater support to tackle the cost of leaving

Services supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse should be resourced to be easy to access and able to provide joined-up and consistent access to advice and information on financial support, according to MSPs.

Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee has today released a new report that outlines how people who leave an abusive relationship can be better protected from severe financial implications.

Some domestic abusers restrict a person’s ability to manage their finances. This can involve stopping a victim from opening a bank account, controlling how they use their income, preventing them from working or being in education, or building up debt in a victim’s name. This is known as economic abuse.

In its inquiry, the Committee heard widespread evidence about the barriers faced by victims and survivors trying to access support. Challenges included generic information, a lack of trauma-informed financial advice and “England-centric” online information.

While the Committee appreciated that the Scottish Government provides funding for advice on income maximisation and its Equally Safe strategy to address violence against women and girls, the feedback it heard made it clear that support provided by advice services was vital.

Additionally, the Committee calls for more consistent support from local authorities, asking for the Scottish Government to work with COSLA to develop a single point of contact. Without this, victims and survivors will continue to face significant challenges to accessing advice on problems relating to housing, benefits and legal advice.

The Committee’s report also asks for an update on the Scottish Government’s Fund to Leave pilot which several witnesses cited as a valuable resource when leaving an abusive relationship and before receiving a decision on eligibility for social security.

Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “The impact and cost of leaving an abusive relationship can be absolutely devastating and it is critical that victims and survivors can access advice and support quickly and easily.

“Our report calls for the Scottish Government to strengthen and standardise the support that is available to people. We heard about some excellent work that exists, but it is inconsistent and not always easy to find, which has created barriers for people in horrendously stressful situations.

“We’d like to thank everyone who shared their views with us during this inquiry, particularly the members of Scottish Women’s Aid’s Survivor Reference Group and the staff at Financially Included who spoke so powerfully.”

Fraser of Allander: Optimism fades as economists downgrade growth forecasts for Scottish economy

The outlook for the Scottish and UK economies has weakened, with growth now expected to remain sluggish through the rest of 2025.

In its latest quarterly Economic Commentary, the Institute has downgraded its forecasts for Scottish economic growth to 0.8% in 2025 and 1% in 2026.

This comes despite more upbeat projections from both the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which have recently upgraded their expectations for 2026 whilst similarly revising down their GDP forecasts for 2025.

Economic growth is now slowing compared to the start of the year and inflation has also edged up to 3.4%, after staying below 3% throughout 2024.

The business environment is also showing signs of strain, with companies reporting cutting back on activities in the first quarter compared to last year, plagued by rises in National Insurance Contributions, which took effect in April, alongside uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s trade tariffs. Indeed, pay growth and employee numbers are down, signalling potential weaknesses in the labour market.

The current state of the economy was not unexpected: Institute Director Professor Mairi Spowage warned of turbulent and uncertain conditions which could last throughout the year in the previous commentary.

Professor Spowage said: “After a strong start to the year, the Scottish economy has faltered in March and April and is essentially the same size in real terms as it was six months ago.

“Unfortunately, the wider business environment and global events are still taking a toll on businesses and consumers, which is having a dampening effect on spending and business investment.”

In addition to the latest economic analysis, the commentary provides an overview of Universal Credit and Legacy Benefits in Scotland, a key element of the nation’s social security system, and summarises key takeaways from June’s spending review and medium-term financial strategy.

Dr Joao Sousa, Deputy Director of the Institute, said: “The fiscal announcements by both governments suggest that there are significant economic challenges in the years and months to come for the UK and Scottish Governments.

“Particularly from 2027-28 onwards, the choices of Government look to become more difficult. Of course, this is the role of the Government in power: but the difficulties of the UK Government this week show that events can quickly derail its plans.”

Read more here.

The Scottish Conservatives reckon they know where the problem lies …

The Fraser of Allander Institute has downgraded Scotland’s growth forecast.

The SNP’s anti-business policies and high-tax agenda are having a detrimental impact on the economy.

MPs to investigate children’s TV and video content

A new inquiry will explore the provision of children’s TV and video content in the UK and what can be done to ensure future generations continue to have access to high-quality British-made programming. 

Research from Ofcom shows a structural shift in the viewing habits of young people, with television viewing by children dropping and YouTube now the most used app or site by children of all ages, with 88% of 3 to 17-year-olds using it last year.

The changing ways in which audience consume TV and video, has made it more challenging for public service broadcasters to make original TV content for children and for it to be found. This has a knock-on effect for those in our creative industries who want to make quality UK TV and video for children.  

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry will therefore examine how to ensure those making original high-quality content can continue and how it can be made easier to find it online. 

It will also explore issues relating to parental control of online content, the potential positive and negative effects of how children watch TV and video content on their health and development, and wider issues relating to the sector’s contribution to the economy and its importance to the UK’s cultural identity. 

Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, said: “Children’s viewing habits have come a long way, but whether they watch through a smart TV or a tablet, there is still demand for good quality TV and video for children.

“We all want young people to have access to a range of programming, so in addition to cartoons, they also see drama and factual programmes. We want them to be able to be educated and inspired, as well as entertained. 

“Changes to the media landscape, particularly the shift in viewing to YouTube, pose huge challenges for the future of children’s programming and the continued production of original content by our public service broadcasters.

“We want to know what prominence means for programmes made for children in the future world of smart TVs, streaming, video sharing platforms and endless choice.   

“We have a proud history of high-quality children’s television in the UK. Our inquiry will be showcasing the contribution the sector makes to both our culture and economy and how we can best ensure that content designed for children in all its forms continues to both educate and entertain.”

Terms of reference 

The Committee is inviting written submissions in response to the following questions: 

Children’s TV and video content in the UK 

  1. Who is commissioning and making original, high-quality, TV and video content for children and young audiences in the UK?
    1.  How can they be best supported to continue to make more?
  2. How does the range of content and genres for children vary between that provided by public service media, subscription channels, and both short- and long-form video sharing platforms?
    1. Which audiences, by age or other characteristic, are currently being underserved?
    2.  How can we increase the amount of news and factual programming made for children on TV and online?

Finding children’s TV and video content online 

  1. How can it be made easier to find original, high-quality, TV and video content for children online?
    •  How can the attribution of public service children’s content on video sharing platforms be improved?
  2. How effective are the tools available for parents to control what children are watching on public service media, subscription channels, video sharing platforms? 

Health and child development 

  1. What evidence is there that the TV and video content that children watch, and how they watch it, can contribute:
    • Positively to their health, learning and development?
    •  Negatively to their health, learning and development?

Wider benefits of children’s TV 

  1. How does children’s TV made in the UK contribute to:
    • The UK’s culture and identity?
    • Our cultural and economic exports?

Reigniting the spirit of volunteering in Scotland 

Earlier in June, we marked the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week 2025, a moment to  celebrate the extraordinary impact of volunteers across Scotland. From 2 to 8 June,  organisations, communities and individuals came together to recognise the essential  role volunteers play in shaping a more compassionate and connected society (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).  

Behind every community hub, crisis helpline and mentoring programme in Scotland,  there is a volunteer quietly making a difference.  

This year’s campaign came at a critical time. Volunteering rates, particularly in Edinburgh  and across Lothian, have seen a worrying decline. They are down around 8 per cent since  2019, as a result of pandemic disruptions, the rising cost of living and reduced funding  for volunteer support programmes. Yet across food banks, youth services and elderly  care, the calls for help continue to rise. The need for volunteers has never been greater.  

In response, Inspiring Scotland commissioned Catalysts for Change, a new report  exploring what motivates people to volunteer, the barriers they face, and how Scotland’s  volunteering landscape can evolve. The report was launched during Volunteers’ Week  and shared with the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, offering  practical and timely recommendations to strengthen recruitment, engagement and  retention.  

Two of Inspiring Scotland’s initiatives bring this work to life. The Specialist Volunteer  Network brings together professionals who offer their time and expertise to support  charities and community organisations.

Meanwhile, Intandem, a mentoring programme  for care-experienced young people, is entirely powered by volunteer mentors. Last year  alone, more than 280 volunteers provided consistent weekly support to young people  navigating life in or on the edge of the care system.  

During the most recent Cross-Party Group meeting, several organisations spoke about  the far-reaching benefits of volunteering for both communities and individual wellbeing.  Vintage Vibes, a project combatting loneliness among Edinburgh’s older population,  matches isolated individuals with committed volunteers. One pairing, Natalia and Maja,  shared the joy, connection and sense of purpose their weekly visits bring to both their  lives.  

Similarly, the RNLI, where volunteers fill 97 per cent of frontline roles, emphasised how  life-saving work in schools and coastal communities depends on public goodwill and civic action.

One volunteer, Rachel, described how volunteering gave her confidence, a  sense of community, and a renewed sense of direction, something that positively  influenced her career. It is proof that volunteering may begin as an act of giving, but it  often gives you so much more in return. 

While Volunteers’ Week is a national moment of recognition, the value of volunteering is  felt year-round. Whether by offering time, skills or simply a listening ear, volunteers form  the backbone of Scotland’s social infrastructure. From mentoring teens to delivering  meals to vulnerable neighbours, their quiet work touches every corner of our society.  

As Co-Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, I would like to extend my  heartfelt thanks to everyone who dedicates their time to supporting others.

But  appreciation alone is not enough. We must make it easier for people to get involved by  offering more flexible opportunities, investing in local initiatives, and creating pathways  that remove barriers to participation.

By working together, we can rebuild a thriving  culture of volunteering and ensure that no community is left behind.  

The Scottish Government must match recognition with meaningful investment, stronger  coordination, and long-term policy support to help volunteering thrive across the country. 

To explore local volunteering opportunities, visit https://volunteer.scot  

You can also read the full Inspiring Scotland report: Catalysts for Change: Understanding  the motivations of volunteers in Scotland (new report published)