New proposals to combine Right to Buy legislation to simplify the process for community groups to take over land and assets have been published.
The Community Right to Buy Review examined the existing powers introduced since 2003:
Community Right to Buy
Crofting Community Right to Buy
Community Right to Buy Abandoned, Neglected or Detrimental Land
Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development
Analysis of consultation responses showed widespread support for consolidating the non-crofting compulsory purchase rights and non-legislative changes such as updating guidance and setting up a public register for existing community groups.
Land Reform Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Existing legislation has helped revitalise so many areas of Scotland since it came into force, but there is no denying it asks a lot of those who put forward proposals and we committed to making that process easier.
“We’ve listened to all the views put forward and we propose that some of that legislation is merged and updated in the next Parliament.
“The Crofting Community Right to Buy will be updated to simplify the process, rather than merged, as it was clear from those we spoke to about the need to keep this distinct, due to the unique nature of crofting in Scotland.
“We are also working on procedural changes and updates to guidance to support those seeking to invest in their local community.
“I would like to thank all of those who took part in the consultation.”
Review to examine how best to meet the needs of the future economy
A review of the publicly-funded contribution rates paid to help deliver modern apprenticeships (MAs) will be undertaken soon to ensure they continue to meet the country’s economy priorities and maximise public value.
Contributions are made to training costs for around 39,000 MAs each year from £90 million of Scottish Government funding. The review will look at the levels of contribution.
It will also assess how the current approach, delivered by Skills Development Scotland, operates across key sectors and age groups, while meeting the Scottish Government’s priorities for growing the economy.
Ministers committed to a review when Parliament was considering the Tertiary Education and Training (TET) Act – passed by MSPs earlier this year to simplify the funding system for post-16 education and skills. The first stage of this review will get underway later this month.
Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “Apprenticeships help create positive futures for people, including many of our school leavers, as well as developing the skills required to meet the changing needs of the 21st century economy.
“The Scottish Government recognises that there are financial pressures surrounding the current apprenticeship model. That is why we are reviewing contribution rates, to look at whether current public funding for the Modern Apprenticeship programme is still appropriate and sustainable, as well as meeting our priorities and Scotland’s labour market needs.
“The Scottish Government will do more to help ensure that smaller employers can recruit more apprentices, for the benefit of their businesses and those in training.”
Scottish Training Federation Chief Executive Stuart McKenna said: “The Scottish Training Federation welcomes the Minister’s commitment to review funding rates for modern apprenticeships.
“To ensure the continued success of the programme, it is essential that we review the current funding model to ensure it remains fit for purpose.”
Hourglass has welcomed a new inspection by His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI), which finds that older victims of crime generally receive a good service from prosecutors, but warns that court delays and an overly complex policy framework risk leaving older people waiting too long for justice.
The inspection, published today, examined 168 cases and assessed how the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) supports older victims throughout the prosecution process. Inspectors found that prosecutors often identify vulnerability well in practice and make appropriate use of special measures to support older victims to give their best evidence.
Hourglass worked closely with HMCPSI throughout the inspection, providing written evidence, sharing frontline insight from its work supporting older victim-survivors, and contributing to the development of the inspection framework.
The charity welcomed the inspectorate’s commitment to centring victim experience and engaging meaningfully with specialist third sector organisations.
The report highlights serious concerns about delays in the court system, noting the disproportionate impact these have on older victims, whose health and circumstances may deteriorate while cases are repeatedly adjourned.
Inspectors also found that the current approach to identifying and monitoring crimes against older people is overly complex and prone to error, with around a third of cases incorrectly flagged.
Significantly, the inspection reflects a number of issues consistently raised by Hourglass, including the need to lower the age threshold used to identify older victims, move away from a quasi-hate-crime model, and improve the quality and transparency of data.
HMCPSI recommends that the CPS simplify its approach by recognising all victims aged 60 and over, focusing on vulnerability rather than rigid definitions, and strengthening monitoring.
Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Head of Policy at Hourglass, said: “We are grateful to HMCPSI for engaging closely with Hourglass throughout this inspection and for taking older victims’ lived experiences seriously.
“The report rightly recognises the commitment of prosecutors, while also being clear that the current framework is too complex and is producing inconsistent outcomes.
“We are particularly pleased to see our recommendations reflected in the inspectorate’s findings, including lowering the age threshold to 60 and simplifying the approach so that all older victims are consistently recognised and supported.
“We urge the CPS to adopt the recommendations in full and look forward to continuing to work constructively with them to support implementation.”
Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse and neglect of older people, has long called for greater consistency in how older victims are identified, better data to understand the scale and nature of abuse, and a justice system that responds with urgency to the realities of ageing and vulnerability.
The report makes three recommendations for the CPS to implement by September 2026:
simplifying the definition of crimes against older people to include all victims aged 60 and over
removing the requirement to treat these cases as ‘quasi-hate crimes’ and focusing instead on individual vulnerability
strengthening monitoring and data quality to ensure older victims are properly recognised.
Hourglass said the inspection provides a strong foundation for reform and an important opportunity to strengthen confidence among older victim-survivors that they will be seen, supported, and treated with urgency by the justice system.
Baroness Hughes of Stretford, England Patron for Hourglass, said: “Older victims of crime face particular barriers in being heard and supported, especially when cases are delayed or systems are overly complex.
“I welcome moves to create a clearer, more consistent approach that focuses on vulnerability and ensures older people are not overlooked. This is an important moment to strengthen confidence in the justice system for older victims.”
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has published the report of its Targeted Peer Review of the University of Glasgow in response to a Concern raised to the Scottish Quality Concerns Scheme by the Scottish Funding Council.
The Concern was submitted on the basis of maintenance of academic standards and the potential for systemic failure in following the university’s assessment regulations.
Although the Concern was submitted after an internal investigation by the University following the death of a student, the review did not cover the individual circumstances of the tragic incident, but focused on the broader potential for systemic issues at the university.
The Concerns process identified that a Targeted Peer Review was the most appropriate course of action to address the issues identified.
The review process took place from 4 September to 13 November 2025. A two-day on-site visit took place from 28 to 29 October 2025 and included eight meetings with staff (senior, academic, and professional services) and students as well as a presentation delivered by the university. The University of Glasgow cooperated fully with the process.
The Targeted Peer Review was undertaken by a team of four reviewers, including a student reviewer, from across the UK tertiary education sector, and set out to answer 20 lines of enquiry across the topics of assessment regulations and award of credit, extension request processes, communication with students, mitigation of risk and institutional oversight, and student engagement in institutional change.
After thorough investigation, the Targeted Peer Review team has identified areas for development and weaknesses in the areas reviewed, which indicate systemic risks to academic standards and the quality of the student experience at the University of Glasgow. The report makes 21 recommendations for the University of Glasgow to address under the areas reviewed. A full list of recommendations can be found on pages 25-27 of the report.
The report makes two overarching recommendations. Firstly, the report recommends that the university is subject to additional institutional liaison meetings in academic years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to monitor and report regularly on progress against all the recommendations within the report.
Secondly, the report recommends that the university’s next regular external peer review takes place in academic year 2027-28, one year sooner than planned, and considers progress against all the recommendations contained within this report.
The University of Glasgow will be required to submit an action plan within four weeks that covers all recommendations and proposed implementation timelines, which will be agreed by QAA.
QAA has provided a copy of the Targeted Peer Review report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for its consideration within the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit’s enquiries.
The Scottish Funding Council has said that it will be working closely with QAA Scotland and the University of Glasgow to ensure that the recommendations outlined in this report are implemented as a matter of urgency. The SFC has also announced that, given the serious nature of these findings, it is commissioning QAA to conduct a national review of the assessment and associated policies and procedures across the sector.
Vicki Stott, QAA’s Chief Executive, said: “I am grateful to the Targeted Peer Review team for conducting such a thorough and robust review of the University of Glasgow.
“The findings are of serious concern. We are committed to working closely with the university and the Scottish Funding Council to ensure that the University of Glasgow implements the recommendations in this report in a timely manner so that academic standards are protected, and the quality of student experience at the university is safeguarded.
“We look forward to completing the wider work that the Scottish Funding Council has announced today related to these topics, with the Scottish sector.”
Paracetamol should be taken as directed in the patient information leaflet
Following publication of a new systematic review and meta-analysis in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health which found no evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD or intellectual disability among children, the MHRA has reaffirmed that paracetamol continues to be the safest option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said: “Paracetamol remains safe to use during pregnancy. This large-scale analysis of the evidence found no link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or disability in children.
“Paracetamol has been used for many years and is the recommended first choice for treating pain or fever during pregnancy. When taken as directed, it is safe and effective.
“As with all medicines, pregnant women should speak to their doctor, pharmacist or midwife if they have any questions, and follow the guidance provided with the medicine.”
Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration.
If pain does not resolve, then patients are advised to seek advice from their healthcare professional.
Changes to improve, simplify and clarify the legislative framework for the children’s care system to benefit children in care, their families and the workforce that support them will be considered by an independent, expert-led review.
The review, to be led by Professor Kenneth Norrie, a leading authority on family law in Scotland, is expected to conclude within 12 months. He will work in partnership with the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS) which works to improve policy and practice in supporting families.
The review will build on initial exploratory work carried out by The Promise Scotland and will gather evidence on whether the existing legislative framework should be revised, and advise on how doing so could deliver practical and tangible benefits for children, families and the workforce.
Natalie Don-Innes, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, announced the review as part of the Scottish Government’s response to the Stage 1 Committee report on the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill.
Ms Don-Innes said: “Our aim is for children and young people to receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey, so that they grow up loved, safe and respected.
“Individuals and organisations have told me how challenging it is both to access the right support at the right time and to interpret the law around the care journey.
“This independent review will consider any opportunities to simplify the legislative landscape, to maximise practical benefits for children, their families and the professionals that support them.
I am pleased that Professor Norrie has agreed to lead this work, which will sit alongside broader proposals within the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill.
“The Bill will help us take forward our commitment to Keep the Promise, by providing a legal right to advocacy, expanding aftercare support, and supporting smoother transitions between children’s and adult services – which people with care experience have told us they need, and I urge members across the Chamber to back the Bill’s general principles at Stage 1 this week.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has welcomed the publication of the independent review of Creative Scotland.
The review determined that while the organisation’s remit remains relevant, improvements in delivery and leadership are needed to support the breadth of the culture and creative sector’s needs.
Thirty-six recommendations were made with the majority for Creative Scotland, and others for enterprise agencies, local authorities and the Scottish Government.
They covered five themes of: purpose, functions and structure; governance and leadership; performance; finances and distribution of funds; and collaboration, relationships and partnerships.
The Culture Secretary said: “I warmly welcome this report that shows the area where change is needed to ensure Creative Scotland fulfils its potential to support our creative and cultural sectors. This is the first ever review of the organisation since its inception in 2010 and the context within which it operates has changed in the last 15 years.
“Having successfully delivered groundbreaking Multi-Year Funding for cultural organisations, Creative Scotland is now well placed to look at these review recommendations and help the arts and screen sector go from strength to strength.
“As the Scottish Government continues to deliver its commitment to increase culture funding by £100 million per year, it remains vital to ensure the public sector partners tasked with supporting the sector are able to do so as effectively as possible. The recommendations of this review will be key to that.
“I will carefully consider the recommendations made for Scottish Government and will update parliament in due course.”
Chair of the independent review Angela Leitch said: “I am very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to attend an engagement session or send me their views.
“In concluding my Review of Creative Scotland it is evident that there is a need for a strong national body for the arts, culture and creative sector. However, improvements are required to ensure that Creative Scotland can fully deliver all aspects of its remit.
“While my report has focused on Creative Scotland there will need to be input from others including the Scottish Government, local authorities and enterprise agencies. It is therefore important for others to consider my recommendations.”
Disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) following the appointment of two co-chairs, and the launch of a recruitment process for its wider steering group, says DWP
First ever full review of Personal Independence Payment to be led by disabled people with appointment of two co-chairs.
Recruitment for steering group launched to lead co-production and provide strategic direction.
UK Government to partner with disabled people to make sure their views and voices are at the heart of policy making.
Disabled people will be at the heart of the first ever full review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) following the appointment of two co-chairs, and the launch of a recruitment process for its wider steering group.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan have been appointed as co-chairs of the Timms Review, alongside the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE brings more than 25 years’ experience as a national advocate for disability rights, co-production and social justice. He is Associate Director at Think Local Act Personal, a Trustee of Disability Rights UK, and National Development Team for Inclusion.
Sharon Brennan brings expertise from previous roles including as Director of Policy and External Affairs at National Voices, a coalition of health and care charities, and advising the Department for Transport on accessibility as a member of the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee.
Since PIP was introduced over a decade ago, there have been shifting trends in long-term health conditions and disability, plus changes in wider society and the workplace.
Close to 10 million working age people are disabled, and this number has grown by nearly 3 million since 2013/14. There have been greater increases in the prevalence of disability among young people and a rise in mental health conditions.
However, despite these shifts, PIP has never been fully reviewed until now.
The aim of this review is to make sure PIP fairly reflects the reality of the impact of people’s conditions in the modern world, as well as considering the needs of disabled people more widely. It will look at the role of PIP in enabling disabled people to live independently and fully participate in society, as well as the role of the assessment in unlocking wider support.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms said: “We’re ensuring disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can access the same opportunities, choices, and chances as everyone else.
“That’s why we’re putting them at the heart of the first ever full review of PIP – making sure it is fair and fit for the future.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan as the Review’s co-chairs and encourage people with lived experience to apply to be part of this important work.”
The Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them and other experts, and will explore how PIP helps people manage and adapt to their long-term condition or disability in ways that expand their functioning and improve their independence.
An Expression of Interest has launched today to recruit 12 members for the Review’s steering group – the majority of whom will be disabled people or representatives of Disabled People’s Organisations – and will lead the co-production and strategic direction of the Review.
The steering group will not work alone: it will oversee a programme of participation that brings together the full range of views and voices. It will also draw on a broad range of evidence, sources and co-production methodologies to develop its recommendations.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE said: “We have an opportunity to ensure PIP reflects the everyday realities of disabled people’s lives.
“I’m committed to working with my fellow co-chairs and the steering group so this benefit becomes something that empowers rather than frustrates: a system built on dignity, fairness, and trust.”
Sharon Brennan said: “As a disabled person myself, I know from experience that disabled people are often disregarded on issues that affect them, so I am delighted that with this Review we will see them leading the conversation.
“The Government’s commitment to co-production of the Review will put the expertise and experience of disabled people at the heart of the important change we’re determined deliver.”
The Review’s Terms of Reference have also been updated following changes made to the Universal Credit Act, and to provide further clarity on the Review’s scope.
The Review is expected to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by Autumn 2026, with an interim update expected ahead of that.
Today’s announcement follows extensive engagement that the Minister for Social Security and Disability undertook over the summer, meeting with representatives from over 50 organisations across the disability, welfare and co-production sectors, to discuss how co-production should be approached.
Alongside today’s announcement, as previously outlined in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we will also continue to consider ways of using evidence from eligibility for other services to reduce the need for some people with very severe health conditions and disabilities to undergo a full PIP functional assessment.
We have also begun to explore how the process of transferring supporting medical evidence from the NHS to the department could be digitalised, where people have already consented to the NHS sharing that with us. This could reduce the administrative burden on both PIP applicants and the NHS as well as speed up the overall claim journey.
The Expression of Interest is available on GOV.UK and will run for four weeks. Alternative formats (including BSL, Easy Read and audio) are available on request via GOV.UK.
The Timms Review will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026.
UK government takes urgent action to tackle antisemitism and other forms of racism in the NHS
Steps taken to end scourge of antisemitism in the health service
Lord John Mann to lead rapid review into how healthcare regulators tackle antisemitism and racism
Mandatory antiracism training to be rolled out to all NHS staff
The Prime Minister has ordered an urgent review of antisemitism and all forms of racism in the NHS, as part of wider efforts to tackle discrimination in the health service.
Following recent incidents of antisemitism from doctors which drew stark attention to problems of culture and the regulation in the health system, Lord John Mann will lead the review, looking at how to protect patients and staff from racism and hold perpetrators to account.
At the same time, the government announced the immediate rollout of strengthened mandatory antisemitism and anti-racism training across the health service, and NHSE will review its uniform guidance so patients and staff always feel respected in NHS settings.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The discrimination staff and patients have faced because of their race or religion goes against everything our country stands for.
“The NHS was built on the principle that everyone should be treated equally and with respect, and I am determined to restore this to the heart of the health service.
“That’s why I have asked Lord Mann to root out this problem and ensure perpetrators are always held to account.”
Today’s announcement builds on wider efforts across government to stamp out behaviour that seeks to divide and spread hate across the whole of society, following the horrific terrorist attack on Heaton Park Synagogue earlier this month.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: ”The NHS should be there for all of us when we need it – regardless of income, race, or religion. Discrimination undermines everything our health service stands for, and undermines its ability to provide quality care.
“I have been appalled by recent incidents of antisemitism by NHS doctors, and I will not tolerate it. There can be no place in our NHS for doctors or staff continuing to practise after even persistently using antisemitic or hateful language.
“Patients put their lives in the hands of healthcare professionals. They treat us at our most vulnerable. They therefore have a special responsibility to provide total comfort and confidence.
“I am grateful to Lord Mann for taking on this work. I expect his recommendations, and the action we are taking today, to help us enforce a zero tolerance policy to racism in healthcare.”
Lord John Mann said: “The NHS and the health sector pride themselves on being welcoming, inclusive and professional in dealings with every one of us, as we are all patients at different times and in different ways throughout our entire life.
“Everyone in the country should be confident in these underlying principles at all times.
“This review will look at the issues that can undermine the confidence of individuals when seeking or receiving healthcare.
“Ensuring that the systems and culture of regulation across the health service match, at all times, the universal principles and ethics that underpin our NHS will be the sole focus of this work.”
Recently, shocking examples have raised concerns about the operation and efficiency of independent healthcare professional regulators, some of which have been slow to crack down and investigate incidents of hate.
Lord Mann’s review will examine how the regulatory system for healthcare professionals tackles antisemitism and other forms of racism at every stage, from employment through to professional oversight.
It will also look at regulatory processes, transparency in investigations, reporting mechanisms, and how zero-tolerance policies can be more effectively implemented across the health service.
At the same time, all 1.5 million NHS staff will be required to complete updated mandatory antisemitism and anti-racism training, with existing equality, diversity and human rights programmes being expanded to include:
Enhanced content on discrimination and antisemitism
New assessment questions to test understanding
Training developed with equality and antisemitism subject matter experts
Content aligned to core skills training framework
Staff will be asked to refresh their training immediately when the updated content becomes available shortly, rather than waiting for the standard three-year cycle.
The government is also asking NHS England will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and set clear expectations that every Trust, Integrated Care Board, and arms-length body does the same. The government is also reviewing the recommendations of the independent working group on Islamophobia.
NHS England is reviewing the uniform and workwear guidance last updated in 2020, in light of recent successful approaches rolled out at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
NHS England will engage stakeholders on its proposals and issue new guidance shortly. The guidance will protect freedom of religious expression while ensuring patients feel respected at all times. The guidance will not impact staff’s freedom to protest and speak out on political issues, but it will ensure that the political views of staff do not impact on patient care.
Andrew Gilbert, Vice President for Security, Resilience and Cohesion, Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “We welcome the new measures announced today to tackle antisemitism within the NHS, particularly the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, a much needed review on regulators led by Lord Mann and an expansion of effective antisemitism training.
“For much of the last two years, Jewish staff and patients have felt let down by the NHS while antisemitism has been allowed to flourish and thrive with hospitals, medical schools and other health spaces becoming unwelcoming for Jews.
“The government’s plans are a step towards addressing these urgent issues that will make the NHS a safer place for Jews to work and receive care, however, these changes should be seen as a spring board for further changes and not a ‘fix-all’ with issues remaining on the classification of Jews as an ethnicity, the lack of repercussions of medical staff accused of antisemitism and health inequalities in the Jewish community.”
Claudia Mendoza, CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), said: “Antisemitism in the NHS has been out of control. We have seen doctors describe hospitals as cesspits of “Jewish supremacy” and praise Hamas as “legends”, with the regulators and tribunals not taking substantive action.
“It is vital that Jewish patients are able to trust that their healthcare providers will treat them without prejudice. This continued lack of action has severely undermined trust.
“The government’s announcements today including the introduction of mandatory antisemitism training and the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism encouraged across the health service, are a welcome first step but must be the first of many.
“Most importantly, we must see swift action as a result of Lord Mann’s urgent review into how healthcare regulators tackle antisemitism.”
Lord Mann will report to the Health Secretary, with practical recommendations to strengthen protections against antisemitism and other forms of racism in healthcare.
Patient safety is a priority for this government and the bedrock of an NHS that is fit for the future – that includes ensuring that the NHS is completely free from racism.
The Jewish Medical Association (JMA) said: “For the past two years the Jewish Medical Association has become increasingly concerned about blatant expressions of antisemitism – simply anti-Jewish racism – that have become widely tolerated across healthcare. British Jewish healthcare students, professionals and patients find this profoundly distressing and intimidating.
“The JMA welcomes Lord Mann’s review of the role of regulators in eliminating this toxic culture for Jews.
“We have long called for IHRA definition adoption, for effective mandatory training for staff in the NHS, regulators and other key players to combat antisemitism, and for implementation of uniform policy, all to help make healthcare a prejudice-free, politics-free environment.”
Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO of Jewish Care, said: “Jewish Care welcomes the government’s commitment to tackling antisemitism and racism across the NHS and wider society. These measures send a powerful message that hatred and discrimination have no place in healthcare or anywhere else.
“Adopting the IHRA definition, enhancing training, and strengthening oversight are important steps towards ensuring that Jewish patients, staff, and communities feel safe, respected, and valued.
“We look forward to working with government and partners to help build a health service and a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
Professor Habib Naqvi, Chief Executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: “Tackling antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism involves clear communication of a zero-tolerance stance, implementing systemic changes, and creating a supportive environment for all employees.
“That’s why we fully support roll out of the comprehensive measures announced today by the government. Our diverse workforce is the backbone of the NHS. It must be cared for, celebrated and respected for the outstanding care that it provides.
“At the same time, our patients, colleagues and communities need to be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. No one should be subjected to discrimination or abuse of any kind, within or outside of the workplace.”
Jacob Lant, Chief Executive of National Voices, said: “Being anti-racist is not about making grand statements, it is about taking consistent action to end discrimination and inequity.
“What the Prime Minister has set out today is an important commitment to action in the NHS, using the levers of training and regulation to build a health and care workforce that is committed to ending racism.
“This can help our sector not just challenge overt racist acts, like violence and intimidation, but also address the underlying systemic issues which means our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities continue to experience some of the worst access, experiences and outcomes from healthcare.”
UK Government launches the Post Office Green Paper, the first comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years
First comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years, with customers and postmasters shaping its future.
Post Office Green Paper will seek to transform the organisation’s culture in the wake of the Horizon scandal and changing customer demands.
Better services at the heart of new £118 million subsidy to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further network investment, moving the organisation closer to delivering growth in line with the Plan for Change.
Postmasters and the public will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Post Office for the first time in 15 years, as the Government sets out its vision for the next decade for the organisation.
The Post Office Green Paper, published today, will move further and faster to deliver a decade of renewal for customers and postmasters, building on the cultural reset being led by Post Office Chair Nigel Railton that will be so crucial to its success.
Working hand in hand with postmasters and the public the Government will ensure the network is put on a path to a strong and sustainable future with Post Office branches remaining at the heart of communities across the UK.
This includes on the Post Office’s ownership model, with concepts including mutualisation on the table for consideration following the publication of the final Horizon Inquiry report later this year.
The report is expected to provide recommendations on improving the structure of the Post Office so that this miscarriage of justice is never allowed to occur again, protecting postmasters whilst also providing reassurance for customers.
This follows an unprecedented period in which the Post Office has faced a series of major challenges, from the Horizon IT scandal to significant changes in consumer behaviour, such as a rise in online shopping and falling demand for traditional post.
Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said: “Post Offices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities across the country. However, after fifteen years without a proper review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon scandal, it’s clear we need a fresh vision for its future.
“This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Office in the years ahead.
“I look forward to hearing the views of customers, business owners and postmasters so we can build a Post Office capable of serving the public for generations to come.”
The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 6th October 2025. It will examine key areas including:
How Post Office services should evolve to meet changing consumer needs
Ways to strengthen the relationship between the Post Office and its postmasters
Options for modernising the network while ensuring services remain within local reach
Ensure the Post Office is well-equipped to adapt to consumer trends
How the Post Office can improve and develop the banking services it provides
Research published alongside the Green Paper today also highlights the important role the Post Office still plays in the daily lives of people and businesses, adding social value of around £5.2 billion per year to households and £1.3 billion annually to small and medium sized businesses.
As part of the Government’s commitment to securing the future of this vital national institution, Ministers have also announced plans to award a new subsidy package of up to £118 million to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further investment to improve the network.
This funding will protect key services, including access to cash deposits and withdrawals as well as key government services, such as passport applications and the DVLA, alongside helping the Post Office deliver cost-saving measures in its Transformation Plan, part of the New Deal for Postmasters.
The Green Paper and details on how to respond to the consultation can be found here.
