Chris Murray MP has welcomed the official opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub at Queen Margaret University, a major new centre for innovative businesses which has received £28.6 million in UK Government funding.
Chris Murray MP attended the launch of the new Hub, opened by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland Melanie Ward and Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn.
The £40 million Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a joint venture between East Lothian Council and Queen Margaret University (QMU), and forms the first phase of the planned Edinburgh Innovation Park.
It is part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. It is supported by £28.6 million from the UK Government,£1.4 million from the Scottish Government and £10 million from East Lothian Council.
The new facility provides specialist laboratory, office, meeting and conference space for innovative businesses, with a particular focus on life sciences, food and drink, technology, start-ups and related sectors.
The Hub has already welcomed companies including Forge Minerals, Aurora Avionics and Riverwood Ecology, with a further life sciences company recently signing a lease to move around 40 employees into the facility.
The opening represents a significant investment in Edinburgh and the region’s innovation economy and is intended to support the growth of high-value businesses and create highly skilled employment.
Chris Murray MP said:“It was fantastic to be at the opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub and to see the businesses already making use of this impressive new facility.
“This part of Scotland has been short-changed for too long, with not enough Government support to create the jobs of the future.
“So as the local MP, I am delighted to see such significant UK Government investment, driven by our brilliant Scottish Labour Ministers. This money will help to create opportunities for innovative businesses to scale up and deliver high-skilled jobs right here in Edinburgh and East Lothian.
“Andy Burnham and the Labour Government are determined to deliver growth and invest in good jobs in the industries of the future, and the Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a great example of what that ambition looks like in practice.
“We have an enormous amount of talent and potential across Edinburgh and Musselburgh, across life sciences, technology, aerospace, environmental innovation and more. This Hub will allow this talent to build the businesses of the future right here in Musselburgh.
“I look forward to working with the Hub, Queen Margaret University, the Scottish Government, East Lothian Council and the UK Government to make sure that potential is realised.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland Melanie Ward MP said:“The opening of the Edinburgh Innovation Hub is a vital step in backing Scottish innovation and building a modern, resilient economy.
“Significant UK Government investment of over £28 million is giving start-ups the specialised lab space they need to accelerate breakthroughs, scale up quickly, and create high-skilled jobs across the region.
“This project shows the tangible impact of targeted UK Government support. While the Hub acts as a flagship engine for the regional economy, its impact links directly into communities right across Scotland.
“By connecting cutting-edge innovation with national supply chains – from Scotland’s space sector to freshwater ecology – we are using targeted regional investments to bring growth, high-skilled jobs, and economic opportunities to every postcode across Scotland.”
Action to be taken on cost of living, local regeneration and essential services to drive down costs and support families.
Taskforces will tackle the immediate priorities of the public, building on action already taken including cutting bus fares and cracking down on subscription traps.
First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh to drive forward work across government to develop local solutions for local communities.
Three new cross-government taskforces are being launched in the new Office for the Prime Minister & Cabinet, tackling systemic issues like the cost of living and public control of essentials and supporting local communities.
The three taskforces will coordinate departments and ministers, focusing on the priorities set out by the Prime Minister to Cabinet yesterday.
The priorities will be driven forward by First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh, who will work across central and local government – including with regional Mayors as the government continues to pass powers from Westminster.
Immediate action will focus on challenging everyday rip-offs, the visible decline of local town centres and the failure of many privatised utilities to deliver basic services at a fair price.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that the government’s priorities are the public’s priorities.
“This is about putting people back in control of the things that matter most to them and ensuring that the everyday essentials are more affordable and more accountable.”
Based in the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the taskforces will be fully integrated with No10 and across government to deliver the change the public rightly expect to see.
Details on the three priorities and taskforces:
Cost of Living
On the cost of living, earning back public trust begins with understanding the pressures facing families at the kitchen table. Action has already been taken in this area, including cuts to bus fares, support with energy bills and cracking down on subscription traps, but we must go further.
The taskforce will look to address the long term issues facing families, many of which have too often fallen through the cracks.
Public Control
For decades, the essential services that underpin daily life – housing, water, energy and transport – have suffered from over-privatisation, leading to high costs for the public. The Government is clear that the public has a right to expect these services to be affordable and accountable.
The public control taskforce will rewire the state, examining how public control across those four sectors can be utilised to return them to public service, and bring down costs for families. Looking at areas including market reform that could support these aims.
Community Renewal
Our communities have been left behind, high streets falling into disrepair, rubbish piling up at the sides of our streets – we will reverse that, improving people’s everyday experience of where they live.
Working with local leaders, we will create a genuine plan to rebuild Britain, not just replicating high street strategies that have gone before, ensuring communities are supported to drive through solutions, and deliver growth in every postcode.
As part of the UK Government’s commitment to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country, the UK Government has released £52.1 million from the £140 million Local Growth Fund.
Through Local Growth Funds, funding is being handed straight to local decision-makers. Regional leaders have been empowered to design tailored plans that build infrastructure communities need most, delivering skilled jobs, and boosting living standards.
Our Local Growth fund will drive economic prosperity for communities that need it most in Edinburgh and South East Scotland, Glasgow and Tay City regions, Ayrshire and Forth Valley.
Workers, apprentices, businesses and communities across Scotland are to benefit as the UK Government releases the first £52.1 million from the Local Growth Fund after green-lighting five regions’ three-year investment plans for the £140 million initiative.
The locally delivered fund targets Scotland’s Regional Partnerships that contain the areas with the lowest Gross Disposable Household Income (GDHI) per capita.
By trusting local knowledge over top-down directives, regional leaders have been empowered to design tailored plans that build physical infrastructure, establish high-growth commercial spaces, and close vital skills gaps.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country. These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets.
“After months of close working directly with regional partners across Scotland, the UK Government is now releasing £52.1 million directly to regional leaders who know their communities best so delivery can begin.”
This funding targets the Scottish Regional Partnerships that contain the communities that need it most – areas like West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, Dundee, Clackmannanshire and Fife – which have lower GDHI than other parts of Scotland.
The £140 million package is allocated proportionally by population across five Scottish regions.
Year 1 allocations, released now to enable delivery to begin, are as follows:
Glasgow City Region: total 3 year allocation of £60.9 million, with £22,684,596 now released.
The region will deliver business support, skills and employability programmes, and capital investment supporting the creation of high-growth commercial business space, as well as regional infrastructure projects for housing supply, land use, and town centre regeneration.
Edinburgh & South East Scotland: total allocation of £37.8 million, with £14,095,909 now released.
The region will deliver regional skills and employability programmes and capital investment in establishing flagship Housing and Net Zero Accelerator Hubs (HaNZAH) to train workers in green construction and retrofit technology, alongside a new Regional Intelligence Hub to inform regional economic planning, following the model of the Glasgow City Region.
Tay Cities Region: total allocation of £19.5 million, with £7,256,931 now released.
The region will deliver skills and workforce development programmes in priority sectors such as tourism, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, and agriculture and food, alongside capital investment in new industrial infrastructure, including new small-scale innovation spaces, and business grants.
Ayrshire: total allocation of £11.8 million, with £4,400,298 now released.
The region will launch a new Shared Economic Development Service and Regional Intelligence Hub, following the model of the Glasgow City Region, alongside regional recruitment incentives, employability hubs, business start-up support structures, and accelerator grants.
Forth Valley: total allocation of £9.8 million, with £3,665,499 now released.
The region will deliver skills and employability services and specialist support for growth businesses, establish new Regional Partnership and Programme Management functions, and unlock vacant or stalled housing sites through the Forth Valley Housing Enablement Fund.
Funding is being delivered directly to Regional Partnerships to enable strategic decision-making and maximum growth impact. Regional Partnerships are collaborations between local government, the private sector, education and skills providers, enterprise and skills agencies and the third sector to deliver economic prosperity across Scotland’s regions.
Wider UK Government investment in Scotland
The UK Government is investing more than £2.3 billion over 10 years in dozens of important local and regional projects the length and breadth of Scotland, bringing much-needed economic and community renewal. These include:
· £140m Local Growth Fund
· £280m Pride in Place Programme (Phase 2)
· £12m Pride in Place Impact Fund
· £43m Growth Mission Fund
· £200m support for ten Scottish towns (Pride in Place Phase 1)
· £320m for the Glasgow City Region and North East Scotland Investment Zones
· £52m for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth, and Forth Green Freeports
· £81m for Community Regeneration Partnerships in Dundee, Scottish Borders, Argyll & Bute, and Na h-Eileanan Siar
· £188m to complete Levelling Up Fund projects
· £76m in UK Shared Prosperity Fund transition funding for 2025/26
· £60m innovation funding for Glasgow City Region (across the Innovation Accelerator 2025/26 and new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund)
· £20m Local Innovation Partnerships Fund for Tay Cities creative tech sector.
· £17.3m for Energy Transition Zone
· £5m for Community Ownership Fund projects
· £16m for Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities over 2025 and 2026.
· £50m Defence Growth Deal
· £2.6m for V&A in Dundee
· £752m to deliver Scotland’s 12 City Region and Growth Deals over 2025/26 – 2034/35
Families are being encouraged to enjoy days out for less over this bank holiday weekend as the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme is set to end on 1 September.
Millions of pounds have been saved by families so far via a VAT cut from 20% to 5% on kids’ meals in restaurants and tickets to attractions like theatres and soft play, alongside free bus fares in England for children aged five to fifteen.
The UK’s leading holiday park operator, Haven, returned £4 million to holidaymakers after it joined the government’s scheme.
A VAT cut from 20% to 5% on kids’ meals in restaurants and tickets to attractions like theatres and soft play has been in place since 25 June, allowing families to enjoy their summer holiday activities for less, giving people breathing space during the cost-of-living squeeze.
The scheme ends at midnight on Tuesday (September 1) and the Chancellor has urged people to make use of the savings over this bank holiday weekend.
Yesterday the Chancellor visited Haven’s Kiln Park holiday park in Pembrokeshire, as the company announced that as a direct result of Great British Summer Savings families holidaying on its parks have got back more than £4 million.
Around 251,000 families have benefited from the savings across Haven sites UK wide, and 39,000 families across Wales.
Over 2,100 eateries and attractions across the UK are now listed on the government’s deal finder website – one of the fastest digital tools ever launched in partnership between business and government – where families can search for discounts close to them.
Businesses from across the UK have been passing on the savings, including Barleylands Farm Park in Essex, Playdale Farm Park in Scarborough and Alexandra Palace which has offered savings on activities including boating lake pedalos and family dining. Adventure Attractions, the operator of Bournemouth Pier, has gone further by removing the historic Pier Toll and offering families discounts on attractions.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP, said: “I want every family to get out and enjoy the bank holiday weekend by taking advantage of the final days of Great British Summer Savings.
“This government is determined to give people a bit of breathing space. So families can afford the days out that make the summer holidays special. Whilst giving our world-class attractions and businesses a welcome boost in trade.”
Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven, said: “Great British Summer Savings has helped us put more smiles on more faces this summer – with over half a million youngsters receiving Haven activity vouchers. That’s half a million more reasons for families to make memories together at the seaside.
“Great British Summer Savings is a good example of Government and businesses, like Haven, working together to keep costs down for families who choose a British break – supporting jobs and boosting the coastal economies where we operate.”
ODEON, which joined the scheme at its launch in June, has said that more than 1.2 million guests have benefited from discounted cinema trips through Great British Summer Savings.
Greene King, another participating business, has said that they have sold more than 1.1 million children’s meals and recorded more than 80,000 entries to its Wacky Warehouse soft play venues, resulting in cumulative savings for customers of more than £740,000.
Merlin, operator of iconic destinations including Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor and the London Eye, welcomed almost 5 million guests to its UK attractions between 25th June and now, helping families enjoy even better value days out.
Support will continue for households with measures announced over the last month like the £2 cap on bus fares in 2027 and removing VAT from electricity bills will continue to give families breathing space in the months ahead.
Action to slash business rates by 20% for pubs, social clubs and live music venues will also boost Britain’s hospitality sector which has been supported by the increased footfall attracted by the discounts created by Great British Summer Savings.
Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, said: “The Great British Summer Savings scheme has helped more families enjoy memorable days out together this summer, while providing a welcome boost for destinations across the country.
“We were pleased to pass these savings on to our guests at Merlin’s UK attractions, making visits more accessible and helping even more families create lasting memories during the school holidays.”
Suzie Welch, Managing Director UKI, Odeon Cinemas Group said: “ODEON is delighted to be part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, helping to offer even greater value to our guests.
“It was fantastic to launch the scheme at ODEON Milton Keynes on 25 June, alongside Sir Keir Starmer and children from local schools.
“Since introducing the reduced rates across 100 ODEON cinemas, more than 1.2 million guests have benefited from the offer and enjoyed a trip to the cinema.
“Alongside a fantastic summer film slate – including Toy Story 5, Minions & Monsters, Moana and many more – the scheme has helped make the big-screen experience even more accessible for families across the UK.”
Lucy Fenner, Commercial Director at Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust said:“It’s been fantastic to see so many families making the most of the Great British Summer Savings scheme at Ally Pally.
“Government initiatives that can support charities and businesses like ours to help families and communities enjoy more affordable days out, get active, and make the most of green parks and places on their doorstep, can make a real difference, especially in the school holidays.”
Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine today for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister
Prime Minister in Kyiv for first international visit to reiterate UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine
Comes as the Prime Minister announces the UK has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine
Burnham expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, alongside other world leaders in the city to mark Independence Day
Andy Burnham will arrive in Ukraine today (Monday 24 August) for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister.
Just weeks after welcoming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UK in July as his first international guest, the Prime Minister has travelled to Kyiv to reiterate the UK’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.
Visiting on Independence Day, the Prime Minister will tell the Ukrainian people that the UK is four-square behind Ukraine’s independence, and Russia’s threats only strengthen the UK’s resolve.
To underline the strength of this commitment, the Prime Minister is set to announce that the Government has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, as Ukraine and France look to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine.
The missile is the French-produced version of the UK’s Storm Shadow, with both using shared French and British technology.
The move follows the UK being the first to gift long-range strike weapons for defensive purposes to Ukraine in 2023 and will allow the French and Ukrainians to move forward with the Ukrainian assembly of the missile.
It also complements the major UK effort to rapidly develop low-cost advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine through Project Brakestop.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.
“I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine’s security is our security.
“The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.
“Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”
While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister will take part in Independence Day events and co-chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing to discuss how the UK can continue to support Ukraine as it courageously defends itself against Russia’s illegal invasion.
He will tell international partners that the UK’s leadership on Ukraine will remain steadfast under his Government.
While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister is expected to be presented with an award on behalf of the British people, in recognition of the United Kingdom’s support.
The UK has been one of Ukraine’s foremost partners since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, providing a range of military, economic, and diplomatic support, underpinned by the UK and Ukraine’s 100 Year Partnership.
This includes leading efforts to secure Ukraine’s long-term security alongside France as co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing, and committing £25 billion in funding, including £16 billion in military assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.
One month after making his first instruction as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has announced the next steps in his national drive to end rough sleeping by announcing immediate action to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas, backed by increased funding of £442 million.
Everyone sleeping rough is to be offered a route off the streets this winter if they need it, the first major milestone in the Prime Minister’s commitment to end rough sleeping
Under a boosted £442 million package, areas with the greatest need will receive the largest share of support, to get people out of the cold this winter and give people facing long-term homelessness a settled home and the support to keep it
In a drive to bring everyone together to play their part, the Prime Minister is announcing a first of its kind national summit on tackling rough sleeping to take place in the Autumn.
One month after making his first instruction as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham today (Wednesday 19 August) has announced the next steps in his national drive to end rough sleeping by announcing immediate action to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas, backed by increased funding of £442 million.
New accommodation and support will be rolled out across England this winter, learning from innovative approaches put into place during the pandemic.
Alongside emergency accommodation to end the need for rough sleeping, the programme, fully funded within MHCLG budgets, will offer practical help with housing, health and other needs, helping people build a more stable future.
In addition, the Prime Minister has announced he will host a first of its kind national summit in the Autumn to bring together leaders from across society – from business, finance, charities, health, faith communities and more – to ask what role each of them can play in ending rough sleeping.
The new commitment to offer everyone a route off the streets this Christmas, along with boosted funding and a landmark summit, reflect the Prime Minister’s approach of bringing everyone together in a national drive to step up and play their part in ending rough sleeping – with everyone pulling in the same direction at a local level to make real change backed by funding at a national level.
The plans will not only change the lives of those being given somewhere to sleep and a foundation to rebuild their lives but have huge benefits for the whole country, as research from Crisis suggests preventing 40,000 people from becoming homeless for a year could save taxpayers around £370 million.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “No-one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station. But we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it.
“I won’t accept it. That’s why my first instruction as Prime Minister was to end rough sleeping. And it’s why today we’re getting started with a national drive to get everyone in for Christmas.
“We did it in the pandemic. We can do it again. But it needs all of us. Government will put the money in. But I’m asking leaders in communities and sectors across society to play their part locally too.
“Let’s get people out the cold. And let’s bring back hope.”
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “When the Prime Minister pledged to end rough sleeping, we said we’d move urgently from words to action. Today we’re delivering on that promise.
“This funding will help thousands of people leave the streets behind, move into secure homes and get the support they need to rebuild their lives.
“Working alongside councils, mayors and charities, we’re backing local areas to tackle rough sleeping at its roots, giving people the security, dignity and opportunity they deserve, and restoring hope to those who have been let down for far too long.”
The government is also confirming project allocations for this programme, which includes the investment into long term accommodation announced in July.
As well as off the street provision, the funding will help local areas deliver more than 1,000 settled homes over the next three years, alongside intensive wraparound support to help people rebuild their lives.
Areas facing the greatest pressures will receive the largest share of support, with communities all across England getting support to address rough sleeping in their area. Working alongside councils, Mayors will play a leading role in driving local action to end rough sleeping and making the decisions that are right for their communities to deliver help where it is needed most.
Alongside funding allocations, the Government is publishing guidance to help local areas mobilise quickly and deliver a consistent route off the street offer this winter. The guidance will make clear the need to ensure adequate and accessible provision for women experiencing rough sleeping, recognising that women are often underrepresented in official statistics and may be at greater risk of violence, abuse, and exploitation.
Guidance encourages local areas to consider single sex accommodation with specialist, intensive and trauma informed support, for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. This will support the government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls in the next ten years.
Charities, faith groups and community organisations are at the heart of efforts to end homelessness. That is why, in addition to holding a first of its kind national summit bringing together leaders across society with a role to play, £8.4 million of the new funding is going specifically to the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund.
This takes total funding allocations announced today for 100 different projects to £47 million over three years, helping small and medium-sized organisations provide life-changing support to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Together, these measures form the foundation of cross-government work to end rough sleeping at the earliest opportunity, combining immediate action this winter with lasting solutions to help people rebuild their lives for good.
CHARITIES Crisis Scotland and Homeless Network Scotland made the following statement last month responding to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to end rough sleeping:
“The new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to end rough sleeping, backed by new investment, is a positive step. The additional funding that will come to Scotland through Barnett consequentials provides an important opportunity to strengthen efforts to end rough sleeping in Scotland and support more people into safe, secure homes.
“We are calling on the Scottish Government to use this extra funding to expand Housing First and ensure more people experiencing the most severe and complex forms of homelessness can access the housing and support they need.
“Housing First is one of the most effective and innovative policy interventions of recent times. It provides people with a permanent home alongside flexible, person-centred support. The evidence is clear that this approach works, providing the stability and support required so they can leave homelessness for good and rebuild their lives.
“Scotland has long been recognised as a leader in progressive approaches to ending homelessness. But leadership is measured by delivery. Through the Ending Homelessness Together action plan, the Scottish Government committed to making Housing First the default option for people with multiple and complex needs. Yet access remains far below the level required, with current provision estimated to meet just nine percent of demand.
“With rough sleeping continuing to rise, this funding is a chance to turn ambition into action. Expanding Housing First would ensure Scotland continues to lead the way in ending homelessness and delivering on the ambition to end all forms of homelessness.”
Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, Interim Director at Shelter Scotland said:“Andy Burnham is right to make homelessness his day one priority.
“Rough sleeping in Scotland more than doubled between 2021 and 2025. But it would be wrong to suggest that getting people off the streets is enough.
“Rough sleeping happens because councils don’t have enough homes or hotel rooms even to provide basic emergency accommodation. It is a symptom of a political failure at Westminster and Holyrood that prefers sticking plasters to long term solutions.
“If Andy Burnham is serious then he should look again at how the UK Government creates homelessness by cutting local housing allowance – making it impossible for people when their wages don’t keep up with rents.
“He should look again at the asylum system that forces people fleeing persecution into homelessness by evicting them from accommodation when they are granted leave to remain.
“He should remove the so-called bedroom tax which the Scottish Government spends millions of pounds every year to effectively eradicate in Scotland. Money that would be better spent on homelessness prevention and local services.
“And most importantly he should invest in a new generation of social housing, including increasing capital investment in Scotland so that councils and housing associations can build at scale.”
Thousands of quality homes to be built closer to stations, cutting commute times and helping families live closer to work, school and transport
Thousands of new homes will be built around England’s train, tram and underground stations under new planning rules introduced today (Monday 17 August), helping families to live closer to work, schools and transport.
The ‘common-sense’ changes will fast-track quality homes in well-connected areas, making better use of underdeveloped land around stations while creating jobs, unlocking investment, driving growth and connecting communities. This builds on the priorities set out by the government to ensure that planning decisions give proper consideration to the proximity of public transport links.
Under the government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, there will be a default ‘yes’ for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations, alongside new minimum expectations for how much housing should be built in these areas. It will also prevent excessive gold-plating where there are clear national standards already in place.
It comes as the government passes the quarter-way mark towards its stretching target of 1.5 million homes and goes further to get developments that meet clear standards moving quickly from plans on paper to spades in the ground.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “A safe, secure home is the foundation of opportunity, but too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work.
“By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities.
“That’s how we’ll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP said: “Making it easier for people to buy their own home is about more than a house. It is about security and families feeling they have a place they can truly call their own.
“We want to drive growth in every postcode and help more working people into home ownership. A secure home is the heart of all our lives, helping people put down roots, plan for the future and build a good life for themselves and their families. This is about creating opportunity, prosperity and stronger communities across the country.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Earlier this year, we published Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport. The steps announced today act on a key commitment we made as part of that Strategy, to support densification of development around well-connected stations to create vibrant, sustainable and well-connected homes and places.
“The changes being announced today turn long-held ambitions into reality for our communities. Densification, combined with high-quality walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, will support healthier lifestyles, improve access to jobs and services, and protect important public transport services.”
Pubs and music venues are the lifeblood of communities, local jobs and high streets – and the changes we are making will protect them from being lost without good reason.
The changes will also make it easier for councils to approve developments that create jobs, unlock investment, and deliver the shops, leisure facilities, clean energy and food production local areas need.
They build on measures announced last week to back farmers and rural businesses, including making it easier to deliver reservoirs, greenhouses, polytunnels and farm shops.
The government is also cutting unnecessary bureaucracy by reducing blanket consultation requirements that have slowed planning decisions.
Councils will no longer need sign-off from public bodies where specialist advice is not needed, while expert input will be focused on the cases where it adds most value. Sport England will continue to advise on significant cases, and the Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust will still be notified of relevant applications so they can play an important role in the planning process.
Together, these reforms are part of the government’s wider overhaul of the planning system – tackling the housing crisis, unlocking investment and driving good growth in every postcode.
People across England and Wales receive an Emergency Alert on their phones as the Government steps up action to protect communities from the growing threat posed by wildfires
Emergency Alert to be sent to people across England and Wales as wildfire risk remains very high
Prime Minister visits fire-hit communities and announces support package for firefighters and local residents
Immediate ban on disposable barbecues introduced to help prevent further fires
People across England and Wales have received an Emergency Alert on their phones as the Government steps up action to protect communities from the growing threat posed by wildfires.
The alert, sent on a rolling basis from approximately 19:00 last night, warns people not to light anything that could spark a fire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks. Recipients will also be urged to report any fire immediately by calling 999.
The move comes as firefighters continue to battle the effects of major incidents across parts of the country, following some of the most challenging conditions seen in recent years.
The Prime Minister visited Stourbridge yesterday to meet residents affected by wildfire damage and thank firefighters, emergency responders and local resilience partners who have worked around the clock to protect lives and property.
As part of the Government’s action to protect local areas and prevent further fires, the Prime Minister announced a package of immediate support for communities and frontline services.
This includes emergency funding for fire and rescue services facing the greatest operational pressures, military assistance in South Wales where around 100 personnel have been immediately deployed to support response and recovery efforts, and a temporary nationwide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. A further 100 members of the Armed Forces will deploy this evening.
Retailers have been informed that disposable barbecues must be removed from sale immediately. The temporary measure will remain under review but will stay in place while the heightened wildfire risk continues.
The Government is also calling on insurers to process claims as quickly as possible for affected households and businesses, ensuring families receive support without unnecessary delay.
For areas hardest hit by wildfire damage, the Bellwin Scheme remains available to help local authorities meet exceptional recovery costs, while ministers stand ready to consider requests swiftly.
Alongside the immediate response, the Government is looking at longer-term resilience. Later this year, ministers will convene a national wildfire summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other partners to strengthen future preparedness and consider what additional capabilities may be required to respond to increasingly severe weather events.
The summit will build on the Government’s existing investment in wildfire resilience, including £97 million for fire service training and specialist equipment.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has also written to local authorities across England reminding them of the powers available to restrict activities that could increase fire risk, including the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders to limit barbecues, campfires and other forms of open fire in vulnerable areas.
The Government is working closely with local authorities, emergency services and devolved administrations to monitor conditions and take further action where necessary.
The latest measures follow a meeting of COBR chaired by the Prime Minister earlier this week. To reduce the pressures on emergency services, people are reminded to be extra cautious in the dry conditions. This means:
Do not light fires, or open flames, in the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas.
Never leave a household barbecue unattended and ensure it is fully extinguished after use.
Dispose of smoking materials carefully and never throw cigarette ends from vehicles.
Take litter home, particularly glass bottles which can intensify sunlight and increase fire risk.
Call 999 immediately if they see signs of a fire.
First Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “In response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires, the government has taken the decision to issue an Emergency Alert to England and Wales.This is the most extensive use of the UK’s Emergency Alert system in response to an active incident, and reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property.
“During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires. By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe.
“The government will continue to provide every assistance to communities being impacted by these fires, including the deployment of 100 additional military personnel in major incident areas.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner said: “It is awful to see the devastation fires have caused across the country. I’m very grateful to all the first responders working so hard to keep people safe. A number of firefighters were taken to hospital as a result of incidents yesterday and I pay tribute to their bravery and commitment.
“As the Prime Minister said, we will do everything to make sure our fire services have the resources they need from us and our support to deal with the unprecedented risks being driven by this heatwave.
“As well as supporting firefighters on the ground now, my department will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other key organisations to look at our future response.
“To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life’s possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor and local leaders to make sure you are supported.”
UK Government reveals the communities in over 40 locations eligible for cheaper electricity bills
Westminster Government reveals the communities in over 40 locations eligible for cheaper electricity bills
Households near new pylons could save up to £2,500 over 10 years
Upgrading an electricity grid largely built in the 1960s will lower energy costs for households across Britain
Thousands of households living near new or upgraded pylons are set to get money off their electricity bills. Payments will start from next year, as the first projects expected to be in scope of the government’s bill discount scheme are unveiled today (Wednesday 12 August).
From the Scottish Highlands to the south of England, communities in over 40 locations could benefit from hosting vital grid infrastructure that will provide cheaper, clean electricity to the whole country.
Those living within 500 metres of these projects are expected to get £2,500 off their electricity bills over 10 years.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Upgrading Britain’s electricity grid is a vital part of how we deliver secure, homegrown energy and unlock economic growth across the country.
“It is a moment of national renewal – upgrading what was built largely in the 1960s for the modern age to bring down electricity bills for households across the country.
“It’s vital we build again as a country and we are determined those communities which host pylons should benefit, which is why we’re bringing down the energy bills of those hosting this vital national infrastructure.”
With much of the country’s electricity grid built in the 1960s, the government is rolling out the upgrades Britain needs to connect new sources of electricity generation, strengthen energy security and deliver a more affordable energy system for billpayers.
This forms part of a wider plan to bring bills down for good, after government action to cut VAT on electricity bills to give families across Britain immediate cost-of-living breathing space.
The 43 transmission projects announced today form the first wave, with further projects to follow as the scheme is rolled out. It is expected that hundreds of thousands of homes will benefit from the scheme in total over the next decade.
People will only be in scope for the discounts once projects have secured all necessary consents and the main construction works have started. Projects where construction started on or after 10 March 2025 will be eligible.
Most eligible households will receive the discount automatically on their electricity bill every 6 months via their energy supplier. However, some households may need to apply – such as those on commercial meters. Households can expect to receive further information in the first half of next year, when they will be directly contacted by their energy supplier or Ofgem if they qualify.
The bill discounts build on wider government Community Funds guidance, which is set to drive millions of funding into communities hosting grid infrastructure across Britain. Under that guidance, people living close to National Grid’s Bramford to Twinstead reinforcement project are set to benefit from more than £4 million in payments to fund community projects in their area. In Scotland, communities near SP Energy Networks’ Chirmorie overhead line project would be eligible for around £2.4 million of community benefit funding to support local projects.
Earlier this month National Grid unveiled a commitment to support 5,000 young people who are not in employment, education or training to develop skills and access career opportunities in the energy and infrastructure sectors, after the Prime Minister unveiled plans to drive more young people into work.
The announcement also comes after new independent research, published in June, confirmed that building pylons remains the most cost effective way of upgrading Britain’s outdated electricity networks, so present the best value for bill-payers.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Scotland is playing a central role in the UK’s energy transition, and as we build the modern grid needed to harness that power, it is only right that local families living alongside new pylons see real, direct savings on their electricity bills.
“These projects are essential for energy security and lower bills, and the communities hosting key infrastructure for this long-awaited grid upgrade deserve cheaper energy in return.
“I encourage households across Scotland living near these new or upgraded sites to check if they qualify for a discount.”
Ofgem Executive Director for Delivery and Schemes, Neil Lawrence, said: “Communities that host new electricity transmission infrastructure are playing a vital role in delivering the cleaner, more secure energy system Britain needs.
“The Bill Discount Scheme will help ensure eligible households living near these projects see a direct benefit through discounts on their energy bills. As the scheme administrator, Ofgem’s role is to make sure payments are delivered effectively, fairly and transparently to eligible customers.
“We look forward to working closely with government, electricity suppliers and transmission owners to ensure the scheme is ready to support households when payments begin.”
Nicola Connelly, CEO, SP Energy Network, said: “Communities are playing a role in enabling and supporting the greatest re-wiring of the UK energy system in decades and it is good to see them directly benefiting, through bills and our community benefit funds.
“Funds, shaped by the local communities that will deliver lasting, sustainable improvements for years to come.”
Christianna Logan, Director of Customers and Stakeholders at SSEN Transmission, said: “We strongly support measures that will see communities benefit from hosting the electricity transmission infrastructure that is required to deliver a cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity system for current and future generations.
“SSEN Transmission is committed to leaving a lasting legacy from this vital work, and our planned £29 billion investment programme will generate significant economic and social gains for the communities we serve.”
Alex Kaufman, Director of Land, Planning and External Affairs at National Grid, said: “Communities are playing an important role in enabling the delivery of new energy infrastructure across the UK, and we welcome the government setting out more detail on the Bill Discount Scheme.
“It will help ensure eligible households see a direct benefit from hosting this infrastructure, while providing greater clarity on how it will work in practice.”
Prime Minister moves to end subscription traps, with new “easy to exit” rules brought forward to help consumers cancel easily and prevent them losing more money
He is also taking action to tackle misleading discounts and rip off prices that fleece customers
This is just the start of a series of ‘everyday fixes’ that will be announced to ease the cost of living and give families room to breathe
The Prime Minister has announced that he will be rolling out a series of ‘everyday fixes’ to help people with the cost of living.
Pretend prices and deceptive deals will be a thing of the past under the Prime Minister’s plans to ban retailers from making misleading claims to customers about discounts.
Shoppers have increasingly complained about outlets artificially inflating prices to give a false sense of value, such as increasing them only to then immediately advertise ‘discounts’ to make savings look larger than they really are.
This includes discounted prices being the same as they were before the discount, intended to trick consumers into thinking they are getting good value whilst saving them nothing and creating an uneven playing field for honest competitors.
The Prime Minister also wants to see an end to subscription traps, where people find it hard to cancel their subscriptions and contracts are automatically renewed at a higher cost. New rules will now come into force in January 2027, in time for when customers often start new subscriptions for the year ahead.
These proposals were previously announced by Burnham’s predecessor Sir Keir Starmer, who promised to introduce new rules in Spring 2027.
Saving an average of £14 a month for every unwanted subscription, the changes will mean businesses will need to provide clearer up-front information, regular reminders and a much easier exit to contracts. A new 14-day cooling-off period will also let consumers cancel after a trial or long-term contract renews.
With households still watching every pound, it’s right to act to restore fairness. There are around 155 million active subscriptions in the UK, with consumers spending an estimated £1.6 billion a year on ones they don’t actually want, a direct hit to family budgets.
For the many businesses who already give customers plenty of notice before subscriptions renew and make contacts easy to leave, very little is changing. They will benefit from clearer rules and a more level playing field, without being undercut by competitors who have more complicated processes that rip off consumers.
Certain charitable memberships for cultural and heritage organisations will be excluded from the new subscription rules given the unique role they have in preserving and opening up access to the nation’s history, landscapes, and cultural collections.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I know people are sick and tired of rip-off discounts and subscription traps. Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles like this are just part of life.
I don’t think that’s right, especially when the cost of living continues to weigh heavily on so many people’s lives. I’m determined to pull every single lever we can to provide people with some room to breathe on the cost of living.
“We’re putting an end to phoney bargains. If something is advertised as half price, it should actually be half price. We’re also making it as easy to leave a subscription as it is to join.
“These are just two of the everyday fixes we’re going to be rolling out – today is just the start. We want to put more money in people’s pockets and give people hope that politics really can work for them and their everyday lives.”
The Prime Minister is ‘determined to use every chance he gets’ to restore fairness and take pressure off people. This is the start of a series of practical, everyday fixes that will put more money in people’s pockets, give them greater peace of mind, and make life a little easier.
This follows his week-one action to cap bus fares and make energy bills more affordable for millions of households.
A consultation will launch this autumn to assess whether tactics such as fake “was” prices, invented discounts and misleading recommended retail prices (RRPs) should be added to the list of practices banned under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA).
Under current laws, it can be difficult for enforcers to take on these cases. Adding these tactics to this list would mean they will automatically be considered unfair, making it easier to crack down while making rules simpler for businesses to follow.
Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve been fleeced by a dodgy deal, or seen money leaving your account because of a subscription you didn’t want to renew or couldn’t easily cancel.
“This Government is on the side of families working hard to make ends meet, while making sure the rules are clear for businesses and easy to follow.”
Sue Davies MBE, Head of Consumer Rights Policy at Which?, said: Which? has repeatedly exposed businesses, including trusted household brands, ripping off customers with dodgy deals that aren’t what they seem – but regulators have often found it too difficult to take action.
“It’s great news that the government intends to tighten up the law and explicitly ban misleading pricing practices, while putting an end to subscription traps.
“The government must implement these rules swiftly to give consumers much-needed protection against sneaky pricing tactics and hold businesses to account with tough enforcement, including fines, if they fall short.”
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “For too long consumers have been tricked into paying for products or services they don’t use – or didn’t even want to begin with – costing millions of pounds each year. So we really welcome the government’s move to speed up action on subscription traps and look at banning other tactics firms use to catch consumers out.
“At Citizens Advice, we’ve sounded the alarm on this for years, because we know subscription traps and sneaky online practices that hit consumers’ pockets hard are a widespread problem. We previously found that over 13 million people (26% of UK adults) accidentally took out a subscription in a year.
“People shouldn’t have to waste their time and effort avoiding dubious online tactics and fixing unwanted purchases and sign-ups. Today’s announcement is an important move, but it can’t be the end of the story.
“We look forward to seeing the detail in the consultation on deceptive online pricing and how it will ensure consumers are protected and treated fairly.”
Helen Undy OBE, CEO of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said: “It can be hard for anyone to spot a misleading discount, but this is particularly difficult for people with mental health problems who can struggle with concentration, impulsivity and decision-making, which can make it harder to resist pressure selling tactics and compare prices to get a fair deal.
“This group is already at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis – people with mental health problems are three times as likely to currently be behind on some or all household bills – so it’s good news that the government is taking action to help tight budgets go further, and it’s important that it happens quickly.
“It’s also encouraging to see that the subscription trap protections will be brought forward. We know that the symptoms of mental health problems such as increased impulsivity and memory problems, can contribute to someone signing up without realising and forgetting about a subscription. We’ve long argued that it should be as easy to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up – and as ever the proof will be in how companies put this into practice.
“Today’s announcement is good news – however, subscription traps and misleading discounts are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unfair practices that make it harder to get a fair deal when you’re struggling with your mental health.
“We look forward to working with the government to see what further action can be taken in future.”
