Tag: Westminster

Angela Rayner to ‘kickstart new devolution revolution’

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will pledge to transfer more powers out of Westminster

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will today (Tuesday 16 July) pledge to kickstart a new devolution revolution to transfer more powers out of Westminster and into the hands of local people.

In her first letter to local leaders, Rayner will urge regions without devolved power to “partner with the government to deliver the most ambitious programme of devolution this country has ever seen”.

She will invite local leaders in devolution deserts – those with local knowledge and skin in the game – to work together to take on powers in areas like transport, adult education and skills, housing and planning, and employment support. These new agreements will mean local leaders can make decisions that benefit their communities better, while boosting economic growth and opportunity.

Devolution is central to the government’s mission to boost economic growth, but only around half of the people in England currently benefit from these arrangements. The letter from the Deputy Prime Minister makes clear that the government’s door is open to areas who want to take on devolution for the first time, with the government committed to encouraging more local authorities to come together and take on new powers.  

In the letter, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: ‘For too long, Westminster government has tightly gripped control and held back opportunities and potential for towns, cities, and villages across the country.

‘Last week, with the Prime Minister, I had the pleasure of meeting the metro Mayors in England. We discussed how to have a proper, grown up conversations around economic growth, and how to deliver that through better housing, skills, and jobs for local people. 

‘I want to work with more places to help them use these enhanced powers and role – because I want to drive growth in every part of the country. For any area considering it, now is the time to take the plunge and speak to us about how we can work with you to transform your regions.’

Greater Manchester, one of the places where devolution has existed for the longest and powers are deepest, has been one of the UK’s fastest growing areas over the last 20 years and is forecast to grow by more than the national average in coming years. 

This has been driven by powers allowing the Greater Manchester Mayor to encourage investment into the city, boost skills, and work towards an integrated transport system.

In other parts of the country, Mayors have played a crucial role in attracting new investment – with major manufacturers such as Boeing and McLaren bringing new jobs to South Yorkshire, while West Yorkshire is now home to the UK’s fastest growing digital industry outside London.

OECD research suggests that if the autonomy of UK cities was to increase to the same level as Helsinki, then productivity would increase significantly.

Agreeing new devolution deals will mark a monumental shift of power away from Westminster into communities – giving those with skin in the game the power to make the best decisions for their people and make a difference to their lives.

The letter comes ahead of the King’s Speech on 17 July 2024, which will build on the momentum of the government’s first week, by setting out how it will make a difference to the lives of working people. 

King’s Speech will put growth at the heart of Labour’s legislative agenda

Starmer prepares for The King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday 17 July

  • New laws will prioritise growth, the Government’s overarching mission for the year ahead
  • Legislative programme will support delivery of the Government’s first steps and missions to rebuild Britain
  • Focus on improving the prosperity of the country and living standards of working people

The Government will use its mandate for change to put economic growth at the heart of its legislative agenda as it prepares for The King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday (17 July). 

Departments are working on more than 35 bills to deliver an ambitious parliamentary session that will be built on a bedrock of economic security, to enable growth that will improve the prosperity of our country and the living standards of working people.

Legislation will include a bill to enforce tough new spending rules, designed to ensure economic growth, while avoiding the chaos which left families with spiralling bills and wreaked misery on people’s lives.    

To ensure nobody can play fast and loose with the public finances ever again, this new bill will strengthen the role of the Office of Budget Responsibility, meaning significant fiscal announcements must be properly scrutinised and that taxpayers’ money is respected.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our work is urgent. There is no time to waste. We are hitting the ground running by bringing forward the laws we will need to rebuild our country for the long-term – and our ambitious, fully costed agenda is the downpayment on that change. 

“From energy, to planning, to unbreakable fiscal rules, my government is serious about delivering the stability that is going to turbo charge growth that will create wealth in every corner of the UK.

“The task of national renewal will not be easy, and this is just the down payment on our plans for the next five years, but the legislation set out at the King’s Speech will build on the momentum of our first days in office and make a difference to the lives of working people.”

‘His Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech’ will build on the momentum of the Government’s first week in office which saw the Prime Minister and his ministerial team roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Legislation to enact announcements made this week, including the launch of a National Wealth Fund to drive investment into the UK, to a new Mission Control tasked with turbocharging UK to clean power by 2030, to opening the recruitment of a new border security command, show that the Government is getting on with the job.   

The package of bills will focus on growing the economy through ‘turbocharging’ building of houses and infrastructure, better transport, more jobs and securing clean energy – helping to make every part of the country better off.  

As part of the Government’s plans to empower regions to deliver change for their communities, new legislation will also help to create wealth in every community and hand the power back to local leaders who know what is best for their areas.

General Election: Change Starts Now?

Campaigning organisation 38 Degrees said: “This is a momentous election. It is a message from across the UK that people want change. But today is not progress – it is just the chance to deliver it. Labour have won big on a message of change. Now they have to make that change real.

Commenting on the result of the General Election, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “A new dawn has broken. It cannot be a false one. 

“We congratulate Labour on its victory. The new Government can offer hope to workers after 14 years of Tory attacks on our communities, our people and our public services. Through cooperation with the Scottish Government, we can invest in jobs and services.

“The change that the new Prime Minister offered during the campaign must start now. This is day one of his Labour Government. We need decisive action to turn our back on the austerity-driven, public service-slashing, trade union-attacking ways of the Tory past.

“It’s time to rebuild. We will work with the Prime Minister to deliver a progressive Scotland that delivers for working people. He must now deliver for us.”

Responding to the result of the UK general election, David McNeil, SCVO Strategic Director of Development, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Keir Starmer on his appointment as Prime Minister.

“There is a pressing need for a more humane politics that puts people and communities first. The new government must move quickly to deliver just that.

“Everyday charities, community organisations and faith groups across Scotland deal with the consequences of decisions made at Westminster – on immigration, social security, employment law, the economy and more.

“Our sector holds a wealth of experience in addressing major societal issues. The knowledge we hold should be seen as an asset to policy and practice design from the outset. This is an opportunity that the new UK government must grasp with both hands.

“It is welcome that, over the weekend, the new Prime Minister and First Minister of Scotland met to commit to improving the relationship between the Scottish and UK Governments. It is our hope that this reset in relations will benefit voluntary organisations across Scotland, and the communities and people that they serve.”

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit said: “As we witness a change of government, we should be proud of our democracy and grateful to the electoral administrators who make it all happen and to all the candidates, winners and losers, who put themselves up for election.

“We offer special congratulations to all the councillors and council leaders entering parliament.

“We know that local government stands ready to work with the new government and we offer a reminder that national success has local foundations. Labour has set out clear missions for government but these can only be achieved in partnership with local democratic institutions. 

“We congratulate the new government and we urge it to set out a new relationship with councils across the country based on genuine collaboration and parity of esteem.”

The Fire Brigade Union said: “Finally, after 14 years of misery, the Tories are gone. Now the work begins to undo the destruction they caused and improve working people’s lives.“

COSLA’s President, Councillor Shona Morrison, has written to the new Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer and the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, following the announcement of the results of the UK 2024 General Election.

Councillor Morrison said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my congratulations to the new Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer. Today I have written to the new Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland outlining some of the key issues faced by our local government members and the communities they represent.

“We will welcome opportunities to work closely with the UK Government and Scottish Government as partners to improve the wellbeing of people in our communities, continue on the vitally important journey towards a just transition to net zero, and ensure that those in our communities facing the most difficult challenges are fully supported by their local services.

“Our membership, Scotland’s 32 Councils, are the closest sphere of government to people in our communities, and deliver essential services for those communities every day.

“The incoming Government must listen to local government, take into account of our concerns and expertise, and work in partnership with us to ensure there is fair funding and empowerment to make the most effective decisions for the people we are elected to represent.”

Asylum accommodation and Rwanda: Little to show for money spent so far, PAC report finds

Westminster’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has published its report scrutinising asylum accommodation and the UK-Rwanda Partnership.

The report finds that, despite the Home Office committing significant sums of money to the Rwanda partnership and its large accommodation sites, there is little to show for the money spent so far.

Questions also remain as to what will happen to the more than 50,000 people left in limbo by the system – people who are living in the UK, with no ability to claim asylum, who are officially “pending relocation”.

On asylum accommodation, the report welcomes Government’s progress in closing asylum hotels in communities.

However, the report finds the Home Office’s assessment of the requirements for setting up alternative accommodation in large sites fell woefully short of reality and risked wasting taxpayers’ money, while the new sites will not house anywhere near as many people as initially expected, exacerbating existing accommodation issues.

Whistleblowing: Committee calls for civil service cultural change to create ‘speak up’ environment

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has published its report scrutinising whistleblowing in the civil service.

The report finds that it is clear the civil service has more to do to promote a culture supportive to whistleblowing, and calls for a cultural change to raise awareness and provide assurance on whistleblowing processes and create a ‘speak up’ environment.

Following the PAC’s findings in 2016 of disappointing progress from Government in improving whistleblowing arrangements, Saturday’s report finds that the Cabinet Office is still missing key metrics on whistleblowing concerns across the civil service, and lacks assurance over the completeness and consistency of data being reported by departments.

Stronger guidance and controls needed to protect children from screen time, says Westminster report

For young children, the benefits of screen time are significantly outweighed by the risks, a report by Westminster’s Education Committee has found.

The committee has published its report “Screen time: impacts on education and wellbeing”. 

There has been a 52% increase in children’s screen time between 2020 and 2022; nearly 25% of children and young people use their smartphones in a way that is consistent with a behavioural addiction.  

Screen use has been found to start as early as six months of age. One in five children aged between three and four years old have their own mobile phone, increasing to one in four children by age eight and to almost all children by age 12. The amount of time those aged 5–15 years old spent online rose from an average of nine hours per week in 2009, to 15 hours per week in 2018.  

As well as harms to mental and physical health, screen time can disrupt pupils’ learning both at home and in the classroom, as it can take up to 20 minutes for pupils to refocus on what they were learning after engaging in a non-academic activity such as browsing the internet or noticing a notification on their phone.             

 The report strongly supports the tougher guidance on keeping phones out of the classroom and breaktimes that the Department recently issued. However, the Committee heard mixed evidence on how well taken up this will be, we therefore recommend formal monitoring and evaluation of this approach by the next Government with the possibility of a statutory ban if needed.  

The Committee also concludes that screen time should be minimal for younger children and better balanced with face-to-face socialisation and physical activity for older ones.  

Parents need clear guidance from Government on managing children’s screen time, and in particular advice to parents of babies and young children should be revised to ensure it gives sufficient attention to face-to-face interaction and warns of the risks of screen time in reducing opportunities for this. 

While the Online Safety Act 2023 will undoubtably play a role in keeping children safe from online harms, the Committee is concerned that children will not feel the full protections of the Act until implementation is completed in 2026.   

79% of children have encountered violent pornography before the age of 18, with the average age that children first see pornography being 13 years old. Some 81% of girls aged 7-21 have experienced some form of threatening or upsetting behaviour, and online sexual crimes committed against children online has risen by 400% since 2013. 

One in five children (19%) aged 10-15 experienced at least one type of bullying behaviour online, and out of them, around three-quarters (72%) said they experienced at least some of it at school or during school time. 

It is clear that the entire system surrounding the digital age of consent and how it is verified is not fit for purpose. The Committee heard no evidence to suggest that 13 is an appropriate age for children to understand the implications of allowing platforms access to their personal data online.

Yet even with the digital age of consent currently formally set at the lowest possible level, it is widely ignored and not effectively enforced. This must change urgently. The next Government should consult on raising the age of digital consent and should recommend 16 as a more appropriate age.  

The report also calls for the level of digital age of consent to be effectively enforced. The Online Safety Act 2023 allows for substantial fines or even imprisonment for executives of companies who breach its rules, and the Government should consider how this approach can be applied to social media companies who knowingly breach age verification requirements and expose children to addictive content which is not appropriate for them. 

Within the first year of the new Parliament, the next Government should work alongside Ofcom to consult on additional measures regarding smartphones for children under 16 years old, including the possibility of a total ban of smartphones (internet-enabled phones) for children under 16 or parental controls installed as default on phones for under 16s.  

The next Government should work with mobile phone companies and network operators to promote children’s phones, a class of phone which can be used for contact and GPS location but not access to the internet or downloading apps.

Chair of the Education Committee, Robin Walker MP, said: “Excessive screen and smartphone use has a clear negative impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of children and young people. Our inquiry heard shocking statistics on the extent of the damage being done to under-18s, particularly those who are already extremely vulnerable, such as those in care.  

“Without urgent action, more children will be put in harm’s way. From exposure to pornography, to criminal gangs using online platforms to recruit children, the online world poses serious dangers.

“Parents and schools face an uphill struggle and Government must do more to help them meet this challenge. This might require radical steps, such as potentially a ban on smartphones for under-16s.  

“Our report found that digital age of consent checks are not fit for purpose. We heard no evidence demonstrating that thirteen-year-olds understood the ramifications of sharing personal information online and today’s report urges the Government to increase this age to sixteen.  

“It’s also clear that children require face-to-face and in-person social contact in order to thrive. Our report found that screen time is inversely associated with working memory, processing, attention levels, language skills and executive function.  

“Whilst there can be some benefits from the online world and sharing information or interests with their peers, ready, unsupervised and unrestricted access to the internet leaves children vulnerable, exposing them to a world they are not equipped for. Their safeguarding and protection must be our priority.”

Read the Full Report (HTML)

Read the Full Report (PDF)

Read the Report Summary

Going for Broke: Sunak bites the bullet

GENERAL ELECTION CALLED FOR THURSDAY 4th JULY

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a surprise early general election. Mr Sunak made the announcement in a rain-soaked speech outside 10 Downing Street last night.

The announcement caught pundits unaware, with most expecting an autumn poll by which time Britain’s struggling economy may have shown stronger signs of recovery, giving the Tories a glimmer of hope of winning a fifth term in office.

The Tories trail Labour by between 16 – 20 points in most opinion polls and their situation appears hopeless.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it is “time for change” – also Labour’s clarion call in Tony Blair’s landslide election in 1997. Just what that ‘change’ will be isn’t yet clear – Labour’s tactic of doing or promising nothing that will frighten Daily Mail readers has worked so far.

Vote for Us, we’re not the Tories. And that could be enough to get elected, as the years of chaos – the Covid contracts corruption, the Downing Street parties, the state of our public services, ever-increasing waiting lists, the Truss-Kwarteng catastrophe – have not been forgotten and will not be forgiven.

Disappointing as it may be for Labour activists, though, do not expect anything too radical in Labour’s manifesto, But do expect a ringing endorsement from Rupert Murdoch soon.

So a change of faces, certainly. It’s true: things CAN only get better. But the radical change needed to tackle poverty, inequality and revive Britain’s broken public services? We’ll see.

The Westminster Parliament will be suspended on Friday, before it is formally shut down on Thursday next week ahead of an official five-week election campaign.

This leaves only two days to pass any outstanding legislation, which will mean mean some of the current government’s plans will have to be ditched.

First Minister John Swinney says he’s looking forward to the campaign but also says it’s disrespectful for the election to be held during Scottish school holidays:

Commenting on the announcement of the General Election by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Deidre Brock MP said: “The snap summer election is a desperate throw of the dice from a washed-out Prime Minister leading a government staggering on its last legs.

“Rishi Sunak could have limped on for a few more months but I’m glad he is putting this chaotic Tory administration out of its misery. The people of Scotland have different priorities and we are tired of picking up the bills for their mess.

“Now we have a chance to vote for a stronger Scotland and say what we think of Tory austerity politics, the Brexit chaos and the cost-of-living crisis they created. Bring it on!”

The Lib-Dems, too. are offering change:

‘It’s time. Time to elect fantastic Liberal Democrat MPs to champion their communities. Time to change the system and give people real hope. Time to smash the blue wall and kick out the Conservatives. Time to deliver the fair deal the British people deserve.’

Mike Andersen, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, also welcomes the announcement of the upcoming general election scheduled for 4 July 2024.

He views this election as a crucial opportunity for transformative change in the UK. Mike believes that the current government has failed to address the pressing issues facing the country and that the Scottish Liberal Democrats are the only party capable of leading the way towards a brighter future.

“The country is crying out for change and for people’s voices to be heard. Finally, we can move forward and put an end to the dysfunction of Mr. Sunak’s Government. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are ready to champion the values of fairness, equality, and opportunity. We are committed to building a future where every individual can thrive, and this election provides us with the platform to fight for the change we need and deserve.”

“We aim to build a society where people no longer have to choose between food and heating, where we have faith in the economy, hope for environmental sustainability, and where the UK can proudly stand on the right side of history, including on its stance on Israel and Gaza.”

The Green Party welcomes the General Election as the chance for voters to choose hope and practical solutions to the crises facing the country. 

Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Bristol Central Carla Denyer said: “At last. This is the moment the country has been waiting for – the chance to vote for a different vision of what our country can be. We are urging voters to elect at least four Green MPs to Parliament.” 

Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Waveney Valley Adrian Ramsay said: “We are ready. Across the country people will have the chance to vote for a Green candidate offering voters hope and practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, supporting people into warm, affordable homes, protecting our NHS and cleaning up our toxic rivers. 

Denyer added: “By reforming our tax system to make it fairer – including a tax on the super-rich billionaires and multi-millionaires – we would raise £50billion to invest in our NHS, warmer homes and cleaner rivers.” 

Ramsay added: “We are offering the common sense, affordable policies that will dramatically improve our quality of life. More Green MPs in Parliament will hold whoever forms the next government to account, and make the other parties confront the challenges our country faces. Together, we can make the change.” 

Commenting on the announcement of a General Election, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Good. And not a moment too soon.”

UK Government confirms increase to Scottish Government borrowing

Scotland Act Order approval will increases borrowing resource to fund vital public services including schools, hospitals and key infrastructure to boost growth

More money to fund vital public services will be at the disposal of the Scottish Government after a motion passed in the House of Commons yesterday that will see their borrowing powers increased in line with inflation.

Scotland Office Minister John Lamont secured the approval of a Scotland Act Order that increases the Scottish Government’s resource borrowing limit from £1.75 billion to £1.78 billion and the capital borrowing limit from £3 billion to £3.05 billion in 2024-25, enabling them to invest further in schools, hospitals, roads and other key infrastructure that will help to grow the economy and create better paid jobs and opportunity in Scotland.  

The move upholds the UK Government’s commitment to the new Fiscal Framework agreed in August 2023 between the UK and Scottish governments which included annual uprating and gives the Scottish Government certainty over borrowing limits for the 2024/25 financial year.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “We have listened to calls from the Scottish Government for greater certainty and flexibility to help them manage their budget. This is a great example of devolution in action and how we can deliver for people of Scotland when our two governments work together.

“The wider Fiscal Framework deal – worth billions of pounds to Scotland over the coming years – builds upon work to support economic growth and provide more high-skill jobs, investment and future opportunities for local people, such as through Investment Zones and Freeports in Scotland. 

“The UK Government has made great strides in growing the economy and by halving inflation sooner than forecast. With our direct investment in Scotland now standing at more than £3billion, we are creating opportunities right across the UK.”

In addition to the changes made to the cumulative borrowing limits through today’s Order, the Fiscal Framework agreement also saw the permanent doubling of the resource borrowing annual limit from £300 million to £600 million.

Limits on how much can be withdrawn from the Scotland Reserve to spend in future years was also removed. This boosts spending through borrowing by £90 million in 2024/25. All future limits will increase in line with inflation. 

The new arrangements compare with the previous Fiscal Framework, where the Scottish Government’s capital borrowing limit was £450 million per year within a £3 billion cap, as well as receiving a Barnett-based share of UK Government borrowing. Going forward these amounts now rise with inflation instead, which supports additional investment across Scotland and lays the foundations for economic growth. 

The funding arrangements for tax continue, with the Scottish Government continuing to keep every penny of devolved Scottish taxes while also receiving an additional contribution from the rest of the UK.

Background:

  • Scotland act orders in the UK Parliament fully support devolution by facilitating amendments to be made to UK legislation affecting Scotland, to enable Scottish legislation to have full effect, or additional powers to be transferred to Scottish Government ministers.
  • On average, seven Scotland Act Orders are made each year and more than 250 have been passed since the start of devolution.
  • The target date for the order to come into force is 17 June 2024, subject to the date of signing.

Visa scheme for Palestinians to be debated at Westminster

MORE THAN 103,000 PEOPLE HAVE SIGNED PETITION

NEXT Monday 13 May, MPs will debate a petition calling for a visa scheme for Palestinians.

Cat Smith MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

Create a visa scheme for Palestinians

The petition, which has more than 103,000 signatures, states:

“We want the government to take action and create a Visa scheme that allows Palestinian individuals affected by war, to be allowed into the UK. Just like we did for Ukraine.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 21 December 2023, the Government said: “There are no plans to introduce bespoke arrangements for people arriving from the region. Those wishing to come to the UK who currently have no visa can apply under one of the existing visa routes.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petition at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.

Tories taking back control … of England’s toilets

Westminster government to introduce new law to ‘halt the march of gender-neutral toilets’

New requirements will be brought forward for single sex toilet facilities in new non-domestic buildings to alleviate safety, privacy and dignity concerns.   

The new legislation follows the results of a consultation on the proposals, where responses showed 81% agreed with the intention for separate single-sex toilet facilities and 82% agreed with the intention to provide universal toilets where space allows.  A universal toilet is self-contained, and a fully enclosed toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use.

Responses highlighted particular concerns from women, elderly and the disabled who felt unfairly disadvantaged as publicly accessible toilets are increasingly being converted into gender neutral facilities where users share cubicle and hand-washing facilities. This leads to increasing waiting in shared queues, decreased choice and less privacy and dignity. 

The new requirements will mean everyone can access appropriate facilities either through a separate single-sex space or a self-contained, universal toilet.   

Changes to building regulations will mean that new non-domestic buildings, including restaurants, shopping centres, offices and public toilets will be required to provide separate single-sex toilets for women and men.  Self-contained, universal toilets may be provided in addition, where space allows, or instead of single-sex toilets where there isn’t enough space.   

In addition to single-sex toilets becoming the default for new non-domestic buildings and places undertaking major refurbishment, the policy encourages provision of self-contained universal toilets, which are a fully enclosed toilet room with a washbasin and hand-drying facilities for individual use.   

Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch said: “These regulations will guide organisations to design unisex and single-sex toilets, ending the rise of so-called “gender-neutral” mixed sex toilet spaces, which deny privacy and dignity to both men and women.

“Today’s announcement will also create better provision for women so that our particular biological, health and sanitary needs are met.

“This is following our work last week limiting the use of mixed-sex wards in the NHS and demonstrates how this government is committed to ensuring single-sex spaces are protected for all.”

Housing Minister Lee Rowley said:  “We know all members of society value safety, privacy and dignity, and this new legislation will help ensure the right facilities are in place for everyone. 

“It is vital that new buildings, particularly in public spaces, are serving the community with right toilet provision.

“The Government is clear that single-sex spaces are essential for ensuring privacy and dignity for the elderly, women, and girls.”

The move comes following a set of announcements of firm action to protect spaces for women and girls, such as the Government’s introduction of a new NHS constitution which put patient safety and dignity at the heart of care, including reinforcing the NHS’s commitment to providing single-sex wards. 

It also follows the Minister for Women and Equalities’ call for examples of organisations issuing incorrect guidance on single-sex spaces. 

In addition, the Department for Education re-enforced that Schools in England are required to comply with minimum standards, including that separate toilets for boys and girls aged 8 years and over are to be provided.

While England’s colleges are not subject to the same legal requirements, they should take the same approach given the same safeguarding considerations apply.

Changes to building regulations will ensure that:   

  • Separate single-sex toilets facilities are provided for men and women;    
  • Self-contained, universal toilets may be provided in addition to single-sex toilets, where space allows;  
  • Self-contained universal toilets may be provided instead of single-sex toilets only where lack of space reasonably precludes provision of single-sex toilet accommodation.