Arecord amount of government support reached some of the country’s most vulnerable households in January, as those on traditional prepayment...
In
Areport to Cabinet Members notes the previously-confirmed opportunity to access underspend from Games time budgets still exists – and a Legacy Portfolio...
The new West Midlands Chair for Crimestoppers is Mohammad Zafran also known as Zaf to everyone. In addition to being the Pride of Birmingham winner and the UK goodwill Ambassador for youth and community, Zaf has received over 35 National Awards and has been recognised by the Queen for his altruistic work over the past ten years.
Since the murder of his 24-year-old brother-in-law in 2010, Zaf has engaged with over 36000 kids while working at the South and City college. In addition, he also works with the West Midlands Police and serves as an example for youngsters. Zaf helps vulnerable youngsters change their lives via education and sports enabling them to get employment. Zaf has always opposed violence, and with Knife crime and drug peddling on the rise in the UK in recent years, he has made great efforts in reducing these activities by holding drug awareness workshops and giving presentation on knife crime in youth hubs, mosques, and public events. During covid, he set up different projects online with the police which helped the youths. The UK police force is not affiliated with Crimestoppers, an independent organization that helps people in providing anonymous information about criminal activity. In order to find suspected British criminals who are believed to be hiding out in Europe, the organiza-
tion works with partners including the National Crime Agency and UK Border Agency. There are more than 100 staff and 350 volunteers for Crimestoppers. they also conduct a large number of campaigns including the Game of Fraud, Human Trafficking and Scratch and Sniff Cannabis about various forms of crime and appealing for information.
As the West Midland’s Chair for Crimestoppers, Zaf believes that he has an excellent platform to aware the public about the importance of speaking up about illegal activities that may happen in their surroundings and reporting it to the organization . In order to promote community cohesion he will be conducting knife crime campaigns at football clubs, mosques, and colleges and will be seen on Sky TV in his own TV show. Zaf is promoting the IGNITE course at the south and city college, which is perfect for at-risk youth who are 19 years old and not in school, working or receiving any kind of training. The two – week programme supports them to get back to school, help them build a resume, supports them during job interviews, and provides them with enrichment activities. Apache Indian, a legend in the local music industry also supports the programme. For students with an interest in music, a career path is also an option.
Thousands of families across England will be offered help and support with issues such as infant feeding, mental health and relationship building thanks to Family Hubs being rolled out in local communities.
75 areas will benefit from the £300 million investment up to 2025, with the new hubs offering support from conception through to age 19, or up to 25 for children with special education needs and disabilities.
Strong, supportive families make for more stable communities and happier individuals. Investing in families and making sure they get the support they need from birth through to adulthood helps with children’s educational attainment, wellbeing and life chances, while also improving wider outcomes such as poor mental health and unemployment.
Previously these services could be disjointed and hard to navigate but family hubs will act as a ‘one stop shop’ to offer guidance and advice on a range of circumstances including, infant feeding, mental health support, health visits and parenting classes.
Hubs will also bring together wider wraparound services that can make a huge difference to people who need extra support – such as advice on getting into work, relationship building and stop smoking services.
To fast-track delivery of these services, 14 local authority areas will become trailblazers and receive extra funding. These trailblazers will lead the way and support other local authorities to improve services that are offered to families, so that these can be rolled out more widely across the country.
Today’s announcement builds on the Prime Minister’s ambition to put families at the centre of communities and delivers on the 2019 manifesto commitment to champion Family Hubs. Separately, Government is also confirming the final five areas to receive investment from the Family Hubs Transformation Fund, which will transition services which used to operate under the Sure Start banner over to the Family Hub model. This will enable a further 12 local authorities across England to open family hubs by March 2024.*
This funding will provide thousands of families with access to support when they need it, including helping to give babies the best start in life, as set out in ‘Best Start for Life: a vision for the critical 1,001 days’ led by Dame Andrea Leadsom, which sets out six
action areas to improve support for families between pregnancy and age two. And, as part of her success as the government’s Early Years Healthy Development Adviser, Dame Leadsom’s role will be extended until the end of parliament.
A progress report will be published today outlining the progress the government has made against these commitments to date. It also sets out the government’s priorities for further work.
Parents will also be able to access a range of support through the hubs from midwifery to mental health support, health visiting to infant feeding advice. Hubs will also provide early language and communication development for young children to set the foundations for lifelong learning and prepare them for school at age five.
Minister Neil O’Brien said: Every child should have the support to be able to reach their full potential.
There is robust evidence that the 1,001
Children, Families and Wellbeing Minister, Claire Coutinho said: “
Having children can be really tough as well as bringing so much joy. All families, from time to time, will need a helping hand.
Family hubs bring services together helping parents, carers, children and young people to access the support they need more easily.
Parenting advice ranges from support with breast feeding and mental health to guidance on how to give children a head start on their learning.
critical days from pregnancy to the age of two are vital for development and impact a child’s physical and emotional health for the rest of their life. Better access to family hubs and additional funding for critical Start for Life services will provide more families with the right support for their baby to get the best start in life – including support for mental health, building strong and healthy relationships and infant feeding.
Peter Fonagy, Chief Executive of the Anna Freud Centre, said: Family Hubs make a positive difference to parents, carers and children by providing a single access point to services that can help them during challenging periods. We know how important early intervention is in improving physical, mental and emotional health outcomes for young people, and in helping to build a strong foundation for them to prosper in later life.
We are proud to lead the National Centre for Family Hubs, which provides a national platform for the implementation of family hubs in local areas, and to be able to extend support to more areas across the country.
Our work champions, develops and disseminates evidence and best practice across communities to help local authorities to build family hubs that are
Dame Andrea Leadsom said: “
Support for the earliest years is being transformed our ‘Start for Life’ offer will point families-to-be in the direction of their Family Hub, and the help they can get there will include a warm welcome, parenting advice, antenatal help, health visiting, mental health and infant feeding support and even advice on relationship building or how to get into work. There will be a strong focus on dads and coparents who have for far too long been left out. We all agree that universal education and universal healthcare are the right of every citizen. Surely, however, the best start for life is the most fundamental right of all. It is in the period from conception to the age of two that the building blocks for good lifelong physical and emotional health are laid down. There is quite literally no better place to invest, either for human happiness or value for taxpayers’ money!.
accessible and inclusive to all, particularly those families who are living in poverty, experiencing discrimination and exclusion, and those who have children with special educational needs
or disabilities.
The early years are vital for children’s development and early language and communication skills. Start for Life services will help parents to form those secure lifelong bonds with their babies
and children; and family hubs will provide advice and support to parents to encourage them to chat, play and read with their children to support early development.
A record amount of government support reached some of the country’s most vulnerable households in January, as those on traditional prepayment meters (PPM) redeemed more energy bill support vouchers than at any other point in the scheme so far.
Redemption rates are up across all energy suppliers with three quarters of all vouchers now redeemed, following a dedicated government campaign and calls from the Energy Security Secretary for them to do more to help customers access all available support.
New figures published show 1.7 million vouchers were used by households with prepayment meters across Great Britain in January – 130,000 more than in December. This means the highest rate yet of government help has reached some of the most vulnerable households through the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) – with £530 million provided in total so far under EBSS.
The vouchers delivered through the scheme provide a total of £400 to help with energy costs this winter paid in monthly instalments.
The best performing electricity suppliers with the highest rates of voucher redemptions include E Gas & Electricity and Octopus, whose traditional prepayment meter (PPM) customers redeemed 87% and 85% of their vouchers respectively.
The 5 suppliers with the largest number of PPM customers – Centrica (British Gas), E.On, Ovo, EDF and Scottish Power – all showed an increased number of voucher redemptions, although some remained amongst those with the lowest rates overall.
It follows the Energy Security Secretary’s push for suppliers to do more to help vulnerable customers and concerns about the low take-up of EBSS vouchers. The government has also expanded campaign activity to reach eligible customers with additional advertising across community radio, social media and national magazine titles.
As of the end of January, 76% of all vouchers issued so far have now been redeemed – meaning support reached more of these households than at any other point since the scheme began.
However, even with this improvement the government is calling on suppliers to continue efforts to reach customers with unused vouchers –with around 1.9 million remaining unredeemed.
Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said:
The help we’ve put in place means
we are covering around half of most household’s energy bill this winter – this is an unprecedented level of support.
With January temperatures having dropped to as low as -10 degrees in some parts of the country, I am pleased to announce today a record numbers of households taking up the government support.
But many households are yet to redeem the vouchers they are entitled to and I want energy companies to redouble their efforts to get the support to those who need it.
Today’s numbers reveal over £7.2 billion has now been provided to 98% of households across Great Britain through the EBSS. Across the regions rates of voucher redemption increased overall, but numbers show the fewest households making use of support in London (58%), Scotland (68%) and the Southeast of England (69%) – meaning many households are still missing out. Redemption rates in all other regions are now above 70%, although ministers are maintaining calls for communities, local leaders and suppliers to make sure households using traditional prepayment meters are aware of the support and how to access it.
Key statistics today reveal:
• over a third of vouchers remain unclaimed in London’s local authorities, with households from Brent to Lewisham missing out on support to which they’re entitled
• outside of London, some of the lowest redemption rates are in Edinburgh (59%), Brighton (61%) and Glasgow (62%)
• Yorkshire & Humber and the North East of England have the highest overall PPM voucher redemption rates at 75% and 74% respectively – but even in these areas, greater voucher redemptions would bring help to more households using traditional prepayment meters
Whilst most people receive the discount automatically each month they are eligible, people using a traditional PPM receive this in the form of vouchers that need to be redeemed at a Post Office or PayPoint. Suppliers have a responsibility to inform their PPM customers how to access government support using the vouchers and must make several attempts to contact people who haven’t redeemed them.
Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Associa-tion, which represents more than 350 councils across England and Wales, said:
Councils are working hard to ensure this support reaches those who need it, ramping up efforts up and down the country. As families are squeezed during the cost of living crisis, it is vital that households claim the support they are entitled to.
Last year the Energy Minister Graham Stuart met suppliers to discuss what other measures would help increase voucher redemptions by PPM customers, with many offering ongoing training for their call
centre staff, and some sending representatives door-to-door to spread the word.
The Energy Security Secretary has also encouraged suppliers to replace traditional meters with smart meters, as they are able to receive government support payments automatically and detect when customers are self-rationing and disconnecting.
It comes in addition to a wider crackdown by the Energy Security Secretary on the mistreatment of vulnerable customers after concerns were raised about the sharp rise in companies seeking warrants
to enter people’s homes to forcibly install prepayment meters. Since Mr Shapps’ intervention all energy suppliers have now committed to ending the forced installation of prepayment meters in vulnerable customers’ homes, Ofgem has committed to speaking to consumers rather than just suppliers about their experiences and Lord Justice Edis issued directions to magistrates’ courts to stop approving warrants to force-fit prepayment meters grinding the practice to a firm halt.
A company which charged taxpayers significant sums to make claims for tax refunds has been stopped from operating.
Environment Agency fisheries patrol officers, including a voluntary bailiff, at various locations across the South East, have caught and successfully prosecuted 7 anglers for illegal fishing. One angler has also been prosecuted for the theft of live fish.
In the case of the fish theft Environment Agency fishery enforcement officers responded to a report of fish theft in progress at Southampton Common via the Environment Agency’s incident hotline (0800 80 70 60). The reporter had provided a good description of the incident and those involved, which was extremely helpful in securing a successful prosecution.
Alexandru Lacob of Southampton had taken (by rod and line) 7 roach and 3 carp. Lacob had concealed the fish in a bag next to his seat. On inspection, 3 of the fish showed signs of life and were returned to the lake by officers whilst the remaining dead fish were seized for evidence. As well as fishing without a fishing rod licence, Lacob demonstrated a high level of dishonesty when speaking to officers. Lying about having a licence and claiming not to know anything about the fish.
In total, all 7 anglers from the South East netted over £3,233 in fines including costs and surcharges. Between the fishermen, the total money to be paid is more than 107 times the amount of money than if they’d just bought an annual fishing licence, or 538 times more than a single £6 day fishing licence.
Kye Jerrom, a senior enforcement officer with the Environment Agency, said:
We hope the penalties received by these illegal anglers will act as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking of fishing without a valid Environment Agency fishing licence or breaking the fisheries laws we have in place across England.
Our fisheries enforcement officers rou-
tinely carry out fishing licence checks, and we urge anyone with information about illegal fishing to contact us on 0800 807060.
All the money raised through the sales of fishing licences is re-invested into improving and maintaining fisheries and angling. Last year the Environment Agency invested nearly £22 million of fishing licence income improving all types of fisheries, including lakes and rivers, for anglers.
Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence to fish. A 1-day licence costs from just £6, and an annual licence currently costs from just £30 (concessions available). Junior licences are free for 13 – 16-year-olds. Licences are available from www.gov.uk/get-a-fishinglicence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
The Environment Agency enforcement teams continue to make sure anglers comply with regulations to protect fish stock. In 2021 to 2022, fisheries enforcement officers checked just over 41,000 fishing licences and successfully prosecuted nearly 730 anglers for fishing without a licence.
Following cases brought by the Environment Agency in January and February 2023 at Southampton, Swindon, Barkingside and Hastings Magistrates, the courts have ordered 7 men pay a combined total £1,673 in fines, £945 in costs and £615 victim surcharges. A total of £3,233. The offenders were:
In Southampton
• Ryan King, 26, of Woking was caught fishing in the close season on 28 April 2022 at Woodmill Pool, Southampton. Fined £389.
• Alexandru Lacob 33, of Southampton was caught fishing without
a licence and for stealing fish on 26 June 2022 at Southampton Common Lake, Southampton. Fined £751.
In Kent
• Lee Bartholomew, 52, of Plumstead, London was caught fishing without a licence on 24 July 2022 at Frant Lakes, Tunbridge Wells. Fined £443.
• Danny Ashbee-Mullane, 29, of Tonbridge, Kent was caught fishing without a licence on 30 July 2022 at Monk Lakes, Staplehurst, Kent. Fined £443.
• Nick Powell 33, of Greenhithe, Kent was caught fishing without a licence on 25 September 2022 at Monk Lakes, Staplehurst, Kent. Fined £443.
• Oliver Page, 33, of Tonbridge, Kent was caught fishing without a licence on 30 July 2022 at Monk Lakes, Staplehurst, Kent. Fined £443.
In London
• Emil-Gabriel Irimla, 34, of Merton, London was caught leaving a rod and line with bait or hook in the water unattended on 24 September 2022 at Ravensbury Park, River Wandle, Morden. Fined £321.
Southampton Common Lake is a public fishery, owned and managed by Southampton City Council. Free to fish, all you need is an Environment Agency rod licence. This is a really popular fishing spot which has benefited from rod licence income in the past (habitat works and fish stocking). Having free fishing in the middle of a city is rare but makes fishing accessible to all and is why the Environment Agency take incidents of this nature very seriously. The fishery is well signed and regularly patrolled.
Tax Credits Ltd (TCL) can no longer trade as a repayment agent after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) found they had committed serious antimoney laundering breaches.
As a result of breaching the regulations, which are predominately designed to prevent businesses being exploited by criminals to launder money, it is now a criminal offence for TCL to trade as a tax repayment agent.
The move comes weeks after HMRC outlined greater protections for customers using repayment agents.
Taxpayers can use repayment agents to make claims for repayment of tax, and while many customers are happy with the service they receive, a large number of taxpayers have complained about the lack of transparency in agents’ processes for signing up clients and high charges for using their services.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:
TCL have ignored their responsibilities under the anti-money laundering measures designed to protect us all from financial crime.
We will not allow a small number of bad actors to tarnish the reputation of the whole tax agent sector.
It is crucial taxpayers understand the entitlements they can claim directly from HMRC and are properly protected from the misleading tactics used by some repayment agents. The greater protections we’re bringing in will help to stop people unwit-
tingly losing their hard-earned money to misleading agents. Around 11,000 TCL clients, whose claims had been paused during investigations into TCL, will now receive their tax refund directly from HMRC. HMRC will contact all affected clients by the end of March to explain their refund. The refunds will be made automatically –customers do not need to contact HMRC to receive their payment. In response to public concern, HMRC recently consulted on how to protect taxpayers using repayment agents and unveiled a package of measures last month, which included stopping the use of legally-binding ‘assignments’ as part of claiming an Income Tax repayment, improving agent standards and a requirement for repayment agents to register with HMRC.
HMRC urges anyone thinking of using a tax repayment agent to carefully consider their options when appointing a tax adviser to act on their behalf. Taxpayers are urged to do their research before committing to anything, and are reminded that they, not the tax agent, are ultimately responsible for their own tax affairs.
Taxpayers are advised to be particularly careful when clicking on online ads as some unscrupulous repayment agents have made their customer sign-up pages appear to be mere requests for more information.
Anyone who thinks they are owed a tax rebate can make claims direct with HMRC via GOV.UK; they can do this for free and will receive 100% of any refund.
If a taxpayer can show a tax repayment agent has made an invalid claim with HMRC on their behalf, they can contact HMRC.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey has demanded water companies share plans on improving Britain’s water infrastructure.
The fresh move is part of the drive for better water quality, building on significant work with industry and regulators, allowing government to track progress of investment and new projects.
The Environment Secretary has demanded a clear assessment & action plan on every storm overflow from every water and sewerage company in England, prioritising those that are spilling more than a certain number of times a year, and those spilling into bathing waters and high priority nature sites. She has also set out more detail on how water companies will face higher penalties that are quicker and easier to enforce.
Any water company caught illegally polluting our waters currently faces enforcement action from the Environment Agency. This can range from Enforcement Undertakings –companies paying to restore damage to the environment –through to prosecution in the courts.
The most serious cases are dealt with through criminal prosecutions. Fines of more than £102 million were handed out in 2021. Last year it was announced that money from these fines will be re-invested into schemes that benefit the environment, rather than being returned to the Treasury.
However, prosecutions can take a long time to bring to a conclusion. That is why the government is consulting on making it easier and quicker for penalties to be issued so that polluters are made to pay immediately when damage is caused to our rivers and seas.
On the upper limit of fines, all options – including £250 million – remain on the table. There will be a public consultation in the spring to find an upper limit that is a real and serious deterrent.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:
People are concerned about the impacts of sewage entering our rivers and seas and
I am crystal clear that this is totally unacceptable.
We need to be clear that this is not a new problem. Storm overflows have existed for over a century. The law has always allowed for discharges, subject to regulation. That is how our Victorian sewers are built – wastewater and rain are carried in the same pipe. When it reaches a certain height, it pours into another pipe and into rivers. And while we have done more about it than any other government – we were the first government to require companies to start comprehensively monitoring spillage so that we could see what was actually going on – there is still significant work to do.
Through the largest infrastructure programme in water company history we will tackle the problem at source, with more investment on projects like the new Thames Tideway super sewer. I am making sure that regulators have the powers they need to take action when companies don’t follow the rules, including higher penalties that are quicker and easier to enforce.
I am now demanding every company to come back to me with a clear plan for what they are doing on every storm overflow, prioritising those near sites where people swim and our most precious habitats.
The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, published last year, required water companies to deliver the largest infrastructure programme in water company history – £56 billion capital investment over 25 years.
More detail on the government’s plans to deliver clean and plentiful water were also set out last month in its Environmental Improvement Plan 2023, a five-year strategy for a cleaner, greener country.
44 projects will receive funding as part of wider Government action to protect public health and the environment by improving air quality.
Local authorities across England have been granted almost £11 million in the latest round of funding for projects that will improve air quality.
The money, from the Government’s annual Air Quality Grant, helps councils develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health.
This year’s grants total £10.7 million, with funding supporting programmes that will educate doctors, nurses and social care workers about air quality; electrify a diesel refuse collection vehicle and procure an electric road sweeper in Blaby, Leicestershire; and roll out monitoring sensors to make real-time air quality information available to the public in Lewisham, south London.
On Tyneside, a long-term campaign aimed at schools and pollution hotspots in residential areas will educate people of all ages about the dangers of air pollution, whilst an Air Quality Officer will be employed in Cornwall to visit schools. Funding will also support an e-cargo bike library, helping local businesses in Norfolk to cut operating costs while lowering their emissions; and the implementation of a river freight scheme in Westminster which will serve as a greener alternative to the use of more polluting vehicles in the city.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said:
We have made great strides in tackling air pollution at a national level since 2010, but we must do more to improve air quality and protect public health.
From Tyneside to Cornwall, this funding will support a range of inspiring and innovative projects across the country – stepping up our monitoring of harmful pollutants, educating the public and boosting the use of green transport.
This builds on our world-leading Environment Act commitments that will enhance our natural environment and safeguard public health for future generations.
The government is taking decisive action to cut air pollution. Through the Environment Act, the government has set two legally-binding targets to reduce the level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – the most harmful pollutant to human health – in our air by 2040.
The Environmental Improvement Plan – published last week to build on the vision set out in the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan – set out interim targets to reduce concentrations of, and
reduce public exposure to, PM2.5 by the end of January 2028, alongside a range of policies to work towards these targets. The Plan also committed to challenging councils to improve air quality more quickly by assessing their performance and use of existing powers, while supporting them with clear guidance, funding and tools. Moreover, it pledged to improve the way air quality information is communicated with the public. Today’s announcement demonstrates key steps forward in the delivery of these commitments.
This latest grant funding means that around £53 million has been awarded across almost 500 projects through the Air Quality Grant scheme since 2010. £883 million has been made available as part of the government’s NO2 Plan to support local authorities in cleaning up transport and cutting levels of nitrogen dioxide down to legal levels in the shortest possible time. More widely, the government has already spent over £2 billion to support the move to zero emission vehicles, helping drive forward the decarbonisation of the UK’s entire transport system. Funding is available from the Department for Transport for local authorities, as well as businesses, charities, private rental accommodation, flats and social housing with off-street parking spaces, to install electric vehicle chargepoints and infrastructure. These actions will deliver better air quality for all. Together, these projects have contributed to the significant improvement in air quality seen in the UK in recent decades. Since 2010, emissions of fine particulate matter have fallen by 18%, while emissions of nitrogen oxides have fallen by 44% and sulphur dioxide by 70%.
£10.7
The Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP is visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (28 February to 2 March). The Defence Secretary held a number of bilateral meetings, including with HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and others in the Saudi government.
It was an opportunity to reflect on the strength and depth of the UK-Saudi partnership, including following the signing of the Defence Cooperation Plan in December 2022. The Defence Secretary reaffirmed the UK’s enduring commitment to work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with discussion of how to enhance the bilateral relationship yet further in support of regional stability and security.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia following the recent commitment of $410 million in aid for Ukraine, announced during Foreign Minister HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud’s visit to Kyiv last weekend.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
It was a pleasure to meet with HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and build on the long history of UK-Saudi defence collaboration. The Statement of Intent signed today will strengthen our SaudiUK combat air relationship and our ability to address shared security challenges for decades to come, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 aspirations. The Defence Ministers signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) during the visit, which will initiate a Partnering Feasibility Study to explore how we can best position our decades long combat air relationship for the future. Both Governments confirmed a common desire for closer industrial collaboration, to develop key capabilities and boost prosperity in both nations, including in support of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
As the world sees the devastation earthquakes caused in Turkey and Syria, claiming thousands of lives, Birmingham’s communities are being urged to support an international appeal to get aid to all.
One of the best ways to help is by donating money via trusted charities and aid organisations – it can reach the areas and organisations that need it much quicker than lorries that have to travel thousands of miles to deliver donated goods.
Birmingham City Council is recommending that any citizens or council staff who wish to support the aid effort make their donations through the following routes:
The Disasters Emergency Committee – The UK Government will match pound-for-pound, up to £5 million donated by the public to this appeal. Full details can be found on the DEC website – www.dec.org.uk
Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Maureen Cornish, is urging people to donate what they can to help those who have lost everything in
these disasters.
Lord Mayor said: “I am deeply saddened by these devastating earthquakes which have so far claimed more than 15,000 lives and leaving millions homeless. Many in our city will be affected by this and my sympathy is with you.
“I am urging people to donate what they can to help with this international appeal to get help, support and aid to those areas affected and all those displaced by this disaster.”
Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, added: “These people have lost everything without warning – not just possessions, but homes, loved ones and their lives, in two horrific earthquakes within hours of each other.
“If you’re able to donate, please do. A donations of any amount will help the DEC Appeal with what will be a major international operation to ensure that aid reaches all of those who need help following this appalling and tragic disaster.”
The UK has joined IDB Invest, a member of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) focused on development through the private sector, in a move designed to boost the UK’s work reducing poverty and tackling climate change across Latin America and the Caribbean through support for small and medium sized businesses.
Development Minister Andrew Mitchell was joined by IDB President Ilan Goldfajn and IDB Invest CEO James Scriven in London to complete the UK’s membership of the group that provides almost £5billion of annual finance to businesses across the region.
Membership will ensure the UK can influence investments that the institution makes annually and promote the UK’s development objectives through the work of the Bank.
Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:
Unleashing private sector investment across the Caribbean and Latin America is vital to delivering the UK’s International Development Strategy.
Joining IDB Invest will help us promote private sector investment, alleviate poverty and tackle climate change in a region experiencing its most severe effects.
The UK and IDB Invest will build on their existing partnership through the UK Sustainable Infrastructure Programme (UKSIP), which supports Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Brazil to reduce their emissions and transition to sustainable infrastructure.
UKSIP support for IDB Invest projects is expected to raise over £150million in private finance for the development of two solar power plants and the purchase of 400 electric buses. The solar plants will produce around 440GWh per year, the equivalent power required for 230,000 homes in Colombia. Green electric buses are expected to save an estimated 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over their lifetime – the equivalent to taking 100,000 cars off the road for a year.
In the last decade, IDB Invest has listed over £5billion in bonds on the London Stock Exchange. This demonstrates the strength of its partnership with the City and London’s role as the leading hub globally for green finance – ranked first in the world, for a third consecutive time, according to the Global Green Finance Index.
Last year, British International Investment, the UK’s own development finance institution, made its first invest-
ment in the Caribbean for over twenty years, investing alongside IDB Invest and local partners with the aim to deliver thousands of jobs and support productive, sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the region.
During their meeting, Minister Mitchell and President Goldfajn agreed on the critical role of the Bank Group in increasing global climate ambitions. The Minister set out the UK’s commitment to international investment in green businesses, stressing its importance in addressing the strategic vulnerability of climate change.
The UK’s International Development Strategy also outlines its commitment to help countries strengthen their energy security and provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy for all, employing the full development finance toolkit, including British International Investment. This put the UK’s strengths – its capital markets, innovation, and expertise in science and technology – to work in mobilising more private finance to advance climate and nature goals.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is visiting India to mark a new scheme allowing young Brits and Indians to live and work in each other’s countries for up to 2 years, which was announced by the Home Secretary earlier this week. The Foreign Secretary will meet his counterpart, External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, ahead of foreign ministers gathering in New Delhi They are expected to discuss progress on the UK-India 2030 Roadmap, which aims to bolster the 2 countries’ ties in defence and security, trade and investment.
During a visit to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi, the Foreign Secretary will mark the opening of the Young Professionals Scheme, an ambitious new partnership between the UK and India which allows up 3,000 Brits and 3,000 Indians a year the right to live and work in the other country for up to 2 years.
The Foreign Secretary will also announce the creation of the UK’s first Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific
region, who will boost ties with India as a priority. This envoy is the second of its kind to be announced by the UK (after the appointment of a Tech Envoy to the US in late 2020) and demonstrates our commitment to the region and techdiplomacy.
The new Tech Envoy role will boost the UK’s status as a science and tech superpower. The envoy will work with our partners in the region on areas of shared interest,
including setting global technology standards and helping to solve challenges through innovative technology.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:
India is a hugely important partner to the UK and the deeper ties we are forging now will help to grow the UK economy and boost our industries for the future. This landmark migration scheme will enable the brightest and best in both our
countries to benefit from new opportunities.
India is also an emerging global leader on technology and there are immense opportunities for better collaboration between us in this sector. That is why we will be sending our first Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific region, to maximise the tech expertise of both countries.
India has the world’s third highest number of tech unicorns and startups, with 108 start-ups gaining the
unicorn status of a private company valued at over $1 billion. This announcement illustrates the UK’s clear commitment to boosting partnerships in India and across South Asia.
On Thursday the Foreign Secretary will attend the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting to work with partners to advance global efforts on food and energy security, climate change and development. He will also continue to call Russia out at the G20 and work with partners to mitigate the global impacts of Russian aggression in Ukraine. If the war were to end today, the effects of the exacerbated food insecurity would still run into 2027. The Foreign Secretary will also address an India-Europe business event in the capital where he will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to conclude a Free Trade Agreement with India. With more links than almost any country in the Indo-Pacific region, the UK-India trading relationship is already worth £34 billion, growing by £10 billion in 1 year.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
This seizure by HMS Lancaster and the permanent presence of the Royal Navy in the Gulf region supports our commitment to uphold international law and tackle activity that threatens peace and security around the world.
Commander Paul Irving, Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster said:
This boarding was a fantastic team effort, and I’m really proud of the way the whole Ship’s Company worked together to achieve such a brilliant result. The Wildcat helicopter was able to locate and stop the skiff after being cued on by a UAS operated by our American partners.
port the collective actions of partners in the region to disrupt malign and illicit activity at sea.
This interdiction follows two seizures in the region by the Royal Navy in early 2022 of Iranian advanced conventional weapons. These seizures included components of missiles used by the Houthis to strike the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The UK recently announced that it had presented evidence from these previous seizures of Iranian violations of UNSCRs 2216 and 2231 to the United Nations. These resolutions concern weapons transfers to the Houthis and controls on Iranian proliferation of missile technology respectively.
Royal Navy ship HMS Lancaster seized weapons from a vessel travelling south from Iran whilst on a routine maritime security patrol on 23 February 2023. A United States fixed-wing Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected a suspected smuggling vessel travelling at high speed in international waters in the Gulf of Oman during the hours of darkness.
The vessel was also tracked by HMS Lancaster’s Wildcat helicopter. The smugglers initially ignored hails from the Royal Navy and attempted to navigate to Iranian territorial waters but were apprehended before they could do so. In accordance with international law, a team of Royal Marines stopped and boarded the vessel. They discovered suspicious packages which were recovered to HMS Lancaster.
Initial inspection suggests that the packages include anti-tank guided missiles (Iranian versions of the Russian 9M133 Kornet, known in Iran as ‘Dehlavieh’), and mediumrange ballistic missile components. The United Nations has been informed about the seizure and invited to conduct its own inspection of the materiel, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions 2216 and 2231.
Our Royal Marine Boarding Team then intercepted the skiff and carried out a search which revealed the weapons. Royal Navy EOD specialists checked the weapons to ensure that they were safe to bring them back onboard Lancaster. The operation is a clear demonstration of successful UK and US cooperation in maintaining maritime security, combining assets from both countries to uphold peace and stability in the region. The UK’s maritime security operations sup-
The UK retains a permanent presence in the Middle East. After four years of continuous service in the region, HMS Montrose handed over to HMS Lancaster in late 2022. These Type 23 frigates include a Royal Marine boarding party and Wildcat helicopter. A Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship and three Mine Counter Measure Vessels are also based in the region, operating under the control of the UK Maritime Component Command.
Plans to make it easier for consumers to recycle packaging waste move a step closer today, as reporting requirements for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) come into force.
Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) will make firms that supply household packaging responsible for the costs of dealing with packaging waste, moving costs away councils and council taxpayers.
Producers will be required to pay for the collection and disposal costs of household packaging they supply when it becomes waste. This will encourage producers to reduce the amount of packaging they place on the market, and to improve the recyclability of their packaging – in turn ensuring less waste ends up in the natural environment.
From today, all obligated packaging producers in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland must collect information on the amount and type of packaging they have supplied during 2023. Wales will follow shortly.
Producers with a turnover of greater than £2 million and who handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging each year must also report this information to the Environment Agency twice a year.
The first reports must be submitted from 1 October 2023.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: We need to stem the flow of packaging which goes unrecycled and instead is lost forever to landfill and incineration.
As set out in our Environmental Improvement Plan, these reforms will encourage businesses to increase their use of recyclable materials, shifting
costs away from the taxpayer and supporting our work to protect the environment from the scourge of waste.
Deep Sagar, chair of the Advisory Committee on Packaging, said: Packaging materials that are not recycled back into new packaging harm our natural environment. Councils have to spend more managing that waste and the public cannot enjoy spaces such as parks and high streets as they should.
Extended Producer Responsibility will reduce that waste. It will make goods producers pay for collection of all packaging waste encouraging them to reduce or recycle more packaging. I look forward to supporting government and industry in making this smart policy work for the public and improving the environment.
tion Programme, said: The introduction of an EPR for packaging could be a gamechanger. If done effectively, it could reduce the impact packaging has on the environment by regulating material use and increasing recycling.
For EPR to work it must serve all – producers, local and central government, recyclers, and the public. We’ve been working with these key groups since 2018 to help collaboration on pEPR.
In 2020, 12 million tonnes of packaging was placed on the UK market, some of which contains plastics that are hard to recycle. Incentivising producers to use better, more recyclable materials will help to stem this tide of waste.
ed to be around £1.2 billion per year across all local authorities, once EPR is fully operational. Before decisions are made about the final shape of the scheme,
we need to gather information from businesses that will be affected. This data will provide the basis for establishing the packaging waste management fees individual producers will pay in 2024, when pEPR comes into force.
We are engaging with businesses and local authorities to shape the future vision of waste reforms through industry-wide sprint events, deep dive sessions and fortnightly forums. This will help ensure business readiness for our planned reforms from 2024, ensuring industry are involved in shaping the long-term future of EPR. These plans build on our wider efforts to eliminate avoidable plastic waste. Earlier this year we announced that a ban on single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, expanded and extruded polystyrene food and drinks containers, including cups, will be intro-
duced in England from October 2023.
We have also announced further details on the implementation of our Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers to boost recycling and clamp down on plastic pollution and litter.
We have already introduced a ban on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products, restrictions on the supply of single-use plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds, and our worldleading Plastic Packaging Tax introduced last year. Meanwhile, our single-use plastic carrier bag charge has successfully cut sales by over 97% in the main supermarkets. For further information, please see our specific guidance on collecting data for packaging EPR, along with our wider guidance for industry on GOV.UK.
Claire
Shrewsbury,
Director of Insights and Innovation at the Waste and Resources Ac-
Producers will be required to pay an EPR fee towards the costs of collecting and managing household packaging waste, currently borne by local authorities. This shift of cost is estimat-
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has unveiled a new centralised website, targeted at helping the UK’s 5.5 million businesses.
The new ‘Help to Grow’ site from DBT is aimed at upskilling both big and small businesses across the country by helping them to:
• Learn new skills
• Reach more customers
• Boost business profits
Businesses have told us that they need easy to find information from the Government, which is why this centralised page will make it simpler for firms to find, access and use the information and support they need in one central space. This site also brings together the wealth of expertise that the newly formed department has to offer.
DBT and the UK Government is committed to growing the economy, as the Prime Minister outlined in his priorities for 2023, which is why this new website will be a pivotal tool to help firms reach their business ambitions, whether that’s learning new digital skills, learning to export globally and courses in effective management.
‘Help to Grow,’ which is now live for use, is targeted at helping firms especially the UK’s 5.4 million small businesses that drive the
economy and is a unique proposition stemming from the newlycreated department, taking businesses from start-ups, to scaling-up and then exporting their goods and services across the globe. The website will offer support and guidance every step of the way, helping to unlock global markets for British businesses.
The centralised site will enable more businesses to reach their trading ambitions, by boosting exports in our race to £1 trillion a year, increasing inward investment and removing business trade barriers.
The ‘Help to Grow’ website will offer advice, guidance, services and support from the UK Government –bringing together a range of support
and help that already exists across Government websites. DBT will be continuously updating and improving ‘Help to Grow’ by working across Government as well as listening to the business community and their feedback.
Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake MP said:
When businesses are given the right tools to grow, it boosts profits, increases well-paid jobs and lifts the whole UK economy. This Government is committed to supporting small businesses and the selfemployed who are at the heart of our communities. So, I am pleased to launch the ‘Help to Grow’ website today, which will hopefully become a vital tool in helping businesses to thrive and succeed both in the UK and trading across the world.
Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive, said:
Tackling climate change and promoting environmental sustainability are priorities for the CMA and many businesses across the UK. We hear increasingly that firms want to do more to co-operate and tackle climate change issues but are worried that competition law may prevent or impede them from working together to address them. We are committed to helping these businesses deal with the issue together, without unfounded fear of breaking competition rules. The draft guidance goes further than we have done previously. It gives firms greater certainty about when agreements that genuinely contribute to addressing climate change will be exempt from competition law. Businesses involved in agreements promoting environmental sustainability should also be assured that if they have concerns, they can speak to us, and we can provide bespoke advice.
In March 2022, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) provided its environmental sustainability advice to the Government. As part of that work, the CMA found that businesses needed more clarity about what is, and what is not, legal when working together towards sustainability goals. Brexit has also offered an opportunity for the CMA to go further than it has before in providing reassurance to businesses and clarity on the CMA’s enforcement approach in relation to environmental sustainability agreements.
The CMA’s proposed new guidance, published today in draft form for consultation, explains how competition law applies to environmental sustainability agreements between firms operating at the same level of the supply chain. The new guidance will help businesses take action on climate change and environmental sustainability generally, without undue fear of breaching competition rules.
Sarah Cardell announced plans for this guidance at a speech at the Scottish Competition Forum in January. In its draft annual plan for 2023/24, published in December 2022, the CMA also set out that supporting the UK’s transition to net zero is one of its key aims for the upcoming year.
In the draft guidance, the CMA has provided clear working examples that businesses can use to inform and shape their own decisions when working with other companies on environmental sustainability initiatives. It explains that the CMA is likely to look favourably on agreements that are in line with the guidance and is very unlikely to prioritise them for enforcement action. The draft guidance also invites parties to approach the CMA for informal advice, in what it is calling an ‘open-door policy’.
The draft guidance published today is part of a wider range of documents on horizontal agreements between businesses. This follows work from the CMA’s Sustainability Taskforce after it published its environmental sustainability advice to the Government in March 2022.
For more information and to respond to the consultation, which is open until 11 April 2023, visit the draft guidance on enviromental sustainability agreements page.
The much anticipated theatrical trailer and poster launch of the action – comedy film Money Back Guarantee- MBG will be held on Friday February 17th 2023 at CUE Cinema Lahore.
Money Back Guarantee (MBG) is written by actor and comedian Faisal Qureshi and also marks Qureshi’s cinematic directorial debut. Qureshi also features in the film.
MBG, produced by Shayan Khan will be released worldwide April 21st 2023 and distributed by IMGC Global in Pakistan and Zashko Films worldwide.
The Urdu-language film stars a plethora of entertainment bigwigs and celebrities including veteran star Javed Sheikh, superstar Fawad Khan, Hina Dilpazir, Ali Safina, Shayan Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Hajra Yamin, Ayesha Omar, Faysal Quraishi and Jan Rambo.
The film also features Kiran Malik, Aqdas Waseem, Mani, Shafaat Ali, Marhoom Ahmad Bilal, Adnan Jaffar and Ataullah Khan in supporting and cameo roles Shot in Karachi and Thailand, MBG also sees the acting debuts of former captain of the national cricket team and cricket commentator/coach Wasim Akram and his wife social worker and activist Shaniera Akram.
The theatrical trailer and poster launch is expected to be attended by cast members Shayan Khan, Faisal Qureshi, Fawad Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Omar, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Mani, Aqdas Waseem and Marhoom Ahmad, Bilal and leading electronic and print media as well influential bloggers and leading publications.
Given the stellar cast and list of celebrities, there is no doubt that Money Back Guarantee is the most-awaited film of 2023!
Tu Hovein Main Hovan is a romantic comedy about two couples; Garry and Kelly and Sukhi and Tania. While Sukhi and Tania are madly in love and want to get married, Garry and Kelly are married with kids. As working parents they try to juggle their domestic responsibilities and working career but the day-today grind takes a toll and they decide to separate. As Garry and Kelly contemplate separating, their kids try various tricks to make them fall in love again. Looking at Garry and Kelly’s situation, Sukhi and Tania have second thoughts about getting married themselves. Will Garry and Kelly divorce each other? Will Sukhi and Tania finally get married? The film explores thru various comic situations, the challenges couples face before and after marriage.
Tu Hovein Main Hovan was shot in the West Midlands locations, highlighting the West Midlands as a popular location for filming Panjabi, Bol-
lywood and Marati films. All suppliers were sourced and hired from West Midlands based companies, catering, locations, crew the list goes on.
Local actors and supporting actors were selected and casted in major roles in the film from the West Midlands.
Vakil Singh , Director commented ‘ Shooting Tu Hovein
Main Hovan in the West Midlands was an absolute pleasure. West Midlands has array of beautiful locations that have not featured in films before and for me as a director to have these location’s featuring in the film was breath-taking. Majority of films that come to the UK stick by their comfort zone and do not explore outside of London, for me filming in the West Midlands gave my story and filing structure. I look forward to bring more films into the West Midlands’.
Tu Hovein Main Hovan directed by Vakil
Singh, Dialogues Ajay Bawa, Surmeet Maavi, Screenplay & Story Vakil Singh
Star cast: Jimmy Shergill, Kulraj Randhawa, Seema Kaushal, Darshan Aulakh, Delbar Arya, Anita Devgan, Sajjan Adeeb, Agamvir Singh
Produced by Dinesh Arya, Jai Arya, Rampal Singh Grewal, Harry Pannu, Sandeep Tokas
Sahil Zafran is a young Music Artist from Birmingham, who through his melodious voice brings communities together.
Sahil who from a young age has been reciting Nasheeds in praising the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and reciting Inspirational songs which have been written by his Father, which have been touching the hearts of his followers. Sahil has recited a lot of sad songs which are dedicated to those people who have lost their loved ones. These videos have been recorded in cemeteries, and in various different locations. Recently Sahil did a video in Turkey and the song called ‘Mere Apne’ A Family Betrayal, reached 1 million views on You Tube. The song is related to true events which took place in his dad’s personal life and his dad penned that into poetry which went viral. Sahil’s new release just over a month ago has also hit the million mark. Sahil has become a Role model for the youths in the UK and has a large following with youths aspiring to become like him but also be humble despite having a big fan base. Sahil lives a simple life and promotes peace and humanity whenever he appears at events and gives up a lot of his time volunteering so he can give his time to the youths by promoting music, sport and other activities.
Children and young people across England with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision (AP) will get high-quality, early support wherever they live in the country.
The SEND and AP Improvement Plan published today (Thursday 02 March) confirms investment in training for thousands of workers so children can get the help they need earlier, alongside thousands of additional specialist school places for those with the greatest needs – as 33 new special free schools are approved to be built as of today.
The transformation of the system will be underpinned by new national SEND and AP standards, which will give families confidence in what support they should receive and who will provide and pay for it, regardless of where they live.
There will be new guides for professionals to help them provide the right support in line with the national standards but suited to each child’s unique experience, setting out for example how to make adjustments to classrooms to help a child remain in mainstream education.
To improve parents’ and carers’ experiences of accessing support, the plan will cut local bureaucracy by making sure the process for assessing children and young people’s needs through Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) is digital-first, quicker and simpler wherever possible.
This package forms part of the government’s significant investment into children and young people with SEND and in AP, with investment increasing by more than 50% compared with 2019-20 – to over £10 billion by 2023-24.
Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho said:
Parents know that their children only get one shot at education and this can have an enormous impact on their child’s ability to get on with life. Yet for some parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, getting their child that superb education that everyone deserves can feel like a full-time job.
The Improvement Plan that we are publishing today sets out systemic reforms to standards, teacher training and access to specialists as well as thousands of new places at specialist schools so that every child gets the help they need.
The local authorities selected today to have 33 new special free schools built in their areas add to the 49 already in the pipeline. These new places come with the government’s £2.6 billion investment between 2022 and 2025 to increase special school and alter-
native provision capacity. There will be expanded training for staff, ranging from up to 5,000 early years special educational needs coordinators to 400 educational psychologists, covering a wide range of educational needs.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education will develop an apprenticeship for teachers of sensory impairments.
The £70 million change programme will work over the next two to three years with selected local authorities in nine regions, working alongside families to implement, test and refine longerterm plans – including new digital requirements for local authority EHCP processes and options for strengthening mediation.
The changes are also underpinned by a strengthened local authority inspection regime joint between Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission.
This plan follows extensive engagement with around 6,000 consultation responses and 175 events, ensuring the new reforms take into account the views of children, young people, parents and carers. The plan sets out a clear roadmap to transform the SEND and AP system and make it sustainable over the long term.
Minister for Learning Disabilities and Autism, Maria Caulfield said:
Everyone with special educational needs and disabilities deserves to live a happy, healthy and productive life – but we know there are often barriers to accessing the right support, especially for parents navigating the start of their
children’s educational experiences.
It is vital that health, care and education are working together properly from day one for people with additional needs, which is why we’re making sure steps are being taken to better join up the system and provide support more readily for children and young people with special educational needs and for their families.
Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza said:
Children with SEND and their families have, for too long, felt penalised by a system that doesn’t support their needs.
I am particularly pleased to see this plan’s focus on early help, which will prevent families from reaching breaking point, and the increase in specialist school places so that many more children are able to attend a great school, every day.
I have called for children’s voices to be at the heart of this plan, so I am encouraged by the move to make EHC Plans digital, standardised, and more focused on what each child wants.
Our focus must now be on delivering these reforms, in tandem with those for children’s social care, and matching the ambition that children have for themselves.
Dame Christine Lenehan, Director of Council for Disabled Children said:
The SEND and AP Improvement plan has set out the DfE’s understanding of the complexity and level of challenge that exists in the system whilst also acknowl-
edging the difficult experiences of some children and families as a result.
CDC welcome the focus on early intervention and providing families support at the earliest opportunity which is key to ensuring needs are met effectively. It will be vital to provide strengthened accountability routes and to continue to focus on the improved experiences of children and families to ensure outcomes are met. We look forward to continuing to engage children, young people and their families as well as practitioners across the SEND sector in ongoing opportunities to input into the plans moving forwards. Additional measures confirmed today in the Improvement Plan include:
A new leadership level Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator National Professional Qualification (SENCo NPQ) will be created, ensuring teachers have the training they need to provide the right support to children.
A new approach to AP will focus on preparing children to return to mainstream or prepare for adulthood. AP will act as an interven-
tion within mainstream education, as well as high-quality standalone provision, in an approach that meets children’s needs earlier and helps prevent escalation.
An extension of AP Specialist Taskforces, which work directly with young people in AP to offer intensive support from experts, including mental health professionals, family workers, and speech and language therapists, backed an additional £6 million investment.
A doubling of the number of supported internship places by 2025, from around 2,500 to around 5,000, backed with £18 million of funding to help young people make the transition into adulthood.
£30 million to go towards developing innovative approaches for short breaks for children, young people and their families, providing crucial respite for families of children with complex needs. The programme funds local areas to test new services including play, sports, arts and independent living activities, allowing parents time to themselves, while their child enjoys learning new skills.
By: Rida Khan (Aviation Author)
Ingredients:
500g of spinach in bundle
500g of cottage cheese
750g of pastilla leaves
Preparation:
150g hazelnut butter
1 nutmeg
Salt and black pepper from the mill
Sauté the coarsely chopped spinach in olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the white cheese, ground nutmeg, then the hazelnut butter, salt and pepper. Cut the pastilla sheets in two, brush with oil. Take a tablespoon of stuffing and put it at the beginning of the pastilla sheet. Fold the sheet in two. Fold over to the right and then to the left to form a triangle and so on to the end. Glue the end of the sheet that remains at the end with flour (mixed with water). Put the triangles in an oven dish and you brush with oil. Put them in a preheated oven at 180°c until they become golden brown. Or fry them in a hot oil bath Serve them hot
Ingredients:
250 gr of Carrots
1,5 pc of Oranges
Preparation:
15 gr Cinnamon powder
4 dumplings of carrot orange sorbet
Poach or steam the carrots. Mix the cold carrots with orange juice and cinnamon powder. Cut the rest of the poached carrots into small cubes, peel the oranges, crushed almonds. In a bowl, arrange the orange and carrot tartar. Arrange the scoop of ice cream, cinnamon tuile. Pour the soup well iced in the table.
Ramadan is the holy month of Muslims that begins with the viewing of the crescent moon and is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims across the globe observe a 29–30 day fast before celebrating Eid Al Fitr for three days at the conclusion of the month. The practice of fasting is universal throughout the world. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called Suhur and the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is called Iftar.
Due to the fact that people fast throughout the entire month of Ramadan, the meals are regarded as nutritious and healthy. Dates, fruits, fried snacks, dairy products, desserts, bread, water, juices, sherbet, and other items are the main ingredients of iftar food. Following Asr prayer, people visit a variety of eateries and food stores to purchase bread and snacks for the iftar. The iftar table is set up with both homemade and market-brought food at home. Iftar trays are intended for sharing with neighbors and friends, whereas iftar boxes are intended for giving to the less fortunate. Small children eagerly anticipate and observe the iftar food set out on the table. It’s a time when everyone gathers to enjoy the iftar while dining together. The world is one, but it is geographically divided into regions with various cultures and cuisines. There are many different types of food in each country, some of which are served as traditional iconic foods, such as in: Saudi Arabia : ZamZam water/ Dates / Soups / Sambusa / Salads/ Foul with Tamees bread / Al-Shreik bread / Yoghurt mixed with duqqa powder/ Beef Machboos/ Sobia drink / Vimto drink / Laban , Morocco : Harira , Singapore : Kue lapis which is a layered steamed cake, Jordan : Mansaf, Turkey : Pidesi flatbread, India : Pakoras / Samosas/ Nukti khare/ Papad/ Haleem, UAE : Harees / Thareed, Egypt : Qatayef , Somalia : Nafaqo , Nigeria : Moi Moi, Spain : Gambas Al Ajillo , Armenia : Dolma, Philippines : Arroz Caldo, Africa : Jollof rzice
, Bangladesh : Seekh Kebabs / Shahi Jilapi, Malaysia : Ayam masak merah / Nasi Lemak, Pakistan : Fruit Chaat / Kebabs, Brunei Darussalam : Boiled crab, Indonesia : Kolak, Iran : Fesenjan / Koofteh, Sudan : Taameya known as falafel / Sudanese Asida , Japan : A healthy broth containing udon noodles, napa cabbage, negi, tofu, thinly sliced beef and another dish is Chicken katsu curry , Palestine : Shorbat Adas . Furthermore, many cultures enjoy their postiftar cups of tea or coffee. Saudi Arabian coffee is a popular beverage in Saudi Arabia.
I had the chance to interview Chef Issam Rhachi about Ramadan food, and he shared his opinions as well as some simple iftar recipes.
Moroccan Chef Issam Rhachi (Instagram A/c: issamrhachi ) made an instant decision to pursue a career in cooking. His career and life have been filled with success. He started his cooking adventure with the luxury Meridien hotel chain as Demi Chef de partie. In 2012, Chef Issam Rhachi made it to the top 10 Best Chefs in Morocco, Bocuse d’Or Morocco. He won the 1st prize of revisited Moroccan cuisine in Crémai. During his career, he took part in different cuisine exchanges in France. He received a gold medal with Team Morocco in Dubai Hospitality World Cup and he continued to prove his professionalism while participating in international festivals. In 2017, he earned the title of ‘Grand Chef de Demain’ awarded to him by the international guide Gault-Millau, he got a silver medal in Trophée Passion in Paris.
Ramadan food is renowned for its incredible variety and flavor, which we enjoy during this month, and Chef Issam claims that the Ftour table is famous for its array of unique and savory dishes made specifically for this holy month. Ramadan food must be balanced because it goes beyond simply preparing traditional dishes. Consuming nutrient-rich food is also essential.
In a frying pan, put the butter and brown the squids and shrimps Reserve them In another frying pan, brown the small dices of fish Reserve them Preparation of the chermoula Brown in olive oil, chopped garlic, spices, lemon juice and harissa. Add the parsley, chopped coriander Soak the vermicelli in hot water for 8 minutes, drain and cut it Poach the spinach, drain it and cut it up. Mix the spinach with a light béchamel sauce and a little bisque. In a large bowl, carefully mix the seafood, vermicelli and chermoula. In another bowl, mix the white fish and chermoula, lemon juice and salt. Correct the seasonings. Prepare the hazelnut butter, the eggs in a buttered round mould, spread the sheet of pastilla, hazelnut butter, white fish stuffing, spinach and finish with the seafood stuffing, vermicelli. Fold over the edges, coat with butter and beaten egg. Bake at 180°c, remove from oven when golden brown RHACHI Serve with the aioli and lemon sauce.
Ingredients:
250 gr of eggplant
Beef dama
100 g of white cheese
Paprika
Cumin
Olive oil
Pepper
3 cloves of garlic
Dried pepper
Preparation:
Prepare the Eggplant Zaalouk. In a salad bowl, add two thirds of the white cheese and one third of eggplant zaalouk, beef dama Season with salt, pepper, Espelette pepper
Add chopped coriander
Make cigars with this stuffing, fry them
A new app which will offer incentives such as vouchers for shops, gym discounts and cinema tickets for people who eat healthily and exercise more has been launched in Wolverhampton.
The government-backed trial – the first of its kind in England – will see participants given free fitness trackers which will be linked to the Better Health: Rewards app. The free app will generate personalised health goals for every participant – such as increasing their step count or eating more fruit and vegetables – in line with the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity guidelines and the Eatwell Guide for a healthy balanced diet. Over 20 weeks, participants will collect points for each goal they complete, which they can exchange for rewards including discounts for cinema tickets, and clothes or food vouchers.
The government has made £3 million available for incentives, if users meet weekly challenges and improve their diet and physical activity behaviours. The app includes budget-friendly tips that support users to develop healthier habits, and challenges have been designed to be completed anywhere, no gym required. National supermarkets including Sainsburys, ALDI, Morrisons, Tesco and Asda will be participating in the scheme so users can earn money off their food shop. Hundreds of other rewards are also on offer, including vouchers and merchandise from retailers including Amazon, Argos, Primark, M&S, John Lewis and Currys. Gyms and leisure centres across Wolverhampton including PureGym, Places Lei-
sure, Complexions and WV Active are offering vouchers and discounts, and users can also swap points for cinema tickets or family activities.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay said:
The launch of the new Better Health: Rewards app today in Wolverhampton will help us see how we can empower people to make healthy changes to their lifestyle.
The pilot is an opportunity to explore how we can further harness technology to support people to improve their physical health, prevent illnesses before they develop and help to ease pressure on the NHS.
I would encourage all adults in Wolverhampton to download the app today to improve their wellbeing and start earning exciting rewards.
Adults aged over 18 who live in Wolverhampton can sign up by downloading the Better Health: Rewards app via their app store, or they can search wolverhampton. gov.uk/rewards to find out more.
Health Minister Neil O’Brien said:
The government is investing £3 million to help people in Wolverhampton lead healthier, happier lives. The Better Health: Rewards app aims to put people in control of their own health.
It’s about making it easier for people to eat better and increase physical activity.
If you live in Wolverhampton, please don’t hesitate to sign up.
The pilot, which is being delivered by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council, has benefited from ex-
pert advice from Sir Keith Mills, pioneer of leading reward programmes Airmiles and Nectar.
Health Incentives Adviser Sir Keith Mills said:
This scheme is a fantastic opportunity to explore how government and business can work together to deliver a new and engaging way of supporting the public to make healthier choices.
Through the pilot we will have exciting and innovative partners on board which will help motivate people to want to earn incentives, but also should help them overcome barriers to making healthy decisions in future. I’m looking forward to see how this scheme develops.
The City of Wolverhampton Council was
appointed after an expression of interest and all residents over the age of 18 are eligible to sign up.
Wolverhampton is leading the way to trial innovative solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of their population, of which one-third is classed as being physically inactive, and a below-average number of adults in the city are eating their 5 a day. These include a £1 million upgrade of equipment at the council’s 3 WV Active leisure centres and the development of a free activity programme for children and young people through WV Active.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said:
We are working hard to improve the overall health of everyone in Wolverhampton by providing innovative solutions which can help our residents get more active.
We are already making significant progress in tackling physical inactivity, improving infrastructure and making environmental changes to enable people to be more active, and we are delighted to be working with the Department of Health and Social Care and HeadUp on this important pilot programme to see whether offering incentives can help people make positive changes to improve their health and wellbeing.
This is an incredible opportunity for the people of Wolverhampton, so please sign up today.
Addressing obesity and poor diet remains a priority for this government and alongside the Better Health: Rewards pilot we are delivering an ambitious programme of work to create a healthier environment for people.
It is estimated that obesity costs the NHS £6.5 billion annually. Tackling this serious health problem could save the NHS billions over time, ensuring vital funds are spent on key frontline services and cutting waiting lists, as well as improving the quality of life for millions of people.
In November 2022, the government announced £20 million funding to trial how best to deliver new medicines and technologies for people living with obesity, particularly in deprived communities across the UK.
Residents and visitors can now scan poster QR codes at multiple locations to find out how single-use avoidable plastic items – like nappies, packets, wet wipes and sanitary products – impact marine life when incorrectly flushed down the toilet or discarded in the open environment.
The eye-catching posters, which can be found on railings, bollards and lamp posts at the Barbican Waterfront and Hoe, University of Plymouth Hospital (inside only), city centre, and Mutley and Saltash Passage areas, enable people to have text message mobile phone chats about plastic types, the journey of plastic through drains and rivers, and their impacts on ocean health. There is also an engaging quiz and opportunity to share opinions on plastic pollution.
Environment Agency plastics and sustainability team project lead Lucy Smith said: Every year more than 12 million tonnes of plastic enters the world’s ocean from land, rivers and marine activities. And around 967 kilograms of plastic waste has been removed from
Plymouth in recent months according to our partner database, thanks to community-led litter pickers.
With the help of these interactive posters, we hope to clampdown on poor waste disposal habits by encouraging people to think how the health of our planet is shaped by our actions. It can be really confusing knowing what type of waste goes where. We hope this project will engage people in a fun way and help break down complicated
issues into straightforward action. Every individual can play a part in ocean health, and every positive action counts.
The initiative is one of many projects being funded by the 3 year cross channel Interreg Preventing Plastic Pollution project – a partnership of 18 organisations, including Plymouth City Council, Westcountry Rivers Trust and the University of Plymouth – which aims to identify and target plastic hotspots, embed behaviour change
in local communities and businesses, and implement effective solutions and alternatives.
The posters plug into behaviour change ambitions by encouraging people to properly dispose of their waste and step up daily avoidable plastic habits by following the waste hierarchy –avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle.
The posters will be in place for 12 months, after which the interactions will be evaluated to help inform future initiatives to prevent plastic pollution.
The project builds on Environment Agency goals and commitments outlined in its 5 year plan to create better places for
people, wildlife and the environment.
As a regulator, the Environment Agency prevents waste plastic entering the environment by cracking down on waste crime and poor waste management. As an influencer, its ambition is to promote better environmental practices that result in a reduction of plastic waste.
Transparency and confidence in the UK’s low carbon hydrogen sector are set to increase on the world stage as the government today outlines plans for a globally recognised low carbon hydrogen certification scheme. There is currently no recognised way for producers of low carbon hydrogen to prove the credentials of their product. The introduction of a reliable method to demonstrate the emissions credentials of hydrogen will play a vital role in decarbonising the UK hydrogen sector, promoting cross-border trade whilst stimulating growth and jobs in green hydrogen. The government will now begin consultation with industry, with the intention of introducing the certification scheme by 2025. This will help the growing UK green energy market to verify sustainability claims, whilst delivering industry and consumer confidence in low carbon hydrogen. Hydrogen can be used in a variety of innovative ways, including as a raw material for products such as fertilisers and steel, and as a replacement fuel for high temperature processes such as glass manufacture or ceramics.
Further reflecting its hydrogen ambitions and ahead of celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science this week,
the UK government has extended the appointment of the country’s first-ever Hydrogen Champion, Jane Toogood, for a further 6 months. The Hydrogen Champion’s role is key to bringing industry and government together to accelerate the development of the UK hydrogen economy, and as part of her role to date, Jane has met extensively with stakeholders across industry to assess opportunities and identify barriers to achieving this.
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Graham Stuart said: Consumers and businesses care about investing sustainably. Thanks to this new scheme, investors and producers will be able to confidently identify and invest in trusted, high-quality British sources of low carbon hydrogen, both home and abroad. I look forward to working with industry as we deliver hydrogen as a secure, low carbon replacement for fossil fuels that will help us move towards net zero, secure jobs, and boost investment.
UK Hydrogen Champion Jane Toogood said: Hydrogen is an essential piece of the puzzle to decarbonise UK industry, support clean growth and improve our long-term energy security. It’s great to see progress being made towards setting up a
UK certification scheme – this is key to growing a low carbon hydrogen economy.
I am pleased to be continuing in the role as Hydrogen Champion and to share this news ahead of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. Over the next 6 months, my priority will be to ensure that industry and government work together to generate investment in the hydrogen economy, kickstart hydrogen production and develop a UK hydrogen supply chain.
Since the publication of the UK Hydrogen Strategy in 2021, there has been a rapid increase in global interest and investment in the development of an international market for low carbon hydrogen. A certification scheme for lowcarbon hydrogen could create benefits for the whole hydrogen value chain, from producers to users of hydrogen, promoting economic growth, job creation and greener businesses.
The scheme intends to use the methodology set out in the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard as the basis of the certification. Today’s announcements build on the commitments made in the British Energy Security Strategy to double the UK’s hydrogen ambition to up to 10GW of new low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
B737 MAX flights, which were grounded following the two fatal accidents, are now being permitted to resume in China by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Fuzhou Airlines became the third domestic Chinese airline to bring back the B737 MAX on February
15, 2023 when it flew its first B737 MAX FU6581 from Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO).
China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines are the first two airlines to complete all the steps neces-
sary for the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to allow the B737 MAX to begin operating for commercial purposes.
China Southern Airlines
B737 MAX flight CZ3960 made a flight on January 13, 2023, from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
(CAN) to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO). Hainan Airlines’ B737 MAX departed from Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) and arrived at Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) on February 1, 2023. The number of flights is still lim-
ited because the airlines are not using all of their B737 MAX aircraft. Hainan Airlines consists of 11 B737 MAX aircraft, only two of which are now in service.
China Southern Airlines has 24 B737 MAX aircraft, of which six are currently in service.
If we look at the B737 MAX’s utilization rate, we can observe that the fleet is only used for short journeys, such as one or two round trips lasting 4 hours or 8hrs. China is very carefully reintroducing the B737 MAX to the blue sky after passing the flying test.
Birmingham City Council, said:
Transferring from petrol to electric vehicles is vital in supporting our climate emergency commitment to cut carbon emissions, and a crucial part of our transport plan. However, this will only happen with a comprehensive network of charging points across the city.
A publicly accessible rapid electric vehicle charger has been installed on the Bournville Village Trust (BVT) estate to support sustainable travel.
The 50kW charger has been launched at the Shenley Green shops, Shenley Lane, through a partnership between Bournville Village Trust, Birmingham City Council and ESB Energy. The work is part of the Council’s wider strategy to increase the number of charging points across the City and BVT’s work to maintain distinctive, environmentally sustainable places.
Arthur Tsang, Director of Communities at BVT, said: “The challenges facing our climate are well documented
and residents have shared with us their concerns and asked what we are doing to support the move to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
“This rapid charger has the capability to provide a full charge to a car between 30-60 minutes and will be supplied by 100% renewable energy.
“Members of the community will be able to use the charging point, which is a small step to support the move towards more environmentally sustainable travel in the area.”
Emily James, Birmingham Project Manager from ESB Energy, said: “ESB Energy is delighted to launch a new public 50kW rapid charger on the
Bournville Village Trust (BVT) estate. Partnering with Birmingham City Council, we continue to roll out a comprehensive public charging network for electric vehicle drivers throughout the city.
“We know the huge benefit that EV infrastructure plays in helping build a sustainable future for cities and we are committed to playing a role in supporting the city’s, and indeed country’s, electrification of transport ambitions.”
It is projected the charging point will save at least 2,000 tonnes of CO2 and reduce other types of pollution over 12 years.
As well as working with partners to in-
stall the new charging point, BVT is introducing a number of electric vehicles to its maintenance and estate departments to help reduce carbon emissions. In partnership with Severn Trent, 600 new trees have also been planted in Weoley Hill parkway just off Bristol Road South to create a haven for wildlife and boost biodiversity.
Bournville Village Trust is one of the Midlands’ longest-serving independent charitable trusts. It provides a range of services from estate management and commercial premises to affordable housing and community support services that help people thrive. As a not-for-profit, all its surplus is
“It is great news to see charging points being installed to complement what the city council is doing.
ploughed back into the homes, facilities and communities it manages. It works within more than a dozen diverse and distinctive communities in Birmingham and Telford and aims to create and sustain communities where people can thrive.
For more information about Bournville Village Trust, please go to www.bvt.org.uk
Drivers are spending more than three hours per year* clearing their windscreen of ice before driving in winter, according to research from Škoda UK. More than half (51%) of UK motorists are unaware that they could face fines of up to £80 for leaving their engine idling when defrosting their windscreen in cold weather on a public road.
Defrosting a car’s windscreen is a common chore in winter, with Škoda research finding that a third (35%) of motorists spend between five and seven minutes on average doing it, while a further tenth of drivers (13%) spend a total of eight to 10 minutes. A quarter (25%) of drivers spend at least two to four minutes clearing their screen when it is iced over.
Applied to the UK’s car park of 40.8 million licensed vehicles, the nation wastes the equivalent of 337 years defrosting their windscreen.When asked what methods they commonly use to combat the frost, the most popular answer was using the car’s heating system (63%), followed by an ice scraper (57%), de-icer (44%), windscreen wipers (27%), boiled water (15%), while more than one in ten (13%) admitted to using their bank card or plastic card. The same research found more than three quarters (76%) turn their engine on and keep it running while defrosting their car to ‘aid’ the process.
Despite the majority of motorists leaving their engine on, 51% were unaware that leaving their engine idling while defrosting their windscreen on a public road could lead to a fine of up to £80.
Nearly three quarters (74%) of UK drivers are also unaware that electric vehicles (EVs) can be ‘preconditioned’ via an app to defrost the screen before they even get into their car on a frosty morning.
Using the Škoda Connect app or by setting the parameters on the infotainment system, the Škoda Enyaq iV can be preconditioned to defrost the windscreen, heat the cabin, and prepare the battery in cold conditions so that it is ready to drive for a scheduled time.
Drivers who keep the charging cable connected when preconditioning the car, avoid drawing energy from the battery and ensure the maximum possible driving range when they set off.
Drivers could save up to 10 minutes a day by using the preconditioning feature of Škoda’s electric cars. More than two thirds (67%) of drivers would be likely to use preconditioning to save time, fuel, and standing in the cold by remotely defrosting their windscreen in advance if they had an EV.
To increase heating efficiency and comfort during winter, the Enyaq iV also features a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, heated front washer nozzles, and tri-zone climate control.
The next stage of Nissan’s electrified product offensive takes shape with the regional premiere of the All-New, fourth generation X-Trail. Over two decades, almost seven million units of X-Trail have been sold globally, making it one of the world’s most popular family adventure vehicles. Starting at £32,030, the All-New XTrail offers a unique combination of rugged eye-catching design, comfort, on-board convenience, and an effortless, confident drive.
For this new iteration, Nissan has drawn on the well-established DNA that runs through all three of the previous generations: muscular design, flexible utility, and advanced all-wheel drive capabilities. The AllNew X-Trail will be available in both five and seven seat configurations, offering a convenient option for days out with extended family or friends. Thanks to the new Alliance CMF-C platform, which showcases advanced engineering, innovation and technology, the All-New X-Trail will again raise the bar in the crossover segment. Customers with a taste for adventure will savour the enhanced dynamic performance and advanced electrification technologies that the new generation of X-Trail offers.
“Replacing an icon like the X-Trail is a huge responsibility. It has established itself as a vehicle for families to share adventures in, so we know what our customers appreciate. For the fourth generation, we will give them the capacity for adventure, with an advanced electrified all-wheel drive powertrain, combined with intuitive and convenient technology,” said Francois Bailly, Senior Vice President, Chief Planning Officer, for Nissan’s AMIEO Region.
Nissan’s iconic X-Trail will arrive on the streets of the UK soon with dealers now able to take customer orders. Modern, muscular styling that creates a robust yet modern look Central to X-Trail’s appeal will be its distinctive styling which projects a reassuring sense of prominence and robustness, without being aggressive. Both the exterior and interior of the All-New X-Trail reflect the spirit of the vehicle – versatile and adventurous. The exterior is highlighted by signature Nissan design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille. The frontal aspect is framed by striking headlights that appear moulded within the bodywork of the front bumper, with combined daytime running lights and indicators nestled along the shut-line of the hood.
From the side, muscular wheel arches at the front and rear give the X-Trail presence on the road, whilst at the base of the doors, an inset feature brings a sense of fluidity to the sheer surfaces of the doors.
The shape of the C-pillar is reminiscent of a dolphin fin, bringing tension to the rear where the wrap-around lights complete the rear three-quarter aspect.
From behind, taught horizontal lines sits just above and below where the number plate is mounted, while split rear lights ensure a wide aperture for the trunk. A silver panel curves under the rear bumper, reflecting X-Trail’s adventurous character.
Key aerodynamic features include “3D” tyre deflectors in the lower front fascia, an active grille shutter to control air flow into the engine compartment, special A-pillar shaping, underbody covers to manage air flow under the vehicle and a unique “air curtain”
that precisely directs air flow from the front to the sides of the X-Trail. Customers clearly appreciate choice, so the new X-Trail will be available in 10 body colours with five two-tone combinations, creating 15 variations to choose from.
e-POWER drivetrain
The All-New X-Trail will be the second model in Nissan’s European range to be equipped with the brand’s innovative e-POWER drive system. Exclusive to Nissan, e-POWER is a unique approach to electrification, offering the EV-drive feeling without the need to recharge.
First introduced in Japan on the Note in 2016, it went on to become the best-selling car, with customers loving its combination of smooth, effortless performance and cable-free ownership.
The All-New X-Trail’s e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a variable compression ratio petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 150kW front electric motor. This unique powertrain means that power to the wheels comes only from an electric motor, which results in an instant, linear response to the accelerator.
The application For Europe it has a 1.5 litre Variable Compression Ratio turbo petrol engine, with a final system power output of 150kW (204PS). The defining feature of e-POWER is that the petrol engine is used solely to generate electricity, whilst the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. This means the engine can always run within its optimal range, leading to superior fuel efficiency in urban settings.
A report to Cabinet Members notes the previously-confirmed opportunity to access underspend from Games time budgets still exists – and a Legacy Portfolio Team within Birmingham City Council is now required to continue to coordinate and drive forward the city’s ambitions, as set out in both the Corporate Strategy and the council’s own Games Legacy Plan.
The Team will act as a central entity and coordinating body to take on responsibility for ensuring delivery to time and budgets. It will not be directly responsible for project delivery but will provide a structure for the oversight and assurance of any legacy projects delivered as a result of any additional funding.
And it will be through the Portfolio’s governance that decisions about new projects will be made, and the legacy programmes will be monitored and maintained.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “As I stressed from day one, the Games were always about much more than the memorable 11 days of sport we were the Proud Host City for last summer.
“We need to maximise the positive impact of staging the Games for people in all of our neighbourhoods and this report outlines how we will ensure the benefits of Birmingham 2022 are felt right across the city for years to come.”
A new athletics track for Utilita Arena Birmingham, purchased by Birmingham City Council, is set to host its first event this weekend in the shape of the UK Athletics Indoor Championships.
The track replaces the original, used at the city centre venue since its opening in 1991 – with the £1.7million investment acting as a catalyst for the council to secure a ten-year event partnership with UK Athletics, which underlines Birmingham’s status as the home of indoor athletics.
Under the terms of the deal, the city will be host to both the UK Athletics Indoor Championships and Indoor Grand Prix events annually until February 2032.
At this weekend’s first event (February 18-19), athletes will be competing for GB & NI team places for the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul (March 2-5).
And just a week later, the Birmingham Indoor World Tour Final 2023 (aka Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham) – featuring some of the best athletes in the world – will be staged on February 25.
In addition, a programme of community activity is also being developed to ensure the use of the asset is maximised during the times it is in situ at Utilita Arena Birmingham.
For 2023, the programme includes a day for Birmingham Children’s Trust and Sport Birmingham, during which children, families and carers will take part in a range of sporting taster sessions on the track.
The council has also worked Birchfield Harriers to enable members of the athletics club use the facilities for training sessions, without which they would have to travel 70 miles to use a banked track. Club officials say this arrangement will provide a sustainable platform and help grow back the tal-
ent base that is undoubtedly out there waiting to be uncovered locally.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This investment in a new track underlines our commitment to major events in Birmingham as part of the city’s Golden Decade of opportunity.
“The benefits of hosting such events is clear – both for the local economy and residents. We’ve made every effort to ensure there is a community benefit from our purchasing power and the events we stage. This is a great example of what we are doing in order to achieve this.
“As a city that loves its sport, we’re all looking forward to the first events to use the new indoor track and how this partnership develops and supports our communities.”
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “We’re delighted that the UK Athletics Indoor Championships will be the first event to benefit from this state-of-the-art new indoor Mondo track. This is a fantastic arena and the sport has been privileged to host the best athletes in the world here year after year.
“The investment in this new track shows how important athletics is to Birmingham and I can’t wait to see it in action this weekend as well as during next week’s World Indoor Tour Final.”
Hannah England, former GB & NI middle-distance athlete and World Championships silver medallist, who lives in Birmingham, said: “It is so exciting to see the new track installed ahead of this weekend! As an athlete I loved the indoor season and competing here in Birmingham was always a thrill as this is a great arena for athletics.
“Living here in Birmingham I have
seen first-hand the huge investment in the athletics facilities and it is brilliant to see such a strong legacy for the sport following the Commonwealth Games.”
Guy Dunstan, Managing Director of NEC Group Ticketing & Arenas, added: “Birmingham has become synonymous with sport, and this track investment is only going to solidify our position further as the home of indoor athletics. A great addition to the world-class facilities we offer athletes and visitors at the Arena.”
The tender to supply the council was won by DYNAMIK Sports Floors who engaged Solihull-based Neon Arena Services as their delivery partner – which will use 23 locally-based employees to build, maintain and store the track on an annual basis.
As part of their social value commitments, Neon will provide track support (managing equipment such as the hurdles and starting blocks) free of charge for the community events held in between the elite meetings.
Nick East, Managing Director of Neon Arena Services, said: “Being awarded this contract for the next five years has helped us tremendously by giving us the confidence to be able to retain our local workforce with particular skillsets, and grow the team on both the installation and event management side.
“We are extremely thankful Birmingham City Council’s commitment to attracting quality sports events into the city has enabled our business to grow from strength-to-strength on both a local and national basis since the return of live events post-Covid.”
The track itself is from Mondo, a partner of World Athletics and the world leaders for demountable tracks and running surfaces.
