Press release: Two non-executive directors appointed to the Single Financial Guidance Body

They will take up post when the body comes into existence, expected to be on 1 October 2018.

The Single Financial Guidance Body will bring together the services currently delivered by the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise. To ensure a smooth transition to the SFGB, the Chair has identified the need to retain valuable experience of the existing services.

With the agreement of the Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, Ann Harris, Chair of the Pensions Advisory Service, and Mike Dailly, a non-executive director of the Money Advice Service, will be appointed to the SFGB for a period of 2 years. Both will remain in their current roles.

Sir Hector Sants, the Chair of the Single Financial Guidance Body, said:

The organisation intends to ensure it builds on the successes to date, and absorbs the lessons of the past. To best achieve this, a degree of continuity is vital and I am delighted that Mike Dailly and Ann Harris have agreed to join the Board and look forward to working with them.

Biographies

Mike Dailly

Mike is the Director of the Govan Law Centre in Glasgow. This is a charitable community law centre helping people at the sharp end who are having to cope with financial disputes, including credit repayments and mortgage repossessions. Mike has been a non-executive director with the Money Advice Service since April 2015.

He is a Solicitor Advocate who acts exclusively for consumers, a member of the European Banking Authority’s expert group, and a Non-Executive Director with the Scottish Housing Regulator. He was a member of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Financial Services Consumer Panel from 2009 to 2015, and was the solicitor to the UK Unfair Bank Charges Campaign from 2005 to 2008.

Ann Harris OBE, CPFA

Ann is the Chair and a non-executive director of the Pensions Advisory Service. She previously worked for 40 years as a civil servant, latterly holding Senior Civil Service roles in finance and programme management. She was awarded an OBE in 2009, for her services to DWP. Ann’s roles outside DWP include the independent audit and risk committee member for the Gambling Commission, Chair of St Pauls Estate management company, Vice Chair of Dunstable and District Citizens Advice and Company Secretary for Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway.

About the Single Financial Guidance Body

Sir Hector Sants, Chair of SFGB

DWP announced Sir Hector Sants as the new Chair of SFGB in May 2018. Sir Hector spent his executive career in financial services and regulation, including as the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Authority, European CEO of Credit Suisse and a partner of stockbrokers Phillips & Drew.

Since retiring from full time work, his focus has been helping people manage their money, and promoting a fairer financial system. Sir Hector is a trustee of Just Finance, a charity which collaborates with The Church of England to promote a fairer financial system, and a member of the UK’s Financial Capability Board. He is also Chairman of StepChange Debt Charity, the UK’s biggest debt advice charity, but will step down before joining SFGB.

John Govett, CEO of SFGB

John Govett was announced as the new CEO of SFGB on 13 July 2018. Mr Govett is vastly experienced, having worked in leadership roles across the public, private and charitable sectors including as Group Chief Executive at Ixion Holdings, a not-for-profit skills and employment group of companies, Managing Director of Surrey County Council, Shaw Trust Charity Board Executive and P&O Ferries Commercial Board Director.

He has a strong track record of driving transformational change, delivering outstanding services and leading successful growth. A Deputy Chairman of Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, he will take up his new post in October 2018. His appointment, for a four and a half year term, follows an open and competitive recruitment process overseen by the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments.

Replacing existing providers

The SFGB will replace the 3 existing providers of government-sponsored financial guidance – the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise – bringing together the provision of debt advice, money guidance and pensions guidance for the first time. A new, single body provides an opportunity to deliver a more streamlined service to members of the public providing easier access to the information and guidance people need to help them make effective financial decisions throughout their lives.

Core functions

We expect the SFGB to be established as a legal entity in October 2018 and start preparing for its official launch in January 2019 when the body takes on its delivery functions and staff will transfer to the new organisation. It will have 5 core functions:

  • the pensions guidance function – to provide information and guidance to the public on matters relating to occupational and personal pensions
  • the money guidance function – to provide information and guidance designed to enhance people’s understanding and knowledge of financial matters and their ability to manage their own financial affairs
  • the debt advice function – to provide members of the public in England with information and advice on debt
  • the consumer protection function – enabling the SFGB to work with government and the Financial Conduct Authority in protecting consumers from detriment
  • the strategic function – to work with others in the financial services industry, the devolved authorities, and the public and voluntary sectors to develop a national strategy to improve the financial capability of members of the public, the ability of members of the public to manage debt, and the provision of financial education to children and young people

The body will also provide advice to the Secretary of State on establishment of a debt respite scheme.

Appointments

The Commissioner for Public Appointment has agreed that a limited number of non-executive directors from the existing services can be co-opted to SFGB for 2 years and without the need for an interview. Ann and Mike have been co-opted under this process.

We expect to appoint further non-executive directors following an open recruitment exercise which is running at the moment.

SFGB’s Non-Executive Board members are entitled to an annual remuneration of £15,000 a year for approximately 30 days commitment.

Contact Press Office

Media enquiries for this press release – 020 3267 5115

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Link: Press release: Two non-executive directors appointed to the Single Financial Guidance Body
Source: Gov Press Releases

Press release: Progress continues on new North East fish pass

New fish pass ‘baffles’ to help fish get across a barrier in the River Wear have been installed this week in a significant step forward for the new Stanhope Fish Pass.

The Environment Agency resumed work on the fish pass in June after it was postponed in November due to health and safety concerns about high river levels, and to allow for fish to spawn.

The £260,000 project at Stanhope Weir includes a Larinier fish pass to open up the river and make it easier for salmon and sea trout to move up the River Wear to spawn.

Baffles are a series of metal plates which are fixed to a sloped concrete channel – they slow the flow of the water so that fish can swim over the top of them easily.

The Environment Agency is also carrying out repairs to the weir which will improve the river flow and level monitoring capability of the Stanhope River Gauging Station.

‘Significant step forward’

Daniel Magee Project Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

It’s a significant step forward for the new fish pass to see the baffles going in – this is going to make it so much easier for fish to reach their natural spawning grounds and is good news for the River Wear.

By also improving the monitoring capabilities of the gauging station we can continue to provide an accurate and timely flood warning service to around 400 homes at risk of flooding from the River Wear.

When the work is complete it safeguards the flood warning system for the future as well as creating environmental improvements. We appreciate the community’s continued patience while this work has been ongoing.

Stanhope Gauging Station is ranked in the top 10 most important flow sites in the North East area. Opened in September 1958 it has an almost continuous record of flow data, making it one of the longest flow records in the North East area at 60 years.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Link: Press release: Progress continues on new North East fish pass
Source: Environment Agency

Press release: Foreign flagged ships detained in the UK during July 2018

During July, there were three new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in a UK port, five vessels remained under detention from previous months. A total of five vessels remain under detention at the end of July.

  1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson’s inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping, and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (2009/16/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.
  2. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as THETIS. This allows the ships with a high risk rating and poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.
  3. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. When a ship is found to be not in compliance with applicable convention requirements, a deficiency may be raised. If any of their deficiencies are so serious they have to be rectified before departure, then the ship will be detained.
  4. All deficiencies should be rectified before departure if at all possible.
  5. When applicable, the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).

Notes on the list of detentions

  • Full details of the ship.
    The accompanying detention list shows ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it. It also shows the ship’s name and flag state at the time of its inspection.
  • Company.
    The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate (SMC) or if there is no SMC, then the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.
  • Classification Society.
    The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship only.
  • Recognised Organisation.
    Responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates on behalf of the Flag State
  • White (WL), Grey (GL) and Black lists (BL) are issued by the Paris MoU on 01 July each year and shows the performance of flag State.

SHIPS DETAINED IN JULY 2018

Vessel Name: POSEIDON

GT: 1412

IMO: 7363217

Flag: Iceland (White list)

Company: Neptune EHF

Classification Society: NA

Recognised Organisation: NA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV-GL

Date and Place of Detention: 19th July 2018 at Hull

Summary: Ten deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01199 – Other certificates Other No
01218 – Medical Incorrect language No
02106 – Hull damage impairing seaworthiness Holed Yes
07113 – Fire Pumps Insufficient Pressure Yes
07103 – Divisions – Decks, bulkheads and penetrations Not as required No
12107 – Ballast, fuel and other tanks Not as required Yes
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions No
01101 – Cargo Ship Safety Equipment (including exemption) Missing No
01102 – Cargo Ship Safety Construction (including exemption) Missing No
01104 – Cargo Ship Safety Radio (including exemption) Missing No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2018

Vessel Name: ANMIRO

GT: 2461

IMO: 9434577

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda (White list)

Company: Briese Sciffahrts GMBH

Classification Society: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV-GL

Date and Place of Detention: 16th July 2018 at Blyth

Summary: Sixteen deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
18425 – Access/Structural fractures (Ships) Not as required No
99101 – Other safety in general Other No
99101 – Other safety in general Other No
11117 – Lifebuoys including provisions and disposition Not as required No
10109 – Lights, shapes, sound signals Not as required No
16101 – Security related defects Not as required No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire Not as required No
10106 – Compass correction log Not as required Yes
10138 – Bridge navigation watch alarm Inadequate No
05118 – Operation of GMDSS Equipment Lack of familiarity No
08107 – Machinery control alarms Malfunctioning No
07120 – Means of escape Blocked No
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Unsafe No
99101 – Other safety in general Other No
18416 – Ropes and wires Not as Required No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 20th July 2018

Vessel Name: Johanna Helena

GT: 4842

IMO: 9372212

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda (White list)

Company: Hermann Lohman

Classification Society: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV-GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV-GL

Date and Place of Detention: 4th July 2018 at Liverpool

Summary: Eight deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
08108 – UMS – alarms Inoperative No
99101 – Other (SOLAS operational) Other No
01113 – Minimum safe manning document Not as required No
10111 – Charts Expired Yes
10111 – Charts Missing Yes
13101 – Operation of machinery Lack of familiarity No
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Damaged No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2018

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Vessel Name: DOUWENT

GT: 1311

IMO: 8703139

Flag: Liberia (White list)

Company: Sky Mare Navigation Co

Classification Society: IRS

Recognised Organisation: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: IRS

Date and Place of Detention: 26th June 2018 at Avonmouth

Summary: Six deficiencies with one ground for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
02109 – Permanent means of access Not as required No
01201 – Certificates of master and officers Missing No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Not as required No
01225 – Seafarers’ employment agreement Invalid No
04109 – Fire Drills Lack of training, lack of knowledge No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was released on 4th July 2018

Vessel Name: PALLAS GLORY

GT: 2611

IMO: 9318230

Flag: Malta (White list)

Company: Pallas Shipping AS

Classification Society: RINA

Recognised Organisation: RINA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: RINA

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: RINA

Date and Place of Detention: 25th June 2018 at Ipswich

Summary: Twenty deficiencies with three grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01209 – Manning specified by the minimum safe manning doc Not as required No
04102 – Emergency fire pump and it’s pipes Inoperative Yes
10135 – Monitoring of voyage or passage plan Not as required No
10106 – Compass correction log Not as required
01310 – Signs, indications Not as required No
07108 – Ready availability of fire fighting equipment Not properly stowed No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions Not as required Yes
18315 – Provisions quality and nutritional value Not as required No
01308 – Records of seafarers’ daily hour of work or rest Incorrect entries No
11117 – Lifebuoys incl. provision and disposition Not as required No
07111 – Personal equipment for fire safety Not as required No
14104 – Oil filtering equipment Not as required No
01218 – Medical certificate Not as required No
07120 – Means of escape Blocked No
04103 – Emergency, lighting, batteries and switches Not as required No
09232 – Cleanliness of engine room Insufficient NO
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Damaged No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
13105 – UMS – Ship Inoperative No

This vessel was released on 6th July 2018

Vessel Name: TECOIL POLARIS

GT: 1814

IMO No: 8883290

Flag: Russian Federation (Grey list)

Company: Tecoil Shipping Ltd

Classification Society: RMRS

Recognised Organisation: RMRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC: RMRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: RMRS

Date and Place of Detention: 6th June 2018 at Immingham

Summary: Twenty-Seven deficiencies with eight grounds for detentions

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01123 – Continuous synopsis record Entries missing No
01218 – Medical certificate Missing No
01320 – Garbage record book Incorrect No
01308 – Record of seafarers’ daily hours of work or rest False No
04110 – Abandon ship drill Insufficient frequency No
10105 – Magnetic compass Inoperative Yes
10128 – Navigation bridge visibility Not as required No
10104 – Gyro compass Inoperative Yes
11122 – Radio life-saving appliances Inoperative No
11129 – Operational readiness of lifesaving appliances Not as required Yes
04109 – Fire drills Lack of communication No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Not as required Yes
10123 – International code of signals – SOLAS Missing No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
05110 – Facilities for reception of marine safety inform. Not as required No
05199 – Other (radiocommunication) Other No
11104 – Rescue boats Not properly maintained Yes
11101 – Lifeboats Not ready for use Yes
10101 – Pilot ladder and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Unsafe No
06105 – Atmosphere testing instrument Not properly maintained No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions Not as required No
01117 – International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Invalid Yes
14604 – Bunker delivery note Not as required No
01315 – Oil record book Not properly filled No
02105 – Steering gear Not properly maintained No
02108 – Electrical installations in general Not properly maintained No
11134 – Operations of life saving appliances Lack of familiarity No

This vessel was still detained on 31st July 2018

Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)

GT: 106.

IMO No: 8944446.

Flag: Unregistered.

Company: Open Window Inc.

Classification Society: Unclassed.

Recognised Organisation: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: Not applicable

Date and Place of detention: 4 March 2010, Lowestoft

Summary: Thirty deficiencies including seven grounds for detention

This vessel was still detained on 30th June 2018

Notes to Editors
• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector at www.seavision.org.uk

• Follow us on Twitter: @MCA_media

For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
+44 (0) 2380 329 401

Link: Press release: Foreign flagged ships detained in the UK during July 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases

Press release: Sport a pillar of youth rehabilitation: Minister publishes independent review

  • leading academic highlights the power of sport in transforming lives of young offenders
  • community partnerships to support the development of sport and physical activity in custody
  • offenders engaging in structured programmes learn self-discipline, team work and leadership and communication skills – all crucial for a successful life on the outside

The review, authored by Professor Rosie Meek, was commissioned to identify best practice across the estate and highlights the vital role that sport can play in rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.

In addition to Professor Meek’s review, the Ministry of Justice has also published its response which highlights the steps that will be taken to boost sporting provision in prison.

Many of the sporting programmes currently delivered across the youth estate help offenders to get vocational qualifications and provide them with tangible employment prospects on release.

There are already some positive examples of community projects working with young people:

  • at Wetherby YOI, Leeds Rhinos are providing training sessions, offering life coaching and mentors to support vulnerable young people
  • Manchester United, Everton and Fulham Football Clubs also support education programmes working with young people at risk of offending in the community
  • Saracens offer coaching qualifications at Feltham YOI

The review highlights how engaging in structured programmes can help to teach offenders self-discipline, team work and leadership – crucial skills for a successful and crime-free life in the community.

Team sport was shown to improve mental and physical health, helping young people with often complex behavioural issues to change their attitudes and lifestyles.

Justice Minister Edward Argar said:

I’m grateful to Professor Rosie Meek for her important work on this review, and to my predecessor for commissioning it.

This review rightly highlights that sport can help to reduce violence, improve wellbeing and have a positive impact on rehabilitation. I want sport and physical activity to be a key part of life custody and I welcome the findings of this review.

During my visits across the youth estate, I have been inspired by the passion and dedication of staff, and of the external organisations we partner with, already delivering sports programmes and helping to change the lives of young people.

We know that sport on its own does not provide all the answers, but it is a central pillar for helping young offenders to build skills which will ultimately reducing reoffending and help them to turn their backs on crime for good.

Professor Rosie Meek, Royal Holloway University of London, said:

I am delighted to have carried out this review and am pleased to have the backing of the Ministry of Justice for this important work.

I strongly believe that sport can be a powerful tool in reducing reoffending and improving the lives of people in custody, which is why I was so pleased be asked to carry out this review.

There is already evidence that sport can have a positive impact on people in custody and I hope that the recommendations outlined in the review will help to improve the lives of people in our justice system.

The sports review was carried out by leading academic Professor Meek, in partnership with the National Alliance of Sport and Clinks, who support voluntary organisations that work with offenders and their families.

Note to editors

Professor Rosie Meek is a chartered psychologist, founding Head of the Law School and Director of the Prisons Research Group at Royal Holloway University of London, UK. She is a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar and was author of the 2014 book Sport in Prison: Exploring the Role of Physical Activity in Correctional Settings (Routledge).

Link: Press release: Sport a pillar of youth rehabilitation: Minister publishes independent review
Source: Gov Press Releases

Press release: UK exports remain at record high in the year to June 2018

In data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today (Friday 10 August), UK exports to the world rose by £26 billion – an increase of 4.4% compared to the same time last year.

The country’s renowned service sector continues to thrive with exports up 2.2% to a record high of £278 billion, increasing the service surplus to £112 billion.

Goods exports also rose strongly by 6.3% to £343 billion.

On an annual basis, exports continue to grow faster than imports for the 11th consecutive month with the overall trade deficit narrowing by £6 billion from £31 billion to £25 billion in the year to June 2018.

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:

Today’s trade figures show demand for UK goods and services is continuing to grow, as overall exports rose to £621 billion – up 4.4% on this time last year – and the trade deficit continued to narrow by £6 billion over the last 12 months.

As we open consultations for future trade relationships with key global markets around the world, we’re seeing a shift in the UK where we’re moving towards selling more than we buy, with exports increasing faster than imports.

My international economic department will continue work with companies across the country to ensure they’re making the most of global opportunities.

Separate figures released by the ONS last month showed UK exports of goods and services to non-EU countries amounted to around £342 billion in 2017, showing the worldwide demand for British goods and services remains.

Exports to EU countries were around £274 billion in 2017.

The fastest growing export market for the UK since 2010 was Oman, with exports increasing by 354% to £3 billion. This was followed by Macedonia (FYROM) with UK trade growing by 318% to £1 billion and then Kazakhstan which was up by 210% to £2 billion.

Further information

Link: Press release: UK exports remain at record high in the year to June 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases

Press release: Foreign Secretary welcomes new UN Commissioner for Human Rights

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:

I would like to warmly congratulate Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The UK strongly supports the Office of the High Commissioner in its efforts to promote and protect human rights throughout the world, and to strengthen the ability of the UN system as a whole to respond to human rights situations of concern.

Michelle Bachelet has extensive experience of the UN, and a long history of working to promote human rights, including as the founding Executive Director of UN Women. We wish her every success and look forward to working with her.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Zeid Ra’ad Al-Hussein for the invaluable contributions he has made in his role as High Commissioner, speaking up tirelessly for the victims of human rights abuses, and holding nations that commit serious and systematic violations against their citizens to account.

Further information

Media enquiries

For journalists

Link: Press release: Foreign Secretary welcomes new UN Commissioner for Human Rights
Source: Gov Press Releases

Press release: Living on the hedge of the A64

Over the last seven months, Highways England has been carrying out a major junction improvement at Barton Hill near York to improve safety and visibility for road users. As part of this £2.8m scheme which completed on Friday, sections of the hedgerow, a number of trees and stone from an old water culvert had to be removed.

But rather than throwing these items away Highways England and its contractor A-one+ have given them a new lease of life by working closely with Jonathan and Julian Curtoys, the owners of Sloemotion.

Highways England project manager Russell Mclean said:

We saved as much of the hedgerow as possible but sections of the hedge had to be removed. The sloe berries used to produce the gin grow on hedgerows, so it seemed like the perfect solution to donate the hedge to this local sloe gin producing firm.

We were able to reduce the amount hedgerow we needed to remove by altering some of the scheme’s drainage and this work will also help to prevent flooding in the area. Some logs from the trees were also donated to Castle Howard stately home to be used as chippings in the ground.

Cabinetmaker and artist Mark Bennett, of the Woodlark in Malton, was also brought on board. He will be taking part of an Oak tree which was removed from the site and transforming it into a bar for Sloemotion. The remainder of the tree will be used to create bat and bird boxes, which will be placed near to the A64.

Mark will also be using some of the removed hedgerows to create innovative displays for the gin company’s products and hand cut stone from the culvert will be used to adorn the company’s new buildings near Barton-le-Willows.

Russell added:

Our work to improve safety at the junction will benefit over 9,000 drivers a day. We have converted the crossroads to a staggered junction by realigning Mains Lane, extended the culvert to allow the carriageway to be widened, constructed 200m of new road and realigned 600m of the A64. We have also relocated a bus stop, an emergency telephone and a pedestrian crossing.

While we were doing this we upgraded and extended an otter fence to prevent them coming onto the A64. And we have reinstalled an old milepost and will be replacing a historic road sign that has been refurbished.

Jonathan Curtoys, Managing Director of Sloemotion, said the junction improvements will benefit his employees who use the junction.

The changes will certainly have a positive benefit for drivers but then to also donating the hedgerow, the stones and timber to local businesses it feels like something is being given back to the community. I commend Highways England and A-one+ for this – it has been a pleasure working with them over the last seven months.

Mark Bennett of The Woodlark added:

It’s great that we can use what would otherwise have gone to waste and give something back to the environment such as the bird and bat boxes.

Later this year replacement hedgerows will be planted.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Link: Press release: Living on the hedge of the A64
Source: Gov Press Releases

Press release: Bowel screening to start at 50

The independent expert screening committee has recommended that bowel cancer screening in England should in future start 10 years earlier at age 50.

Currently, men and women, aged 60 to 74, are invited for bowel screening and are sent a home test kit every 2 years to provide stool samples.

Following a comprehensive review of the evidence, the committee recommends that screening should be offered from aged 50 to 74 using the faecal immunochemical home test kit (FIT).

The evidence shows that screening people at a younger age would enable more bowel cancers to be picked up at an earlier stage, where treatment is likely to be more effective and survival chances improved.

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, and Public Health Minister, Steve Brine, have today agreed the recommendations. NHS England and Public Health England will now consider how to transition towards lowering the screening age as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

FIT is a new test due to be rolled out into the national bowel screening programme in the autumn and will initially be offered every 2 years to men and women at the current age range of 60 to 74. FIT is easier to use than the current test and is more accurate in detecting potential cancers. The latest recommendations will not delay the roll out of FIT, which is a priority.

The current bowel screening programme has a complementary procedure, bowel scope, also known as flexible sigmoidoscopy, which is a one-off test offered to men and women at 55. The committee recommends maintaining bowel scope screening in England, where it is currently rolled out until FIT is offered to the same age group.

Professor Anne Mackie, Director of Screening at Public Health England, said:

The risk of bowel cancer rises steeply from around age 50 to 54 and rates are significantly higher among males than females. Starting screening ten years earlier at 50 will help spot more abnormalities at an early stage that could develop into bowel cancer if not detected.

The committee recognises that this change will take time but wants the FIT test to be offered to all aged 60 and over as soon as possible, and options considered for a roll out plan where screening can be offered at 55 and eventually to all aged 50 – ensuring we have the best bowel screening programme possible.

Public Health Minister, Steve Brine said:

We are determined to make our cancer survival rates the best in the world. With the roll out of FIT as a new bowel screening test from the autumn – a much more convenient and reliable test – we have a real opportunity to reshape our bowel screening programme and potentially detect the stages of bowel cancer much earlier.

We are now considering opportunities and taking expert advice on how a sustainable, optimal bowel cancer screening programme starting at age 50 can work in the future.

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, said:

These important recommendations will be carefully considered in the NHS Long Term Plan, which will set out ambitious improvements in cancer prevention and care for the decade ahead.

The committee also looked at screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a group of lung conditions, including emphysema, that cause breathing difficulties. It recommended that screening should not be offered for a number of reasons, including a lack of evidence that the impact of screening for COPD would have on smoking cessation.

As part of a regular review process, these recommendations will be looked at again in 3 years – or earlier if significant new evidence becomes available.

The latest screening recommendations were made at the UK NSC’s meeting on 29 June 2018, the minutes of which are published today (10 August 2018).

Background

This press release is issued on behalf of the UK NSC, an independent organisation, by Public Health England.

  1. The UK National Screening Committee is independent of, but supported by, Public Health England.
  2. Detailed summaries of the recommendations for all of the conditions mentioned can be found online.
  3. Public Health England exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and providing specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific expertise and support. Follow us on Twitter: @PHE_uk and Facebook: www.facebook.com/PublicHealthEngland.

Public Health England press office

Link: Press release: Bowel screening to start at 50
Source: Gov Press Releases

Press release: New Charity Investigation: Livingstone House Mother of the Harvest Ministries

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has opened a statutory inquiry into Livingstone House Mother of the Harvest Ministries (1102286) over concerns about misconduct or mismanagement with regards to the administration of the charity. The inquiry was opened on 2 July 2018.

The charity’s object is to rehabilitate people with alcohol and drug addictions. The charity which is based in Birmingham provides detoxification, primary and secondary care and uses a Christian 12 step programme to encourage sober living.

The Commission placed the charity into a class inquiry on 15 February 2017 because it failed to submit its accounting information on time for the financial years ending 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2015. The charity complied with the class inquiry and filed the overdue accounting information required.

As a part of our previous engagement, the Commission issued regulatory advice to the trustees on their duty to submit accounting information on time. However, despite this the trustees have again defaulted on submitting accounts for the financial year ending 31 December 2016.

In addition to a persistent pattern of defaults the Commission also has regulatory concerns about the charity’s governance. The Commission’s Register records that there have only been two trustees since January 2016 and one trustee from 27 April 2016 to 16 May 2017. The charity’s governing document states that the number of trustees should not fall below three, therefore raising concerns that trustees may have been acting while inquorate. Furthermore, potential conflicts of interest have been identified which raise concerns about whether connected party transactions have been properly authorised.

In order to address its concerns, the Commission has opened a statutory inquiry.

The inquiry will examine the extent to which:

  • the trustees are complying with their legal duties in respect of their administration, governance and management of the charity and in particular: their compliance with legal obligations for the preparation and filing of their charity’s accounts and other information or returns, as well as the extent to which the trustees ensure that the charity is operating in accordance with the provisions of its governing document.
  • any failings or weaknesses identified in the administration of the charity during the conduct of the inquiry were a result of misconduct and/or mismanagement by the trustees.
  • the trustees have responsibly managed the charity’s resources and financial affairs, in particular with respect to how they have managed conflicts of interest/loyalty in particular in relation to connected party transactions
  • the trustees have complied with previously issued regulatory guidance.

It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were. Reports of previous inquiries by the Commission are available on GOV.UK.

Notes to editors

  1. The Charity Commission is the regulator of charities in England and Wales. To find out more about our work see the about us page on GOV.UK.
  2. Search for charities on our check charity tool.
  3. Section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 gives the Commission the power to institute inquiries. The opening of an inquiry gives the commission access to a range of investigative, protective and remedial legal powers.

Press office

Link: Press release: New Charity Investigation: Livingstone House Mother of the Harvest Ministries
Source: Gov Press Releases

Press release: New UK aid package will improve the quality of education in every primary and lower secondary school in Tanzania

Young people in Tanzania will be empowered to take control of their future prosperity through a new package of UK support, the International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt announced today.

On her visit to the country Ms Mordaunt unveiled plans for the UK to work in partnership with Tanzania to help harness the potential of young people, who hold the key to unlocking the country’s economic growth.

Ms Mordaunt has set out a package of UK support which will help improve the quality of education in every primary and lower secondary school across the country. This includes making sure that girls move on to secondary schools and that disabled children can access education.

By giving the next generation the vital education and skills they need for the future, the UK is working with Tanzania to help their economy grow – giving millions of young people the chance to build the future they want to see for their country.

Ms Mordaunt also visited a family planning clinic to see how UK aid will be scaling up its provision of modern, voluntary and safe family planning methods. This will enable 800,000 women every year across Tanzania to have greater control over when and how many children they have.

The expansion of family planning access will not only prevent 6,200 maternal deaths, but allow women to make the most of their education and opportunities so that they can contribute to the growth of their societies and communities.

The International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said:

As Tanzania grows, it’s essential that young people and women are empowered to take control of their lives, education and health, fulfil their potential and play a role in the future prosperity of their country.

The resulting economic growth is opening up opportunities for UK business in the country, as we move towards a future of shared prosperity.

Also during her visit, Ms Mordaunt travelled to Dar es Salaam port to see how the UK is sharing expertise to help Tanzania crack down on organised crime and corruption which hold back development. This includes strengthening border posts to prevent trafficking of products from the Illegal Wildlife Trade.

Notes to Editors

  • The UK is providing a family planning package (£55 million) which will scale up family planning services across rural and urban Tanzania, enabling women to safely plan their pregnancies. This will:
    • Reach around 800,000 women with modern, voluntary and safe family planning support every year and avert 6200 maternal deaths. This is an increase from the previous programme which reached 300,000 women a year
    • Reach the most marginalised and vulnerable women in Tanzania including those in refugee camps, youth and people with disabilities
    • Care for victims of sexual violence
    • Strengthen Tanzania’s family planning services so that it ultimately can provide these for its own people, for example by training staff
    • Work to increase the commitment of other donors, and to get the Government of Tanzania to step up its support
  • The next phase of DFID Tanzania’s education programme (£41.6 million) will:
    • Work to reform Tanzania’s education system so it can ultimately be self-sustaining
    • Increase the quality of education in all primary and lower secondary schools in Tanzania, including reaching marginalised children such as those with disabilities
    • Support more girls to transition into secondary school, and improve teacher training.
  • The UK will provide £8 million to share UK expertise to improve Tanzania’s criminal justice and legal systems to help tackle corruption which holds back development.

Link: Press release: New UK aid package will improve the quality of education in every primary and lower secondary school in Tanzania
Source: Gov Press Releases