Category: Gov Press Releases

A new method of inspecting local authority children’s services will begin in January next year, Ofsted confirmed today [29 November 2017].

Inspections of local authority children’s services (ILACS) will look at how well local authorities are supporting and protecting vulnerable children in their area. The new approach is more proportionate, risk-based and flexible than before, allowing Ofsted to prioritise inspection where it is most needed.

ILACS will retain graded inspections, but introduce regular ‘focused visits’ as well as monitoring visits. More frequent contact between inspections will help Ofsted to identify any issues of concern and support local authorities to address them before services deteriorate.

The new arrangements consist of:

• short inspections – local authorities previously judged to be good or better will receive a 1 week ‘short’ inspection every 3 years
• standard inspections – those judged ‘requires improvement to be good’ will receive a 2 week ‘standard’ inspection every 3 years
• monitoring – local authorities judged to be inadequate will receive quarterly monitoring visits, followed by an inspection under the single inspection framework (SIF)
• focused visits – local authorities that require improvement and those that are good or outstanding will receive at least one focused visit between their short or standard inspection.

Local authorities will also be asked to annually evaluate the quality and impact of their social work practice, as well as having a formal yearly conversation with Ofsted about performance. The inspectorate will use this information to help inform decisions about how and when to inspect each local authority.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman said:

This is an intelligent approach to the inspection of children’s services and an important development for the sector as a whole. Ofsted is fully committed to being a force for improvement across all the areas we inspect and I believe this approach will really help us to support improvement in children’s social care.

Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care, Eleanor Schooling said:

This new system of inspection retains our unrelenting focus on the experiences of children and their families. Crucially, it will help us prioritise our work in areas where it is most needed. The quality of social work practice with children that need help and protection, children in care and those leaving care is at the heart of our approach.

More frequent contact is all about identifying what is working well and catching local authorities before they fall. We want to help authorities improve the support they provide for vulnerable children and their families.

We have worked closely with sector leaders in developing this new approach, and I am pleased with the positive feedback we’ve received. This is a step forward for inspection that I hope will make a genuine and positive impact on children’s lives.

Launch events are taking place in the New Year for local authorities wishing to find out more about the new ILACS inspection system.

The DVLA spoke to around 1,000 motorists to get their thoughts on personalised registrations for cars. Whilst names or nicknames topped the list, registrations that represented a business were also a popular choice. This was followed by registrations that represented a favourite sports team or pet.

1 in 10 of those surveyed who had a personalised registration had received it as a gift.

Currently, the top most wanted registrations searched for on the DVLA Personalised Registrations website include BE11 CKY and SB51 MON.

DVLA’s Personalised Registrations has over 50 million registrations available to buy online and if customers purchase by 15 December the registration will arrive in time for Christmas.

Whilst some personalised registration numbers can sell at auction for hundreds of thousands of pounds, those looking for gifts on a smaller budget will find registrations starting at just £250.

Jody Davies, DVLA Personalised Registrations’ Senior Sales Manager, said:

With names topping the list of preferred personalised registrations we know that people value the thought that goes into the gift. Using our website’s search facility customers can try different combinations to find the perfect gift for the motorist.

And with over 50 million registrations available there’s plenty of opportunity to be creative and snap up a plate in time for Christmas.

Personalised registrations can be bought online 24 hours a day. A dedicated team can also help customers find the registration they want over the phone by ringing 0300 123 0883. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm.

Minister for Africa Rory Stewart visited Kenya from 27-28 November to attend the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta. This was Mr Stewart’s first official visit to the country.

The Minister attended the inauguration ceremony and the official inauguration luncheon on 28 November.

In the afternoon, Mr Stewart met with President Kenyatta and passed on a message of congratulations from Prime Minister Theresa May, alongside an invitation to the Commonwealth Summit in London next year.

During productive discussions, President Kenyatta and Mr Stewart discussed the future of the wide-ranging partnership shared by the UK and Kenya. The Minister welcomed the President’s commitment to national unity, and made clear his hope that Kenya will now come together in the spirit of reconciliation, after a difficult election period.

Speaking at the end of the visit, Mr Stewart said:

I am pleased that I was able to visit Kenya and attend President Kenyatta’s inauguration. This marks the moment where Kenya can move forward after a prolonged, divisive election period in a new spirit of reconciliation. I hope that all Kenyans will recognise the need now for national dialogue and healing.

The UK has extensive and historic links with Kenya, through our business links, our development programmes, and our diasporas. This has been an opportunity to reaffirm our partnership and hear more about the ways that our two countries can work together.

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Rory Stewart on Twitter @RoryStewartUK
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Police volunteers who helped rural communities, assisted individuals in mental health crises and supported the victims of Grenfell Tower have been honoured for their work at an awards ceremony in London today (Tuesday 28 November).

The Lord Ferrers Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of special constables, police support volunteers and volunteer police cadets. They also acknowledge the support employers and their employees offer their local force. Over 600 nominations were received, twice as many as last year. This is the first year where volunteers who use technology creatively were acknowledged in a new award for Technical Innovation.

Nine winners were announced at the ceremony at Millbank Tower, attended by Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said:

Policing volunteers across the country play a fundamental role in what is widely recognised as one of the best police forces in the world.

The contribution all of this year’s nominees have made in keeping their communities safe is testament to the wonderful spirit of volunteering that exists in this country.

I want to thank every winner, runner up and nominee for all that you do as we celebrate your true dedication and professionalism to policing.

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Nick Hurd said:

Every year the Lord Ferrers Awards recognise the truly inspirational work of those who give up so much to serve their communities.

Volunteers bring valuable skills from outside policing and help ensure our police force is fully equipped to deal with the challenges of 21st century policing.

The government has brought forward legislation in the Policing and Crime Act to transform the powers and roles of police staff and volunteers which will come into force on 15 December. These reforms will, for the first time, enable volunteers to be given powers at the discretion of chief officers, based on local need, and set out the core list of powers only available to a police officer holding the office of constable.

The Home Secretary also announced that from next year volunteers in the Offices of Police and Crime Commissioners will be eligible for nominations.

The winners are:

Ferrers Special Constabulary – Individual Award winner: Gareth Owen, Gwent

Gareth Owen worked with the Welsh Ambulance Service to establish a Joint Response Unit. With emergency services working closer together they were able to attend serious incidents quicker and tailor each response according to patients needs. The creation of the unit has resulted in a significant reduction in unnecessary conveyances to A&E as well as improved collaboration with the Ambulance Service.

Ferrers Special Constabulary – Team Award winner: Street Triage Team, Essex Police

A team of Special Constables with experience in the health and social care sector were brought together to help better serve individuals in a mental health crisis who needed urgent support or intervention. They set up a Street Triage Team where mental health nurses joined police patrols. Their invaluable expertise brings additional skills and knowledge to support mental health incidents. By working together they ensured tailored and appropriate responses to mental health incidents. The creation of this team also promoted a greater understanding within the police of mental health.

Police Support Volunteer – Individual Award winner: Andrea Phipps, Merseyside Police

Andrea Phipps is a chartered accountant and a chartered tax advisor, and has been assisting the Economic Crime Team at Merseyside police. She works on a variety of cases, each requiring specialist tax and accountancy knowledge. Without Andrea’s expertise the force would have had to outsource the work to a Forensic Accountant. Her work over the last two years has helped ensure the Economic Crime Team are one of the top three performing forces in the country for financial investigations and cash seizure.

Police Support Volunteer – Team Award winner: Puppy breeding scheme, West Midlands Police

West Midlands police had an issue procuring suitable dogs for the various operations undertaken by the force – including explosives and drugs detection. The commitment and flexibility from the police support volunteers has ensured that West Midlands police now have one of the largest puppy breeding and walking programmes in England and Wales. The police volunteers help raise the pups from six weeks to 14 months, assisting with training sessions and ensuring the continued development of the dogs.

Their efforts have meant the dog unit is maintained 24 hours a day and is able to offer a round-the-clock response to firearm, drugs and bomb threats. The dogs also help foster positive relationships with the public, especially among groups that are traditionally difficult to engage with – including children in care. The police support volunteers have also started a charity to support retired police dogs by helping to finance their ongoing medical treatment.

Volunteer Police Cadet – Individual Award winner: Hassan Khan, Greater Manchester police

Hassan has been a key member of the GMP cadets. He aims to break down barriers and educate his peers about tolerance and respect in an inner city area of Manchester. Hassan is also responsible for mentoring all of the new recruits that start the cadet scheme, ensuring they are all fully integrated within the team. He has worked with cadet leaders to develop a senior cadet leadership workshop so cadets can improve and hone their skills. Hassan plays a vital link between the cadets and the team leaders to ensure that young people are supported and work towards their development aims.

Volunteer Police Cadet – Team Award winner: Kensington and Chelsea Cadets, London Metropolitan

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, a team of cadets in Kensington and Chelsea organised fundraising events and vigils for the victims of the fire. They also organised a residential camping trip to the Isle of Wight for young people affected by the tragedy so they could have a break away from the city. The cadets provided support the young people throughout the trip and it enabled them to speak openly about how they felt and the impact the fire had on them. As a result of their work, local children have enlisted with the local cadets.

Employer supported policing Award winner: Trafford Council, Greater Manchester Police

Employer Supported Policing (ESP) is a partnership benefiting employers, their staff and the police service. Trafford Council agreed that they would offer staff an additional 10 days paid leave to either undertake volunteer police duties or training. The council already supported Special Constables who live and/or work within the Trafford borough by offering reduced council tax payments, however they were keen to encourage council staff to join the ESP scheme – and now give paid leave to their staff who are Special Constables. As a result, ten new applications were made to the Special Constabulary from council staff and Trafford Council based Special Constables have so far given 269 hours of policing to the local community since the scheme began last year.

ASCCO Leadership Award winner: Andrew Turner, Devon & Cornwall Police

Andy has introduced a dedicated ‘Rural Engagement Team’ to address the problems of rural crime, increase engagement with the farming community, help to reduce suicides amongst farmers and provide crime prevention advice. Rural communities and farmers in Devon and Cornwall often feel isolated so the team maintain a high visibility in those areas to provide reassurance. They have also signed up over 400 farms to Farm Watch, a scheme that shares intelligence between the community and the police to prevent theft.

Technical Innovation Award winner: Community Speedwatch Online, Sussex

The Sussex policing area has one of the highest rates of road deaths in the country. CSW online have developed and introduced an internet-based application and web-platform to manage all aspects of Community Speedwatch activity. CSW online today manages almost 2,500 trained volunteers spanning several counties. The system has improved the accuracy of recording speeding drivers and brought consistency and clarity to the process. It has generated over 20,000 educational letters in Sussex alone in the last year and helped raise the profile and effectiveness of Community Speedwatch as a way of local residents supporting the police to tackle this important issue.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today announced Viagra Connect (containing sildenafil 50mg) will be formally classified from a prescription only medicine (POM) to a pharmacy medicine (P). This means it could be available without prescription for use by men over 18 who have erectile dysfunction.

This decision was made following a reassuring assessment of the safety of the Viagra Connect, advice from the Commission on Human Medicines, and a public consultation earlier this year with positive outcome.

If marketed, the medicine will be sold from pharmacies following a discussion with the pharmacist. Pharmacists will be able to determine whether treatment is appropriate for the patient and can give advice on erectile dysfunction, usage of the medicine, potential side effects, and if further consultation with a general practitioner is required.

Viagra Connect will not be sold to those with severe cardiovascular disorders; at high cardiovascular risk; liver failure; severe kidney failure; or taking certain interacting medicines. Use of Viagra Connect in these groups of men must continue to be under the supervision of a doctor.

Making this medication more widely available will help direct men who might not otherwise seek help into the healthcare system and away from the risks that come with buying medicines from websites operating illegally.

Erectile dysfunction medicines are a popular target for criminals selling unlicensed and counterfeit medicines. Over the past 5 years, investigators from MHRA have seized more than £50 million of unlicensed and counterfeit erectile dysfunction medicines.

Mick Foy, MHRA’s Group Manager in Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines, said:

This decision is good news for men’s health. The move to make Viagra Connect more widely accessible will encourage men to seek help within the healthcare system and increase awareness of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction can be a debilitating condition, so it’s important men feel they have fast access to quality and legitimate care, and do not feel they need to turn to counterfeit online supplies which could have potentially serious side effects.

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister welcomed leaders from 10 British Overseas Territories to Downing Street for the start of their annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting. She opened by setting out the Government’s desire to cement the enduring partnership that exists between the UK and the Overseas Territories, and the UK’s ambition to support their diverse economies and natural heritage.

The PM reiterated the UK’s commitment to long-term reconstruction efforts following the devastating consequences of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and invited Territory leaders of the islands worst affected – including Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos – to speak of their experiences. As part of the UK’s continued efforts, the Prime Minister confirmed a new £70 million package of recovery and reconstruction support, supplemented by up to £300 million of UK loan guarantees for territories that need support to access finance. The leaders welcomed the financial commitment, and reiterated their appreciation for the UK’s rapid response that offered support within hours of the disaster.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to update the leaders on the progress of our discussions with the European Union, and invited leaders to express their views so they could be properly reflected in our strategy for Brexit negotiations.

She also raised the issue of financial services, noting the increased focus on taxation and transparency that have come to the fore since the recently leaked Paradise Papers. The PM recognised that a lot of work had been done following the Panama Papers last year. She thanked the Territories for the leadership they have already shown, including steps they have already taken to implement international standards, and asked for similar leadership to show what more can be done to make further progress on the issue.

• Scheme offers immediate assistance to those in hardest to reach places
• More than 10,000 UK homes and businesses have already had their broadband speeds boosted through the initiative

The “Better Broadband Scheme” provides a subsidy of up to £350 to enable access to an affordable basic broadband service to those people unable to get broadband speeds of at least 2Mbps.

Minister for Digital, Matt Hancock said:

Thanks to the UK Government’s rollout of superfast broadband, more than 94 per cent of the UK can now access superfast broadband speeds and thousands more homes and businesses are being reached every week.

There is still more to be done to get decent broadband to all and the Better Broadband Scheme helps people with the very worst broadband, to provide immediate assistance to those most in need. I’m delighted to say we are extending the scheme to help people in some of the most rural and hard to reach areas of the country.

Already more than 10,000 homes and businesses have benefitted from the Scheme, with subsidies that are worth over £3 million in total. Originally due to conclude at the end of 2017, the steadily growing popularity of the scheme means that it will now be extended until the end of 2018.

Households and businesses that are eligible to take advantage of the Scheme are provided with a unique code by the Government that they can use to obtain an affordable basic broadband connection. The code does not have a specific fixed value but the subsidy contributes towards the installation and hardware costs to ensure that the customer’s first year costs are no more than £400.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Taking out a broadband service under this Scheme will not prevent your premises from being considered for superfast broadband in the future.
2. People can check what broadband services are already available to them by using the GoSuperfast checker , and what their current broadband speed is, using the ADSL availability checker.
3. If, after making these checks, they believe their speed is less than 2 Mb per second and they have no other options available enter your postcode below to find out how to apply for help.