MPs debate the second reading of the Finance (No.3) Bill
Link: Commons Finance (No.3) Bill: second reading
Source: Parliamentary News
MPs debate the second reading of the Finance (No.3) Bill
Link: Commons Finance (No.3) Bill: second reading
Source: Parliamentary News
Businesses around the UK are being urged to make use of a £2500 voucher for gigabit broadband speeds before the scheme closes due to high demand.
The Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme has already helped more than 7000 UK businesses and surrounding homes, who have used the vouchers to contribute to (and in many cases fully fund) the installation cost of a full fibre gigabit capable connection.
The £67 million scheme was initially expected to run until March 2021, but high demand for vouchers means that funds are now expected to be committed a year earlier, and perhaps even sooner if the current success of the scheme continues to grow. To date, demand for the scheme has been strongest in the South West, followed by the South East, Yorkshire and the North West.
Minister for Digital Margot James said:
Our modern Industrial Strategy is clear on the importance of connectivity, as we build a full fibre Britain that is fit for the future. These vouchers provide practical and immediate help to firms struggling with slow broadband speeds.I encourage small businesses around the UK to apply now.
To ensure as many businesses and homes benefit, the maximum value of the voucher will be reduced from the current £3000 to £2500 in a move that will encourage neighbouring businesses to “pool” their vouchers.
This will enable the scheme to reach more properties without the need for any additional funding. We expect more than 1000 additional businesses and homes to benefit as a result of this change.
DCMS will be carefully monitoring take-up following this change to the scheme rules to determine whether there are locations in which a higher voucher value would be justified.
The scheme is part of a series of Government initiatives to build a Britain with nationwide full fibre broadband coverage by 2033, making sure no communities are left behind. In addition to the voucher scheme, the Chancellor recently announced £200 million for an ‘outside-in’ approach that will see full fibre broadband rolled out in the hardest to reach rural locations at the same pace as the rest of the country. The Borderlands, Cornwall, and Welsh valleys will be amongst the first areas to be targeted.
FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said:
Access to good broadband is vital for small businesses across the UK, and with the clock ticking on this scheme, it’s important small businesses don’t delay if they want to apply for funding.
More information on the Gigabit Voucher Scheme, including details on how businesses can apply can be found at https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/
(Additional Local Authority level detail is available upon request)
Region/ Nation | Vouchers Issued |
---|---|
South West | 1613 |
South East | 927 |
Yorkshire and The Humber | 871 |
North West | 745 |
London | 661 |
West Midlands | 475 |
East of England | 407 |
East Midlands | 369 |
North East | 68 |
Northern Ireland | 418 |
Scotland | 315 |
Wales | 58 |
Link: Press release: Businesses urged to claim £2500 voucher for broadband boost
Source: Gov Press Releases
The Committee will meet on Tuesday 13 November at 4.00pm
Link: Education sector representatives give evidence to Committee
Source: Parliamentary News
Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP has appointed Duncan Sutherland to the board of Homes England, as the agency continues its key role in making the housing market work for everyone.
Since its launch in January, Homes England has adopted a stronger, more commercial approach to developing land in areas of high demand as the government’s housing accelerator.
Homes England’s 5-year strategic plan was also announced last month, outlining how expertise and significant government investment will drive forward key programmes such as Help to Buy.
Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said:
This is an important time for Homes England as it plays a key role in delivering the homes our communities need.
Having Duncan Sutherland on board will be a great addition to Homes England, bringing his experience in development and I wish him the very best of luck in his new role.
Homes England Chairman Sir Edward Lister said:
I’m delighted to welcome Duncan to our Board. He is arriving at an exciting time with a remit to help and advise the agency on the long-term housing challenges facing this country today.
His wealth of experience and housing expertise will enhance and influence the work of Homes England and help us meet the government’s ambition to accelerate housebuilding and deliver the 300,000 homes needed each year by the mid-2020s.
Duncan Sutherland said:
Housing is one of the biggest challenges we face in this country and I am looking forward to serving and contributing to the work of the Board in this innovative government agency.
Duncan Sutherland is a housing practitioner with over 35 years’ experience in property, housing, investment, regeneration and development with emphasis on public and private partnerships, involving government, local government, local communities and private investors.
Duncan is the Group Regeneration Director for Sigma Capital PLC and Chairman of Sigma Inpartnership Ltd and was also an HS2 board member between 2012 and 2018 with a focus on the benefits of regeneration and development.
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Link: Press release: James Brokenshire appoints new Homes England board member
Source: Gov Press Releases
A motor industry employee has been sentenced to six months in prison in the first prosecution to be brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under legislation which carries a potential prison sentence.
Link: Six month prison sentence for motor industry employee in first ICO Computer Misuse Act prosecution
Source: ICO .org.uk
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee questions Minister Richard Harrington and construction industry experts
Link: Government’s industrial strategy examined by MPs
Source: Parliamentary News
Joint Committee on Human Rights examines the immigration detention system
Link: Lord Blunkett questioned on reforms to immigration detention system
Source: Parliamentary News
Afzal Khan questions the Government on stop and search powers
Link: No plans to change "reasonable grounds requirement" for stop and search
Source: Parliamentary News
Read on to find out more about UK Parliament Week 2018 and some of the events you can expect to see
Link: UK Parliament Week 2018 begins with more than 7000 events taking place
Source: Parliamentary News
Link: The Family Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2018
Source: Legislation .gov.uk