|
|
 Paul Moorby, Managing Director, Chipside Connected cars are one of the most hyped technologies in the ‘internet of things’ (IoT) sphere, sending and receiving real time information from the world around them. Not only can they connect with people and emergency services, they can also be connected to other cars and the road network’s infrastructure. I can only begin to imagine the range of capabilities we can expect from connected vehicles over the coming decade.
Connected parking
In 2018, 39 million journeys ended in a parking space every day in the UK. If not managed effectively, parking can be a stressful experience for drivers. The average motorist in the UK spends nearly four days every year (around 91 hours) looking for parking spaces, according to research from the British Parking Association (BPA). However, this is not down to a lack of parking spaces, with data showing that some car park occupancy rates in the UK can be as low as 50 per cent. This alone is driving the advancement of connected-vehicle technology to supply useful parking information to drivers to make journeys hassle-free and potentially safer.
Connected vehicles can direct drivers towards available car park spaces, identify the cheapest price tariffs and can even make parking payments through the dashboard. I have witnessed projects around the world that are seeking to deliver true transformation using connected vehicle technology.
Reducing our environmental impact
Vast amounts of data can be analysed using connected cars in the hope of guiding a more sustainable future for us all. This IoT technology will be able to provide real-time information about parking, maps and accidents, which will help traffic flow in cities and in turn, reduce congestion. In theory, the more connected cars we have, the more data we have to support a sustainable and smart future.
As more of an emphasis is put on the environment, questions have been raised about whether we need cars or not. Technology identifies and analyses data to inform future sustainable decisions. For example, a new tarmac mix might reduce aggregate use, but it might also cause a marked increase in ABS use in cars. The environment changes minute by minute, and there is no reason our car configuration cannot adapt too. Connected cars could – if used correctly, with small tweaks in real time – reduce congestion and pollution.
Data as the currency for connection
Built-in car computers are no new phenomenon – cars have been generating data for years. However, the data is usually of a technical nature (mileage, fluid levels, engine status etc.) and are only stored locally and temporarily. The amount and type of available car data is growing exponentially as cars become more connected. The potential lies in the sharing of this data. There are benefits to be had from connected cars and it seems sharing data will have to be accepted by drivers to take advantage of them. It is about the balance between being able to move freely through a town or city and being fully controlled by the state.
Real time data leads to more real time information. There is a major difference between data (e.g. the road ahead is closed) and information (e.g. you can’t go to work via car today). These are the same data points, from different people, with different viewpoints, and result in different information.
Connected cars can deliver personalised data highlighted in real time, both overt and covert. Covert might be “adjust fuel mix in current foggy conditions” whereas overt might be “please don’t drive down North Street – pollution is high”.
What are the risks?
With any IoT device, there is always the risk of data being intercepted. There is an obvious and demonstrable threat of hacking and vehicle theft. In 2015, Chrysler had to recall 1.4 million vehicles after two security researchers had been able to remotely control a Jeep over the Internet, taking over the vehicle’s dashboard, steering, brakes, and transmission.
There are also other potential dangers involved with connected cars. Tapping in a route to the airport? There is a fair chance your house will be empty overnight. Are you sat in your car talking about commercially sensitive matters with work? That information might be intercepted and published. Going to a protest rally? Now your engine will not start.
It is estimated that there are approximately 21 million connected cars on the roads globally today, and researchers predict that by 2020 this number will grow to 200 million. With more of these vehicles on the road, the potential sites of cyber-attacks increase. Although these risks need to be managed, the opportunities of connected vehicle technology are immense and evident.
Chipside is working with partners around the world to empower motorists in this exciting new era of connectivity. We believe shared knowledge is power and the Big Data we can collect and analyse from connected vehicles enables big decisions to be made, accelerating the power of smart cities. At Chipside we are also taking part in discussions that will shape future legislation that will put the UK front and centre in the future of technology.
Article by Paul Moorby, Managing Director, Chipside.
ibml processes high-volume government documents for stringent, mission-critical needs, meeting the highest quality and security standards across many departments in a secure, safe environment
New product offers transformative solutions for outdated information management processes
Imaging Business Machines, LLC (ibml), the leading global provider of intelligent information capture solutions, unveiled its next generation of ultra-high-volume scanners. The new ibml FUSiONTM Series ignites the fusion of disparate capture processes into one streamlined solution, using in-line intelligence at blazing fast throughput speeds up to 730 A4 pages per minute and 938 checks per minute.
As the world’s fastest, intelligent, scalable document capture platform, ibml FUSiON accelerates customers’ mission-critical applications by extracting information from documents to digital processes, thus enabling digital transformation.
 Fusion7300 In a survey by the Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM), 62 percent of organisations said they “are committed to digital transformation.” Paper documents remain a large source of business input for organisations. Ever-increasing data volumes demand exponentially faster processing and ways to eliminate tedious and unnecessary pre-scan and post-scan labor which eats 76 percent of total capture costs and majorly drains operational efficiency[1]. ibml’s FUSiON brings previously uncontrolled information under control.
“For nearly three decades, the world’s largest organisations in the most data-rich environments such as banking, government and BPOs have trusted ibml to overcome their core information management challenges,” said ibml President and CEO, Martin Birch. “Using industry-leading intelligence and accelerated speeds, we extract actionable data, capture insights and expedite critical decision-making for our customers located in over 48 countries. With the ibml FUSiON, shifting to one infrastructure for all capture needs allows organisations to radically reduce real estate, labor and maintenance costs while pushing productivity forward. ibml FUSiON is poised to truly transform those industries with the most demanding document capture needs of today and tomorrow, empowering their digital transformation, while reducing costs.”
 Fusion7700 ibml FUSiON Series sets new benchmarks for high-volume intelligent capture, which include these key highlights:
Real-time, in-line intelligence that helps understand documents, extracting data early in the process to minimize errors downstream.
- The fastest throughput in its class; ibml FUSiON is 67 percent faster than its predecessor and allows customers to do mission-critical jobs in tight timelines and handle greater volume, driving better productivity and lowering costs.
- New patent-pending ibml iQpro image processing technology optimizes image capture for better accuracy of data extraction from images.
- Feeding enhancements and wider document track minimize exceptions and maximize the variety of document sizes that can be handled.
- Patent-pending envelope detection reduces stops and increases productivity while allowing for reducing the need for separator sheets.
- Motorised output sort pockets neatly stack sorted documents, reducing post-scan costs.
- Document content-based dynamic printing creates smart audit trails for scanned documents, securing the chain of custody of documents.
- User-centric design makes it easy to use, and user-friendly error alerts quickly identify problems, minimising fatigue and improving productivity.
- Smart industrial design maximises system uptime with separated airflow systems that keep paper dust out of system electronics.
“ibml FUSiON was developed with our customers, based on a deep understanding of their pain points with different devices they use for high-volume document capture,” said ibml Vice President of Engineering, Pete Rudak. “We then applied the right technology and innovation to solve those problems and the result is ibml FUSiON, a comprehensive solution that combines a sleek modern design with the fastest speed, the highest image quality and the intelligence everyone expects from ibml.”
[1] The Total Cost of Scanning: A Framework for Analysis and Improvement, ECM Connection
For more information, visit www.ibml.com or call 01483 549818
Visit the media kit for photos and more: bit.ly/ibmlfusion.
The Society of Editors has issued the following statement after speculation that the media should be held responsible for the tragic death of TV personality Caroline Flack.
The death of Caroline Flack is indeed a tragedy, as is the case when anyone feels they have nowhere to turn and decide to take their own lives.
Caroline was an extremely popular personality with much of the public with her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Love Island. She was given coverage in the media for many years prior to recent events, the vast majority of it very positive. We cannot know the reasons why Caroline chose to end her life however, it is wrong to blame the media for her decision without knowing the facts. Indeed, the Samaritans guidance on reporting suicides makes clear that speculation over causes or presumptuous explanations often oversimplify the complex reasons behind an individual’s decision to end their life.
It is also wrong for politicians to use her tragic death as a means to attack the media and call for changes in the way politicians themselves are reported.
The investigations carried out by the police in Caroline’s case were based on serious accusations and the subsequent decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to press ahead with an assault case against her, were matters that were in the public domain and should be covered. To believe that by silencing mainstream media on such matters would prevent speculation on social media where rumour and accusations run unchecked by the regulations the media adheres to, is both naive and dangerous.
A blanket ban on any reporting of accusations or police investigation until a person is charged is also dangerous as it can lead to the deterrence of whistle blowers, give succour to the rich and the powerful, and is not in the public interest.
 Latest updates as Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes government appointments:
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of:
Lord Callanan as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Gillian Keegan MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Education.
Paul Scully MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and Minister for London.
James Duddridge MP as a joint Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.
Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP remains a Minister of State in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Kelly Tolhurst MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport.
Wendy Morton MP as a joint Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development, and Assistant Government Whip.
Stuart Andrew MP as Treasurer of HM Household (Deputy Chief Whip).
Marcus Jones MP as a Vice Chamberlain of HM Household (Government Whip).
Douglas Ross MP remains a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Scotland Office.
Lord True CBE as a Minister of State in the Cabinet Office
Rachel Maclean MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport
Baroness Berridge as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Education and a Baroness in Waiting
Nigel Huddleston MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and an Assistant Government Whip
Simon Clarke MP as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Rt Hon Greg Hands MP as a Minister of State in the Department for International Trade.
Michelle Donelan MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Education.
Caroline Dinenage MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Kemi Badenoch MP as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury.
Chris Philp MP as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Home Office.
Chris Heaton Harris MP remains a Minister of State in the Department for Transport
Edward Argar MP remains a Minister of State in the Department of Health and Social Care.
Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park as a Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Nigel Adams MP as a joint Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.
Baroness Sugg CBE as a joint Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.
Kit Malthouse MP remains a Minister of State in the Home Office.
Rt Hon Conor Burns MP remains a Minister of State in the Department for International Trade.
Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP as a Minister of State in the Home Office.
Jeremy Quin MP as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence.
Helen Whately MP as a Minister of State in the Department of Health and Social Care.
Chloe Smith MP as a Minister of State in the Cabinet Office.
Robin Walker MP as a Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office.
Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP as Paymaster General in the Cabinet Office.
Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP as a Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson MP as a Minister of State in the Department for Transport.
Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as joint Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.
Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP remains Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip), attending Cabinet.
Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP remains Lord President of the Council, and Leader of the House of Commons, attending Cabinet
Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP remains Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and First Secretary of State
Rt Hon Simon Hart MP remains Secretary of State for Wales
Rt Hon Michael Gove MP remains Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Minister for the Cabinet Office
Rt Hon Priti Patel MP remains Secretary of State for the Home Department
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP as Chancellor of the Exchequer
Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP remains Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. He will also be Minister for COP26
Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP remains Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP as Secretary of State for International Development
Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP remains Secretary of State for International Trade, President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Rt Hon Baroness Evans of Bowes Park remains Lord Privy Seal, and Leader of the House of Lords
Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey MP remains Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of Suella Braverman MP as Attorney General. She will attend Cabinet
Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP remains Secretary of State for Education
Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP remains Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of George Eustice MP as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP remains Secretary of State for Transport
Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP remains Secretary of State for Defence
Latest comments:
Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary
Responding to news that Ben Wallace will remain Defence Secretary, said:
“The alarming rate of churn at the MOD has actively impeded the stable policy-making we need to maintain our national security and support our defence industry, so we welcome a period of stability that will allow Ministers to get to grips with the long-terms challenges facing the country.
“Defence workers badly need a government that is on their side and enables them to play their full role in our national security by placing orders for defence equipment in the UK.
“The Defence Secretary has kept his job, and he can help hundreds of defence workers keep theirs by announcing that the new Fleet Solid Support Ships will be built in British shipyards, securing hundreds of jobs and maintaining a glorious tradition of British shipbuilding.”
RTPI congratulates Jenrick on retaining ministerial role
The chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has welcomed the announcement that Robert Jenrick will remain in his role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Victoria Hills said she looked forward to continuing to work with Mr Jenrick to ensure town planners and the planning system were able to deliver sustainable, well-designed, successful urban and rural places into the future.
She said: “I congratulate Mr Jenrick on retaining his role and welcome the much-needed stability. I look forward to supporting the Secretary of State with the consultation on the planning white paper, which we hope will empower planners to deliver improved places that reflect the needs of local communities and meet net zero carbon and environmental targets.
“The RTPI has long campaigned for government and local authorities to assign more resources to planning teams, and we will continue to lobby for planning to be put back at the top table of corporate decision-making.”
In a letter addressed to Mr Jenrick, Ms Hills said:
“We believe that to support the government to deliver its infrastructure, climate change and built environment agendas it needs to:
- resource local planning authorities to deliver the government’s targets on carbon net zero, housing and infrastructure,
- remove barriers to the creation of city-regional spatial strategies and allow city regions to use their devolved planning powers.
- empower the planning profession to ensure that the UK leads on delivering climate and environmental action locally
- uphold the right of communities to have a say in local development including codes and plans
She added that she hoped Mr Jenrick would also agree to deliver the keynote address at the RTPI’s annual conference in June.
Fire and rescue services battling Storm Ciara have had their annual funding cut by £141.5 million over the last four years, according to Fire Brigades Union (FBU) analysis of England’s local government finance settlement coming before Parliament today (Wednesday 12 February).
The worst storm-hit areas in England – Cumbria, West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester – have had their annual fire and rescue service funding cut by a total of £16 million since 2016.
- Cumbria has had funding cut by £1.5 million, or 15%
- West Yorkshire has seen a £4.8 million funding cut, equivalent to 11%
- Lancashire has endured a £3.8 million funding cut, or 12%
- Greater Manchester’s funding has been cut £5.9 million, more than 10%[1]
After years of cuts, Westminster funding for services has increased by just 1.6% in cash terms this year, almost entirely negated by inflation[2]. This amounts to a 14% cut over the period of the local government finance settlement 2016/17-2020/21.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said:
“Firefighters are facing a battering from the weather, but years of relentless cuts have undermined our ability to handle major weather events like Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis.
“We keep getting told that these are ‘once in a generation’ or ‘once in a century’ events – well, we were told that just three months ago when floods hit in November. Climate change is only going to make things worse, but funding for those on the frontline has been slashed.
“The paltry cash-terms increase this year doesn’t even begin to reverse the years of decay and decline in our service. Give us the tools and we’ll do the job – but we need investment and proper pay, terms and conditions.”
Firefighters have been called out to flooding, water rescues, fallen debris, damaged property, and countless other incidents resulting from Storm Ciara, while emergency fire control rooms have been swamped with calls. Services are braced for another assault from Storm Dennis.
Despite their role as the primary responders to floods, firefighters in England still do not have a statutory duty to respond to flooding. This deprives them of the funding, training, resources, and pay needed to respond effectively to events like Storm Ciara. Firefighters have this statutory duty in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
 Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has responded to the government’s confirmation that the HS2 high-speed rail link will be built, the first phase between London and Birmingham with a second phase going onto Manchester and Leeds.
Mr Burnham said: “The Prime Minister has today listened and gone a considerable distance towards the case I made at the weekend for a new, integrated East – West – North – South railway for the North of England. That is why I welcome what he has announced today.
“However, there are a number of issues on which we are seeking further clarification.
“First – Manchester Piccadilly. While we support HS2 in principle, it was designed as a North – South railway and consequently has never offered right solution for new, modern East – West links at Manchester Piccadilly. There is now an opportunity to get that right and we ask the government to work with us on a redesign of Manchester Piccadilly station, based on analysis commissioned by Sir Richard Leese and Manchester City Council.
“Second – timetable. The Prime Minister gave a firm timetable for HS2 from London to Birmingham, however there was no such commitment for the North. We want to see the construction of Northern Powerhouse Rail fast-tracked, in line with the commitment the Prime Minister made in Manchester shortly after entering office. We cannot be left waiting years for this investment and the resulting jobs.
“Third – line of route for Northern Powerhouse Rail. While we were pleased to hear mention of high-speed rail to Liverpool we notice that Prime Minister did not mention Bradford. This is important because the Bradford route means that Northern Powerhouse Rail will be a brand new line serving Liverpool, Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly, Bradford and Leeds – which is the clear preference of Northern Leaders.
“Finally, big promises on future infrastructure must not distract from the need to urgently upgrade our creaking Victorian railway, which is ruining journeys on a daily basis. The creation of two new platforms at Piccadilly is a shovel ready project that will benefit the whole North. The government needs to stop dragging its feet on this and get these platforms built.”
 Simon Dunkley, Secretary General TALQ Consortium, showing the TALQ symbol The TALQ Consortium is continuing to certify further products as TALQ-compliant and, by doing so, will guarantee interoperability among systems from different vendors. At the beginning of 2020 the number of certified Central Management Software (CMS) and Outdoor Device Networks (ODN / gateways) totals 17 solutions from vendors based in nine different countries. As evidence emerges that some manufacturers are starting to claim TALQ-compatibility without undergoing the strict testing procedures, the only reliable source for double-checking officially certified products remains the TALQ website.
In order to simplify investment decisions for cities, the TALQ Consortium has developed a global interface standard to connect and manage heterogeneous outdoor lighting and other smart city applications from different hardware and software vendors. Integrating the Smart City Protocol into their solutions allows smart lighting and smart city application providers to achieve interoperability and offer open systems to cities, globally.
Reasons for TALQ members for integration
“Citégestion is specialized in monitoring platforms for cities. We quickly noticed, that linking our solution with a rather large number of street lighting suppliers was a challenge. It became even more true when it embraces smart cities’ concerns, with an even larger number of device providers.”, reports Gautier Perraut, Technical Director at Citégestion. “Therefore, from the very beginning, we always thought that standardizing the communication protocol between the node providers and the software editors was key to strengthening the adoption of smart solutions by cities.”
John Fox, Managing Director at Lucy Zodion adds “As a member of the TALQ Consortium, with TALQ version 2 Gateway Certification, we are helping cities unlock vendor tie-in with a proven industry open protocol standard. Our Ki. solution has been tested against the Certification Tool, making it compatible with other smart city platforms – providing city leaders with the ability to build a future-proof, scalable and multi-vendor smart city.”
The benefits of membership are summarized by Antonio Royo, General Manager UVAX Concepts, as: “Implementing a protocol with feedback from many experts from different companies gives a competitive advantage in the market. Having a solution with an integrated standard helps members’ solutions to be considered in various public tenders and assures our solution complies with the latest state-of-the-art definitions.”
Brian McGuigan, Itron’s Smart City Lead said, “We believe that robust and interoperable standards are key to giving cities the confidence needed to adopt Smart City solutions at scale, without fear of vendor lock in, and have been strong advocates of the TALQ Consortium since its formation. Since certifying in 2017 we have been using the TALQ v1.0 standard to manage over 3 million lighting points deployed globally, and are excited about the extended functionality and improved interoperability offered by the TALQ v2.0 standard.”
The Consortium continues to evaluate interoperability with its rigorous two-stage certification procedure. The Test Tool Software is regularly updated and extended with new feature requests. During the certification assessment, the tool is used to generate protocol reports, which are reviewed by the expert Certification Work Group. All products which successfully pass this procedure are listed as being ‘certified products’ on the TALQ website, which remains the only official channel for approved TALQ-compatibility.
For more information visit www.talq-consortium.org
 allpay, a leading UK payment specialist, has renewed its place on the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) Electronic Payment Services framework following a detailed tender process.
Rob McCloy, Head of Sales (North), allpay explains: “Frameworks are now an everyday tool for social housing procurement. The NHC offers a range of services to its members of Housing Associations and Councils through a fully OJEU compliant framework, removing the need for to go out to tender for contracts. This saves time, resources and money and provides access to a pre-agreed pricing matrix. We currently have 130 clients utilising the framework and allpay has had a relationship with the NHC since 2010, having successfully renewed on their framework in 2015.”
Thirteen, is a landlord and housing developer, providing homes for rent and sale, managing 34,000 properties from North Tyneside to York. Rob Thompson, senior finance manager (Income Services) for Thirteen confirms: “At Thirteen, allpay has provided us with payment solutions for almost 20 years. Since 2010, these services have been provided through the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) procurement framework. During this time, it has been my responsibility to deliver innovative payment solutions that evolve to meet the changing needs of both our customers and our business.
“It is important that our customers are presented with real choice to use their preferred payment method. allpay has enabled us to offer a wide range of payment solutions that include: any day Direct Debits, recurring debit card payments, online and telephone payments. In addition to this Swipe Cards can be used at pay points and the Post Office and offer an inclusive option for those who don’t have access to phone or internet or may not have a bank account.
“The customer service and support we receive from allpay continues to be delivered to a high standard. The standard of service is consistent in both the implementation of new products and services, as well as on going operational support.”
Joseph Gardiner, commercial director, NHC said: “The NHC has provided public sector bodies with a compliant and trusted procurement route for more than 20 years. We offer a range of fully compliant frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems covering Construction, Compliance, Asset Management, Independent Living and Financial Inclusion. Our team supports members through the procurement process and as we are not-for-profit, our surplus is reinvested into our main focus – to represent our members’ interests and ensure they are heard at a regional and national government level.
“Following a rigorous and detailed tender, we now welcome allpay Ltd back to the NHC Electronic Payment Services Framework for six lots and look forward to carrying on our strong working relationship with the team to supply comprehensive payment solutions to the public sector.”
allpay, is now the sole supplier for: Lot 1 (Fully Managed Service), Lot 2 (Customer Payment Cards), Lot 3 (Barcode Payments), Lot 4 (Credit & Debit Card Payments), Lot 5 (Direct Debits) and Lot 7 (Management Information Platform).
For further information please visit: www.allpay.net
 Brake, the road safety charity, has launched an exciting new competition to inspire young people to raise awareness and campaign for safer roads.
Brake’s Project24 competition, in partnership with Coop Insurance, asks 11-18 year-olds to create their own 24-second short film that raises awareness about a road safety subject of their choice.
The title ‘Project24’ was chosen as figures from the World Health Organization show 1.35 million people are killed on the roads each year – the equivalent of one person every 24 seconds [1].
Road crashes are now the eighth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29.
The contest is open to emergency service cadets. By registering, community leaders receive free resources including presentation slides, filming tips and fact sheets.
Young people across the UK are encouraged to enter Project24 by creating their own 24-second videos raising awareness of a road safety topic of their choice and the solutions available to make roads safer, or to inspire people to campaign for safe and healthy journeys.
Entries could include interviews, animations, poetry, artwork, music or anything else the young people feel like making – as long as it lasts no more than 24 seconds.
 Brake project24 students making film The best entries will be showcased by Brake through its website and social media channels across the globe. And winners will receive prizes for themselves and for their schools, including attendance at a special awards reception.
The final date for entries is 4pm on Friday 3 April 2020. Winners will be announced in May.
For more information visit www.brake.org.uk/project24 or email project24@brake.org.uk
 Community Impact Managers Bev Bertenshaw and Dave Brereton unloading the van Reporter: Stuart Littleford
A housing association has invested over £80,000 to combat poverty among its customers on low incomes and bring a discounted food service to their local communities.
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has partnered with Manchester-based food surplus redistribution charity, The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) to provide good quality food for a fraction of its usual price to their customers. The aim is to increase the amount of disposable income in their pockets, so they don’t have to choose between buying food, paying bills or buying other basics.
The affordable food service takes place every week at community centres in some of the most deprived areas in the borough. For just £7, customers’ shopping bags are filled with a minimum of £35 worth of items made up of quality fresh food and store cupboard staples from supermarkets. Those with larger families have the option to pay £14 for a double order and our Community Impact Team will also hand deliver shopping to customers whose health needs may make it difficult to attend.
The TBBT scheme launched at NEON Hub in the Greenacres area of the borough at the end of November 2019, quickly followed by a second hub at Sholver and Moorside Community Centre in January 2020. To date, people who have used the service have saved more than £10,000 between them. Over the next 12 months, they plan to expand the offer to at least three more locations in Oldham. Once it’s fully established, every week TBBT will be serving approximately 450 customers, saving them a collective total of almost £10,000 per week – that’s over half a million pounds a year.
 Customer Charlene Brennan As well as distributing much needed food, the scheme creates a useful point of contact for their customers to get help and advice. Charlene Brennan has been using the service at NEON since it launched last year when she was encouraged to attend by her Community Impact Advisor.
Charlene told GPSJ: “I turn up to The Bread and Butter Thing every week and it’s saving my household a big chunk of our income. The food is brilliant, the staff are nice and my son is eating more veg. The extra money is now helping me pay off some debts and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our family is a lot happier, we’re a lot more secure and I don’t feel like I’m going to lose everything anymore.”
Vinny Roche, FCH Chief Executive told GPSJ: “Our customers do their very best to get by but food poverty is on the rise in Oldham. At First Choice Homes, we’ve decided we can’t just sit back and let that happen. That’s why we’ve teamed up with TBBT to make a positive difference to our customers in greatest need. We’ve funded the partnership, aimed at getting the food service running five days a week, 52 weeks a year to a minimum of 450 of our customers every week. The results to date are fantastic and I’m excited to see what we can achieve in the future. The more of us joining the fight against poverty the better and if further partners would like to get on board to help us reach even more people in need, I encourage them to get in touch.”
Mark Game, TBBT Chief Executive added: “The financial savings for people using the service are significant, people eat better quality and a bigger variety of food, and we save tonnes of surplus edible food from going to waste. It’s a win/win solution for everyone and we’re looking forward to seeing our partnership develop in Oldham and improve the lives of more and more people.”
 The Chartered Institute of Journalists has condemned the government’s crass and immature bullying of journalists and warns that it needs to ‘grow up’ and show respect for media freedom.
Institute President, Janice Shillum, says: “Only authoritarian governments snarl at the media and retaliate against criticism with threats and petty restrictions. So it is of immense concern that Boris Johnson’s government is behaving this way towards its critics in the media. It is especially alarming when the Prime Minister is himself a journalist by profession and should know better.”
She adds: “These clumsy attempts at media manipulation and control are undignified and unbecoming in a country that likes to pride itself on setting high standards of democratic accountability. It is high time that the Prime Minister’s Chief Political Advisor, Dominic Cummings, and those responsible for the Government’s communications strategy, started showing more professionalism and better judgement in their dealings with the media.”
The Institute is the longest established professional association of journalists and has been tracking a growing pattern of harassment that varies from insults and boycotts to thinly veiled threats to curtail the security of BBC funding.
Recently Mr Cummings told an ITV news reporter that his questions in a live door-stepping encounter were inane. It would seem that the accusation of ‘inanity’ is becoming the government’s watchword in its treatment of professional media.”
The CIoJ points out the need for a healthy and respectful relationship between government and the media to underline the vital role that a free media plays as an essential pillar of democracy.
Wakefield Council regeneration and economic growth expert appointed to IED Board
Tom Stannard, Corporate Director for Regeneration and Economic Growth at Wakefield Council, has joined the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Board of Directors.
In a career spanning over 20 years Tom has worked in a variety of economic development, regeneration and policy roles in high-performing councils including Oldham Council in Greater Manchester, Blackburn with Darwen and the London Boroughs. He is also a former Deputy CEO of the UK Learning and Work Institute.
Having moved to his current position at Wakefield in 2018, Tom oversees delivery of the Council’s 2018-23 economic strategy for successful business, people and place. He is responsible for regeneration and economic growth services, including economy and skills; planning, transport and highways; environmental services; property; and arts, culture and leisure.
Tom is a Chartered Surveyor, and is also a Board Director at the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and Deputy National Spokesperson for Economic Prosperity and Housing for SOLACE.
Drawing on his experience, Tom said he was looking forward to sharing his skills with the IED Board and its membership. “I have been an IED member for a number of years and I am keen to see us take a lead role on key issues facing the profession – particularly the climate emergency, labour market issues, and championing sustainable equitable economic growth,” he explained. “I have also seen the Institute develop considerably during that time. In particular, the CPD has really improved and is now a really strong offer. I am keen to add to this further with a broader range of expertise, as well as support membership growth and peer support as I have with SOLACE.”
Tom’s appointment to the IED Board was confirmed in December 2019 after he was elected by his peers. He added: “My aspiration is for the IED to be the voice of practical economic development work on the ground, be assertive on our position nationally and be bold on policy changes which affect us, including planning and sustainability. We should not assume that we have all the answers and we do not have to be isolated in our thinking. There is strength in collaboration with organisations such as CLES, SOLACE and other strategic partners.”
IED Chair Bev Hurley said: “The Board are delighted to welcome Tom and we are sure that his expertise in economic development, regeneration and skills will be of great value to the IED and its members.”
Scottish Government economic development expert joins IED Board
Jon Pickstone, Deputy Director of Regional Economic Development at The Scottish Government, has been elected to the Board of the Institute of Economic Development (IED), the UK’s leading independent professional body for economic development and regeneration practitioners working for local and regional communities.
Jon leads the division of The Scottish Government responsible for place-based economic growth. This includes sponsoring Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise; setting up the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency; City Region and Growth Deals; Regional Economic Partnerships; Scotland’s Centre for Regional Inclusive Growth; Community Wealth Building; Enterprise Areas; and Urban Policy and the Scottish Cities Alliance.
He previously led The Scottish Government’s economic engagement in London, having also held roles at the Department for International Trade, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Homes and Communities Agency.
A Fellow of the IED, Jon said he was delighted to join the Institute’s Board of Directors. “I have been an IED member since 2010 and originally did so to gain professional accreditation,” he explained. “Over the years, I have got to know others in the Institute and now I want to contribute further. It is a great opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and, as the only UK body devoted to economic development, we have an opportunity to provide a well-rounded professional offer for a range of practitioners.”
Jon added that a collaborative approach, including with other professional bodies, was essential. “The IED provides a platform to converse on the major long-term questions facing economic development around business, community and place,” he said. “It can help to ensure wider understanding of best practice economic development in Scotland, and likewise support The Scottish Government’s own focus on driving sustainable inclusive growth. The IED’s ability to offer practical and bespoke training, as well as general knowledge-sharing, can only help us all.”
IED Chair Bev Hurley said: “The Board are delighted to welcome Jon and we are sure that his expertise in economic development and regeneration within private practice, government agency and Whitehall experience will be of great value to the Institute and its members.”
Cushman & Wakefield commercial property champion takes place on IED Board
Ben Pretty, a partner at leading global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, has taken up his place on the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Board of Directors after being formally co-opted in December 2019.
Ben, who is based in Cushman & Wakefield’s Leeds regional office, has over 15 years’ consultancy experience, largely advising public and private sector organisations on property development, infrastructure, regeneration and economic development projects. He is a Chartered Surveyor and works mainly in the field of regeneration and economic development.
His appointment as a Partner last year means that Ben leads much of Cushman & Wakefield’s economic development and growth-based work nationally. Through this role, Ben advises Local Enterprise Partnerships, Combined Authorities and Local Authorities and developers on the development and appraisal of business cases to secure public sector investment in infrastructure and property schemes with a focus on commercial, residential and mixed-use schemes. He is also involved in making the case for investment in a number of large-scale infrastructure schemes and is currently involved in the regeneration of town centres through to the delivery of major residential schemes.
Speaking about his appointment to the IED Board, Ben said that he was relishing the challenge. “I have been involved in economic development since 2007 and an awful lot has changed during this time,” he explained. “I have always wanted the opportunity to have an influence on change in our sector, rather than sitting back and responding to changes, so when the chance to join the Board came up it was something I was keen to pursue. I have been a member of the IED for 10 years – and I have seen the Institute become more and more influential over the years – so I am looking forward to supporting the next phase of its journey.”
Like many economic development and regeneration professionals, Ben initially joined the IED to gain professional accreditation but has noticed a step-change in its overall value to members. “The IED is definitely more recognised as a body and a collective group of core individuals now, with more influence and say, and that has benefitted members through the representation of our interests,” he said. “I am excited about supporting further proactive engagement with members, whether that is through thought leadership, CPD or something entirely different, and ultimately enhance the brand, profile and reach of the IED as the leading professional body in the field of economic development. I see that engagement expanding to public and private sector professionals working in property, transport and skills in the broadest sense, with economic growth at the heart of it.”
Ben said that the growth of private sector organisations in the IED’s membership meant that further representation of those businesses was required. “Historically the IED has been a public sector membership body, with few private sector members on the Board, but that has changed,” he explained. “The USP that I bring is a voice in the private sector world, especially in terms of bringing together the private sector property world with the traditionally more public sector-led agenda of economic development. Around 70% of my work is in the public sector, so I also understand that side of our membership, and I will bring my private sector commercial edge and experience to the Board.”
Whilst recognising the challenges facing the sector, Ben highlighted the need for further collaboration between public and private sector to address these. “Yes there is currently economic and political uncertainty, but there is a significant opportunity for the public sector to step up and work more with the private sector to deliver mutual goals and objectives,” he said. “I am keen to drive things forward and leverage public-private working and partnerships.”
IED Chair Bev Hurley said: “The Board are delighted to welcome Ben and we are sure that his consultancy experience across the public and private sector, and expertise in property development, infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, will be of great value to the Institute and its members.”
Nottingham-based civil and electrical engineering firm McCann has committed to making its entire fleet of company cars all-electric by the year 2025 – after the business recently achieved ‘Go Ultra Low’ status.
McCann has already invested heavily in the future of its fleet of company cars over the previous 12 months – making 53% of its vehicles either electric hybrid or fully electric. Spearheading the fully electric car route are Carl Lancaster – Operations Director and Simon Gardiner – Director (Peter James Homes) who have both recently taken possession of the fully electric, Audi e-tron.
Six 7.2kw electric charging points have also been installed at McCann’s Nottingham head office at a cost of £50,000, with further investment in the next generation of 22kw charger units planned over the coming years to handle the growing fleet of electric hybrid and all-electric cars.
The company has now been recognised for its efforts by achieving ‘Go Ultra Low’ status and set itself the target of using plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) or all-electric vehicles by 2021, and then going all-electric across its fleet of company cars by the year 2025, significantly reducing its impact on the environment.
“Everyone now has a responsibility to help tackle climate change where possible, and we’re passionate about making our own commitment by investing in the future of transportation for the business and factoring this into both our short and long-term business plan,” says company MD, John McCann.
One of McCann’s current diesel cars typically emits between 140-180 Co2 g/km, whereas the Audi e-tron 55 Quattro, earmarked as the ‘car of the future’ for the business, emits 0 Co2 g/km emissions and will still cover a range of 245 miles from a single, full charge. A transition period is now in place for all company directors and management to move to all-electric vehicles by the year 2025.
“Not only does changing to all-electric cars reduce our environmental impact, it also brings with it cost-saving benefits,” adds John.
“Enough diesel to cover a 245 mile range would typically cost £44.60, whereas a fully charged electric car covering the same distance would cost the business £14.86,”
McCann is not only setting targets in relation to its fleet of company cars – all of the businesses HGVs and vans are now fully compliant with the latest Euro 6 emission regulations and will continue to adapt to the latest guidelines as technology evolves.
Paul King, McCann`s Fleet Manager, added, “The technology to make our company vans and HGVs run on electric is still a work-in-progress but as soon as this becomes widely available to the industry, we will definitely look at it as an option going forward. The hope is that one day our sector can be fully electric and eradicate the need for fossil fuels.”
For more information about McCann, visit www.mccann-ltd.co.uk.
 Sylvia Sage Reporter: Stuart Littleford
Over the past 18 months, House of Commons authorities have come under repeated fire for their lack of action to address bullying and harassment.
Dame Laura Cox, who authored a report in 2018 which laid bare the scale of the problem, criticised the slow pace of progress a year on from its publication.
She said: “Delay can only serve to increase frustration and hinder the restoring of trust and confidence of both House staff and members of the public alike.”
Her report was commissioned following a string of accusations of bullying and harassment against MPs, peers and other senior officials within Westminster.
Cox’s calls for an independent complaints system have been largely ignored.
The political and economic stalemate of 2019 may have been part of the problem. But we have now entered a new decade with a new government boasting a large majority and a mandate for change, so there is no longer any excuse.
So, what can leading figures in Westminster do to stamp out the ‘toxic’ working culture once and for all?
While a robust complaints process will undoubtedly help, it will not tackle the root causes of the problem. This will require a change in attitudes and working culture, which is a much longer process, but it is achievable if key steps are taken.
1. Education, education, education
Leading figures within Westminster need to educate themselves, all MPs, peers and staff on what constitutes inappropriate behaviour.
Harassment and bullying can be defined as conduct that makes someone feel intimidated or offended. Discrimination is “less favourable treatment of another person or persons”.
Harassment and discrimination are illegal when conduct is severe enough to be considered intimidating, hostile or abusive, when it is a condition of employment and/or related to any of nine protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010, which include gender, disability, age, race, religion and sexual orientation.
Offensive conduct, which should be defined in the HR or Dignity at Work policy, may include jokes, slurs, insults, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule, offensive pictures or interference with work.
It is important to note that it is the impact of the behaviour which is key, rather than the intent. A particular action might be considered harassment, even if the effect is unintended.
The House of Commons Standards Commissioner, Kathryn Stone, responsible for tackling the issue of harassment in Westminster, has suggested a new ‘behaviour code’, which would come with a range of sanctions to deal with those found to have abused staff or colleagues.
2. Build positive values
Once negative and destructive behaviours have been defined, MPs, peers and Westminster staff need to collaboratively define the positive values and behaviours which will support a happy, productive workplace.
This involves bringing teams together to agree on a set of shared values and desired behaviours they can work towards. This process needs to engage and involve everyone, at every level, to ensure that expectations are clear and that all staff are supportive of the resulting changes.
For ideas to flow, it is essential to create a safe, relaxed environment, removed from the day-to-day workplace, ideally with the help of an external facilitator to guide discussions and ensure that everyone is able to share their opinions. A consensus must be reached on what desirable values and behaviours will create a respectful working environment.
In this way, everyone can start to hold themselves and each other accountable to uphold these clearly defined positive values and live the associated behaviours.
3. Change from the top down
MPs are elected representatives. They need to lead by example. Politics is stressful and demanding, the work involving long hours. MPs and their staff are pulled in many different directions. When those at the top feel under pressure, they are too likely to pass this down, creating a knock-on effect which results in a toxic working environment at every level.
This is why culture change in Westminster must start at the top.
Rather than shy away from the criticism, MPs and senior staff should instead embrace it. They must examine their own values and behaviours, adjusting them to build a respectful workplace.
In high pressure environments, the line between ‘assertive’ and ‘aggressive’, or strong leadership and autocratic behaviour, can quickly get blurred. This is why MPs and other senior staff need to think about the impact of their behaviour.
This is particularly pertinent in modern diverse workplaces, where staff may have differing views on what constitutes respectful behaviour.
Problems often arise when senior staff are too caught up in their own work and pressures to take time for one vital behaviour – listening.
Feeling truly listened to makes everyone feel valued and respected, and keeps managers better informed about issues on the ground that need addressing.
Only by listening will MPs and others in Westminster ensure their decisions and behaviour make them the kind of role models their office – and the country – needs.
4. Enable defence
While better education on the issues should lead to a dramatic reduction in incidences of misconduct, Westminster must have robust complaints procedures in place to enable staff to speak out and defend themselves and others from inappropriate behaviour.
There need to be informal and formal steps that staff can take to raise concerns as early as possible, before any situation escalates.
An open-door policy that makes senior leaders available and approachable so that staff can talk to them when needed is a fundamental requirement.
If the issues cannot be dealt with informally, more formal steps must be taken to monitor and tackle the issue. This might mean keeping a written record of all actions and reporting the issue to a more senior figure or the HR team, who can then take appropriate action to clamp down on the behaviour.
The complaint must be properly investigated and all parties consulted in a sensitive and confidential manner, with appropriate support offered to the alleged victim.
Sometimes, dealing with workplace tensions is a case of educating the ‘bully’, who might be unaware of the damaging impact of their behaviour. However, managers must be prepared to take more stringent disciplinary action when necessary.
This is where Dame Laura Cox’s promised independent complaints system could make a big difference.
In combination with ongoing work to alter attitudes and “accepted behaviours”, an independent complaints system would help to facilitate genuine long-term sustainable culture change.
MPs and leaders in the House of Commons have a responsibility under the Public Sector Equality Duty 2011 to ‘play their part in making society fairer by tackling discrimination and providing equality of opportunity for all.’[1]
Discrimination and harassment in Parliament is damaging to the victims and their colleagues, but also to the country as a whole. Dysfunctional cultures affect the ability of our members of government to serve their public.
The government’s ministries need to act as role models for the country.
Staff who feel valued and are treated with respect are far more likely to behave well towards those around them.
There is a large and growing body of research which provides evidence that boosting staff wellbeing will benefit their psychological and physical health and leave them feeling more energised, enthusiastic and motivated. This has a direct impact on their performance at work. In a happy workplace, everyone is a winner.
Tackling bullying and harassment in Westminster – by Sylvia Sage, programme director at Corporate Learning Solutions
[1] www.homeoffice.gov.uk/equalities/
 The Government wishes to see a future relationship based on friendly cooperation between sovereign equals for the benefit of all our peoples. There is complete certainty that at the end of 2020 the process of transition to that relationship will be complete and that the UK will have recovered in full its economic and political independence. The Government remains committed in all circumstances to securing all those benefits for the whole of the UK and to strengthening our Union.
The question for the rest of 2020 is whether the UK and the EU can agree a deeper trading relationship on the lines of the free trade agreement the EU has with Canada, or whether the relationship will be based simply on the Withdrawal Agreement deal agreed in October 2019, including the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. In either event the UK will be leaving the single market and the customs union at the end of this year and stakeholders should prepare for that reality.
The Government will work hard to achieve a balanced agreement that is in the interests of both sides, reflecting the wide range of shared interests. Any agreement must respect the sovereignty of both parties and the autonomy of our legal orders. It cannot therefore include any regulatory alignment, any jurisdiction for the CJEU over the UK’s laws, or any supranational control in any area, including the UK’s borders and immigration policy.
This points to a suite of agreements of which the main elements would be a comprehensive free trade agreement covering substantially all trade, an agreement on fisheries, and an agreement to cooperate in the area of internal security, together with a number of more technical agreements covering areas such as aviation or civil nuclear cooperation. These should all have governance and dispute settlement arrangements appropriate to a relationship of sovereign equals.
Future cooperation in other areas does not need to be managed through an international Treaty, still less through shared institutions. The UK will in future develop separate and independent policies in areas such as (but not limited to) the points-based immigration system, competition and subsidy policy, the environment, social policy, procurement, and data protection, maintaining high standards as we do so. Cooperation on foreign affairs and related issues is of course likely to be substantial, but does not in itself require a joint institutional framework.
In its negotiations with the EU, the Government will be acting on behalf of the UK Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories: the whole UK family.
The UK proposes to agree similar arrangements with the EFTA states.
Further information is set out below. Unless otherwise stated, it should be assumed that the UK’s aspiration and level of ambition is to reach agreement on provisions which are at least as good as those in the EU’s recent trade agreements, such as those with Canada or Japan.
 Evan Wienburg, By Evan Wienburg, co-founder and CEO of Truespeed
A new year is a time for renewal and resolutions. The UK government’s plans to invest billions in infrastructure transformation in the budget on March 11 and shape up the UK’s digital economy by accelerating the delivery of full fibre broadband across the country are undoubtedly full of good intentions. Specifically, the government has pledged £5bn to support the roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband to the hardest to reach 20% of the country. We all agree that giving consumers the fast connectivity they need is critical to ensure UK plc is flexing its digital muscles post-Brexit. But in order to give the gift of gigabit broadband, it’s essential that alongside healthy competition between industry providers there is also appropriate collaboration to reduce duplication, wasteful overbuilding and disruption for consumers.
Sizing up the current situation
After December’s election, the new UK government outlined plans to accelerate access to full-fibre broadband connections to 96% of the UK’s homes and businesses. The latest research from regulator Ofcom revealed that the figure currently stands at a woeful 10%. According to OfCom’s Connected Nations 2019 survey, three million homes and businesses in the UK are able to obtain connections that can deliver download speeds of up to one gigabit per second (1Gbps). Given that 12 months earlier only 1.6 million households had access to full fibre broadband, this is encouraging but still indicative of a greater-than-ever gulf between the digital haves and have-nots. At other end of the scale, 155,000 UK properties are still unable to get a decent fixed broadband service.
Of course there are many different performance classes of broadband. It seems obvious, but to ensure the network is future-proof and satisfying bandwidth needs for decades to come, full fibre broadband needs to mean just that – full fibre all the way to the front door, with no hint of copper in between. A few private sector infrastructure firms such as Truespeed are starting to offer a full fibre service to businesses that has the potential to offer speeds of up to 10Gbps – 10 times faster than the UK government’s 1Gbps-capable broadband goal.
The digital health benefits of full fibre
No one disputes that better connectivity is an essential part of UK plc’s regime to ensure it competes in the digital economy.
At one end of the digital divide, for many cities and urban areas, the additional investment in full fibre broadband is good news, enabling businesses to keep pace with digitisation and the cutting edge technology tools needed to thrive and grow.
At the other, in more rural areas, businesses have been stifled by a lack of connectivity. A recent survey we conducted with Somerset Chamber of Commerce revealed that the growth and development of local businesses are severely hampered by poor connectivity – echoed by rural businesses up and down the country contending with regular drop-outs and slow speeds.
But it’s not just a matter of bringing rural areas up to speed. Many of our towns and cities – particularly historic places bulging with listed buildings and narrow streets – have been seen as costly and challenging from a network build perspective and have suffered from slow, unreliable broadband connectivity as a result.
Boosting fibre uptake: balancing private vs public investment
Ofcom’s much anticipated review of the wholesale telecom market sets out a 4-point plan to supercharge the roll out of fibre broadband across the UK. In its Fixed Telecoms Market Review (FTMR), Ofcom puts pressure on national providers to encourage competition and add support for rural areas.
While the need for infrastructure investment and full fibre broadband for all – regardless of post code – is clear, Ofcom must ensure a fair and level playing field between private and part public-funded infrastructure providers.
A growing number of private providers such as Truespeed are already investing heavily and effectively in these broadband infrastructure builds and customers are benefiting from brilliant products and services in rural areas as well as in traditionally hard-to-connect historic cities.
Where these providers are already investing significant sums using private funds, it’s not only wasting taxpayers’ money but inappropriate and unfair that larger providers are using taxpayers’ money to fund overbuilding. A more efficient and effective use of funds would involve collaboration and working closely with national and smaller providers to lay the infrastructure in areas where no alternative provider is already ensconced.
Delivering on good intentions
The UK government’s full fibre investment plans are a positive boost for UK plc’s digital health and future. Consumers and businesses will reap the benefits if we strike a balance between healthy competition amongst incumbent infrastructure providers and innovative private players, and an intelligent approach to collaboration. By rejecting overbuild by infrastructure providers taking advantage of government subsidies in areas where there is already adequate full fibre provision, we can free up funds to invest in places bereft of broadband and deliver full fibre for all.
 Japanese knotweed is the problem that just keeps on growing. Described by the Environment Agency as “indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant”, it’s now thought to affect 4- 5% of homes in the UK and the most conservative estimates put the cost of treatment at around £166 million each year.
As people become more informed about the risks associated with knotweed and its impact on property values, they are becoming bolder in pursuing encroachment cases through the courts. The growing number of successful legal cases in recent years relating to Japanese knotweed encroachment has sounded the alarm for those who fail to act to prevent the plant from spreading. They may find they are required to not only pay for treatment and legal expenses, but also to compensate the victim of encroachment for any diminution in the value of their home.
Local councils are at the coal face of the battle and can find themselves on both sides of the fence: simultaneously at risk of legal action as a landowner if knotweed on public land is left untreated, while also using Community Protection Notices and ASBO legislation to aid homeowners who are themselves victims of encroachment and who may find themselves unable to sell their property as a result.
A high-profile case in February 2017 saw two neighbouring homeowners successfully sue Network Rail for allowing Japanese knotweed to encroach onto their land, winning compensation for the cost of treatment as well as diminution of the value of their homes. Network Rail’s appeal in 2018 was quashed by the Court of Appeal. Also in 2018, in the first claim against a private homeowner heard in an open court, a couple in Cornwall successfully sued their neighbour for allowing knotweed to encroach onto their land.
 Environet UK Ltd – Copyright 2019 The vast majority of homeowners see their local council as being the first port of call in a row over Japanese knotweed encroachment. A survey carried out in 2019 by Environet UK and YouGov found that 42% of homeowners would contact their local council in the first instance if knotweed was at risk of encroaching onto their property.
This faith in the ability of local councils to help deal with the problem could be a result of a Bristol City Council’s successful use of ASBO legislation in December 2018 to prosecute a land owner who allowed Japanese knotweed to encroach into the gardens of seven neighbouring homes.They issued a CPN to the land owner who had failed to act to prevent the spread of the plant, then prosecuted them using ASBO legislation.
Whilst this blunt instrument should force action, it does not provide the affected homeowner any compensation for their losses, where a claim in civil nuisance would.
Awareness among the general public is growing, with 78% of UK adults now aware of the plant according to the latest research. Infestations are considerably easier and cheaper to treat if they are discovered early before they have a chance to take hold and spread, so vigilance by local residents is vital. A recent report by the Environmental Audit Committee called for a “citizen’s army of volunteers” to spot and stop invasive species before they become established, highlighting how people power can be harnessed to assist in the fight against Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS).
Local authorities keen to get on top of the problem have an opportunity to capitalise on this growing awareness and use it to help them build a local picture of the Japanese knotweed landscape using a new online heatmap, ‘Exposed’, that has been developed by Environet UK. Available for free to councils to host on their websites, the interactive tool could be of considerable benefit in the fight against knotweed, tracking infestations in the local area and encouraging the engagement of the local community in spotting and reporting new sightings.
Launched in early 2019 and already populated with thousands of infestations across the UK, Exposed is designed to build a local and national picture of the Japanese knotweed problem, with hotspots clearly marked in yellow and red. Users can enter their postcode to discover the number of known incidences of knotweed within a 4km radius of that location.
In addition to checking for sightings near where they live, the general public is encouraged to help populate the heatmap using the ‘Add Sighting’ feature and attaching a photograph of the plant so it can be verified by experts at Environet. Particular hotspots around the UK include Bolton, Bristol, South Wales and London, all of which are home to hundreds of infestations, but there are now very few parts of the UK which are completely untouched by Japanese knotweed.
As well as understanding the extent of the problem in their borough and creating a sense of collective responsibility, Exposed will also assist councils in their efforts to protect council-owned property and land that may be affected by Japanese knotweed, enabling them to act earlier to treat it before it becomes well established and more challenging to tackle.
Nic Seal said, “Local Authorities have a huge role to play in the fight against invasive plants, particularly Japanese knotweed which can cause significant damage to property and its value if left untreated.
“By adding Exposed to their armory, they can build awareness of Japanese knotweed in their local area and encourage people to be proactive in spotting and stopping the spread of the plant, potentially savings hundreds of thousands of pounds every year.”
Exposed is available free of charge to Local Authorities, including Borough and County Councils and there is no obligation to use Environet UK for treatment services. Interested parties should contact Environet UK for an iframe code by calling 01932 868 700 or emailing nic.seal@environetuk.com
The Chartered Institute of Journalists says the announcement of 450 job losses in BBC journalism will be a tragic blow to the profession.
The world’s longest established professional association for journalists says that British democracy cannot afford to lose this quantity of journalist expertise.
The Institute believes that the crisis in British journalism of contraction, exponential loss of professional journalism employment is not abating despite the recent Cairncross Review.
CIoJ President Janice Shillum said: “UK journalism has lost tens of thousands of jobs in the last fifteen years. So many newspaper closures and contraction of opportunity and coverage. This will be a tragic and devastating blow to the profession.”
She added: “A strong, diverse and significant BBC journalistic operation across all media platforms, at international, national, regional and local level is absolutely vital.”
She said: “Whatever the rights and wrongs of the BBC licence fee and the politics of highly paid ‘names’ and underpaid women journalists, this scale of loss will be damaging to the industry and to a public service broadcaster that upholds standards, funds journalism training and is accountable to those who fund it.”
The BBC remains the most admired broadcaster world-wide and a reliable source of domestic and world news. The BBC’s news division has already endured several previous rounds of swingeing cuts, at local, regional and network level.
The Institute fears there is much less flesh on the bone than there was 10 years ago. Every round of cuts has impacted both breadth and depth of coverage. This one will be devastating and disastrous in every way.
President Janice Shillum said: “We must all keep campaigning to find solutions to reverse the endless loss of journalists’ jobs and the resulting damage to good journalism which underpins our democracy. Parliament, government as well as the industry must accept they have a duty to secure a better future.”
Speakers from Amazon, INTEL and Pfizer are set to meet with Welsh innovators this March at an event which promises to reveal the near future technologies that will transform frontline health and social care in Wales and beyond.
‘Tomorrow’s Health 2020’, a major conference organised by Life Sciences Hub Wales, will see health and social care pioneers, industry experts and academia join forces to explore how collaborations in Wales will bring to life new revolutions in healthcare. Discussions will include explorations of how artificial intelligence and cloud computing will transform the care that we and future generations receive.
 Amazon, Intel and Pfizer are just some of the global names that will join the event on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March in Llandudno. They will be joined by Welsh life science experts who represent an industry that employs more than 11,000 people and is valued to be contributing over £2 billion a year to our economy.
Keynote speakers will include Head of Healthcare, UK and International Public Sector at Amazon Web Services, John Davies, and the Senior Technical Specialist at Intel, Costas Stylianou, who will reveal how digital innovation and artificial intelligence are revolutionising health and social care services.
The event will also provide delegates with a great opportunity to hear from the managing directors of two of the world’s leading healthcare and biopharmaceutical companies – Ben Osborn of Pfizer (UK), and Richard Erwin from Roche (UK).
As people continue to live longer than ever before, the subject of ‘healthy ageing’, which looks at how people can maintain a high quality of life as they grow older, will be another key topic to go under the microscope.
Speaking ahead of Tomorrow’s Health 2020, Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething, said: “Technology plays a vital and exciting role in our long-term collaborative vision for health and social care in Wales, A Healthier Wales. It is increasingly important that together we unlock new ways of delivering health and social care to meet the growing demand.
“Wales is already home to a thriving life sciences sector and this conference is a great opportunity to hear about developments in healthcare technology and innovation. It is equally important that as part of this conference new partnerships are developed, that are economically successful and delivering sustainable health and care benefits to the people of Wales.”
With an exciting line up of speakers, interactive sessions, workshops and exhibitors, those attending will have the opportunity to meet people working within the sector to hear first-hand about the everyday problems they face that require innovative solutions. They’ll also be able to get advice on how to bring their innovations and ideas to life with sessions on securing funding and engaging with NHS Wales.
The aim is to encourage partnerships between industry and academia to bring economic growth, sustainable employment and health benefits to the nation.
Cari-Anne Quinn, CEO at Life Sciences Hub Wales: “We have a strong life sciences industry in Wales and the sector presents a unique opportunity for significant growth across our economy. The number of companies in Wales is already a fifth higher than the UK average per capita, and we are recognised worldwide for successes in fields ranging from digital advancements and medical technology to regenerative medicine and neuroscience.
“As well as bringing economic benefits, collaborations throughout the sector are also making a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in Wales. However, there’s still so much more that can be achieved.
“Tomorrow’s Health 2020 will provide the platform to bring together health, social care, academia and industry, in the spirit of collaboration, to accelerate Welsh healthcare advancements and drive forward a better future healthcare for Wales and beyond.”
Tickets to the inaugural event are complimentary with limited spaces available. To register your place or for more information about the conference, speakers and programme announcements, visit: tomorrowshealth.wales
 CIoJ President-Elect Professor Tim Crook The Chartered Institute of Journalists welcomes the historical development to permit the broadcasting of sentencing in criminal trials in England and Wales.
The initiative has been supported by the justice secretary, Robert Buckland QC, and the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon.
The Institute has consistently campaigned for more open justice and improved media coverage of the legal system.
Institute President-Elect Professor Tim Crook was the UK’s first broadcast legal affairs correspondent and reported trials at the Central Criminal Court for 15 years.
He said: “This will substantially improve public understanding of the criminal justice system at a time when reporting coverage has diminished through newspaper closures and job losses.”
He added: “A progressive minded new generation of senior judiciary and enlightened campaigning by the journalism industry have negotiated this brilliant breakthrough.”
The first crown court broadcasts are expected to take place in April or May after legislation has been passed.
Professor Crook disagreed that televising sentencing could become some kind of “spectator sport.”
He said the public would be able to “fully understand the seriousness and solemnity of such occasions and the professionalism and quality of the people who work in our criminal courts.”
|
NEED AN UP TO DATE DATABASE? 
|
Recent Comments