As the UK heads into at least three weeks of lockdown, concerns are being raised across the country as thousands of construction workers headed out to work, including on packed London Underground trains.
Last night the Prime Minister gave an instruction that everyone should stay at home for all but the most essential reasons. This morning the Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove said all major construction work should go ahead but jobs carried out at close quarters in someone’s home would not be appropriate. A tweet from the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “If you are working on site, you can continue to do so. But follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing.”
Construction workers have raised concerns that they are not able to practice social distancing and stay at least two metres apart from one another on site.
The Chair of the British Safety Council Lawrence Waterman told GPSJ from his home today:
“The construction sector needs clarity from the government – on most sites social distancing will be impossible or simply unsafe. All non-essential construction should end now so that construction workers can go home and stay home like everyone else.”
“Some building work will be deemed essential – for example, building work that will improve access to hospitals or road access which will help tackle the virus. It is also the case that half-built buildings need to be made safe and workers should prioritise work that can safely suspend construction for as long as necessary.”
He went on to say:
“Many thousands of construction workers are self-employed and don’t get paid if they don’t go to work. The government and developers need to work together to ensure that workers are protected when their building sites are shut down. We can’t have scenes like this morning when the country is told to stay at home, but the tubes are crammed full of people setting off to work on a building site.”
The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group – representing the largest value sector in UK construction – has expressed major concerns over the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs (which comprise 99% of firms in the construction industry).
SEC Group is highlighting a number of concerns relating to sharp practices, disruption to repair and maintenance contracts (which represent more than half of construction industry output) and the weak balance sheets of the large tier 1 contractors with implications for payment security along the supply chain.
Sharp practices
Some evidence is beginning to emerge of supply chains being informed that they will have to bear the risk of any disruption or delay caused to construction works as a result of COVID-19. This means that SMEs may have to bear the brunt of any liquidated damages passed down to them. This is generally facilitated by onerous contracts which are par for the course in construction.
Repair and maintenance contracts
There is increasing disruption to repair and maintenance contracts especially those involving planned maintenance to mechanical, electrical, plumbing and lift installations. Many contracts have termination at will clauses which often enable contracts to be brought to an end without compensation. Moreover, there are safety implications to be considered. Lifts, for example, require regular servicing to comply with statutory safety requirements. SEC Group is asking for clear guidance to be issued from both government and the Health and Safety Executive.
Payment security
Whilst public sector clients are being urged to ensure that all their payment obligations to their tier 1 contractors are discharged quickly there is concern that this will not be followed through along the supply chain. Moreover, any disruption or delay to projects could result in severe payment delays to supply chain firms which will be exacerbated by the fragile
balance sheets of the large companies. Supply chain contracts often allow for tier 1 contractors to suspend works without necessarily compensating their sub-contractors.
SEC Group’s chairman Trevor Hursthouse called on all clients of the UK’s construction industry to be on the look-out for distressed firms in their supply chains and ensure that, as much as possible, measures are put in place to alleviate such distress. He added:
“The UK construction industry is on a financial knife-edge. We need to ensure that the industry will still have the capacity and resources to deliver the construction and infrastructure needs that will be required when some level of normality returns.”
UK Government’s measures including the COVID-19 Procurement Policy Note, business loans, grants and other support measures are welcome – the challenge is turning out to be understanding precisely how and where the support is accessed. SEC Group will be monitoring access difficulties amongst members and will continue to support Government initiatives whilst also identifying delivery difficulties if they persist.
Once upon a time, automation was mainly associated with manufacturing assembly lines and little else. Fortunately, we’ve moved past assembly lines; automation today plays a critical role within an optimised IT environment in everything from robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to electrical engineering and instrumentation.
In fact, automation is increasingly becoming one of the cornerstones of an optimised public sector organisation. If you’re a public sector IT professional, you may be wondering if automation can make your job easier. The response would certainly be “yes,” as automation can save time and money and dramatically enhance overall agency performance on multiple levels. The question is: how?
Step-by-step guide to automation
A good starting point is automating network configurations, which can help public sector IT professionals be more effective in the following ways:
Meet compliance requirements, particularly when it comes to regular network audits. This includes monitoring and auditing network devices from a single view, tracking unauthorised and erroneous configuration changes, and automating inventory reporting and policy violation scans.
Implement configuration changes quickly and efficiently.
Automate firmware upgrades.
Save time and increase productivity.
This can all be achieved by automating network configurations. Consider automating workflows, which can dramatically free up time for public sector IT pros. It’s even possible to automate mobile-device-initiated tasks, if your organisation allows this type of interaction.
These examples are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to automation, which offers opportunities beyond ordinary IT tasks. Public sector IT programmers can automate back-office human resources tasks, procurement tasks, and financial tasks, and they can even use AI to add context to collected data. This data can then be used to automate nearly any task from responding to threats to addressing citizen inquiries.
In fact, AI will likely be the foundation for myriad automation possibilities. Take cybersecurity as an example. AI can help IT security pros more efficiently understand the severity of potential threats and remediate them through automated responses.
Adding automation means enhancing job skills
As you might imagine, implementing automation throughout an organisation—for a range of processes—requires a different skill set than the one required in nonautomated environments. Traditional public sector IT roles will require more “soft skills,” such as the ability to write and communicate effectively, in addition to problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
As part of its Government Transformation Strategy policy, the U.K. government made it a priority to ensure the “Civil Service is world-leading in terms of digital transformation” by 2020. This includes having one of the most digitally skilled civil service populations. According to the strategy, this means “making the best use of the tools, techniques, technologies, and culture of the internet age. It means having a generation of public servants of all professions who are confident working across organisational boundaries, understand the broader public policy context, and who are equipped to identify and lead opportunities for radical digital change and reinvention.”
With more automation and AI, public sector IT pros are transitioning from service managers to service brokers. Because provisioning storage and answering end-user service requests will soon be automated (if they’re not already), these individuals will instead be identifying data interactions, designing policies, and implementing new technologies requiring a depth of understanding beyond coding or IT management.
Embracing change is necessary if organisations are going to successfully implement automation. However, this requires teams to recognise and prepare for the impact these changes will have. Automation can have vast benefits for the public sector if you integrate it carefully and consider the way it alters workplace dynamics. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it just requires preparation.
Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of the United Grand Lodge of England
Reporter: Stuart Littleford
Freemasons are calling for the whole community to ensure no one feels alone, even if they are physically self-isolating, by remembering them in a toast at 9pm tonight.
The 200,000 strong membership organisation traditionally toasts ‘absent Brethren’ to remember those who are unable to attend their meetings in person at the dinner that takes place afterwards.
The organisation is adapting the usual 9pm toast it makes during its dinners and inviting everyone to join in to toast ‘absent friends, and those working on the frontline in the NHS’.
Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of the United Grand Lodge of England, has called for the Freemasons’ regular toast to be a ‘virtual’ toast – using #TimetoToast online – and extended to all those we cannot meet with, yet remain close in our thoughts.
He said: “We want everyone to join in at 9pm tonight and raise a glass to those we cannot be with in person due to the huge challenges facing the country. Stay safe, self-isolate but know that you are not alone.
“We are all unable to do those things we previously took for granted, that are so precious to us all – meeting with friends at the pub or for a coffee, enjoying each other’s company. Being social, in its small way, is something we can still all share. We invite everyone to raise a glass to help raise spirits.”
Christine Chapman, Head of Freemasonry for Women, added: “We must combat loneliness by ensuring that, even if we are all in our own homes, we are still connecting across the country. Dr Staples and I urge everyone to charge their glass at 9pm and say a toast to absent friends, and those working on the frontline of the NHS.”
George Brasher, Managing Director, HP UK and Ireland talks exclusively to GPSJ
Talking to GPSJ editor, Stuart Littleford, George said: “With the new decade well underway, government departments are rightly continuing to explore new digital frontiers. From recent conversations with industry and government leaders.” He has identified five public sector trends to keep an eye on:
Quantum Computing Takes a Quantum Leap
The Government will continue to explore the possibilities around quantum computing in the coming year. Whereas traditional computers are built around 1s and 0s, or what we call “bits,” quantum computers will use subatomic quantum bits or “qubits” that can simultaneously exist as a one and zero. This nascent technology could eventually solve problems in minutes rather than thousands of years.
In fact, Google claimed it achieved “quantum supremacy” in October 2019, with its chip completing a task in 200 seconds that researches estimated would take a current supercomputer 10,000 years or more. This could dramatically accelerate how people create everything from drugs to cars to new food sources.
Last June, the Government announced a fresh £153 million investment in efforts to commercialise quantum computing, increasing its total commitment to its 6-year-old National Quantum Technologies Programme to more than £1 billion. Former Science Minister Chris Skidmore also announced £94 million of funding for the UK’s Quantum Technologies Research Hubs, located at Oxford, Birmingham, Glasgow and York.
According to the University of Oxford, quantum research under way already includes technologies to help fire crews see through smoke and dust, construction projects to visualise unmapped terrain such as the innards of old mines and cameras that let motor vehicles to peer around corners. Government interest in quantum computing is expected to rise and intensify as new applications for the technology become inescapably apparent.
Everything-as-a-Service Goes Mainstream
We’re continuing to see rapid momentum towards subscription-based consumption models in both commercial and consumer capacities. Public bodies appear to be far more open today to service models than they were just a few years ago, mirroring a global trend in which more than 80 percent of new technology solutions adopted by governments are expected to be delivered and supported by service models as early as 2023, according to Gartner.
This is significantly changing the way technology purchases are managed within organisations. Previously, when a business purchased PCs or a fleet of printers, it tended to purchase in bulk all at once, meaning there was a large investment upfront. They then had to either staff up internally to manage and secure those devices or hire outside maintenance teams to manage the fleet.
With a Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) or Managed Print Services (MPS) approach, computer and printer purchases become a monthly operating expense, so the investment is spread out over time. These services ensure customers always have access to the latest devices—which are maintained and secured by outside experts—and business leaders can better predict costs and reduce downtime. IT personnel are then free to focus on more strategic matters, such as critical management and operations functions beyond device maintenance.
Supply Chain Security Becomes Critical
One of the greatest concerns of any supply chain — especially for technology purchased by the Government from international vendors — is the potential for parts suppliers to be compromised by foreign governments.
This is an issue of national security because every part of the supply chain can be attacked, including emerging 5G networks. This is why public sector technology purchasing decisions are so critical. In the past, many budget-minded government agencies have defaulted to purchasing lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) computers and printers because that’s how they’ve always done it. But with cyberthreats against government institutions increasing in frequency and maliciousness, every department should only be purchasing equipment from vendors with trustworthy supply chains.
More progress around government legislation is expected – such as the Telecoms Supply Chain Review, which aims to toughen cybersecurity controls over the telecommunications supply chain and developing 5G infrastructure.
AI Continues Its March in the Public Sector
The way some people talk about it, artificial intelligence often sounds like a magical technology that can cure almost any societal ill. But the fact is AI algorithms are great at certain things and not so good at others, such as accurately recognising objects.
For government purposes, though, AI is becoming increasingly interesting because of its ability to automate time-consuming and repetitive tasks, such as data research and citizen support. At the same time, it also presents amazing opportunities for instinctively detecting and guarding against unknown — or zero day — cyberattacks that many IT security professionals might not otherwise catch.
Comprehensive Security at the Edge
The news of the next major security breach barely registers as a shock given how ubiquitous cybercrime has become. In the public sector, the statistics are grim: 18 percent of the UK’s public organisations suffered more than 1,000 cyberattacks in 2018 alone, exposing millions of potentially sensitive records. As cybercriminals become smarter, faster and better at deploying new methods of attack, yesterday’s security protocols will no longer suffice.
In the same way the private sector is rethinking comprehensive security, so too must government entities. Networks are only as strong as their weakest point—whether it be a PC, printer, phone, tablet or other connected device—and cybercriminals have become masters at probing for and exploiting these soft spots. Embedded security in endpoint devices is an investment small business and enterprises alike must consider to properly protect data, detect malware and recover potentially compromised data.
But what is most important among government leaders is to create a culture of education and security literacy within their organisations, especially as the UK determines if they will continue adhering to EU security protocols post-Brexit. Looking ahead, one thing is certain: government agencies need to ditch the old LPTA procurement model and focus, instead, on options offering better operational efficiency, productivity and security.
Institute of Economic Development Executive Director Nigel Wilcock has told GPSJ:
“This might be the budget that brings Keynes back in vogue with the Office for Budget Responsibility expecting the expansionary measures to create a demand-led economic boost. Certainly, from the budget speech there was little not to like – some emergency fiscal loosening, some provision for the lower paid, and lots and lots of spending announcements.
Clearly the Institute for Economic Development welcomes all the measures concerning rebalancing, some of the attention to green measures (although at the same time building roads and freezing fuel duty) and the tone of the entire delivery which continued the narrative of the importance of economic development and re-balancing.
So why the caution? Well, partly because we are an Institute for economists. But partly because it is easy to get wrapped up in the headlines of the shopping list but less easy ‘in real time’ to properly grasp the materiality of some of the numbers which sound large but may amount to little – and because there was virtually nothing on taxation. It seems likely (though not mentioned) that when more detail on allowances is published they will either raise more through fiscal drag (by remaining the same) or be widely tweaked to raise more funding.
One last important thought is what happens to local authorities – we remain clueless about long-term funding and once again there were many central government promises on business rates which is a tax that local government increasingly needs for its own funding. This remains a concern, fuelling a suspicion that local decision-making and spending powers are being eroded by this government despite a rhetoric to the contrary.”
Ed Gibson, head of financial services at Shaw Gibbs, accountants and business advisers, comments on the change in tapered annual allowance thresholds in the Budget:
“The change in the tapered annual allowance thresholds will indeed take most of the NHS consultants out of the tax trap, but only by making the taper system largely irrelevant because of how few people will now be affected. By retaining a piece of complicated and poor legislation, Sunak bottled it when he should have just scrapped it.”
National Fire Chiefs Council
The National Fire Chiefs Council has told GPSJ it welcomes the budget announcement of a new £1 billion Building Safety Fund to assist with the removal of unsafe combustible cladding from private and social residential buildings, over 18 metres in height.
The announcement is precisely what NFCC has been calling for since the Grenfell Tower fire. The previous £200 million fund to remove cladding from privately owned buildings was a step in the right direction, but it did not go far enough.
This new fund will help to ease and then finally remove the financial burden on leaseholders and ensure people feel safe in their homes.
Government heat network funding must benefit housing association residents, says Insite Energy
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunaq, outlined a number of funding commitments for low carbon heat in his Budget Statement. An element of that is a £270 investment in a new Green Heat Network Fund to run from 2022 to 2025, to follow on from the Heat Network Investment Project. It is designed to ensure that heat networks adopt the most cost-effective low carbon heat sources.
Anthony Coates-Smith, managing director of Insite Energy, a London-based heat network metering and billing payment specialist, which manages approximately 250 UK heat network schemes, says:
“The announcement of a new Green Heat Network Fund is a positive reinforcement of the role that well designed and operated heat networks can play in achieving the UK’s ‘net zero’ 2050 challenge.
“However, we believe the biggest opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and importantly, to reduce fuel poverty, is to radically improve underperforming heat networks at existing sites which have had no access to improvement funds under the current Heat Network Investment Project. These sites include single building heat networks, such as those owned and/or operated by housing associations.
“Housing association stock, which represents 60% of the social housing where heat networks could and should be fitted, consists mainly or entirely of single-building sites. Their average 120 units per building is more than enough to make a heat network viable and their residents are arguably in greatest need of the financial benefits from such government support. The provision of heat to these sites is not undertaken on a profitable basis, in contrast to the ‘district heating schemes’ of two or more buildings. It is disappointing that this major constituent of the heat market being ignored yet again.
“We urge the government to address the energy efficiency of existing housing stock, 80% of which will still be around in 2050.”
Wines of Great Britain, the association for the English & Welsh wine industry in response to the duty freeze on wine in today’s Budget:
“We are very pleased that the Chancellor has decided to hold wine duty unchanged this year, which is a fair and welcome support for our growing English and Welsh wine production industry. We will continue to make the case for more targeted relief for small producers and sales at the cellar door which will encourage growth in our industry and generate significant economic benefits (including additional tax revenues) for the UK.”
Simon Robinson, Chairman, WineGB
ADBA responds to Budget 2020
Responding to the 2020 Budget, Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive of the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA), said:
“Whilst there is an understandable focus on addressing the coronavirus, climate change is a far greater threat, as Prof Brian Hoskins, founding director of the Grantham Institute on Climate Change, highlighted yesterday. The urgency of tackling it requires us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to zero as soon as possible.
As our recent report ‘Biomethane: The Pathway to 2030’ demonstrated, there is no net zero without biogas. Whilst it is good news that there is commitment to support biomethane injection into the gas grid post March 2021, the government’s ambition to see a tripling of the current level of production by 2030 is only around 38% of the AD industry’s potential.
In the year the UK hosts COP26, we encourage the government to treble its ambition so that our industry is able to fully support the decarbonisation of agriculture, heat, transport and waste management to reduce total UK emissions by 6% whilst also creating 30,000 new green jobs throughout the UK by 2030, and we look forward to continuing to work with Government to this end.”
The Budget introduces a third allocation of Tariff Guarantees under the Non-domestic RHI (NDRHI) that will be available for all technologies that have been eligible for the previous two allocations.
The Budget also introduces a Green Gas Levy on gas suppliers to support green gas injection to the grid with the aim of accelerating the decarbonisation of our gas supply. This is expected to be implemented in autumn 2021.
The Budget allocates £270m in total for a Green Heat Network Fund to run from 2022 to 2025, to follow on from the Heat Network Investment Project.
We will continue to work closely with Government in the coming months to continue showcasing the wide-reaching benefits of AD for the environment and the economy and to influence the outcomes of the National Infrastructure Strategy – now promised in Spring – the Spending Review and the Treasury’s Net Zero funding review, as well as responding to the imminent consultations on the RHI and green gas levy.
BUDGET COMMENT 2020: INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOUSING
Claire Petricca- Riding, National Head of Irwin Mitchell’s Planning and Environment Team, told GPSJ: “Given the number of traditionally labour constituencies that lent the Conservatives their votes at the last election, it is not surprising that additional money has been found to support Johnson’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, with pledges made to invest heavily in strategic infrastructure projects, such as road and rail improvements, delivering affordable housing and improving the UK’s broadband capability. The Government has also promised to invest in the green economy and improve our environmental credentials.
Balancing large scale infrastructure projects with the shift to a zero-carbon economy is going to be a challenge, particularly in the wake of the recent Court of Appeal ruling over the lawfulness of the Heathrow expansion. The pledge to leave our environment in a better state than we found it does not sit easily alongside a pledge to get Britain building. More funding for developing innovative, environmentally friendly, methods of construction will be needed to help the sector meet the Government’s obligations on climate change and carbon reduction. We need the government to take a holistic approach to development, infrastructure and the environment, if we are to find a sustainable way to deliver the housing and infrastructure that the country desperately needs.
Whilst the increased investment in affordable housing and the pledge to fund the removal of unsafe cladding from high rise buildings is be welcomed, we will have to wait until tomorrow to find out what changes are proposed to the planning system. With a bit of luck we might see a commitment to greenbelt review, support for older people looking to ‘right size’, and changes to the residential use classes to make them more representative of an increasingly specialised and diverse housing market.”
British Safety Council welcomes government support for workers in the Budget Statement
“It is right that the Chancellor is focusing on workers affected by the Coronavirus crisis” says British Safety Council Chief Executive Mike Robinson.
The British Safety Council today welcomed measures in the government’s Budget Statement that will support workers unable to work during the Coronavirus crisis. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has pledged £30bn to help the economy respond to coronavirus in a Budget overshadowed by the epidemic. Specific measures include a commitment that statutory sick pay will be paid to all those who choose to self-isolate, even if they do not have symptoms. There are also measures to enable self-employed people to get access to support through the benefit system. Businesses employing fewer than 250 staff will be refunded for sick pay payments for two weeks. Loans will be available to support small businesses and business rates will be abolished for some firms in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector, who are expected to lose custom in coming weeks.
Speaking to GPSJ following the budget statement the Chief Executive of the British Safety Council Mike Robinson said:
“The Chancellor is right to focus the government’s immediate efforts on addressing the coronavirus crisis. I welcome measures that mean people won’t be penalised for following advice to self-isolate. People who are unwell should never have to go to work and the government’s actions should ensure those who do fall ill are protected. I am sure many employers will also welcome the support from government to pay out sick pay.”
He went on to say:
“We are in unchartered territory when it comes the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on people and the economy. Here at the British Safety Council we are taking every step to protect our people and our customers and to put in place measures to ensure business continuity.
“While I welcome some of the specific measures announced today, this outbreak has raises important questions about the available support for workers who are unwell. Long before coronavirus, the British Safety Council called for changes to sick pay to support the lowest paid and we have been increasingly vocal about the negative impact of presenteeism and people working when they are ill. All of our focus now must be to tackle the current crisis and we will work with the government to minimise coronavirus’ worst effects – but once the crisis is over we will revisit the way we support unwell workers and stem the tide of presenteeism.”
Chris Russell, CEO and co-founder of Tonik Energy comments on the government’s incentives for the purchase of ultra-low emission (ULEZ) and zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), as set out in the March Budget 2020:
“Clarity on the benefit-in-kind (BiK) rates marks a new era of driving. After months of uncertainty, the Chancellor has given fleet managers and company car users confidence to accelerate investment into electric vehicles and green strategies. With first year allowances now only available for businesses buying ZEVs, and zero-emission company van drivers set to benefit from a nil rate of tax from April 2021, the government has initiated a big change which will undoubtedly have a rapid impact on business fleets.
“It is encouraging to hear that ZEVs will be exempt from the Vehicle Exercise Duty expensive car supplement, which up until now will have deterred consumers from committing to greener vehicles which often retail above £40,000. The investment into the Plug-in Car Grant, Plug-in Van Grant, and Plug-In Motorcycle Grant is also a clear sign that the government is committed to the UK’s green future.
“The combination of these initiatives has resulted in a Budget that has brought us closer to the UK’s Net Zero target. It is now time for the government to turn its attention to fast and convenient access to power which will be paramount for ZEV drivers. Whilst the Chancellor’s announcement that £500m will be invested to support the rollout of rapid charging hubs is, of course, a step in the right direction, we are yet to see the government acknowledge that renewable energies are the linchpin to this change.”
Commenting on the provisions outlined in today’s Budget for the self-employed and gig economy workers, Alan Lockey, head of the RSA Future Work Centre told GPSJ:
“Rishi Sunak is right to roll-out a comprehensive package of support for low paid self-employed and gig workers. It is absolutely essential that people do not face a choice between feeding their family and taking measures necessary to protect us all from Covid-19, such as self-isolating.
“Time will tell if it is enough, but in pushing on existing policies – such as Universal Credit – rather than new schemes, the Chancellor has given himself the best administrative shot at roll-out, outreach and the flexibility to expand if necessary as the situation develops.
“More broadly, this shows why we need a fundamental reform of the welfare state for modern work. Fluctuating incomes and flexible working patterns are an important part of the 21st century labour market, but we are still trapped in the 20th century mindset which sees a small group of socially excluded people with low but stable incomes as the only target group for support. The Minimum Income Floor has been hurting low paid self-employed workers for years, its reform is long overdue. But in the long-term we need to look at policies like Universal Basic Income and portable benefits which can give flexible workers a minimum entitlement or safety net to fall back on in crises of any nature – financial, social or personal.”
Polly Billington, Director of UK100, which represents councils tackling climate change and clean energy, told GPSJ:
“While support for electric cars and for councils to reduce air pollution is welcome, it is still less than 5% of the £27bn the Chancellor has found for new road investment. 700 people die every week from illegal air pollution. In the year of COP, the Government needs to take action to arrest the climate emergency and tackle toxic air pollution.”
Ed Gibson, head of financial services at Shaw Gibbs, accountants and business advisers, comments on the change in tapered annual allowance thresholds in the Budget:
“The change in the tapered annual allowance thresholds will indeed take most of the NHS consultants out of the tax trap, but only by making the taper system largely irrelevant because of how few people will now be affected. By retaining a piece of complicated and poor legislation, Sunak bottled it when he should have just scrapped it.”
TSSA Response – ‘Ten Wasted Years’ Tory Budget
TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has challenged the Chancellor’s claims to have set out a ‘getting things done’ Budget – describing it instead as a ‘ten wasted years Budget’.
Rishi Sunak unveiled a £30bn package aimed at helping the economy get through the coronavirus outbreak. However, Cortes ridiculed Sunak over other measures which sought to portray the Conservatives as a public spending party.
Speaking to GPSJ, Cortes said: “Far from being a getting things done Budget this amounts to a ten wasted years Budget. The Tories like to make grand claims, but people won’t be fooled for a minute.
“Frankly, the only things they have got done since 2010 is to strip away vital public funds across the board and hurt millions of people in the process.
“What the Tories’ new found love of public services shows is that all the public spending measures announced in the Budget were always possible – and that austerity was an ideological choice, none of which was necessary.
“The claim made by Sunak that the Tories are the party of the workers is beyond parody and nothing highlights his smoke and mirrors more than the claim that Londoners have benefited ‘from a long-term transport deal that helped TfL’. The truth is Transport for London has lost its £700m operating grant and this should be reinstated without delay.
“The Chancellor barely mentioned our railways and in fact seemed pleased as punch about a whole raft of measures encouraging travel by road – hardly what we need in a climate crisis.
“As ever the devil will be in the detail of this Budget, but I wouldn’t trust a Tory Chancellor as far as I could throw one.”
Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, responding to the announcement of new R&D spending n the Budget, said:
“The Government’s commitment to invest more in science and research across the country is a welcome step.
“It is vital that this money is used to rebuild vital public sector science capacity which has been eroded in recent years, and that the new funding is matched by private sector investment in key sectors like telecoms and pharmaceuticals.
“However the government must not fall into the trap of believing that investing in science and research compensates for the loss of access to EU science funding and networks. It is still vital to secure a comprehensive science partnership with the EU and the government must commit to upgrading their ambitions if we are to fulfil our science potential as a country.”
Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, comments to GPSJ on the Chancellor’s Budget:
Flood infrastructure funding
“Confirmation that the Chancellor will double the amount of funding available for flood defences to protect homes and businesses comes as welcome news. Much of our water infrastructure is from the Victorian era and desperately needs to be maintained and upgraded, but revenue expenditure had risen by just £3m over the last 10 years. This investment will be ineffective though, unless we think critically about how we work together. Harnessing the knowledge and expertise of our experts and collaborating to operate across boundaries to deliver essential infrastructure must be a priority.”
Road and rail infrastructure
“Well-maintained road and rail networks are critical to the economic productivity of the UK and our ability to be an attractive destination for businesses and holidaymakers. But construction businesses are now facing dual pressures – losing staff in the short term due to the impact of COVID-19, but also in the longer term due to tighter immigration policy post-Brexit, which will affect project pipelines. The need to address our skills shortage in the construction sector is a matter of urgency, the impact of doing nothing will have huge consequences on the UK’s ability to deliver vital improvements nationwide. If government does not take this seriously, we run the risk of our transport networks, truly grinding to a halt.
Plans to ‘level up’ the North
“I welcome fresh devolution deals for Yorkshire and plans to ‘level up’ the North. The Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine have been hallmarks of a better way of working – making cities outside of London some of our most important wealth generators nationwide. More power and funding in the hands of decision makers closer to the ground can only be beneficial, by speeding up decisions on major projects as we move to ‘build a better Britain’.”
Commenting on the 2020 Budget, Peter Ford, Public Sector Industry Principal, Pegasystems has told GPSJ:
“Despite government claims that austerity is over, the budget shows that service demand will continue to exceed funding available on the supply-side in the medium to long-term. The previously announced 40 new hospital builds – which could cost £24bn according to the IFS – puts a significant dent in the budget. In our single payer healthcare system (i.e. government pays), where we have a ‘free at point of consumption’ model, a more fundamental strategic set of improvements to address process efficiency and resource utilisation (hospitals, equipment and staff) is needed. The chancellor’s £6bn in new funding into the NHS will help but only in the short term. The demand on medical and welfare services will intensify and only a ‘drains up’ review of these type of efficiency improvements will deliver a sustainable NHS that meets the growing needs of UK society.
“It is a good thing that the new funding will be put towards 50,000 more nurses and 50 million more GP surgery appointments, but the government needs to accompany this with a clear strategy to ensure it is used in the most effective way. By this I mean getting the right systems in place to improve GP and hospital appointment scheduling and logistics before spending on one-off purchases. Furthermore with health and social care under extreme pressure as a result of a lack of skilled individuals, investing in employee upskilling to reduce the costs of recruiting new staff and encouraging existing staff to remain is imperative for safeguarding the future of the public sector.
“Automation, AI and robots will be a vital part of the journey to reach this goal. The automation of routine tasks can improve accuracy and efficiency as well as take pressure off human beings by freeing up their time and allowing them to focus on more complex activities.”
Rishi Sunak announced £175bn to boost productivity by 2.5% in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic
At yesterday’s Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £175bn investment into ‘world-class infrastructure’ over the next five years which would boost productivity by 2.5% and add 0.5% a year to GDP growth. This comes amidst a Coronavirus crisis which is causing havoc with supply chains, transports and offices across the country, causing large disruption to the economy and the global stock market. With such large scale issues across the economy, maintaining productivity is of critical importance as the UK and the rest of the world aims to navigate through this difficult period.
A nationally representative survey across over 2000 UK adults from Theta Financial Reporting has assessed the issues that the UK workforce has faced in the past and Chris Biggs, Managing Director of Theta Financial Reporting, has outline what actions businesses can take now to ensure the disruption is as minimal as possible.
Key Outcomes
A third of Brits – 31% – regularly exceed the EU’s maximum working limit
39% of Brits feel presenteeism means that they are less productive when they are at work
37% of Britain’s workers do not have time or motivation to chase promotions/professional development due to the sheer amount of work they have to do
Over half (51%) of all Brits believe that the decision-makers in their workplace are out of touch with the processes required to ensure their teams work efficiently and productively
1 in 3 Brits – 37% – believe that their commute ensures that they are exhausted before even beginning work
Nearly half (45%) of all British workers believe work laptops and mobile phones mean they never truly switch off/and have answered emails in the early/late hours of the morning/evening
A quarter of Brits -26% – feel that they have not received the required training to do their job efficiently
These statistics demonstrate that while UK workers are putting in the hours – often more than the EU’s Working Time Directive of 48 hours per week – we are not achieving what we should in that time due to a lack of training, poor management and vast workloads.
Speaking to GPSJ, Chris Biggs, Managing Director of chartered accountants Theta Financial said: “Brits are spending longer at work than any other workers in Europe and while our country’s time in the office is increasing, our country’s productivity has stalled. With the advice coming from various sources that working from home may be the safest option, employers and managers need to ensure that they have the necessary measures in place to ensure that their business runs as normal as possible.
“Finding solutions like using remote desktops, call redirecting and online office services are a great way to bring a remote office together as if they were all in one building. Ensuring a clear line of communication with both your team and your clients is imperative to maintaining business as normal. More so than ever before, particularly with so many Brits working away from their offices in the next few weeks, giving employees the flexibility to work hours that suit them could make them more productive, especially if their family commitments change. Keeping constant, positive conversation streams open, trusting your team, and giving them that element of freedom is a great way to promote morale, a better work-life balance, and maintain productivity away from the workplace.”
Using modular building systems to create a new community centre and preschool
When Basildon Council wanted to create a new community centre and preschool facility in Nevendon, they selected modular building systems to successfully fast track a valuable community asset with a tight construction schedule spanning just eight months from April to December 2019.
The new building replaces an existing preschool building and a nearby community centre, creating a multifunctional space located on a popular public park site. The requirement was to construct a multifunctional space, creating a totally new facility providing extended potential for the local community.
This was an open public park site in a residential area with 10 storey flats to one side of the development, presenting a number of practical and logistical challenges. Enviro Building Solutions successfully delivered a purpose-designed modular build, managing all aspects from initial demolition works and access road improvements to mains services upgrades, bringing the project in on time and to budget.
Nevendon Community Centre
The scheme, designed and built by Enviro Building Solutions, called for innovative and creative thinking combined with careful design to achieve the end result using modular construction methods. Featuring an event hall with a ceiling height of almost six metres, the project called for new methods of working including design, manufacture, transport and construction.
This section of the building was cleverly crafted for a ‘flatpack’ delivery method to overcome access issues as well as transportation restrictions. Enviro Building Solutions then used standard modular techniques to build the various sized modular bays in the factory, combining these with adapted systems on site to create varied ceiling heights within the building.
With water, electrics and gas mains upgrades all required to provide appropriate services on site, the company introduced a short time span traffic management system to minimise local disruption.
The attractive and functional construction houses a community event hall, preschool facility, full commercial kitchen, members’ bar and lounge, washrooms and storage space. Externally, Enviro Building Solutions also managed the landscaping works, creating a large car park with overflow ‘grasscrete’ area, upgrades to access roads, fencing, floodlighting, bin stores, cycle shed and a soft play area for the preschool facility.
A complex and comprehensive specification
Nevendon Community Centre – bar in club members area
Work began in April 2019, with the entire project completed and commissioned by early December 2019. This complex community building project includes a full range of external building features with cedar cladding, contrasting brick slip finishes, aluminium windows and doors in contrasting colours, brise soleil aluminium louvres, roller shutters for security and internal rainwater gutter systems to service the differing roof levels. The hall flooring features a high end finish using Junckers Nordic Oak flooring, specified by the client to provide a hard wearing and practical solution.
In addition to the practical site challenges, the advent of the annual local carnival during the build period meant that the project had to be shut down completely for a long weekend, with a safe access route created right across the active site for heavy vehicles to deliver rides and equipment.
“It has been great working with Enviro Building Solutions Ltd on this challenging project,” stated Hazel Collins, Senior Regeneration Officer for Basildon Borough Council. “They actively engaged with the various project stakeholders effectively which helped the delivery of the project. They have been professional and supportive at all times, with a drive to finding the best resolution to any issues arising to support the project. This has resulted in a fantastic building that will benefit the community for many years.”
Enviro Building Solutions were on site for just eight months with this project, constructing a new and modern modular community centre far more quickly and efficiently than traditional building methods, which has been welcomed by local residents who are delighted to have a family-orientated meeting space. Both inside and out, the finished building does not have a modular look and feel; it is a solid structure creating a space where people can enjoy spending time.
This was a JCT Design & Build Contract 2016, which also involved Calford Seaden LLP and Mitton Group, who were responsible for all mechanical and electrical works including heating systems, hot and cold water provision, air conditioning, lighting, intruder alarms and CCTV. Modular building construction methods enabled the Mitton team to complete most works offsite to first fix stage plus some elements of second fix, facilitating accurate planning and scheduling, increasing efficiency and reducing time spent on site.
For further information: Enviro Building Solutions Ltd, Gate 1, Units C&D, The Ridings Business Park, Hopwood Lane, Halifax HX1 3TT.
Network of over 100 Electric Forecourts® across the UK will solve electric vehicle charging concerns, and pave the way for electric vehicles to become mainstream in the earliest possible timeframes
GRIDSERVE announces today that the first of a nationwide network of over 100 Electric Forecourts® is now under construction and will open this summer, offering convenient, ultra-fast, low-cost charging, with an outstanding customer experience.
The Electric Forecourt® near Braintree, Essex, can charge 24 electric vehicles at once with superchargers that can deliver up to 350kW of charging power, enabling people to charge vehicles within 20-30 minutes initially, and much faster in the future as battery technologies mature. The network of Electric Forecourts® will be powered by clean, zero carbon solar energy and battery storage projects, also constructed by GRIDSERVE®, ensuring carbon emission targets can be met, whilst also keeping prices low.
Whilst vehicles charge, drivers will be able to relax or shop in a state of the art two storey building, which will house a range of facilities including a coffee shop, convenience supermarket, and airport-style lounge with high-speed internet and meeting rooms. The facility will also function as an education centre for electric vehicles and sustainable energy, which will help people to understand, test drive, and secure vehicles that are most suitable for them, with the ultimate aim of providing the confidence, and support to transition to an all electric future.
James Cleverly, Minister of State, former Conservative Party Chairman and MP for Braintree, said: “Our government is committed to increasing the take-up of electric vehicles, to clean our air and enable us to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. GRIDSERVE’s Electric Forecourt®, close to Braintree, is pioneering the world-class charging infrastructure that we need to support our policies and will inspire people in towns and cities throughout the country to have the confidence to make the move to sustainable transport.”
As part of its £1bn programme, GRIDSERVE is developing more than 100 Electric Forecourt® sites on busy routes and near powerful grid connections close to towns, cities and major transport hubs. Supporting the UK Government’s commitment to ban the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles within 15-years, the company aims to have a UK-wide network operational within five years. GRIDSERVE is currently in discussions with a number of local authorities around the UK and expects to have several more sites in construction and many more into planning by the end of this year.
Toddington Harper, CEO and founder of GRIDSERVE, said: “We’ve designed our Electric Forecourts® entirely around the needs of electric vehicle drivers, updating the petrol station model for a net-zero carbon future. Many more people want to buy electric vehicles but are worried about how to charge them. We will help solve that challenge and deliver the confidence needed to make the switch to electric transport.
“This will be the most advanced charging facility in the UK, and possibly the world. Drivers will be able to turn up and charge their vehicle at the fastest rate each vehicle can support, using 100% renewable energy, and with the best possible charging experience.”
Construction on the first Electric Forecourt® on a 2.5 acre site adjacent to Great Notley, just off the A131, is supported by a £4.86 million grant from Innovate UK, one of the largest awarded last year. The site has links to Stansted Airport, Chelmsford, Colchester and the M11.
Cllr Simon Walsh, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change Action, Essex County Council, said: “Taking climate action is at the top of Essex County Council’s agenda and I intend to make Essex the most sustainable authority in the country. A rapid switch to electric vehicles is essential to respond to the climate emergency and improve public health by cleaning up our air, but it is being held back by lack of fit-for-purpose charging infrastructure. The GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® close to Braintree is pioneering a best-in-class new solution which will deliver businesses and private drivers the confidence to make the switch to sustainable transport.”
Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “This ultramodern forecourt will provide residents and businesses in our district with access to a dependable source of green energy which will make owning an electric vehicle far more viable. The availability of this technology will put Braintree at the forefront of the low carbon transport revolution and will go a long way in helping us meet our climate targets.”
GRIDSERVE is also developing several large solar farms, supported by batteries, to supply energy to its Electric Forecourts® to ensure that 100% of the electricity is clean and low cost. The company recently completed the UK’s most advanced solar farm, a 34.7MWp project at York with bifacial panels, sun trackers, and a 30MWh battery and is completing a 25.7MWp project at Hull using similar technologies. It plans to develop Electric Forecourts® at both sites powered by the solar produced on site.
Toddington Harper said: “We want to accelerate the electric vehicle revolution, support UK climate and clean air targets and help the grid meet the challenges of the low carbon transition. We are interested in new project opportunities and are partnering with investors, developers, local authorities, EV manufacturers, retailers, fleet operators and others who share our vision.”
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.
Survey points to lack of cyber confidence and organisational maturity across U.S. public sector
SolarWinds (NYSE:SWI), a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, today announced the findings of its sixth annual U.S. Public Sector Cybersecurity Survey Report*. This year’s survey includes responses from 400 IT operations and security decision makers, including 200 federal, 100 state and local, and 100 education respondents. This is the first year the survey includes state, local, and education (SLED) respondents.
“Complexity is a big theme in this year’s survey,” said Brandon Shopp, vice president for product strategy at SolarWinds. “Led only by budget constraints, complexity of internal environments is one of the most significant high-level obstacles to maintaining or improving IT security, and respondents indicated it’s keeping them from easily segmenting users and adopting a zero-trust approach. Our data shows this complexity is getting worse, especially in federal environments. SolarWinds is committed to helping technology professionals across the spectrum, no matter the organisational size or budget, to ‘de-complicate’ security and solve the problems they need to solve, every day, like we do with all our tech solutions. This survey highlights the need for vendor partners who take this kind of approach.”
2020 Key Findings
For the fifth year in a row, careless and untrained insiders are the leading source of security threats for U.S. public sector organisations.
Fifty-two percent of total respondents cited insiders as the top threat; this number is consistent for both federal and state and local respondents.
In the education sector, respondents pointed to the general hacking community (54%) as the top threat.
Budget constraints, followed by complexity, top the list of significant obstacles to maintaining or improving organisational IT security.
Education respondents indicated more so than other public sector groups that budget constraints (44% in K-12, the equivalent of primary and secondary education in the U.K.) are obstacles to maintaining or improving IT security. State and local respondents indicated 27%, followed by federal respondents at 24%.
Federal respondents indicated complexity of the internal environment (21%) is one of the most significant obstacles, surpassed only by budget constraints (24%).
While budget constraints have declined since 2014 for the federal audience (40% in 2014; 24% in 2019), respondents also recognised the complexity of the internal environment as an obstacle that has increased (14% in 2014; 21% in 2019).
Cybersecurity maturity needs attention across U.S. public sector organisations; on average, respondents rated their agency’s maturity at a 3.5 on a scale of one to five.
Respondents indicated that their capabilities are most mature in the following areas: endpoint protection (57%), continuity of operations (57%), and identity and access management (56%). However, there was not a single cybersecurity capability for which more than 57% of respondents claimed to be organisationally mature.
Less than half of U.S. public sector respondents are very confident in their team’s ability to keep up with evolving threats, regardless of whether the organisation outsources its security operations or not.
Forty-seven percent of respondents who outsource at least part of their security operations to a managed service provider (MSP) (28% of total respondents), feel very confident in this ability.
The vast majority of respondents (86%) rely on in-house staff as their primary security team. Only 41% of this pool feel very confident in their team’s ability to maintain the right skills.
Most U.S. public sector organisations measure the success of their IT security teams by evaluating metrics such as the number of detected incidents (58%) or their team’s ability to meet compliance goals (53%), which, as standalone metrics, may not accurately reflect an agency’s risk profile or the IT team’s success.
State and local respondents were also likely to consider the number of threats that were averted (56%), while education respondents focused on level of device preparedness (46%).
Seventy-five percent of respondents indicated compliance mandates or regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, FISMA, RMF, DISA STIGs, etc., have had a significant or moderate impact on the evolution of their organisations’ IT security policies and practices.
U.S. public sector organisations struggle to segment users by risk level and manage the security threats posed by both privileged and non-privileged users.
Sixty-one percent of respondents formally segment users by risk level; however, the segmentation process is challenging because of the growing number of systems users need access to (48%), the increased number of devices (45%), and the growing number of users (43%).
Forty-one percent of respondents claimed to have privileged users not in IT. Privileged users have admin-level access to IT systems, and the extension of too much privilege across an organisation can lead to increased risk.
Nearly one-third of respondents (30%) have a formal zero-trust strategy in place; another 32% are modelling their approach based on zero trust but don’t have a formal strategy.
“These results clearly demonstrate the degree to which most public sector organisations are struggling to manage cyber risk,” said Tim Brown, vice president of security for SolarWinds. “While it’s heartening to see that almost two-thirds of respondents are formally segmenting users—a helpful step in managing risk—the data finds careless and untrained users to still be the weakest link. Additionally, we’re seeing a widespread lack of organisational maturity—even in technologies like endpoint protection that have been around forever. It’s therefore no surprise that only four in ten respondents feel very confident their security team can keep up with the evolving threats.”
Supporting Quotes
“Security is everyone’s job, but holding the team accountable is lacking. Until there are real individual accountability regimens in place, the network will remain at risk.”
– Division Chief, Federal Civilian
“Our organisation operates in denial with a preference for reactionary behaviour instead of operating proactively. Government agencies tend to view IT spending as throwing money into a black hole until something occurs.”
– Sr. IT Project Manager and Analyst, State Government
“Everything starts at the top. If C-level doesn’t put an emphasis on security, it puts us at risk.”
– IT Manager, Local Government
“Meeting the online needs of 12,000 plus students always presents challenging security issues, but we have been able to manage without a major event so far.”
– VP of Operations, Higher Education
“Not enough manpower, money, or resources. Waiting for a ticking bomb to go off.”
– CTO, K-12
*In December 2019 and January 2020, independent market research firm Market Connections, Inc. surveyed 400 IT security professionals in U.S. federal civilian and defense agencies, state and local government, and education. The survey was conducted on behalf of SolarWinds. Full survey results are available upon request.
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 FUSiONTMSeries 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.
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
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.
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).
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.
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.”
Reporter: Stuart Littleford
The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group – representing the largest value sector in UK construction – has expressed major concerns over the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs (which comprise 99% of firms in the construction industry).
Institute of Economic Development Executive Director Nigel Wilcock has told GPSJ:
By Evan Wienberg, co-founder and CEO of 
Latest updates as Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes government appointments:
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